The principal office of the Association shall be located in ___[city in Louisiana]___ by majority vote of the membership.

The Association is a non-profit organization whose principal objective is to promote sound irrigation practices. The objects and purposes shall be commensurate with proper and legal objectives of such societies and trade associations, which shall be consistent with the public interest as well as the interest of the irrigation industry. The objectives shall be accomplished by:

a. Promoting the development, proper design, use and acceptance of irrigation equipment, facilities and systems.

b. Promoting the use of irrigation for turf and ornamental horticulture and sprinkler distribution of wastewater.

c. Promoting water and soil conservation to increase yields and to improve the quality of crops through the economic use of irrigation practices.

d. Collecting and disseminating information regarding irrigation to members of the Association, allied industries, organizations, agencies and the public.

e. Encouraging manufacturers to promptly update performance data on sprinkler equipment. In the event incorrect or possible deceptive data is discovered, the manufacturer shall be immediately notified as well as all members of the Association and the secretaries of all allied Associations. The secretaries of other irrigation associations shall be encouraged to share similar information with members of our Association.

f. The Association’s dedication and resolve to encourage a cooperative relationship among all segments of the industry, for the ultimate benefit of all concerned.

g. Promoting closer liaison and working relationship with finance agencies lending money for the purpose of irrigation equipment and systems.

h. Developing for the irrigation industry, a canon of ethics as well as design and installation standards and specifications for the various types of systems.

i. Working closely with government, Louisiana regulating bodies and municipalities to adopt uniform codes and requirements regarding system design, backflow prevention, and watering techniques.

Section 1. The membership shall consist of those persons who are active in promoting the irrigation industry in Louisiana and who are certified by the Board of Directors as eligible members be entitled to a vote according to their membership category as assigned by the Board of Directors upon membership application. Membership categories and voting rights are as follows:

- Contractor 1 vote per membership

- Manufacturer/Manufacturer’s Representative 1 vote per firm

- Distributor 1 vote per firm

- Technical 1 vote per membership

- Honorary Membership Non-voting

- Associate Membership Non-voting

Section 2. In the event the voting member is absent, he/she may designate an associate member from his/her own firm to cast his/her vote by written proxy.

Section 3. Special membership categories can be created by majority vote of the members present at any business meeting of the Association.

Section 4. Holding of Office is limited to those members that are in a voting member category. Associate or non-voting members may serve on committees.

Section 5. No company or organization shall have more than one representative holding office or board membership.

Section 1. a. Dues for each membership category shall be determined by a majority vote of the general membership present at any business meeting of the Association.

b. Dues for any special membership category shall be determined by a majority vote of the general membership present at any business meeting of the Association.

c. Membership dues shall be on a calendar basis and due January 1. Notices shall be sent out by the treasurer no later than December 1 of the previous year with a late notice no later than February 2 of the year dues are due.

d. All membership applications received after November 1 will be considered as applicants for membership of the following calendar year, and dues are paid accordingly.

Section 2. Any member whose dues shall be delinquent more than 30 days suspends all rights and privileges of membership until dues are paid.

Section 3. An assessment may be made only by majority vote of the general membership at a business meeting of the Association.

Section 1. Upon receipt of a signed complaint alleging violation of the canon of ethics, or non compliance with the standards and specifications as adopted by the Association, the Board of Directors shall inform the alleged offender of the complaint by certified mail and invite his reply either in writing or in person before the Board of Directors. The Board, at its discretion, may cause an investigation to be made and shall take whatever action it deems necessary.

Section 1. The officers will consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition, the President of each Chapter shall serve as a Director as established and approved by the Board of Directors. All officers and directors shall be elected by majority vote of the general membership for a two-year term. No company or organization shall have more than one representative holding office or board membership.

Section 2. DUTIES OF THE TREASURER: The treasurer shall have the general supervision over the finances of the Association. He/she shall receive and have custody of all moneys and securities belonging to the Association. He shall be authorized to sign checks drawn against the funds on deposit by the Association, for expenditures approved by the general membership or the Board of Directors. He/she shall prepare a report to be presented at all meetings of both the general membership and the Board. These reports shall include copies of most current bank statements. He/she shall maintain an updated membership list. He/she shall send out dues notices pursuant to ARTICLE V, Section 1, Paragraph C. He/she shall perform these duties as well as other duties related to the Association’s finances as may be directed by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY: The secretary shall keep full and accurate minutes of all meetings of the Association and handle all correspondence as directed by the Board of Directors. He/she shall be the custodian of the records of the Association, other than financial. Minutes of each meeting are to be sent to each member of the Association within 14 days of the meeting. These minutes will include the names of all persons attending the meeting. The secretary shall be charged with working with the editor of the Association’s newsletter to insure its quarterly publication.

Section 4. DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT: The Vice President shall organize all meetings of the general membership. His/her duties shall include the securing of meeting locations, organization of meeting, program for meeting, and notification for the meeting. Notification of the meeting shall be sent out no later than 60 days prior to the meeting, and a second notice within 30 days of the meeting. Further, the Vice President shall assist the President, and preside over all meetings in the President’s absence.

Section 5. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT: The President shall be the executive officer of the Association and shall preside over all meetings. He shall have the authority to appoint committees, and to assign additional duties to the officers. He shall perform his/her duties with the general membership’s best interest in mind and shall present himself/herself in a professional manner at all functions where he/she represents the Association. He shall perform such other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Section 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The voting members of the Board shall consist of all officers, along with the President of each approved chapter, and the immediate past President. The President shall serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Two-thirds of the Board of Directors shall constitute of a quorum.

Section 7. DUTIES OF IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: The immediate Past President shall be the chairman of the nominating committee. The committee shall nominate a minimum of two eligible members for each office of President, Vice President, and Secretary.

a. The Past President shall call for nominations 90 days prior to election. The slate of officers nominated by the Immediate Past President shall be presented to the membership by mail 45 days prior to election and should be on printed ballot with full instructions for voting and returning by the required date. The ballots shall include a brief summary of qualifications of each nominee. A stamped self-addressed envelope shall be included with the name and address of the Immediate Past President to receive marked ballots. The unopened ballots shall then be opened at the summer meeting and the winners declared. In the event of a tie vote, the voting membership present may hold a tiebreaker election at the annual meeting by simple majority of qualified voting members present. New officers will begin their two-year terms on January 1 following the summer meeting.

b. To make the transition easier, all outgoing officers shall work closely with the officer-elect during the period between the summer meeting and the winter meeting. All officers-elect shall be invited to attend any and all Board meetings held during this time as well. The officer-elect will have no voting power at these meetings.

c. If a vacancy should occur among any of the Officers or Directors during the year, the Board may fill such vacancy. The concurrence of a minimum of two-thirds majority of the Board shall be required to seat the Officer or Director.

Section 1. Transactions may be approved during regular or special meetings by a simple majority vote of qualified voting members present provided that members have been notified at least four (4) weeks prior to the meeting. Where special meetings are called, members shall be notified as to what business will be transacted.

Section 1. There shall be a minimum of two meetings each year. The location and date of these meetings shall be determined by a majority vote one year in advance. There shall be a minimum of four (4) Board meetings called by the President at his/her discretion, or at the suggestion of any member. All meetings shall be conducted by parliamentary procedures according to Robert’s Rule of Order.

Section 2. Special meetings may be called by written request to the President.

Section 3. Any Board Member or Officer who is absent from two consecutive meetings will risk forfeiting his/her position by majority vote of the Board of Directors. The President shall inform the officer of his/her dismissal and request that all pertinent information is returned to the Association. The position will then be filled according to Article VII, Section 7, Paragraph C.

Section 1. The By-laws of the Association may be altered, amended, or repealed by a two-thirds vote of the membership present and voting at a legally constituted meeting. Written notice of the proposed alteration, amendment, or repeal shall have been sent to the members at least four weeks prior to the meeting.

Section 1. Membership requirements and voting rights of the Chapter shall conform in all respects to those prescribed herein by the Louisiana Irrigation Association. A minimum of six regular members may apply to the Board of Directors for the approval and establishment of a Chapter. All chapter members shall be members of the Louisiana Irrigation Association. Establishment of chapters shall be by majority vote of the members present at a regular scheduled meeting.

Section 2. CHAPTER OFFICERS: The minimum slate of officers shall consist of President and Treasurer. Section 3. RECORDS: The Chapter President shall be responsible to send to the Louisiana Irrigation Association copies of all meeting minutes and financial records a minimum of twice per year and to present these reports at each meeting.

Section 4. FUNDING: Any chapter activity should be self-supporting, if possible. However, the Board of Directors may make Louisiana Irrigation Association funds available if requested. State dues will be assessed to all chapter members. Each chapter shall set chapter dues. All membership applications along with annual dues shall be sent to the office of the Louisiana Irrigation Association for statewide record keeping with the chapter portion of the dues being forward to the appropriate chapter’s treasurer.

Section 1. Any individual who has been a voting member and retires from employment may be considered for honorary membership. Honorary membership shall be dues exempt.

Section 2. The Board of Directors or majority vote of the membership at any regular meeting shall approve honorary membership.

Section 3. Applications for honorary membership may be either submitted in writing to the Board of Directors or in the form of a nomination (nomination shall not require a second) discussion and subsequent vote if done at a regular meeting.

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