Member Services
Minnesota Newspaper Association Advertising Placements Annual Convention & Trade Show Better Newspaper Contest Classified Advertising on the Internet Committee Work Opportunities Government Affairs Group Insurance Legal Hotline Libel Insurance Long Distance Savings MCAN - Minnesota Classified Advertising Network 2x2 Network MINN Meeting Space Minnesota Newspaper Foundation Newspaper Directory & Rate Sheets The Minnesota Newspaper Swap Placement Service & Equipment Exchange Press Cards Regional Membership Meetings Resource Network Directory Statewide Readership Survey Target Date / NIE Program Weekly Bulletin 401(k) Plan for Member Newspapers Other Services Available Directions to the MNA Central Office MNA Central Office Staff Telephone Numbers
MINNESOTA NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION
The Minnesota Newspaper Association was founded February 20, 1867, in St. Paul, Minnesota. It remains one of the oldest state newspaper associations in the United States.
The purpose of the Minnesota Newspaper Association is defined in its Certificate of Incorporation:
The general purpose and plan of operation of this Corporation shall be:
- To promote and cultivate cooperation, understanding, a spirit of fraternal regard and friendly relations among its members.
- To promote the welfare of the newspaper industry and the interests of the press by securing unity of thought and action in all matters pertaining to the profession of journalism and the newspaper publishing business.
- To secure improved standards in the practice of the profession of journalism, and to promote a high standard of conduct and professional ethics in the business of newspaper publishing by elevating its tone, purifying its expressions, enlarging its usefulness, advancing its wisdom and justice, and extending its influence in the work of true civilization.
- To act as an educational center and medium for the dissemination of knowledge and information as to improved methods of managing and conducting newspapers and allied industries.
- To represent its members and furnish services to its members upon such terms and conditions as may be established from time to time by the Board of Directors.
- To purchase, hold, own, lease, mortgage, sell, and convey such real and personal property as may be necessary, convenient, or useful for the purpose of carrying out the general purpose and plan of operation of this corporation.
- In general, to do all things and perform all acts necessary, incidental, or convenient to accomplish, carry out, and promote the aforesaid general purpose and plan of operation.
The Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) is governed by a Board of Directors. Officers of the Board include the President, three Vice Presidents, a Treasurer and an immediate Past President. There are three directors serving three-year terms. Officers and directors take office at the annual meeting during the MNA Convention.
Members of the Board of Directors are elected from newspapers across the
state. 
ADVERTISING PLACEMENTS
Add more sales power and extra income to your advertising bottom line. MNA places display advertising, classified advertising and inserts.
MNA places millions of dollars in advertising each year in our member papers. Through our ONE ORDER-ONE BILL service, advertisers may easily place ads in many newspapers, using MNA's service. MNA takes care of insertion orders, rates, ad placement, collection of tearsheets and payment to the papers.
Through our national network, MNA can easily place ads in any and all newspapers across the country.
Electronic delivery of advertising copy to some newspapers is available.
ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW
The largest state newspaper association convention in the nation draws around 800 people for its educational sessions and lively trade show.
MNA's Board of Directors, and the Central Office staff, plan an educational,
productive and inspirational convention, allowing members to learn new
approaches to old problems, old solutions to new problems and ways to avoid
problems, old and new. Nuts - and - bolts sessions include those designed to
teach managers, reporters, editors, publishers, photographers and journalism
students.
BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
One of the reasons for MNA's existence, as laid down in the Association's Articles Of Incorporation (Art. 111) is: "To secure improved standards in the practice and the profession of journalism." The purpose of this annual contest, therefore, is to recognize excellence in the various aspects of newspaper journalism so that the practice and profession in Minnesota may be advanced.
All active and associate members of MNA may enter the contest and compete for
excellence in reporting, editorial writing, advertising, and photography.
Members compete with the best. Nothing motivates a staff like a first place
award or a trophy.
COMMITTEE WORK OPPORTUNITIES
The foundation of any strong association rests squarely on the shoulders of the members of various committees. The volunteer members fulfill needs by working toward the achievement of various goals. MNA committee members are very hardworking.
There are six general committees open to membership by any MNA member. Committees generally meet three to five times a year.
Legislative
Advertising
Journalism Education
Daily Newspaper
Technology
Member Services
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
The tentacles of government are getting longer every year. Fortunately, MNA is protecting business, access and First Amendment interests in the state legislature and at the county and local levels. Of primary importance are issues related to Open Meetings, Open Records, Public Notice Advertising and Tax and Environmental Issues affecting the newspaper industry.
During each legislative session, MNA member newspapers are kept aware of the
latest legislative news in the weekly Bulletin. Members are informed with a
synopsis of each legislative bill of interest and the stated position taken on
the measure, if any, by MNA.
GROUP INSURANCE
You can save major dollars and control your newspaper's accident risk with workers' compensation insurance. Workers' compensation insurance, auto insurance and business owners insurance are available through State Auto Insurance Companies. Our dividend program returns premium dollars when claims are low.
For information on the State Auto Dividend Safety Group Program, contact Jeff Cunningham at Musty-Barnhart Agency at 1-800-475-7128.
MNA can also provide solid benefits for you and your staff through our group health insurance.
For information on group programs for medical, disability or life insurance,
call Jeff Cunningham at 1-800-475-7128.
LEGAL "HOTLINE"
It's like having your own staff media attorney. One call to the hotline could save your newspaper thousands of dollars in legal fees. Both pre- and post-publication advice is offered in libel, privacy, and other First Amendment issues.
Participants in the Plan pay a small annual fee to the Plan. With these funds, the Plan retains an attorney familiar with media and newspaper law matters.
This attorney is available to Plan participants at all times to answer questions, either by phone or letter. There is no limit on the number of consultations per year, so long as the questions can be answered without the need for extensive legal research or investigation.
The Hotline attorney is Mark Anfinson at 612/827-5611. Discounts are
available to newspapers in group ownership.
LIBEL INSURANCE
Excellent libel coverage at an affordable price is available through MNA's program. Without adequate insurance, your newspaper could be lost.
For information, contact: Walter Coady at 1-800-638-8791.
Newspapers that are also members of NNA receive a discount.
A discount is also available to members of MNA's Legal Hotline.
LONG DISTANCE SAVINGS
Save on long distance calls by joining our association savings program
through McLeod USA and American Business Communications. You'll get high quality
service, lower long distance rates, toll-free 800 numbers and travel card
services at a reduced rate, all with no installation charge or monthly service
fee.
MCAN-MINNESOTA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK
Minnesota Classified Advertising Network reaches about 2 million readers. It is a statewide network in which clients may place a classified ad through a participating newspaper or through MNA and have that classified ad appear in all the participating newspapers ( about 240) representing about 2 million readers.
Member newspapers who run MCAN ads receive an end-of-year "kitty" rebate and retain a generous portion of the price for a 25-word ad.
2x2 NETWORK
MNA's 2x2 Network (also called MDAN-Minnesota Display Advertising Network) is an alternative to traditional display advertising at a special price. The 2x2 statewide network reaches over 2.3 million readers. Clients may place an ad measuring 2 columns wide by 2" deep, or 2 columns wide by 4" deep (2x4), in over 260 newspapers with one phone call. Clients can buy four separate regions or the whole state.
Member newspapers carrying the 2x2 and 2x4 ads receive an end-of-year "kitty
rebate" and retain about half of the sales
price.
MINN
MNA's MINN (Minnesota Internet Newspaper Network) program consists of nearly 60 members newspaper websites. Advertisers can place on ad in the network for one week at a low cost and get a ton of exposure!
Member newspapers who run MINN ads receive an end-of-year "kitty rebate" and
retain about half of the sales
price.
MEETING SPACE
If you find yourself in need of meeting space in the Minneapolis area, the
MNA Central Office has a conference room available for use by member newspapers.
Call the MNA Central Office as far in advance as possible to schedule meeting
space.
MINNESOTA NEWSPAPER FOUNDATION (MNF)
The MNF is dedicated to improving the quality of newspapers in Minnesota. The Foundation conducts hands-on training programs to help newspaper people to do their jobs more effectively. (www.minnesotanewspaperfoundation.org)
MNF also operates the Minnesota Newspaper Museum which is located on the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. This permanent, letterpress-era exhibit fascinates over 40,000 visitors each summer as they watch volunteers produce a daily newspaper.
Finally, MNF manages the Twin Cities Journalists' Abroad Fund, a scholarship program for college journalism students who want to study overseas.
Deb Flemming is the interim Executive
Director of MNF and her phone number is
612/672-0948.
NEWSPAPER DIRECTORY
MNA publishes an annual directory of its newspaper members. Detail includes newspaper name, address, phone and fax numbers, e-mail and web page addresses, printing specifications, circulation, etc. Newspapers are listed by county and by group. The directory also lists shoppers and additional publications and newspaper associations around the nation
Twice a year, MNA publishes a rate sheet, listing the advertising rates and
circulation of each member
newspaper.
THE MINNESOTA NEWSPAPER "SWAP"
One or two different newspapers are sent to "SWAP" members (by SWAP members)
each week of the year, offering new ideas in news, advertising and design.
Contact MNA to
participate.
PLACEMENT SERVICE AND EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE
Need a reporter, photographer or advertising sales representative? How about a publisher, press operator, or jack-of-all trades? Another member service of MNA is the Employment Placement listing in the weekly Bulletin and on MNA's web page. MNA's Ad Page also lists experienced newspaper employees and recent college graduates looking for jobs with Minnesota newspapers.
Trying to get rid of that old computer? Looking for a used computer? Industry
"For Sales," "Trades," "Wanteds," or "Give Aways" are included on MNA's Ad Page
in each weekly
Bulletin.
PRESS CARDS
Annual MNA press cards are available to members for employees.
RESOURCE NETWORK DIRECTORY
The Minnesota Newspaper Resource Network Directory is a listing of names of
people who can be information resources in various areas of newspapering. They
are available by phone to answer your questions and to help you solve your
problems.
STATEWIDE READERSHIP SURVEY
About every three years, MNA commissions a statewide readership survey of 1,200 Minnesota residents, asking them about their media use habits. Consistently we find strong newspaper readership in Minnesota.
The survey always demonstrates that newspapers and their websites are the
primary source for local advertising information, and that newspapers carry the
most trusted
advertising.
TARGET DATE/NIE PROGRAM
MNA's involvement in Newspaper in Education (NIE) includes providing information to newspapers and schools to help students learn by using the newspaper. The MNA Bulletin gives information on ideas and resources for NIE programs.
"Scoop the Newshound," a coloring and activity booklet about recycling is available to MNA members to use in their NIE programs.
"Newspaper Target Date" is a statewide endeavor designed to encourage
exploration of Minnesota's cultural and economic diversity by comparing
communities through the newspapers that serve them. Target Date is scheduled for
the month of March each year, in commemoration of NIE
month.
WEEKLY BULLETIN
The write stuff! The MNA weekly Bulletin keeps members informed about the
newspaper industry. Our weekly Bulletin is our "life line" with our members,
packed with useful, up-to-date information on issues affecting newspapers
nationally and locally.
OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE
- 401(k) Plan for Member Newspapers. MNA has endorsed the plan offered by LAWCO allowing members to establish their own 401(k) or profit sharing plan for their employees. This retirement program offers a variety of investment opportunities and the ability to carefully monitor how each investment is growing
- MNA's Press Release Service: MNA's Press Release Service distributes press releases, public service announcements, etc., from the general public to our newspapers. Releases are provided to the newspapers electronically.
-
Advertising Sales Enhancements. MNA provides advertising
sales aids to its member newspapers, usually at no cost. These include annual
planning calendars, house ads, and helpful
brochures.
DIRECTIONS TO THE MNA CENTRAL OFFICE
The MNA office is in downtown Minneapolis, accessible by all major freeways. We're in Suite 1120 of the Plymouth Building located at 12 South 6th Street. The entrance to the Plymouth Building is on 6th Street, between Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Avenue. The landmark restaurant Murray's is a few doors away.
Parking is available in nearby parking ramps or you can use the valet parking
under the building. Enter on Hennepin Avenue, between 5th and 6th Streets.
MNA CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF
- Executive Director: Lisa Hills
- Assistant Executive Director: Barbara Trebisovsky
- Executive Assistant: Kris Wheldon
- Accounting Director: Lenora Steman
- Accounting Assistant: Debbie Evans
- Advertising Service Representative: Phil Morin
- Advertising Service Representative: Jeanne Cummings
- Network Advertising Manager/Print Media Specialist: Randy Kelsey
- Print Media Specialist: Claudia Johnson
- Assistant Print Media Specialist: Matt Terres
- Advertising Assistant/Tearsheeting: Karen Youngren
- Advertising Assistant: Lori Liesenfelt
TELEPHONE NUMBERS/ADDRESSES
Minnesota Newspaper Association 12 South Sixth Street, Suite
1120 Minneapolis, MN 55402-1502 Phone Numbers: 612/332-8844 or 800/279-2979 (MN)
Fax Number: 612/342-2958 e-mail: mna@mna.org
Web address: www.mna.org
Minnesota Newspaper Foundation 12 South Sixth Street, Suite
1116 Minneapolis, MN 55402-1502 Phone Number: 612/672-0948 Fax Number:
612/342-2958 e-mail: mnf@mna.org
www.minnesotanewspaperfoundation.org