Meeting Minutes

The Portland Hilton, Oregon
September 21, 1996

Welcome

Chairperson Leah Silverman Gales welcomed everyone and introduced the 1996-97 officers and executive council. She discussed her plans for the year and encouraged involvement since our Section's success depends on volunteers. She asked everyone to sign up for a committee.

Minutes

Minutes from the Annual Meeting in Orlando (August 1996) were approved as submitted by Acting Secretary Chris Blake.

Treasurer's Report

In the absence of Treasurer Becky Weiner, outgoing Treasurer Jennifer Davis presented the report. It was noted that the expenses total did not add up properly so Becky will be informed so can she verify the numbers with those in the NABE financial report.

1996 Workshop Report

Co-chairpersons Paul Nickell and Arlene Abady were congratulated on a successful workshop. There were 21 first-timers in attendance. Also, the Workshop co-chairs raised more than $15,000 in sponsorships to offset expenses. This is in addition to over $17,000 in registration fees.

Proposed Amendment to Bylaws

The Section's Marketing Task Force recommended a change to our bylaws to be more inclusive of those who handle marketing for their bar associations. In addition it was recommended that the Section change its name to: NABE Communications Section. Not only is the current name difficult to remember, but also as our Section membership and needs expand (i.e., web masters, etc.), it becomes exclusionary. These two recommendations will be circulated to the Section for comment so a formal vote can be taken at the Midyear Meeting.

Program Committee

Program Committee Chair Ginger Banks reported on the writing workshop which the Section sponsored at the 1996 Annual Meeting in August. Also she reported that we will sponsor a disaster response seminar at the Midyear Meeting in San Antonio in February 1997. She encouraged members to give her leads for speakers on that topic.

Section Response on the Internet

Vice-chairperson Joyce Hastings discussed the possibility of setting up an infrastructure within the ABA web site for our Section's information to be on-line. We may do a survey Section members for desired on-line services and features. We will also ask the ABA to distribute e-mail addresses.

Scholarships

In the absence of Scholarship Committee Chair Frank Ciervo, Chairperson Gales reported that two $500 scholarships were given to first-time attendees for the 1996 Workshop.

Upcoming Workshops

The 1997 Workshop will be held in October in Nashville, Tennessee with Gwen Moritz of the Nashville Bar as will assist. Co-chairs have not yet been named. By majority voice vote, it was decided to hold the 1998 Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. Lori Ruello of the Louisiana Bar and Ann Scarle of the Baton Rouge Bar agreed to co-chair.

New Business

Mable McKinney-Browning, director of the ABA Division for Public Education, hosted a Law Day brainstorming session. Unlike in the past, there will be a three-year theme to allow for extended programming. Law Day Planning Guides with the theme, Celebrate Your Freedom, will be out in December. She asked for help in developing practical law themes.

Also, Elizabeth Derrico, associate director of the ABA Division for Bar Services, discussed several items: 1) the ABA invites feedback on the Civil Justice Fact Book; Elizabeth suggested it is a good resource for responding to editorials; 2) at the Midyear Meeting, an ASAE guru will speak on getting and keeping members; 3) a new NABE Directory will be out soon with e-mail addresses included; 4) she asked everyone to keep Bar Services apprised of happenings in each state by sending materials for inclusion in the clearinghouse; she also encouraged members to avail themselves of all the information which the Division has on-hand.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Davis, Secretary