Mount Gilead Merchants Association

ARTICLE I-NAME

The name of this entity shall be the MT. Gilead Merchant's Association (MGMA).
The governing body shall be the duly elected Officers.

ARTICLE II-MISSION STATEMENT

The Mt. Gilead Merchant's Association (MGMA) is a group of business professionals serving downtown Mt. Gilead and the surrounding area. These By-Laws constitute the rules adopted by the Association for the regulation and management of its affairs.

The mission of the MGMA is to further the role of its member businesses by providing coordination and information to its members as well as the general public. The association will:

        Stimulate awareness of the businesses and services
         available in Mt. Gilead.

        Unify member businesses, recognizing there is
         strength in numbers.

        Develop a calendar of events to promote members
        and their businesses.

        Participate in shaping the current and emerging
        business environment to promote high-quality
        products and services.

        Strive to attract additional businesses to Mt. Gilead

ARTICLE III-STRUCTURE AND REPRESENTATION

Section 1. - Eligibility

Any business in the Mt. Gilead area having interest will be eligible to apply for membership.

Section 2. - Members and Dues

The Mt. Gilead Merchant’s Association (MGMA) shall consist of the representatives from the active membership in good standing. Membership dues shall be at a rate voted by a majority vote. The current dues structure is $50/year. Annual dues are due and payable January 1. Any member failing to pay dues within 60 days shall be terminated from the active member list. However, members may join at any time during the year and their membership will be prorated. This is a non-profit organization. No dividends will be paid, and no part of the income of this Association will be distributed to its Members or Officers.

Section 3. - Meetings

The Mt. Gilead Merchant’s Association shall hold regular membership meetings. Location may vary at the discretion of the Officers. Special meetings may be called by the President (or his/her designate) as deemed necessary to conduct business or deal with urgent matters. A quorum is necessary to vote any matters coming before the association. A simple majority of the Members and Officers shall constitute a quorum. Each company may send up to two members. However, voting is limited to one vote per qualifying business.

Section 4. - Attendance

A Merchant Association member may choose not to attend meetings, although active participation and support is encouraged of all members.

Section 5. - Officers and Board Members

The Officers of the Mt. Gilead Merchant’s Association shall consist of five: President, Vice President, Secretary, Public Relations Officer and Treasurer as duly elected by the membership in good standing. Terms of the office shall be one year commencing on January 1st and ending December 31st. Nominations for office shall be made from the floor in November and ballots for office cast in December. The President’s duties will be to set agendas for and preside at all meetings, to coordinate the work of committees, and to make necessary decisions between meetings. The Vice President will assist the President, and act as President when the President is unable to function. The Secretary will keep and maintain minutes and keep an active membership list. The Treasurer will receive and maintain an account of all monies that accumulate for the Association and disperse monies at the direction of the membership. The Public Relation’s Officer will build, maintain, and manage the reputation of the Association using all forms of media and communication.

Section 6. - Committees

Committees may be appointed by the Board as needed. Committees shall be composed of at least one Association Member and shall have such powers as expressly delegated to them. Meetings of committees shall be decided on by committee members. Notice of these meetings shall be communicated to all committee members on a timely basis. No actions of Committees are final and binding unless such actions have specifically been previously approved by the Board, or are subsequently approved by the Board. ARTICLE IV-AMENDMENTS/DISSOLUTION

Section 1. - These by-laws may be amended, altered, repealed by any affirmative vote of the membership at any regular meeting. However, they will be reviewed at a minimum of once a year at the annual meeting.

Section 2. - The Association shall use funds only to accomplish the objectives and purposes specified in the by-laws. On dissolution of the Association, any funds remaining shall be distributed to one or more organized and qualified charitable, or educational organizations selected by the Board.