ARTICLE I - Name
1) The name of this organization will be the Applegate Valley Business Association. The organization shall hereinafter be referred to as "The AVBA".
2) The principal business office of The AVBA shall be maintained in the County of Jackson of the State of Oregon.
ARTICLE II – Mission Statement
1) The mission of The AVBA is to support and promote businesses and business owners living and working in the rural areas of the Upper Applegate Valley. The goal is to create and maintain a unique and self-sustaining community. This mission is pursued by the following methods:
a) Provide opportunities for meeting and networking with other local business owners with the goal of establishing valuable cooperative relationships.
b) Promote the “Shop Local” concept.
c) Encourage tourism in the Applegate Valley.
ARTICLE III - Membership
1) Participants and Members must live and/or own a business within the designated AVBA Membership Area (see map under Membership Area). The Membership Area includes the rural areas of the Upper Applegate Valley.
2) It is the intent of The AVBA for all business owners within the Membership Area to participate in the AVBA regardless of membership status. All businesses within this area are entitled to the following items and encouraged to participate in the following activities:
a) Local Business Directory: The basic listing is free. The expanded listing is free to members and $20 per year to non-members.
b) Meetings: All business owners (Members and Non-members) within the Membership Area are encouraged to attend the Steering Committee Meetings and the Quarterly Round-ups. Concerns, suggestions, and ideas from MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS are welcome and encouraged, but only AVBA members can submit final decision votes.
c) Welcome Baskets: All business owners (Members and Non-members) within the Membership Area are encouraged to include information, coupons, give-aways, etc. in the Welcome Baskets distributed to new residents of the area.
d) Other AVBA Activities: For all activities sponsored by The AVBA requiring fees, AVBA members will be charged at a rate one-half that of non-members.
3) There will be two classes of membership in The AVBA: General Membership and Honorary Membership.
a) General Members: Membership fees are $60 per year ($5 per month) for the first business. Additional businesses in the same household are charged at the rate of one-half that of the first membership ($30 per year or $2.50 per month).
b) Honorary Members: Individuals serving as officers or committee chairs are allowed membership free of charge for the term of service. In addition, businesses providing significant contributions to The AVBA can receive Honorary Membership for the period of one year. These businesses are determined by nomination and vote of AVBA members attending the monthly Steering Committee meetings.
4) Members will be entitled to hold office and to submit final decision votes on issues regarding use of AVBA funds, projects and activities pursued by The AVBA, and other matters concerning the direction of The AVBA.
5) Resignation by a member can occur at any time for any reason. Membership fees will not be refunded.
6) Expulsion from membership may occur if a member uses The AVBA membership or name in an unethical or illegal manner. Membership fees will not be refunded
7) In all its activities The AVBA will be nonpartisan and nonsectarian, and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex marital, handicap or veteran status.
ARTICLE IV – Meetings of the General Membership
1) The AVBA conducts three types of meetings: the Steering Committee Meeting, the Quarterly Round-up, and other committee meetings. This method ensures the opportunity for business owners to participate at the desired level. Meeting reminders will be disbursed via email approximately one week from the date of the meeting with a second reminder one day prior to the meeting.
a) Steering Committee Meetings: Held at 7 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. This is The AVBA business meeting. Decisions are made about how funds are spent and which projects and activities will be pursued. All local business owners are welcome to attend and offer ideas and suggestions, but only AVBA members can vote on final decisions.
b) Quarterly Round-up: Held at 7 pm on the second Tuesday of the months of January, April, July, and October. This is the AVBA’s networking/potluck meeting that offers the opportunity for business owners to meet, establish beneficial relationships, and discuss opportunities for group activities. AVBA membership is NOT required and any local business owners are welcome and encouraged to attend.
c) Other Committee Meetings: Held at various times and locations. Other committees have been formed to address specific projects and activities of The AVBA. Business owners interested in participating in a particular AVBA project or activity must contact the chair of that committee to be included in information and meetings regarding that activity.
ARTICLE V – Organizational Structure
1. The AVBA organizational structure will include a chairperson, treasurer, secretary, and committee chairs. These positions will be filled during the January Steering Committee Meeting where attendees of that meeting vote on position options determined through nominations or volunteering.
ARTICLE VI - Finance
1. The fiscal operation of The AVBA will be January 1st to December 31st.
2. All monies received by The AVBA will be accounted for through a general ledger maintained by the treasurer.
3. Funds will be deposited into the account at a bank chosen by the officers.
4. Disbursement of funds will be authorized by a vote of AVBA members attending the Steering Committee Meeting at the time when funds are requested.
ARTICLE VII - Amendments
1. The By-Laws of The AVBA may be amended or repealed, or new By-Laws may be adopted by a vote of AVBA members attending the Steering Committee at the time that such an amendment or change is proposed.
ARTICLE VIII - Contributions
1. Under no circumstances will this organization contribute funds to general fund raising campaigns or political issues and/or candidates.