Meeting at Lico Publishing, graciously hosted by Rosemary Cohen. About a dozen people were present—most were not at the previous meeting. Likewise, most of those at the prior meeting were not at this meeting.

Those in attendance were Carolyn Allen, Tom Blake, Gary Young, Sharon Goldinger, Susan Goland, Les Boston, Jeff Black, Shelly Dale Corwin, Rosemary Cohen, C. S. Drotman, Carolyn Martin, Katherine Poehlmann and Carl Poehlmann.

It was agreed that the main objectives of the group are: Networking, Vendor Resources and Education, the latter including a wide range of potential learning experiences--on a local level.

It was further agreed, after discussing possible acronyms and the ease of website search, that the name of the organization would be Publishers Association of Los Angeles. “Independent” will not be included in the name as it was felt this might designate the publishers as small and might not be encouraging to larger, established publishers, who we want to join the organization. My own search indicates we may wish to list on the Internet as pa-la.org. It was further agreed that the name of the affiliate should include Los Angeles, although members may come from the greater LA area.

A meeting to attract new members is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 at 6:15 p.m, on the opening night of PMA University. The meeting will be promoted as follows:

Sharon will write a flyer, which Carolyn Allen will design. Jeff Black will copy it.

Flyers will be distributed by Gary Young via e-mail to the 1100 members of the Independent Writers of Southern California. He will also have flyers available at that booth at the LA Times Book Festival the weekend of April 26-27.

Other members will also distribute flyers at the Book Festival

Carolyn Allen will talk to PMA about distributing the flyer by e-mail to the Southern California PMA members.

Still to be determined is whether or not tables will be manned during PMA University to tell others about the new organization. A commitment of 2 hours was suggested for those willing to man the table.

Carolyn Martin will look into ordering white ribbons with blue lettering to say “Ask me about Publishers Marketing of L.A.” to be worn by members of the steering committee at PMA-U.

It was further agreed that May17, 9:30 a.m., also at Lico Publishing would also be set aside for a possible additional meeting prior to PMA – U, if it is felt to be needed.

Carolyn Allen agreed to be the temporary liaison to PMA for the next two months, but does not wish to continue beyond that, as her work is more as a vendor than a publisher. If the organization is to continue, a liaison is required by PMA in order for it to recognize PALA as their affiliate and provide funds, which would be available to us. In the meanwhile, each of those present contributed $10 to give the organization some operating funds, which Carolyn Allen was authorized to spend at her discretion. She will also contact those at the first meeting to see if they are willing to make a similar contribution. Carolyn will also contact members of the publishing community about their interest in our organization and setting up the organization’s web site, etc.

Submitted by
Carolyn Martin