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NORTH CAROLINA NENA

NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER OF THE

NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION

Bylaws

Adopted September 11, 1988

Revised September 09, 1994

Revised September 15, 1995

Revised October 02, 1997

Revised September 10, 2003

Revised September 14, 2006

Revised September 12, 2007

Revised January 29, 2010

Revised September 1, 2010

Revised: March 9, 2012

Revised: March 15, 2013

Revised: September 10, 2014

Revised: July 17, 2020

Revised: August 26, 2021

 

Bylaws of the

NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER

of the NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION

 

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this non-profit corporation chartered in the State of North Carolina is the North Carolina Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association, Inc., also referred to as “Chapter,” “North Carolina NENA” or “NC NENA.”

ARTICLE II – OBJECTS

The objects of the Chapter shall be to:

1. Lead in the development, availability, implementation and enhancement of a universal emergency telephone number common to all jurisdiction(s) through research, planning, training, and education;
2. Represent its members before communications regulatory agencies and appropriate policy-making, and legislative bodies;
3. Enable all citizens to have immediate access to emergency public safety services so that safety of human life, protection of property, and civic welfare are benefited to the utmost degree; and,
4. Aid and assist in the timely collection and dissemination of information relating to a universal emergency telephone number.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERS

Section 1 – Membership Application

1. All membership applications and dues shall be submitted to the National NENA office on standard forms as published on NENA’s website (www.nena.org).
2. Any questions regarding application qualifications will be handled by NENA staff or the Executive Board of NENA.
3. The dues rate for each class of membership in the North Carolina Chapter of NENA is set by the Executive Board of NENA.
4. North Carolina NENA shall not be discriminatory in any of its practices.

Section 2 – Membership Categories

1. Public Sector members are individuals who are employed by, appointed, or elected to a government or quasi-government agency and who are or have been responsible for some aspect of design, promotion, construction, installation, maintenance, command and/or operation of public safety emergency communications systems, to include those who have retired from such positions. Public sector members shall have the right to vote, to hold elected offices, and to serve on committees if appointed.

2. Private Sector members are individuals who provide products or services related to public safety emergency communications systems and related industries, to include those who have retired from such positions. Private sector members shall have the right to vote, to hold elected offices, and to serve on committees if appointed.

3. Telecommunicator members are members who are certified, engaged in, employed as, or retired from non-management and non-supervisory public safety communications positions, including call takers and dispatchers, who wish to further their career in the emergency communications industry and support the goals and objectives of NENA. Telecommunicator Members shall have the right to vote at the chapter level, hold elected offices at the chapter level, and to serve on committees if appointed.

4. Associate members are members who are not eligible for public sector or private sector membership but who wish to support the goals and objectives of NENA. Associate members may not vote, nominate candidates for the National executive board, or hold any office on the National executive board. Associate members will not receive the annual membership directory. Associate members may participate in chapter activities and vote on the chapter level in matters pertaining to chapter business in accordance with the chapter bylaws. Associate members shall not hold elected offices but may serve on committees if appointed.

Section 3 – Nomination and Election

The executive board shall establish a special designation, in accordance with policies adopted by the executive board, known as the NC NENA Hall of Fame to honor those who have performed outstanding service to the chapter over a period of years. Nominations for the NC NENA Hall of Fame shall be solicited from the membership during the NC NENA awards solicitation prior to the state conference. The Awards Committee shall review and vote on the nominees received from the membership. All NC NENA past presidents shall be inducted into the NC NENA Hall of Fame at the state conference following their year as NC NENA president.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1 – Designation and Term of Office

1. The Officers of this chapter are the president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary, treasurer, immediate past president, and the three (3) regional representatives.
2. The term of office for president, first vice president, second vice president, and immediate past president shall be for one year, or until a successor is elected and assumes office. The term of office for secretary and treasurer shall be for two years, or until a successor is named and assumes office. Terms of office shall commence on the last day of the state conference.
3. The president shall automatically succeed to the office of immediate past president at the end of the term.
4. The first vice president shall automatically succeed to the office of president at the end of the term.
5. The second vice president shall automatically succeed to the office of first vice president at the end of the term except if filling a vacancy.
6. Regional representatives in the Eastern, Central, and Western regions shall be elected to serve a two (2) year term. This change to three regional areas will take effect with the 2013 board elections.

Section 2 – Eligibility

All potential board members must provide a letter of support from their respective agency to serve their board term. Support is defined as the time to serve the required duties of the office, including attendance at board and chapter functions. It is recommended that the president, first vice president, second vice president, immediate past president, secretary, treasurer, and regional representatives be certified by NENA as Emergency Number Professionals (ENPs). Potential board members shall be members in good standing. Regional representatives may only represent the region determined by the physical address from the National NENA mailing list that their address falls in.

Officers of the North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) may not concurrently serve on the NENA board.

Section 3 – Nomination and Election

1. The immediate past president shall appoint and chair a nominating committee of three (3) members. The Nominating Committee shall call for candidates for particular offices from the membership at least 135 calendar days before the first day of the annual conference. The nominating period will be open for a period of 45 days. The Nominating Committee shall propose one or more candidates for second vice president, secretary, treasurer, and regional representatives as necessary, taking into consideration professional reputation, character, and other qualifications that are deemed appropriate by the Nominating Committee. In the absence of any nominations for office, appointments will be made by vote of the executive board. The Nominating Committee will seek and verify eligibility pursuant to Section 2. If only one nominee is willing to serve in any particular office, that nominee may run unopposed.
2. Electronic Ballots will be created and distributed to the membership at least sixty (60) days before the first day of the state conference. Members will only be eligible to vote for the region representative which covers their region. Region membership shall be determined by the mailing address on file with National NENA. All candidates running for the Executive Board shall be eligible for full membership at least sixty (60) days before the first day of the annual conference.
3. The voting period shall close and electronic results will be made available to the Chair of the Nominating Committee no later than thirty (30) days before the start of the annual conference.
4. A candidate may have a representative witness the results but the candidate may not be present. Challenges to the validity of any ballot that affects the result shall be settled by the Nominating Committee. Election shall be by preferential ballot if there are more than two candidates, and ties shall be broken by lot.
5. Upon certification of the ballot count, the results shall be forwarded to the president. The president will notify the candidates of the election results following receipt of the ballot count. Notification to all candidates should be made no less than twenty-five (25) days before the start of the annual conference. Election results shall be retained for a period of one year, after which they shall be destroyed.
6. A written request for a ballot recount must be filed with the president by noon on the second day of the conference. The president shall forward the request to the executive board. It shall require a two-thirds vote of the board to deny such as request. Any recount shall be performed in accordance with policies adopted by the executive board.

Section 4 – Duties of Officers

1. President – The president shall:
   
   1. Carry out duties as delegated in this section and those policies duly adopted by the executive board;
   2. Appoint special committees to perform tasks deemed necessary during his/her term of office. These committees shall be filled by chapter members in good standing.
   3. Make assignments to the other elected officers;
   4. Authorize reasonable and proper expense of any member for the purpose of specific chapter duties;
   5. Call any committee into session at any time;
   6. Engage legal counsel in accordance with Article X of these bylaws if approved by executive board action;
   7. Develop and administer the annual chapter budget with the executive board;
   8. Transfer line items only when approved by the executive board;
   9. Report to the membership all changes in budget or financial status;
   10. Notify members of resignations or changes in any executive board position;
   11. Designate the dates that the chapter meetings will be held;
   12. Sign and enter into contracts for the chapter with the executive board approval;
   13. Preside at all meetings of this chapter and/or the executive board and serve as chairperson of the executive board;
   14. Appoint committees in accordance with Article VI of these bylaws;
   15. Serve as the coordinator of the functions of the chapter representing the executive board in those matters where he/she has a responsibility in accordance with his/her required duties;
   16. Supervise the general conduct, planning, and activity of the state conference, and provide for the official requirements of the executive board during those and other meetings of such bodies;
   17. Serve as liaison with the National NENA Organization, its executive board, executive director, and other state chapter presidents;
   18. Carry out the purposes of this chapter as set forth in its bylaws;
   19. Serve as chapter representative and liaison to the General Assembly, and other state and local government agencies and organizations;
   20. Appoint a corporate liaison to ensure the needs of the chapter private sector membership are met; and,
   21. Communicate with the NENA Representative to the NC 911 Board Member prior to each 911 Board meeting regarding the chapter’s position on issues coming before the 911 Board.
2. First Vice President – The first vice president shall:
   
   1. Perform all the duties of the president in his/her absence, or in the event of the president’s inability or refusal to act. When so acting, the first vice president shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president;
   2. Have such other duties and exercise such other authority as from time to time may be delegated or assigned by the president or the executive board;
   3. Serve as chairperson of the Conference Committee and the Audit Committee; and,
   4. Conduct a continuous effort to increase all classes of membership, and to increase the revenues of this chapter in a manner approved by the executive board.
3. Second Vice President – The second vice president shall:
   
   1. Perform all the duties of the first vice president in his/her absence, or in the event of the first vice president’s inability or refusal to act. When so acting, the second vice president shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the first vice president;
   2. Have such other duties and exercise such other authority as from time to time may be delegated or assigned by the president or the executive board; and,
   3. Conduct a continuous effort to increase Emergency Number Professionals (ENPs) in the state by promoting professional ENP certification to NC NENA members and conducting study groups throughout the state to prepare members for certification.
4. Secretary – The secretary shall:
   
   1. Have such duties and exercise such other authority as from time to time may be delegated or assigned by the executive board;
   2. Provide for the notice and keeping of minutes and records of the state conference and other scheduled meetings, and meetings of the executive board of this chapter;
   3. Serve as historian of the chapter, coordinate the input and maintain an archive which shall store, list and maintain that which is deemed to be of historical value to the chapter, including the storage of all official publications;
   4. Maintain the records, files and library of the chapter and handle its general correspondence; and,
   5. Maintain the bylaws of the chapter; serve as the chairperson of any committee established to revise and update the bylaws; provide a complete copy of the bylaws to any member upon request and notify National NENA and ensure approval for any changes to the bylaws.
5. Treasurer – The treasurer shall:
   
   1. Have such duties and exercise such other authority as from time to time may be delegated or assigned by the executive board;
   2. Establish banking facilities; prepare checks for the expenditure of funds to cover the chapter’s indebtedness;
   3. Maintain complete records of all monies owed to the chapter and of expenditures incurred by the chapter and take all appropriate measures to assure the prompt collection of payment of, and accounting for, chapter funds;
   4. Receive all funds due this chapter and maintain bank accounts for the orderly processing of all funds;
   5. Provide a summary of expenses at bimonthly meetings and a full report of his/her activities at each annual conference;
   6. Furnish regular financial statements containing his/her comments and recommendations to the members of the executive board;
   7. Assist the president in preparing the projected budget by providing potential revenues and anticipated expenditures; and,
   8. Be bonded; the chapter will pay for expenses incurred for treasurers bond.
6. Immediate Past President – The immediate past president shall:
   
   1. Serve as chairperson of the Nominating Committee;
   2. Assist the president in his/her liaison capacities.
7. Regional Representatives – Regional representatives shall:
   1. Represent their regions at all meetings of the executive board; serve as a liaison between the members of the region being represented and the executive board;
   2. Solicit new members from within their regions and maintain a current list of members in their region;
   3. Promote all chapter activities and the goals and objectives of the North Carolina Chapter of NENA within their regions;
   4. Establish and maintain contact with other public safety communications centers in their regions;
   5. Coordinate data gathering and research in their regions as requested by the executive board.

Designation of Regions:

For the purpose of designating regional representatives, the State of North Carolina shall be divided into three (3) regions: Eastern, Central and Western. By majority vote of the voting members, the executive board may alter these boundaries in any manner deemed appropriate to serve the goals and objectives of the chapter. These three (3) regions are defined below and include the counties listed therein:

EASTERN REGION: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Gates, Greene, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrell, Washington and Wayne.

CENTRAL REGION: Alamance, Anson, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsythe, Franklin, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Randolph, Richmond, Rockingham, Scotland, Stokes, Surry, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wilson and Yadkin.

WESTERN REGION: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

Section 5 – Oath of Office

Each duly elected officer and regional representative shall take the following oath during the business meeting at the annual conference, administered by the outgoing president:

“You have been duly elected to the office in which you are about to enter by vote of the chapter membership. This vote bestows upon you confidence and trust and places in your hands the duties of your office as written in the bylaws of this chapter. Do you solemnly affirm that you accept this responsibility, this confidence, and this establishment of duty and that you will support the Bylaws of the North Carolina Chapter of National Emergency Number Association and will faithfully perform the duties of your position to the best of your knowledge, skill, and ability?”

The installing officer calls each officer by name, who will respond with “I do.”

The oath of office for the office of president shall be administered by the designated choice of the incoming president and will be done at the banquet held on the last night of the annual conference.

Section 6 – Vacancies

1. A vacancy in the office of president shall be filled by the first vice president for the remainder of that term, followed by one full term as president.
2. A vacancy in the office of first vice president shall be filled by the second vice president for the remainder of that term, followed by one full term as first vice president. The current president and immediate past president shall serve the remainder of the term, followed by an additional term as president and immediate past president.
3. A vacancy in the office of second vice president shall be filled by vote of the executive board for the remainder of the term, after which the officer shall not automatically succeed to the next higher office, but if otherwise eligible, may be elected to the office.
4. A vacancy in the office of the secretary shall be filled by vote of the executive board for the remainder of the term.
5. A vacancy in the office of the treasurer shall be filled by vote of the executive board for the remainder of the term.
6. A vacancy in the office of the Immediate Past President shall be filled by vote of the executive board for the remainder of the term; however, the vacancy must be filled by a past NC NENA President.

Section 7 – Impeachment of Officers

A two-thirds majority vote of the total membership shall be required for the removal from office of an officer of this chapter

ARTICLE V – EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1 – Designation of the Executive Board

The executive board shall consist of the regularly elected officers and the three (3) regional representatives as defined in Article IV, currently serving the chapter in their designated capacities. Each regularly elected officer shall have full voting power on the executive board, with each member possessing one (1) vote. A simple majority of the executive board members shall constitute a quorum and a simple majority vote of those present at a session shall determine issues before the board. In the event of a tie, the vote of the president, first vice president and second vice president shall determine the issue.

Section 2 – Duties of the Executive Board

The executive board shall:

1. Establish and maintain adequate management of the chapter’s activities;
2. Make recommendations to the membership at the annual conference on matters published to the membership and/or matters of which the membership has received notice;
3. Supervise all accounts and expenses of the chapter;
4. Fill vacancies in accordance with these bylaws;
5. Review the proposed budget of the chapter; such budget to show anticipated revenues by source, and desired objective and anticipated expenses of any projects that are not a part of the regular activities of the chapter;
6. Select the site(s) and date(s) of the annual conference and regular chapter meetings and to inform the membership thereof;
7. Attend a minimum of four (4) of the six (6) yearly chapter meetings; and,
8. Be responsible for the operation of any publication which the chapter publishes or sponsors, and establish fees for advertising in any chapter publication.

Section 4 – Grievance Procedures

Any member grievance may be brought to the executive board for resolution. Grievances shall be submitted in writing to the president and mailed through U.S. Postal Service or electronic format. The president shall convene an executive board meeting where the grievance will be brought before the board for resolution. Contact will be made with the party submitting the grievance within thirty (30) days.

ARTICLE VI – OTHER POSITIONS/APPOINTMENTS

1. North Carolina 9-1-1 Board Representative
   1. The executive board shall recommend to the president, who will recommend to the Governor for the appointment, the name of one NENA member in good standing, to be appointed to serve on the North Carolina 9-1-1 Board as authorized under North Carolina General Statute 62A-41.
   2. The representative shall be a public sector member of the North Carolina Chapter of NENA in good standing.
   3. The representative shall convey to the 9-1-1 Board the chapter’s position and convey what the executive board and the membership consider issues at hand.
   4. The representative shall give a full report on the activities of the North Carolina 9-1-1 Board and its various committees and subcommittees at each chapter meeting or provide the report in written format for distribution to the chapter.
   5. In the event of a vacancy, the president shall ask for an open call of interested members. The executive board will consider all applicants and an appointee will be selected by a majority vote of the executive board.
2. Commercial Advisory Member
   
   1. The president shall annually appoint a Private Sector member in good standing to liaise between the Private Sector members and the Executive board.

ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES

Section 1 – Standing Committees

1. Nominating Committee – The immediate past president shall chair this committee and shall appoint at least two other members, in good standing, to serve on this committee. In the event that the immediate past president cannot or is unable to chair this committee, the president can appoint a member in good standing to chair this committee.
2. Awards Committee – The president shall chair this committee and shall appoint at least two other members, in good standing, to serve on this committee. In the event that the president cannot or is unable to chair this committee, the president can appoint a member in good standing to chair this committee.
3. Conference Committee – The president shall appoint four (4) voting members in good standing to serve on the North Carolina Public Safety Communications Conference (NCPSCC) Joint Conference Management Committee pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement between NC NENA and NC APCO. The President shall remain a voting ex-officio member of this Committee.
4. Membership Committee – The first vice president shall chair this committee, and may appoint other members in good standing to serve on this committee. This committee shall actively explore ways to reach new members for the chapter and keep members already enrolled.
5. Training Committee – The president shall appoint the chair to this committee. This committee shall study, promote and make recommendations as to the training needs of the chapter and coordinate training offerings that are offered by the chapter. The chair also has the responsibility to assist the Conference Committee with planning, developing, and coordinating the education program offered at the state conference.
6. Bylaws Update Committee – The secretary shall chair this committee annually and may appoint other members in good standing to serve on this committee. The committee shall review/and or revise the chapter bylaws, drafting revisions deemed necessary to comply with provisions of the National NENA bylaws, and to reflect current procedures and policies of the chapter.
7. Audit Committee – The first vice president shall chair this committee and shall appoint two (2) non-board members in good standing to serve on this committee. This committee shall be responsible for reviewing and submitting a written report on the chapter’s financial records for the year ending. The treasurer will prepare all records, receipts, and books to present to this committee at the annual conference prior to the scheduled conference chapter meeting.
8. Media Committee – The president shall appoint the chair to this committee. This committee is responsible to maintain the chapter’s website and social media accounts and shall maintain online files on the current and historical activities of the chapter.
9. Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) Steering Committee – The second vice president shall chair this committee composed of the Regional Representatives and two members in good standing from the chapter at large appointed annually by the president. The second vice president shall coordinate with the North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and the North Carolina Office of Emergency Management through their liaison from their respective agency. The North Carolina Chapter of NENA will adhere to the policies of the Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The TERT Steering Committee shall maintain a database and make reports to the membership at chapter meetings.
10. Historical Committee – The president shall appoint the chair to this committee. This committee shall actively research, chronicle and compile historical events and documents relevant to the chapter’s history and activities. The committee shall liaise with the Media Committee to preserve and publish electronic records for membership access.

Section 2 – Special Committees

Special committees may be appointed by the president as he/she deems necessary for specific tasks. Members of these committees shall serve at the pleasure of the president, and their terms otherwise shall expire concurrently with that of the president, or on the completion of the appointed duty.

Section 3 – Duties of Committees

Where not otherwise specified, the duties of committees shall be designated by the president, or the designated committee chairpersons. The president may request that the activities of any committee be discussed before the executive board at one of its meetings, and may invite committee chairpersons or other committee members to attend that meeting.

ARTICLE VIII – PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY

The president’s or president’s designee parliamentary decision upon the floor at the state conference or any regularly scheduled chapter meeting shall be final, provided it is not in conflict with the conference rules of this chapter or its bylaws. Absent such provisions, Roberts Rules of Order shall guide parliamentary procedure to the extent practicable.

Upon any question coming before this chapter not otherwise specifically provided for in the bylaws, the presiding officer shall be governed to the extent practicable by Roberts Rules of Order.

All items, whether it is old or new business, shall be presented to the board or designee to be approved and added to the agenda by the seventh day before the regularly scheduled board meeting.

The meeting will follow an agenda set forth and approved by the board at their regularly scheduled meeting.

Anyone wishing to speak or comment on any items shall raise their hand and wait to be called on by the president or designee in turn. No speaking out of turn or at the same time as the designated person.

If any items are not submitted to the board to be on the agenda they are required to be submitted to the board before the next scheduled meeting to be heard during the next meeting.

The president or designee has the authority to stop a speaker during the meeting; speakers out of turn will receive one warning and could possibly be asked to leave if they continue to be disruptive during the meeting.

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENT

Section 1 – Requirements for Amendment

1. Proposals by a member in good standing made at the annual conference or a regularly scheduled meeting shall be considered by the executive board, the result of their decision being reported at the next regularly scheduled meeting and/or the state conference. In case of any question, the president shall decide if the proposal requires an amendment to the bylaws.

Section 2 – Amendment Procedures

The bylaws of the chapter shall be honored by any member in good standing.

1. An amending proposal shall be submitted by the maker in written form to the executive board and its format shall in order be:
   
   1. Indication of the name of the maker and the date submitted of the proposal;
   2. Indication of the intent of the proposal;
   3. Indication of the meeting or state conference where consideration is desired;
   4. Indication of the article(s), sections(s), and paragraphs(s) of the bylaws proposed to be amended; and,
   5. Proposed amending language.
2. A resolution to amend the bylaws of this chapter shall be based upon the required amending proposal and, with the guidance of the executive board; it shall be so devised and drafted. A copy of the draft resolution shall be provided to the maker prior to publication for his/her concurrence. Participation by the executive board in these matters shall not be construed to imply their support of the measures considered therein except when the executive board initiates an amending resolution.
3. An amending resolution which has been processed in accordance with the requirements of Article IX, Section 2 shall be published and mailed through the U.S. Postal Service or in electronic format to all members of this chapter no less than thirty (30) days before the next scheduled meeting or annual conference for consideration.
4. Minor technical amendments to a resolution to amend the bylaws may be made by a quorum by means of a majority vote on each proposed resolution amendment, if so deemed in order by the president, and so long as the original purpose and intent of the proposed amendment is maintained.

Section 3 – Effective Date

1. All amendments to these bylaws shall become effective immediately upon adoption, unless a provison is adopted that changes the effective date.
2. Adopted bylaws shall be published on the NC NENA website after adoption.

Article X – NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE (NCPSCC)

Section 1 – Conference Quorum

The members attending a business session of an annual conference shall constitute a conference quorum.

Section 2 – Conference Rules

Conference rules may be established by the executive board between state conferences or by a majority vote of an annual conference quorum.

ARTICLE XI – EMPLOYMENT OF COUNSEL

Section 1 – Employment Procedure

Counsel shall be employed upon a recommendation by the president and majority vote approval of the executive board. The executive board shall stipulate the retainer fee by majority vote.

Section 2 – Purpose

Counsel shall be employed for the purpose of providing legal advice or representation to the chapter and for the preparation and presentation of matters before governmental bodies as desired by the chapter.

ARTICLE XII – GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Section 1 – Application for Funds

The president of this chapter, or any member designated by him/ her, may make application to any organization, corporations, agencies, groups, or persons for grants or contributions of funds or property for carrying out general or specific purposes of this chapter.

No application shall be made to, or contribution received from, any person or agency except after a determination by the executive board that a grant or contribution to the chapter would be motivated by the desire to further the purposes of the chapter and not to derive personal benefit or privilege to the donor.

Section 2 – Acceptance of Grants or Contributions

Any member who may be offered a grant, contribution or contract for this chapter shall immediately notify the president. No grant or contribution shall be finally accepted by the chapter except upon approval of the executive board. The terms of any such grant or contribution shall be set forth in writing and signed both on behalf of the chapter and the donor.

Section 3 – Administration of Funds

Any grant or contribution to the chapter shall be credited to its general fund unless, under the terms thereof, a special fund is prescribed. The budgeting, receipt, custody, and disbursement of any such grant or contribution shall follow the procedures defined for general funds of this chapter unless provided otherwise in the terms of the grant or contribution and agreed to by the executive board.

ARTICLE XIII – RETENTION OF PROPERTY INTEREST

Section 1 – Retention of Title

All right, title, and interest, both legal and equitable, in and to property of this chapter shall remain in the chapter.

Section 2 – Requirements for Return of Property

Any property of the chapter in the possession or trust of a member or employee shall be returned immediately to the chapter in the event of his/her death, resignation, suspension, or expulsion.

ARTICLE XIV – USE OF CHAPTER FUNDS TO SEND OFFICERS TO NENA RELATED EVENTS

Section 1 – Purpose

It is imperative that the chapter be represented at the annual National NENA Conference, 911 Goes to Washington Conference, and the North Carolina Public Safety Communications Conference. Such representation should be by the president during their presidential term.

It is recognized that the above representative might not be able to attend because the organization for which they work cannot provide all, or part, of the funds. NC NENA will need paperwork from their agency stating these funds are not available. In order to ensure that the named representative can attend, the chapter may make funds available each year if they cannot obtain 100 percent financing from their employer, under the following guidelines, if funds are available and approved by the executive board:

1. The attendee must have itemized their known and projected costs for the conference and show the deficit between the total projected conference costs and funds available from their organizations, attesting to the fact that all or part of the funds are not available. The attendee is expected to secure whatever funds they can from their employers before receiving chapter funds.
2. Only the cost of the conference registration and travel to and from the conference, as well as hotel expense and state per diem rate for meals or actual meal expense, whichever is less, will be paid in full. Actual transportation expenses, not to exceed the lowest available round-trip coach airfare, or mileage at the IRS standard mileage rate will be paid. Receipts must be provided for all claimed expenses.
3. If the president is unable to attend the National NENA Conference or the 911 Goes to Washington Conference, for whatever reason, the responsibility to attend shall fall first to the first vice president, second to the second vice president, third to the secretary, fourth to the treasurer, and fifth to a regional representative appointed by the president. If none of these individuals can attend, for whatever reason, the president may appoint a chapter member, in good standing, to attend and represent the chapter. This appointee is eligible for funds as prescribed in this policy, if funds are available.
4. Within 15 days after the conference, the attendee shall file a complete disclosure statement with the treasurer (or president if the treasurer is the attendee), itemizing all costs incurred at the conference.

ARTICLE XV – ANNUAL CHAPTER BUDGET

Section 1 – Purpose

The purpose of the annual chapter budget is to document and guide the financial activities of the chapter over the course of its fiscal year, which is defined as the period of time between consecutive state conferences.

Section 2 – Procedures

The annual budget shall be prepared by the incoming president with the assistance of the treasurer in a form developed by him or her that is in keeping with sound budget and accounting procedures and practices, and providing a balanced budget.

Section 3 – Annual Budget Provisions

The annual budget shall contain all expenditures and revenues reasonably expected to be incurred or anticipated over the fiscal year to conduct normal chapter activities and events.

Expenditures shall include, but are not limited to, costs associated with the annual conference, expenses incurred by chapter members in conducting chapter business, travel expenses incurred by the president (or designated member) in attending the National NENA and 911 Goes to Washington Conferences, per Article XIV, costs associated with preparing items of clothing or other such materials intended for sale by the chapter, and legal costs, including those incurred in retaining legal counsel.

Revenues shall include, but are not limited to, income generated from fees, subscriptions, and dues, including those remitted back to the chapter from National NENA, associated revenue generated from the annual conference, and income associated with any grants or contributions provided the chapter.

Section 4 – Authority of the Executive Board

The executive board shall be empowered to make any and all decisions regarding expenditures made and income received by the chapter. This includes, but is not limited to, setting advertising rates for the chapter newsletter and website, setting rates for the renting of vendor space at the conference, setting the prices for the sale of promotional items prepared by the chapter, such as clothing, setting the rates for attendance to the conference and any other event sponsored and endorsed by the chapter, setting the rates and limits for incurring the services of legal counsel, setting the rates and limits for any costs incurred associated with conducting normal chapter business and activities, and setting the rates and limits for any costs incurred in the conducting of these duties, the executive board is empowered to revise any and all provisions contained within the annual budget, providing that the financial status of the chapter remains sound and solvent at all times.

ARTICLE XVI – DISBURSEMENT OF ASSETS UPON DISSOLUTION

Should the North Carolina Chapter of NENA be dissolved, all assets remaining after all chapter debts have been retired shall be distributed to an organization, or organizations, of similar purpose as selected by a two-thirds majority vote of a conference quorum, or by a majority vote of the executive board if between conferences.

ARTICLE XVI – TRADEMARK PROTECTION

Section 1 – Statement of Policy

Use of the North Carolina Chapter of NENA logo shall be strictly controlled by the executive board.

1. Chapter members are specifically authorized to use the logo for stationary and other promotional purposes in the pursuit of their normal business activities provided use of the logo is not misleading or misrepresentative of the chapter in any way, and is not in poor taste. The executive board reserves the right to revoke the privilege of any member when use of the logo is felt to be misleading, misrepresentative, or in poor taste. Members are encouraged to submit a draft of any material using the logo to the executive board if there is some question regarding the use of the logo.
2. The use of the logo in the manufacture of articles of clothing, jewelry, hardware and other promotional items, and in conjunction with identification and/or commercial activities is expressly prohibited except with the express written authority of the executive board in each particular instance.