Thank you for considering submitting the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce Board Nomination Application Form. Your interest in joining our board is a testament to your commitment to supporting our business community and advancing the chamber’s mission. We believe your unique perspectives and experiences could play a valuable role in shaping our future. Should you decide to complete the application, we look forward to learning more about you and how your expertise can contribute to our collective goals.
Before moving forward with the application, you may want to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of being a board member. To qualify for this position of distinction, you must be a member of the Chamber in good standing, and there are certain duties associated with serving on the board. These responsibilities include:
Knowing the Mission
Understanding the mission of the chamber, as well as its strategic initiatives, is important and will help you make decisions and speak more confidently to potential members.
Always Representing the Chamber
One of the other most significant chamber of commerce board responsibilities is understanding that as a board member you always represent the chamber, which also applies to social media. Because you are a chamber board member, people may assume that when you speak in public you are speaking on behalf of the chamber.
Attending Meetings
As a chamber board member, there are meetings and events you will need to attend. Board meetings typically are held 4-6 times a year, sometimes virtual and other times in person.
We also hold 3-4 events a month and would like your attendance as often as possible while also recognizing that you may not to be able to attend every one.
It is important you understand the time commitment and attendance requirements before accepting the role. Besides the regular board meetings and chamber events, you can expect to spend somewhere between 1-2 more hours a month.
Heading Up Committees
You may be asked to participate in or chair a particular committee. The three committees that the board will be responsible for are for Finance, Governance and Policy. The time commitment for these committees is included attending meetings section.
Voting
Chamber board members also participate in critical votes for the chamber. You will be required to vote on by-laws, budgets, new member requests or any other issues that may arise.
Hiring and By-Laws
The chamber board may find it necessary to search, interview, and select the chamber executive director. As well you will be evaluating the effectiveness of the ED through an annual review. Chamber by-laws should be reviewed periodically and amended as needed, again, your input in this process will be invaluable.
Recruiting New Members
While chamber staff recruits as well, recruitment efforts of chamber board members are very effective. As chamber board members are often successful, well-respected businesspeople, your reasons for joining the chamber are relevant and other businesses will want to hear those reasons.
Governing and Legislative Initiatives
One of the reasons you were selected for this prestigious role is your business knowledge and success. As a chamber board member, you will be expected to exercise this business knowledge for the betterment of the chamber.
Finally,
being a chamber board member is an honor and a responsibility. Chamber of commerce board responsibilities give you the opportunity to see your community in a new light and meet many new people.
While you will be part of the advisory body of the chamber, the day-to-day operations and administration falls onto our Executive Director. Understanding the job duties of the ED and the board will help you work together more successfully.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to help and look forward to hearing from you!