Publication Committee’s Report

Publication Committee Report

This is a report of the Publication Committee for the past five years. The 32nd SPJST Convention in Killeen in 2016 elected the following mem bers to the Publication Committee: District One Floyd Kostelka; District Two - Tammy Cannon; District Three - Lynda Novak; District Four - Sharon Hohmann; District Five - Vonda Smesny; District Six - Helen Kelner; and District Seven - Jarolyn Popp.

The Committee elected the following officers: Chairman - Jarolyn Popp; Vice Chairman - Floyd Kostelka; and Secretary - Helen Kelner.

In 2019, Sister Smesny was replaced by Lorenda Baldwin in District Five, and Sister Popp was replaced by Regina House in District Seven.

With the ballot in-lieu of convention in August 2020, members elected the following members to the Publication Committee: District One - Floyd Kostelka; District Two - Amber Bartek; District Three - Lynda Novak; District Four - Sharon Hohmann; District Five - Baley Stavinoha; District Six - Marjorie Treumer; and District Seven - Trey Bielefeld.

The Committee then elected the following officers: Chairman - Floyd Kostelka; Vice Chairman - Lynda Novak; and Secretary - Baley Stavinoha.

The 2016 Convention and the ballot in lieu of convention in August 2020 reelected Melanie Zavodny to serve as Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication. The Publication Committee met in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 with Melanie and, on occasion, with Supreme Lodge officers and directors, to evaluate past performance and to make recommendations for improv ing SPJST communications. Also, on a regular and as needed basis, Melanie consulted with the Publication Committee on mat ters pertaining to organizational com munications.

Cost Savings and Efficiency

Several efforts to reduce Vestnik expenses were implemented in late 2016, which have resulted in a savings of $440,000. In September 2019, through a ballot in lieu of convention, delegates to the 2016 Convention approved for the Vestnik to convert to a bi-monthly publication. The primary reason for the change was to increase efficiency and allow SPJST to expand its communication by integrating new media tools and strategies to increase brand relevance.

A lot has changed in the past few years with lodges meeting less frequently; members’ busy lifestyles; and the availability of other communication platforms rather than print media. Print media is still very important; however, there are several new media tools and strategies that have been integrated in order for SPJST to stay relevant.

Vestnik/Communication Department

The Publication Committee annually discusses and reviews the vast duties and responsibilities of the Vestnik/ Communication Department. These include developing effective messaging and communication strategies; working with all forms of media, including press releases and digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio, video, and more; responding to crises or challenging situations quickly and professionally; attending lodge engagements and hosting special events; making sure all Society materials have consistent and positive messaging and branding; conducting quality control on all communications; managing a team of communications volunteers (lodge and youth club reporters); and developing relationships and working with media outlets, lodges, members, and other companies and organizations.

The Communication Department works to ensure the Society maintains a positive image by overseeing and approving any organization information and announcements before they’re released to the membership and/or public. The Communication Department designs the promotional and marketing materials to ensure they represent a positive image before being published. The Department produces high-level, brand-driven content with written, verbal, and digital communication skills; conveys exciting and interesting messages and content through creative approaches; utilizes organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize projects while working on a deadline and in a fast-paced environment; creates web, mobile, and social content; and applies technological ability to work on a variety of digital platforms.

In addition, the roles of the Vestnik/ Communication Department include managing the following:

• Vestnik • Vestnik, Photo, Video Archives • SPJST Website—spjst.org and spjst.com • Member Services Directory • Email Campaigns • Social Media • SPJST Parade Floats • Other Parade Appearances • Media Contacts/Correspondence • Advertising Materials • Brochures, Promotional Materials, and Forms Design/Development • Inhouse Printing/Finishing of

Brochures, Other Printed

Informational/Promotional Materials • SPJST Operations Manual • SPJST Calendar • SPJST Car Shows • SPJST Convention Souvenir

Program Book • Event Photography and Videography • Event/Promotional Video Production • Webcast, Webinars, Online Meetings • Camp Kubena Website campkubena.com • Camp Kubena Branding,

Marketing Design • Event, Activity, Product, Campaign

Promotions

Furthermore, the Communication Department provides support to Home Office departments, Standing Committees, districts, lodges, youth clubs, sales agents, and members in various capacities - from designing letterhead, flyers, and digital productions to consulting and guiding programs to providing direct support at events and activities to organizing and moderating online events. The Communication Department is currently working closely with the Youth Department on the 2021 Youth Achievement Days; with the Chief Financial Officer’s Department on the 2021 Convention; with the Fraternal Department and SPJST Foundation on the Czech Moravian Benevolence Fund; with the Controller’s Department on the privacy notice mailout; and with the Insurance Department on four new brochures and other rebranding efforts.

Appreciation and Thanks

The Publication Committee expresses its sincere thanks and appreciation to Temple Daily Telegram, which has printed the Vestnik since 2005. The relationship between SPJST and the Temple Daily Telegram has always been very friendly. In her annual presentations to the Publication Committee, the Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication has consistently given the management and personnel at Temple Daily Telegram high marks for their professionalism.

Adult lodge and youth club correspondents and mem bers provide a never-ending flow of lodge news, photos, feature ideas, and other communication projects for the Vestnik each week.

The Vestnik and Communication Department includes three full-time individuals — Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny, Communication Executive Assistant Katherine Morris, and Graphic Design/ Communication Specialist Brooke Hoelscher. It’s interesting to note that all of the Vestnik/Communication Department staff members participated in the SPJST Youth Program when they were children. This past participation has provided them great insight and knowledge about the entire SPJST organization and its history. The Publication Committee also recognizes past part-time Communication Assistants Jerry Pechal (2013 to 2018) and Doris Tyroch (2018 to 2020) for their dedication and contributions to the Communication Department.

The Publication Committee expresses its appreciation for the superior performance by Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny, Communication Executive Assistant Katherine Morris, and Graphic Designer/Communication Specialist Brooke Hoelscher. They have displayed noteworthy efficiency and thoroughness while working in an intense, fast-moving, deadline-driven environment. The Communication Department has confronted enormous challenges that required extraordinary team effort.

Melanie was the architect of modernizing and updating SPJST’s communication efforts. She invested long hours (including nights and weekends), working numerous seven-day weeks and countless extra hours to ensure that the Communication Department provided unparalleled support to members, lodges, and Home Office departments. We convey our personal gratitude for a job exceptionally well done.

We also recognize the Supreme Lodge for the initiatives that have been implemented. We express thanks to our lodge and youth club correspondents for their input over the years and to all of our members who are helping to spread the good word about SPJST. Best wishes for a successful conven tion. Fraternally submitted, Floyd Kostelka, Chairman District One Lynda Novak, Vice Chairman District Three Baley Stavinoha, Secretary District Five Amber Bartek - District Two Sharon Hohmann - District Four Marjorie Treumer - District Six Trey Bielefeld - District Seven —SPJST—