WCTA Proposed Constitution and ByLaw Amendments Explanatory Document Part 1

The Annual General Meeting of the Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA) will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 11:30am in the Crystal Ballroom of the Fairmont Empress Hotel.  Lunch will be served to help maximize attendance for this very important business meeting of the association that will include:

• Report of the Board of Directors
• Review of the 2014 financials
• Election of Officers and Directors

In addition, for the first time since 1994, WCTA members will be asked to consider significant changes aimed at updating and modernizing the WCTA Constitution and Bylaws.  The proposed amendments are the result of an exhaustive review process that began in March of 2012 with the formation of a special Governance Committee and ending at the Board of Director’s Meeting held January 22, 2015.

Over time, a not-for-profit’s (NFP) Constitution and Bylaws can become outdated, disabling an association’s efficiency, relevance and potential for progress.  The goal of the Board and task of the Governance Committee, was to create an efficient, working document that would provide a solid foundation allowing the association to move forward for the benefit of the WCTA membership and the turf management industry. 

The process of revising this document was not taken lightly.  Proposed amendments have gone through no less than five draft revisions and were vetted through a NFP governance consultant who will be on hand at the AGM to help explain the changes and answer any questions that arise.  A great deal of time and effort has been contributed by various Directors who participated on the committee, and, the entire Board during the sanctioning process.  Staff was also heavily involved, helping with research and coordination throughout the entire three-year project.

An Election of the Board will take place at the AGM; nominations are currently being solicited for Officers and Directors.  A final draft of the proposed Constitution and Bylaw amendments is currently being written along with an explanatory document and in accordance with the Society Act, will be forwarded to all WCTA members at least 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

All WCTA members are urged to participate in the upcoming AGM to ensure we, as an association, are acting on behalf and in the best interests of our membership.  If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns, please contact any Director of the WCTA Board.