More Information About the Calaveras County CVB
Calaveras County CVB: Background and Activities
In the summer of 1987, the Calaveras County Lodging Association (CCLA) was formed. In 1991 it became the Calaveras Lodging and Visitors Association, to recognize the broader membership base that it had attracted since being formed by lodging owners in and near Calaveras County to improve the business climate for its members, and for all businesses that rely on tourism. In January 1997, the organization was renamed Calaveras Visitors Bureau (CVB) to have a name more recognizable to the travel industry and to the public.
The CVB is funded by the County of Calaveras and the City of Angels Camp through the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and by the annual membership dues assessed of its Members.
The CVB coordinates nine Visitor Centers within the county. The main Visitor Center in Angels Camp is open 7-days a week, operates a state of the art automated 800-number information system, publishes a 48 page color Visitor’s Guide, provides 24-hour visitor information, issues monthly press releases on community events and attractions, and helps answer a myriad of questions about Calaveras County for visitors and residents alike.
The CVB Board of Directors invites businesses whose owners recognize the importance of promoting tourism and recreation in our area to join the CVB.
The objectives of Membership in the Calaveras Visitors Bureau are:
- To support and promote other members
- To provide a forum for members to communicate on all aspects of their businesses
- To develop, maintain and encourage high standards of hospitality, service and guest experience among association members by means of quality reviews
- To provide professional development opportunities for members
- To undertake such other functions, consistent with the CVB Bylaws, which advance the interests of the members
Membership Standards and Criteria
Membership Guidelines are in place to assure that the value of membership in the Calaveras Visitors Bureau is protected and enhanced and so that all members may regard their membership with pride.
The CVB neither warrants nor assumes liability for the products and services of members.
Membership Standards
- Members are expected to display and have available the Calaveras Visitors Guide. Members are required to pick up those guides in advance at the Calaveras Visitors Bureau. Members should also display their Membership sign in public view.
- Members must agree to participate, both financially and otherwise, in whatever promotional plan is agreed upon by a vote of the membership.
- All bills received from the corporation must be paid in a timely manner. In the event an assessment is not paid within thirty (30) days of its due date, a monthly late fee of 1.5% of the unpaid balance shall be assessed, for each and every month until paid in full up to 90 days before action is required.
Operating in compliance with all laws and regulations in accordance with the business you are in is mandatory for membership in the Calaveras Visitors Bureau. For example: a current business license, appropriate insurance certificates, proof of transient occupancy tax payments and fire protection and safety plans.
The Americans With Disabilities Access Survey and Guidelines is available in the CVB for Members to review.
Annual membership in the Calaveras Visitors Bureau may be discontinued or suspended for any of the following reasons:
- Non-payment of dues
- Misrepresentation by a member of their relationship with the Bureau
- Operating without valid permits and licenses or any other misconduct detrimental to the Bureau’s good will and reputation or to the Bureau’s goals and purposes as defined in its marketing plan.
Violations of membership rules are to be brought before the Bureau Membership Committee for consideration. The Membership Committee may, by a two-thirds vote of its members, recommend action to the Executive Board suspending or canceling benefits of membership. Decisions of the Executive Board are final.
If a request for removal of an existing members is for late payment of dues or other assessments of the corporation, which are delinquent for more than 90 days or for a lack of appropriate insurance, licenses or permits, then a vote may be taken immediately. If requested by the removed member, the Executive Board has the authority to review the action and reverse their decision until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board. At that time, the Executive Board will present their reasons for reversal, and the Member in question will be allowed to present its case. A new vote will be taken.
By-Laws
August, 2003
Article I – Name
The name of this organization is Calaveras Visitors Bureau, a Non-Profit Association, hereinafter referred to as CVB. Primary office location is Highway 49, Angels Camp, CA 95222.
Article II – Purpose
The purpose of the CVB is to operate as a professional association within the meaning of Section 23701E of the California Revenue and Taxation Code; to promote tourism in Calaveras County, to serve as a liaison with city, county and state government on behalf of the tourism industry in Calaveras County; to maintain high standards and ethics; and to provide education in matters relating to the tourism industry to members and to non-members. This organization does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit to the members thereof and is organized for non-profit purposes.
Section I
Eligible members shall include the following:
Any business, organization or individual in Calaveras County sympathetic to the principles of this organization.
Section II
Membership fees are set by resolution of the Board, requiring six (6) votes of the Board for passage. Refer to Policies and Procedures Manual for specifics with regard to payment of membership fees.
Section III
Suspension and Expulsion: The Board of Directors is authorized to suspend from membership for a period of not more than one year or expel from membership any member of the Corporation for good cause, after giving written notice and an opportunity to be heard before the Board of Directors next meeting after notice is given, provided that notice is given 10 days prior to the next date set for the Directors’ meeting.
a. “Good Cause” as use in this section, means:
1. Any conduct that brings the Corporation into disrepute or violates the purpose for which the Corporation was formed.
2. Any willful failure or refusal to abide by the Bylaws of Rules and Regulations of the Corporation.
b. Definitions:
1. Suspension – all voting and other rights of the member during the term of suspension are terminated; however, the member is not relieved of any liability for payment of dues falling due or levied during the period of suspension.
2. Expulsion – immediately and conclusively terminating membership. Member will not be relieved of liability for payment of dues or fees accrued prior to expulsion.
Article IV – Government
Section I
The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the CVB. The Board of Directors shall consist of Past President, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four (4) directors-at-large, for a total of nine (9) Directors. Each Director shall serve 2 years per term and will be allowed 2 consecutive terms at which time that Director must go off the Board for one (1) year. Each Board Member must actively serve on at least one committee. Any and all compensated staff members of the CVB are responsible to the Board of Directors.
Section II
All questions of parliamentary procedure shall be settled in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order, current version.
Section III
Any member of the Board of Directors absent three (3) or more consecutive meetings without reasonable excuses (as determined by the Board) may be removed from office by majority vote of the Board of Directors. The Board shall appoint a replacement by the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors.
Article IV – Meetings
Section I
Regular general membership meetings shall be held as set by the Board of Directors.
Section II
The last general membership meeting held prior to the Annual meeting shall be primarily for the election of new Board Members.
Section III
The installation meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held as set by the Board of Directors. Newly elected officers shall be installed at this meeting. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held as set by the Board.
Section IV
Special Board of Director’s meetings may be called at any time and any place by the President or any two (2) Directors so requesting. All Board members must be notified 48 hours prior to the meeting. A quorum must be present to hold the meeting and any resolutions passed at special meetings shall require five (5) votes to be passed.
Article VI – Voting by Board of Directors
Section I
Voting shall be empowered to the Board of Directors of CVB, including President, for the operation and management of the affairs of CVB.
Section II
Members of the Board shall not be eligible to vote unless that member is in good standing.
Section III
A quorum shall consist of five (5) Directors.
Section IV
A member is in good standing in the CVB when they are not in arrears with dues for longer than six (6) months.
Article VII – Voting by Membership
Section I
President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by a simple majority of Board Member votes.
Section II
Directors shall be elected by a simple majority of the entire membership.
Section III
Terms of the officers shall be for one (1) year. However, consecutive terms may be served by any of the officers.
Article VIII – Elected Officers
There shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Duties of Elected Officers:
1. President: Public relations with Board of Supervisors, chair monthly meetings
2. Vice-President: Programs and meetings
3. Secretary: Record minutes of all meetings
4. Treasurer: Report financial matters, maintain current dues balances
Article IX – Committees
Section I
Each committee shall consist of a Chairperson and Co-chairperson and they will name the other members of the committee.
Section II – Board Development
The Board Development Committee shall be chaired by the President and is responsible for cultivating and recommending new directors.
Section III – Finance and Audit Committee
Chaired by the Treasurer, this committee is responsible for preparing an annual budget. The annual budget shall be submitted in writing to the Board no later than the first regular meeting following the installation meeting. A professional audit shall be done once every two years. The audit shall cover all financial aspects of CVB and include inventories and equipment as well as verification of papers of incorporation, copyrights and bylaws.
Section IV – Marketing Committee
Chaired by one (1) director-at-large, this committee is responsible for developing a yearly promotional program for the CVB and provide publicity releases for CVB. It shall also be responsible for development, construction, and maintenance of authorized exhibits. Copies of all news releases shall be sent to the Secretary of the Board.
Section V – Membership Committee
Chaired by one (1) director-at-large, this committee is responsible for membership promotion and retention.
Section VI – Government Committee
Chaired by the President, this committee is responsible for representing CVB at the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors.
Article X – Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the CVB shall begin the first day of July and end of the thirtieth day of June.
Article XI – Contractual Limitations
The Board may enter into contract to further its goals and purposes. Contracts require approval of at least five (5) members of the Board.
Article XII – Amendments
Section I
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the membership present at any regular meeting or any special meeting called for that purpose, providing that such amendments shall be plainly stated in writing in the call for the meeting at which they are to be considered.
Section II
Notice of meetings at which amendments are to be considered must be given at least two (2) weeks prior to the time of the meeting.
Article XIII – Dissolution
In the event of dissolution, the assets of the CVB shall be distributed to other non-profit organizations as defined by the Internal revenue Code at the direction of a majority of the board of Directors. Dissolution may take place upon 2/3 vote by the Board of Directors and members in attendance at a special meeting called for that purpose.
Article XV – Founding Directors
The Founding Officers and Directors of CVB are:
President Tom Pimentel
Vice-President Barbara Costa
Secretary Jeanette Chandler
Treasurer Bob Walker
Directors-at-Large Don Cuneo
Dick Ernst
Jim Ramsey