Emerging Leaders of Somerset County

ABOUT US

1. NAME AND AFFILIATION

a. The organization is named the “Emerging Leaders of Somerset County” (ELSC), and is a sponsored initiative of the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP), established as a not for profit organization under the tax laws of the state of New Jersey and the United States of America.

b. As a sponsored initiative, the ELSC Guidelines are subject to the approval of the SCBP.

2. MISSION / VISION

a. Under the guiding principals of “Achieve, Build, Connect,” the ELSC mission and vision are accomplished by providing a variety of educational, social, and networking activities and programs for all professionals living, working or doing business in Somerset County.

i. Achieve: Provide educational seminars, lectures, discussions, events, etc., through which ELSC members can learn from each other and the resources of the SCBP.

ii. Build: Through its activities and programs, assist its members with their professional development and provide foundations to begin building long-term relationships.

iii. Connect: Provide networking and social venues in which young professionals can interact in a peer-based, non-intimidating, low-pressure atmosphere

b. The ELSC, under the overview of the SCBP, is developed by young professionals for young professionals. The ELSC is charged with developing events, activities, and programs appropriate for its membership.

c. As a sponsored initiative of the SCBP, the ELSC shall
strive to increase the exposure of the SCBP to the ELSC membership.

3. MEMBERSHIP

a. Members are defined as any member of the Somerset County Business Partnership.

b. ELSC events are open to both members and non-members. Fees for member participation in ELSC events shall be lower than fees for non-members.

c. The ELSC does not have a fee or dues structure. The Board reserves the right to establish and enforce a fee or dues structure for its members in the future.

d. As ambassadors, all ELSC members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all ELSC and SCBP functions and meetings. Any unprofessional conduct brought to the attention of the Steering Committee or the SCBP will be discussed by the Committee, who will then determine the appropriate action to be taken. ELSC member(s) whose conduct is being questioned will be given the chance to address the Committee.

4. STEERING COMMITTEE

a. Management of the ELSC resides with the Steering Committee (“Committee”). The Committee shall oversee the administration of ELSC; formulate general plans for pursuing its mission and vision; determine its current and long-range programs; develop policies and activities; oversee any properties or funds; and fill Committee vacancies.

b. Members of the Committee shall consist of the following officers, which shall carry the associated responsibilities:

i. Chairperson

•	Provide general oversight to the ELSC
•	Serve as the voice and face of the ELSC
•	Reach out within the community to increase ELSC membership
•	Accept responsibility for all decisions made by the Committee
•	Act in a hosting capacity at ELSC events
•	Coordinate fundraising / sponsorship activities
•	Conduct Committee meetings
•	Act as final authority in matters of dispute among Committee members
•	Sign all correspondence generated by the ELSC
•	Issue thank you notes to all event facilities, speakers, sponsors, etc.

ii. Vice Chair of Administration

•	Publish agendas prior to Committee meetings
•	Write and issue minutes of Committee meetings
•	Monitor ELSC email account; forward or respond to messages

iii. Vice Chair of Communications

•	Coordinate development and upkeep of ELSC website
•	Arrange for printing of marketing materials
•	Maintain ELSC contact list; coordinate with SCBP database
•	Prepare ELSC electronic communications for issuance by SCBP

iv. Vice Chair of Events

•	Provide direction to committees or task forces to set up eventse
•	Identify facilities for events
•	Arrange for event speakers or presenters
•	Confirm / follow up with facilities and speakers prior to events
•	Issue thank you notes in the absence of the Chair

v. Vice Chair of Finance

•	Prepare, maintain, monitor budget
•	Report budget status to Committee
•	Coordinate expenses and reimbursement with SCBP
•	Post event registration on website with SCBP

vi. SCBP Staff Representative

•	Serve as the primary contact between the ELSC and SCBP Board
•	Distribute SCBP information to the ELSC Committee as needed
•	Provide overview of pertinent SCBP goals, events, etc. to the Committee

c. The Committee will be responsible for determining the number of Vice Chairs to serve each year on an annual basis.

d. The majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and each member of the Committee shall have one equal vote.

e. Vice Chairs shall serve for terms of two years, which shall be extended at the option of the Committee. The Chair shall serve for a term of two years maximum.

f. The Committee shall designate one Committee member to act as an ELSC Liaison to the SCBP. The Liaison may be any Committee member, but should not be the SCBP Staff Representative. The Liaison shall sit on the SCBP Board of Directors and attend SCBP Board meetings. Any other Committee member may function as an alternate Liaison.

5. SUBCOMMITTEES

a. The Chairperson may appoint subcommittees or task forces as it deems necessary to carry out the specific ELSC activities or requirements. For purposes of this document, “subcommittee” shall mean either subcommittees or task forces.

b. Subcommittees shall have the authority to perform the duties prescribed by the Committee.

c. Subcommittees may consist of ELSC members or non-members. At least one Committee member shall serve on each committee.

d. At their initial meeting, each subcommittee shall elect a Subcommittee Chair.

e. Subcommittees shall meet on a monthly basis or as necessary to conduct activities in order to achieve their goals. Meetings may take place in person or via telephone, and shall be arranged by the Subcommittee Chair.

f. Either the Subcommittee Chair or the Committee member serving on the subcommittee shall provide a status update at each Steering Committee meeting. If the Chair or Committee member cannot attend a meeting, they are required to either designate another subcommittee member to provide an update, or provide the Steering Committee Chairperson with their update prior to the Committee meeting.

6. MEETINGS

a. Steering Committee meetings shall be held not less than every two months. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the Chair.

7. AMENDMENTS

a. The ELSC Guidelines may be altered, amended, or repealed at any time by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Steering Committee. Copies of the amendments shall be distributed to all Committee members not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of a regular meeting at which the amendment is to be voted upon.