905-563-5044
info@lincolnchamber.ca
4996 Beam Street, P.O. Box 493, Beamsville, Ontario L0R 1B0
905-563-5044
info@lincolnchamber.ca
4996 Beam Street, P.O. Box 493, Beamsville, Ontario L0R 1B0

Member Code of Conduct

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Member Code of Conduct 

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to growing and sustaining the economic prosperity of our community by serving, connecting, and representing our members. We are a non-profit, membership-driven organization that supports and represents over 200 local businesses, civic organizations, and tourism-based businesses in the Town of Lincoln. 

The Lincoln Chamber provides peer-to-peer networking opportunities, engagement opportunities, and advocacy efforts for those who qualify for Chamber membership. As such, integrity, respect, inclusiveness, and excellence are the values of the conduct we expect from our members and all who interact with our organization. 

Each Chamber member, therefore, pledges to be accountable and comply with the following standards as a condition of membership.  

As a Corporate/Individual Member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, we/I recognize that membership is a privilege and brings with it the responsibility to ensure that we/I understand and commit to our/my role as a Chamber Member. 

Accordingly, we/I undertake to:  

  • Conduct all business and professional activities in a reputable manner so as to reflect honorably upon the Lincoln business community and fellow chamber members.  
  • Respect the good reputation, profile, and status of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and its’ staff and board members. 
  • Abide by the constitution and by-laws of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce as detailed on the chamber’s member dashboard.   
  • Understand, support, and promote the Lincoln Chamber along with its mission and objectives to the business community.  
  • Provide honest, skilled, and dedicated service to customers.  
  • Maintain exemplary standards of professionalism, courtesy and respect in my interactions and communications with other Members, Chamber staff, sponsors, volunteers, and all others associated with the Chamber. 
  • Present a true presentation in all advertising. Goods and services shall be advertised in accordance with all municipal, provincial, and federal legislation.  
  • Conform to all laws established by municipal, provincial, and federal governments for the conduct of business.  
  • Whenever reasonably possible, participate in events and activities of the Lincoln Chamber and lend our business/professional expertise.  
  • Advocate for the development and enhancement of business growth and activities in the Town of Lincoln.  
  • Promote a safe working environment free from harassment, abuse, or discrimination. 

We/I also understand that the failure to adhere to the professional and personal obligations of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce as outlined above, and defined in the Lincoln Chamber Bylaws II Membership – The Board of Directors may expel any member by a two-thirds (2/3) vote for non-payment of membership fee or, after notice and opportunity for hearing, for conduct unbecoming a member according to policy, can result in the termination of our/my membership.   

The applicant agrees to pay their annual membership dues until a resignation in writing has been received. Membership dues are non-refundable.

Conduct Unbecoming Policy 

Purpose: 

The purpose of this policy is to provide understanding with respect to the type of conduct which might be harmful to the best interests of a Chamber member, Chamber board member, Chamber staff, or another person. 

Policy: 

  • “Conduct unbecoming”, involves any conduct or action or behavior that is disrespectful, demeaning, disgraceful, dishonorable, likely to cause embarrassment, intimidating, threatening, harassing, abusive, or inappropriately aggressive. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Other conduct may be unbecoming, depending on the circumstances of the case. 
  • A member may be disciplined for “conduct unbecoming” that occurs at the workplace during working hours, at the workplace outside of working hours, or away from the workplace at any time. 
  • Members should not:  
  • Coerce, bribe, organize, incite, or otherwise induce Chamber Members, board, staff, or volunteers to engage in any violation of applicable law or any practice in violation of Chamber policies. 
  • Engage in disruptive, violent, or unsafe conduct that interferes with the organization’s ability to conduct member business. 
  • Understand that verbal abuse, and unlawful harassment or discrimination against fellow Members or staff will not be tolerated and may be grounds for expulsion from the Lincoln Chamber.  

Reporting Procedures: 

If a Member, Chamber staff, or Chamber Board member believes someone has violated the ‘Conduct Unbecoming’ policy, the Member, Chamber Staff, or Chamber Board member should promptly bring the matter to the immediate attention of the Board of Directors by calling a ‘special meeting’.  Members, chamber staff or board members are encouraged to bring the matter forward to the Chamber President. Complaint will be reviewed by the Executive Committee, then brought forward to the Chamber Board of Directors.  

Should the complaint be against the Chamber President, the issue will be brought forward by the Vice President to the immediate attention of the Board of Directors, excluding the President from attending the ‘special meeting’. An off-camera discussion will take place and note-taking will be documented. 

Investigation Procedures:

Upon receiving a complaint, the Chamber will conduct a fair and thorough investigation and review the facts and circumstances of any claim of a violation of this policy, with the goal of ensuring fairness for all parties. There is one exceptions where the investigation should be immediately referred to the Chair of the Governance Committee: 1) Concerns that reach across Chambers or members from disparate geographical regions. Any discrimination, retaliation, or sexual or other harassment concerns from the individual, the Board of Directors will act and report to the official authorities.  

For all other investigations and to the extent practicable, the Chamber will endeavor to keep the reporting Member’s concerns confidential. Members are expected to cooperate in all investigations conducted pursuant to this policy. Failure to cooperate may result in corrective action as defined below. 

During the investigation, the Chamber generally will interview the complainant and the accused, conduct further interviews as necessary, and review any relevant documents or other information. The membership of any Member accused of conduct in violation of the Conduct Unbecoming Policy may be suspended from membership status pending the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the Chamber will determine whether this policy has been violated based on its reasonable evaluation of the information gathered during the investigation. 

Corrective Action:

The Board of Directors will recommend corrective measures against any person whom it finds to have engaged in conduct in violation of this policy if the Board of Directors in their sole discretion determines such measures are necessary. These measures may include, but are not limited to, terminating Membership, or suspending Membership. 

The policy described herein applies to Chambers’ internal policies, rules, and procedures. Nothing herein shall prevent a Member from seeking their own legal remedies, at their own expense, to the extent permitted by applicable law. 

Document has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors March 6, 2023