2013 SMA Board of Directors Candidate Guide

Candidates for nomination to the SMA Board of directors demonstrate dedication to the mission of the SMA and concern for its responsible leadership. Below you will find helpful information related accepting nomination for election to the board. The responsibilities of the position of Director and the process of SMA elections may be accessed at the two links below and on the next page.

It is important to understand that nominations may also be made by any member in good standing. There is no restriction of a member nominating themself. Such nominations from the “Floor” are solicited from the electorate by requesting nominations be emailed to the

This year we will elect 3 new directors to replace those whose terms have ended and 1 director to fill an interim position for up to 2 years. The board is comprised of a total of 9 nine directors in 3 classes of three directors, elected to three year terms.

There is no limit to the number of candidates on the ballot. It has been the trend to provide choice to the electorate by providing more candidates than positions available but is not always the case.

There is currently no associate member on the board. Although none is required, one associate member may serve on the board as allowed by a member approved change in the by-laws of the organization in 2003. Associate members are not directly involved in stair related sales but rather ancillary products e.g. machinery, adhesives, etc. Should more than one associate member be nominated only the associate candidate with the most votes will be eligible to prevail among the regular member candidates in the election.

Candidates accepting nomination must provide; a brief bio/citation of qualifications and interest (limited to 100 words), a statement of their reason(s) to run for the position (50 word limit), and a head and shoulder photo to include on the ballot. Please send all submittals to no later than 1/5/12.

Candidates should clearly understand the Mission and Goals of the SMA, and the Governance of the association. Elected candidates will participate in the director’s election of officers in February. They will also attend the March teleconference of the board, and the annual conference face to face board meetings. Formal Installation and induction ceremonies will occur at the annual awards banquet. Board members should support the association through their attendance at other association meetings as possible.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the nominations Chairman Bill Bivona - Hardwood Designs at 401-294-2235 or Dave Cooper at , 877-500-5759

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SMA Director Responsibilities 2011 – 2014

(as approved by the SMA BOD in 2011 and posted on BOD web page)

  1. Participate in Board meetings
  2. throughout 3 – year term (current class structure).
  3. 11 – monthly teleconferences per year of approximately 2-hours
  4. 2 – Face to face meetings at the annual conference venue will require arrival 2-3 hours prior to evening start on first day of conference.
  5. Special/emergency meetings as called by mutual agreement of the directors.
  6. Review and respond in a timely manner to issues of SMA business that arise.
  7. by email and online
  8. by telephone
  9. Become familiar with and act in accordance with the Bylaws, mission statement and goals of the SMA.
  10. The Board is to review the mission statement and the goals on an annual basis and adjust or refine as is appropriate.
  11. Participate in the formal process of welcoming first-time attendees to the annual events (TBD).
  12. Write a minimum of one article each year for publication in the SMA newsletter.
  13. The BOD shall prepare and document formal goals and a budget on an annual basis.
  14. Help the new replacement director transition into their position
  15. attending 1-2 board meeting(s), as needed, following expiration of term to facilitate.