Board Structure
The founding board will consist of seven directors, with a focus on folks who take a low-ego approach to leadership. Our goal is diversity of thought, variety of talents, and representation across regions and identities. Regional Goals: • West side of the neighborhood • East side of the neighborhood • Variety of business corridors Representation Goals: • BIPOC-owned businesses • Immigrant-owned businesses • Latino-owned businesses • LGBTQ-owned businesses • Polish-owned or Polish-heritage businesses • Women-owned businesses
Board Terms and Elections
Board members are elected by the Board at its annual meeting. Before each election, the Board will invite nominations from members. Members do not directly vote on the election of Board members. Board members serve three-year terms and hold office until a successor is elected. Board members can be re-elected to consecutive terms. The founding Board is divided into three classes so that terms are staggered. The initial Board members serve as follows: Class A, two Board members, two years; Class B, two Board members, three years; Class C, three Board members, four years. After these initial terms, each class is elected to a three-year term. A Board member may resign at any time by written notice to the Board. The resignation takes effect on delivery unless the notice gives a later date. The Board fills any vacancy. A Board member elected to fill a vacancy serves the remainder of the predecessor's term.
Board Removal
A Board member may be removed only for cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board members then in office who are present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Written notice of the proposed removal must be delivered to all Board members at least 20 days before the meeting. "Cause" means: (a) conduct that damages, or is likely to damage, the Association's reputation or standing; (b) a violation of the Association's conflict of interest policy; or (c) three consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings. The Board may excuse an absence before or after the meeting, and the minutes will record each absence as excused or unexcused.
Advisory Council
The Board may establish an Advisory Council to advise it on matters affecting the Association. The Board appoints the Council's members, who need not serve on the Board or be members of the Association and may include leaders of nonprofit and community organizations. Council members serve at the pleasure of the Board for three-year renewable terms. The Council makes recommendations only. It has no authority to act for or bind the Association. Council members are not Board members and do not vote on Board matters.