Our Values
Chamber Board Meeting Attendance & Participation Policy
Purpose
To ensure accurate documentation of Board participation, establish clear meeting procedures, and maintain reliable records for determining quorum and official Board action.
Policy
- Sign-In Required
All individuals attending a Board of Directors meeting shall sign the meeting attendance sheet upon arrival. The sign-in sheet shall identify the attendee’s name and, when applicable, their role or organization. - Board Member Attendance
Only duly appointed or elected members of the Board of Directors who are present shall be counted toward quorum. Board members arriving after the meeting begins or departing before adjournment should have their arrival or departure time reflected in the meeting record when it affects quorum or voting. - Guests and Chamber Members
Chamber members or invited guests may attend Board meetings when permitted by the Board. Attendance does not grant a guest the right to participate in Board deliberations or vote. - Requests to Address the Board
Any Chamber member or other individual wishing to formally address the Board must request placement on the agenda in advance of the meeting. The request should include the topic to be discussed and be submitted to the President/CEO or designated Board officer by the established agenda deadline. - Speaking During Meetings
Individuals who are not Board members may speak only when recognized by the presiding officer or during an approved portion of the agenda. The presiding officer may establish reasonable time limits and may redirect discussion to maintain order and keep the meeting focused on Chamber business. - Executive Session
When the Board enters executive session or otherwise considers confidential matters, guests and individuals who are not authorized to participate may be asked to leave the meeting.
Official Attendance Record
The sign-in sheet shall be retained with the Chamber’s meeting records. The meeting minutes shall reflect Board members present and absent and document whether a quorum was established..
Equal Employment Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Policy
The Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering a workplace and organizational culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We ensure that all individuals are treated fairly in every aspect of our employment practices and operations, regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, disability, marital status, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other protected class as defined by applicable federal laws.
We comply with all applicable state and local laws governing equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination across all locations where the Chamber operates. This commitment extends to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training programs, use of facilities, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment or participation in Chamber activities.
Non-Harassment Policy
The Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to maintaining an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. We strictly prohibit any form of harassment—verbal, physical, or otherwise—including harassment based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, disability, marital status, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other protected class.
This policy applies to all individuals associated with the Chamber, including employees, directors, members, clients, volunteers, and external partners conducting business with us. Harassment, in any form, whether by Chamber personnel or external parties, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Harassment includes but is not limited to derogatory remarks, slurs, jokes, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, offensive touching, and other conduct of a discriminatory or sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Leaders, managers, and representatives of the Chamber are expected to model respectful behavior and uphold this policy at all times.
The Chamber takes violations of this policy seriously and will respond promptly and appropriately to any reported incidents, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Civic Engagement & Neutrality Policy
The Barnesville–Lamar County Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering civic engagement that strengthens our community while maintaining strict organizational neutrality in political matters. As a nonpartisan 501(c)(6) organization, the Chamber does not endorse, oppose, or promote any political candidates, campaigns, or partisan political activities.
We support civic participation that is educational, inclusive, and focused on community wellbeing. The Chamber may share or participate in nonpartisan civic events such as community ceremonies, public service initiatives, informational forums, and equal-access candidate meet-and-greets, provided they remain neutral and non-campaign in nature.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the Chamber does not share or promote campaign materials, fundraising events, political advertising, or any content encouraging support for or opposition to a candidate. Campaigning, fundraising, and electioneering are not permitted at Chamber programs or on Chamber platforms.
Members who run for office may continue to participate in Chamber activities. The Chamber may share content relating to their professional, civic, or community involvement, but will not share or amplify campaign-related messaging.
For any civic event involving candidates, all qualified candidates will receive equal access and strictly neutral treatment.
The Chamber follows one guiding principle:
If an activity promotes community wellbeing, the Chamber may support or share it. If it promotes a campaign, the Chamber may not.
This policy ensures neutrality, safeguards trust, and upholds the Chamber’s mission to strengthen local businesses and the broader community.