BY-LAWS, RULES, & MEMBERSHIP

Mission Statement

The DFW Balloon Network organization is exclusively formed for enriching, supporting and building up those business and related companies that do balloons decor in the DFW area. To ensure a positive and sustainable market while generating business networking opportunities and collaboration. Including, but not limited to, lead generation, fostering innovation, camaraderie and professional business education to develop sound business practices.

Vision Statement

To create a professional environment for balloon related businesses to grow both personally and professionally. Making the DFW Metroplex a safe market to build a profitable and sound balloon business.

Purpose

To strengthen the industry and market by make ongoing training and education a priority, and encourage our members to participate. Uphold honorable business practices, promote professionalism in our businesses, and demonstrate good faith in all of our business relationships.

MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES

DFW Balloon Network organization is exclusively formed for the purpose of enriching, supporting and building up those business and related companies that do balloons decor in the DFW area, generate business networking opportunity and collaboration, including, but not limited to, lead generation, camaraderie and business education.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

Members need to have five years in the industry or 25K in sales. Current members are grandfathered from this requirement. The board can make exceptions if believed a specific company/person could strengthen the network.

Current and proposed new members will be required to complete an application with the following information provided:

Minimum 25% of their business sale coming from balloon decor
Professionally printed business stationery (ex: business card, invoice, letterhead, brochure, etc…)
Business bank account
Registered with the state (assumed name, sales tax, corporate/LLC filing)
Website or other online professional business online presence.
General Liability Business insurance ($1M liability)
Proof of Intent: for profit companies

Current members as of 2019 are grandfathered from these requirements. The board can make exceptions if they believe a specific company/person could strengthen the network.

All members need to attend three meetings per calendar year to be in good standing.

It is each members responsibility to communicate attendance for all network meetings in a timely manner. Members failing to disclose they will be absent from any meeting or miss more than half the meetings in a year are subject to be taken off the email list and/or potentially dropped from the network.

There are no exceptions regarding attendance.

Membership Dues & Fees

All dues are to be paid on an annual bases for members to be in good standing. Dues are required to be paid in full by May 1st of each year.

Company membership (one spot) - $100.00 per year plus meal fee
Company Co-Owner membership (one spot) - $50.00 per year plus meal fee
Company Guest Pass - (one transferable spot) - $25.00 plus meal fee
Child's Pass (children under 12 years old) - $FREE plus $5.00 meal fee
Meal fees - $10.00 per regular network meeting . Paid at meeting. No exceptions

Meal fees are to help offset the cost of hosting a network meeting (ie: utilities, cleaning, prep, etc...) and to offset/cover the meal. The network meal is the choice of the host for their convenience. The host is not obligated to accommodate any dietary requests. Anyone choosing or not able to partake in the meal is still obligated to pay the meal fee to help offset the cost for hosting the network meeting.

New members dues will be prorated in the second year of membership.

Exceptions to dues and fees:

Authorized guest(s) are excluded for their first meeting, but maybe asked to contribute $10.00 to cover meals and drinks per person per meeting for any consecutive meetings.
Speakers, instructors or programs are excluded from any fees or costs.

Standard Network Meeting Format

Meetings will be held on the first Sunday of the month on the odd months of the year. (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov). The date could be changed if it conflicts with a holiday or seasonal commitments (like WBC).

Standard Meeting Itinerary

4:30 pm - Meeting starts

4:30 pm till 5:00 pm - Meal

5:00 pm till 5:30 pm - General business discussions

5:30 pm till 7:00 pm - Hands-on or program

7:00 pm - adjourn the meeting

2020 Tentative Meeting Topics

Jan 12th 2020

Business Theme: Workshop