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Membership guidelines: Who can join, how to join Links to application forms
Membership is open to full-time or part-time businesses. Members don't have to be based in the Cape Fear region, but must offer their services within the region. The Association's membership area is New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, Duplin, Columbus and Bladen counties. Licenses, permits and inspections: Members must have necessary credentials for their business. Examples include: A North Carolina or local privilege license; current county Health Department inspections for banquet facilities or caterers; N.C. Department of Agriculture permits for home-based bakers; Alcoholic Beverage Control permits for wine merchants; etc. Membership terms and dues: Membership runs from July 1 through June 30. Annual dues are $50. Most of that amount is designated to pay for admission of one representative of each member business to the Association's two luncheon meetings, held each January and July. The remainder goes to a general fund and is used for general operating costs, such as postage, and for Association projects such as marketing and events, as determined by the Board of Directors. Pro-rated dues: A reduced rate applies for new memberships processed after Feb. 1 (following the Winter luncheon meeting.) Members who join after March 1 pay the full rate but are credited with membership through the following membership year. Application process: Applications may be submitted using our secure online membership form. Dues may be paid online using a credit card, or submitted by check payable to Cape Fear Wedding Association. Alternatively, a membership application in Adobe PDF format may be downloaded, printed and mailed. See links to right. Membership applications are reviewed by the Association's president. Unless there is a question about eligibility, membership is effective upon receipt of a complete application and payment of dues. If the president determines an applicant is not eligible for membership, the applicant may appeal to the Association's Standards Committee. The Committee consists of the Standards Officer and two other members who are not part of the Board of Directors. The Standards Committee has final say on granting or denying membership. Board elections: Each member business may cast one ballot for the Association's Board of Directors. Any owner, partner or employee of a member business is eligible for nomination and election to the board. Balloting is done with a secure online form, accessible through a password-protected log-in system. The nomination and election process takes place in June and July. Bylaws: The Association's bylaws will be emailed on request to any member. Request a copy of the bylaws by email to editor@capefearwedding.com. Bylaws are in Microsoft Word format. |
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