Leadership Knowledge Network Membership Guidelines

Meetings – Leadership Knowledge Network meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month beginning at Noon and ending at 1:00 pm.  The meeting place will be a rotation between three (3) restaurants.  A social hour will also be held each month from 5:30-6:30 pm, meeting place and date to be determined on a monthly basis.

Dues – Annual dues are $250 per member plus $144 for lunch fees (total $394).  Dues are paid to Leadership Knowledge Network at the time of acceptance into the group and renewed 30 days prior to the same month each year thereafter. Failure to pay dues in a timely manner will result in termination of membership.  All dues are deposited to the Leadership Knowledge Network bank account, which is managed by the Treasurer, and disbursed as necessary for items such as printing, supplies, advertising, special events or any proposed expense agreed upon by the majority of the membership. The Treasurer will report to the group on a monthly basis.

Prospective Members and Guests – A prospective member may visit the group a maximum of two (2) times before deciding to apply for membership.  Application and check must accompany the prospective member by the third visit.  The check will not be deposited into the bank account until after the membership committee approves the application.  Applicant will have position held pending approval by the membership committee, only after the application and check are received.  All positions are on a first come basis.

Membership of Non-competing Businesses – This is an exclusive group limited to business persons in non-competing businesses.  Membership is by invitation only and must be approved by the membership committee.  If a conflict is possible with another member, the current member will have the right to ask for non-acceptance of the applicant.

Membership by Company or Individual – Membership can be by company or individual.  However, if a company joins and pays the membership dues, they have the right to select the individual representative to attend the meetings.  If a representative is no longer employed by a member company or switches companies, they will have to give up their place in the group.  To avoid this possibility, a person may want to join as an individual and pay dues personally.

Termination of Membership – At least semi-annually (or more often as necessary) the membership committee will review the status of members.  Upon a majority vote of the membership committee, a membership may be terminated for any of the following reasons:

1. Member fails to pay dues at renewal time.
2. Member is found to be unethical in his/her business or in the club.
3. Member refuses to participate according to the club guidelines
4. Member belongs to another business leads/referral group.
5. If a member has 3 unexcused absences in a row, he or she will be notified by the membership committee that their membership is terminated.  It can be reinstated by paying a fee of $100 and the approval of the membership committee.

Leave of Absence – Under certain circumstances, a member may be granted a leave of absence with the approval of the membership committee, with terms dictated by the circumstances.  If a leave of absence has been granted, reinstatement will be made upon the following conditions:

1. The member is still representing the same business.
2. The member has adhered to the approved terms of the leave of absence.

Member may have to pay full or partial dues to reinstate if time of absence has been over 6 weeks (to be determined by the membership committee).

Membership Participation -  Each member shall:

1. Give a monthly 60-second commercial on their business.
2. Give a 10-15 minute presentation periodically, as scheduled.
3. Bring leads to group members
4. Attend meetings regularly as a commitment
5. Invite qualified prospective members as guests
6. Help promote the group and member businesses in a positive manner
7. Thank lead givers and inform them of the outcome

Officers and Committees – The officer positions for Leadership Knowledge Network are President, Vice-President and Treasurer.  The membership committee will consist of members in good standing.  Officers will be nominated and elected each October.  Officers’ dues are waived during the term of service as an officer.

Rule of Succession – When an officer position needs to be replaced during the term of office, the logical rule of succession for an interim replacement should be followed.  The remaining current officers will be asked to take the open position starting with the vice-president then the treasurer.  If no officer is willing or able to take the open position, the membership will be asked to nominate member(s) for the position.  The nominee(s) for the position will be presented to the membership and a vote will be taken at the next Business Meeting.  All members of the group will be notified of the change prior to and after such a vote has been conducted.

Voting on Membership Business – Any issues requiring a vote of the membership of the organization will be discussed and voted on at these meetings.  A majority of the current membership will be required to carry any vote.  If a majority is not in attendance, the issue will either be tabled until the next month’s Business Meeting, or, if time is of the essence, the Secretary may conduct an email vote.