Effective Date: 10/06/2004

Amended: 08/29/07

Revised/Amended: 01/30/08

Revised: 02/13/08
Revised: 01/06/10

 

Greenville Business Network (GBN)

Bylaws

 

Article I: Purpose

 

The purpose of the Greenville Business Network shall be to support and refer local business to local business.  We will accomplish this through networking, socials and membership drive. 

 

Article II: Membership

 

1. Only one entity per professional specialty.  New potential members will submit an application with their professional specialty and the officers and/or membership committee will review the application and vote to either accept or deny the applicant’s membership.

 

a.)   Each person can only represent (1)-one business entity. 

b.)   The GBN by-laws can be amended at any regular meeting of the GBN by a simple vote, majority of those present prevails.

c.)   Unless otherwise provided for in these by laws all votes of the GBN will be by voice majority of those present at the time of the vote. Membership Committee will meet within 1-(one) week of and notify Board of approval or declination of New Membership Application.  Membership Committee will also contact member by phone or in person to state decision.  If approved, new member will be asked to bring business cards and dues to the next meeting.

Article III: Attendance

 

1. Meeting attendance is very important and all members should prioritize our meeting schedule.

a.)   Substitutes, outside the GBN network, will be permitted to fill-in for the member and shall count as attended for the member.  

b.)   If a member has (4)-four unexcused absences in any calendar year they will forego membership and their professional specialty will become available for new members.

c.)   Medical & emergency absences will be determined on a case-by-case situation by the Board.

d.)   In the event a member is unable to attend a scheduled meeting due to severe weather it will not be counted as an absence.  (Revised 2/08) (Revised 1/10)

e.)   90-day leave of absence: At the Board of Directors digression, if you are a member of good standing and are required either for business or personal to take a 90 day leave of absence, you may do so without foregoing membership. 

 

2. Members will arrive to meetings in a prompt fashion and be ready with a well-prepared 60-second    commercial and referral passing.

 

       a.) In order to provide the maximum respect for the members that arrive in a timely manner,  

            members arriving after the business meeting begins will be welcomed but not allowed to make  

            their presentation.

 

Article IV: Referrals

 

1.    Each member will respond to each referral in a timely, ethical manner.  Each member will conduct their  

             business with GBN members and referrals with a high level of ethical standards.  GBN will adopt the                  

golden rule “ Treat others as you want to be treated.”  Information provided at GBN meetings, should be  

             treated as confidential.

 

 

Article V: Networking

 

1.     Members are encouraged to set-up breakfast or lunch meetings with each other.  This will help    

members better understand each other’s business offerings.

 

Article VI: Dues

 

1. Dues for membership are $100.00 per year due January 1^st of each year. Renewal dues 

unpaid past 60 days from due date are considered delinquent and will be referred to the Membership Committee for action and probable expulsion.  Dues for new members joining will be $100.00 with a pro-rated amount for the following year.  Dues are not refundable.

 

a.) Dues will be deposited in an appropriate bank account and held for use by the GBN in an acceptable manner as determined by the majority of members present and voting at any regular meeting of the GBN.  In determining acceptable uses of GBN funds, members will restrict considerations to those that directly benefit the GBN i.e. business perpetuation, promotional advertising, membership drives and socials, member training, supplies, rents, etc.  Charitable opportunities, if considered, will only be approved by all members present and voting at the meeting by private ballot.  In order to be carried, the vote must be a 100% in favor.  Any single dissident, abstention or nay vote will prevail as a nay vote for the entire membership and the voting will immediately cease, issue resolved in the negative.

 

b.) In the event the GBN ceases to exist, the GBN will hold a Special Meeting to determine where any funds on deposit at the time of the disillusion will be dispersed.  Any other property owned will be dispersed among members on a first come basis.

 

Article VII: Officers

 

1.     Officers will serve a (1) year term.  Elections will be held during the last meeting of the calendar year by private ballot.

 

Article VIII: Duties of Officers

 

1. The duties of the officers shall be such as are specified in these bylaws.

 

2. President:
1. Run Meetings
2. Appoint and Oversee special committees as he/she sees necessary
3. Oversee Board Members

 

3. Vice-President:
1. Act for the President in his/her absence
2. Responsible for follow-up with guest/visitors of GBN
3. Assist the President and Secretary in his/her work
4. Keep business card file up-to-date
5. Also on the Membership Committee

 

4. Secretary:
1. Keep a record of attendance & referrals
2. Keep a membership list up-to-date with changes in membership and distribute to all members
3. Notify all members of meetings and events with calendar
4. Prepare Welcome Packets for new members
5. Keep a permanent file of all important documents/forms
6. Take minutes at each meeting and distribute to membership

5. Treasurer:

a.    Collect dues from membership; keep an accurate record; deposit the same in appropriate account for GBN; pay bills authorized by Board of Directors

2. Give quarterly reports to membership during GBN meeting.
3. Notify Members and Board of any failure to pay dues.