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2026 By Laws Updated (unofficial)

Lucas C Shaffer | Published on 8/11/2026

CROSSROADS BEEKEEPERS INC.

BY-LAWS

Adopted 4-8-2023

 

ARTICLE I: NAME

 

Section I: This organization shall be known as the Crossroads Beekeepers Inc.

 

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

 

Section I: Crossroads Beekeepers Inc. is a nonprofit organization that is based in Effingham IL and comprises beekeepers and bee enthusiasts (friends) in Effingham and the surrounding area.

 

Section II: The organization provides educational programs and information exchanges of interest to beekeeping.

 

Section Ill: The organization promotes education, understanding and cooperation between members, enthusiasts (friends) and the surrounding communities about beekeeping.

 

Section IV: The organization promotes a general interest in beekeeping, honey production and other apiary products.

 

ARTICLE Ill: AFFILIATION

 

Section I: Crossroads Beekeepers Inc. is an independent and autonomous corporation that desires and pursues affiliation with the Illinois State Beekeepers Association (ISBA) for the mutual benefit of both organizations.

 

Section II: Crossroads Beekeepers Inc. can at any time terminate its affiliation with ISBA by a majority vote of its membership.

 

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

 

Section I: Membership is open to anyone interested in honeybees and beekeeping.

 

Section II: Membership shall run from January 1st through December 31st, and dues will be collected at the beginning of the membership year.

  1. Membership dues will be $15.00 a year per person.
  2. b. $10.00 for each member's dues will be for membership of the Illinois State Beekeepers Association    (ISBA).
  3. Dues for members who already belong to the ISBA will be $5.00 a year for this organization's portion of dues.
  4. Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) will not be assessed dues.

 

Section Ill: Privileges of membership are:

  1. to vote,
  2. to hold an office,
  3. to chair a committee,
  4. to receive a copy of the by-laws,
  5. to participate in the library,
  6. to participate in the equipment loan program,
  7. to receive subscription discounts to beekeeping publications as available,
  8. to receive club event discounts as available.

 

 

Section IV: Friends of Crossroads Beekeepers Inc. are beekeeping enthusiasts who attend meetings, programs, schools and functions, but do not pay membership dues and do not have the privileges of members as outlined in Section Ill of this Article.

I

 

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

 

Section I: The officers shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Officer.

  1. These five (5) officers will be the Executive Board with the President presiding.
  2. A simple majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the board.
  3. The officers shall be elected by majority vote when a quorum of members is present at the November meeting
  4. in odd numbered years.
  5. Officers will take office in January and serve in that capacity for the next 2 years.
  6. The officers may be reelected without limitation, subject to their willingness to serve.
  7. Only dues-paid members may serve as officers or as committee chairperson.

 

Section II: Duties of officers.

a. President:

  1. Is responsible for the direction of Crossroads Beekeepers Inc. and its activities.
  2. Shall preside at all meetings.
  3. Shall call regular and special meetings and notify the general membership of any meetings and the agenda.
  4. May appoint committees as necessary.
  5. Shall fill any officer vacancies as needed.
  6. Shall have signature authority with the Treasurer and Secretary on the organization's financial accounts.
  7. Shall review financial reports of the organization.
  8. Shall have no vote, except in the event of a tie whereby the President will cast the deciding vote.
  9. Shall oversee the planning of monthly programs by arranging for topic discussions, demonstrations, presentations, and/or guest speakers.

 

b. Vice-President:

  1. Shall act with full power of the President in his/her absence or inability to act.
  2. Shall act as the chairman of the Program Committee.
  3. Shall assist the President as needed with organization operations.
  4. Shall fill any officer vacancies.

 

c. Secretary:

  1. Shall keep written minutes of all meetings, correspondence, and official documents for the organization.
  2. Shall keep the official membership list and provide that list to the ISBA.
  3. Shall maintain a record of all property and equipment.
  4. Shall have signature authority with the Treasurer and President on the organization's financial accounts.
  5. Shall assist the President as needed with organization operations.

d. Treasurer:

  1. Shall be the custodian of the organization's funds and have signature authority with the President and Secretary on the financial accounts.
  2. Shall receive and disburse all monies of the organization.
  3. Shall keep accurate and complete records of finances showing receipts and disbursements for all financial activity.
  4. Shall make reports to the Executive Board and as requested by any officer or member.
  5. Shall provide membership dues to ISBA.
  6. Shall assist the President as needed with organization operations.
  7. Shall accept and process new member applications and membership renewals.
  8. Shall forward membership forms to the Secretary.
  9. Shall maintain a membership list and coordinate membership records with the Secretary.
  10. Shall provide members with a copy of the by-laws and benefit information i.e. library, equipment loan program, publication subscriptions.
  11. Shall assist the President as needed with organization operations.

 

e. Legacy Officers:

  1. Legacy Officer will be voted on by the Executive Board members
  2. Legacy Officers must have served in an Executive Board position prior to becoming Legacy Officers
  3. Shall assist the club Executive Board in any way that will further the club’s growth and ensure the legacy of the club stays intact.
  4. Shall assist the President as needed with organization operations.

 

 

ARTICLE VI: EXPENDITURES

 

Section I: Disbursements, other than routine operating expenses, must be approved by the Executive Board.

 

Section II: Donations and/or expenditure of $250.00 or more must be approved by the membership at a monthly or special meeting in the form of a motion. All motions shall specify an exact or maximum dollar amount of funds to be expended.

 

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

 

Section I: Regular meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of each month. The President may change or cancel the meeting date as circumstances require. Meetings may be combined with special events such as workshops, dinners, picnics, etc.

 

Section II: Executive Board meetings will be held at least biannually.

 

Section Ill: Executive Board meetings are open, and the membership will be notified of the date, time and location of the meetings.

 

Section IV: In addition to the regular meetings, special programs may be presented any time during the year.

 

ARTICLE VIII: VOTING

 

Section I: All dues paid members shall be eligible to vote on any issue brought to the membership.

 

Section II: All votes shall be by voice, unless a ballot vote is requested by the majority of those members present for the

vote.

 

ARTICLE IX: PROCEDURE

 

Section I: All business shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order.

 

Section II: A quorum for a meeting shall consist of 10% of the paid membership at the time of the meeting.

 

ARTICLE X: DISCLAIMER

 

Section I: It is understood by the membership that the Crossroads Beekeepers Inc., ISBA, its officers or members, are in no way responsible or liable for personal injury or property damage during the organization's activities.

 

Section II: All members and guests participating in activities do so at their own risk.

 

Section Ill: This disclaimer shall be printed on all membership applications and registration forms.

 

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS

 

Section I: The membership may amend these by law at any time.

 

Section II: Proposed amendments to the by-laws must be made available to the membership in writing for consideration at least 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting where the vote to change the by-laws will be held.

 

Section Ill: When a quorum of members is present, the by-laws may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present at a scheduled meeting, provided that written notice was given as outlined in Section II of this Article.

 

ARTICLE XII: DISSOLUTION PROCESS

 

Section I: ln the event of dissolution of the Crossroads Beekeepers Inc., after all expenses have been paid, satisfied or discharged, any remaining assets shall be contributed to the ISBA, or if the ISBA shall not be in existence, shall be contributed to the American Beekeeper's Federation.

 

July 2026

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Lucas Shaffer

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