Name

The name of the Association shall be:
"Connecticut International Trade Association"

Purpose

The purpose of the Association is to act as an agency for the interchanges of ideas and information and the discussion of international trade members and to foster the development of international trade.

Eligibility

Any person interested in some aspect of international trade matters may become a member by filing an application with the Secretary and the payment of the annual membership dues.

CITA does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, or religion.

Dues

The Dues shall be payable by check to the Association and mailed to the Secretary by October 31st of each year, if a member's name is to appear on the roster. This entitles the member to a copy of the roster, full voting rights and all other privileges of the Association. Members in arrears for payment of dues for a period of sixty (60) days after October 31st shall be dropped from the membership of the Association automatically.

Officers and Elections

The officers shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer who shall be elected every two (2) years at the annual meeting. In case of any vacancy by death, resignation or other cause, the vacancy shall be filling by appointment by the Board of Directors for the remainder of the unexpired term.

President Duties

It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Association and the Board of Directors and to appoint all standing or special committees unless other wise provided.

Vice President Duties

It shall be the duty of the Vice President to perform the duties of the President in his or her absence. In the absence of the Vice President the chair shall be filled by the next consecutive officer as specified in Article V. The Vice President shall serve as Chairperson of the Program Committee.

Secretary Duties

The Secretary shall be responsible for the publicity of the Association, the distribution of information to the members and the keeping of the membership roster and mailing list. The Secretary will also be responsible for keeping the minutes of the meeting and the issuance of general calls for meeting. He/she shall perform other duties as may be assigned by the President.

Treasurer Duties

The Treasurer shall receive all moneys and disburse same. She/he shall keep a detailed account of all receipts and disbursements and be prepared to report same at regular joint meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual report of transactions and conditions of the Association.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall be comprised of five (5) members in good standing designated by the Nominating Committee. Two (2) of these positions will be reserved for Past officers.

Committee

Membership Committee

The function of the Membership Committee shall be to strengthen the Association by obtaining the membership of persons, who by reason of their interest in world trade would make desirable members. The duties of the Committee shall also be to assist the officers of the Association in maintaining a good attendance record. The Committee shall also be responsible for introducing new members to the general membership at any general meeting.

Program Committee

Nominating Committee

At a regular meeting preceding the annual meeting in May the president shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) members in good standing who shall nominate candidates - with consent of the prospective candidates - for all offices to be filled at the annual election every two (2) years.

The names of all such candidates shall be given to the Secretary and by him /her includes with the announcement for the May meeting. In addition, other candidates may be nominated from the floor on the date of election.

Scholarship Committee

The Scholarship Committee shall consist of one (1) member appointed by the Board of Directors. It shall be their duty to review all scholarship applications submitted by the members and determine which applicant will be awarded the CITA scholarship. The amount of the scholarship and the number awarded will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Special Committee

Other Committees shall be appointed by the President at his/her discretion.

Quorum

A quorum shall consist of 25% of the registered members of the Association in good standing. At any Board of Directors meeting two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

Amendment of Bylaws

The Bylaws maybe amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the member present at any regular meeting and in good standing. Provided such proposed amendment is outlined in the call for that meeting which must be mailed at least ten (10) business days prior to the date of the meeting.

Meetings

A minimum of six (6) regular meeting of the Association shall be held each fiscal year. Due notice of the place of the meeting shall be given at least ten (10) business days prior to the date of the meeting. Special meetings may be held at the call of the President or shall be called upon the written request of twenty-five (25) percent of the members of the Association who must be in good standing. Such call or request being given at least ten (10) business days in advance.

The Annual Business Meeting of the Association shall be held in the month of May each year. Every two (2) years an Election of Officers will take place provided there is a quorum as defined in Article IX. Their official duties and functions to be effective on July 1 which will be the beginning of the fiscal year.

Parliamentary Procedures

Whenever a question arises concerning parliamentary procedures not specifically covered by the Articles of the Constitution or Bylaws it shall be understood that Roberts Rules of Order shall prevail.

Honorary Member

Any retired CITA member in good standing for the previous five (5) years shall become an Honorary Member. And whose membership is free. Honorary Members have the same privileges as regular membership including the option of holding office in the Association.

Rev.2/2008