By-Laws

Article I. Duties of Officers
Section 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of Network and perform all duties pertaining to that office.

Section 2. In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-President shall perform all of the duties of the President.

Section 3. The Secretary shall record, maintain and communicate the minutes of all Board meetings. The Secretary also coordinates the member spot light for monthly meetings.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall receive and maintain all funds of Network. The Treasurer shall report monthly all financial transactions, submitting for board approval. She also prepares the financial annual report.

Article II. Election of Officers
Section 1. Officers shall be: a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer; each is installed at the annual meeting and will assume office the following January.

Section 2. With the exception of a two-year term for the Treasurer, the term of each officer shall be one year. No member shall hold the same office more than two terms in succession unless approved by the Board.

Section 3. Filling an unexpired term shall not be considered a term of office. Should an officer resign during her term, the Board of Directors shall appoint a person to assume that office for the remainder of the term.

Article III. Board of Directors
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers, the immediate past president, and five members-at-large.

Section 2. Terms for members-at-large may be one year unless approved by the board.

Section 3. The Board of Directors shall meet monthly at a day/time/location set by the sitting President.

Section 4. A simple majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5. No proxies shall be allowed. However, a vote by phone or e-mail may be obtained after the meeting.

Section 6. Incoming and outgoing members of the Board of Directors shall meet in November prior to the January meeting.

Section 7. Should a member-at-large resign during their term, the President shall appoint a person to assume that office for the remainder of the term.

Article IV. Membership
Section 1. Membership criteria include the following: (A) holds a position with executive- or upper-management level responsibilities in a public or private organization; the owner or manager of an enterprise; or has professional training and experience in areas including but not limited to accounting, architecture, economics, education, engineering, general business, manufacturing, technology, and law; (B) has demonstrated community concern and commitment; and (C) supports the purpose and objectives of Network. 

Section 2. Membership in Network shall be granted to those who meet the requirements of Article IV, Section 1, support its purposes, are approved by the board and who pay annual dues.

Membership provides the following: access to all secure member information, paid attendance for meetings from January through November, ability to communicate needs of your company (i.e. fundraising opportunities, employment, special events, etc.), option to serve on the board as an officer or in an at-large board position, ability to present at monthly meetings (currently known as monthly Spotlight) and the opportunity to be selected as Networker of the Year.

Section 2a. Substitutions: If a member is unable to attend regular meetings, she may delegate a substitute once per calendar year. Should the member resign and dues have been paid through her place of employment, a representative from that same company is allowed to continue the membership. The representative will be required to complete the membership application process.

Section 3. Resignation from membership shall be in writing. In accordance with membership policy, members in arrears in excessive of 90 days shall be removed from the roster.

Section 4. Sponsorship: Any applicant for membership must be sponsored by two existing members. If an applicant has no sponsors, she may request assistance from the board. Sponsors are responsible for orienting prospective members to Network’s purpose, objectives, membership criteria, fees, structure, activities and services before their applications are submitted. By sponsoring an applicant, a member assumes responsibility for recommending the applicant.

Section 5. Inactive membership: Any member who finds she may not be able to attend regular meetings and participate in activities may request Inactive Membership status through the Board. The request should be made prior to the deadline for payment of annual dues. If approved, this member may pay a percentage of annual dues to be determined by the board. The inactive member would also be responsible for paying the guest fee for each meeting she attends.

Section 6. Reinstatement of Membership: Members may not be reinstated until all dues in arrears are satisfied. After one year the member would be required to go through the membership application process.


Article V. Dues and Fees
Section 1. The deadline to receive payment of annual dues is the first monthly meeting of each New Year. A member may make a written request for quarterly or semi-annual billing. Also, new members pay an additional one-time membership fee.
Section 2. The amount of annual dues and membership fees shall be set by the Board with communication to the membership.
Section 3. Annual dues include the cost of the monthly luncheon, operational expenses, funding of scholarships, grants, and donations.


Article VI. Meetings 
Section 1. Regular meetings shall be held the fourth Friday of each month with the exception of November and December. Should the meeting fall on a holiday weekend the Board will determine whether to change the date and communicate the adjustment in a timely manner. 

Section 2. The Annual Meeting will be held in November on a date at the discretion of the Board. 

Section 3. Guests may attend up to three meetings. Guests must attend two meetings before being considered eligible for membership.


Article VII. Committees

Section 1. A nominating committee chaired by the Immediate Past President will be formed for the purpose of presenting a slate of officers and at large members for the following year.

Section 2. The slate of officers shall be published in the monthly newsletter and voted on by the membership at the October meeting.

Section 3. The President shall appoint any special committees as deemed necessary.


Article VIII. Amendments Members may propose amendments to the by-laws in writing for board review and approval.


Article IX. Parliamentary Authority
 Roberts Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority on all matters not covered by the constitution and by-laws.