GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Committee shall publish a periodic newsletter. Each newsletter should contain such pertinent information as meeting notices, technical meetings, social functions, international news, section activities, and any other newsworthy items. Other significant news should also be included, such as election results, appointments, actions of the board, recognition of accomplishments of Section members, lists of new members, and the annual financial report.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities include:

• Determine the operating budget for the year.
• Develop a layout and format for the year.
• Lay out a schedule for each committee chairperson’s report.
• Gather information from the House and Program Committees on monthly meetings.
• Deliver copy to the printer on a timely basis.
• Develop subjects for technical articles.
• See that the newsletter is distributed to members at the proper time.
• Send extra copies of the newsletter to Board members.
  
  

COMMUNICATION
Every effort should be made to develop a schedule for the required input for the entire year. This way, all parties are advised well in advance when the material is due. Follow-up by phone and at monthly Board meetings is required.

BUDGETING
Process used to develop the budget:

• Determine the number of pages, quality of paper, and number of colors to be used.
• Estimate costs for the year.
  Calculate costs and number of advertisers needed to balance the budget.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Committee is also responsible for planning and producing a social affair for Holidays that will provide an environment for fellowship among SPE members and guests.

The Communications Committee shall select a suitable facility and menu, subject to any constraints either stipulated or voted on by the board. The
Communications Committee shall also be responsible for the sale of tickets, and all monies collected shall be turned over to the Section Treasurer, who is responsible for the payment of all bills.

In the conduct of their duties, the Communications Committee Chairperson should reference the following guidelines:

GUIDELINES
A. Establish objectives by the June planning meeting each year – (ex.
Increase attendance over the previous year).
B. Establish a general budget for the Holiday party, including cost of location, food, entertainment, printing, etc. prior to the June planning meeting.
C. Contract a suitable location no later than September of the same year.

OTHER COMMITTEES IMPACTED
Communication and coordination with the following officers/committees are crucial:

• Public Interest
• Treasurer
• House Committee
• Program/House
• President-Elect

COMMUNICATION
Oral and written progress reports are to be submitted to the Board. Committee meetings are scheduled as needed.

The Communications Committee also has the general and specific
responsibilities pertaining to Public Information, as noted below:

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The purpose of the Communications Committee is to inform the public about the activities of the Detroit Section and about any issues pertaining to the plastics industry on a local and/or an international level.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Committee shall establish contact with local media persons, the Public Relations and Promotion Director of the Society, and the editor of Plastics Engineering magazine.

The Communications Committee shall prepare and distribute to the appropriate personnel details on all newsworthy Section activities. Any regular Section meeting or conference shall be announced in advance and include information with regard to whether non-members will be admitted.

Photographs of speakers, award presentations, donations, etc., should be provided to the media and to the Section Coordinator at the Executive Office for publication in the Section/Division Newsletter.

The Communications Committee should serve as spokespeople for the Detroit Section in matters of public interest.