Bylaws

Of

Pelham Chamber of Commerce, Inc

ARTICLE I: Name, Mission Statement, Vision

Section 1. Name

The Corporation's name shall be Pelham Chamber of Commerce, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation".

Section 2. Mission Statement

The Pelham Chamber of Commerce provides advocacy, education, networking and promotion for Pelham businesses so that they may grow in partnership with the community, and work together with the town for the common good.

Section 3. Vision

The Pelham Chamber of Commerce will become a driving force in the development and preservation of a thriving town wherein the businesses are central to our residents’ positive lifestyle and community experience.

ARTICLE II:

Section 1. Membership

Membership is open to all businesses in the Village of Pelham, Pelham Manor, Westchester and the surrounding communities. The Corporation will determine membership dues each January. Dues are charged per business (member) and are submitted annually. A "Member" is defined as a person or business who has paid dues.

Section 2. Record of members

The Secretary shall maintain a roster of the current members who are entitled to vote and publish such list on the Corporation’s website.

ARTICLE Ill: Meeting of Members

Section 1. Meetings

An Annual Organizational Meeting shall be held each year at a date, time and place established by the Members at the prior annual organizational meeting or at a date, time and place as approved by the Members at another meeting at least 30 days prior.

A schedule of Member meeting dates, times and places shall be recommended by the President, established by resolution at the Annual Organizational Meeting and sent to all members upon adoption.

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special Meetings of the Members may be called by the President and one officer, or upon request of one-fifth (1/5) of the Members giving five days’notice to all Members.

Section 3. Quorum

A quorum is defined a simple majority.  A quorum for the transaction of business of the Members shall be constituted by those present at a regular meeting or a special meeting subsequent to notification of agenda items.

Section 4. Organization

The President shall preside at all meetings of the members.  If the President is not present, then the appropriate officer in succession in the order shall (set forth in Article IV) shall preside. Parliamentary procedure questions or concerns shall be determined by a quorum.

ARTICLE IV: Officers

Section 1. Number

The officers of the Corporation shall consist of; President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. Election, Term and Vacancies

Nominations will be held at the Annual Organizational Meeting and voted on at the same meeting by the Members present. The officers will be elected to a term of 1 year by taking office at the January meeting. Any vacancy will be filled at the next regular meeting by election. The maximum consecutive term of all officers shall be 4 years or 4 terms in each office.

Section 3. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will meet a minimum of 2 times per year, and conduct a meeting as long as 3 Members are present. The board will consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and 4 other board members. Each board member will chair or cochair a committee for a term of 1 year.  The maximum consecutive term of all board members shall be 4 years or 4 terms as chair or co-chair of each committee.

The Board of Directors may remove any director for cause only. 

A director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to any officer of the Corporation.  Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board of Directors or such officer.  Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. 

Newly created directorships or vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled by a quorum of the Board of Directors then in office.  Vacancies occurring by reason of the removal of directors shall be filled by a vote of the remaining Board.  A director elected to fill a vacancy caused by resignation, death, or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired term of his predecessor.

Section 4. Duties of officers

The President shall prepare and send to Members a meeting agenda in advance of each meeting, preside at all meetings, recommend committee appointments, represent the Corporation and perform such other duties as approved by the Members.

The Vice President shall perform any of the duties of the President whenever requested by the President.

The Secretary shall take minutes of all meetings of the Corporation, shall present draft minutes for approval by the Members and shall maintain a record of approved minutes

The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the Corporation, be responsible of record keeping of all revenues and expenses, present regular financial reports and perform other duties as required.

ARTICLE V: Finance

Section 1. Fund Raising

The Corporation will sponsor and conduct fund raising events for the purpose of promoting the community and achieving the goals and duties of the Corporation.

Section 2. Expenditures

Any event budget over $1,000, or any other non-budget expenditure over $500, must be voted on and approved by a two-thirds vote of the board. All expenses must be for activities previously approved of by the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI:

Section 1. Committees

The Corporation shall establish by resolution voted upon at its annual organizational meeting and the President may recommend at any subsequent regular meeting the formation of member committees as deemed necessary or helpful in fulfilling the purposes of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VII: Amendment of Bylaws

Section 1. Proposal and vote of Amendment

We Hereby Certify this on the 23rd of January 2023, that the foregoing By-laws of Pelham Chamber of Commerce, Inc were duly ratified and accepted in in its final form by a majority of Members.  Any amendments must be presented to the Members for review and consideration at any regular meeting.  Any change shall be approved by a majority vote of the Members present.