The purpose of the Ashford Business Association is to promote and provide support to all businesses within the Town of Ashford. To act as a collective resource of business information and education. To create awareness of Ashford business within the community. To address common business issues with town government and to promote Ashford businesses, as positive Ashford citizens.

ARTICLE I

Membership shall be open to all Ashford business owners, meeting the following requirements:

• Members shall pay annual dues of $50.00 by September 1st of each year.

Failure to comply with these two requirements shall result in disqualification from voting privileges.

ARTICLE II Officers shall be elected by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting in September. Officers shall be installed at the close of the Annual Meeting, and shall serve until their successors have been duly elected and installed. In the event of the resignation or incapacity of any officer except the President (who would be succeeded by the Vice President), the vacancy may be filled by a vote of the Executive Committee. Duties of Officers are as follows: Section 1: President

• Shall serve a one calendar year term.
• Moderate the discussions of the group and set the agenda. ( i.e. keep the group's discussions and decisions on track and productive).
• Vote only in the event of a tie.
• Represent the Organization.
• Shall serve as ex-officio member of all subcommittees.

Section 2: Vice President

• Shall serve a one calendar year term.
• shall assume the responsibilities of the President in the President's absence.
• Monitor committee activities and discussions, and assist when deemed necessary.

Section 3: Secretary

• Shall serve a two calendar year term.
• Record the minutes of all meetings.
• Keep a file of the organization's records.
• Maintain a current roster of membership.
• Issue notices of meetings and conduct the general correspondence of the organization.

Section 4: Treasurer

• Shall serve a two calendar year term.
• Receive all funds and pay same on orders of the Executive Committee. Payments must also be signed by the President.
• Keep an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures and make reports as directed by the Executive Committee.
• Make a yearly audit to the membership at the end of each election year and file a copy with the Secretary.

Section 5: Executive Committee

• Shall serve based on the terms of their individual office.
• Responsible to the entire membership to uphold these by-laws.

The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officers. (Provision for two alternate members? Statement of voting quorum required for Executive Committee?)

ARTICLE III Section 1: Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting shall be held on the third Wednesday in September.

Section 2: Regular Meetings Regular Meetings shall be held on the third Wednesday of each month.

Section 3: Special Meetings

• Special meetings of the Association may be called for by the executive committee.
• Special meetings of the Executive Committee shall be called for by the President.

Section 4: Voting

• Voting shall be decided by a majority of the quorum.
• If more than 25 members are present, then 7 members shall constitute a quorum and if less than 25 members are present, 51% of those in attendance shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5: Parliamentary Authority Meetings shall be governed by the guidelines set forth in Robert's Rules of Order.

ARTICLE IV The Executive Committee shall create or dissolve any committees as needed. The Chairman of said committees shall be appointed by the Executive Committee, and approved by a majority vote of the members present. Committees shall be comprised of volunteer members.

ARTICLE V These by-laws may be amended at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of members present (providing there is a quorum, and notice was given at the previous meeting). All proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the President.