Mission
The mission of the Porter County Business League is to generate business for fellow League members. Members shall do so by educating themselves about the products and service s offered by fellow members' businesses, recommending member businesses to associates, colleagues, friends and family in need of these products and services, and providing fellow members with referral contact information for follow up. It is the sincere hope of the League that trust, friendship and camaraderie are evident in our organization, but that members' first responsibility is to assist in the generation of new business for all members.
Membership
The maximum membership of the Porter County Business League shall be twenty-five (25) members.
There shall not be any duplication of business categories represented with the League. Each member is guaranteed that their business will be exclusive to their desired business category. In the event of possible duplication of business category, the League President shall consult with the current member. If the current member finds no conflict with the applying member, he/she may approve an application by counter-signing the same. If however, a current member deems that applying members do indeed duplicate their business category, applying members shall not be approved for membership in the League. Under these circumstances, approval or disapproval of the applicant is at the sole discretion of the interested current member.
Multi-level businesses may join the League providing their business does not duplicate a current member's exclusive business category. However, a multi-level business may only represent its products or service to League members and shall not engage in soliciting members as distributors or dealers.
Change in Business Category
If a current member wishes to change business category due to a change in employment or ownership, he/she may do so as long as their new business category is not in conflict with another member's business category.
Membership
Membership in the League will be forfeited when:
- Member has more than twelve (12) unexcused absences within a calendar year.
- Member is more than one (1) month delinquent in paying membership fees.
- Member has four (4) consecutive unexcused absences.
- A two-thirds majority of current membership votes to rescind the membership of a current member for a cause; cause includes but is not limited to unethical business practices, or a period of six (6) months wherein the member has provided no referrals.
Member Leave of Absence
A current League member in good standing may be granted a three (3) month leave of absence by the League President for the following reasons:
- Serious Illness –themselves or an immediate family member.
- Military service.
- Business activities affect the member's ability to attend meetings.
- Unresolved business category conflict.
Leaves of absences for reasons 1 & 2 above must be requested within one month of onset/occurrence and may be renewed. Leaves of absences for reasons 3 & 4 above must be requested in advance, and may not be renewed.
Member on Leave of Absence for any reason must keep dues current.
Agents
A member may have a substitute represent him /her business when he/she is unable to attend a meeting or function and representation by a substitute shall count as regular meeting attendance. However, substitute representation shall be limited to no more than 50% of meetings within a calendar year.
Visitors
Visitors are encouraged to attend League meetings to learn more about the organization and should be prepared to give a thirty-second promotion about their business, as well as hand out business cards and/ or brochures to other members.
Visitors representing a current member's exclusive business category are not welcomed at League meetings. However, if this does occur, the Visitor should be informed of the conflict as soon as possible.
Referrals
A member must give two referrals at a minimum each month. If a member fails to give two referrals for 3 consecutive months that member may be removed from Porter County Business League.
Application for Membership
To apply for membership, the candidate must complete the League-approved Membership Application, and submit it along with two recommendations. Dues will not be prorated for any given month.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the Porter County Business League, consisting of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer shall review and approve all Membership Applications.
The Executive Committee is to give due regard to the applicant's integrity, demonstrated leadership, level of responsibility, and willingness to provide referrals for other League members during the said review.
If an application is not approved, all monies will be refunded to the applicant.
Fees
See the Membership Information link below for all information related to fees.