PURPOSE
The Northwest Knife Collectors Association (NWKC) provides an organization that unites persons with like interests in the field of knives to gather together for the purpose of exchanging ideas and fellowship. NWKC does not place any emphasis on the style of knives that members collect, make, and treasure or enjoy. NWKC promotes knife collecting as a hobby in both the antique and modern field, as well as the collecting of related material. We further promote education and public awareness in the use, handling and safety of edged implements, as well as to assist in the development of information regarding every aspect of knives, knife making, collecting, exhibiting, coordination and sponsorship of trade shows and conducting regular meetings.

HISTORY The Northwest Knife Collectors first meeting was held January 13, 1979. It was held at the Doric-Tacoma Motor Hotel in conjunction with the clubs first knife show. The NWKC was started and continued until March 26th, 1988, mostly due to the efforts of Mel Brewster of Remington fame. During that period, many shows were held and the NWKC participated in other shows as a group. The club was dormant for 12 years from 1988 until 2000 when is started anew. Since that time we have had 10 shows and have established a very active monthly meeting schedule.



ARTICLE I
Name and Location
1.1 The name of the corporation shall be Northwest Knife Collectors Association (NWKC).
1.2 The registered office of the corporation shall be the address of the current elected President of the NWKC.
1.3 Other offices for the transaction of business shall be located at such places as the Board of Directors and/or President may determine.


ARTICLE II
Members
2.1.1 Membership is granted by the Board of Directors and President.
2.1.2 Membership qualifications are an interest in collecting, making or appreciating knives.
2.1.3 The amount of dues will be proposed by the Board of Directors and approved by a majority of the Voting Members.
2.1.4 Annual dues represent the period from January 1st to December 31st.
2.1.5 Failure to pay dues by July 1st will result in immediate and automatic loss of membership.
2.1.6 Classes of membership. A) Voting Members; Members in good standing with dues paid in full B) Honorary Members; this class of members will have no voting rights and is reserved for those persons who have advanced the purposes of the Association. Procedures for accepting Honorary Members will be drawn up by the Board of Directors and upon approval of voting members will be implemented.
2.1.7 Dues will be used for, but not limited to: to cover expenses related to having knife shows and printing newsletters.
2.1.8 Any association member may be removed for any cause whatsoever by majority vote in open meeting of the membership.


ARTICLE III
Membership Meeting
3.1 The annual meeting of the membership shall be held in December of each year at the location determined by the Board of Directors and the President. At such meetings the membership shall elect the Club Officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Sgt.-at-Arms. The membership shall also elect a Board of Directors of five persons. Club Officers are automatically Board Members.
3.2 Notice of the time and place of the annual business meeting and any special meetings of the members shall be issued by the President to each member at least seven days before the date thereof.


ARTICLE IV
Voting
4.1 Each voting member shall have one vote.
4.2 The Directors and Officers shall serve for a term of one year or until successors are elected.
4.3 The voting members present in person shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the membership. A vote of the majority of these members shall be the act of the corporation.
4.4 A quorum shall represent 10 percent of the members in good standing in the Association at any duly called NWKC meeting. When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting, the quorum is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any of those present.
4.5 Directors may not vote by proxy.
4.6 Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President, Vice President, or any three Directors upon notice in writing delivered or mailed to each Director at least ten days before such meeting. Notice may be waived by Directors.
4.7 The Board of Directors shall determine a schedule for regular board meetings.

ARTICLE V
Powers and Duties
5.1 The business and property of the corporation shall be managed by the elected Club Officers and Board of Directors.
5.2 The President of NWKC shall be the corporation s principal executive officer and shall exercise general supervision and control over the business and affairs of the NWKC and the meetings of the Board of Directors. The President of the NWKC shall see that all orders and resolutions of the board of Directors are carried into effect. The President shall appoint and dissolve committees of the Board as the President deems appropriate. The President shall have general superintendence and direction of all the other Officers of the NWKC and see that their respective duties are performed. The President shall submit an annual report of the operations of the corporation to the Board of Directors and shall report from time to time all matters within the President s knowledge that should be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors.
5.3 The Vice President of the NWKC shall assist the NWKC President with delegated duties and in the case of inability of the NWKC President to perform his duties; the Vice President of the NWKC shall assume the President s power and duties.
5.4 The Treasurer of the NWKC shall be its chief fiscal officer and custodian of its funds, securities and property. The Treasurer s are to maintain adequate and correct accounts and ledgers of the business transactions of the NWKC which are open to the inspection by the President and the Board Members. The Treasurer s duties also are to have the care and custody of the funds and valuables of the NWKC and deposit same in the name of the NWKC and to credit of the NWKC with only such depositories as the Board of Directors may designate. The Treasurer shall maintain accurate lists and descriptions of all capital assets of the NWKC. Checks and drafts for payment of the indebtedness issued in the name of the NWKC shall be signed by the Treasurer except in case inability the President shall assume the Treasurer s power and duties, until which time the Treasurer can resume his or her responsibilities or the Board of Directors determines otherwise.
5.5 The Sergeant at Arms shall maintain order and monitor procedural aspects during meetings. He or she shall also act as needed during all shows and other activities of the NWKC to maintain a pleasant and orderly atmosphere.


ARTICLE VI
Fiscal Year
6.1 The last day of the fiscal year shall be June 30th.


ARTICLE VII
Amendment of the By-Laws
7.1 These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed, and new by-laws may be adopted by a vote of three fourths of all Club Officers and the Board of Directors or by the majority vote of the members at any regular, special meeting of the members. Voting by members shall be carried out by quorum of members present. Certified by Board of Directors Vote:


Date:
Signed:
Don Hanham,
President.

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