As Membership Chair, I review and approve all new member applications. Consistently, the new members joining our ranks are an impressive lot, with stellar nationwide and international outlets.
Be sure to reach out and introduce yourself to fellow members you do not recognize at BATW functions. You will inevitably be quite impressed with the new members’ level of professionalism—and most impressive life journeys.
The bar of the membership professionalism rises inexorably at BATW. But membership’s involvement on committees and targeted ongoing projects seems to be done by the same core group of volunteers year after year.
To be blunt, we need an infusion of new, younger blood in the guidance and stewardship of BATW. For example, I am in need of an assistant to do outreach to our Corporate membership, especially making contact with lapsed Corporate members. It is sometimes a simple matter of BATW falling off the Corporate member’s radar, without a follow-up email or phone call to check status at renewal time. Do I have any takers to serve on BATW Membership Outreach Committee? Contact me at [email protected] if interested. [Note: This is Tom’s new email address, after many years with AOL.]
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Speaking of new members: A warm welcome to our newest Corporate member, Richard Stenger with Eureka-Humboldt Visitors Bureau (Facebook.com/redwoodcoast) and new General member, writer/editor Shayna Yasuhara.
Looking forward to October, Renee Roberts at the Palace Hotel deserves rave accolades for graciously hosting and coordinating the amazing upcoming BATW Meeting on October 21st and partnering with Starwood Resorts/Marriott/Hawaiian Airlines. Bravo, Ms. Renee!
Also on tap for the October meeting, KQED’s John Sepulvado. In the meantime, to listen to an interview with John talking about the California Report and the future of Public Broadcasting, click here.
—Thomas Wilmer
Vice President and Membership Chair