The Pontiac Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 19th, 2024, at Pine Lodge. This important meeting will include voting on proposed changes to our bylaws. We encourage all members to attend and participate in this critical decision-making process. The revised bylaws and the old version are available for review on our website. 

Key Changes to the Bylaws:

1. Purpose and Definitions:
   
   • Updated definitions to include clarity on terms like “Board of Trade” and “Council.”
   • Reaffirmation of the Chamber’s objectives, with slight modifications for clearer language.
     
2. Membership:
   
   • Introduction of a more detailed membership structure, specifying eligibility, benefits, and conditions for different types of members, including new provisions for benefit providers.
   • Clarified rules around membership dues, termination, and transferability.
     
3. Governance and Council:
   
   • Expanded the roles and responsibilities of the Council, including detailed qualifications, terms of office, and procedures for the automatic termination and removal of Directors.
   • Introduced new rules for electronic participation and voting at Council meetings, allowing for greater flexibility and inclusion.
     
4. Meetings:
   
   • Enhanced clarity on the process and requirements for Quarterly Meetings, Annual General Meetings, and Special Meetings of Members.
   • Introduced provisions for electronic participation in meetings, ensuring accessibility for all members.
     
5. Officers and Committees:
   
   • Defined the roles and responsibilities of key officers, including the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, with a focus on strategic leadership.
   • Introduced the ability for the Council to appoint additional officers and committees as needed.
     
6. Financial and Administrative Procedures:
   
   • Updated rules on financial management, including the fiscal year, banking arrangements, and borrowing powers.
   • Strengthened procedures around the execution of documents and the role of the auditor.
     
7. Dispute Resolution:
   
   • Added a new section detailing procedures for mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes within the Chamber.
     
8. Miscellaneous:
   
   • New rules on the giving of notices, addressing errors and omissions, and the repeal of previous bylaws to ensure consistency and legal compliance.
     

You may download a copy of our proposed bylaws here.

Our current bylaws are available here.

Special Presentation:

In addition to the bylaw review, we are pleased to announce a special presentation by Mireille Alary, notary from PME INTER Notaires, on succession planning. This presentation is particularly important for business owners who should consider the future of their enterprises and the importance of planning for a smooth transition to the next generation.