Chamber Information

Responsibilities of Individual Directors

Authority
The Chamber of Commerce is a democratic organization, representing the entire community, with membership reaching to every phase of community life. The first and last authority is in the membership. The authority of the mass must be concentrated, so members speak and act through representatives to whom they delegate their authority -- the Board of Directors.

Nature of the Board
Each director serves as a representative of the Chamber and should not use the position or authority of the Chamber for special interest purposes. Board members should be a group chosen because of their interest in the Chamber of Commerce, their standing in the community, and their experience and ability in civic affairs.

Function of the Board
The functions of the board of directors are legislative in nature. They are the policy forming branch of the organization. They:

• Approve the program of work and the budget
• Receive and pass on committee reports
• Direct general activities of the organization
• Attend functions of the Chamber, such as the General Membership Meetings, Annual Meeting, Ribbon-Cutting Events

While the board of directors does not want to do all the thinking for the organization, they must assume responsibility for final decision, except in those cases where decisions are by referendum or in public meetings submitted to the membership.

Relation of Director to Chamber Policy
It should be understood that you as an individual have no authority to commit the Chamber of Commerce to any action or policy. You have a right to exert your influence with the board, but your authority does not go beyond your vote; and you should abide by the decision of the board.

Relation of Director to the Public
In the eyes of the public you are the Chamber of Commerce. You should be ready to discuss the affairs of the Chamber at any time with interested members, so far as this is consistent with the nature and demands of your own business. You are fully authorized to speak for the Chamber in those areas where the Chamber has a clearly defined and formulated policy. You should refer a grievance or suggestion to the entire board.

The director should be an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, positive and enthusiastic about its work.

Relation of Board of Directors to the Staff
Suggestions, corrections or grievances concerning Chamber employees should be made to the CEO. Individually the status of the Board of Directors is advisory with respect to staff and legislative with respect to the institution. Instruction from you to the CEO should be embodied in joint action of the board.

Responsibility to the Board
With respect to your relationship to other board members, you are a co-partner with them in the important work of seeking to improve the commercial, industrial, and civic life of the community through the activities of the Chamber of Commerce. You should:

• Accept election to the board as a definite responsibility to the membership, to the community, and to your fellow board members
• Be scrupulous in your disassociation of all personal interests from the chamber of commerce activities
• Regard your position as a public trust
• Take an attitude toward fellow board members of tolerance for their viewpoints and conciliation for their differences
• Calendar your time to attend the maximum number of board meetings, understanding that three unexcused consecutive absences constitute withdrawal from the Board
• Be prompt for all meetings out of courtesy for fellow board members, knowing lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. and Board business will commence promptly at 11:45 a.m.
• Be prepared to chair a committee as requested by the Chairman of the Board.

Relation of Directors to Committees
The board of director members have a responsibility to all committees to:

• Keep informed as to their activities
• Channel the efforts of each committee in the proper direction and relationship to the overall Chamber mission
• Study and make decisions on committee recommendations.

All committees will bring their program of work to the board in the form of a committee report or recommendation for final approval and instructions before definite committee action can be taken. Committee chairmen should schedule a committee meeting in advance of the February board meeting to plan a program of work and appoint sub-chairmen. Major committees should have need for at least regular monthly meetings. Members “sign up” for committees as they renew their membership.

Relation of Directors to the Program of Work
The board of directors shall have final approval of the new program of work, and any additions or deletions thereto. Individual directors should bear in mind the general purpose of the chamber of commerce, and evaluate suggested programs or projects in relationship to that purpose.   A broad concept would have activities fall into one of four general areas:

• Preservation of American economic system of private enterprise and the responsible freedom of the individual
• All public issues are clearly within the field of interest of the Chamber of Commerce, but purely partisan political issues are not
• The full development and maximum utilization of the resources available and necessary to the economic development of the community
• The promotion of the civic and social aspects of the community as they relate to the individual or groups of citizens within the community

Relation of Director to the Budget
The annual budget is prepared by the CEO, reviewed and recommended by the Executive Committee, and approved by the Board of Directors on the basis of need for the economic and efficient operation of the organization. No advance may be made from the general fund for a special purpose or fund, except upon the authorization of the Executive Board and the Board of Directors.

Relation of the Director to Publicity
It is essential for the continued voluntary cooperation and support of the organization that the lines of communications between the Board of Directors and the public be developed to the optimum. While board meetings and committee meetings are not always open to representatives of the news media, information may be available shortly after the meeting. All statements in behalf of the Chamber by officers, board members, committee chairmen, and others must be in accord with previously established Chamber policy or cleared through the Executive Committee.