Back from Indy!

Alright ladies and gentlemen. Here's the beginning of what I'm sure will be many updates from Indy.

The 2009 SPJ national convention was time well spent, even if I did have to drive 8 hours up and 8 back...felt like more. But hey, when else will I pass through the southern countryside on my way to journalism shenanigans.

I'll admit I didn't make it to as many sessions as I'd have liked, meetings, networking, planning and getting arrested by Sheriff Leadingham slowed me down a bit. Still, very productive and very busy weekend.

First off, I've been elected Regional Director for Region 3, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. That means we've got a new president coming soon since I'd have to be more than my already admitted level of crazy to pull that off.

Our former RD, Darcie Lunsford, is now the secretary/treasurer.

We've got some fresh Alabama blood in the chapter now too, I've been recruiting and found a few up in Indy. It's shaping up to be a good year for the chapter.

Some programming ideas are in the works, we'll be applying for a grant from HQ soon and get some fundraising underway.

Atlanta is next on my list of pro chapters to get up and running so here's early notice of a mini-regional event out there sometime this fall or spring. I'll keep you updated and there will be carpooling opportunities.

Alright, last tidbit for now. If you haven't heard, 'bama is on tap to host the 2011 Region 3 Conference, so I'll be calling on y'all for ideas of locations, dates, programs, etc. The 2010 conference is in Orlando in March. I'll post details as I get them.

For more about Region 3, check out the new Facebook page (SPJ Region 3) and the new Google group at http://groups.google.com/group/spjregion3

Any questions, comments, suggestions, etc, feel free to contact me, rowell83[at]gmail.com