Members present (7): Lonny Cain, president; Rick Nagel, past president; Pan Lannom, member at large; Jim Slonoff, treasurer; Lois Self, executive secretary; Kim Kubiak, second vice president; Jan Larsen, first vice president.

Staff / guests present: Dana Ditrichs, Jim Killam.

Members absent: None.

Cain called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.

Update on spring conference. Cain said that Gina Barton and Tim Harmon have been confirmed as speakers for April 27. They won't request a fee, but will need two hotel rooms for Thursday night. Lannom will buy gifts for both speakers. The conference will be held at NIU's Center for Black Studies. Cost will be $10 each, plus parking.

Best clip contest. Cain suggested adding a category for correspondents / free-lancers. Lannom responded that writers for weekly newspapers then might feel squeezed out, based on the fact that only daily writers won last fall's contest. Self expressed concern that NINA might have too many contests going, resulting in overworked staff and entrant confusion. The board's consensus was to recommend to the board that the contest be continued as is for another year before considering changes.

Fall conference. Brief discussion took place about breaking the session into several tracks, to encourage a wider variety of participants. More at full board meeting.

Bylaws. Cain noted that any potential changes must be proposed by August.

Tabled: Approval of minutes from Jan. 19.

Meeting adjourned, 10:05 a.m.

Minutes submitted by Jim Killam, communications coordinator