"CHAPTER 1.

GENERAL PROVISIONS "

Article 1 (Name) The organization shall be called the “Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia” (hereafter “the Chamber”). 

Article 2 (Location) The principal office of the Chamber shall be located in the metropolitan Atlanta area, and the Chamber’s jurisdiction shall cover the State of Georgia. 

Article 3 (Purpose) The purpose of the Chamber is to promote unity among Korean-American businesspersons, collaborate with industry and ethnic groups, support business development, protect members’ rights, and contribute to the advancement of the Korean-American community in the United States. 

Article 4 (Activities) To accomplish the purposes outlined in Article 3, the Chamber may undertake the following activities: 

1. Promote cooperation and networking among members 

2. Collaborate with economic organizations and government agencies 

3. Conduct education, seminars, and capacity-building programs 

4. Contribute to community development 

5. Conduct revenue-generating activities permitted under IRS rules 

6. Execute other projects approved by the Board 

Article 4-2 (Legal Status — Modernized Addition) The Chamber operates under the following legal statuses in compliance with federal law, Georgia state law, and IRS regulations: 

1. The Chamber (KACCGA Headquarters) operates as a 501(c)(6) Business League. 

2. The “KACCGA Foundation” may be established as a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization to conduct educational and public-benefit programs. 

3. Both entities shall maintain separate accounting, tax filings, and fund management in accordance with law. 

4. The two entities may collaborate on programs aligned with their exempt purposes. 

"CHAPTER 2. MEMBERSHIP "

Article 5 (Membership Categories) 

Membership of the Chamber shall consist of Regular Members and Associate Members. 

Paragraph 1 (Regular Members) 

Regular Members shall be business owners or professionals who support the mission and objectives of the Chamber, are at least 18 years of age, and have paid the required annual membership dues. 

Paragraph 2 (Associate Members) 

Associate Members are individuals aged 18 or older who support the Chamber’s purposes but are not required to pay membership dues. 

Article 6 (Rights and Duties) 

Paragraph 1 (Duties) 

Regular Members shall comply with these Bylaws and pay all required membership dues. 

Paragraph 2 (Rights) 

Regular Members possess the right to vote, the right to elect officers, and the eligibility to be elected to office. 

Paragraph 3 (Commendation and Discipline) 

Members who provide outstanding service may be formally commended. Members who damage the Chamber’s reputation or act contrary to its purposes may receive a warning, disciplinary action, or expulsion. (See Finance section for compensation liability.) 

Paragraph 4 (Associate Members) 

Associate Members may participate in discussions but do not possess voting rights, election rights, or eligibility for office. 

Article 7 (Member Qualification and Restoration) 

A member shall lose membership under the following conditions: 

1. Voluntary withdrawal 

2. Non-payment of dues for two consecutive years 

3. Expulsion by disciplinary action 

A former member may apply for reinstatement subject to Board review and approval. 

"CHAPTER 3.

MEETINGS AND

GOVERNING BODIES** "

Article 7 (Meetings) 

The Chamber shall maintain a General Assembly as its highest decision-making body and a Board of Directors which acts on its behalf between meetings. 

Article 8 (General Assembly and Convening) 

Paragraph 1 (Annual General Meeting) 

The Annual General Meeting shall be convened by the President during the month of December each year. 

Paragraph 2 (Special Meetings) 

A Special Meeting shall be convened under the following circumstances: 

1. When the President deems it necessary 

2. Upon request by a majority of the Board 

3. When 30 Regular Members submit a written request specifying agenda and reason → The President must convene the meeting within 21 days 

Paragraph 3 (Notice) 

Notice of a General Assembly shall be issued at least 15 days prior to the meeting and must include the date, time, location, and agenda. 

Article 9 (Quorum) 

The General Assembly shall constitute a quorum with the attendance of two-thirds (2/3) of all Regular Members. 

Paragraph 1 (Voting) 

Resolutions pass by a majority vote of members present. In the event of a tie, the Chair casts the deciding vote. 

Paragraph 2 (Amendments and Impeachment) 

Bylaw amendments and impeachment of the President require a two-thirds majority vote of the members present. 

Article 10 (Matters for Resolution) 

The General Assembly shall vote on: 

1. Annual business and financial report 

2. New year’s business plan and budget 

3. Board report 

4. Auditor’s report 

5. Other major matters requiring approval 

Article 11 (Board of Directors) 

The Board of Directors is the primary governing body of the Chamber, serving the interests and development of the organization and its members. 

Article 12 (Composition) 

1. The Senior Vice President and Secretary-General may serve as ex officio Directors. 

2. Directors are appointed by the President and must be Regular Members aged 26 or older. 

3. The Board shall consist of at least 20 Directors and shall be organized in January each year. 

Article 13 (Chairperson) 

1. The Chairperson shall be elected by the Board. 

2. The Chairperson shall not concurrently serve as President. 

3. After Board formation, the Chairperson may appoint additional Directors. 

4. The Chairperson organizes the Board structure, including Vice Chairs and General Affairs Directors. 

Article 14 (Functions of the Board) 

The Board shall deliberate and resolve the following: 

1. Budget 

2. Business plans 

3. Financial statements 

4. Membership dues 

5. Bylaw amendments 

6. Adoption or revision of rules and regulations 

7. Establishment or dissolution of subsidiary bodies 

8. Disciplinary matters 

9. Formation of the Election Committee and selection of Auditors 

10. Other matters deemed necessary 

Article 15 (Board Committees) 

The Board shall maintain the following standing committees: 

1. Ethics Committee 

2. Finance Committee 

3. Events Committee All Directors shall participate as members of one or more committees. 

Paragraph 2 (Special Meetings) 

A Special Board Meeting shall be held under the following circumstances: 

1. When the Chairperson deems it necessary 

2. Upon written request of the President 

3. Upon request by one-third of the total Directors 

Article 17 (Quorum and Voting of the Board) 

1. A majority of all Directors constitutes a quorum. 

2. Resolutions require the majority vote of Directors present. 

3. Disciplinary actions require a two-thirds vote. 

4. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson shall decide. 

Article 18 (Term) 

The term of the Chairperson and Directors shall be two years. When vacancies occur, successors shall serve the remainder of the original term. 

Article 19 (Auditors) 

Auditors, approved by the General Assembly, shall examine the Chamber’s finances and operations. If irregularities are found, they may require corrective action from the Board. 

Article 20 (Proxy Authorization) 

Members or officers unable to attend meetings may delegate their vote through an official proxy form. 

Article 21 (Minutes) 

Minutes shall be recorded and preserved for the General Assembly, Board Meetings, and Executive Meetings, and shall be provided to members upon request. 

"CHAPTER 4. EXECUTIVE BRANCH "

Article 21 (President) 

The Chamber shall elect one President from among Regular Members aged 35 or older. The term of the President shall be two years, and the President may be re-elected. 

Paragraph 1 (Duties) 

The President shall: 

1. Represent the Chamber. 

2. Convene and preside over the General Assembly and the Executive Committee. 

3. Prepare and submit annual financial and activity reports to the General Assembly. 

4. Establish or dissolve executive bodies and appoint or dismiss officers, subject to Board approval. 

5. Oversee and supervise all activities of the Chamber. 

6. Bear responsibility for the preparation and safekeeping of official records. 

Modern Governance Enhancements 

1. Appointments of officers at or above the Secretary-General level require Board approval. 

2. Expenditures of $5,000 or more require joint approval by the President and the Treasurer. 

3. Any expenditure exceeding the approved budget requires a Board resolution. 

4. Financial reports must be submitted to the Board on a quarterly basis. 

5. Upon completion of the term, a written transition report must be prepared and delivered. 

6. An annual Conflict of Interest declaration is required. 

Paragraph 2 (Concurrent Position) 

The President shall concurrently serve as a Director during the term of office. 

Paragraph 3 (Impeachment) 

The President may be impeached for violating these Bylaws. The impeachment meeting shall be convened and presided over by the Chairperson of the Board. 

Paragraph 4 (Transition of Office) 

The transition between the outgoing and incoming Presidents shall be documented in writing and completed before the final Board meeting in December, in the presence of the Auditors. 

Article 22 (Vice Presidents) 

The Chamber shall have one Senior Vice President and up to four Vice Presidents, appointed by the President and approved by the Board. 

Duties of Vice Presidents 

1. Assist the President. 

2. Serve as Acting President in the event of the President’s absence or incapacity. 

3. Supervise and support executive operations. 

4. Concurrently serve as Directors during their term. 

Article 23 (Secretary-General) 

The Chamber shall appoint one Secretary-General who oversees all administrative operations. A paid administrative manager may be hired if necessary. 

The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Board. 

Article 24 (Former Presidents’ Council) 

The Chamber shall maintain a Council composed of former Presidents. The most recent Past President shall serve as the representative of the Council. 

The Council shall have no voting rights and serve solely in an advisory capacity. 

Article 25 (Advisors / Advisory Council) 

The Chamber may appoint distinguished individuals who support its purposes as Advisors without a limit on the number of appointees, and one Chairperson of the Advisory Council shall be elected from among them. 

Advisors shall be appointed by the President and shall serve a two-year term. 

"CHAPTER 5. ELECTION "

Article 27 (Election) The President shall be elected by direct or secret ballot during the General Assembly. The Board shall form an Election Management Committee of approximately five members to administer the election. 

"CHAPTER 6. FINANCE "

Article 28 (Finance) 

Paragraph 1 (Revenue Sources) 

The financial resources of the Chamber shall consist of the following: 

1. Regular membership dues 

2. Board member dues 

3. Donations 

4. Government and institutional grants 

5. Legal business income 

6. Other revenue 

Paragraph 2 (Collection) 

Membership dues shall be determined by the Board and collected by the Executive Officers. 

Paragraph 3 (Expenditure) 

All expenditures shall be made under the responsibility of the President. Checks shall require joint signatures of the President and the Treasurer. 

Paragraph 4 (Cash Handling) 

All cash revenue must be deposited within one week and supported by proper documentation. 

Paragraph 5 (Accounting) 

All accounting shall be maintained accurately with proper books and supporting documents. 

Modern Enhancements 

1. Establishment of a Finance Committee 

2. Formal documentation of Internal Control procedures 

3. Quarterly financial reports must be presented to the Board 

4. External audit or financial review may be conducted when necessary 

5. Expenditures exceeding $5,000 require additional Board approval 

Article 29 (Management) 

Paragraph 1 (Debt Limitation) 

No debt obligation may be incurred in the Chamber’s name without approval of the Board. 

Paragraph 2 (Compensation) 

Any individual who causes financial loss to the Chamber shall compensate for such loss within 10 days, failing which legal action may be taken. 

Article 30 (Fiscal Year) 

The fiscal year shall begin on January 1 of the President’s term and end upon the commencement of the next President. For IRS reporting purposes, a practical fiscal year of January 1–December 31 may be applied. 

"CHAPTER 7. AMENDMENTS "

Article 31 (Amendments) Proposed amendments approved by the Board shall be adopted by a two-thirds vote of Regular Members present at a General or Special Assembly. 

"CHAPTER 8. SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS "

Article 32 (Customary Practices) Matters not specified in these bylaws shall follow customary practice or Board-adopted rules. 

Article 33 (Parliamentary Authority) Parliamentary procedure shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order. 

Article 34 (Effective Date) These bylaws take effect upon approval by the General Assembly. 

Article 35 (Principle Clause) The General Provisions may not be amended in a manner contrary to the Chamber’s founding purpose. 

Article 36 (Membership Dues & Candidate Deposit) 

Membership dues may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Directors without approval of the General Assembly, and any such change shall take effect from the following fiscal year. However, Board of Directors’ dues shall include the membership dues. 

Membership dues : $100 per year Board member dues : $500 per year Candidate deposit for the presidential election: $25,000 

All amendments to these Bylaws shall be duly documented, including the date of amendment, the content of such amendment, the approving body, and the effective date. These amendment records shall be preserved as official records of the organization. 

Election Bylaws 

"Article 1.

Purpose "

Article 1 (Purpose)

In accordance with Article 27, Chapter 5 of the Chamber Bylaws, these Election Bylaws are enacted to ensure a fair, transparent, and orderly election process. 

"Article 2.

Formation of the Election Committee "

Article 2 (Committee Formation) 



1. Timing: The Election Management Committee shall be formed at least 40 days prior to the election. 

2. Composition: One Chairperson and four Committee Members (total of five). 

3. Members must be approved by the Board of Directors. 

"Article 3.

Functions of the Election Committee "

Article 3 (Functions)

The Election Committee shall perform the following duties: 

1. Enforce bylaws and election rules 

2. Receive and manage candidate registrations and deposits 

3. Review and manage nominator lists 

4. Manage all required affidavits and declarations 

5. Establish and operate voting and counting locations 

6. Maintain the voter registry 

7. Verify qualifications of candidates and voters 

8. Announce results and certify the winner 

9. Preserve ballot boxes and election documents 

10. Conduct other tasks necessary for managing the election 

"Article 4.

Candidate Eligibility "

Article 4 (Eligibility) 

Candidates must meet the following requirements: 

1. Have resided within the Chamber’s jurisdiction in Georgia for at least recent three years 

2. Be a Regular Member who has paid dues for two recent consecutive years 

3. Be in good standing with the Bylaws and ethics rules 

4. Individuals involved in legal disputes or violations of criminal/election law are disqualified 

5. Violations of IRS 501(c) requirements may result in ineligibility 

If no qualified candidate emerges, the Election Committee may propose alternatives, subject to Board approval. 

"Article 5.

Suspension of Office During Candidacy "

Article 5 (Status Suspension)

Any officer or individual holding a position within the Chamber shall immediately suspend their duties upon candidacy registration. Their duties shall be delegated according to the established line of succession. 

"Article 6.

Candidate Registration "

Article 6 (Registration) 



1. Registration begins within 5 days after the Election Committee is activated. 

2. Registration closes at 6:00 PM, 15 days prior to the election. 

Required Documents: 

– Candidate Registration Form – Resume – Membership dues verification – Proof of 3-year residency – Background check authorization – Candidate affidavit – Declaration agreeing to abide by the decisions of the Election Committee 

"Article 7.

Candidate Deposit "

Article 7 (Deposit) 



1. Presidential candidates shall pay a deposit equal to or greater than that of the previous election. 

2. Unsuccessful candidates shall receive 50% of their deposit back within 15–20 days after results are announced. 

3. Deposits may be used only for election expenses, and any remaining funds shall be transferred to the new administration. 

4. The exact deposit amount shall be determined by the Board upon recommendation of the Election Committee. 

"Article 8.

Candidate Nominators "

Article 8 (Nominations)

Candidates must receive endorsements from at least 25 Regular Members. Duplicate nominations are void. 

"Article 9.

Voting Rights "

Article 9 (Voting Eligibility)



Regular Members who have paid dues at least 20 days prior to the election are eligible to vote. 

"Article 10.

Election and Announcement "

Article 10 (Election and Announcement) 

1. The election period follows Article 27 of the Bylaws. 

2. The Election Committee shall announce the results immediately after counting. 

3. In the event of a tie, a runoff election shall be held within two weeks. 

"Article 11.

Objections "

Article 11 (Objections)



Decisions of the Election Committee are final. After results are announced, no legal challenges shall be permitted. 

"Article 12.

Candidate Oath "

Article 12 (Affidavit)

All candidates must sign the affidavit provided by the Election Committee. 

"Article 13.

Committee Dissolution "

Article 13 (Dissolution)

The Election Committee shall be dissolved upon completion of all election duties and transfer of materials to the new administration. 

"Article 14.

Effective Date "

Article 14 (Effective Date)

These Election Bylaws take effect immediately upon approval by the General Assembly.