PCE Membership
Agreement
RECITALS
Membership in Professional Communications Exchange (PCE) is available
to reputable freelance marcom
professionals who provide top quality services at competitive prices.
1. GENERAL MEMBER BENEFITS
As a general member of PCE, you will be entitled to the following
benefits:
a) Opportunities for referrals from other members.
b) Opportunities for referrals from group marketing efforts such
as publicity, directory listings, web site, direct mail, etc.
c) Opportunities to market your services in conjunction with other
members, i.e. share the cost of exhibit space at business shows,
participate in seminars or panel discussions, participate in direct
mail efforts to businesses and/or ad agencies.
d) Representation on the PCE web site – www.thecommunicators.org – including
your member bio and e-mail link. Optional web site opportunities
include: logo/photo, up to four portfolio samples, and text link
to own personal web site. A PDF version of the entire Online Directory
is available for download on the site and is regularly distributed
by PCE as part of its group marketing efforts.
e)
Opportunity to send e-mail messages to the membership through PCE’s
Membership Chairperson.
Messages must be relevant to the membership at large, such as job
opportunities, professional service
announcements, etc. Messages may be subject to editing and may be
refused if deemed inappropriate for
the membership at large.
f) Inclusion in Membership Database (including member names and contact
information) which is made available to all members and to
a few select, qualified organizations with whom PCE has entered into reciprocal
member-benefit agreements (for a list of participating organizations,
e-mail info@thecommunicators.org). This database is provided
as an Excel spreadsheet.
g) The right to provide input on selected issues pertaining to the
direction and management of PCE.
h) Discounted PCE meeting price and the right to attend member-only
meetings throughout your membership period.
i) Other benefits as available/appropriate.
2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Executive Committee members will be self-nominated or nominated by
the current Executive Committee from the general membership.
If there is more than one nominee for a committee position, selection
will be made by a vote of the current Committee. Executive
Committee members will serve for a period of one year and may hold
more than one position if approved by the membership. Committee
positions include: Executive Chairperson/Treasurer, Publicity
Chairperson, Meetings Chairperson, and New Initiatives Chairperson.
Responsibilities for each of these positions are set forth in Appendix A.
3. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
As a member of PCE, you will be subject to the following requirements
and conditions:
a) Application for Membership: Submit a signed Membership Application
and Membership Agreement, along with annual membership fee.
Application must then be approved by unanimous vote of the Executive
Committee. Upon acceptance, applicant will be sent an Online Directory
Listing Form, to be submitted for inclusion on the PCE web site.
b) Participation: Attend bi-monthly meetings. Utilize and/or recommend
other members’ services as appropriate.
c) Performance: Perform work in a professional, ethical, and business-like
manner, as outlined in the Professional Code of Conduct
(Appendix B) which must be initialed as part of this agreement.
Provide competitive pricing to PCE clients and other members.
d) Promotion of PCE & Services: Display/distribute PCE promotional
materials in places such as: networking meetings, trade
associations, classes, coffee shops, office stores, and other places
and events that attract business owners and marketing professionals.
Invite freelance marketing professionals whose work you are familiar with to join PCE.
e) Enforcement of Agreement: Membership benefits may be revoked
if complaints are received from one or more clients or members,
fees are not paid, membership requirements are not adhered to,
or because of any other factor deemed damaging to the reputation
or viability of PCE.
4. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
This agreement will remain in force for one year from the date
application is signed, and shall be automatically renewed
for successive one year terms as long as you continue to pay
dues and fees as required and adhere to the requirements
of this agreement and any amendments approved by a majority
of members. Membership may be terminated immediately
for good cause. A member may withdraw from the group by providing
30 days written notice to the Executive Committee. Dues
are non-refundable.
5. MANAGEMENT
Each member shall have an equal voice in the management of PCE.
Executive Committee members have veto rights and are
the only parties authorized to bind PCE in incurring obligations
in the name of PCE unless delegated in writing to other members.
6. NON-EMPLOYMENT
This agreement in no way implies employment. PCE members are independent
contractors, and as such, employment rules, regulations,
laws, and customs do not apply to the relationship between
PCE and members. The relationship between PCE and
its members is for referral only and does not obligate either
party to perform or refer work except as agreed by mutual consent.
7. WARRANTY
PCE makes NO WARRANTY EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED as to the
credentials of any PCE member or the goods and services
provided by any member, and SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER
FOR ANY GOODS AND SERVICES SO PROVIDED.
8. INDEMNIFICATION
PCE and its members will not be held responsible beyond
the limits of any insurance policy that may be in force for
any disputes or legal challenges that may arise between
PCE’s
clients and members; any accidents or injuries that
may occur on the premises of PCE’s members, clients
or prospects, on the way to or from client locations,
or while performing work for clients; any accidents
or injuries that may occur on the premises of any PCE
meeting or event, or on the way to or from any
PCE meeting or event. In this regard, should one or more
parties be adjudged liable for the services performed
by another party, the non-performing party shall be fully
and completely indemnified by the party performing
the services in question, including all legal fees and
costs incurred by the non-performing party in the defense of that action.
9. NON-CIRCUMVENTION
In recognition that considerable time, expense and effort
is invested in acquiring information and contacts, members
agree that neither they nor their representatives will
knowingly become a party to a financially beneficial
transaction with any person or company introduced by
another member without their prior written permission,
unless co-working with the other member on a project
involving the third party. Any violation
of
this agreement shall be deemed an attempt to
circumvent the other party, and the party violating
such agreement
shall
be liable for damages in favor of the circumvented
party. This restriction will remain in force for six
months
following a party’s voluntary or forced withdrawal from PCE membership.
10. MISCELLANEOUS
This agreement supercedes any prior agreement not expressly
set forth in this instrument. Any controversy, dispute or
claim arising out of or relating to this agreement,
or breach thereof, that is not settled between the
parties themselves, shall be submitted to
final and binding arbitration by a member of the
American Arbitration Association. Essentially,
the spirit behind this agreement is one of mutual
trust and confidence, and reliance on one
another to do what is fair and equitable.
It is understood that this Agreement is reciprocal
between the parties.
This agreement is effective on the date signed and binding on
those parties having signed. Facsimile copies are considered
legal and binding.
Appendix
A: Executive Committee Member Duties EXECUTIVE CHAIRPERSON/TREASURER
• Serves as primary PCE contact in published directories and general PCE
communications
• Works with the entire Executive Committee to recruit qualified new members
• Manages the administrative aspects of the membership process, enforcing
terms set forth in Membership Agreement as necessary
• Manages membership database and its use, including distribution of e-mails
to membership
• Approves all PCE-related expenses, collects dues and other monies from
members, and pays bills
• Keeps detailed and accurate financial records as the sole individual
responsible for PCE funds, including
monthly reconciliation of PCE bank account
• Provides quarterly financial reports to the Executive Committee
PUBLICITY CHAIRPERSON
• Publicizes bi-monthly meetings
• Oversees the development of web site and marketing collateral
• Develops and implements marketing, advertising, and public relations
plan
• Arranges for photography at meetings and special events
• Works with Membership Chairperson to recruit qualified new members
• Assists New Initiatives Chairperson with brainstorming, recruiting for,
and implementing new initiatives
MEETINGS CHAIRPERSON
• Runs bi-monthly meetings
• Arranges speakers for meetings and events
• Serves as sole liaison between PCE and venue where meetings are held,
responsible for negotiating contract(s), handling meeting logistics,
providing guarantees, and securing venue with credit card (note: events are paid for at the conclusion of the event with a PCE check,
so credit card will not be charged)
• Prepares meeting agendas and records meeting minutes and voting results
• Works with Membership Chairperson to recruit qualified new members
NEW INITIATIVES CHAIRPERSON
• Considers new initiatives that will lead to the growth of PCE and increased
member benefits, presenting them first to the Executive Committee, then to the membership at large
as appropriate
• Surveys membership regarding desirability of proposed new initiatives
• Recruits members to assist in implementation of new initiatives
• Oversees implementation of all new initiatives
• Reports on new initiatives at bi-monthly meetings
• Works with Membership Chairperson to recruit qualified new members Executive Committee Tasks
• Manages legal status of the group
• Mediates/arbitrates disputes and discipline issues
• Approves expenditures
• Approves new initiatives prior to implementation
See
PCE Code of Conduct |