Mission statement:

For traders, manufacturers, professionals and others to meet and communicate with each other, in order to consider and promote any lawful measures, plans and schemes intended to further, improve and secure the trading and commercial interests of St Just and its environs and in doing so use what ever powers we have as an association to protect and enhance the area.

Objectives:

• Promote and represent existing local member businesses
• Become a visible body with power
• Promote attributes of St Just and its environs
• Showcase members products and services
• Develop an events programme
• Work with other bodies to develop successful marketing activities

The committee will be elected at the Annual General Meeting and consist of 7 members

• Chairman
• Vice Chair
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Liaison / PR
• Membership secretary
• Officer

In the event of a vacancy an interim member may be proposed and seconded at an open meeting to complete the year to the AGM. 2/3rsd of the voting members present must agree.

An officer may be removed from office by calling an extraordinary general meeting and a 2/3 vote (of those present and voting) will be required to remove a member unless a breech of the rules has occurred in which case the committee has the power to remove accordingly.

Any paid up member may run for office.

Each committee member has 1 vote. In the event of an equality of votes the chairman shall have an additional casting vote.

Membership

Any lawful trader whether an individual, partnership or company with or without premises is eligible to join the traders association.

In doing so they agree to pay a yearly subscription and agree to abide by the constitution and any rules laid down by the association.

There will be only one type of membership - Full paid up membership.

Each paid up membership carries one vote. In the case of a company that company shall nominate a representative to have the right to vote. Each member may advise a named substitute at the AGM or in writing to the secretary at any time in the Association’s year.

Each membership will pay a yearly subscription of £10.00, payable on or before the date of the AGM.

Fees are payable to the treasurer.

Expenditure to be authorised by the committee.

No member is empowered to speak on behalf of the association without the authority of the committee.

Removal of a member will occur if a member;

• Allows their subscription to lapse.
• Discredits or causes harm to the association and its members.
• Or for any other reason determined by a 2/3rds majority at an open meeting.

The procedure for removal of a member is as follows;

• Letter describing the reasons to be given to the committee
• Response obtained from the member
• Scheduled or extraordinary meeting of the committee to review case
• Majority vote will determine action
• If a member is aggrieved by a decision to remove their membership then they shall have the right to attend the next Open (General) Meeting and put their case. The decision of that meeting shall be final.

Repayment of subscriptions will be on a pro-rata basis unless the membership has been terminated by the association for the reasons stated above.

Meetings

The committee will meet at least six times a year and shall be quorate with five members present.

General meetings are open to all members and shall be held at least six times a year, the dates and times being determined at the AGM. The AGM shall be held on the second Tuesday in March each year. Details of the venue, time and agenda of the AGM and any general meeting shall be notified by the Secretary who shall do this by way of notices on community notice boards and in the windows of participating members in order to keep costs down. In the event of a need to change a date or call an additional meeting the Secretary shall have discretion to use the most appropriate means to effect notification.

Extra ordinary meetings shall be called by the Secretary, Chair or Vice Chair and at least 21 days notice in writing shall be given to members.

Only paid up members are entitled to vote at any meeting.

Quorum at meetings must be greater than one tenth of the paid up membership.

Quorum at elections must be greater than one tenth of the paid up membership.

Amendments

Amendments to the constitution and rules must be in writing to the committee who will arrange an extraordinary meeting if necessary.

Agendas

Agendas will be posted on community notice boards and in the windows of participating businesses in order to keep costs down.

Items for the agenda should be made in writing to the secretary no later than 2 weeks prior to the meeting. Any items notified to the Secretary at a time closer to the meeting or which a member seeks to raise at a meeting shall be taken under ‘AOB’ at the discretion of the members present at the meeting.

This Constitution is subject to change according to the process of amendment stated herein.