Constitution of the Travel Industry Association of Montana
Approved November 30, 2005
Article I
This organization shall be known as the Travel Industry Association of Montana.Article II - Purpose
The purposes for which the corporation is organized are the advancement of the industry, to provide information to the public regarding issues facing tourism, to advance the positions taken by the organization, and to enhance the state's tourism marketing efforts in order to further strengthen Montana's economy. This corporation is organized for purposes within the meaning of section 501 (c) (6) of the internal Revenue Code. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from the federal income tax under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Upon the winding up and dissolution of this corporation, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a non profit fund, foundation, or corporation which has established its tax exempt status under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Article III - Membership
Section I. Qualifications
The Travel Industry Association of Montana is a member organization made up of individual businesses, associations, tourism groups and other individuals who support the purpose of the organization.
Section II. Application for Membership
Application for membership shall be presented in writing which shall state the name of the applicant, and shall also signify an agreement to abide by the By Laws, Rules, and Regulations of the association.
- There shall be three tiers for dues paying voting members. The dues levels will be set by the Board of Directors.
- There shall be one non voting class of membership composed of those members wishing to support the tourism industry but have chosen to have no voting rights within the association called associate members. The Board of Directors will set the dues.
Article IV - Officers
The officers shall be a President and a Vice President chosen from among the members of the Board of Directors. These shall be elected at the annual meeting of the association. The first elected Board of Directors shall be elected by a majority of dues paying members and member representatives. All terms shall be for two years.
Section I. President
The President shall call all meetings, preside at the Board of Directors meetings, and be an ex officio member of all committees.
Section II. Vice President
The Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall assume all of the duties and have all the authority of the President. The Vice President shall also be expected to perform such duties of supervision as may be assigned by the President.
Section III. Secretary-Treasurer
The Secretary-Treasurer shall oversee the accurate completion of meeting minutes and financial reports as well as other duties that may be assigned by the President.
Section IV. Staff
The Board of Directors will be charged with selecting and hiring administrative staff to keep accurate and complete minutes of all meetings, call meetings on order of the President, attend to all correspondence, and perform such other duties assist the association. In addition, the board may hire additional staff as needed to perform governmental affairs duties and other administrative task.
Article V - Amendments
These articles may be amended at any regular or special meeting by a vote of three fourths (3/4) of the voting members present in person, provided written notice of the time and place of the meeting and the proposed amendment, shall have been mailed to each member at least 30 days prior to such meeting. For the purpose of such amendment one third (1/3) of the current voting members present in person shall be necessary for a quorum.
Article VI - Capital Stock
The association shall have no capital stock. It is not organized for profit, and no part of the income or assets thereof shall inure to the benefit of any member; nor shall any distribution of its property or assets ever be made to the members; nor shall termination of membership by death, resignation, or otherwise, create any right in any person to participate in the assets of the association. Upon dissolution, all assets shall be distributed equally to the tourism regions established by the Montana Promotion Division of the Montana Department of Commerce after all liabilities of the association have been discharged.
Article VII - Dues and Assessments
The contribution required of members shall be in the form of annual dues and special assessments. The amount at the time of acceptance of these Constitution and By Laws shall be that which is specified in the By Laws. Increases in annual dues or special assessments may be levied against the membership from time to time in accordance with the By Laws.
Article VIII - Meetings of the Organization
Section I. Annual Meeting
The annual meetings shall be held at a time and place designated by the officers. At such meetings, the annual reports of the Officers and Committees shall be made and elections held.
Section II. Place of Annual Meeting
The place and time of annual meetings will be announced at least 30 days before the meeting date.
Section Ill. Board Meetings and Special Meetings
The Board of Directors shall meet at least twice annually in addition to the Annual Meeting. Special meetings may be called at any time. The procedure for calling such meetings shall be prescribed in the By Laws.
Article IX - Management
Section I. Management
The association shall have a Board of Directors and its affairs shall be conducted through its officers and committees. The association may contract with a third party firm to assist in the operation of the association.
