Newark Valley Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

By Laws

P O BOX 295

Newark Valley, New York 13811

Revised March 20, 2006

I.                NAME, LOCATION, AND PURPOSE

1.       The name of this organization shall be the Newark Valley Chamber of Commerce.

2.       Its main mailing address will be PO BOX 295 Newark Valley, NY 13811. Its meeting location is the Municipal Building, Park St, Newark Valley, NY. Meetings may be held at any other location at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

3.       The purpose of the Chamber is to be a not-for-profit organization consisting of all size businesses. The mission of the Chamber is, “To promote a business climate in which our community will grow and prosper, which will ultimately provide an ideal place to raise our families.”

4.       The Newark Valley Chamber of Commerce will use “Robert’s Rules of Order” as a guide in conducting its proceedings.

II.           ELECTION OF OFFICERS

1.       A general election of the Board of Directors of Newark Valley Chamber of Commerce shall be scheduled for not less than thirty (30) days before the anniversary date of February 1, each year.

2.       A nominating Committee will be organized no less than thirty (30) days before the annual meeting. The committee will consist of three (3) members of the Chamber in good standing. The President will appoint members first from volunteers. In the absence of volunteers, the President may appoint the Nominating Committee from the general membership at large.

a.   The Board of Directors will consist of eight (8) members, the terms will be for one year.

b.   The nomination committee will submit nominations for specific Board of Director positions that are due. These positions will be voted on by the general membership. The officers selected will consist of:

                                                i.      President

                                    ii.   Vice President

                                    iii.   Treasurer

                                    iv.   Secretary

                                    v.    Four (4) Directors

c.    The responsibilities of the Board of Directors shall be as follows:

                                i.      President:

Shall chair all meetings, appoint all committees, break tie votes, call emergency meetings, coordinate all activities of organization, and oversee all operations of the organization.

                                    ii.    Vice President:

Shall assist the President in carrying out his/her duties; Perform duties of President in his/her absence.

                                    iii.   Treasurer:

Shall collect all proceeds of organization, keep accurate books for the organization, and provide a financial report at each meeting.

                                    iv.   Secretary:

Shall take accurate minutes at each meeting, perform administrative tasks as needed, send mailings, and maintain the membership roster and mailing list.

                                                v.     Directors: 

Shall oversee all appointed committees, and serve on the Executive Board.

d.   Unexpired terms are to be appointed by the president. If any positions remain open, the President will appoint a chamber member to fill out the position until the next election (either scheduled or special). If the position of President becomes open, the Vice President will then assume the duties and subsequently appoint a new Vice President. If a position on the board is vacant, that position will be filled by a chamber member.

3.       No individual can fill more than one position on the Board of Directors at any given time.

III.      DUES - MEMBERSHIP

1.       Annual dues are due in February. Failure to pay annual dues within ninety (90) days will terminate membership. New memberships will be accepted throughout  the year. Changes in annual dues must  be voted on by majority of the membership, and shall take effect the following February.  

2.       All prospective members must fill out and submit the necessary enrollment form to the Chamber.

3.       General membership is open to all businesses in the Northern Tioga County. The definition of business being, “A legal, intended-for-profit operation.” “The Chambers membership is open to persons within organizations and businesses engaged in supporting and providing community development and/or commercial activity within Northern Tioga County”. There will be one membership per business, and one (1) vote per membership.

IV.        MEETINGS

1.       Meetings are to be held monthly as deemed by the Board of Directors.

2.       A majority of the sitting Board is necessary to conduct business.

V.             FINANCES

1.       Chamber expenditures are made by voucher. All voucher requests will be submitted to the Treasurer. Vouchers will be approved and signed by at least four (4) board members.  Prior to payment all expenditures require a receipt.

2.       Out of pocket operating expenses up to $50.00 will be reimbursed with a valid receipt.

3.       All checks are to be signed by the Treasurer.

4.       An annual review will be made of our financial records by the Board.

VI.        FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP

1.       Indebtedness… the Treasurer shall report to the Board of Directors the name(s) of any member(s) whose indebtedness to the Chamber, including dues, is delinquent for ninety (90) days or more of the due date.

2.       Cause… any member may be expelled from the Chamber “for cause.” Expulsion requires a two-thirds vote of members present at a scheduled meeting.

VII.   AMENDING BYLAWS

1.       Proposed amendment to be submitted in writing to the board of directors at any regular meeting.

2.       Proposed amendment to the Bylaws will be made by majority of the sitting board and published to the membership to be voted on at the next general membership meeting.