Magic City Networking – New Member Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in Magic City Networking!

To maintain the quality and exclusivity of our group, we accept only one business per industry. Below is a list of industries that currently have representatives within our network.

If your business’s industry is not listed, and you're interested in joining, please complete the application form below. This will help us learn more about your business and determine whether there is an available spot in your category.

 

• We meet every Thursday morning from 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM at Homesteaders in Minot.
• Attendance is important. We understand that occasional absences may happen, but it is expected that you attend weekly.
• If you cannot attend a meeting, you must email the group before the meeting start time to let us know.
• Membership is $150 per quarter, which will be set up via automatic bank draft.
• Membership includes marketing support, participation in our networking meetings, and exclusivity in your industry.
• Membership in Magic City Networking is exclusive and members may not belong to any other networking group.

Group Guidelines & Responsibilities

• Only one business per industry is allowed in the group.  All members are expected to engage in the group and participate in social media support.
• Members must submit their marketing information and content via the provided Dropbox folder.
• Members are expected to follow and share posts from the Magic City Networking Facebook and Instagram pages.
• Failure to participate consistently may result in removal to open the category for another business.

Magic City Networking 
Bylaws and Guidelines 

1. Goals and Objectives:

1. We, as a group and each member individually, should be committed to the growth of all other member businesses as well as the growth of MCN. 
2. A MCN member may not also be a member of any other group with the same goals as MCN, whose sole purpose is to pass referrals and allowing only one person per profession/classification. Doing so could create a conflict of interest and mixed loyalties within the same profession. 
3. There is only one member per profession classification allowed to join at any one time.  This is determined by the Oversight Committee after consultation of all MCN group members. 
4. A given business may encompass one or more classifications.  For examples; a trucking business may also provide moving storage services.  As long as all services are provided using one tax ID number, that member business shall be allowed to hold and promote all classifications provided by all that business.  However; that person will be allowed only one 60 second overview for that business. 
5. A current member can request to expand their business classification but only after a written request to the Oversight Committee.  The Oversight Committee can vote to approve the request barring that it does not impede on another members classification or substantially limit the growth in membership of the MCN group.  If the request is approved by the Oversight Committee the request must be presented to General Membership for a vote to approve or deny.  A simple majority is required to approve.  
6. During each meeting, there is an opportunity for each member to share with the group, any referrals given out during the past week. 
7. Members are encouraged to refer within the group.  *Remember* - GIVERS GAIN!
8.  Magic city Networking (MCN) is a “Not for Profit Organization.” 
    

2. Applications:

1. Guests (Prospective Members) shall attend at least one weekly meeting before being invited to submit an application.  Breakfast shall be compliments of MCN for a maximum of two trial visits.  This gives the current members the opportunity to voice any objections to the Membership Committee prior to a prospect being invited to submit an application. 
2. To be considered for approval, all new applications must be accompanied by a $50 application fee.  Magic City Networking shall return the application fee if the member is denied.   
3. All new applications, as well as classification change applications, must be submitted to, and approved by, the Oversight Committee.  Classification changes might occur when a member holding a certain classification leaves the group.  A remaining member could then offer that product or service.  The member’s application must be updated prior to officially being able to represent that classification. 
4.  Prior to submitting an application, Prospective Members shall be advised of the Magic City Networking procedures and be given a copy of the bylaws. 
   New members will be given a welcome packet and orientation of the MCN process during the first meeting after approval of their application.  The Oversight Committee shall appoint one person to conduct the orientation of all new members.  

3. Attendance:

1. Weekly meetings are set for one hour, each Thursday morning, starting promptly at 7:30 a.m.  Members are asked to arrive early enough to be able to have their breakfast ordered prior to 7:30 so each meeting may begin on time, and therefore; end on time. 
2. Each member (and guest if one is present) will have the opportunity to stand and present a 60 second overview of their business and services.  On a rotation basis, members may have the opportunity to be the “Speaker of the Day” giving a 10 minute presentation of their respective business.  The Speaker is responsible to provide the door prize for that meeting (value approximately $10).  Those passing a referral will be eligible to enter into the door prize drawing. 
3. During every meeting, each member is given the opportunity to share a referral giving out during the past week (keeping confidentially if necessary).  If there are no referrals to share, then given a testimonial regarding a fellow group member can substituted. 
4. Attendance is critical to the success of the organization.  If a member cannot attend a meeting, you may send someone within your organization in your place. 
5. All members shall have one vote per membership.  A member company may have more than representative during a meeting, however; only one vote shall be counted for that company. 
6. A members is allowed no more than 3 total unexcused or 6 total absences in a quarter; and no more than two consecutive, unexcused absences per quarter.  Violating members will be subject to a review by the Oversight Committee.  If it is determined that the membership be terminated the member will be notified of the termination via letter.  The member cannot reapply for membership until at least 1 quarter after terminations.  The $50 re-application fee will apply. 
7. An absence is considered excused if written notice is given.  The best way to notify of an absence is by hitting “reply all” to the weekly minutes email sent by the Secretary. 
8. Cases of extended medical leave or other unusual circumstances causing excessive absences beyond a member’s control may be allowed on a case by case basis.  However; under no circumstances shall an extended leave exceed 3 months in duration. 

4. Leadership Team:

1. The Leadership Team, (President, VP, Sec. & Treasurer) will be compensated with an annual $50 credit towards their membership dues.  
2. Any member of the Leadership Team may be removed from office at any time, with discussion and simple majority vote of the General Membership at a regular weekly meeting. 
3. At the first meeting in October of each year, a new Leadership Team shall be elected with the newly elected team taking office on the second meeting of October of each year.  There are no term limits for the Leadership Team of Committee Members. 
   1. The President shall appoint new committee members from current MCN members who have indicated they would like to volunteer to serve on a given committee.  If at any point, a committee member is no longer able to service or otherwise becomes ineffective as a committee member, it shall be the President’s responsibility to remove that member from the committee and appoint a replacement.  It is also the President’s responsibility to guide each weekly meeting, insuring that the meeting stays as close to a 1 hour time frame as possible. 
      The Vice President’s role shall be to maintain attendance roll for each meeting and keep track of the referral number count. 
   2. The Vice President shall be available to assume the President’s roll if the President is no longer able to serve in that capacity, either temporarily or permanently.  
   3. The Secretary shall maintain the minutes for each meeting.  This will be the official record for any votes that take place and/or any major events relating to the group.  The Secretary shall also document the speaker for each meeting and any major talking points.  Minutes for each meeting shall be distributed to each member via email, by the following Tuesday evening.  Any inaccuracies noted in the minutes shall have the opportunity to be corrected during the next meeting.   
   4. The Treasurer shall invoice all members for annual dues, special events, etc.  The Treasurer shall pay any and all regular bills on time; and present any unusual or one-time type of expenditures to the General Membership for discussion and/or vote.  The Treasurer shall also attend & present the Membership Committee, all delinquent membership dues. 
   5. The Past President is responsible for advising the President and other officers of the Leadership Team regarding past practices, general administration, and other matters to assist in the effective ongoing operations of Magic City Networking. 

5. Committees:

1. If at any point, a committee member is no longer a member of the group, fails to participate or otherwise becomes ineffective as a committee member, the President shall remove that member from the committee and appoint a replacement. 
2. Committees should hold meetings immediately after regular membership meetings as much as possible, however; in the interest of expediency, meetings may be held using voice conferencing, email discussions or meet during a more convenient time for the committee members. 
   1. When using email or voice (phone) discussions, all communications should include all members of a given committee. 
                     1.  Oversight Committee:  The Oversight Committee shall be comprised of 5 MCN members.  They will remain available to meet after each regular meeting to review policy violations, new applications or classification changes.  Once made aware of conflict, the Oversight Committee shall also attempt to mediate any conflicts that may arise between members and/or prospective members.  If a resolution using the Membership Committee proves unsuccessful, then the President shall have the final word. 
                     2.  Policy (Bylaws) Committee: are subject to addition or change at the discretion and needs of the General Membership.  After a General Membership discussion, the Oversight Committee shall review and revise the policy.  The newly revised policy shall be presented to the General Membership where it will be discussed and voted upon.  A simple majority vote will determine whether the new policy and/or new revision will pass or fail. 
                       3. Special Events Committee:  Any special event or program sponsored by Magic City Networking shall be organized and/or managed by a Committee.  These committees shall report to the General Membership periodically as necessary to obtain opinion and guidance to insure and successful event.  They will be comprised of as many people as necessary depending on the event. 

6. Dues:

1. Membership dues are $150 per calendar quarter per member and are non-refundable. 
2. Dues cover 1 meal per person per meeting.  A Member Company may have more than one representative present during a meeting, however; only one meal shall be paid by MCN. 
3. Dues are Net 30 days from the first of each calendar quarter.  If not paid within that time, your membership may be terminated and your position filled with a new member who has completed the application process. 
4. If a member leaves the group and still has credit available on an annual payment, the remaining credit (by quarter) would be refunded to the member. *8/29/2019 

 

In closing, it should be noted that as much as possible, these policies should be followed. If a situation should arise that is not covered by, or does not apply to these policies, then that should be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Nothing should arise that cannot be resolved in a cooperative, cordial manner among professionals.

 

Updated October 10, 2024