The GMAT Constitution

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE GREAT MALVERN ASSOCIATION OF TRADERS (GMAT)

This constitution supersedes all other constitutions. 12th September 2007

GMAT - What we're all about.

The Great Malvern Association of Traders (GMAT) exists to promote and create revenue generation opportunities for members and traders throughout the Great Malvern Town Centre (Priory Ward) and to work towards the removal of any barriers that may unfairly hinder trade within the ward.

The organisation will do this in the following ways:

• By representing the majority view of GMAT members when liaising and negotiating with official parties such as the Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Town Council; creating a stronger, more influential voice.

• By offering communication services between traders, ensuring networking opportunities, and quick, efficient distribution of relevant information & news.

• By engendering a pride in the town throughout all traders.

• By producing marketing material on behalf of GMAT members promoting trade within the ward.

• By organising and supporting events and projects designed to bring in additional trade into Great Malvern and for GMAT members.

The Members

Membership shall be open to all traders of the Priory Ward in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Each member shall pay an annual subscription to the Treasurer, to be determined each year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Annual subscriptions shall be payable within 30 days of request. Cheques shall be made payable to the Great Malvern Association of Traders.

All subscribing members will be invited to and entitled to attend OGM’S, AGM’S and EGM’S.

All subscribing members will be entitled to vote on issues raised by the committee.

Any member may request amendments to the Constitution in writing to the Secretary. A written notification of the amendment(s) will be sent to all members not less than 14 days prior to the next AGM. Any alteration to this Constitution shall require the agreement of not less than two thirds of members present and eligible to vote

The Committee

The committee will work on the behalf of the majority view of its members. It will put major issues to members at an Ordinary General Meeting. Decisions regarding these issues shall be made by voting using a simple majority of those present and entitled to vote. Voting will be by a show of hands, or by request can be sent by proxy. Proxy votes shall be accepted if signed by the absent member and presented to the Chairman before the meeting is brought to order. No person shall exercise more than one vote except the person taking the chair who shall have a casting vote in the event of a tie.

The Committee shall comprise of a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and of other officers elected at the AGM’s. The Committee shall meet regularly (at least once a quarter) and shall conduct the day-to-day business of the Association.

The Treasurer shall maintain a bank account, and annual audited accounts and statements. Cheques shall be signed by 2 of the following, Chairman, Vice Chair, Treasurer.