Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago · 2025
Article 1: The organization is named the "Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago" (hereinafter referred to as the "Chamber"), and its English name is "Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago" (TACCGC).
Article 2: The Chamber is a non-religious, non-political, non-profit, purely industrial and commercial service organization. Members include individuals from various sectors such as importers, exporters, legal, medical, insurance, accounting, real estate, tourism, logistics, and finance, as well as other legitimate enterprises. All members share a common expectation: to foster the spirit of friendship, promote harmonious mutual respect, unite business professionals, and enhance business development.
Article 3: The primary purpose of the Chamber is to serve its members.
Article 4: The scope of service includes helping members start and develop businesses, providing trade opportunities, and promoting trade relations between various countries and Taiwan. To provide professional services, the Chamber will hold various forums and invite experts to speak, helping members familiarize themselves with important knowledge regarding markets, finance, law, insurance, and taxation. Additionally, seminars will be held to enhance all members' familiarity with the commercial conditions and opportunities in various markets.
Article 5: Members of the Chamber are entitled to the following benefits:
Provision of commercial information regarding Taiwan and North America.
Provision of commercial news via publications and the website.
Facilitation of business exchanges through Chamber activities.
Entrepreneurial guidance or consulting for professional technology and employment for new immigrants.
Enjoyment of member discounts and benefits.
Exchange of trade opportunities.
Enjoyment of various activities for members.
Article 6: Anyone meeting one of the following criteria may apply to become a member:
Individuals from Taiwan who are sole proprietors, partners, or shareholders in the Greater Chicago area.
Those who have trade relations with Far East countries and are invited to join by two members.
Professionals from various industries, invited by two members and approved by the Membership Committee. Upon payment of dues, the applicant becomes a qualified member with the right to enjoy the benefits of the Chamber. In addition, in accordance with the bylaws of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, members must adhere to the spirit of "originating from Taiwan and identifying with Taiwan".
Article 7: Board of Directors The Board of Directors is the highest governing body of the Chamber, composed of Directors and Consultants. The President is an ex-officio Director. Excluding the President, there are sixteen Directors. Candidates for Director must be nominated in writing by two members, vetted and approved by the Election Committee under the Board, and elected by a majority vote of members present at the annual General Assembly. Directors serve a two-year term and may be re-elected. If a position becomes vacant, it shall be filled by election at the next General Assembly. Consultants are served by past Presidents; they must pay dues continuously and attend at least two Board meetings annually (including the annual meeting) to maintain their status. Except for the President, no one within the Board may speak to the public or the media in the name of their position in the Chamber.
Article 8: President The Chamber shall have one President with a two-year term. Candidates must be members of the Board of Directors. Election of the President requires a vote of more than 50% of the statutory attendance of the Board. If the position is vacant, the Board shall re-elect a successor from the current Board members by a vote of more than 50%. The President represents the Chamber externally, manages internal affairs, and serves as the chair of the Board. Public political statements by the President require the Board's consent. The President may establish task forces. If the President is unable to serve, the Vice President shall act as the proxy. During their term, the President should not hold other major positions in other organizations without Board consent.
Article 9: Vice President The Vice President is appointed by the President to assist in handling various affairs.
Article 10: Vice President, Secretary-General, Treasurer The Chamber shall have one Vice President, one Secretary-General, and one Treasurer, appointed by the President from the members. They assist the President and are responsible to the President. The Vice President must be a Board member. The Secretary-General and Treasurer must be members, may attend Board meetings, and must answer questions regarding the execution of Chamber affairs. The terms of these officers are the same as the President's.
Article 11: Task Forces
Public Relations: Responsible for contacting domestic and foreign commercial organizations and hosting visiting delegations.
Information: Responsible for media contact and internet information dissemination.
Community Service: Responsible for community service and giving back to the local community or the Taiwanese diaspora.
Membership: Responsible for recruiting new members, and introducing new members and directors to the Chamber's operations and activities.
Article 12: Disciplinary Committee Composed of five members elected by the Board, serving a one-year term. Responsible for vetting new member applications and handling cases where members damage the Chamber's reputation, finances, or operations. Serious penalties include suspension of membership or removal from office.
Article 13: Election Committee Composed of five members: the President, Vice President, and Secretary-General are ex-officio members; the other two are elected by the Board. Responsible for vetting Director candidates nominated by members.
Article 14: Removal Removal of the President, Vice President, Directors, and Consultants requires a two-thirds vote of the statutory quorum of the Board.
Article 15: General Assembly Held annually in May or June to hear reports and amend the bylaws. The new President assumes office on the same day. The quorum is 50% of all qualified members.
Article 16: Board of Directors Meets four times a year. If necessary, the President may call a special meeting with two weeks' notice. The quorum is 50% of the total Board members. Meeting procedures are strictly defined, and decisions requiring a vote must be taken by secret ballot.
Article 17: The office location is designated by the Board or is the office of the sitting President.
Article 18: Initiation fees, annual dues, and director fees are determined by the Board. Members over 75 with 15 years of continuous membership have their dues adjusted to one dollar, paid by the President on their behalf.
Article 19: The Chamber does not co-host activities with other civil organizations without Board approval.
Article 20: Participation in activities of the North American and World General Associations must comply with their respective regulations.
Article 21: Amendments to these bylaws require a petition signed by 1/6 of the Directors, a two-thirds vote of the Board, and final approval by the General Assembly.
