SAAHJ General
Meeting
Nov. 19, 2005
Edwards Aquifer
– Host: Margaret Garcia
Members and guests in attendance, per
sign-in sheet: Luis
Mercado, Francisco Vara-Orta, Elaine Rodriguez, Joseph M de Leon, Mary
Anthony, Danny Sanchez, Pamela Salazar, Edward Leal, Dino Chiecchi,
Margaret Garcia, Kris Rodriguez, Ed Tijerina, Joe Sandoval, Ernie
Villarreal, Martha Tijerina and Carol Schliesinger.
Call to Order/Welcome/Introductions
Joe Sandoval called the meeting to
order at 10:42 a.m. Introductions by all present followed. Joe thanked Margaret for hosting the
November meeting and for breakfast.
Approval
of the July minutes/Secretary’s Report
Carol Schliesinger asked if there were any corrections
or additions to the October minutes.
Mary made a motion to accept the October minutes as submitted; Ed
Tijerina seconded.
Treasurer’s Report
Nora Lopez was not
able to attend the meeting. Carol read the treasurer report on her behalf: Operating
fund-- $7,663.09, Scholarship
Fund-- $63,543.96.
Old Business
Donation Request from The
Rattler
Joe gave a brief
summary about the Association’s decision to approve The
Rattler’s donation request. Dino offered help purchasing the
camera equipment, since he could buy it at a discounted price. Joe reminded everyone that future
donation requests would be considered on an individual basis.
Distinguished
Speakers Series Update
Ernie summarized
the status of the Committee’s planning efforts for the 1st
Distinguished Speaker Series. Several questions followed regarding event
information, methods for publicizing the event and expected attendance. Ed
Leal said the event is worth doing, even if it doesn’t initially make
a profit for the organization. Ed Tijerina mentioned it would be helpful if
we could take check payments in advance. Members made several offers to
forward an e-flyer among other professional groups to help promote the
event. Ed Tijerina suggested the committee draft a press release and
Margaret mentioned posting the information on the Time Warner Cable Community
Calendar.
Ernie mentioned the next luncheon would tentatively
happen in March. Possible topics include the upcoming Mexican presidential
elections. Joe thanked Ernie for doing a good job leading the project.
New business
Annual Scholarship Gala
Joe announced the
Association needs a member/s to chair the 2006 scholarship gala. Joe
mentioned Nora thought Dino Chiecchi would do a good job. Dino said he
would like to meet with Mary to discuss details before making a decision.
Joe also said there were requests to have Lorraine and Melissa organize the
gala again. Mary mentioned Lorraine might not be a member anymore.
Christmas Party
Joe reminded
everyone the party would be held on Dec. 3 at the Cadillac Bar from 8-12
p.m. The executive board decided to ask members to pay $5 at the door. The
Association will pay for appetizers and happy-hour drink prices will be
available. The party will be in the patio area.
Media Mixer
Ed said the first
mixer had a great turnout. It was held on Nov. 2, at El Mirador Restaurant.
Approximately 40 people attended. Guests paid for their own drinks and the
Association offered appetizers. He added the location was a good and it
turned out to be a good event overall. Next mixer will be held during the
first quarter of 2006, probably in February. Joe said it was nice because
there were both members and non-members in attendance.
NAHJ Membership
Dino gave a brief
history and membership benefits. He encouraged the members to join for $50
annual fee. Joe and Dino suggested we petition the NAHJ board to give us a
2-for-1 deal, where if a person joins one organization, membership to the
other organization is free. Dino agreed to draft a letter to send to the
NAHJ board. Margaret said this opportunity would be great boost for SAAHJ
and would provide additional member benefits. Dino also mentioned that San
Antonio would be an ideal city to host the annual NAHJ convention and this
opportunity would help go in that direction.
2006 Scholarship Application Form
Mary explained the
need for a more clear and user-friendly form and shared the revised version
with the members. Mary will send it to Carol to post online. Deadline for
submitting applications is Sat. May 27, 2006.
Announcements
Criteria for
Holding Office - Joe suggested the Association consider the possibility of
allowing PR professionals to run for at least one of the officer positions
that are currently not available to PR professionals according to the
bylaws. He added it would help get some ‘fresh blood’ on the
board, and PR members have been very helpful and a big part of the group.
Dino asked what kind of approval we need from the membership to amend a
bylaw. Mary said amendments might be approved by two-thirds vote of
the general membership present at a general meeting.
Telethon Navideño
– Joe spoke about the importance and history of the Telethon
Navideño, organized by Catholic Charities and set for Dec. 17, which will
include breakfast with the Archbishop at Mario's Mexican Restaurant. Joe
asked for a commitment from the group to buy a table to support this
effort. Martha Tijerina said the event helps the Hispanic community during
this time of the year. Ed Tijerina asked about costs for purchasing a table
and individual tickets. Martha said individual tickets will range between
$20-$25. Ed Leal suggested buying a corporate table and encouraged members
to ask for additional support with their respective employers.
Joe
said if there is going to be a commitment, there needs to be a decision
made. The event has not taken place in the past three years due to lack of
a suitable venue. Elaine asked for clarity on when the event would take
place.
Meeting Locations
– Joe said some members had asked about hosting meetings at
members’ houses, since this had been done in the past. Members
interested in hosting a meeting, please contact Joe. Locations for the
January and February meeting are still TBD.
Donation to The
Rattler – Francisco Vara-Orta thanked everyone on behalf of all
students for approving the donation.
Margaret –
Announced a PRSA fundraiser to benefit PRSA member, Sherry Carr Deer, whose
husband is really ill. She will email the information to Carol for
distribution to the membership.
Black Friday
– Elaine Rodriguez needs stories for black Friday not related to
shopping.
Next meeting
Our next meeting
is scheduled for Saturday, January 21. Location TBD.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at
11:38 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol
Schliesinger
SAAHJ
Secretary
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