Club membership dues increase $12 in 2013

National Press Club dues increased $1 per month at the beginning of the year, marking a return to a policy of small annual fee hikes.

Nearly all membership categories experienced the increase except for students, interns, spouses, partners, widows and inactives. The additional revenue will help maintain membership benefits and ensure the Club’s long-term sustainability in the case of unforeseen contingencies that dramatically affect its operations.

The Club held dues steady in 2012 to ease costs for members suffering through a tough journalism job market.

"For many years, the Press Club did not raise dues to keep pace with inflation," said Club Executive Director Bill McCarren. "Several years ago, the board decided to address this through a series of small increase on a regular basis rather than a large single increase. In 2012, we chose not to increase dues to recognize that journalism has been having difficult years, and we wanted to do something to help members in need. This year, we are back to our policy of modest increases.”

There has been no negative feedback about the increase, according to Melinda Cook, director of membership. In fact, she received two supportive comments following the Jan. 2 advisory that was sent to Club members.

“Nicely done! Happy to pay my $12 a year extra," read one note. "You coulda got a buck fifty!” said another.

The positive response from members can be attributed to their understanding of the need for annual increases, according to Club Treasurer Myron Belkind.

“I think these two comments reflect the wider understanding of the general membership that even though the Club is strong financially, it still is important to have annual increases, however modest they may seem, to ensure the Club keeps up with inflation and avoids having to suddenly impose a larger-than-anticipated dues hike to make up for inadequate annual increases,” Belkind said.

The Club is highly regarded for its outstanding professional programs, events and facilities. Club members enjoy an array of benefits, including professional opportunities, access to the Club Fitness Center -- and free sessions with the Club’s personal trainer -- and, of course, the best happy hour deal in town, Taco Night at the Reliable Source on Friday nights.

The Club is off to a fast start this year, with events that featured Stephanie Schriock, president of Emily’s List; Rear Adm. Terry McKnight, USN (Ret.), author of Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151; and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.