by Doris Ballard

I am now serving on the Board of the ACM-NE and as Chair of the organization’s Conference Committee. In this position I work closely with those that host our regional events and also have the pleasure of getting to know people from other access centers throughout the Northeast. But I’d like to think that my most important role as a member of the Board is that of liaison between the ACM-NE and our New Hampshire friends in PEG.

The value of those relationships was once again reinforced as I planned my stay in Burlington, Vermont for the recent Spring ACM-NE Conference on May 21-22. With the budget cuts at Concord TV, there was no line item in place that would allow me to be reimbursed for my hotel and registration expenses as there had been in the past. So I was faced with the cost of subsidizing expenses on my own. Realizing my situation, the Board of the NHCCM graciously provided some support that would allow me to attend and work at the Conference without worrying about my personal finances. I was truly humbled by their kindness, but not surprised since I understand (and appreciate) the NHCCM’s commitment to PEG Access and to our umbrella organization, the Alliance For Community Media.

So, with financial concerns out of the picture, I was free to work on the conference with greater enthusiasm and zest! Collaborating with Rob Chapman, Director of VCAM, his staff, and everyone on the ACM-NE Board to bring the conference to the beautiful campus of Champlain College in Vermont was a wonderful experience. Our vendors were supportive of the event and had opportunities to make presentations as part of the workshop tracks. I must mention that Keith Thibault did a fantastic job once again recruiting many companies to participate in the Trade Show.

Kudos to Chuck Sherwood for organizing four sets of workshops that included tracks in New Media and PEG 2.0; Media Reform and Telecom Policy; and, Collaborations with Local Nonprofi ts, Old and New Media. Social Media was the hit of the weekend, with everyone on their computers every chance they could in the hallways and classrooms learning more about the popular networking sites, Twitter and Facebook, etc.

Another highlight was our special guest and keynote speaker Helen Soule, Executive Director of the National ACM. She kept us informed on the progress of the ACM under her new leadership and motivated attendees to attend the National Conference in July in Portland.

Vermont Community Access Media (VCAM) held an evening gathering at their station on Thursday evening, giving an opportunity for more networking and a peek at their amazing facility. Rob and his staff were terrific hosts, both at the conference and the party.

Other thanks go to Jason Daniels and Lauren-Glenn Davitian for helping with workshops, and other members of the Committee, Barbara Chisholm, Nancy Richard, and Deb Rogers.

All in all, I have come to truly appreciate the hard work of the ACM-NE Board and the passion that each and every one of them bring to PEG Access as well as that of my fellow members of the NHCCM. Th anks to all!

(0) Discuss This Article