Apply to be a Board Member

Apply to be a Board Member

Overview

The Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring excellent management of the organization. Our Vision: Aitkin, a city with a positive business climate where people choose to live, work, and play with an economy that enhances the quality of life for all residents. The role of the board is to govern the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce. Inherent in the board’s governance role are two functions: protect the public’s interest and enable the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce to achieve its mission.

Protect the Public’s Interest:

The first function of the board is to protect the public’s interest. The board’s job is to represent the public’s interest in assuring that the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce serves the membership and community effectively. The board accomplishes this oversight and evaluation function by keeping well informed about the activities of the Chamber and communicating appropriate information to the public. The board must make decisions that will guide the Chamber beyond concern for the mere survival of the chamber, the reputation of board members, or the jobs of employees.

Enable the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce to achieve its mission: The second function of the board is to enable the Chamber to effectively and successfully achieve its mission. Mission Statement:  In collaboration with our partners, we assist in advancing the economy by championing the retention, expansion, and attraction of Chamber members and area businesses.

The board has both formal and informal responsibilities.

Formal Responsibilities:

  • Hiring, and (if necessary) firing the Executive Director;
  • Delegating the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce’s management functions, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling to the CEO/President;
  • Developing and approving strategic plans, including major commitments;
  • Assuring the continuity of the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce, making emergency decisions when management cannot perform, and stepping in when crisis endangers the programs or existence of the chamber; and
  • Maintaining the board as a healthy, well-organized governing body capable of helping the chamber achieve success.

Board members must wear the formal, governance hat.  It is both a legal obligation and moral responsibility.  The reality of the chamber is that board members also have to provide additional volunteer help if the chamber is to succeed.

Informal Responsibilities:

  • Helping in areas such as planning events, fund-raising, and community relations;
  • Helping responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the chamber;
  • Board members and staff are partners in much of the work in the chamber and will serve the chamber best if a “team” attitude can be cultivated from the start.

Additionally, major decisions are discussed, debated, and decided with input and recommendations from the Executive Director, who has been hired to manage the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Board Member responsibilities include attendance at monthly board meetings, where information is exchanged and decisions are made.  Potential board members should plan to serve on at least two committees outside the monthly board meetings.  The board develops committees to handle the workload of the board.  In committees, board members can focus their attention and energy on one or two organizational concerns, rather than on every problem and opportunity.  The board distributes its governing functions and responsibilities equitably among its members and thus positions itself to maximize its effectiveness.  The Board of Directors has up to 12 voting members. Terms are for (3) three years and all board members must represent chamber members in good standing at all times.

Time and Financial Considerations

Board positions require a time and energy commitment that should not be underestimated.  Potential board members are urged to consider personal priorities for the next year as well as the ways to contribute to the development of the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Meetings:

  • Board Meeting 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Business After Hours
  • Annual Member Dinner held in April
  • Designated monthly Committee Meetings
  • Possible educational seminars and conferences
  • Possible special meetings

Donations:

As with any board, members will be solicited for sponsorships, cash donations, and in-kind donations; 100% participation is sought; the amount is optional.

To apply:

  • Submit the Board Application to upnorth@aitkin.com.
  • Attach additional pages of any information you would like to share that is relevant to considering you for a position within the Board of Directors.
  • Application must be received by the Chamber office no later than November 24th, 2023.

Apply to be a Board Member

Step 1 of 2

  • You must represent a member business in good standing.

If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Erickson, Executive Director

(office) 218-927-2316