Page 1 •• Minutes of the MNA Board of Directors meeting •• September 27, 2012

MINUTES OF THE MNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

MNA OFFICE

Present:, Kevin Anderson,Rollin Bergman, Jason Brown, Mike Jacobson, Joni Harms, Chris Schultz, Matt McMillan, Debbie Evans and Lisa Hills

Absent: Pete Mohs, Scott Schmeltzer

The meeting was called to order by MNA President, Kevin Anderson at 1:20 p.m.

Board minutes from the June 21, 2012, board meeting along with the meeting agenda were approved on a motion by McMillan,seconded by Jacobson, unanimous.

In the Executive Director’s Report Hills reported that MNA was running smoothly. Kate Weegman joined the MNA staff as an assistant media buyer in July. The staff is gearing up for convention,the BNC is in full swing andthe sales staff is busy making political and advocacy calls. The executive director’s report was approved on a motion by Bergman, seconded by Jacobson, passing unanimously.

The Finance Committee report was given by Bergman and Evans. Reports included a review of June, July and August disbursements, income and expense statements, balance sheets and staff expenses. MNA’s finances are slightly better than budget for August and also YTD. All finance committee reports were accepted on a motion by Harms, seconded by Jacobson, unanimous.

Several issues with financial implications were discussed

Board members reviewed the MNA dues structure.

On a motion by Schultz, second by Brown, the 2013 maximum dues levels for weeklies, bi-weeklies and dailies under 25,000 and the main paper in metro groups was increased by 5%. The motion passed unanimously. The formula used to calculate dues was not changed.

Motion by Brown, second by Jacobson to add a “10% suggested MNI” donation to the MNA dues statement.

A motion by Bergman, seconded by Jacobson unanimous to increase convention registration by $5.00 for desert only, first timers and early-bird. Registration for first timers will increase $10 after the early-bird deadline has passed.

A motion to establish a fund to help pay for attorney fees and court fees for the Winona Post as they battle a libel suit against the paper was approved on a motion by Bergman, seconded by Jacobson, passing unanimously.

The Advertising Committee reportwas given by Bergman. MNA staff will be putting a renewed focus on the Quarter Page Program.

A motion by Schultz, seconded by McMillan unanimous approved prize money of $400 each for prizes forthe “Best Just got Better” convention session and the Ad Design Contest.

A motion by Jacobson, seconded by McMillan to approve selling ads in the MNA Bulletin

The New Media Committee report by Brown highlighted the planning of convention sessions that focus on new media. The new media committee report was approved on a motion Harms, seconded by Jacobson, unanimous.

The Daily Meeting report was given by Hills. The daily meeting held September 13 & 14 in Brainerdwas a huge success. The 2013 daily meeting will be in September, in Duluth. McMillan moved for the adoption of the report, seconded by Jacobson, unanimous.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Bergman, seconded by Schultz, passing unanimously at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Hills

Executive Director