Annual Report 2010

“The Illinois Press Foundation is dedicated to promoting and protecting free expression through educational activities that foster the practice and

respect of First Amendment principles and values, to enhance the quality of services provided

by newspapers to their communities, and to support reading and literacy efforts.”

Dear Colleagues, Friends, and Supporters of the Illinois Press Foundation:

Welcome to the 2010 Annual Report of the Illinois Press Foundation. It is my pleasure to share some of the year’s highlights, as well as to provide an annual showcase of the many programs of the Foundation. These programs would not be possible without the generous financial support of the members of the Illinois Press Association, through giving opportunities such as ACORN (Advertising Contributions Reward Newspapers) and others. We appreciate that support very much.

While the country’s economic climate continues to provide a difficult environment for newspapers – as well as many other businesses – our industry is faced with additional obstacles, such as changing reader habits, rapidly advancing technologies and the need to “do more with less.” I am confident that the more than 480 member newspapers of the Illinois Press Association are meeting these challenges. Our members continue to experience strong revenues, deep readership support and strong relationships – both in print and online – with the communities they serve.

A community newspaper’s mission to serve is built upon the notion that these publications are the faithful keepers of history, the good and the bad, the funny and the sad – all of the events that combine to weave a unique fabric that reflects a town’s personality. Just as importantly, a community newspaper’s mission is built upon a fundamental journalistic foundation that demands that newspapers hold government decision makers, elected officials and others paid with taxpayer dollars accountable, and that the free press crusade on a platform of fairness and equality for all citizens. As Chicago newsman Finley Peter Dunne said in the late 1800’s in a statement that has often been applied in various contexts throughout the years, part of a newspaper’s role is to “comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.”

At publications large and small, members of the Illinois Press Association take Dunne’s charge to heart. Even in today’s rapidly changing media marketplace, where anyone with a cell phone can disseminate rumor, hearsay and information lacking in facts, it is the local newspaper that remains the reliable source for truth-seeking consumers.

Through its ongoing professional training programs, scholastic journalism initiatives and fundraising activities that benefit Illinois newspapers, the Illinois Press Foundation stands ready to assist members as they pursue the noble mission that is community journalism.

If your newspaper needs assistance, such as professional consultation for editorial, design, technology or advertising issues, on-site training, or if you would like to contribute to the well-being of the Illinois newspaper industry through the Foundation’s many giving programs, please contact the Foundation staff. They are ready to help.

It is a great honor for me to serve as president of the board of directors. I thank you for your continued support and wish you all the best for 2011.

Jerry L. ReppertPublisher, Reppert Publications

From Our President...

1

2

Our HistoryThe Illinois Press Foundation was

incorporated in 1982. The land for today’s permanent home of the Illinois Press Association, south of Springfield and just to the east of Interstate 55, was purchased by the Foundation.

Through the years, the Foundation has grown into a reliable provider

of educational activities for working journalists, students and educators in

Illinois. The Foundation promotes and supports programming for scholastic

journalism, literacy programs and the Illinois First Amendment Center,

as well as provides resources for Newspaper in Education programs and funding for scholarships for working

journalists and students.

About Our Cover“Summer Storm”

Tazewell County, Ill., 2010

Photograph copyright David Zalaznik, author of “Life along the Illinois River,”

2008, University of Illinois Press. www.davidzalaznik.com

Printing donated in part by

800-346-8554

Illinois Press Foundation Giving Opportunities• ACORN (Advertising Contributions Reward Newspapers): the annual donation program by IPA members.

• Recognition bricks: Engraved bricks pave the walkway to the entrance to the IPA building in Springfield. The IPF Recognition Bricks are a means of remembrance, to express congratulations or thanks, or to remember a departed friend or family member.

• Memorial contributions: A memorial gift to the IPF assists the Foundation in fulfilling its mission of promoting, protecting and fostering the growth of Illinois newspapers and recognizes the work of the honoree.

• Gifts and bequests: contributions may be made through donation, wills, or life insurance.

• Fourth Estate Society: The Fourth Estate Society gives members an opportunity to contribute funds to promote and protect free expression, to enhance the quality of service provided by newspapers and to support reading and literacy in Illinois. It is an individual giving program that ranges from $50 to $2,500 for a lifetime membership.

For information on any of these opportunities to provide financial support for the Foundation, please contact Barry Locher at blocher@illinoispress.org or at 217-241-1300.

Partners in LiteracyPartners in Literacy is a program that offers donors and potential donors to Newspaper in Education (NIE)

programs a choice in making contributions to help fund sets of classroom newspapers. Donors have the option of sending contributions to the Illinois Press Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. Using the Foundation as the recipient of gifts allows individuals, corporations and foundations to deduct donations as charitable

contributions. In 2010, $3,244.25 was contributed to fund classroom newspapers.

“I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world.”~ Henry R. Luce ~

3

IPA member newspapers voluntarily donate 52 inches of advertising space to the Foundation, advertising which has been sold by the Illinois Press Advertising Service. The ACORN program is the major source of funding for Foundation programs. To participate, contact Kathy Galloway at kgalloway@illinoispress.org.

In 2010, $112,992.46 was raised through the ACORN program.

Many thanks to these newspapers for their commitment to this critical program:

The Navigator & Journal, AlbionThe Telegraph, AltonThe Gazette-Democrat, AnnaDaily Herald, Arlington HeightsBelleville News-DemocratThe Benton Evening NewsThe Pantagraph, BloomingtonBlue Mound LeaderCairo CitizenDaily Ledger, CantonThe Southern Illinoisan, CarbondaleMacoupin County Enquirer, CarlinvilleThe Courier, CartervilleHancock County Journal, CarthageMorning Sentinel, CentraliaThe News-Gazette, ChampaignChicago TribuneNorthwest Herald, Crystal LakeSuburban Life Publications, Downers GroveDuQuoin Evening CallEffingham Daily NewsElburn HeraldHardin County Independent, ElizabethtownWayne County Press, FairfieldThe Journal-Standard, FreeportThe Galena GazetteGeneseo RepublicGilman StarThe Greenville AdvocateThe Daily Register, HarrisburgThe Journal News, Hillsboro

Chronicle, HoopestonThe Daily Journal, KankakeeStar Courier, KewaneeShelbyville Daily UnionMarion Daily RepublicanThe Dispatch, MolineDaily Review Atlas, MonmouthMorris Daily HeraldDaily Republican-Register, Mt. CarmelOlney Daily MailThe Regional News, Palos HeightsPana News-PalladiumPekin Daily TimesJournal Star, PeoriaDaily Leader, PontiacBureau County Republic, PrincetonThe Quincy Herald-WhigNorth County News, Red BudDaily News, RobinsonThe Rockford Register StarKane County Chronicle, St. CharlesCarroll County Review, ThomsonThe Vandalia Leader-UnionThe Vienna TimesVirden RecorderTimes-Republic, WatsekaDaily American, West FrankfortFree Press Advocate, WilmingtonThe Woodstock IndependentKendall County Record, Yorkville

ACORN (Advertising Contributions Reward Newspapers)

“I am deeply interested in the progress and elevation of journalism, having spent my life in that profession, regarding it as a noble profession and one of unequaled

importance for its influence upon the minds and morals of the people.”

~ Joseph Pulitzer ~

4

The Fourth Estate Society is a program that gives individuals and organizations an opportunity to provide financial support to the Foundation’s many programs and initiatives. Contributions range from $50 to $2,500 for a lifetime membership. Total gifts during 2010 were $3,600. To join, please contact Barry Locher at blocher@illinoispress.org.

2010 Fourth Estate Members:

Fourth Estate Society

Stephen AndersonDonald CravenDennis DeRossettJeff FarrenKathy FarrenJohn ForemanJohn GonczyIllinois Journalism

Education AssociationWalter JaehnigDorothy Jones

Linda JonesJack KubikBarry LocherWendy MartinVictor MohrCarter NewtonMary Jo NoonanTom PhillipsDavid & Sara ReedSally Renaud

Jerry ReppertPeter W. RickerKim RuffCaroll StacklinGary StrickerRandy SwikleSusan Hathaway TantilloJon WhitneyWayne WoltmanCheryl Wormley

Joanie Nichols of the Bureau County Republican in Princeton delivers a scrumptious dessert during the popular pie auction at the annual awards luncheon.

“My own view, there is a need for and a demonstrated need for more journalism

now than there ever has been.”~ Jim Lehrer ~

Wendy Martin, IPA Board Member and editor/co-publisher of the Mason County Democrat in Havana, and David Reed, member of the IPF Board of Directors and retired from Eastern Illinois University, enjoy the annual awards luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield.

5

EIU Summer Journalism Workshop

Since 1993, the Illinois Press Foundation/Eastern Illinois University Summer Journalism Workshop has educated future journalists and inspired students to understand the media world around them. Each year, a racially, socio-economically and geographically diverse group of 18 high school students from around the state is chosen. The group is taught by professional media volunteers over a two-week period. The volunteers work under the direction of a staff of three who structure specific journalistic lessons that teach the art of research, interviewing, writing, design and photography. This overview of the field is reinforced by practice at meetings and other venues and the actual production of two print publications as well as multimedia presentations. Visit this link to read more: http://ipfworkshop.wordpress.com/ipf-information/.

High School Educators Multimedia Workshop

This three-day workshop in intensive multimedia training for high school advisers was offered at Eastern Illinois University in early September. Attendees received continuing professional development credit and personal instruction, practical application and critique, as well as feedback and application to the classroom. The workshop was taught by college media advisers who have expertise in this area and who have run similar workshops at the college level, as well as a nationally recognized high school multimedia adviser and a multimedia professional. Participants were given an overview of the industry and taught how to use the equipment provided in ‘mojo’ (mobile journalist) packs. They were given individual and group instruction and were evaluated. They also were provided with materials for their own classrooms to create units of instruction for their students. Visit this link to see some of the work created during the workshop: www.youtube.com/user/eiujournalism.

Support for Illinois First Amendment Center Programming

The Illinois Press Foundation provides financial support for the programming initiatives of the Illinois First Amendment Center (IFAC). The mission of the Illinois First Amendment Center is to promote First Amendment rights and responsibilities through education designed to raise awareness of the need to understand, preserve and protect the First Amendment.

Areas that receive Foundation funding support include educational materials for elementary, high school and collegiate level programs; an annual IFAC Teacher’s Conference that in 2010 saw attendance from representatives of 94 Illinois schools; a First Amendment Poster Contest that featured cash prizes to students totaling $3,800; the Illinois High School Newspaper Contest, an initiative that awards a total of $5,500 to schools to create scholastic newspapers; and maintenance of two websites, www.ifac.us and www.illinois-nie.com.

The Lincoln Project

“Abraham Lincoln & the Press,” a 16-page tabloid layout into which IPA member newspapers could sell advertising as well as adapt with local stories, was created by IPA Communications and Marketing Director David Porter and distributed for publication on Lincoln’s birthday. The project included collaboration with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and was created in response to a grant from the Sun-Times Charity Trust.

Stephen AndersonDonald CravenDennis DeRossettJeff FarrenKathy FarrenJohn ForemanJohn GonczyIllinois Journalism

Education AssociationWalter JaehnigDorothy Jones

Linda JonesJack KubikBarry LocherWendy MartinVictor MohrCarter NewtonMary Jo NoonanTom PhillipsDavid & Sara ReedSally Renaud

Jerry ReppertPeter W. RickerKim RuffCaroll StacklinGary StrickerRandy SwikleSusan Hathaway TantilloJon WhitneyWayne WoltmanCheryl Wormley

2010 Grant-Funded ProjectsThe Illinois Press Foundation, with assistance from generous grantors such as the McCormick Foundation

and the Sun-Times Charity Trust, provided grant funding support for the following programs:

Greg Bilbrey (left), editor of the Robinson Daily News, works with high school students during the Eastern Illinois University Summer Journalism Workshop in Charleston.

With support from the Foundation, the Illinois First Amendment Center conducts an annual poster contest for high school students based on one of the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. The 2010 first-place winner of the Freedom of Speech Poster Contest was Lauren Miller from Cary-Grove High School, Cary, Ill. Lauren won $1,000 for her effort.

6

Spotlight on Literacy

Each year, the Illinois Press Foundation and the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office recognize outstanding literacy students and volunteer tutors in Illinois through the Spotlight on Literacy program. Ten students and ten tutors each received a $200 check from the Illinois Press Foundation, a plaque presented by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White and a personalized Illinois Blue Book. The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Illinois State Library on May 12.

Students honored for outstanding achievement in developing and improving literacy skills included:

Breanna Anderson, Peoria County Superintendent/Project U.P.W.A.R.D.Patricia Arvizu-Rico, DeLaSalle/Tolton Center, ChicagoRosemary Bielarz, Township High School District 214 Community Education, Arlington HeightsKim Cash, Frontier Community College, FairfieldAlma Kidd, Common Place, PeoriaJose Maldonado, Anixter Center, ChicagoFrancisco Nunez, Morton College, CiceroWillie Pearl Richardson, Tolton Adult Education Center, ChicagoCarinna, Victor and Alan Tello, District 214 Community Education, Arlington HeightsTeresa Wallace, Southwestern Illinois College-Cahokia Even Start, Cahokia

Tutors honored for their contributions in helping literacy students reach their goals included:

Carolyn Day, Southwestern Illinois College, BellevilleGlenn Fanter, Spoon River College, CantonYolanda Higgens, Literacy Volunteers of America, Project U.P.W.A.R.D., PeoriaDiana Howard, YWCA Adult Literacy, PekinLynne Leonard, Township High School District 214 Community Education, Arlington HeightsKathy Lyons, Congregation of St. Joseph/School on Wheels, LaGrange ParkNicholas Roessler, Anixter Center, ChicagoKathleen Sayles, YWCA Adult Literacy, PekinBonnie Schukai, Lawrence Education Center, SpringfieldOneita “Nita” Volz, Common Place Family Learning Center, Peoria

Elijah P. Lovejoy Award

For 18 years, the Illinois Press Association/Foundation has partnered with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency to present the Elijah P. Lovejoy Award to a student as part of the Illinois History Expo in Springfield. The award incudes a $100 cash prize, and students from throughout the state participate in the competition. Lovejoy was a minister, an abolitionist and a newspaper publisher in Alton who was killed in 1837 while defending his rights to publish anti-slavery opinions and information.

Micaela Canchola, a junior at Hiawatha Senior High School in Kirkland, was the 2010 winner. Her report, “Innovation in Action: The Underground Railroad & David West,” told about Deacon David West, who helped more than 100 slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. For more information on the program, visit www.Illinois-History.gov.

High School Media Directory

The IPF developed and maintains a state-wide database of Illinois high school media advisers. Each year the IPF, in conjunction with the Illinois High School Association and the Illinois Journalism Education Association, sends out a survey to high schools to collect up-to-date contact information for journalism, magazine, newspaper, online, radio, television, and yearbook advisers. The information is compiled into a directory and made available to high school administrators and the general public.

Annual InitiativesThe Illinois Press Foundation is proud to be a partnering sponsor for these annual initiatives in scholastic journalism, literacy and professional training:

7

IJEA All-State Journalism Team Banquet

The Foundation continues to host a yearly banquet honoring the Illinois Journalism Education Association’s All-State Journalism Team. The 2010 luncheon was held in early June at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. The All-State Journalism Team recognizes students who have proven to be outstanding contributors to their respective school media.

“Seminars on Demand” and other 2010 member training initiatives

The Illinois Press Foundation continuously looks for training opportunities for its member newspapers.

In 2010, the Seminars on Demand program presented several PhotoShop training sessions, including at Rend Lake Community College in Ina, the Bureau County Republican in Princeton, the Watseka Times Republic and at the Illinois Press Association office in Springfield. These valuable training programs were presented by IPA Director of Communications and Marketing David Porter and Greg Bilbrey, editor of the Robinson Daily News.

In addition, through funding provided by ACORN contributions, the Foundation offered a 12-month series of sales webinars presented by Tim Smith of Tim Smith Consulting, Allentown, Pa. The series was designed specifically for sales people to help focus on long-term customer relationships.

Members of the 2010 All-State Journalism Team gather on the lawn of the Executive Mansion in Springfield prior to their induction on June 5. They are Karen Baena, Lane Technical College Prep High School; Andrea Behling, Belvidere North High School; Nicholas Chaskin, University of Chicago Laboratory High School; Will Fernandez, University of Illinois Laboratory High School; Jake Hamilton, O’Fallon High School; Andrea Perkins, John Hersey High School; Cazzie Reyes, Richwoods High School; Megan Thilmony, Oakwood High School; Carriann Willis, Bloom Trail High School; Jimmy Hibsch, Rolling Meadows High School. (Not pictured: Cierra Goolsby, Harrisburg High School.)

University of Illinois at SpringfieldPublic Affairs Reporting Scholarship Winners 2010

The Illinois Press Foundation was pleased to award scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to three outstanding students in the Public Affairs Reporting master’s degree program at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

The winners were Zachary Colman of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Andy Brownfield of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Todd Allen Wilson of Elk Grove, Calif.

The winners were honored during a December luncheon at the Illinois Press Association office. Zachary Colman Andy Brownfield Todd Allen Wilson

8

The Illinois Press Foundation operates on an annual budget of slightly more than $400,000. Most of the funding comes from the ACORN program as well as from rent paid to the Foundation by the Illinois Press Association on the office headquarters in Springfield.

More than 75 percent of all funds received by the Foundation go directly to programming with less than 25 percent used for administrative costs and fundraising efforts.

Foundation Board President Jerry Reppert presents JoAnn Davis with an engraved crystal vase during her last board meeting in December. JoAnn retired at the end of the year following a 22-year career with the Illinois Press Association, many of the years spent as assistant to the executive director and as secretary to the board of directors. “JoAnn was always that cheerful, friendly voice who greeted callers or visitors. She is a lovely person and will greatly missed,” said Dennis DeRossett, IPA Executive Director.

JoAnn Retires...

Finances

Expenditures(Based on 2009 audited figures.)

Funding(Based on 2010 unaudited working budget)

Programming

Management & General

Fundraising

ACORN

Convention

Fourth Estate

Gifts

Grants

Memorials

Miscellaneous

Member Education

Partners in Literacy

IPA Rent

IFAC Rent

Programming

Management & General

Fundraising

ACORN

Convention

Fourth Estate

Gifts

Grants

Memorials

Miscellaneous

Member Education

Partners in Literacy

IPA Rent

IFAC Rent

Jerry Reppert - PresidentGazette DemocratAnna

Tom Phillips - V. P.News PalladiumPana

Nathan Jones – Treas.Virden Recorder

Charles Wheeler - SecretaryUniversity of Illinois at Springfield

Stephen AndersonRetired, Illinois State Bar Assn.Chicago

Dave BellThe Leader-UnionVandalia

Scott ChampionMonmouth

Jim DeanOak Trust Credit UnionNaperville

Kathy FarrenKendall County RecordYorkville

Walter JaehnigRetired, SIU CarbondaleCarbondale

Linda JonesRoosevelt UniversityChicago

Nominations

Tom Phillips, Nathan Jones

Investment/Finance

Cheryl Wormley, Jack Kubik, Doug Ray, Jim Slonoff

Grants

Cheryl Wormley, Walter Jaehnig, Wayne Woltman

Community Newspaper Outreach

Jim Slonoff, Dave Bell, Linda Jones, Tom Mathews, Jr., David Reed, Mike Kramer

Mike KramerLaw Bulletin Publishing Co.Chicago

Jack Kubik, Sr.Retired, Life PublicationsWestchester

Tom Mathews, Jr.Wayne County PressFairfield

Carter NewtonThe Galena Gazette

Doug Ray Paddock PublicationsArlington Heights

John David ReedRetired, Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston

Sally RenaudEastern Illinois UniversityCharleston

Jim SlonoffThe HinsdaleanHinsdale

Randy SwikleRetired, Johnsburg High SchoolMcHenry

Jon WhitneyCarroll County ReviewThomson

Wayne WoltmanRetired, Press/Republican NewspapersGeneva

Cheryl WormleyWoodstock Independent

EX OFFICIOBernie Judge RetiredChicago Daily Law Bulletin

EMERITUS BOARDBill GarthRetiredChicago Citizen Newspapers

Lanning Macfarland RetiredChicago Daily Law Bulletin

William Schroeder, Sr.Retired, Lakeland PublicationsIngleside

2010 Illinois Press Foundation Board Active Foundation Committees in 2010

Illinois Press Foundation900 Community Dr.Springfield, IL 62703

217-241-1300 (phone)217-241-1301 (fax)

Online: www.illinoispress.org

Contact Us:

Dennis DeRossett, Executive Director Illinois Press Assn.

dderossett@illinoispress.org

Barry Locher, Director, Foundation and Member Services

blocher@illinoispress.org

9

It’s all storytelling, you know. That’s what journalism is all about.”

~ Tom Brokaw ~

special thanks to: special thanks to: