2017 CBA Officer Election Coming In December

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voteEvery December, the Cascade Blues Association asks its members to attend the monthly membership meeting to cast their votes for the people who they would like to run the organization for the coming year. All five officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Membership Secretary) are open for anyone who would like to seek the positions. We do request, however, that for the Membership Secretary position that you have knowledge of spreadsheets and mailing, and for Treasurer you have a firm grasp of accounting and filing taxes.

If you would like to place your name on the ballot for any of the CBA positions, please submit a letter stating your intent to run and outlining your qualifications no later than Friday, December 2. If you would like your letter published in the December BluesNotes, please submit the letter by November 15. You may mail your letter of intent to Cascade Blues Association, PO Box 6566, Portland, OR 97228-6566.

We are in need of At Large Board Members, too. If you have an interest in working on our Board, but not wanting to fill one of the elected positions, please speak to any of our Board Members.

2016 Board of Directors

2016 Cascade Blues Association Board of Directors

Pictured above is the 2016 Cascade Blues Association Board of Directors: (L – R):

Merry Larson, Treasurer; Brenda Docken, Secretary; Wendy Schumer, Vice President; Fred and JoAnn Morgan, Membership Secretaries; Jody Gunn, Board At-Large; and Greg Johnson, President.

2016 Officer Elections; Intent to Run

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PRESIDENT
This coming December, the Cascade Blues Association will reach its 30th anniversary. I began my role on the board of directors during the tenth anniversary celebration and have been holding the role of president for the past fourteen years. Over that time I have chaired and participated in numerous programs, with leadership behind events such as the Journey To Memphis since its inception and the Muddy Awards. I have also been the primary writer and staff photographer for the BluesNotes, spending endless hours each month in its preparation. I have also started to bring CBA merchandise to various venues and festivals this past year, something that had been done quite a bit in past years, but had fallen out of practice the past few.

Outside of the CBA I have been a strong piece of The Blues Foundation’s teams for the International Blues Challenge and the Blues Music Awards, both of which I work as part of the stage management team for these world-renowned events. During this past year I also released my first book that I co-authored with a friend from Baton Rouge titled Blues On Beale Street, Memoirs of the International Blues Challenge.

No matter what my role or where my travels may take me, I promote and talk about the blues talent in the Northwest. This has been my goal since I first became involved with the CBA board, to gain more recognition for our regional blues community and artists. It still remains my goal as does making our organization more secure and higher visibility within our local media and music audience.

Please consider me when selecting your next president of the Cascade Blues Association.

Thank you,
Greg Johnson

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VICE PRESIDENT
It’s time for the 2016 CBA Board Officer elections. I would like to continue serving as the Vice President of this great organization.  As many of you know, this is a role I have held for 4 years and have worked hard during that time to promote blues activity in the Portland area, as well as beyond.  Wherever I go I talk about our CBA activities and I promote our amazing blues community, venues, and artists.  Being your Vice President has been hard work but also very rewarding and I hope I have lived up to the membership expectations.  I continue to do the CBA Calendar monthly and solicit input monthly from talent so that our calendar can have the most up to date content. I post “what’s happening” on our Facebook page regularly, and in September of 2015 I implemented an email blast which highlights the coming month activities and links to our website.  My travels bring me to a variety of festivals around the country, as well as sailing on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise — and I always make sure to promote CBA while I am attending these events.

Please consider me for the position of Vice President for the 2016 calendar year.

Wendy Schumer

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SECRETARY
I am excited to introduce myself as a candidate for the position of Secretary for the 2016 year. I have been involved with the Cascade Blues Association for more than three years. During my time with the association I have provided many hours of service.

I have experience working with volunteer organizations serving as President, Treasurer, and Secretary for PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Educational organizations. I have much education and training in the area of law, organizational structure, and education that will support my ability to provide guidance and leadership.

I look forward to providing support to the association and helping to continue to build positive relationships within the community.

Please consider me for the position of Secretary for the 2016 calendar year.

Sincerely,
Brenda Docken

Bylaws of the CBA

1999 Restated Bylaws
of the
Cascade Blues Association

As Approved by the Board on February 9, 1999

    Pursuant to the provisions of the Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Act (the “Act”), the Members adopt the following 1999 Restated Bylaws, which shall supersede the heretofore existing Bylaws and all amendments thereto:

ARTICLE 1

Purpose

1.1     The Corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor statute (the “Tax Code“).

1.2     The purpose of this Corporation is to provide for the preservation, promotion and enhancement of blues music, on a nonprofit basis consistent with the provisions set forth in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.

1.3     Subject to the express limitations and restrictions contained in this Article 1 and in Article 2 below, the Corporation may engage in any lawful activity for which corporations may be organized under the Act.

ARTICLE 2

Restrictions

2.1     No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its Directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and may make payments and distributions in furtherance of its purposes.

2.2     No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, except to the extent permissible under Section 501(h) of the Tax Code.  The Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.

2.3     The Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by (a) a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Tax Code, or (b) a corporation to which contributions are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Tax Code.

ARTICLE 3

Corporate Offices

  1. The Corporation shall have such offices as the Board of Directors may designate.

ARTICLE 4

Membership

4.1     The Corporation shall have Members as that term is defined in the Act.

4.2     Except by reason of nonpayment of dues, no Member may be expelled or suspended, and no membership may be terminated or suspended by the Board of Directors except pursuant to a procedure which is fair and reasonable taking into consideration all of the relevant facts and circumstances.

4.2.1     Such procedure shall provide:

(a)     Not less than fifteen (15) days prior written notice of the expulsion, suspension or termination and the reasons therefore; and

(b)     An opportunity for the Member to be heard by the Board of Directors, orally or in writing, not less than five days before the effective date of the expulsion, suspension or termination.

4.2.2     Any written notice given by mail must be given by first class or certified mail sent to the last address of the Member shown on the Corporation’s records.

4.2.3     Members may only be expelled, suspended or terminated upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

4.3     No person shall exercise any rights of membership if that person’s membership dues are not paid in full.

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ARTICLE 5

Membership Meetings

5.1     Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the membership shall be held on the first Wednesday of December for the purpose of electing officers, and for the transaction of other business.   If the election of officers cannot be or is not to be held on the date designated for the annual meeting, the Board of Directors shall cause the elections to be held at a special meeting of the Members as soon thereafter as convenient.

5.2     Special meetings. Special meetings of the Members for any purpose may be called by the President or by the Board of Directors.  Notice of special meetings shall be delivered by first class mail not less than seven (7) nor more than thirty (30) days before the date of the meeting to each Member, and shall be deemed delivered three (3) days after deposit in the US mail.

5.3     Monthly meetings. Monthly meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday of each month, at the place and time designated, and Corporate business shall be transacted at each such monthly meeting as needs require, just as in the case of special meetings described above.

5.4     Place of meetings. The Board of Directors may designate any time or place as the place of meeting for any meeting.

5.5     Voting lists. The membership secretary shall maintain a Membership List which includes every Member’s name and address. This list shall be subject to inspection by the Board of Directors at any board meeting or any other convenient time.

5.6     Inspection of the Voting List by Members. Pursuant to the Act, Members shall not have access to the membership list except on the express authorization and at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The Corporation shall provide a reasonable means for a Member to mail communications regarding voting at membership meetings to the other Members through the Corporation at the expense of the Member making the request.

5.7     Quorum. A majority of the Members present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

5.8     Voting. For the annual election of officers, written ballots, will be distributed, one for each Member present, at the meeting held for purposes of election.  Ballots will be given only to Members whose membership status is in good standing.

5.9     Nomination of candidates. A nominating committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, which shall prepare a slate of candidates for offices. The slate of candidates for offices shall be mailed to the membership prior to the meeting designated for election. Only Members of Corporation shall qualify for nomination as officers. Members may write in their own candidates for any office on the ballot.

ARTICLE 6

Board of Directors

6.1     Size. There shall be between five (5) and fifteen (15) Directors, including officers. The exact number shall be determined from time to time by the Board.  No reduction in the size of the Board shall serve to cut short the term of any Director.

6.2     Composition and Election. The Board shall consist of five (5) officers and such additional non-officer Directors as are determined under Section 6.1.

6.2.1     Officers shall be elected as provided in Section 7.2.

6.2.2     Non-officer Directors shall be elected by the Board at the first scheduled Board meeting in July.

6.3     Authority. The business and affairs of this Corporation shall be managed exclusively and entirely by the Board of Directors. No Member of the association is authorized to act on behalf of the Corporation without the approval of the Board of Directors.

6.4     Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet at least monthly to discuss Corporation business, and changes to the Bylaws. Regular meetings shall be arranged, both as to time and location, and noted in the minutes. Any Member of the Corporation may attend the first scheduled Board meeting of the month and address the Board. However, portions of any meeting may be held in Executive Session upon direction of the President. While in Executive Session, only Directors and specific invitees of the President may attend. Special meetings may be held upon call and notice by the president, or upon resolution of the Board of Directors. Directors shall be notified by mail or telephone of such special meetings.

6.5     Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors shall meet following the election of officers.

6.6     Quorum. A quorum of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to conduct business; a quorum shall consist of at least one-third of the prescribed number of Directors.

6.7     Voting. A resolution of the Board of Directors shall be determined by a majority vote of Directors in attendance at the meeting. Written ballots may be requested by any Director.

6.8     Director Conflict of Interest. Any Director can be disqualified from voting when a case of potential conflict of interest is determined by a majority of votes cast by the remaining Directors. A potential conflict of interest exists if one or more Directors could experience direct or indirect personal gain or loss due to the outcome of a Board resolution. Directors have an affirmative duty to disclose to the Board of Directors all material facts of any potential conflict of interest.  Actions of the Board are not voidable on the grounds of conflict of interest except as provided in the Act.

6.9     Term, Commencement of Term. Directors shall serve for a one year term. Officers shall begin serving on January 1st after the election.  At-Large Directors will begin serving immediately after their election or appointment.

6.10     Removal of Directors. At any regular or special membership meeting, one or more of the Directors may be removed by a majority vote of the Members present, and a successor may be elected to fill the vacancy created.  A Director whose removal is proposed shall be given an opportunity to speak to the membership prior to the vote for his or her removal.

6.11     Resignation of Directors. Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation. The effectiveness of such resignation shall not prejudice the rights, if any, of the Corporation against the Director so resigning.

6.12     Vacancies. A vacancy which occurs among the Board of Directors shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors. A Director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office.

ARTICLE 7

Officers

7.1     Enumeration. There shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Membership Secretary and a Treasurer. No person shall hold more than one office.

7.2     Election of Officers. Officers shall be elected by vote of the general membership at the annual membership meeting held in December as provided in Section 5.1.  Officers shall be elected by individual ballot.

7.3     President. The President shall supervise and direct the business of the corporation. In addition, the President shall preside at meetings of the Members and of the Board of Directors.

7.4     Vice President. In the absence of the President or as occasionally designated by the President or Board of Directors, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President.

7.5     Secretary. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of the Membership and Board of Directors, see that all notices are given in accordance with these Bylaws as required by law, and be custodian of the corporate records. The Secretary shall maintain a list of all generally authorized CBA activities.

7.6     Membership Secretary. The Membership Secretary shall keep the Membership roster current and accurate.

7.7     Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge of, custody of and control of all funds of the corporation, shall give and receive monies payable and due to the Corporation from any sources and deposit such money in the name of the Corporation in such banks as may be selected in accordance with these Bylaws. The Treasurer shall maintain a list of generally authorized monetary expenditures approved by the Board. The Treasurer shall be custodian of all financial records, invoices and receipts of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall provide a financial status report to the Board each month which includes all financial transactions of the Corporation.

7.8     Compensation.     No Officer shall receive financial compensation for his or her services as an Officer of the Corporation.

ARTICLE 8

Contracts, Checks and Deposits

8.1     Contracts. No contract may be made in the name of the Corporation without the approval of the Board of Directors. Such approval may be granted in general or confined to specific instances.

8.2     Loans. No loan may be made on behalf of the Corporation unless authorized by the Board of Directors in writing.

8.3     Disbursements. The Board of Directors shall approve the writing of all checks, or payment of money by the Corporation. Such approval may be granted in general or confined to specific instances. Dispersal of petty cash shall adhere to guidelines established by the Board.

8.4     Banking. All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited to the credit of the Corporation in such banks or trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

ARTICLE 9

Limitation of Liability, Indemnification

9.1     Liability:

9.1.1     No Director or uncompensated officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its Members for monetary damages for conduct as a Director or uncompensated officer; provided that this Article shall not eliminate liability which may not be eliminated under the Act.

9.1.2     No amendment to the Act that further limits the acts or omissions for which elimination of liability is permitted shall affect the liability of a Director or uncompensated officer for any act or omission which occurs prior to the effective date of such amendment.

9.1.3     The provisions of this Article are intended to be in addition to and not in limitation of any other provisions of the Bylaws or any agreement of the Corporation or any law that eliminates or limits the liability of Directors, officers and others acting on behalf of the Corporation.

9.2     Indemnification. A Director, Officer, employee, Member or agent of the Corporation shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any civil action, suit or proceeding in which he or she may be named as a party, and which is in connection with his or her duties as a Director, Officer, Employee, Member or Agent of this Corporation if he or she acted in good faith. and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation.

Amendments to Bylaws

10.1     How Proposed. Amendments to these Bylaws shall be proposed by either a majority of the Board or by Members having one-third of the votes entitled to be cast for such amendment. The proposed amendment must be reduced to writing and shall be included in the notice of any meeting at which action is to be taken thereon.

10.2     Adoption. The proposed amendment may be adopted by the membership at a regular or special meeting of the Members called for that purpose. However, those provisions of these Bylaws which are governed by the Articles of Incorporation of this Corporation or by the Act may not be amended except as provided in the Articles or in the Act.

ARTICLE 11

Other Business Items

11.1     Committees. The activities of the Corporation shall be carried out by committees. The structure and configuration of the committees shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Each committee will operate under the guidance of a committee chairperson within parameters defined by its charter, a written statement of its goals and operations. All committee chairpersons will be assigned by the Board of Directors. No committee shall engage in any activity beyond the scope of its charter without the approval of the Board. Committees shall regularly report to the Board of Directors as prescribed by the Board. The Board of Directors shall provide guidance and assistance to the committee chairpersons.

11.2     Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year.

11.3     Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may provide a corporate seal which shall be circular in form and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the name of the State of Oregon, and the words “Corporate Seal.”

11.4     Notice and Waiver of Notice:

11.4.1     Notice. All notices to the Corporation or to the Board shall be sent care of the President, to the principal office of the Corporation or to such other address as the Board may hereafter designate from time to time. All Member notices shall be sent to the last address designated by the Member.

11.4.2     Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any Member or Director of the Corporation under the provisions of these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation, or by law, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

Intent to Run – Secretary

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This is to express my interest in serving again as Secretary of the Board for the Cascade Blues Association during 2015. During the past year I served in that role, after beginning service as an At-Large member of the Board in July of 2013.  In addition to participating in Board meetings, I have assisted the Association by working at the CBA merchandise tent during the Waterfront Blues Festival; participating in the annual Picnic; working at the rummage sale; and assisting at the Muddy Awards ceremonies.

My background includes a strong record of volunteering, including serving as President of the Promotional Marketing Association of Northern California (2011), President (2006 and 2007) and several other roles for the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association (2003 – 2008); Board Member and Treasurer for the Northwest Collegiate Umpires Association (1996 – 2006); and for two terms as President of the Portland Baseball Umpires Association (1996 and 1997).  I was named the Promotional Products Association International / RAC National Volunteer of the Year in 2012.

I look forward to contributing further and learning more about the CBA and the Blues, and to the opportunity to serve the Association. I will appreciate your voting for me for Secretary.

Respectfully submitted,

Jon Pierce

WE HAVE A NEW MAILING ADDRESS

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PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IF YOU SEND US ITEMS VIA MAIL – OUR NEW ADDRESS IS:

CASCADE BLUES ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 6566
PORTLAND 97228-6566

Intent to Run – Vice President

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It’s time for the 2015 CBA Board Officer elections. I am hoping to continue serving as the Vice President of this great organization.  As many of you know, this is a role I have held for 3 years and have worked hard during that time to promote blues activity in the Portland area, as well as beyond.  Wherever I go I talk about our CBA activities and I promote our amazing blues community, venues and artists.  Being your Vice President has been hard work but also very rewarding and I hope I have lived up to the membership expectations.  I continue to do the CBA Calendar monthly and solicit input monthly from talent so that our calendar can have the most up to date content, I proofread all the articles that go into the Blues Notes,  and I also post “what’s happening” on our Facebook page regularly. I try to attend as many live shows as I can. My travels bring me to a variety of festivals around the country, as well as sailing on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise – and I always make sure to promote CBA while I am attending these events.

Please consider me for the position of Vice President for the 2015 calendar year.

Wendy Schumer

 

Intent to Run – Treasurer

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I would like to run for the position of Treasurer for 2015.  I believe strongly in the CBA and definitely feel I should work with my body, hands and mind in the same level as I do my mouth.  Being a treasurer requires maintaining a conscious ethical role, as this is the watchdog of the organizations funds.  I am very open to help and assistance from any of our members to both tune up and maintain an open and efficient system.  Our organization transpires a lot of business as we seem to be leaning toward expanding our role in the community.  Together, we can achieve more than one person can do on their own.

Merry Larsen

 

 

Intent To Run For President

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Intent To Run For President

What can I say. I have been honored to serve as your Cascade Blues Association President for 13 years, 17 years on the Board of Directors. With your blessing, I would like to ask to return for a 14th year as your President.

Over the years I have been involved with just about every event that the Cascade Blues Association has presented at one time or another, but my main focus personally has been toward the Blues Notes,  Journey To Memphis and the Muddy Awards. I believe in delegating to other Board Members responsibilities of handling events to allow them to grow. I know if I had not been given this opportunity from those leading the CBA before me I could not do a number of the roles I take on now.

My participation in the blues community also extends beyond the CBA. For the past three years I have been the talent organizer for the Blues4MS concerts, volunteering for The Blues Foundation helping them run stages at both the International Blues Challenge and the Blues Music Awards, hosting benefit shows when asked, and somewhere in there over the past couple years I have found the time in writing the narrative for a book being released in January documenting the International Blues Challenge featuring photography from my friend from Baton Rouge.

But the main drive for me still remains with our local musicians, helping them gain greater recognition that will hopefully take them beyond the Northwest. And I still hold the ethic that all musicians are treated equally and fairly. Everybody is offered the same access to promote themselves through the CBA as long as they’re blues or roots related music.

Thank you for the years you’ve allowed me to serve you. But there is still a lot yet to do. I’m asking for your permission to continue on that path.

Thank you for your consideration,

Greg Johnson

Cascade Blues Association Board of Director Officer Elections Happen in December

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Your Cascade Blues Association NEEDS you ! Every year the Officer positions for the Board of Directors are selected by the membership at the December General Meeting. Open positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Secretary. These are the key positions of the Board of Directors and the voting positions that elect the At-Large Members. If you would like to run for one of these positions, submit your letter of intent to run to CascadeBluesStaff@gmail.com or mail to PO Box 14493, Portland, OR 97293. If received before November 15th, we will include your letter in the December BluesNotes.

Please note the following message being rerun from last month. We really do you’re your help. You do not have to run for an Officer position in order to be a member of the Board of Directors or a Volunteer.

Have you ever thought about getting more involved? Well now is the time!!  You can choose to be a part of the CBA Board or a volunteer – whatever you choose – we welcome (and need) your help.

We have open At-Large Board positions available for those who would like to get in behind the scenes and make our events happen.  Just think – you can take part in shaping and influencing this great organization.  You can help us keep it running on a monthly basis. We really do rely on you – our members – to continue to make the CBA better and better.

Yes, it’s fun and games – because if it isn’t fun – why do it!  But don’t be fooled – we do work! Board members attend the monthly board meetings where we discuss budget, membership, merchandise, sponsorships and events.  We do ask that each board member take a turn at the merchandise booth at our monthly membership meetings at least once a year and help out at various events – but actually – that’s the fun part!

Do you have a special skill or talent – like managing databases or financial statements?  Running the CBA takes skill (we are a non-profit business) sometimes above and beyond just loving the promotion of blues.  We have a need for help in a variety of areas and I bet there’s something here for you!!  Officer positions naturally take more time – when considering running for either the Membership Secretary or Treasurer positions, we require that you have sufficient background to fill the needs of the Cascade Blues Association. The Membership Secretary maintains the membership information, renewals and address changes that require the ability to keep up an ever-changing spread-sheet and a knowledge of mailing is also preferred. The Treasurer must be able to balance the CBA’s bank accounts, pay due bills on time and keep funds at the Post Office readily available for BluesNotes mailings. The Treasurer is also responsible for maintaining all business filings for annual taxes. These are the two positions that require the most knowledge to keep up, so consider the expectations if you select to run for these officer spots.

Do you just want to be a volunteer with no board commitment – well guess what – we have things you can do! Some options are maintaining merchandise, working with a volunteer list, BluesNotes distribution, writing for the BluesNotes. These functions do not have to be handled by board members. If this interests you please let someone on the current board know!

Every year we put out a request for members to get involved. This year is no different other than we really REALLY do need your help.  Please consider this great opportunity and if your schedule and interests allow – then come join us!  Get involved.

You are welcome to attend one of our monthly Board meetings at 2020 SE 7th (about four blocks south of the old Duff’s Garage), the third Tuesday following the monthly General Membership Meeting.