Merchants Association Shaping Priorities and Bylaws

The La Jolla Village Merchant Association presented proposed changes to its bylaws and discussed formalizing strategic plan priorities last week at its meeting at the Cuvier Club.

Proposed changes to the bylaws were scheduled to be sent out to all La Jolla Village Merchants Associaiton members, businesses that pay into the Business Improvement District, prior to the group's March meeting.

The majority of proposed bylaw changes include shifting the election process up one month and allowing a committee comprised of five LJVMA members, including three directors, none of whom are candidates for the election, to serve as the inspector of elections.

Another proposed bylaw change was to shift term length for directors. Currently directors can hold office for a three year term, not to exceed two consecutive elected terms. Under the proposed changes, directors would be able to hold office for a two year term, not to exceed three consecutive elected terms.

The proposed bylaws also set rules for directors to preserve order and decorum at meetings.

The LJVMA also discussed formalizing priorities as an organization. They created a draft list of priorities that would be worked on and completed in 2012, completed by 2013, and projects that are on the horizon.

Proposed Major Priorities for 2012 Include:

• Promote the La Jolla Concours D'Elegance, La Jolla Art & Wine Festival and the San Diego Film Festival.
• Flower program, that includes the hanging flower baskets throughout the Village.
• Continue to build and grow the holiday lights program. The 2011 initiatives including adding roofline holiday lights along businesses on Girard Avenue.
• Continue to build the lajollabythesea.com website, including building out the business directory.
• Update the bylaws.
• Help save the La Jolla Post Office through a collaboration with the Historical Society.

The merchants association will vote on these changes and priorities at next month's meeting.

Find La Jolla Patch on Facebook and Twitter @LaJollaPatch.