14 Questions for Chamber Executives to Ask About Your Chamber of Commerce Board

14 Checks for Board Fitness in 2014

Is your board ready to tackle the challenges of the new year? Use this checklist to start your review of policies and procedures essential for strategic boards:

1. Is the board representative of the diversity in membership?
2. Is there a board leadership manual that includes policies to assist in making decisions at the board level?
3. Does the chamber offer a board orientation for new board members before they serve?
4. Do board members report conflicts of interest?
5. Are board members setting the example they want to see from members in attendance, fundraising and prospecting?
6. Does the board review programs and services regularly to be sure they are consistent with the chamber's mission?
7. Is the board reviewing insurance policies and consulting with counsel to reduce the chamber's exposure to risk?
8. Does the board engage in an annual review or audit of the chamber's financial statements?
9. Is the board reviewing the IRS Form 990 annually before filing?
10. Does the chamber have whistle blower and document destruction policies?
11. Does the board follow a strategic plan?
12. Are there adequate committees in place to support the board's strategic vision?
13. Is there a succession plan to recruit new board members and to train active volunteers for assuming leadership positions?
14. Does the board conduct a self-evaluation every year to ensure full participation from members?

For more board resources, visit www.michamberconnect.org. 

Source: Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals email