Articles of Association / Bylaws

Chapter I – General Provisions 

Article 1 – Name 

This organization shall be known as the “Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce – Greater Fresno Area” (TCCGFA), organized under the California Nonprofit Corporation Law and operating as a federal tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

Article 2 – Objectives 

The Chamber exists to promote the common economic interests of businesses and professionals in the Greater Fresno Area and shall not operate primarily to provide services to individual members.  

The objectives of the Chamber are: 

1. To promote collaboration and networking among Taiwanese and Taiwan-connected communities throughout the Greater Fresno Area and surrounding cities. 

2. To advance economic, cultural, educational, technological, and industry exchanges between Taiwan and the United States. 

3. To support Taiwanese and Taiwan-connected businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders. 

4. To establish cross-generational, cross-disciplinary, and cross-regional collaboration platforms. 

5. To enhance the visibility and influence of the Taiwanese community within mainstream American society. 

Article 3 – Office Location 

The principal office of the Chamber shall be located within the Greater Fresno Area of California, with the exact location determined by the Board of Directors. 

Chapter II – Membership and General Meetings 

Article 4 – Membership Rights and Obligations 

Membership eligibility is limited to businesspeople or professionals from Taiwan, or those who identify with Taiwan, within the Greater Fresno area. Spouses may both hold membership. 

Membership categories shall include: 

1. General Members  

2. Corporate Members 

3. Young Professional Members (if applicable) 

All members shall pay dues as determined by the Board of Directors. 

Members shall have the rights and responsibilities established under these bylaws, including participation in Chamber activities, attendance at general meetings, voting eligibility where applicable, and compliance with Chamber rules and resolutions. 

Members whose conduct damages the reputation or interests of the Chamber may be disciplined, suspended, or removed by resolution of the Board. 

Members who fail to pay annual dues shall be considered withdrawn from membership. 

Article 5 – General Assembly 

The General Assembly shall be the highest governing authority of the Chamber. 

Article 6 – Types of Meetings 

The Chamber shall hold: 

• Annual General Meetings 

• Special Meetings 

The Annual Meeting shall be held once per year. Special meetings may be convened by resolution of the Board Or convened upon a joint petition/request signed by more than one-half of the members. 

Article 7 – Notice and Voting 

• Notice of General Meetings shall be provided at least fifteen (15) days in advance. 

• At least one-half of the members must be present/attending in order to convene the meeting. 

• Resolutions shall pass with approval by a majority of members present. 

Article 8 – Chairperson of Meetings 

The President shall chair the General Assembly. In the absence of the President, a Vice President shall serve as acting chair. If neither is available, the Board shall appoint a temporary chairperson. 

Chapter III – Board of Directors 

Article 9 – Board Composition 

The Chamber shall have a Board of Directors consisting of up to eleven (11) directors elected by eligible members. 

Article 10 – Election of Directors 

The election of Board Directors shall be conducted annually by the General Membership. 

Article 11 – Terms of Office 

• Directors shall serve one-year terms and may be re-elected. 

• The President shall serve a one-year term and may be re-elected once consecutively. 

• Vice Presidents shall serve the same term as the President. 

Article 12 – Powers of the Board 

The Board shall oversee: 

• Strategic governance and development 

• Financial oversight 

• Establishment of committees 

• Programs and events 

• Membership approvals 

• Appointment of Officers pursuant to Article 15 

Article 13 – Board Meetings 

• The Board shall meet at least once every four months. 

• A majority of directors shall constitute a quorum. Resolutions shall pass by majority vote of directors present. 

Article 14 – Removal of Directors 

A director shall be removed from office under any of the following circumstances: 

1. Loss of membership status 

2. Submission of written resignation accepted by the Board 

3. Failure to fulfill director responsibilities as determined by Board resolution 

Chapter IV – Administration 

Article 15 – Officers 

The officers of the Chamber may include: 

• President 

• Vice President 

• Secretary General 

• Treasurer 

• Other positions approved by the Board 

The Board of Directors shall elect the President and Vice President from among the Directors. Other officers may be elected or appointed by the Board as provided in these Bylaws. 

Article 16 – Duties of the President 

• The President and Vice President shall be elected by the Board of Directors.  

• The organization shall establish one President and one Vice President. 

• The President shall serve a one-year term and may be re-elected once.  

• The Vice President shall serve a one-year term and may be re-elected.  

• The President shall represent the organization externally and oversee internal affairs, and shall also serve as the ex officio chairperson of the Board of Directors.  

• The President is responsible for convening the General Membership Meetings and Board of Directors meetings and shall serve as chairperson. 

• When the President makes public statements or declarations on behalf of the organization regarding political matters, approval from the Board of Directors is required.  

• The Vice President shall assist the President in handling organizational affairs. If the President is absent, the Vice President shall act on the President’s behalf. 

Article 17 – Secretary General and Treasurer 

• The organization shall establish one Secretary General and one Treasurer to assist the President in handling and carrying out organizational affairs and to be responsible to the President.  

• The Secretary General and Treasurer may attend Board meetings and shall accept inquiries from the Board regarding the execution of organizational affairs.  

Article 18 – Advisory Committee 

The Chamber may establish an Advisory Committee. Members shall be nominated by the President and approved by the Board of Directors. The committee shall consist of up to five (5) members, each serving a one-year term. 

The Advisory Committee shall provide strategic guidance, support organizational continuity, and assist in major initiatives and dispute mediation. 

Chapter V – Committees and Young Professionals Division 

Article 19 – Committees 

The Board may establish committees as necessary to support the mission and operations of the Chamber. 

Article 20 – Young Professionals Division 

The Chamber may establish a Young Professionals Division to promote youth leadership, professional development, and intergenerational engagement. 

Chapter VI – Amendments 

Article 21 – Amendments 

Amendments to these bylaws must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors and ratified by the General Assembly. 

Chapter VII – Supplementary Provisions 

Article 22 – Effective Date and Implementation 

These bylaws shall become effective upon approval by the General Assembly. The same shall apply to future amendments. 

Article 23 – Dissolution 

In the event of dissolution of the Chamber, after payment of all debts and liabilities, any remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations recognized as exempt under Section 501(c)(6) or Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or to a federal, state, or local governmental entity for a public purpose. 

No remaining assets shall be distributed to any member, director, officer, or private individual.