Tennessee State Support Committee Bylaws
The mission of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program is to improve the demand for and the profitability of cotton through research, education, and promotion activities. The Tennessee State Support Committee (the Committee) helps Cotton Incorporated fulfill this mission by identifying, recommending, and funding research projects that address the needs of Tennessee cotton growers. The Committee’s yearly budget is a portion of the total value of all Tennessee cotton bales and is determined by the Cotton Board, in cooperation with Cotton Incorporated. Committee oversight and management is provided by Cotton Incorporated staff. Committee members and advisors serve voluntarily without compensation.
Voting Members
The Committee shall be individuals who are producers of U.S. upland cotton and reside in Tennessee. Members shall consist of:
- State Directors and Alternates of the Cotton Incorporated Board of Directors;
- State Directors and Alternates of the Cotton Board of Directors;
- Representatives of Tennessee Certified Producer Organizations
Officers
The Committee shall have three officers: a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. The Chairman and Vice Chairman will be selected at the annual review of projects by a majority of the voting members present. The Secretary may be elected or appointed by discretion of the Chair.
Officer Duties
The Chair shall convene and preside over meetings of the Committee. The Chair shall appoint any subcommittees necessary to aid in the operation of the Committee.
The Vice-Chair shall preside over meetings of the Committee in the absence of, or at the direction of, the Chair.
The Secretary, in cooperation with Cotton Incorporated staff, shall be responsible for organizing meetings, assisting with distribution of proposals and reports, and other duties as may be requested by the Chair or Vice Chair.
Correspondence
The Committee may correspond with members and advisors using traditional paper methods or telecommunications.
Advisors
The Committee may consult, as needed, any advisor(s) to provide counsel and expertise in the selection and continuation of various new and continuing research projects. Advisors will be selected from, but not limited to:
- Former Cotton Incorporated and Cotton Board Directors and Alternates
- Cotton Incorporated staff member(s)
- Cotton Board staff members(s)
- National Cotton Council staff member(s)
Meetings
The Committee shall meet at least once each year to review projects funded in the current budget year, select projects to be funded for the upcoming budget year, and select officers upon completion of term or vacancies. The Chair may call additional meetings to conduct necessary business of the Committee. All meetings of the Committee will be scheduled to enable Cotton Incorporated and Cotton Board representatives to attend. Subcommittees may meet as necessary and will be attended by the Secretary or his designee.
Quorum
All members are expected to attend meetings of the Committee. A quorum must be present to conduct business of the Committee. A quorum consists of ½ + 1 of the voting members and must include the Chair or Vice Chair.
Revisions
Bylaw revisions may be approved at any meeting by a positive vote of at least 2/3rds of the voting members of the Committee.