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CASCADE BREWERS GUILD
™ By-Laws
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CASCADE BREWERS GUILD
™ By-Laws
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The name of the organization shall be the CASCADE BREWERS GUILD, a homebrewing "Club". The CASCADE BREWERS GUILD is recognized and in good standing with the American Homebrewers Association and the Beer Judge Certification Program.
Section 1. Whenever the words "CASCADE BREWERS GUILD" or the acronym "CBC" are used in these By-Laws, they shall mean CASCADE BREWERS GUILD, a homebrewing Club. Section 2. Whenever the word "Club" is used in these By-Laws, it shall mean that body of members known as CASCADE BREWERS GUILD, a homebrewing Club. Section 3. Whenever the term "Member" is used in these By-Laws, it shall mean a person who has obtained membership. Section 4. Whenever the term "Officers" or "Executive Committee" is used in these By-Laws, it shall mean President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Section 5. As used in these By-Laws, the masculine gender shall be deemed to include feminine, or neuter, and the singular or plural number, whenever the context so indicates or implies. Section 6. The CASCADE BREWERS GUILD fiscal/calendar year is January 1st through December 31st. Section 7. Whenever the term "Majority vote of the Members" is used in these By-laws, it shall mean a vote of more than fifty (50) percent of the members who cast a vote at a general Club meeting. Section 8. Whenever the term "two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Members" is used in these By-laws, it shall mean a vote of at least two thirds (2/3) of the Members who cast a vote at a general Club meeting. Section 9. Whenever the acronym "AHA" is used, it shall mean the "American Homebrewers Association". Whenever the acronym "BJCP" is used, it shall mean the "Beer Judge Certification Program".
The objectives of the CASCADE BREWERS GUILD are as follows: Section 1. To discuss all things homebrewing unfettered and inclusive of all brewing knowledge, styles, methods, practices, art, science, and history, without discrimination. To engage in enjoyable social activities and events that focus on homebrewing and/or craft beer as a common foundation. To promote the AHA and BJCP, and actively promote good judging practices as specified per BJCP standards. Section 2. To promote homebrewing in all aspects including, but not limited to education, communication, and evaluation. To evaluate all things brewed by our members, sponsors, associates, peers, and honored guests. The Club shall promote homebrewing by facilitating the "Cascadia Cup", a homebrew competition, a.k.a. the "St. Patrick's Cascadia Cup". All homebrew entries are acceptable within a scope of guidelines defined by the BJCP. The primary goals of the competition are as follows: 2.1. To have a national status (300+ entries) 2.2. To be held at a brewery 2.3. To have the winning beer(s) brewed by a brewery or breweries 2.4. To be sponsored by local breweries and affiliates. Section 3. To communicate in a manner as paperless as possible. To that end, the Club shall designate a Webmaster and maintain a website. The Webmaster shall produce and maintain online content and archives, and manage the email lists. The role of Webmaster may be concurrent with any other Officer position. Section 4. To have regular monthly Club meetings at the home of one of our sponsors. Section 5. To levy dues only as necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Club. Section 6. To receive not-for-profit status for the Club: 6.1. To not be in the business to make a profit other than to minimally cover the operating costs of Club persistence, promote homebrewing and award excellence in homebrewing efforts. 6.2. To promote the tax-deductible, not-for-profit status of the Club. 6.3. To ensure no member shall at any time receive a salary for their efforts, nor at any time wear clothing defined as a uniform by the State of Washington. Section 7. To protect and promote the Club's assets minimally by maintaining a Business License as an "Association" under the laws of the State of Washington. Section 8. To be a non-political, non-sectarian and non-sexist organization. Section 9. To hold all members accountable to a general code of ethics and behavior, including, but not limited to, honesty, responsible drinking, and equitable contributions to the Club. Section 10. To foster friendly relationships with similar organizations.
Section 1. Membership is open to any person 21 years of age or older. Membership shall not be denied to any individual on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, or physical handicap. Section 2. Dues are paid annually in January or before the calendar year. The Officers set the dues for all members. When current members pay their dues, they must pay for the whole year. Members joining in the second half of the calendar year pay one-half dues. Section 3. The members shall not be liable for the debts or obligations of the Club. No member shall receive compensation for services rendered to the Club except as otherwise approved by the Executive Committee. Section 4. Code of Conduct: 4.1. Members recognize that participation in Club activities is entirely voluntary. Participation in these activities may include the consumption of alcoholic beverages, which may affect perception and reactions. Members accept individual responsibility for their conduct and behavior. The Club neither assumes nor accepts responsibility for an individual's actions. 4.2. No member who is driving after meetings or events shall drink to excess as defined by the State of Washington Department of Transportation. Further, no member shall coerce, entice, or otherwise willingly suffer such abusive consumption on the part of any other member. 4.3. No member shall steal, be violent, or engage in behavior that is disrespectful to others or themselves. 4.4. Categorically, and without restriction, the Club reserves the right to censure, fine, suspend or expel any Member who willfully creates disharmony, behaves in a manner prejudicial to order and discipline, or tarnishes the image of the Club, Sponsor, and/or homebrewing as a hobby. No Member or Guest needs to tolerate harassment, belligerency or defamation from any Club Member. A membership may be terminated or restricted with cause by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members, unless otherwise specified. Section 5. Rights, Liabilities, and Privileges of Members: 5.1. Members are expected to adhere to the code of conduct as outlined in Article IV, Section 4. 5.2. Members are expected to participate in Club chores necessary for Club activities, as needed, to provide and compensate for their stake in the benefits. 5.3. Members are encouraged to bring beer or food to each meeting they attend. 5.4. Members are encouraged to participate as members of other homebrew or beer appreciation Clubs. 5.5. Membership privileges include voting at Club meetings, access to online Club information, subscription to any Club email List alias, and attending Club meetings. Section 6. Types of Membership: 6.1. CANDIDATES, GUESTS: open to all persons per Article IV, Section 1, but not yet recognized as any other form of Club Member. It is requested that candidates become another form of Club Member after attending no more than two meetings as a guest. 6.2. MEMBERS, REGULAR MEMBERS: open to all persons per Article IV, Section 1. 6.3. COUPLES/HOUSEHOlD MEMBERS: This membership gives a reduced price for two people at one physical address joining as regular members. 6.4. SPONSOR MEMBERS: the Officers may award sponsor membership to organizations, companies, or persons in exchange for services or other benefits to the Club or its members valued at no less than $100 per calendar year. Sponsor members cannot vote and are not eligible to become officers. 6.5. lIFETIME MEMBERS: lifetime membership may be awarded to individual members in recognition of extraordinary contributions to the Club. Lifetime membership shall be offered upon a Majority vote of the Members and approval of the Executive Committee. Lifetime Members do not pay dues.
Section 1. The Officers shall comprise the Executive Committee. Section 2. Qualifications: Nominees must be a member in good standing, and must not be a whole or part owner of a Club Sponsor, or an officer of another similar club. It is preferred that at least one nominee be an experienced business owner or manager. Section 3. The Executive Committee composition: 3.1. Primary officers shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. 3.2. Non-voting ancillary positions may include, but are not limited to, Competition Organizer, Education Director, Events Coordinator, and Webmaster. Section 4. Roles: 4.1. The PRESIDENT shall Conduct regular Club meetings, organize and preside over Executive Committee meetings, and establish committees as needed for special projects. He shall present initiatives and ideas for Club activities, delegate Club business to appropriate officers, conduct all voting, and speak on behalf of the Club and/or executive committee for any actions decided upon. 4.2. The VICE-PRESIDENT shall assist the President in maintaining the efficiency of the operation, and in the absence of the President, shall assume the duties normally performed by the President. In the event the President is unable or unwilling to perform his duties on an ongoing basis, the Vice-President shall assume the role of President and a new Vice-President shall be elected. 4.3. The SECRETARY shall record the minutes of all Club and Executive Committee Meetings, issue the results of all Club Meetings and Elections, and conduct the general correspondence of the Club. In addition, the Secretary is responsible for producing and distributing the Club Action items and meeting notes to the Club Webmaster on a regular basis. 4.4. The TREASURER shall collect dues and revenues, collect and disburse funds for routine and special Club business, provide a financial summary not less than quarterly for the Club and website, and keep an accounting of Club monies. Section 5. All Officers, at the expiration of their term of office, are required to turn over all pertinent papers and computer records of the Club to their successor, or other Club designee. Section 6. The Executive Committee must meet at least once each year. The meeting dates, times, and locations will be determined by the Executive Committee and published online via the Club website and email. Section 7. Any Officer may be removed from office at any time by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Members. Section 8. Should any Officer other than the President resign or be removed from office, the Executive Committee shall appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term, otherwise a call for new elections shall result upon the next general meeting. Section 9. All Executive Committee decisions shall be determined by a majority vote. In the event of a tie, the Presidents' vote shall determine the outcome.
Section 1. Officers shall be elected by a Majority vote of the Members. Section 2. Voting for Officers shall be by secret ballot, unless otherwise designated. Section 3. Elections for Executive Committee Officers shall take place annually in April. Section 4. Term of office shall be for one year starting May 1st. Section 5. Elections shall be announced in email and the Club website preceding the election meeting. Section 6. Any regular member can make nominations for Officers at the March meeting with the consent of the nominee. Members wishing to run for an office but unable to attend the meeting may have their names put into nomination by submitting a written or email request to the Secretary any time before the election meeting. Section 7. Should more than two (2) candidates be nominated and run for any Executive Committee Office, the following shall prevail: 7.1. Any candidate receiving a majority vote of the Members shall be considered elected. 7.2. If no candidate receives a majority vote of the Members, there will be a run-off election between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes. Section 8. The Officers shall decide when and what kinds of issues and topics to be voted on. Any Regular Member can petition an Officer for an issue to be brought to a vote.
Section 1. Official Club meetings shall be held monthly unless otherwise determined by Club Officers. Section 2. A meeting shall consist of at least one Officer and any number of regular members. Section 3. The Executive Committee shall establish an appropriate method for notifying members of the time and place for the monthly meeting. Section 4. The President shall dictate the procedure of the meeting, based on the activities planned. If the President is not available, then the order of responsibility for meetings is as follows: Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Section 5. Officers may opt to meet as necessary to discuss Club business. Section 6. It is the responsibility of the Executive Committee to report to the Membership in a timely manner.
Section 1. Dues may be paid in cash, money order, personal check, traveler's check, or any other cash based negotiable media. Section 2. The Treasurer shall cooperate fully with the President in any audit or review of the financial records. Section 3. A minimum balance will be established and maintained by the Treasurer to cover unexpected expenses or losses of the Club. The Club Officers shall establish the amount of the balance. Section 4. Any member may be reimbursed for all legitimate expenses in the name of the Club at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
Any member can petition for changes in the By-laws. When changes are suggested, they must be introduced in writing or submitted in email to the Secretary and made available to all members to review at the next regular meeting where a discussion can be held regarding the proposed changes to the By-laws. Voting may take place at the following meeting. A majority vote of the paid membership is required to change the By-laws.
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Last Update: November 24, 2006
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