Committee Structure:

Made up of board and non-board members (must be Chamber members).  Committee size should range from 5-9 members.

Committee Supervision:

Vice President will assume responsibilities for oversight relative to corporate committees, including the appointment of committee chairs and verifying members, subject to the approval of the President and the Board of Directors.  Chairs will be charged with identifying potential committee members.

Communication and Action Protocols:

General direction of a committee is guided by charges; specific activities are shaped by Committee Chair and participating committee members.  Each committee reports on activities to board at regularly scheduled board meetings with action items and supporting arguments put forth for vote; committee meeting minutes are submitted to Chamber office for posting on website within 15 days of meeting.

Action items that need board approval in short term due to time issues (before next board meeting) need to be communicated to full board via email that specifically states - TIME SENSITIVE - VOTE REQUIRED.  A minimum of three-day turn around for responses is required.  A non-response is assumed to be in favor.

Committees and Charges

Executive:

• The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the elected Officers of the Chamber: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Director
• Shall maintain surveillance of the business and affairs of the Chamber and shall be empowered to transact only such business as may be necessary between meetings of the Board of Directors
• Shall be responsible for overseeing compliance with the Chamber's personnel policies, and for supervising and evaluating the Chamber's Executive Director

Audit:

• Comprised of appointed members of the Board of Directors, however, in no circumstances is the Independent Auditor, or an employee or relative of the Independent Auditor's firm to serve on the Committee.
• Shall be responsible for overseeing the audit, both internal and external
• Review any and all audits of the Chamber or any of its programs or contracts performed, and shall respond in writing, subject to approval of the Board of Directors, to such audits, including the management letter, stating any and all remedies to deficiencies or improvements in fiscal policies and procedures cited or recommended

Finance:

• The Treasurer shall serve on the Committee
• Shall be responsible for overseeing the fiscal affairs of the Chamber
• Shall develop a budget for approval by the Board of Directors
• Propose policies governing the finances of the Chamber for adoption by the Board

Strategic Planning/Fund Development:

• Recommend and oversee rolling strategic plan
• Monitor and report on internal and external situations that impact the organization's ability to carry out its mission
• Transition to evaluation and monitoring strategic plan implementation
• Explore fundraising strategies and ideas

Marketing:

• Review and recommend directions and initiatives for marketing the Cooperstown area as a tourist destination and business location
• Provide general direction for development of Area Guide and Website
• Partner/collaborate with other chambers and tourism entities
• Communicate economic impact of tourism to community
• Educate and communicate tourism impact to the County and surrounding region
• Review, research and recommend chamber-wide marketing directions/efforts

Membership Development and Services:

• Develop and recruit members
• Promote and market chamber membership
• Review and recommend all applications for membership
• Develop new benefits, in-service speakers, and education training
• Develop and implement membership evaluation and gather feedback
• Form sub-committees as needed for events

Board Development:

• Shall be responsible for monitoring board member participation and attendance
• Responsible for monitoring board member compliance with the Code of Ethics and conflicts of interest
• Regularly assessing the composition and function of the Board
• Develop and propose slate of Board members as required
• Develop and propose annual slate of Board officers
• Review and recommend amendments/changes to Chamber by-laws
• Coordinate orientation for new Directors and assure the continued development and training of the Board

Government Relations:

• Monitor, research, and facilitate balanced discussion in regards to government issues that affect the Chamber and its members and disseminate to board and members
• Partner with Otsego County Chamber on county and statewide issues