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NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE FLORISTS ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION AND
BY-LAWS
Adopted April 2002
ARTICLE I -- NAME
Sec. 1: The name of this association shall be: New Hampshire State
Florists Association. The abbreviation shall be NHSFA.
ARTICLE II -- OBJECTIVES
Sec. 1: NHSFA strives to provide for all its members different
educational opportunities during the year, at various locations in the state,
through design shows, seminars, and trade fairs. These functions are intended to
keep members up to date with the latest trends and advancements within the
industries as well as to provide members with the opportunity to talk with each
other to gain other perspectives into their operations in different areas of the
state. NHSFA promotes the floral and nursery industry in other areas by: having
its representatives go to various functions at the State House, meeting with the
Commissioner of Agriculture, coordinating design shows at public fairs to help
with consumer education. NHSFA is always trying to find more ways to promote the
industries of its members and to provide benefits to its members.
ARTICLE III -- BY-LAWS
Sec. 1: By-laws of this Association may be adopted or amended by a 2/3
vote of the members that are present at any annual, regular, or special meeting
called for that purpose provided that each member shall have been notified at
least fifteen (15) days before said meeting.
ARTICLE IV -- MEETINGS
Sec. 1: The annual meeting and other meetings shall be held at times
designated by the Executive Board. The annual meeting shall be held in
January.
Sec. 2: A special meeting shall be called by the President, upon a
majority vote of the Executive Board or upon the request of any seven voting
members of the Association when the request is presented to him in writing.
Members of NHSFA are to be given fifteen (15) days notice prior to the date of
the special meeting.
Sec. 3: Robert's Rules of Order, Last Edition, shall be recognized as the
authority regulating procedure at members' meetings and at meetings of the
Executive Board and Committee.
See. 4: A guest specifically invited by the President or Board of
Directors in order to report to the Board shall have his/hers dinner provided,
not including any alcoholic beverages.
Sec. 5: Voting: A. Member's dues must be paid in order for him/her to
have a voting status.
Sec. 6: Attendance: Employees or guests of a member may
attend any NHSFA function at member prices.
ARTICLE V -- NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Sec. l: The nominating committee shall consist of three active members
appointed by the President and approved by the Executive Board.
Sec. 2: This committee is responsible for making nominations for Officers
and Executive Board Members. This committee shall make the names of nominees
available to the membership at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual
election at the annual January meeting.
Sec. 3: This committee is responsible to inform each nominee of the
duties, terms of office, and compensation for the office they are being
considered for. This must be done prior to the time the nominee's name is made
available to the membership.
Sec. 4: The term of appointment for nominating committee members shall be
two (2) years, with one (1) of the three (3) appointments expiring one year and
two (2) of the three (3) appointments expiring the next year. A maximum of two
(2) consecutive, two (2) year terms may be served by a member.
Sec. 5: The nominating committee members shall be listed in NHSFA By-law
publications.
ARTICLE VI -- OFFICERS
The following officers shall be elected at each annual meeting by a simple (51%)
vote of the members present: President, Vice President, and Corresponding
Secretary. The Executive Treasurer is an appointed office. If a vacancy occurs
among the duly elected or appointed officers, such vacancy shall be filled for
the remainder of the current year by a majority vote of the Executive
Board.
Sec. 1: PRESIDENT
A. Duties: The President shall be the chief executive officer and shall preside
at all meetings including that of the Executive Board. He shall appoint such
special committees as needed and shall be an ex officio member of the
same.
B. Term of Office: the President shall serve for a two (2) year term beginning
with the adjournment of the annual meeting. A maximum of two (2) consecutive
terms may be held by the President.
Sec. 2: VICE PRESIDENT
A. Duties: In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall perform all
presidential duties.
B. Term of Office: The Vice President shall serve for a two (2) year term
beginning with the adjournment of the annual meeting. A maximum of two (2)
consecutive terms may be held by the Vice President.
Sec. 3: CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
A. Duties: The Corresponding Secretary shall keep a record of all NHSFA meetings
and shall perform such duties as are typical to that office.
B. Term of Office: The Secretary shall serve for a two (2) year term beginning
with the adjournment of the annual meeting. There is no maximum number of terms
that the secretary may serve.
Sec. 4: EXECUTIVE TREASURER
A. Duties: The Executive Treasurer shall be responsible for the funds of NHSFA
and make bank deposits accordingly. He/she shall keep proper records pertinent
to the office and act as advisor regarding NHSFA financial matters. The
Executive Treasurer shall be responsible for all phases of dues collection,
following procedures established by the Executive Board. He/she shall provide
expense sheets to the Officers, Directors, and others requesting compensation.
This position has a non-voting status at Executive Board meetings.
B. Term of Appointment: The Executive Treasurer shall serve for a two (2) year
appointment beginning with the adjournment of the annual meeting. There is no
maximum number of appointments that the Executive Secretary/Treasurer may serve.
C. Bonding: The Executive Treasurer must he bonded. Bonding expenses shall be
paid by NHSFA.
ARTICLE VII -- EXECUTIVE BOARD
Sec. 1: Members: The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice
President, Corresponding Secretary, Executive Treasurer, up to eight (8)
Directors, the immediate Past President, and up to six (6) Advisors. A. Voting
Members: A total of eleven (11) members may vote, namely: the President, Vice
President, Corresponding Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, and the eight (8)
Directors. A majority of the voting member's shall constitute a quorum, hence at
least six (6) voting members must be present in order to conduct business at an
official meeting. Members must be present at meetings to vote. B. Non-Voting
Members: Members with a non-voting status are the Executive Treasurer, the
immediate Past President, and the Advisors.
Sec. 2: Duties: A. Business: The business matters of
NHSFA shall be managed by the Executive Board, which shall meet regularly for
this purpose. It has full power to make, amend, and enforce such rules and
regulations it may determine necessary for the proper conduct of the business of
NHSFA. It shall enforce the By-laws. B. Attendance : The Executive Board shall
have the authority to tender the resignation of any member who is absent without
good cause from two (2) Executive Board meetings during the year between
elections.
Sec. 3: Meetings: A. The President may call an
Executive Board meeting at any time provided seven (7) days notice is given. B.
A petition to the President by a majority of the Executive Board members shall
provide sufficient justification for a special meeting provided all Executive
Board members are notified at least seven (7) days in advance.
Sec. 4: Terms of Office: A. The President, Vice
President, Corresponding Secretary, and Executive Treasurer shall be members of
the Executive Board while in their respective offices. B. Directors shall be
elected at the annual meeting by a majority vote of the members present. The
Directors term of office shall be a maximum of one (1) consecutive four (4) year
term If a vacancy occurs among the duly elected Directors, such vacancy shall be
filled, for thc remainder of the current term, by a majority vote of the
Executive Board. In cases when a Director has been appointed to complete
somebody's unexpired term and that term expires, then they shall be eligible for
election of their own four (4) year term. Terms begin with the adjournment of
the annual meeting. C. The immediate Past Presidents term shall run in
conjunction with the current President's term of office. D. The Advisors shall
serve for a two (2) year term beginning with the adjournment of the annual
meeting. There is no maximum number of terms that an Advisor may serve.
ARTICLE VIII -- ADVISORS MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1: Purpose: To have within our membership people from the State
Department of Agriculture, the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
Service, and related organizations. These professionals help keep the Executive
Board up to date on legislation affecting the industry and provide their
expertise when dealing with horticultural education and awareness.
Sec. 2: Duties: Advisors are members of the Executive
Board of NHSFA
Sec. 3: Members: Advisors shall be listed in NHSFA
By-law publications. There may be up to six (6) Advisors in NHSFA.
Sec. 4: Privileges: A. No annual dues payment required to be a member of
NHSFA B. Registration fees shall be waived at any NHSFA sponsored meeting. C. On
NHSFA mailing list. D. Voting privileges of a regular NHSFA member.
Sec. 5: Term of Office: See Art. VII, Sec. 4D
ARTICLE IX -- COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1: Purpose: To express thanks to people who currently assist NHSFA
through their job ties with our industries.
Sec. 2: Members: Complimentary Members shall be listed
in NHSFA By-law publications.
Sec. 3: Privileges: A. No annual dues payment required
to be a member of NHSFA. B. Registration fees shall be waived at any NHSFA
sponsored meeting. C. On NHSFA mailing list.
ARTICLE X -- GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1: Membership to NHSFA is open to people associated with
horticulture or floriculture through business or educational ties. Any eligible
person may apply to become a member of the association by first completing the
association's application form. The Membership committee will review the form to
see if the applicant meets the eligibility requirements herein specified. When
applications are approved by the committee, the applicant shall then pay the
current year's dues and become a member. Membership in the association is not
transferable. A. Active Retail /Wholesale Member: whereby the person owns, has
part ownership or manages a business. Qualifying businesses are retail flower
shops, greenhouses, garden centers and businesses that derive at least 75% of
their overall sales directly from the sale of flowers, plants and related floral
items to the general public. The business must maintain a storefront-type
facility that is visibly signed and open to the general public . Membership in
NHSFA can cover up to two retail locations. If two locations are to be listed in
the membership roster and are both on the mailing list, the membership dues will
be half again as much as the current amount. If the business is not a New
Hampshire business, it must be properly licensed in the state where it is
headquartered. And 1.) whereby a person is employed by a company or firm that is
included within the "Retail" or "Wholesale" categories. 2.)
whereby the person is retired from the "Retail/Wholesale" category. C.
Consultant/Educator: 1.) persons giving expert advise to retail, wholesale or
freelance business in the horticulture or floriculture field. 2.) persons
employed in the field of education on elementary, secondary or graduate level.
Membership is open to all educators and not limited to the field of agriculture
D. Freelance Floral Designers: This category enables membership in NHSFA to
those persons working in the field of floral design without a storefront.
Applicants must present a copy of their State Of New Hampshire Certified
Registered Trade Name.
Sec. 2: Voting Rights: One vote is allowed per
membership at general meetings for every membership paid.
Sec. 3: Dues payment is required in order to be a
current member of NHSFA, dues are described in Art XII.
ARTICLE XI --STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1: Student Membership is open to students currently enrolled in a
horticulture or floriculture course. A student's application must have the
signature of the school advisor or the signature of NHSFA sponsoring member.
Sec. 2: Students have a non-voting status.
Sec. 3: Dues payment is required in order to be a
current student member of NHSFA, dues are described in Art. XII.
ARTICLE XII --DUES
Sec. 1: The Executive Board shall be empowered to fix the amount of
annual membership dues.
Sec. 2: Dues should be paid on or before the annual
meeting in January. If dues are not paid by January 30th, then membership shall
be terminated.
Sec. 3: General membership dues will be determined by a
simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XIII -- AUDITING COMMITTEE
Sec. 1: The Auditing Committee shall comprise of two (2) Executive Board
members appointed by the President. The two (2) Executive Board members shall be
appointed annually.
Sec. 2: The Auditing Committee must inspect the general
books, the checking accounts, the savings account, and all Special Shows'
financial reports before the January Annual Meeting. An audit report must be
given at this meeting.
Sec. 3: If an individual on the auditing committee is
involved in a financial aspect of a Special Show, they must abstain from
inspection on that particular report and have an alternate appointed for them by
the President.
Sec. 4: The Auditing Committee members shall be listed
in the NHSFA by-laws publication.
ARTICLE XIV -- FLORAL EXPRESSIONS
Sec. 1: Flowers for NHSFA members and their immediate families may be
sent for sympathy and illness occasions. The orders must be authorized by the
President or the Vice President.
Sec. 2: Order Values: A. Fifty ($50.00) dollar limit
for sympathy flowers. B. Thirty-five ($35.00) dollar limit for hospital or
illness related flowers.
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