Minutes from January 17, 2004 Meeting

CALL TO ORDER

By President Maclovio Perez at 10:35 a.m.

ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS

Those in attendance included: Veronica Serrano, Jacinto Ybarra, April Alcoser, Carol Schliesinger-Cura, Hernan Rozemberg, Robert Luna, Nora Lopez, Maclovio Perez, Teresa Nino, Ernie Villarreal, Ed Tijerina, Francisco Vara-Orta, Jason Olivarri, Ashley Paredez, Rebecca Minjarez, Joe Sandoval, Gerald Gonzales, Jr., Roxanne Reyes and Rafael Saenz.

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER MINUTES

Minutes were not approved due to absence of secretary

EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORTS

Maclovio made mention of the appealing offer from Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) that came back to the executive officers. The subject was to be discussed later in the meeting under “Old Business.”
Mac mentioned the day trip to Del Rio/Cuidad Acuna, Mexico to visit the Maquiladoras. Discussion under “New Business.”
Mac shared an email with the group about National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and the upcoming events. He wanted to emphasize how active Region 5 is and that mention the workshop being held on Feb. 27-28 in Dallas.

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Writing Contest – No report was given due to committee chair’s absence. Members were invited to attend the next meeting for the committee to be held Feb. 3 at Aldaco’s. Ed Tijerina gave those present a little background on the contest and the group decided to go ahead and decided on a topic for the contest. Ideas were shared and narrowed down to 3 topics to be voted on by the members. The student members present were asked to give their input to help make the decision. The members voted that the subject of the question would pertain to Family Immigration Reform (i.e., History and your Family?) Decision was made to table final decision until February meeting.

Student – Francisco Vara-Orta was present to report on the committee and informed the group that he is currently working on a database of teachers at all the universities and colleges in the area to share information about SAAHJ. He also asked for volunteers who might be interested in speaking to classes at the universities and passed around a sign-up sheet at the meeting. In addition, he mentioned that the membership brochure needed to be updated and was taking on that task.

No other committee reports were given

OLD BUSINESS

Holiday Mixer Recap – members of the group commented that the event was very nice and that the only cost the group incurred was $46 for paper goods.
College Media Workshop – No report was given due to the absence of the two organizers. The event was originally being planned for February.
OLLU - Mac commented that the offered presented by OLLU was very appealing and passed out a copy of a memo from Susan Schleicher dated January 15, 2004 regarding “Partnership Opportunities.” He asked the members present to review and provide feedback for the officers. Teresa Nino made the comment that SAHHJ should work to maintain an open relationship with all universities and Ed T. agreed that this partnership should not close the doors to other universities. He suggested adding open door policy to the agreement with OLLU. Mac asked the group to vote whether or not to go forward with negotiations. Teresa N. made the motion and Ed T. second the motion. The vote was unanimously in favor to proceed. The officers decided that they should all meet with OLLU representatives to finalize the proposal and formally introduce themselves to the OLLU administration.
Poytner Session Update – Ed T. reported to the members that the workshop was going to be held on May 22-23 at the Gunter Hotel. The workshop is primarily focused on writing, but has topics that will cover both print and television. There is a $75 registration fee, but a discount is being offered to students and those who register early.

NEW BUSINESS

Nominations for Special Election - Mac opened the floor for nominations for the At-Large Print Officer that was held by Manny Gonzales who recently took a job offer in Colorado. Ed T. and Carol Schliesinger-Cura nominated Hernan Rozemberg from the Express-News.
Del Rio NAFTA Trip - Robert Luna discussed the details of the trip and provided those in attendance with a copy of the proposed itinerary for the trip. The timing of the trip was discussed and the consensus agreed that the trip should be taken either on March 6 or 20. Lunch and dinner will be provided, but would require a $20 deposit by those interested. RSVPs will be required by the Feb. 21 meeting. Transportation for the trip is still to be decided.
NAHJ – the mention of purchasing a table was made with no discussion
Regional 5 Meeting – Being held in Dallas on Feb. 29 and Mac announced that it was open to students and professors looking for job opportunities.
Chapters vs. Affiliates – The question was raised whether SAHHJ wanted to be an affiliate of NAHJ as a 503b.
Banquet Gala – Mac asked that those interested in being the banquet chair for the 2004 Gala in August to please get with him as soon as possible.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Region 5 Representative – Mac mentioned that Gary Pena from the Dallas Area Chapter of NAHJ might be present at an upcoming meeting.
Next Meeting (Feb. 21)– Scheduled to be held at the Girl Scouts of San Antonio office located at 10443 Gulfdale.
Scholarship Chair – a call for a scholarship chair was made and Veronica Serrano was nominated again from last year.

ADJOURNMENT – 11:59 a.m.

Joe Sandoval made the motion for adjournment and Ed T. second the motion.

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