Rules and Regulations

The Association shall be called The Wellingborough & East Northants Chamber Of Commerce (hereafter called The Chamber).

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Chamber are to observe and monitor business activity and trading within the town and industrial areas of Wellingborough & East Northants, inclusive of its surrounding district. To take such active measures for the promotion and protection thereof as may be considered advisable in the interests of its members. To take considered steps which are deemed necessary to further enhance business prospects within Wellingborough & East Northants and District.
To affiliate with and/or support such organisations as the executive committee of the Chamber believes to be fit & appropriate in all matters affecting the interests of the members.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Chamber shall be open to all businesses, trades and professions within the town of Wellingborough & East Northants and district subject to their acceptability by the Officers and Executive Committee and the production of satisfactory references if required. Associate membership shall be open to all individuals who have an interest in the business of the district or who have been in employment or owned a business in the district, subject to their acceptability by the officers and Executive Committee and the production of satisfactory references if required.

Chamber membership means the business organisations and each of its employees. Representation may be by any number of people, however, at meetings each member shall be entitled to one vote only but may appoint a proxy authorised in writing to act on their behalf or submit a postal vote.

The Chamber Executive Committee shall recommend to the AGM, when an individual member having rendered outstanding service, be proposed for honorary membership. To those having rendered outstanding service and retired from business, Life Membership, both with all rights and privileges.

SUBSCRIPTION

The annual subscription payable on acceptance and subsequently on the 1st of February each year, shall be decided by the Executive Committee of the Chamber and approved at the Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
A person accepted for membership on or after the 1st of August shall pay a reduced subscription equal to one half of the agreed annual subscription and thereafter the full subscription on the 1st of February or an amount as agreed by the Executive Committee.

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Senior Vice President, Junior Vice President, Immediate Past President, Hon Treasurer and Hon Secretary and eight elected members, a total of fourteen. The eight elected members shall retire annually but shall be eligible for re-election at the Annual General Meeting or at an extraordinary General Meeting.
Past Presidents who retain their business/personal membership shall automatically be elected to the Executive Committee, providing they have attended a minimum of five executive committee meetings in the previous Chamber year. This attendance rule also applies to every executive member wishing to renew his or her position to serve on the executive, from the annual general meeting, held in April of each year.
The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt.
In the event of a tie in the number of votes cast or any dispute, the decision of the President shall be final and binding on all parties
The Management of the affairs of the Chamber shall be vested in the Executive Committee.
All major decisions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the next General Meeting.

ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The election of the eight elected members of the Executive Committee of the Chamber shall be annual from nominations as agreed at an Executive Committee meeting held at least ten days prior the Annual General Meeting. Nominations having been requested from members no less than ten days prior to the Executive Committee Meeting.
Members so nominated shall have given their prior consent to serve if elected.

MEETINGS

The Annual General Meeting of the Chamber shall be held in the month of April in each year and the agenda shall be sent to each member not less than ten days beforehand.
Full Executive Committee Meetings shall be held at least four times per year of which due notice shall be given to its members in writing. A quorum shall comprise four elected executive members.
General Meetings of the Chamber will be open to all members and held at least four times a year.
An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be called by the Secretary:
At any time pursuant to a Resolution passed at a meeting of the Executive Committee or;
Upon a request to the Secretary signed by seven members of the Chamber and stating the business to be transacted thereat.
All Members will have the power to vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting
The Agenda for all Extraordinary General Meetings shall be sent to each member at least ten days prior to the Meeting taking place.

RULES

Changes to the Rules of the Chamber may only be made at the Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting for adoption
A copy of the rules of the Chamber shall be supplied to each member.

FINANCE

The Treasurer will prepare accounts up to the 31st January each year, which will be audited and approved by the Executive Committee and submitted to the Annual General Meeting for adoption
Executive members who receive monies pertaining to Chamber activity will pass these monies directly to the Treasurer, whose responsibility it is to make record of and pay them into the Chamber account.
The funds of the Chamber shall be deposited in a bank account, the signature of which shall be any two of the Treasurer, President and Secretary
Accounts for payment shall be authorised by a majority of the Executive Committee. (Quorum of four)
Bankers, Solicitors and Auditors shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting each year
The Treasurer shall not make payments in excess of 100 in respect of a single transaction, without authorisation from the Executive Committee. (Discussion with the President & Secretary as needed.