BizNet Policies and Bylaws

Effective 1/1/11

BizNet operates under the following policies and by-laws:

GENERAL POLICIES

• Members are expected to build business relationships with fellow members so a professional trust level can be built over time, which will support the free exchange of leads.
• Weekly leads are expected from all members. If a member cannot attend the weekly meeting they are expected to email their lead(s) to the Biznet Secretary.  Any member not contributing a bona-fide lead at the weekly meeting or emailing a lead to the secretary will be assessed a $1 fine.  Each member giving a lead will be entered in the drawing for that week’s “pot.”
• All leads are confidential – never expose the BizNet member to potential backlash. All leads were “overheard in an elevator.”  Never use a BizNet member’s name unless the member has given permission.
• Leads given in our group should never be shared with other groups or competitors. While we cannot prevent members from belonging to other groups, all BizNet members are obligated to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the group.

BUSINESS OVERLAP

• Each targeted business profession will be represented by one member. New members will be voted on by the entire membership after a courtesy visit.
• Any overlap of professional services or products is expected to be worked out between the involved members. The BizNet Board will settle all unresolved member issues.
• The senior member’s position within an existing service area will be protected when overlaps develop. The junior member is expected to respect the decision of the senior member in regard to how leads in the overlap area are handled.

BUSINESS INFORMATION

• All members will need to monitor and update their online Member Profiles which can be viewed and printed from the BizNet website (www.treasurevalleybiznet.com). Changes should be emailed to the BizNet Secretary for forwarding to the appropriate web editor.
• All members will supply 25 business cards to the Biznet Secretary and keep them current on an as-needed basis.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

• Attendance – Weekly attendance is expected by all members. Members are allowed a reasonable number of absences, but there is a limit. At the board’s discretion, leads may be withheld from members who miss 3 consecutive meetings.  Members place their position in jeopardy if they miss more than 4 meetings in any calendar quarter.
• Members who miss a meeting will be assessed a $1 fine at the next meeting for each meeting they missed.  The fine will be added to the weekly “pot.”
• Meetings will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m.  Members who arrive after the meeting begins will be assessed a $1 fine.
• Members who are asked to leave BizNet due to the lack of attendance will forfeit their membership dues.

QUARTERLY DUES

• The quarterly dues are collected to defray the weekly costs of the breakfasts, club supplies, maintaining the website, and secretary wages. Dues are fully payable within 30 days of billing, and are expected to be paid on a timely basis. New members will be billed on a pro-rated basis if they join during a quarter. (Current dues are $135 per quarter).
• Excess dues can be used for professional development and social events at the discretion of the membership and Board.

BIZNET BOARD OF DIRECTORS

All members of BizNet are requested to rotate through the volunteer leadership posts. The BizNet Board is comprised of the following officers who serve for one calendar year terms:

A) President – Oversees weekly meetings and coordinates all group activities.

B) Vice President (President-Elect) – Backs-up the president and presides over meetings when the president is absent. Each fall an election is held for this position. Each member is asked to give serious consideration to allowing their name to be considered for this rotating leadership position.  The VP is responsible to see that all new members receive and sign the Policies and Bylaws. The VP assumes the office of President at the beginning of the second year in office.

C) Treasurer – Handles all group finances.  This includes sending out quarterly dues billings, collecting and depositing dues, paying group expenses such as bills for meals and social events, and other financial duties. The Treasurer manages the bank account and maintains the group checkbook. All expenditures must be approved by the board.

D) Speaker Coordinator – Coordinates the scheduling of both internal and external weekly speakers. All members are asked to make a formal presentation about their business at least once a year. Members are also encouraged to assist the speaker coordinator by recommending guest speakers from the community.

E) BizNet Secretary – This is the only paid position in BizNet. The secretary maintains all attendance records, maintains the business card file, and compiles all weekly leads and distributes them via email within 48 hours of each meeting. The secretary is a permanent position and is not an active leads-generating member.

F) Past President – The immediate past president sits on the Board for one year to ensure continuity of club process.

MEMBER AFFIRMATION:
“I have read the BizNet policies and By-laws.  I agree to abide by them as a pre-requisite for membership in BizNet.”

Name________________________________________
Company_____________________________________

 
Signed________________________________________     Date________________

(Please sign and date this affirmation and return it to the Vice-President or Secretary, who will keep it on file. Additional copies of the Policies and By-Laws are available from the Secretary.)