Hello:

A number of SPJ regions have established Regional Director’s Funds to help their respective RD underwrite the costs associated with the position. While most RDs receive some financial support from their employers and SPJ headquarters, additional funds are useful and sometimes needed to cover other expenses, including travel.

In the early 1990′s, Region 4, in a regional meeting, voted to establish its own Regional Director’s fund. The chapters voted that the primary way of building the fund would be through direct chapter contributions. Larger professional chapters, including Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit and Pittsburgh, contribute $100 per year, while smaller pro chapters are asked to contribute $50.

Knowing that funds are always tight for campus chapters, any contributions from them have been voluntary. Campus chapters are asked to contribute $25 per year if they can. In addition, in some years a portion of any profit from a Region 4 conference has also been donated to the fund.

The Region 4 chapters also established how the RD fund would be handled. Pro chapters would take turn administering the fund, but not the chapter the RD belongs to. Cleveland and Cincinnati have handled it previously and it is now Pittsburgh’s turn. The RD doesn’t have direct access to the account. He or she must present receipts and is then reimbursed. Reasonable expenses that are part of the RD’s job–travel and related meals, phone calls, etc.,–are reimbursed.

The RD account will be handled liked Pittsburgh’s own–with two signatures required for a check. I am Pittsburgh’s treasurer and will also provide for an accounting of the fund, including contributions and disbursement.

It is important that Region 4′s chapters show their support for our RD Jeremy Steele. As a former RD, I know and appreciate the  tradition we have as one of SPJ’s consistently strong regions. I hope your chapter will continue its support of the Region 4 RD fund.

Please excuse the group e-mail, but it’s the best way to reach everyone. Please send your chapter’s 2008 contributions to me in care of the Office of Media Relations, Point Park University, 201 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222. Checks should be made payable to the “SPJ Region 4 Regional Director’s Fund.”

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Ginny Frizzi