These bylaws are written to provide general guidance and to set general procedures. The bylaws are intentionally written to NOT over-specify details, allowing the organization to be flexible.

Article I-Name of organization

The name of this organization is Sales and Marketing Professionals of Northeast Wisconsin (SMPNEW).

Article II-Purpose of organization

The organization serves sales and marketing professionals in NE Wisconsin, providing opportunities to network and exchange ideas, typically through hosting programs that focus on marketing and sales topics.

Article III-Membership

1. Membership is open to professionals with primary responsibilities connected to sales/marketing.
2. Applying for membership – A membership form should be submitted to the SMPNEW Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will vote on membership.
3. Personal memberships – Members who pay their own membership fees may take their membership with them if they change employers. If a company pays the membership fee, membership belongs to the company. The company can give the membership to the former employee or can transfer the membership to another employee qualified to join SMPNEW.
4. Membership types – To accommodate varying needs among members, the Board of Directors may establish multiple membership types, for example which differ in the number of programs included.

Article IV-Fees and Dues

1. Annual dues are established by the Board of Directors. An initiation fee may be charged, for defined association expenses.
2. The Board of Directors will establish a program fee for guests. A member who does not attend a program may be represented by a designee with member privileges.

Article V-Board of Directors (Officers)

1. The officers will include a President and VPs for Programs, Membership, Marketing, and Finance.  Additional positions may exist, for example other VP positions, or at large positions.
2. The duties of the officers and directors shall begin on July 1 of each year.
3. Each position is expected to be held for one year. Term limits do not exist, but current officers do not have incumbent rights. All members are encouraged to get involved.
4. The President should clarify the responsibilities of each officer, for example; what decisions and/or reports are due and when. For decision-making, all board members have an equal vote. Decisions are expected to be made by consensus.
5. Officers shall be elected each year. Before this election, members should be advised of the election and should be invited to submit a statement of interest for any position.

Article VI-Maintaining these bylaws 

1. These Bylaws should be available to all members and should be brought to all meetings to make sure people are aware of our policies.
2. Bylaws may be amended by a vote from the members. Prior to a vote, the current and proposed bylaws should be distributed and a statement that clarifies the updates. The vote passes if a majority of voting members accepts the new version

Revised – June 2005