KTAI Bylaws
1. NAME. The name of the Association is the KITE TRADE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the State of Maryland.
2. LOCATION. The Association may have such offices as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors.
3. PURPOSES. THE PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE:
A) To advance by any and all means the kite industry - manufacturing, distributing and retailing; to share useful information; to collect authentic data; to provide communications between members of the kite trade at all levels, all within the meaning of Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and any and all revisions thereof, including but not limited to 1) conducting trade shows as a means of displaying available products, meeting members of the industry and sharing information; 2) conducting educational seminars; and 3) supporting the international, national and regional nonprofit educational associations which promote kiting and educate the general public in the art, history, technology and practice of building and flying kites; and
B) To consider and deal by all lawful means with common problems of management, such as those involved in the production, distribution, sales, promotion, employment, and financial functions of the kite industry; to foster cooperative action in advancing by all lawful means the common purposes of members, and promote activities designed to enable the industry to be conducted with the greatest economy and efficiency; and
C) To cooperate on behalf of the kiting industry with suppliers, insurers, and customers directly and through their associations in matters involving the business and government affairs of the industry and
D) To afford due consideration to and expression of opinion upon questions affecting the industry including promulgating policies and conducting activities for the betterment of all those individuals or firms involved in some aspect of the kite industry; and
E) To conduct or engage in all lawful activities in furtherance of the foregoing purposes, or incidental thereto.
2. RESTRICTION OF ACTIVITY. All Association activities or discussions shall be avoided which might be construed as tending to: 1) raise, lower or stabilize prices; 2) regulate production; 3) allocate markets; 4) encourage boycotts; 5) foster unfair trade practices; 6) assist in monopolization; or in any way violate federal, state, local or applicable international trade regulations and antitrust laws.
3. DISCIPLINARY ACTION. Association members, officers, directors or employees who participate in conduct which the Board of Directors, by a two-thirds majority vote, determines to be contrary to the Association compliance policy shall be subject to disciplinary measures up to, and including, expulsion and/or termination.
1. Voting Members.
The following membership classes may vote in Association elections and meetings, and are eligible to serve as directors or hold office in the Association. No more than one person from any member firm can vote. Neither can more than one person at a time from any Regular member company serve as director of hold office in the Association.
A. Regular Members. Regular membership is available to businesses that support the goals of the Association and pay annual dues.
B. Sponsor Members. Sponsor members are dues-paying companies who wish to make an additional specified financial contribution toward the work of the Association.
C. Life and Honorary Members. Life and honorary membership is conferred upon individuals or firms according to terms specified by the Board of Directors. Life or honorary members pay no dues.
2. Appointment of Representative.
A. Each voting member of the Association shall have only one vote.
B. Each member, voting or nonvoting, shall appoint and certify to the secretary of the Association a person to be its representative in the Association and who shall receive communications from the Association and act on behalf of the member.
C. If at any time, the designated representative shall be unable to act on behalf of the member; the member shall have the right to designate an alternate representative for purposes of representation of its point of view and interest, provided that the secretary is notified in writing of the appointment of such alternate representative.
3. Admission of Members. Admission to membership is by majority vote of the Board of Directors.
4. Resignation. Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Board of Directors; however, resignation does not relieve a member from liability for dues accrued and unpaid as of the date of the resignation nor from any other financial obligation existing at the time of resignation.
5. Expulsion. Any member may be expelled for adequate reason by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. Failure to pay dues or to meet the criteria for membership is presumed to be adequate reason for expulsion and does not require advance notice to the member nor deliberation by the Board. Any member proposed for expulsion for another reason such as violation of the bylaws or any lawful rule or practice duly adopted by the Association, or any other conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Association or to the industry in general shall be sent written notice by certified or registered mail to the last recorded address of said member at least thirty (30) days prior to final action by the Board of Directors. Such notice shall include the reason for the proposed expulsion, opportunity to contest the proposed expulsion in writing or in person before the Board of Directors or to be represented by counsel. In addition, such member shall receive final written notice of the Board’s decision.
6. Division of Membership. The members of the Association may be divided into divisions on the basis of type of business, including retailers, wholesalers and others.
1. Dues. The Board of Directors shall determine the annual dues for each category of membership of the Association.
2. Delinquency. Members who fail to pay their dues within thirty (30) days from the time the same become due shall be notified by the Board of Directors or its designate, and if payment is not made within the next succeeding thirty (30) days, shall, without further notice and without hearing, be dropped from the rolls and thereupon forfeit all rights and privileges of membership; provided that the Board of Directors may by rule prescribe procedures for extending the time for payment of dues and continuation of membership privileges upon request of a member and for good cause shown.
3. Refunds. No dues will be refunded.
1. Annual Meeting. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Association determined by the Board of Directors, for election of members of the Board of Directors, for receiving the Annual Report, and for the transaction of other business. Members indicated their preference for future conventions and trade shows to be held in the month of January. Notice of such meeting shall be mailed to the last recorded address of each member at least sixty- (60) - days before the time appointed for the meeting.
2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Association may be called by the president or the Board of Directors, or shall be called by the president upon the written request of ten (10) members of the Association. Notice of any special meeting shall be mailed to each member at their last recorded address at least thirty- (30) days in advance, with a statement of time and place and information as to the subject or subjects to be considered.
3. Quorum. Twenty (20) percent of the membership of the Association shall constitute a quorum. A majority of those present, where a quorum exists, shall be necessary to make a decision except where some other number is required by law or by these bylaws.
4. Mail Voting. Whenever, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, any question shall arise which it believes should be put to a vote of the Regular membership and when it deems it inexpedient to call a special meeting for such purpose, the directors may, unless otherwise required by these bylaws, submit such a matter to the membership in writing by mail for vote and decision, and the question thus presented shall be determined according to a majority of the votes received by mail within thirty (30) days after such submission to the membership, provided that in each case votes of at least one-third (1/3) of the members shall be received. Any and all action taken in pursuance of a majority mail vote in each such case shall be binding upon the Association in the same manner as would be action taken at a duly called meeting.
5. Order of Business; Rules. The order of business at meetings shall be determined by the Board of Directors, but shall include: Call to order, reading of minutes, receiving financial statements, receiving correspondence, reports of officers, reports of committees, old business, new business, elections, adjournment. The order of business may be altered or suspended at any meeting by a majority vote of the members present. The usual parliamentary rules as laid down in Sturgis, The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure shall govern all deliberations, when not in conflict with these bylaws, and/or such rules for the orderly conduct and procedure of annual and special meetings of the Association, as the Board of Directors may from time to time prepare, which rules shall not conflict with the provisions of these bylaws.
2. Composition of the Board. The Board of Directors shall consist of six members elected by and from member firms. In addition, the most immediate past president shall serve on the board of directors as an ex-officio, nonvoting member for a period of one year. At all times the nominating committee shall strive for reasonable representation of various divisions of the Association, should they be established on the Board of Directors.
3. Election and Terms of Office. At each annual meeting two directors shall be elected for a term of three years. Any director shall be eligible for re-election provided that a director shall serve a maximum of six consecutive years as a member on the Board of Directors. A person who has previously served as a director for a maximum term may again be elected one year after having last held the position. Directors shall, upon election, immediately enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors shall be duly elected and qualified or unless they resign, are removed, or are unable to fulfill an un-expired term.
4. Meetings. Except that the Board shall have a regular meeting immediately following the scheduled annual meeting of the membership, the Board shall meet upon the call of the president at such times and places as he may designate, and shall be called to meet upon demand of a majority of its members. Notice of all meetings of the Board of Directors shall be sent by mail or other mode of transmittal to each member of the Board at their last recorded address at least ten (10) days in advance of such meetings.
5. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum of any meeting of the Board. Any less number may adjourn from time to time until a quorum shall be present.
6. Absence. Any member of the Board of Directors unable to attend a meeting shall notify the secretary, stating the reason for their absence. If a director is absent from two (2) consecutive meetings for reasons, which the Board has failed to determine sufficient, the Board member’s resignation shall be deemed to have been tendered and accepted.
7. Compensation. Directors shall not receive any compensation for their services as directors, but the Board may by resolution authorize reimbursement of such expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Such authorization may prescribe procedures for approval of payment of such expenses by directors of the Association. Nothing herein shall preclude a director from serving the Association in any other capacity and receiving compensation for such services.
8. RESIGNATIONS or Removal. Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the president, the secretary, or to the Board of Directors. Such resignation shall take affect at the time specified therein, or, if no time is specified, at the time of acceptance thereof as determined by the president of the Board. Any director may be removed by a majority vote of the directors at any regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present.
9. Vacancies. Any vacancies that may occur on the Board by reason of resignation, removal or otherwise, may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board. The new member shall serve until the next annual meeting when an election will be held to fill the remaining un-expired term of the Board member.
10. Mail Voting; Conference Calls. Whenever, in the judgment of the president or a majority of the Board of Directors, any question shall arise which should be put to a vote of the Board and when it is deemed inexpedient to call a special meeting for such purpose, the directors may, unless otherwise required by these bylaws, consider the matter by means of a conference call or submit it to a mail vote. In case of conference call or mail vote, the number of directors necessary to take action shall be a majority of the whole board and any action taken shall require a majority of the directors participating. Any and all action taken pursuant to a mail vote or conference call of the directors in which a majority of the Board participated and in which a majority of those participating concur, shall be binding upon the Association in the same manner as would be action taken at a duly called meeting of the Board of Directors.
2. Qualifications. Officers must currently serve on the Board of Directors. No person may hold more than one office at the same time. Officers may serve consecutive terms.
3. ELECTIONS and Term of Office. Officers are elected by written ballot of the Board of Directors each year following the annual meeting of the Association’s regular membership. Officers serve a term of one year and may be re-elected for one additional term but may not hold the same office for more than two consecutive years.
4. Duties. The officers perform those duties that are usual to their positions and that are assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The president of the Association shall act as chairman of the Board of Directors, shall preside at meetings of the Association and shall be a member ex-officio, with right to veto, of all committees except the nominating committee. The vice president shall act in place of the president when the president is not available. The secretary/treasurer shall be the financial officer of the Association, and shall make certain that proper notice of all meetings is given, that records of proceedings are kept, and that appropriate forms as required by law are filed.
5. Vacancies. If a vacancy occurs among the officers, for any reason, the position may be filled for the un-expired term by a majority vote of the directors present at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present.
6. Removal. An officer may be removed for adequate reason by a two-thirds vote of the directors present at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present.
7. Compensation. Officers shall not receive any compensation for their services. The Board may by resolution authorize reimbursement of such expense incurred in the performance of their duties. Such authorization may prescribe procedures for approval of payment of such expenses by designated officers of the Association. Nothing herein shall preclude an officer from serving the Association in any other capacity and receiving compensation for such services.
8. Bonding. At the direction of the Board of Directors any officer or employee of the Association shall furnish, at the expense of the Association, a fidelity bond, in such a sum as the board shall prescribe.
9. Policies, Procedures. The Board of Directors may establish rules and/or policies, procedures and programs for the Association that are consistent with these bylaws.
10. Staff. At such time as it shall determine, the Board of Directors may employ or appoint a salaried staff, or contract for management services, to provide administration and management of the Association. Subject to the president and the Board, such staff shall provide administration and management of the Association and shall manage and direct all functions and activities of the Association and perform such other duties as may be specified by the Board.
2. Nominating Committee. At least sixty- (60) - days prior to the annual meeting each year, the Board of Directors shall appoint a nominating committee of two (2) persons to nominate candidates for the Board of Directors. The committee shall notify the secretary/treasurer, in writing, at least thirty (30) days before the date of the annual meeting of the names of the candidates it proposed, and the secretary shall mail a copy thereof to the last recorded address of each member at least twenty (20) days before the annual meeting. Nominations for directors may also be made, endorsed with the names of not less than ten (10) members of the Association, if received by the secretary at least ten (10) days prior to the annual meeting.
1. Dissolution. No portion of the assets of this Corporation shall incur to the benefit of any director or member thereof, nor any private individual. Upon the dissolution of the Corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Corporation, dispose of all the assets of the Corporation exclusively for purposes of the Corporation in such manner or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt Corporation under Section 5Ol(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of l954 (or the corresponding provision of any future Internal Revenue law) as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Circuit Court of Baltimore City sitting in equity exclusively for such purpose to such organization or organizations as said Court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for this purpose.
KTAI - ETHICS GUIDELINES
Preamble
This code of ethics sets forth ethical guidelines for the Kite Trade Association International. Members of the Association are responsible for maintaining and promoting ethical practices. Members of the Association should consider the guidelines binding and failure to operate according to these guidelines may require the Board of Directors of KTAI to take disciplinary actions against offending members pursuant to Article II, Section 3 and Article III, Section 6 of the KTAI bylaws. Any member who is subject to disciplinary action for an ethics violation may invoke its due process rights under Article III, Section 6.
Principle 1.
Obtain all required licenses.
Principle 2.
Make known upon request, the owner(s) or corporate officer(s) name(s), business address(es) and phone number(s).
Principle 3.
Pay all accounts due according to the terms agreed upon with suppliers. If unable to do so make earnest attempts to inform suppliers of difficulties & make alternate arrangements to meet financial obligations.
Principle 4.
Represent product and services fairly & honestly.
Principle 5.
Establish and make known a refund/replacement policy for defective goods.
Principle 6.
Suppliers will project the availability of products as accurately as possible.
Principle 7.
Respect the issuing and registration of all patents, trademarks or copyrights.
Principle 8.
Respond in 30 days to any notification by the KTAI Ethics Committee of a filed complaint..
Principle 9.
Remain a KTAI member in good standing by keeping current with dues requirements.
Principle 10.
All members in good standing shall attend only the aspects of the KTAI convention for which they have paid. Members will not engage in badge swapping.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CODE OF ETHICS
Principle 1
The Board of Directors and Officers shall represent all KTAI members objectively.
Principle 2
The Board of Directors and Officers shall refrain from any vote if the outcome of the issue being discussed creates a conflict between their own personal interests and their responsibility to the membership at large.
Principle 3
The Board of Directors and Officers shall hold all executive sessions in complete confidentiality.
Principle 4
The Board of Directors and Officers shall recognize that KTAI has and will have information relating to business affairs, financial information, trade secrets and membership lists. This proprietary information constitutes valuable, special and unique assets of KTAI. The board of Directors and Officers agree that they will not at any time or any manner use or divulge any proprietary information for there own benefit. A violation of this paragraph shall be grounds for removal.
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Welcome to the Kite Trade Association International
Testimonials
I have been attending the KTAI Convention for many years now. Each and every trip brings new ideas that help improve my business. The networking opportunities alone, make attending the convention worthwhile… Jay Knerr; Owner
// The Kite Loft | Ocean City, MD
Thanks for the warm and generous welcome we received from the membership of the KTAI. As newbie’s to retailing, brand new KTAI members and first-time trade show attendees, we were thrilled at the support offered by our fellow business folk. Demo Day was a great introduction to other members- we had two new business mentors in the first hour! Membership benefits and trade show attendance should include "money we saved by not making THAT mistake!" Thanks KTAI: the openness of other members to share frankly and without reservation is more than worth the annual dues. This kind of info is worth the price of KTAI membership…all by itself! Thank you! Anne Phoenix, Owner
// Must Like Mud | Santa Clara, CA
The orders written at the KTAI Show totaled the largest dollar amount Skydog Kites has ever written at the Kite Trade's big annual event. Most of the attending retailers have been in business for over 20 years, you know they are knowledgeable, experienced, and they will be around for many years to come. The attendees write great business, and they also provide valuable feedback that help's us perfect our products and strengthen our brand.
// Jim Christianson; Skydog Kites - Colchester, CT
Thank you for the opportunity to attend the KTAI Show. We are a relatively new store and we found the wealth of information available amazing and with much potential.
// Ron Shahar; Bubbie's Store - Las Vegas, NV
Great trade show this year. Met some new vendors and worked with some existing ones. Although a good bit can be accomplished on the phone when your negotiating with a vendor I find more gets done face to face. In addition I had the opportunity to meet with my fellow retailers and share ideas. I find this very refreshing to hear the prospective of someone who is doing what your doing but in a different way. Rick Kligman Kligs Kites Myrtle Beach, SC
// Rick Kligman; Klig's Kites - Myrtle Beach, SC
In the Breeze’s involvement with the KTAI has had a direct impact on our understanding of the kite and outdoor decorative market. The KTAI has been invaluable in helping us to recognize trends, gain product knowledge and establish a loyal customer base among many other benefits.
// Bill Dual; In the Breeze - Bend, OR
KTAI Retail Member: SF Kites & Toys - San Francisco, CA My business partner and I had no previous kite experience before opening, although we have each owned and still owned businesses in other industries. We went to our first KTAI convention expecting the same old thing and were blown away by what we discovered! The most glaring thing was the openness of the other Retailers. We had never experienced anything like the degree of support and information sharing that went on at that event. We learned which suppliers were best for which products, their turn times, pricing levels and volume break levels. We also learned about which products to avoid, which products were hot sellers and which ones might be good in other stores, but not ours. We learned display strategies, selling approaches, merchandising and in-store demonstration techniques! Frankly, we were both a little overwhelmed with all the information, but we both knew we had hit a Gold Mine. Three years later, it remains clear to me that we saved over $100,000 in wrong directions, product choices, sales and presentation learning curves etc. I know this from past business experiences and by our efficient growth in sales these past three years. We basically got a huge "short cut" through our membership in the KTAI and I consider it to be one of the best business decisions we made and continue to make annually. That said, even if you have been a kite retailer for many years, the industry is changing rapidly due to issues like; globalization, technology innovation and "show rooming". I am confident even the most seasoned retailer will more than recoup their investment through the benefits of membership. I joined the Board of Directors in an effort to pay the organization back in some small way for all that I have gained through membership. From this vantage, I am very excited about the near and long term development of our organization, the value it creates for its members and its role in evangelizing kiting throughout the world. Thank you for your time! Fly Free! Daren Henderson; Co-owner & General Manager
// SF Kites & Toys | San Francisco, CA
We miss being able to come to the trade show with it being during our busy winter season (snowbirds), but will continue to support KTAI as it helped us tremendously when we started our business 17 years ago !
// B&S; Kites | Austin, TX
My wife and I would like to thank all those who attended the KTAI convention for such a warm welcome. Our experience at the trade show far exceeded our wildest expectations. Every retailer we spoke with was more than willing to offer advice and guidance. All the manufacturers made a point to educate us and answer all our questions, without making us feel as inexperienced as we are. As a new retailer, I strongly feel I am better positioned to succeed, knowing that I have the support of the association and the combined knowledge and experience of my fellow members. Not only did I leave the KTAI convention with a wealth of knowledge, and a lot of new friends, but I also left knowing that I am part of something special. Mike McEwen; Owner
// Zephyr Kites | Ft. Lauderdale, CA
Just got back home from a very interesting week in Las Vegas, attending KTAI. Made new friends, reacquainted with old ones, found new suppliers, mingled with many and ordered from most. I learned a little more about the inner working of the kite world and new ways to help others and myself to experience yet grander adventures from this business of kites. Its going to be a fun time, I can see the writing in the sky now. A Great Big Thank you to all that attended this year and for the many idea's and lessons shared. I truly appreciate each and everyone for their generosity, kindness and goodwill they all possess. This is a very unique organization to be a part of, and isn't it any wonder why it is this way.
// Bud Taylor; The Kite Guys - Alberta, Canada
The KTAI show was again, a success for us. We gained new retailers, and wrote more orders than the last 2 years. We made deals that would not have happened if we did not attend. The personal contacts, ideas shared, and requests received have already given this year a new exciting vibe. Now, I am energized to get this year off to a great start ! And that is what shows and events are all about ! Thanks to the association and its members for coming together.
// Lolly Hadzicki Ryno; Revolution Enterprises - Poway, CA
Contact Details
Bend, Oregon 97708