Meeting of Steering Committee
Publishers Association of Los Angeles (PALA)
September 23, 2003
Hollywood Film Institute
1223 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404

Members Present: Jeff Black, Susan Goland, Carolyn Allen, Les Boston, Sharon Goldinger, James Davis, Yvette Stern, Gerry Stern, Sherry Smith

The meeting was called to order by Jeff Black, president.

The first order of business was consideration of a replacement for treasurer Carolyn Allen, who, as prime mover for founding PALA, took the position on an interim basis to establish PALA as a legal entity. Jeff reported that a search revealed a qualified person in Sherry Smith, who related her background and indicated motivation to make PALA an effective organization for small presses such as hers. On a voice vote, with no objections, Sherry was confirmed as treasurer. Carolyn was thanked for her work as treasurer.

The next order of business was consideration of times, places, and topics for meetings in November and December. Sharon reported that October 20 and 21 were being considered for a meeting on all aspects of e-marketing and November 17 and 18 for a meeting on TV markets, sales, foreign rights, translations, and related topics. There will be no December meeting. Some book events and signings were noted. There was some discussion of the desirability of meeting regularly at the Hollywood film Institute. Location seemed good. There was a question of availability.

The next order of business was consideration of time and manner of holding an election for officers of PALA. There was consensus for developing nominations in January 2004 and holding the election in February. So that members can get to know other members as prospective officers, there was discussion of getting information on members on the website and in other ways. There will be further discussion of methods for establishing nomination conducting the election.

The next order of business was consideration of how well PALA is working at this early point in its operation. It was noted that some things are being done and some are not. Some work on organization and procedures was suggested. Committee structures and duties could be made more definite and made known to the membership. Use of listserve was discussed, including times notices are to be sent and by whom. Yvette noted that an FAQ has been sent out. Notices can be automatic. Other uses were discussed.

That discussion gave rise to the need for a communications coordinator to work with a newsletter, announcements, postings, calendar, breaking news, and other matters, which require an integrated website and email system. James Davis, who has handled such tasks, agreed to take the job on an interim basis. Jeff, Yvette, and Susan will work with James on a communications committee.

Meeting of the steering committee was adjourned for the general meeting, featuring Aaron Silverman, President of SCB Distributors in Gardena.

Submitted by
Les Boston, secretary