Want to make a difference in Norwood’s community? Get involved! Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” As it turns out, one of the best, most influential ways to make changes and help Norwood prosper is by becoming a chamber of commerce board member!
What does the Norwood Chamber of Commerce do?
The Norwood Chamber of Commerce plays an integral role in supporting our community by advocating, representing and promoting the local businesses and opportunities of Wright’s Mesa and the regional area. The Norwood Chamber of Commerce board is composed of a small group of local business owners and current chamber members who have been elected to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors meet monthly to discuss opportunities that will strengthen and grow its member’s businesses as well as the regional economy.
What do chamber board members do?
Chamber board member responsibilities can vary throughout the year, but many responsibilities remain the same month-to-month. In general, board members:
- Attend monthly board and functions, including committee meetings and special events.
- Review meeting agendas, minutes, financial reports, and supporting meeting materials.
- Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization’s mission, bylaws, and financial statements.
- Take an active role in discussing and developing all new policies and procedures for all chamber matters.
- Volunteer in areas where work and life experiences will best be used.
- Serve on committees or task forces, and offer to take on special assignments.
- Recruit chamber members and inform others about the organization.
- Stay up-to-date on the organization’s developments.
- Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization.
What are the different board member roles within the Norwood Chamber?
The Norwood Chamber of Commerce consists of seven officers known as the Board of Directors: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and three Members-At-Large. Board members are elected for a two-year term, beginning on January 1st, following the election held during the Annual General Membership Meeting held each December. Board of Director duties include:
- President: The President is the chief elected officer of the Norwood Chamber of Commerce and presides at monthly board of directors meetings, general membership meetings and executive committee meetings. The President also:
- Assists the Treasurer in developing a budget to sustain the Chamber’s operations.
- Creates task forces as deemed necessary to achieve the Chamber’s mission.
- Selects all committee leaders and assists in the selection of committee personnel.
- Recommends changes in procedure and policies.
- Is an ex-officio member of all committees and attends meetings as may be necessary.
- Calls meetings or committees in cases where the committee chairman fails to do so. The President may also issue directives and/or recommend actions, while remaining cautious in exercising such power.
- Is responsible for reporting to the Board all actions of the Executive Committee taken between meetings.
- Vice President: The Vice President exercises the powers and authority, and performs the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President. The Vice-President also:
- Serves as ex-officio members on all committees in their division.
- Serves as the liaison person between the committees.
- Calls meetings or committees in cases where the committee chairman fails to do so. The Vice-President may also issue directives and/or recommend actions, while remaining cautious in exercising such power.
- Performs such other tasks as may be assigned by the President.
- Serves as voting members of the Executive Committee.
- Performs other tasks that may be assigned by the President.
- Is prepared to report to the Board at any time when called upon to do so, or on their own motion, on any matters about which the Board needs to be informed, or is required to take action.
- Treasurer: The Treasurer safeguards all funds received by the Chamber and oversees their disbursement. Funds are kept on deposit in financial institutions, or invested in a manner approved by the Board. The Treasurer also:
- Presents monthly financial reports to the Board.
- Assists the President in developing a yearly budget.
- Performs other tasks that may be assigned by the President.
- Secretary: The Secretary keeps an official record of all board of director and general membership meetings where a vote is taken. The Secretary also:
- Maintains meeting attendance records, membership records and records of terms and board position openings.
- Reviews and maintains By-Laws and suggests changes to the Board.
- Performs other tasks that may be assigned by the President.
- Member-At-Large: A Member-At-Large attends general membership meetings, meetings of the board of directors and executive committee meetings, and performs other tasks that may be assigned by the President.
What are the benefits of being a Norwood Chamber of Commerce board member?
Being a Norwood Chamber of Commerce board member is a valuable and prestigious volunteer position, a position of distinction and honor, one that requires hard work and responsibility. Being a board member on the Norwood Chamber of Commerce gives you an opportunity to see your community in a new light, meet new people, advocate for local businesses and economic opportunities, influence policy and make a difference in your community.
Interested in joining the Board of Directors for the Norwood Chamber of Commerce? Board member positions are open to current chamber members, click here to become a member today, and express your interest in becoming a board member by filling out the form below!