NOTE: We are posting the By Laws for review. Please note that there have been some changes made - they are indicated by the use of (change) (end change). If you have any questions, please contact Carla or Ron from Foote Creek: ftcrkbnb@nrctv.com


BY LAWS
OF
BED & BREAKFAST INNKEEPERS OF SOUTH DAKOTA INC.

ARTICLE ONE

NAME

The name of this organization is Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of South Dakota, Inc.

ARTICLE TWO

LOCATION OF OFFICE

The address for the transaction of business for the organization shall be P. O. Box 7682, Rapid City, South Dakota 57709-7682.

ARTICLE THREE

PURPOSE

The PURPOSE of this non-profit association is:

(1) To set and maintain high standards of quality, guest safety, and professionalism in the organization; to ensure a quality lodging experience for guests staying in BBISD Inns.

(2) To provide educational resources to increase member knowledge of the industry; to share ideas and actively communicate with other BBISD members in relation to the bed and breakfast industry; to broaden public knowledge and appreciation of the bed and breakfast industry.

(3) To support the membership through collective action with state and local regulatory agencies; to educate these agencies in relation to the bed and breakfast industry.

(4) To promote and exchange marketing and promotional ideas among members; to encourage an active interest and participation to promote public interest, understanding and goodwill toward bed & breakfast inns; to provide a widespread, concise means of cooperative/referral advertising to promote BBISD members.

(5) To participate in other functions, consistent with these bylaws, which advance the interests of the organization and South Dakota's bed and breakfast industry.

ARTICLE FOUR

MEMBERSHIP

Membership Classes: The Association shall have various classes of Members, one voting and two non-voting. Only voting Members shall have all rights and privileges of members of the Association. Non-voting Members shall have such rights and privileges as set forth in these Bylaws, but in no event shall Non-voting Members have the right to vote.

The following are the classes of members:

(1) Full Members. Bed & breakfast establishments are eligible for full membership. Properties such as hotels, motels, and other such businesses, although they may offer bed & breakfast accommodations, are not eligible for membership. Bed & breakfast establishments are residential in nature or reflective of residential character. The following are requirements for full membership:

(a) The inn must have a resident innkeeper.

(b) The lodging is short term, and breakfast is included in the room rate.

(c) Each member will carry adequate and current Bed & Breakfast liability insurance. The Association and all its members shall be exempted from any liability to an individual member.

(d) Each member will assume full responsibility for meeting all applicable Bed and Breakfast business requirements (i.e. sales tax, business licenses, health regulations, zoning, etc.) to be enforced by state and local authorities. Members will operate in a professional business-like manner.

(e) Hospitality and personalized attention to guests is foremost. Owners and staff members are encouraged to present a good appearance; operate on an ethical, business-like basis; and provide a pleasant, warm and friendly atmosphere, with conscientious attentiveness to guests' needs.

(f) Cleanliness is of primary importance: High standards of housekeeping are to be evident in all areas including guest rooms, common areas, bathrooms, and food preparation and serving areas. The inn must present a well maintained appearance on the exterior and grounds as well as the interior.

(g) Adequate bath facilities with hot water and shower or bath must be provided. A ratio of 1 bath per 2 guest rooms is recommended for inns with shared baths.

(h) Breakfast should be attractively presented and served on the premises with the resident innkeeper present during normal breakfast hours. It shall reflect the unique qualities of the inn and consist of more than coffee, tea, and juice. Appropriate table settings shall be used and guests shall have a place to sit down while eating.

(i) Each inn shall exhibit its own unique character.

(j) A common area for guest social interaction is recommended.

(k) Inns are to provide facilities for their guests which maintain a "safe and secure": environment as addressed in the BBISD inspection criteria.

(l) Each inn is responsible for paying current dues and submitting a current proof of liability insurance.

(m) Guest evaluation-comment cards must be provided for each guest. The Quality Control Committee will have the discretionary power to request more frequent inspections if an inadequate number of comment cards are received from the B & B guests.

(n) Membership is transferable when an inn changes resident innkeeper or ownership. A transfer fee will be submitted and a review conducted by the Membership Committee within a three (3) month time period.

(o) Members are expected to inform Regional Directors of possible new inn members.

(p) Members are encouraged to attend annual membership meetings, regional meetings and other activities sponsored by the association.

(2) Affiliate Members. Affiliate membership is available to any business or organization that is associated with the Bed & Breakfast industry; with the exception of commercial lodging establishments. Affiliate members will not have voting privileges or serve on the Board of Directors except in an advisory capacity. Their business will be advertised in the newsletter twice a year, and their dues shall be fifty ($50) dollars per year.

(3) Honorary Members. Honorary Memberships shall be approved by the Board of Directors as special recognition and share the same privileges and restrictions as affiliate memberships. Honorary members shall have no voting privileges and are not required to pay dues.

ARTICLE FIVE

DUES

Dues and other funds collected by the association shall be used to pay for activities and projects that the membership agrees are to its benefit, and for any legal fees and other operating expenses incurred by the association.

Association dues shall be proposed by the board to the general membership at the annual meeting. The dues structure shall be a base amount for B & B’s having four or fewer rooms. B & B's with five or more rooms will pay an additional amount.

(change: this paragraph will be deleted) Organization members whose membership is approved after the fiscal year will be required to pay a prorated membership fee until annual association fees are due the following fiscal year. The prorated amount will be made on a quarterly basis. (end change)

ARTICLE SIX

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

The Annual Meeting for the election of (change: delete) officers (end change) the Board of Directors shall be advertised to the membership at least three (3) weeks prior to the event (change: delete) held(end change). The time shall be at the discretion of the current Board (change: delete) officers (end).

Special Meetings of the members may be called by the President, The Executive Board, or upon a written request to the President signed by five (5) or more members.