The name of this non-profit professional organization shall be the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, Inc.

The name of this non-profit professional organization shall be the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, Inc.

In accordance with the objectives of PRSA, the objective of this Chapter shall be:

• to advance the public relations profession and the professional;
• to encourage research, discussion and study of the problems and techniques of the public relations profession;
• to strengthen and maintain the highest standards of service and ethical conduct by all members of the profession;
• to exchange ideas and experiences and collect and disseminate information that may enhance of improve the professional knowledge, standards, ethics and standing of the membership; and
• to promote fraternalism within the profession.

The Chapter subscribes to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, creed, and religion, disability, age, color, or national origin, or sexual or affectional preference. (The term affectional preference has been defined as a preference for one's own sex that is not sexual in expression.)

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In accordance with the objectives of PRSA, the objective of this Chapter shall be:

• to advance the public relations profession and the professional;
• to encourage research, discussion and study of the problems and techniques of the public relations profession;
• to strengthen and maintain the highest standards of service and ethical conduct by all members of the profession;
• to exchange ideas and experiences and collect and disseminate information that may enhance of improve the professional knowledge, standards, ethics and standing of the membership; and
• to promote fraternalism within the profession.

The Chapter subscribes to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, creed, and religion, disability, age, color, or national origin, or sexual or affectional preference. (The term affectional preference has been defined as a preference for one's own sex that is not sexual in expression.)

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Section 1: Eligibility

To be eligible for membership in the Chapter a person must be a member in good standing of the Society. Any such Member of the Society is eligible for membership in the Chapter.

Section 2: Admission to Membership

Admission to membership in the Society shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the Bylaws of the Society. Any persons admitted to membership in the Society shall become a Member of the Chapter, if eligible, upon payment of Chapter dues. (See Article I, Section 2 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 3: Retirement Status

Any member of the Chapter who is eligible for retirement status may be recommended for such status by the Chapter's Board of Directors in accordance with provisions of the Bylaws of the Society. (See Article II, Section 6 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 4: Termination of Chapter Membership

Any member who for any reasons ceases to be a Member of the Society or is dropped from the Society's roll for nonpayment of dues shall cease to be a Member of the Chapter and shall be dropped from the Chapter roll.

Section 5: Rights and Privileges of Membership

The rights and privileges of general Chapter membership shall include, but not be limited to: holding a Chapter Leadership position including service as an Officer or Board member, voting at the Chapter's annual meeting, and receiving access to the Chapter's on-line Membership Directory.

Section 6: Continuance of Membership

Members who leave the field of public relations practice, public relations teaching or public relations administration, may continue membership. (See Article I, Section 5F PRSA Bylaws.)

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Section 1: Eligibility

To be eligible for membership in the Chapter a person must be a member in good standing of the Society. Any such Member of the Society is eligible for membership in the Chapter.

Section 2: Admission to Membership

Admission to membership in the Society shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the Bylaws of the Society. Any persons admitted to membership in the Society shall become a Member of the Chapter, if eligible, upon payment of Chapter dues. (See Article I, Section 2 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 3: Retirement Status

Any member of the Chapter who is eligible for retirement status may be recommended for such status by the Chapter's Board of Directors in accordance with provisions of the Bylaws of the Society. (See Article II, Section 6 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 4: Termination of Chapter Membership

Any member who for any reasons ceases to be a Member of the Society or is dropped from the Society's roll for nonpayment of dues shall cease to be a Member of the Chapter and shall be dropped from the Chapter roll.

Section 5: Rights and Privileges of Membership

The rights and privileges of general Chapter membership shall include, but not be limited to: holding a Chapter Leadership position including service as an Officer or Board member, voting at the Chapter's annual meeting, and receiving access to the Chapter's on-line Membership Directory.

Section 6: Continuance of Membership

Members who leave the field of public relations practice, public relations teaching or public relations administration, may continue membership. (See Article I, Section 5F PRSA Bylaws.)

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Section 1: Amount

The amount of Chapter dues shall be fixed annually by the Chapter's Board of Directors and shall be payable in accordance with Chapter fiscal policies. (See Article II, Section 3 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 2: Nonpayment of Dues

Any Member whose Chapter dues are unpaid for three months following his/her payment of dues to the Society shall be considered not in good standing, and shall not be entitled to vote, hold office or enjoy any other right or privilege of Chapter membership, provided such Member shall have been duly notified. Such Members will be dropped from the Chapter roll. (See Article II, Section 4 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 3: Reinstatement

A Member whose membership is terminated by expulsion or who, at the time of resignation or expulsion, was under investigation by the Society's Board of Ethics and Professional Standards, or had charges pending under PRSA Bylaws, Article XII, may not be reinstated, but must apply for membership in the same manner as a new applicant.

A Member who resigns or whose membership is terminated for any reasons other than as provided in the first paragraph of this Section, may reinstate membership. Eligibility for reinstatement shall be the same as eligibility for new Members and reinstatement shall be in the same category of membership as that held when membership ceased. A member approved for reinstatement shall be re-entered on the membership rolls of the Society and the Chapter upon full payment of dues for both, for the year in which reinstatement becomes effective.

Former Members of PRSA and the Chapter applying for reinstatement more than one full calendar year, but less than two, after dropping membership, shall pay the full year's dues. Those applying for reinstatement more than two calendar years after dropping membership shall have their annual dues prorated according to the time remaining in the dues year. (See Article II, Section 5 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 4: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be the calendar year.

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Section 1: Amount

The amount of Chapter dues shall be fixed annually by the Chapter's Board of Directors and shall be payable in accordance with Chapter fiscal policies. (See Article II, Section 3 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 2: Nonpayment of Dues

Any Member whose Chapter dues are unpaid for three months following his/her payment of dues to the Society shall be considered not in good standing, and shall not be entitled to vote, hold office or enjoy any other right or privilege of Chapter membership, provided such Member shall have been duly notified. Such Members will be dropped from the Chapter roll. (See Article II, Section 4 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 3: Reinstatement

A Member whose membership is terminated by expulsion or who, at the time of resignation or expulsion, was under investigation by the Society's Board of Ethics and Professional Standards, or had charges pending under PRSA Bylaws, Article XII, may not be reinstated, but must apply for membership in the same manner as a new applicant.

A Member who resigns or whose membership is terminated for any reasons other than as provided in the first paragraph of this Section, may reinstate membership. Eligibility for reinstatement shall be the same as eligibility for new Members and reinstatement shall be in the same category of membership as that held when membership ceased. A member approved for reinstatement shall be re-entered on the membership rolls of the Society and the Chapter upon full payment of dues for both, for the year in which reinstatement becomes effective.

Former Members of PRSA and the Chapter applying for reinstatement more than one full calendar year, but less than two, after dropping membership, shall pay the full year's dues. Those applying for reinstatement more than two calendar years after dropping membership shall have their annual dues prorated according to the time remaining in the dues year. (See Article II, Section 5 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 4: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be the calendar year.

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Section 1: Composition

The governing body of the Chapter shall be a Board of Directors consisting of the President, the President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, the immediate past-President, the Assembly Delegate(s) in a number as provided for by PRSA Bylaws based on Chapter membership, and a minimum of three (3) Directors. All past chapter presidents who are members in good standing of the chapter, will automatically be elected to the status of emeritus board member, and as such will be allowed and encouraged to actively participate in all chapter board meetings. This position will not carry voting privileges.

Section 2: Assembly Delegates

The Assembly Delegate(s) shall be Accredited and serve as the Chapter's representative(s) at the meeting of the PRSA Assembly, and shall be elected by the Chapter membership for a three (3) year term in accordance with the provisions of the Society's Bylaws. To be eligible for service as an Assembly Delegate, a Member must have served a minimum of one (1) year as a Chapter Officer or Board Member. No Chapter delegate having served a full three (3) year term may be elected to a succeeding full term. The Chapter President will annually designate an alternate Chapter delegate for each elected Chapter delegate, in accordance with the Society's Bylaws. (See Article III, Sections 2-7 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 3: Directors

Directors shall be elected each year by the Chapter membership at the Chapter's annual meeting to fill vacancies. Elected Directors shall serve a three (3) year term beginning January 1 following their election and until his/her successor is elected and takes office.

Section 4: Vacancies

In the event of death, resignation, removal or expulsion of any Chapter Officer, Director, or Assembly Delegate, the Board of Directors shall elect a successor who shall take office and immediately serve until the next annual election.

Section 5: Removal

Any Director who misses more than three (3) consecutive Board meetings without an excuse acceptable to the Board may be given written notice of dismissal by the Chapter President and replaced in accordance with Section 4 above.

Section 6: Board Meetings

There shall be at least six meetings each year of the Chapter's Board of Directors at such times and places as it may determine. The Board shall meet at the call of the President or upon call of any three (3) Board Members. Notice of each Board meeting shall be given to each Director personally or by mail at least seven (7) days in advance. The Board will make a report to the Chapter membership on its activities at least four (4) times a year, through the Chapter newsletter or another medium.

Section 7: Quorum

A simple majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for all meetings of the Board.

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Section 1: Composition

The governing body of the Chapter shall be a Board of Directors consisting of the President, the President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, the immediate past-President, the Assembly Delegate(s) in a number as provided for by PRSA Bylaws based on Chapter membership, and a minimum of three (3) Directors. All past chapter presidents who are members in good standing of the chapter, will automatically be elected to the status of emeritus board member, and as such will be allowed and encouraged to actively participate in all chapter board meetings. This position will not carry voting privileges.

Section 2: Assembly Delegates

The Assembly Delegate(s) shall be Accredited and serve as the Chapter's representative(s) at the meeting of the PRSA Assembly, and shall be elected by the Chapter membership for a three (3) year term in accordance with the provisions of the Society's Bylaws. To be eligible for service as an Assembly Delegate, a Member must have served a minimum of one (1) year as a Chapter Officer or Board Member. No Chapter delegate having served a full three (3) year term may be elected to a succeeding full term. The Chapter President will annually designate an alternate Chapter delegate for each elected Chapter delegate, in accordance with the Society's Bylaws. (See Article III, Sections 2-7 PRSA Bylaws.)

Section 3: Directors

Directors shall be elected each year by the Chapter membership at the Chapter's annual meeting to fill vacancies. Elected Directors shall serve a three (3) year term beginning January 1 following their election and until his/her successor is elected and takes office.

Section 4: Vacancies

In the event of death, resignation, removal or expulsion of any Chapter Officer, Director, or Assembly Delegate, the Board of Directors shall elect a successor who shall take office and immediately serve until the next annual election.

Section 5: Removal

Any Director who misses more than three (3) consecutive Board meetings without an excuse acceptable to the Board may be given written notice of dismissal by the Chapter President and replaced in accordance with Section 4 above.

Section 6: Board Meetings

There shall be at least six meetings each year of the Chapter's Board of Directors at such times and places as it may determine. The Board shall meet at the call of the President or upon call of any three (3) Board Members. Notice of each Board meeting shall be given to each Director personally or by mail at least seven (7) days in advance. The Board will make a report to the Chapter membership on its activities at least four (4) times a year, through the Chapter newsletter or another medium.

Section 7: Quorum

A simple majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for all meetings of the Board.

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Section 1: Chapter Officers

The Officers of the Chapter shall be a President, a President-Elect, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Officers shall be elected by the Chapter membership at its annual meeting for a term of one (1) year, and until their successors are elected and take office. A maximum of two (2) consecutive terms in the same office will be allowed.

Section 2: President

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and its Board of Directors. He/She shall appoint all Committee Chairs with the approval of the Board and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. He/She shall perform all other duties pertaining to the office.

Section 3: President-Elect

The President-Elect shall, in the absence of or disability of the President, exercise the powers and perform the duties of the President. He/She shall also serve as the Chapter's Parliamentarian, assist the President and perform such other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. In the event a President-Elect dies, resigns or otherwise leaves Chapter membership during his/her term, the following procedure will be followed. If this event occurs before the year's annual meeting, the standing Nominating Committee will additionally submit nominees of the office of President for election at the annual meeting. If this event occurs after the annual meeting but before January 1, the President-Elect for the following year will instead serve as Chapter President; an alternate President-Elect will be named by the Board of Directors with input from the standing Nominating Committee.

Section 4: Secretary

The Secretary shall keep records of all meetings of the Board of Directors, send copies of such minutes to Society Headquarters, pick up Chapter mail bi-monthly and distribute such mail in a timely manner, handle assigned Board correspondence and maintain Board correspondence files, and perform all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

Section 5: Treasurer

The Treasurer shall receive and deposit all Chapter funds in the name of the Chapter in a federally-insured financial institution. He/She shall issue receipts and make authorized disbursements after proper Board approval in accordance with Chapter fiscal policies, prepare the Chapter's budget, make regular financial reports to the Board, render an annual financial statement to Chapter members through the Chapter newsletter or another medium, handle new Member billings as directed by the Membership Committee chairperson, and perform all other duties pertaining to the office.

Section 6: Compensation and Reimbursement

No elected Officer of the Chapter shall be entitled to any salary or other time compensation. The Board of Directors may reimburse elected Officers, Board Members, Assembly Delegates or their Alternates, or Members working on behalf of the Chapter, for any pre-approved expense incurred in connection with the performance of Chapter-related duties.

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Section 1: Chapter Officers

The Officers of the Chapter shall be a President, a President-Elect, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Officers shall be elected by the Chapter membership at its annual meeting for a term of one (1) year, and until their successors are elected and take office. A maximum of two (2) consecutive terms in the same office will be allowed.

Section 2: President

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and its Board of Directors. He/She shall appoint all Committee Chairs with the approval of the Board and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. He/She shall perform all other duties pertaining to the office.

Section 3: President-Elect

The President-Elect shall, in the absence of or disability of the President, exercise the powers and perform the duties of the President. He/She shall also serve as the Chapter's Parliamentarian, assist the President and perform such other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. In the event a President-Elect dies, resigns or otherwise leaves Chapter membership during his/her term, the following procedure will be followed. If this event occurs before the year's annual meeting, the standing Nominating Committee will additionally submit nominees of the office of President for election at the annual meeting. If this event occurs after the annual meeting but before January 1, the President-Elect for the following year will instead serve as Chapter President; an alternate President-Elect will be named by the Board of Directors with input from the standing Nominating Committee.

Section 4: Secretary

The Secretary shall keep records of all meetings of the Board of Directors, send copies of such minutes to Society Headquarters, pick up Chapter mail bi-monthly and distribute such mail in a timely manner, handle assigned Board correspondence and maintain Board correspondence files, and perform all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

Section 5: Treasurer

The Treasurer shall receive and deposit all Chapter funds in the name of the Chapter in a federally-insured financial institution. He/She shall issue receipts and make authorized disbursements after proper Board approval in accordance with Chapter fiscal policies, prepare the Chapter's budget, make regular financial reports to the Board, render an annual financial statement to Chapter members through the Chapter newsletter or another medium, handle new Member billings as directed by the Membership Committee chairperson, and perform all other duties pertaining to the office.

Section 6: Compensation and Reimbursement

No elected Officer of the Chapter shall be entitled to any salary or other time compensation. The Board of Directors may reimburse elected Officers, Board Members, Assembly Delegates or their Alternates, or Members working on behalf of the Chapter, for any pre-approved expense incurred in connection with the performance of Chapter-related duties.

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Section 1: Nominating Committee

There shall be a Nominating Committee of no fewer than three (3) members with at least one who is Accredited and designated as Committee Chairperson, appointed by the President with approval of the Board of Directors, at least 120 days prior to the Chapter's annual meeting. No Member of the Board of Directors except the immediate past-President may serve on the Nominating Committee, and that individual will serve ex-officio and have no vote.

Section 2: Nominations

The role of the Nominating Committee shall be to coordinate and facilitate annual elections. The Committee's responsibilities shall include:

• Compiling a list of offices to be filled through the annual election, to include President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and as many Board Members and Assembly Delegates as needed to fill expiring three (3) year terms or replace those whose terms would not be expired except for the fact they left office during the year on a voluntary or involuntary basis.
• Distributing a list of these open positions and a brief explanation of each position's duties to all Chapter Members, soliciting self- or peer nominations to be accompanied by a brief statement as to the nominee's qualifications for interests in the given office.
• Contacting all nominees to confirm they would serve if elected.
• Compiling a slate of nominees to include no fewer than one and no more than three candidates for each open position, and providing the slate and nominees' qualification statements to the Chapter Secretary for distribution to members at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting with a cover letter that advises Members on the procedure for submitting a proxy ballot if that Member is unable to attend the annual meeting.
• Providing ballots for and conducting elections as the annual meeting. In the event of a tie vote, the Committee shall conduct a second ballot for the contested position(s).

Section 3: Notice of Membership

At least 30 days before the Chapter annual meeting, the Secretary shall send to all Chapter members the Nominating Committee's proposed slate, nominee statements and proxy ballot instructions along with notice of the date, time and reservation procedure for the Chapter's annual meeting.

Section 4: Elections

Officers, Directors and Assembly Delegates shall be elected at the Chapter's annual meeting. Election shall be by majority vote of the Members in good standing is present and voting, provided at least 30 percent of the membership is present or represented by proxy ballot. Balloting contested elections shall be by secret ballot.

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Section 1: Nominating Committee

There shall be a Nominating Committee of no fewer than three (3) members with at least one who is Accredited and designated as Committee Chairperson, appointed by the President with approval of the Board of Directors, at least 120 days prior to the Chapter's annual meeting. No Member of the Board of Directors except the immediate past-President may serve on the Nominating Committee, and that individual will serve ex-officio and have no vote.

Section 2: Nominations

The role of the Nominating Committee shall be to coordinate and facilitate annual elections. The Committee's responsibilities shall include:

• Compiling a list of offices to be filled through the annual election, to include President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and as many Board Members and Assembly Delegates as needed to fill expiring three (3) year terms or replace those whose terms would not be expired except for the fact they left office during the year on a voluntary or involuntary basis.
• Distributing a list of these open positions and a brief explanation of each position's duties to all Chapter Members, soliciting self- or peer nominations to be accompanied by a brief statement as to the nominee's qualifications for interests in the given office.
• Contacting all nominees to confirm they would serve if elected.
• Compiling a slate of nominees to include no fewer than one and no more than three candidates for each open position, and providing the slate and nominees' qualification statements to the Chapter Secretary for distribution to members at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting with a cover letter that advises Members on the procedure for submitting a proxy ballot if that Member is unable to attend the annual meeting.
• Providing ballots for and conducting elections as the annual meeting. In the event of a tie vote, the Committee shall conduct a second ballot for the contested position(s).

Section 3: Notice of Membership

At least 30 days before the Chapter annual meeting, the Secretary shall send to all Chapter members the Nominating Committee's proposed slate, nominee statements and proxy ballot instructions along with notice of the date, time and reservation procedure for the Chapter's annual meeting.

Section 4: Elections

Officers, Directors and Assembly Delegates shall be elected at the Chapter's annual meeting. Election shall be by majority vote of the Members in good standing is present and voting, provided at least 30 percent of the membership is present or represented by proxy ballot. Balloting contested elections shall be by secret ballot.

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Section 1: Standing Committees

The Chapter shall maintain standing committees as follows: Nominating; Programs; Membership; Professional Development; Accreditation; Public Relations, Student Chapter Liaison; Scholarship; On-line Communications; Directory; and Job Site. The Chairperson of the Student Chapter Liaison and the Accreditation committee must be Accredited. At least one member of the Nominating committee must be Accredited.

Section 2: Special Committees

The Chapter President with Board approval may also establish other committees as needed or required by Society By-laws including Awards, Public Service, Long-Range Planning, and Bylaws.

Section 3: Committee Reports

The Chairperson of each committee shall report its activities regularly or as required to the Chapter Board. All committee activities shall be subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

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Section 1: Standing Committees

The Chapter shall maintain standing committees as follows: Nominating; Programs; Membership; Professional Development; Accreditation; Public Relations, Student Chapter Liaison; Scholarship; On-line Communications; Directory; and Job Site. The Chairperson of the Student Chapter Liaison and the Accreditation committee must be Accredited. At least one member of the Nominating committee must be Accredited.

Section 2: Special Committees

The Chapter President with Board approval may also establish other committees as needed or required by Society By-laws including Awards, Public Service, Long-Range Planning, and Bylaws.

Section 3: Committee Reports

The Chairperson of each committee shall report its activities regularly or as required to the Chapter Board. All committee activities shall be subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

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Section 1: Annual Meetings

There shall be an annual meeting in the Fall of each year at such a time and place as may be designated by the Chapter's Board.

Section 2: Regular Meetings

In addition to the annual meeting there shall be regular monthly membership meetings at least eight (8) additional times a year, at such times and places as may be designated by the Chapter's Program Committee Chairperson and accepted by the Board.

Section 3: Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Chapter membership may be called by the President, Board of Directors or on written request by 30 percent of the Chapter Members.

Section 4: Notice of Meetings

Notice of the annual meeting shall be distributed to each Member at least 30 days in advance. Notice of a regular meeting or special meeting shall be sent to each Member at least 10 days in advance.

Section 5: Quorum

A majority of the Chapter members present, provided at least 30 percent of the membership is present or represented by proxy ballot in the case of an annual meeting, shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6: Parliamentary Procedure

Except as otherwise provided for in these Bylaws, Robert's Rule of Order shall be used for parliamentary procedure at all Chapter and Board Member meetings.

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Section 1: Annual Meetings

There shall be an annual meeting in the Fall of each year at such a time and place as may be designated by the Chapter's Board.

Section 2: Regular Meetings

In addition to the annual meeting there shall be regular monthly membership meetings at least eight (8) additional times a year, at such times and places as may be designated by the Chapter's Program Committee Chairperson and accepted by the Board.

Section 3: Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Chapter membership may be called by the President, Board of Directors or on written request by 30 percent of the Chapter Members.

Section 4: Notice of Meetings

Notice of the annual meeting shall be distributed to each Member at least 30 days in advance. Notice of a regular meeting or special meeting shall be sent to each Member at least 10 days in advance.

Section 5: Quorum

A majority of the Chapter members present, provided at least 30 percent of the membership is present or represented by proxy ballot in the case of an annual meeting, shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6: Parliamentary Procedure

Except as otherwise provided for in these Bylaws, Robert's Rule of Order shall be used for parliamentary procedure at all Chapter and Board Member meetings.

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These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Members present at any meeting at which a quorum is obtained, provided proposed amendments have been approved by the Board of Directors and provided to all members at least 30 days prior to that meeting. Amendments adopted in accordance with this provision are effective only after their approval by the Society's National Board of Directors.

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These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Members present at any meeting at which a quorum is obtained, provided proposed amendments have been approved by the Board of Directors and provided to all members at least 30 days prior to that meeting. Amendments adopted in accordance with this provision are effective only after their approval by the Society's National Board of Directors.

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