2007 Constitution of the TIA

CONSTITUTION OF THE
TENNESSEE INVENTORS ASSOCIATION

1.     Name

The name of this not-for-profit organization is the Tennessee Inventors Association, the accepted abbreviation of which is TIA.

2.     Purpose

In order to foster a positive image of the value to mankind of the innovations process, the TIA is created as a cooperative, educational entity to hold meetings of the members, to exchange information concerning invention and the innovation process, and to address the concerns, problems and status of the many aspects of the techniques of invention.

3.     Membership

Members of the TIA shall be persons interested in innovation, subject to requirements of the TIA Bylaws.

4.     Officers

There shall be six (6) officers of the TIA.  These are a President, an Immediate past President, a vice President, a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, and a Treasurer.  The duties of these Officers shall be those normally associated with their office.

5.     Governance

The TIA shall be directed by a Board of Directors (the Board) composed of the six (6) Officers and four (4) non-officer members, termed Directors, chosen in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws.  A majority (i.e. six) of the board shall constitute a quorum.

6.     Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a simple majority of members responding to a ballot mailed at least two (2) weeks prior to a specified return date.  Amendments may be suggested by members or by the Board.  All proposed amendments must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board prior to submission to the members for voting.

7.   Termination of Membership

The Bylaws shall provide a fair and equitable procedure, as authorized by the Board, for terminating the membership of any member.

8.   Facilities for the TIA

Publications and other activities, and facilities necessary for the conduct of TIA, may be authorized by the Board consistent with the ability of the TIA to meet the financial demands of these activities and facilities.

9.   Finances

Financial matters are to be directed by the Board which may be assisted by a Finance Committee if such a committee is deemed necessary and provided for by the Board.

10.  Budget

The Board shall be guided in financial matters by a budget prepared annually by the Treasurer and approved by the Board.

11.  Committees

The Board may provide for whatever committees are necessary for the successful conduct of the TIA.  The creation and termination of committees shall be the responsibility of  the Board.

12.  Bylaws

The Board shall prepare a set of Bylaws which, together with the Constitution, shall govern the TIA.  The Bylaws shall conform to the spirit and intent of the Constitution.  Bylaws may be adopted, amended and/or eliminated by a two-thirds vote of the Board.