Article I – Name and Purpose

1.1 Name
The name of the organization shall be Gulf Coast Business Exchange.

1.2 Purpose
The purpose of the GCeX shall be to promote healthy business growth while establishing a network of like-minded individuals and businesses.

1.3 Reference
Hereafter, the Gulf Coast Business Exchange shall be referred to as GCeX.

Article II – Operation

2.1 Method of Operation
GCeX shall achieve its goals through structured membership and regular meetings.

2.2 Membership Structure

A. Leadership Positions
The leadership team shall include:

- President – must have a minimum of one year of GCeX membership

- Vice President – must have a minimum of one year of GCeX membership

- Treasurer – must have a minimum of one year of GCeX membership

- Secretary

- Education Coordinator

- Member Representative

- Community Relations Coordinator

B. Membership Roles
In addition to leadership, two Visitor Hosts will serve in non-leadership roles.

C. Leadership Meetings
The Leadership Team shall meet after the first Thursday meeting of each month or as needed (in person or via video call).
Meeting topics include:

- Review and approval of new members

- Conflict resolution

- General business matters

2.3 General Meetings

Regular GCeX meetings shall take place on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Meetings will not be held on major holidays (Christmas, New Year’s Day, Independence Day).

Members observing other religious or cultural holidays are excused with prior notice.

2.4 Attendance Requirements

Members are expected to attend at least five (5) meetings per quarter.

Members falling below this threshold will be notified, and their seat may be made available to a replacement.

2.5 Business Seats

Each member shall occupy a unique business category seat within GCeX.

Members may not hold seats in other exclusive business networking groups while an active GCeX member.

New members may not occupy a seat already filled.

Seat disputes will be resolved by the Membership Committee, with the current seat holder having veto power.

2.6 Non-Profit Participation

GCeX will not reserve a permanent seat for non-profit organizations.

Non-profits may attend one meeting as a guest.

GCeX will support selected non-profits through philanthropic initiatives and promotion.

Article III – Officers

3.1 Term Length
Each officer will serve a one-year term. Positions include:

- President

- Vice President

- Treasurer

- Secretary

- Education Coordinator

- Community Relations Coordinator

- Member Representative

Article IV – Finances

4.1 Dues
Annual dues are $120, payable on the member’s anniversary date.

4.2 Financial Reporting
A Treasury Report shall be presented at the first Thursday meeting of each month.

4.3 Use of Funds
Funds will be used exclusively for the promotion and operation of GCeX.

4.4 Disbursement Approval
All expenses and disbursements require Leadership Team approval by vote.

Article V – Assets and Dissolution

5.1 Asset Dedication
All assets shall be used in accordance with the mission defined in Article I.

5.2 Dissolution
If GCeX is dissolved, any remaining assets shall be:

Used to support the mission of GCX, or

Donated to a charitable organization chosen by a majority vote of the membership.

Article VI – Amendments

6.1 Amendment Process
These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Leadership Team, with input from the general membership.