Board Applauds 5K Organizers, Lauds June's Record Financial Results

The Board of Governors on July 19 applauded the three organizers of this year's 5K race for what President Alan Bjerga said was "an innovative, re-invention of a Press Club treasure."

The Board also welcomed the news that the Club had generated record revenues and profits in June.

Bjerga paid tribute at the monthly Board meeting to Melinda Cooke, membership director; Jessica Brady, the 5K Committee chairwoman; and Melissa Charbonneau, the vice chairwoman, for their tireless efforts in organizing the race, which raised more than $20,000 for scholarships and training programs administered by the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library.

Bjerga said that there had been questions in the past about whether the 5K race was worth the hours and costs that went into organizing the event, and he said that this year's success proved it was an essential part of the NPC calendar. He said that next year the race would likely be held in the spring, although the 90-degree temperatures did not discourage the 759 participants.

Bjerga said the Club also gained new membership applications from among the
race's participants and those who attended a luncheon on Friday featuring Tony Horton, the fitness expert who served as the event's grand marshal.

Brady said she had received "totally great feedback" after the race. She thanked Cooke and Charbonneau for their hard work as the Board applauded the three organizers.

Treasurer Keith Hill said the Club had a record $1.375 million in revenue in June. He said that the monthly profit of $338,000 also was a record, and pointed out that it included $40,000 of over-accrued operating expenses and real estate taxes in 2009. Even without this adjustment, the Club still had one of its best months ever on the profit side, he said.

Hill also said that while the Club does not expect to add profit during July and is projecting a substantial loss in August, "it remains clear that we will easily reach our Board-mandated goal of $1 million in reserves by Sept. 1."

Aside from the financial gains, the Club also benefited in June from several events that advanced the Club's mission as "The World's Leading Professional Organization for Journalists."

These included the Club being used as the venue for CNN's 30th anniversary celebration in the ballroom and the Federal Trade Commission holding a day-long series of panels at the Club that examined "How Will Journalism Survive The Internet Age?"

Several organizations also held news briefings for journalists on various issues related to the Elena Kagan Supreme Court nomination hearings, making the Club a central place for reporters to get information on one of the major stories of the summer.

The Board approved 43 new member applications, bringing the total for the year to 173, compared to 265 last year.

-- Myron Belkind, [email protected]