About Us: Pioneering a Path to Wellness in South Carolina

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be South Carolina Better Wellness Alternatives (SCBWA).

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

1. IRC SECTION 501 (c)(3) PURPOSE: The Corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES: The purpose of SCBWA is education, testing and certification for public safety, and charitable work. The organization will advocate for responsible legislation and industry best practices in the hemp and cannabis industry, certify retail businesses, manufacturers, and products, promote South Carolina Department of Agriculture-registered farmers, processors, and others registered under the hemp program, and serve as a resource for safe and responsible cannabis use in the state. SCBWA will assist those who need hemp medically but lack financial means and solicit donations and raise funds through other means to support these goals.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

1. Membership Classes:

   • Retailers: Businesses that sell hemp and/or cannabis products.

   • Manufacturers/Brands: Companies that produce hemp and/or cannabis products.

   • Licensed Participants: Individuals or entities licensed under the SC Hemp Program (farmers, processors, handlers, etc.).

   • Consumers: Individuals who use hemp or cannabis.

2. Membership Levels and Benefits:

   • Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze: Each class will have tiered membership levels with varying benefits and rewards, including discounts, exclusive content, and recognition.

3. Non-Voting Membership:

   • Members shall not have voting rights. Voting rights are exclusive to the Board of Directors.

4. Membership Requirements:

   • Members must be 21 years of age.

   • Alignment with and support for SCBWA goals and objectives

ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. Number and Composition:

   • The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than 5 and not more than 9 members.

2. Initial Board Members:

Susan Grissom-Means

Julie Fowler

MaryAnn Harrison

3. Duties and Responsibilities:

   • Governance and oversight of the organization

   • Strategic planning

   • Financial oversight

   • Fundraising

   • Appointment of officers and committees

   • Amendment of bylaws

4. Term of Office and Elections:

   • Board members shall serve 5 year terms.

   • Elections shall be held annually, with staggered terms to ensure continuity.

5. Vacancies and Removal:

   • Vacancies shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining board members.

   • Board members may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire board.

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS

1. Officers:

   • The officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

2. Duties and Responsibilities:

   • President: Presides over meetings, represents the organization.

   • Vice President: Assumes presidential duties in the President's absence.

   • Secretary: Maintains records, prepares meeting minutes.

   • Treasurer: Manages finances, prepares financial reports.

3. Term of Office and Elections:

   • Officers shall serve 5 year terms.

   • Elections shall be held annually by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS

1. Board Meetings:

   • Regular meetings shall be held [Frequency].

   • Special meetings may be called by the President or a majority of the board.

   • Quorum: A majority of the board members constitutes a quorum.

2. Member Meetings (Informational):

   • Member meetings may be held to share information and updates, but members will not have voting rights.

ARTICLE VII – FINANCES

1. Fiscal Year:

   • The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

2. Financial Records:

   • The Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records.

   • An annual audit shall be conducted by an independent accountant.

3. Donations and Fundraising:

   • Donations shall be solicited from members and the general public.

   • Fundraising activities shall be approved by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX – DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution, assets shall be distributed to another 501(c)(3) organization with a similar purpose, as determined by the Board of Directors.