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BY-LAWS
 

 

 

 

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE

WEST MICHIGAN LOCKSMITH ASSOCIATION


 

 

ARTICLE I - Name and Emblem.. 4

Section 1. Name of this organization. 4

Section 2. Emblem of the WMLA.. 4

ARTICLE II - Purpose & Objectives. 4

Section 1. Purpose. 4

Section 2. Professional ethic: 4

ARTICLE III - Membership. 5

Section 1. Classification. 5

ARTICLE IV - Organizational structure. 5

Section 1. Board of Directors. 5

Section 2. Board shall be composed of the elected officers. 5

Section 3. Standing Committees. 5

ARTICLE V - Officers & Directors. 6

Section 1. Officers. 6

Section 1a. Startup officers. 6

Section 2. Term of Office. 6

Section 3. Additional Members of the Board of Directors. 6

Section 4. Vacancies. 6

ARTICLE VI - Elections. 7

Section 1. Election of officers. 7

Section 2. Written notice to all active members. 7

Section 3. Ballots. 7

ARTICLE VII - Duties of Officers. 7

President: 7

Vice Presidents. 87

Secretary: 8

Treasurer: 8

Sargent-at-Arms: 8

ARTICLE VIII - Dues. 8

Section 1.  Active Members. 8

Section 2.  Associate Members. 9

ARTICLE IX - Duties and Responsibilities of Committees. 9

Section 1.  Public Relations/Newsletter Committee. 9

Section 2.  Education Committee. 9

Section 3.  Membership Committee. 10

Section 4.  Program Activities Committee. 10

ARTICLE X - Meetings. 10

Section 1.  General Membership Meetings. 10

Section 2.  Special Membership Meetings. 1110

Section 3.  Board Meetings. 1110

Section 4.  Quorums. 11

ARTICLE XI - Amendments. 11

Section 1. Proposed amendment delivery. 11

Section 2. Proposed amendment reading. 11

Section 3. Motion to recess. 11

Section 4. Debate. 11

ARTICLE XII - Governing Rules. 1211

Section 1. Roberts Rules of Order 1211

Section 2. Procedures. 12

Section 3. Removal from Office or Membership. 12

Section 4. Visitors. 12

Section 5. Removed Member 12

ARTICLE XIII - Rules of Adoption. 12

 


 

 

ARTICLE I - Name and Emblem

Section 1. Name of this organization

The name of this organization shall be the West Michigan Locksmith Association, referred to in these By-Laws as the WMLA.

Section 2. Emblem of the WMLA

The emblem of the WMLA shall be an oval with a laminated padlock viewed from slightly below and to the left and the letters WMLA on the body plus the words "West Michigan" inside the oval curved around the top and the words "Locksmith Association" inside the oval curved around the bottom.

 

 

ARTICLE II - Purpose & Objectives

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of WMLA shall be to bring the locksmith and security specialists into an organization for mutual benefit, education and growth through the following objectives:

 

  1. Educate, encourage, promote, aid in, and affect the voluntary interchange of data, information, experience, ideas, knowledge, methods, and techniques relating to the profession of locksmithing among members of the profession.
  2. Establish and maintain a standard of qualification for membership.
  3. Work with the manufacturers and distributors of security equipment and supplies toward a better understanding of our mutual needs and concerns;
  4. Establish a uniform code of ethics and to promote and maintain friendly cooperation among all members endeavoring to advance our mutual interests;
  5. Conduct trade promotion activities and to cooperate with all organizations related to the locksmith and security industry;
  6. Engage in other promotional and training activities, from time to time, which are considered to be advisable, and to the benefit of WMLA members.

Section 2. Professional ethic:

Each member of the WMLA, by his or her acceptance and continuance of membership herein, shall be deemed to have subscribed to the following:

 

A member will never engage in any act that would compromise the security of a client or the integrity of the WMLA and its members.

 

ARTICLE III - Membership

 

 

Section 1. Classification

The membership of the WMLA shall include the following classifications: Active and

Associate.

  1. There will be two types of ACTIVE members of equal status and voting rights—
    1. Locksmith;
    2. Security Specialists;

(1)    Membership classification is subject to the review and decision of the Board;

(2)    A person can be eligible for more than one classification;

 

  1. Associate members--Associate membership is available to those companies manufacturing, distributing, and/or engaged in supplying material, equipment, or services to the locksmith or security specialist. Associate membership will be non-voting.

 

Section 2. Membership Year

The membership year of WMLA shall be from September through August. This shall also be the term for all annual requirements in these bylaws.

 

ARTICLE IV - Organizational structure

 

Section 1. Board of Directors

A Board of Directors who shall be empowered to supervise, control and direct the affairs of the WMLA shall govern the affairs of the WMLA.

 

Section 2. Board shall be composed of the elected officers

The Board shall be composed of the elected officers as described in Section 1 of Article V. The five (5) immediate past presidents who have continued as paid members of the WMLA shall also serve on the Board. The Founding Chairman President of the WMLA shall continue as a board member

 

Section 3. Standing Committees

There shall be four (4) standing committees, each headed by a chairman appointed by the president, with the approval of the Board, to aid in the organizational affairs of the WMLA.

The Standing Committees shall be: Membership, education, Public Relations/Newsletter, and Program Activities. Ad hoc committees may be formed, from time to time, at the discretion of the President with Board approval.

 

ARTICLE V - Officers & Directors

Section 1. Officers

The elected officers of the WMLA shall consist of a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sargent-at-Arms, who shall be elected by a majority vote of the active members of the WMLA present at the election meeting. They shall then take office at the conclusion of the June meeting of the WMLA, following their election.

Section 1a. Startup officers

During the first two years (until June, 1994) the additional office of Parliamentarian will be in effect and be a member of the board.

Section 2. Term of Office

All officers shall be elected to serve a two (2) year term of office and shall be eligible for re-election for no more than four (4) consecutive years in any one office.

 

Section 3. Additional Members of the Board of Directors

 

A.    The five (5) immediate past presidents who continue active membership in the WMLA without break, shall serve on the Board;

 

  1. To serve on the Board, past presidents and other board members must be current with dues paid no later than the start of the October membership meeting each year.

 

  1. When there are fewer than five past presidents serving on the Board, the President shall appoint, with the approval of the Board, a member or members of the WMLA to fill any vacancy that may occur.

 

1.Until June 1994 the Parliamentarian from section 1a shall count as filling one (1) of the five (5) vacant "Past President" Board positions.

Section 4. Vacancies

 

The President with recommendation and approval of the Board shall fill vacancies in elective positions occurring between election meetings by reason of removal, resignation, incapacity or death.

 

A vacancy in the office of President between election meetings by reason of removal, resignation, incapacity or death shall be filled in the following order of succession:

  1. First Vice President
  2. Second Vice President
  3. Secretary
  4. Treasurer
  5. Sergeant-at-Arms

A.Parliamentarian (only applicable until June 1994)

 

 

ARTICLE VI - Elections

Section 1. Election of officers

The election of officers shall be held biannual on the even numbered years at the May meeting of the WMLA, at a time and place designated by the Board.

Section 2. Written notice to all active members

At least five (5) days written notice shall be given to all active members by mail sent to their address of record.

Section 3. Ballots

Ballots shall be prepared and distributed at the election meeting by the chairman of the Public Relations Committee.

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII - Duties of Officers

 

President:

bullet Presides at all meetings
bullet Sets the agenda for the meetings
bullet Co-signs all checks of the WMLA issued by the treasurer.
bullet Signs all contracts and all other official documents representing the WMLA in legal endeavors approved by the Board.
bullet Appoints a temporary secretary in the absence of the elected secretary at all WMLA meetings
bullet Recognizes guests appearing at the General Membership meetings and other formal functions of the WMLA
bullet Appoints committee chairman as the need arises.
bullet Responsible for other general matters concerning the affairs of the WMLA

Vice Presidents

bullet Perform all the functions and duties of the President in the absence of the President.
bullet Aid in the coordination functions of all committees
bullet Act as the Presidents assistant in all matters concerning the affairs of the WMLA.

Secretary:

bullet Responsible for maintaining full, accurate and complete minutes of all meetings
bullet Responsible for maintaining all documents and records in a current and lawful manner
bullet Receives, maintains and keeps available files of all written reports.
bullet Follows up all appropriate functions with letters of appreciation where applicable
bullet Acquires and maintains stationeary and supplies of the WMLA as authorized by the President.
bullet Responsible for other general secretarial duties of the WMLA
bullet Maintains a record of all WMLA members, their addresses and other information on the member as required.

Treasurer:

bullet Acts as custodian of the funds and securities of the WMLA and will be responsible for maintaining proper and accurate records of these funds and securities.
bullet Responsible for maintaining banking transactions, which includes depositing, funds and issuing checks for WMLA.
bullet Submits records from yearly audit or as directed by the president to the board of directors.
bullet Responsible for other general financial matters of the WMLA

 

Sargent-at-Arms:

bullet Checks I.D. of Members and guests and maintains order at meetings of the WMLA.
bullet Notifies the President of any Guests at the meeting.
bullet Performs other duties as assigned by the President.

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII - Dues

Section 1.  Active Members

  1. Application for membership shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the Board and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable $10.00 application fee;
  2. The dues of the WMLA shall be Thirty-five dollars ($35.00) ($35.00) Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per yearbe set annually by the board and are payable on or before the September November meeting of the WMLA. At the discretion of the Board, the dues may be raised or lowered following approval by a majority of the members of the WMLA at a general or special meeting. At least five (5) days advance wWritten notice setting forth the amount of the dues increase or decrease, is to be provided to each member by mail at his or her address of record by the start of the September meeting.;

1.For new members dues shall be pro-rated. The rate shall be calculated by adding to the $10.00 application fee, one-tenth 1/10) of the annual dues for each remaining month of the membership year.

A.All dues paid before September 1, 1993 is good for membership through August 1994.

A.The board can waive the application fee for various reasons such as (but not limited to) special membership drives.

 

Section 2.  Associate Members

The dues of associate members shall be established by the President with approval of the BoardPresident with approval of the Board shall establish the dues of associate members.

 

 

ARTICLE IX - Duties and Responsibilities of Committees.

 

Section 1.  Public Relations/Newsletter Committee

The public relations and newsletter committee is responsible for the promotion and advertisement of WMLA. Prepares, selects, writes, or edits articles of interest to members of the WMLA.

They are responsible for the publication and distribution of the newsletter, which informs the membership of the activities and functions of the WMLA. The public relations and newsletter committee is responsible for other general publicity, publication and promotion of the WMLA.

 

Section 2.  Education Committee

bullet The education committee is responsible for selecting and securing the names of specialists and professionals in the locksmith and security fields, who can provide educational classes or seminars of benefit to the membership of the WMLA.
bullet The education committee is responsible for the preparation of material necessary for the educational instructions and other items of similar general nature.
bullet Maintains records of achievement attained by members of the WMLA issues, with the approval of the Board, Certificates of Achievement to members who have attained outstanding accomplishments deserving of recognition.
bullet Coordinate and submit for publication in the newsletter, tricks of the trade received from WMLA members and other outside sources.
bullet Responsible for researching and reporting to the member’s new trade products that could be beneficial

 

Section 3.  Membership Committee

The Membership committee is responsible for the recruitment of new members.

Responsible for making securities check of all persons applying for membership in the WMLA.

Present all completed applications to the Board for approval.

Greets all guests and is responsible for maintenance of the guest register.

Receives and remits to the Treasurer application fee of new applicants.

 

Section 4.  Program Activities Committee

The program and activities committee is responsible for selecting and providing speakers, with the approval of the Board, for the general membership meetings.

Coordinate travel arrangements and perform other duties necessary to aid speakers in their program presentations.

Research the products to be presented by the speakers to insure their suitability to the members of the WMLA.

Obtain and provide background information on the speakers to be used in presenting them at the membership meeting.

Responsible for selecting and providing meeting places for the WMLA, with approval of the Board.

 

 

ARTICLE X - Meetings

 

Section 1.  General Membership Meetings

The Ggeneral membership meetings shall be held quarterlymonthly on the First Wednesday of the month Third (3rd) Thursday of the month, September through June at a time and place in Kalamazoo County as determined by the board, with at least (5) days advance notice to the members of the WMLA at their address of record of any changes.

The President, with approval of the Board and for reason, can cancel up to three (3) general meetings per year. If possible ten (10) days advance notice to the membership should be given. If not more than five (5) days notice is possible, members should be called at their registered phone number.

Section 2.  Special Membership Meetings

The President, with the majority approval of the board, may call a special meeting of the membership with the same notice requirement as contained in Section 1 of this article. The purpose of the meeting shall be specified in the notice.

Section 3.  Board Meetings

The Board shall meet from time-to-time, at a time and place determined by the Board. Active members are invited to attend but will have no voice except as determined by the Board.

Section 4.  Quorums

  1. General Membership meetings - Twenty-five (25) percent of the active members or ten (10) members, two of whom must be board members, whichever is less, shall constitute a quorum;
  2. Board Meetings - Four (4) members of the Board including at least two (2) officers shall constitute a quorum.

 

 

ARTICLE XI - Amendments

The by-laws of the WMLA may be amended in the following manner:

 

Section 1. Proposed amendment delivery

The proposed amendment shall be presented in writing at least five (5) days before the meeting of the active members of the WMLA at their address of record. The presiding officer at the beginning of the membership meeting shall schedule the amendments reading as the first order of new business.

Section 2. Proposed amendment reading

The proposed amendment shall be read, at the instruction of the presiding officer in the form of a Motion and require a second from the floor of the meeting.

Section 3. Motion to recess

The presiding officer shall entertain a Motion to recess for ten (10) minutes to enable the membership to study the proposed amendment or amendments.

Section 4. Debate

After the call to order, following the recess, the presiding officer shall grant the author permission to begin the debate which shall include an explanation of the need for such amending. The debate shall proceed as it would for any question before the assembly.

 

 

ARTICLE XII - Governing Rules

Section 1. Roberts Rules of Order

The Roberts Rules of Order, as amended, will govern any procedure for the general membership meeting not covered by the Constitution and By-Laws.

 

 Section 2. Procedures

The Board shall determine the procedures at the Board meeting.

Section 3. Removal from Office or Membership

  1. An officer of the WMLA may be removed for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance, for a violation of the Code of Ethics, or for non-payment of dues;
  2. A member of the WMLA may be removed for a violation of the Code of Ethics or for non-payment of dues;
  3. A removal shall be made by a majority-ratifying vote of the membership.

Section 4. Visitors

Visitors who are in the security industry are always welcome at any WMLA meetings andor functions when sponsored by a member. The sponsor should introduce their guests when requested by the chair.  Visitors wishing to address the group should make their wishes known to the chair, who will may set aside appropriate time for the visitor.

Section 5. Removed Member

Removed Member is not welcome at any WMLA function for a period of one (1) year from time of removal. After a probationary period of one year, the removed member may be reinstated if invited by a member and by a majority vote of the active membership.

 

ARTICLE XIII - Rules of Adoption

The Constitution and By-Laws will be adopted after a two thirds (2/3) majority affirmative vote of the assembly at the WMLA Membership Meeting.

Any amendment of the WMLA Constitution and By-Laws will be effective after a three fourths (3/4) majority affirmative vote of the membership at such meeting as may be held where the amendment or amendments are an agenda item.

 

 

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Copyright © 2005 West Michigan Locksmith Association
Last modified: 9-24-06