2008/09 National & Branch Elections
A call for nominations was recently sent to all voting members of MEA.
If you would like to take a more active role at either Branch or National level you should seriously consider putting a nomination forward. Serving on the Branch Committee or National Council is both an honour and a commitment and can be very rewarding. It provides an opportunity to become involved in the future of your Association.
Deadline for nominations is 5.00 p.m. (EST) Monday 22 September 2008. (click here for nomination form).
RE: MEA National Council & Branch Committee Elections
The Board, National Council, Management & Staff share with MEA’s members the fact that MEA has returned a positive financial year, having spent the previous two years focussing on setting up the requirements to grow into the future. This is a positive time to be involved in the corporate governance of MEA and I encourage you to consider nominating for election to either the National Council or Branch Committee.
In line with the Constitution of The Meetings Industry Association of Australia Ltd elections are to be held concurrently and to assist you to decide in which capacity you wish to nominate the following brief explanation is provided: -
1. National Council
The National Council consists of 13 members, 3 of which need to be directly elected nationally this year. Nominations may be received from persons authorised by financial voting members. The term of office is one year from the date of the 2008 AGM in November. The two main roles of the Council are to provide strategic direction for the Association and to elect the Board of Directors. The National Council is likely to meet “face to face” at least twice a year. All members of Council are eligible to stand for the Board of Directors.
2. Branch Committee
The Branch By-Laws allow for a committee of 10 of which half stand down each year. Therefore, five (5) committee members are to be elected this year. Nominations may be received from persons authorised by financial voting members from the relevant branch. The term of office is two years from the date of the AGM, with committee members being eligible for re-election. The Branch Committee meets monthly and is responsible for the running of the relevant Branch of MEA. The committee elects its own office bearers. The Chair automatically becomes a representative of the National Council and is also eligible to be elected onto the Board of Directors.
Before deciding to nominate for either the National Council or Branch Committee I ask you to consider the fact that these roles are integral to the future success of the Association and as such will require you to be able to give the time and effort required to grow MEA into the future. This is a significant intellectual and time commitment.
Please consider taking a more active role in your Association by filling out the Nomination Form and nominating for one of the above elected positions. Members considering standing for election are welcome to contact me at the MEA office on (02) 9929 5400 or your local Branch Development Officer with any queries you may have.
Should you wish to specifically discuss the associated commitments I invite you to contact me direct.
Yours sincerely,
Linda P. Gaunt
Chief Executive Officer