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PGMS Constitution and Bylaws Article IV - Meeting of Membership Article V - Board of Directors Article VI - Officers and Their Duties Article VII - The Executive Director Article XI - Financial Management Article
XII - Bylaw Changes Section 101. The name of this society shall be the "Professional Grounds Management Society," hereinafter referred to as PGMS. Although no longer referred thereto, it is the successor the "The National Association of Gardeners." Section 102. The purpose of PGMS is to unite professional grounds managers and those interested in or providing service to the grounds management industry, to promote the dissemination of educational materials and reliable information pertinent to the execution of grounds management functions, and to assist in attaining and maintaining a high standard of business ethics. Article II Membership Section 201. Eligibility - any person, firm, or organization who qualifies under one of the classes of membership set out below is eligible for membership in PGMS. Applications for membership shall be filed with the Executive Director in writing, accompanied by one year's dues applicable to the class of membership desired, and the endorsement of PGMS Executive Committee, the applicable Branch Executive Committee, or the Executive Director. Application shall be acted upon and membership privileges extended upon the fulfillment of the above. Section 202. Any membership applicant having been rejected for membership shall be eligible to reapply one year from date of the last official action on his original application. Section 203. A.) Termination of Membership - Any member, director, or officer may be expelled from PGMS and his membership forfeited for violation by the Bylaws or for performance of any acts detrimental to the best interest of PGMS upon the recommendation of the Membership Committee and by 3/4 (three/fourths) majority vote of the Board of Directors through secret ballot. B.) Any members of PGMS may resign in good standing upon satisfaction of any indebtedness of PGMS or affiliate branch of which he may be a member. Refund of prorated dues is prohibited. C.) Reinstatement of membership may be authorized by 3/4 (three/fourths) majority vote of the Board of Directors upon satisfaction that he causes for removal have been rectified. Section 204. Membership types and eligibility requirements. A.) Active memberships shall consist of members who secure their primary source of income from grounds management. Examples of, but not limited to, are:
B.) Sustaining memberships shall consist of those individuals, corporations, foundations, or institutions with an expressed interest in horticulture and the perpetuation of grounds management, but unable to fulfill those requirements of active membership. C.) Company/Sustaining memberships for commercial organizations wishing to work more closely with PGMS. D.) Emeritus memberships shall consist of those members who, upon reaching the age of 65 (sixty-five), have completed is at least 15 (fifteen) consecutive years of membership and apply in writing to the national headquarters to be granted Emeritus status. Emeritus status shall be effective upon receipt of said application and endorsement of the Membership Committee. E.) Honorary memberships shall consist of those individuals who, having displayed exemplary service to the profession and this association, are nominated for this membership distinction by the Board of Directors, reviewed by the Membership Committee, and approved by unanimous vote of Board of Directors. Honorary memberships carry all the rights and privileges of Active memberships. F.) Student memberships shall consist of those individuals currently enrolled in college, universities trade schools, or other institutions recognized by PGMS and said curriculum verified by a duly authorized instructor or agent of said initiation. G.) Life memberships consist of those individuals having attained this membership status prior to January 1, 1973. Existing Life members shall remain in accordance with termination of membership as provided for in this document. H..) Affiliate member - employee of Active member, company, or agency within a local geographic boundary. Active companies or agencies may not endorse more than 4 (four) Affiliate members. Section 205. Rights of Membership A.) Active members shall have voting rights on all issues brought before PGMS membership that require a ballot vote of the entire memberships. Active members are eligible to serve within the legislative bodies of PGMS, provided they fulfill those requirements as set out in the definition of those legislative titles. B.) Sustaining members may participate in discussions pertinent to PGMS, perform committee functions as appointed by the President, but shall not be entitled to vote. C.) Honorary members shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of Active members. D.) Student members shall retain all the rights and privileges of a Sustaining members. E.) Emeritus members shall retain all the rights and privileges of an Active member. Section 206. Branch membership Any member at large in good standing with national office shall be eligible for membership and those accompanying rights of a branch if such branch is located in his geographical area and subject to the rules and regulations of said branch, as long as they do not conflict with the Bylaws of PGMS. Dues Section 301. The annual dues amount for all classes of membership shall be determined by 2/3 (two/thirds) majority vote of the Board of Directors. The burden of responsibility for justification of dues shall lie with the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors, at their discretion, shall have the power to reduce or waive dues in the event of hardship cases with a 2/3 majority vote. Meeting of Membership Section 401. The membership meeting shall occur annually at a conference for the purpose of electing Officers and Directors and the transaction of those business affairs before the membership. Location of the annual conference shall rotate annually as designated by the Board of Directors and shall include educational programs for the benefit of the membership. Section 402. Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the annual meeting shall be delivered either personally or by mail to each voting members of PGMS not less than 30 (thirty) days prior to the date of such annual meeting.
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