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WACS By-Laws 2010 Document [ pdf | download ]

 

WACS BY-LAWS 2010

WACS By-Laws

  • ©If not specifically mentions, abide by Roberts Rules of Order. There are always some issue’s not covered
    which will need definition.

1. FUNDAMENTALS

  • 1.1. Name
  • 1.2. Head office / Permanent contact office
  • 1.3. Official languages of WACS
  • 1.4. Official logo
  • 1.5. Mission statement
  • 1.6. Representation of interests
  • 1.7. Support
  • 1.8. WACS sanctioned International Culinary Exhibitions / Competitions
  • 1.9. Communication / Information exchange
  • 1.10. Proof of WACS - Membership

1.1. Name

  • 1.1.1. The official name of the Association is “Weltbund der Kochverbände” in German, “Fédération mondiale des Sociétés de cuisiniers” in French, “World Association of Chefs´ Societies” in English and “Asociacion Mundial de Sociedades de Cocineros” in Spanish.
  • 1.1.2 The official acronym of the World Association of Chef's Societies in all languages will be known as WACS. This acronym will be used throughout this document.

1. 2. Head office / Permanent contact office

  • 1.2.1. The WACS permanent head office is in the country of the elected executive committee or at a place decided by the committee.
  • 1.2.2 The WACS permanent head office is responsible for all archives and documents, including the list of the Board of Directors, the National Member Societies, the Affiliated Members, the Associate Members, the Corporate Members, the Honorary Members, and the list of accredited Judges.
  • 1.2.3. The archives and assets of WACS are kept and managed in Switzerland under the supervision of the Swiss Chef’s Association. However, if a permanent office is established it could also serve as the future financial headquarters.

1. 3. Official languages of WACS

  • 1.3.1. The four official languages of WACS are English, French, German and Spanish.
  • 1.3.2 The official business language of WACS is English.

1. 4. WACS logo

  • 1.4.1. All paid up National Society, Affiliate, Corporate, or Extraordinary members may make use of the logos, as stipulated in the Logo Application Manual.
  • 1.4.2. No other entities are allowed to use the WACS Logo, for any purpose, including but not limited to, commercial purposes in relation to sales, advertising or promotion of goods, associations or services.
  • 1.4.3. National Society, Affiliate, Corporate, or Associate members which have been struck from the memberships lists, will loose the right to use the WACS logo in any form whatsoever, with immediate effect.
  • 1.4.4. No deviations from the prescribed conditions of the use of the logo, in any media formats will be entered into.
  • 1.4.5. Any entity using the WACS Logo (or adaptations) without the explicit written authorization by WACS will be deemed to be using “parasite marketing” techniques and WACS reserves the right to take appropriate action to stop this.

1. 5. WACS Mission Statement

  • 1.5.1. WACS Mission Statement:
    The World Association of Chefs' Societies (W.A.C.S.) is a non-political, professional organization, dedicated to maintaining and improving the culinary standards of global cuisines. We accomplish these goals through education, training and professional development of our international membership. As an authority and opinion leader on food, W.A.C.S represents a global voice on all issues related to the culinary profession.

1.6 Representation of Interests

  • 1.6.1. WACS intends to represent the general interests of the profession, to enhance its prestige and to promote cookery with the member societies and parties through the use and propagation of the knowledge acquired by modern nutritional science and new technologies.
  • 1.6.2. The objective of WACS is to provide educational opportunities and to encourage friendly relations between the WACS member societies and parties. The WACS members and parties are required to show mutual respect and support to each other.

1.7. Support

  • 1.7.1. National Member Societies and Extraordinary Members which have duly paid their membership contributions should give moral support and, wherever possible and budgets permitting, material assistance to other WACS member societies.

1.8. WACS Approved International Culinary Competitions and Exhibitions

  • 1.8.1. WACS National Member Societies, which invite national teams to WACS approved Culinary Competitions or Exhibitions must first seek the approval in a timely manner to the WACS Culinary Committee.
  • 1.8.2.The WACS Culinary Committee must be informed at least two (2) years in advance in order to correctly and effectively organize a WACS Competition or Exhibition to achieve the correct standards, which are expected of a WACS approved event.
  • 1.8.3. The organizing party must be a legitimate WACS member and have paid its annual membership contribution.
  • 1.8.4. WACS National Member Societies, which are in arrears with their payments, will not be granted approval for the organization of a WACS approved competition or exhibition. Such delinquent societies have no entitlement to send a national team to a WACS approved competition or exhibition.
  • 1.8.5. If WACS approval is granted to an Culinary Competition or Exhibition, a fee will be payable to the WACS Treasurer. See current updated Culinary Guidelines for rules and fee structure
  • 1.8.6. If WACS approval is granted to an International Culinary Competition or Exhibition, than the organizer has to invite a WACS executive board member to attend the show.
  • 1.8.7. After official WACS approval has been given to the Culinary Competition or Exhibition they are entitled to promote the event in a professional way that mutually enhances their event and WACS.
  • 1.8.8. The organizers must make sure that the guidelines and regulations for the WACS approved culinary competitions or exhibitions are respected.
  • 1.8.9. A current WACS Culinary Committee member is appointed to advise, give guidance to and observe the approved WACS Culinary Competition or Exhibition to ensure that the workings of the event meets with the official criteria of the WACS Culinary Guidelines set out by the WACS Culinary Committee. www.wacs2000.org / www.worldchefs.org
  • 1.8.10. The appointed advisor may not be a participating WACS judge for that particular event.
  • 1.8.11. The organizer must provide a complimentary WACS booth at all WACS approved culinary shows and competitions.

1.9. Communication and General Information Exchange

  • 1.9.1. The WACS National Member Societies are requested to mutually exchange their journals and periodicals published by their societies.
  • 1.9.2. If this is not possible, general information may be sent to other member societies via the WACS Continental Directors or the WACS Secretary General.
  • 1.9.3. Information is generally exchanged and listed electronically via the WACS website www.wacs2000.org. Electronic means are also considered an official and legitimated form of communication.

1.10. Evidence of Membership

  • 1.10.1. The individual WACS National Member Societies should issue their members with an identity
    document proving at the same time their individual country’s membership details and that of WACS.

2. MEMBERSHIP

  • 2.1. National Member Societies
  • 2.2. Affiliate Members
  • 2.3. Associate Members
  • 2.4. Corporate Members
  • 2.5. Application for National Membership
  • 2.6. Notice of Termination of Membership

2.1. National Member Societies

  • 2.1.1. WACS is a global representative grouping of national chefs´ societies. Each country can only be represented by a single chefs´ society, which must be of national significance. In this context, the expression “country” shall refer to an independent state recognized by the WACS community. Attached is the recognized WACS list with 196 countries. Countries that are not on the list have to apply to the congress for inclusion.
  • 2.1.1.a WACS is a global representative grouping of national chefs´ societies.
  • 2.1.1.b Each country can only be represented by a single chefs´ society, which must be of national significance.
  • 2.1.1.c In this context, the expression “country” shall refer to an independent state recognized by the WACS community.
  • 2.1.1.d Attached is the recognized WACS list with 199 countries. Countries that are not on the list have to apply to the congress for inclusion.
  • 2.1.2. Individuals are WACS members through their membership of a WACS-recognized national society.
  • 2.1.3. All WACS National Member Societies remain independent for economic and organizational purposes.
  • 2.1.4. Member benefits and opportunities
    • Attending a WACS congress and continental meetings
    • Junior competition and meetings at the congress
    • Attending approved WACS competitions, see current list on the updated website.
    • Monthly newsletter from the website www.wacs2000.org / www.worldchefs.orgNews from your association on the website www.wacs2000.org / www.worldchefs.org
    • WACS Judges´ seminars
    • WACS Judges´ passport
    • Education opportunities
      • Train the Trainer
      • Certification program
      • Master Chefs program
    • Networking between member chefs across the globe

2.2. Affiliate Members

  • 2.2.1. Affiliated membership constitutes a temporary, non-voting, fee-paying membership status not to
    exceed a five-year period. This provision would allow developing associations in new countries to become
    part of the WACS family, and at a later point become a regular member. Affiliate membership can only be
    granted with the support of the respective national member society.

2.3. Associate Members

  • 2.3.1. On recommendation from a WACS National Member Society or a WACS Member of the Board of Directors, Members may apply for membership to the World Association of Chefs´ Societies.
  • 2.3.2. Associate Members may be from a trade related association, an organization or institution.
  • 2.3.3. Applications for admission for a WACS Associate Membership must be made to the Board of Directors, who will, based on the criteria, vote on its acceptance.
  • 2.3.4. Associate Members have no voting rights.
  • 2.3.5. Associate Members pay a current annual fee to WACS.
  • 2.3.6. After becoming an official WACS Associate Member, the name of the member will appear on the official WACS list. Other benefits include receiving WACS information and the ability to participate in WACS congresses and other events of WACS.
  • 2.3.7. Associate members may apply for the use of the WACS Associate membership logo. (See logo guidelines)
  • 2.3.8. Membership can only be granted with support of the respective national member society.

2.4. Corporate Members

  • 2.4.1. On recommendation from a WACS National Member Society or a WACS Member of the Board of Directors, Corporate Members may apply for membership to the World Association of Chefs´ Societies.
  • 2.4.2. Corporate Members may be a company, corporation, culinary school etc.
  • 2.4.3. Applications for admission of a WACS Corporate Membership must be made to the Board of Directors, who will, based on the criteria, vote on its acceptance.
  • 2.4.4. Corporate Members have no voting rights.
  • 2.4.5. Corporate Members pay a current annual fee to WACS.
  • 2.4.6. After becoming an official WACS Corporate Member, the name of the member will appear on the official WACS list. Other benefits include receiving WACS information and the ability to participate in WACS congresses and other events of WACS and networking with WACS membership.
  • 2.4.7. Corporate members may apply for the use of the WACS corporate membership logo. (See Logo guidelines)
  • 2.4.8. Membership can only be granted with the support of the respective national member society.

2. 5. Application for National Membership

  • 2.5.1. Applications for either category of WACS membership must first be submitted to the Continental Director, who will submit it to the General Secretary who will duly process the application in line with the set WACS criteria for acceptance.
  • 2.5.2. In the case of applications for WACS National Member Society membership, correct and complete applications should include documentation, of their legitimate existence, recognition by their national government, (under special circumstances the board reserves the right to approve applications) and a track record of active members as a national society for a minimum of two (2) years. Applying chefs association has to pay a fixed fee to WACS at the time the WACS board is considering the application.
  • 2.5.3. During the WACS World Congress, the Board of Directors will present approved applications whereby current WACS National Member Societies will vote on their acceptance for WACS membership (majority vote).
  • 2.5.4. If the country from which an application for WACS National Society membership originates is already represented by a national cooks´ society, the WACS Extraordinary Member membership must be offered to the applicant.
  • 2.5.5. Membership can only be granted with the support of the respective national member society.

2.6. Notice of termination of membership

  • 2.6.1. Six months prior notice must be given by a National Society or Associate Member or a Corporate Member to end their membership in WACS.
  • 2.6.2. Notice must be sent in writing to the current WACS Board of Directors stating the reasons for termination.
  • 2.6.3. All financial contributions outstanding must be duly paid until termination.
  • 2.6.4. All categories of WACS membership that have violated the statutes of WACS or have damaged the interests of WACS and/ or the professional status of chefs through their misconduct will be excluded from WACS. Termination of membership can be initiated by the Board and confirmed by the next Congress.
  • 2.6.5. Official WACS current members will vote on such measures at the world congress on the request of the WACS Board of Directors. A two-thirds majority of the delegates must carry the decision for membership exclusion.
  • 2.6.6. National Society, Affiliate, Corporate, or Associate members which fail to pay their dues for two (2) consecutive years will be notified at the next congress by the Board of Directors that they will be removed from the WACS membership lists due to such delinquent payments.
  • 2.6.7 Inactivity of member country can result in the election of a different and more active member society if the current member 1. Have not paid the dues. 2. Does not respond to communications calls // email // fax 3. Does not attend Congress or regional meetings on an ongoing basis

3. OFFICIAL BODIES

  • 3.1. WACS – National Membership
  • 3.2. WACS Board
  • 3.3. Executive Committee
  • 3.4. President and Vice President
  • 3.5. Secretary General
  • 3.6. Treasurer
  • 3.7. Continental Directors
  • 3.8. Past President
  • 3.9. Appointed Committees

3.1. WACS – National Membership

  • 3.1.1. As a rule, a general meeting of members is held every two years in the form of a congress.
  • 3.1.2. The congress is convened by the Board by giving twelve (12) weeks advance notice with an announcement of the agenda in the four official languages of WACS. Fifty one percent (51%) of the total membership must be present in order to have a quorum.
  • 3.1.3. The use of proxy votes will only be permitted on pre-circulated agenda items. The use of proxy votes will not be permitted on items introduced throughout the duration of the applicable business sessions. Application for the next congress, nominations for Continental Directors, nominations for the presidium must be submitted no later than 26 weeks prior to congress. Proxy votes must be agenda specific and in writing. Only one proxy vote per member society is allowed.
  • 3.1.4 Discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or groups of people on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reason is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.
  • 3.1.5 Member countries that choose to change the name of their association must get approval from the board or apply for new membership.
  • 3.1.6. Each National Member Society can be represented at the congress with only one (1) vote. Voting delegates must submit an authorized letter of designation to the General Secretary.
  • 3.1.7. Members of national societies are encouraged to attend the congresses. The congress costs of all participants from societies will be paid by their respective societies, or by the individuals themselves.
  • 3.1.8. Each National Member Society, which is unable to send its own representative to the Congress, is entitled to be represented by one other member society. This fact must be communicated to the Secretary General before the Congress. Each National Member Society may carry only one (1) additional vote (proxy) other than its own.
  • 3.1.9. As the supreme body of WACS, the congress makes decisions on all-important agenda items by a majority of the votes cast.
  • 3.1.10. Voting by secret ballot may be requested by the Board of Directors or at least five (5) National Members Societies, which have voting rights.
  • 3.1.11. Every four (4) years, the delegates elect an Executive Committee (President, Vice President and Secretary General. Currently, the Treasurer is appointed by the Swiss Chefs´ Association). The Executive Committee must prove its support from its National Members´ Society. Every other four (4) years, the delegates elect the Continental Directors with the approval and support of their respective National Members´ Societies. All board members have to be chefs.
  • 3.1.12. The WACS Executive Board may, at its discretion, communicate to the WACS voting members, through electronic mail and the Web site, any changes to the bylaws and statutes that are going to have a direct benefit to the organization. Voting will take place through the current continental directors and be ratified at the next congress.
  • 3.1.13. Amendments to the statutes must be communicated to the members nations, twelve (12) weeks before the Congress, and require a majority by a two-thirds of eligible votes either present by proxy or participants proxy holders who are entitled to vote.
  • 3.1.14. The Congress is the supreme body of WACS and its decision on is final. All the legitimate parties belonging to WACS must accept this arbitration ruling in a democratic manner.
  • 3.1.15. The President will appoint a Sergeant of Arms, who will be responsible for ensuring orderly proceedings at the Congress meeting.
  • 3.1.16. The Hans Bueschkens Junior competition and the Dr Bill Gallagher Junior forum must be included at each congress.
  • 3.1.17. The WACS Global Chef Challenge must be included at each congress.

3.2. WACS Board

  • 3.2.1. The WACS Board is composed of, President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary General, the Honorary President, the Past President and the 7 Continental Directors. The President convenes the meetings and conducts the proceedings. He is required to convene a meeting if three members of the board so request and the financial situation of the World Association so permits. (All references are gender inclusive.)
  • 3.2.2. The Board normally holds one meeting a year.
  • 3.2.3. The term of office is four (4) years.
  • 3.2.4. In the event of any disputes between legitimate WACS member societies, the President will designate member(s) of the Board to act as an intermediary if the parties wish to be mediated, or if the interest of WACS is at stake.
  • 3.2.5. The WACS Board is also required to intervene on its own initiative if the interests or unity of WACS are threatened. Towards this purpose and for fair and equal handling of the issues, supporting documents are requested to be made available by the relevant WACS member parties. The WACS Board of Directors will issue a statement, which should be considered final, and no further correspondence may be entered into

3.3. WACS Executive Committee

  • 3.3.1. WACS is headed by the Executive Committee, which consists of the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary General and the Treasurer. The Executive Committee has its seat in the country from which it has been elected by the Congress. The elected WACS President appoints the WACS Vice-President, the WACS Secretary General and on a proposal from the Swiss Chefs Society, the WACS Treasurer.
  • 3.3.2. Two Nations should be able to bid for a joint Presidium.

3.4. WACS President and Vice President

  • 3.4.1. The WACS President supervises the administration and the business of WACS.
  • 3.4.2. If the President is permanently or temporarily prevented from performing his official function then the Vice President shall represent him until the next Congress.
  • 3.4.3. The Executive Committee jointly appoints a successor, in case an elected officer/board member cannot perform his duties or is found to be incapable to do so.

3.5 WACS Secretary General

  • 3.5.1. The WACS Secretary General conducts the correspondence of WACS on behalf of the Board. The
    WACS Secretary General drafts the reports, writes the minutes, and handles the current correspondence of
    WACS.

3.6. WACS Treasurer

  • 3.6.1. The WACS Treasurer is responsible for the handling of the financial matters of WACS, at the discretion of the WACS Board, on behalf of the WACS National Member Societies, Associate Members and Corporate Members.
  • 3.6.2. The Treasurer keeps and maintains the permanent address lists of all WACS members and ensures the safe continuity of WACS business by maintaining the Contact Site in Switzerland. The Treasurer works alongside the WACS Secretary General to obtain this objective.

3.7. WACS Continental Directors

  • 3.7.1. The Continental Directors represent the areas of Africa-Middle East (1), The Americas (1), Asia (1), Europe (3) and Pacific Region (1). The Continental Directors are elected by the legitimate present member countries of their designated area or continent as assigned in the current official geographic membership list. (see attached)
  • 3.7.2. On alternate WACS congresses, in between the presidential elections, the legitimate present national members’ countries elect the Continental Directors for a term of four (4) years and they may appoint regional assistants at their discretion.
  • 3.7.3. The WACS Continental Directors are elected from the National Member Societies which do not belong to the WACS Executive Committee.
  • 3.7.4. The Continental Directors represent the National Member Societies in their respective regions and advise the WACS Board on all-important matters of WACS, including but not limited to professional matters, questions of training the organization of competitions and new membership.

3.8. Past President

  • 3.8.1. The immediate Past President will automatically be elected to serve as a voting member of the board.
  • 3.8.2. Past President assists and advises the WACS Board.
  • 3.8.3. The Past President may be asked to handle special tasks and projects for WACS.
  • 3.8.4 The board can recommend the immediate Past President to become an Ambassador for life at the end of the term.

3.9. Standing Committees

  • 3.9.1 The following are the standing committees of WACS. The president, in consultation with the board will appoint the chairman and committee members, who will serve at the pleasure of the board, but no longer than a four year period. In order to provide for continuity, some committee, some members may be reappointed. All actions of all standing committees are subject to board approval. If you are unable to make your perform your duty’s or you have relocated from your area you may be requested to vacate your position.
  • 3.9.2. In order to facilitate effective communications, a member of the board has to serve as chair or member on each committee.
  • 3.9.3. The committees are asked to meet various WACS shows and /or events and only in special cases can the board approve travel/ meeting expenses, much of the work carried out should be done via electronic means and conference calls.
  • 3.9.4. The committees may included:
    • The By- Laws Committee
    • Congress Committee
    • Culinary Committee
    • Educational Committee
    • Finance Committee
    • Marketing and Communications Committee
    • Master Chefs Committee
  • 3.9.5. Culinary Committee
    • 3.9.5.1 The President appoints a WACS Culinary Committee, which serve at the discretion of the board. The Culinary Committee membership consists of a representative of each of the major WACS Shows, including a representative of the military and a pastry chef.( For specific details see the Culinary Guidelines)
    • 3.9.5.2. The Culinary Committee is instructed to prepare and maintain guidelines and rules on WACS international culinary exhibitions and competitions, and to ensure the further development of such events. It also supervises the correct conduct of such competitions and the qualification criteria of the judges accredited by WACS and their instructions.
    • 3.9.5.3. The Culinary Committee is also responsible to maintain and administer the list of WACS approved judges.
    • 3.9.5.4. The WACS Culinary Committee reviews requests for WACS sanctioned events.
    • 3.9.5.5. The tenure of the WACS Culinary Committee is reviewed by the WACS Board of Directors.
    • 3.9.5.6. All actions of the Culinary Committee must be approved by the board.
  • 3.9.6 Finance Committee
    • 3.9.6.1. Chaired by the WACS Treasurer , the Finance committee shall oversees the all financial aspects including but not limited to the daily accounts, the balance sheets, the profit and loss statement and the investment portfolio.
    • 3.9.6.2. The Finance committee maintains the list of paid up membership, honorary, corporate and affiliate members.
    • 3.9.6.3. The Finance committee will prepare and present to the board and the congress, periodic financial statements and will cause a financial audit to be performed every two years.
    • 3.9.6.4. The Finance Committee will consists of three to five members and may draw on external expertise.
  • 3.9.7. The Congress Committee
    • 3.9.7.1. The Congress Committee shall periodically update the congress application forms, receive and screen all candidates.
    • 3.9.7.2. Upon verification of compliance to the set criteria, the Congress Committee will recommend a limited number of congress candidates to the membership for a vote.
    • 3.9.7.3. Additionally, responsibilities include occasional travel to a specific site, approval of congress venues and related costs and other aspects
    • 3.9.7.4. The five person membership always includes the immediate past Congress Committee chair and the respective continental director.
  • 3.9.8. The By-Laws Committee
    • 3.9.8.1. The By-Laws Committee maintains the WACS By–Laws and solicits input from the membership. It will review, modify, prioritize and/or recommend any suggestions to the board.
    • 3.9.8.2. New By-Law changes, approved by the board, will be mailed to the membership and brought for discussion and vote at each congress.
    • 3.9.8.3. The By-Laws Committee consists of a minimum of three and a maximum of five committee members.
  • 3.9.9. The Master Chef Committee
    • 3.9.9.1. The Master Chefs Committee has the responsibility to develop the standards of, and implement a world wide Master Chefs Certification program.
    • 3.9.9.2. It will compare current master Chefs programs and advise the respective country if WACS grants reciprocal recognition or if it requires additions and or modification to the program to bring it up to the WACS Master Chef Standard.
    • 3.9.9.3. The Master Chefs Committee will work with member countries in the development of a Master Chefs program, and shall oversee and monitor all current and new Master Chef programs.
    • 3.9.9.4. The Master Chefs Committee membership will be made up exclusively of Certified Master Chefs
  • 3.9.10. The Education Committee
    • 3.9.10.1. The Education Committee oversees the development and implementation of all WACS approved educational activities including, but not limited to certification, WACS Train-The-Trainer program and other educational related programs.
    • 3.9.10.2. The Education Committee administers and monitors the programs and recommends to the board new educational initiatives
    • 3.9.10.3. The Education Committee plays overseeing role to the WACS Master Chefs Certification program.
    • 3.9.10.4. Membership of the Education Committee should include experts from academic world as part of its five to seven member bodies.
    • 3.9.10.5. The Chair or any other member of the Education Committee , who is a Master chef ¡®should concurrently sit on the Master Chefs Committee in order to maintain direct communications between the two committees.
  • 3.9.11. The Marketing and Communications Committee
    • 3.9.11.1 The Marketing and Communications Committee will support all WACS initiatives with Public Relations (PR) activities.
    • 3.9.11.2. The Marketing and Communications Committee is charged with maintaining and enhancing the image of chefs on a world wide basis.
    • 3.9.11.3. The Marketing and Communications Committee oversees the proper use of the WACS name and Logo and will periodically issue guidelines to the membership.
    • 3.9.11.4. The Marketing and Communications Committee will consist of three to five members and may draw on external expertise.

4. FINANCES

  • 4.1. Income / Contributions / Annual payments
  • 4.2. Asset management
  • 4.3. Expenditure
  • 4.4. Authority to sign
  • 4.5. Auditors

4.1. General Financing

  • 4.1.1. WACS activities are financed from the revenues collected from all WACS membership categories dues, and fees from the WACS approved international culinary competitions and exhibitions and also from managed investments and donations and miscellaneous income.
  • 4.1.2. The WACS National Member Societies pay an annual fee, which is fixed by the WACS Board. The WACS board at its discretion may adjust or suspend the fees under extraordinary circumstances for a limited period of time.
  • 4.1.3. The WACS Associate and the Corporate Members also pay an annual fee, which is fixed by the WACS Board.
  • 4.1.4. These fees must be paid annually no later than the last day of February of each year to the bank account stated by the WACS Treasurer preferably by a standing order.

4.2. Asset Management

  • 4.2.1. The assets of WACS are invested and managed by the WACS Treasurer according to the instructions of the WACS Board and the support of the Swiss Chef Association
  • 4.2.2. Increased fees, managed investments and other sources of revenue to raising is left to the discretion of the WACS Board and then reported to the Congress. Financial issues like fee structure, investments, other sources of income and fundraising will be reported by the treasurer for the approval by the congress.

4.3. Expenditure

  • 4.3.1. The following are payable from the financial resources of WACS prior to approval of the executive committee:
    • a) WACS general administrative costs and miscellaneous expenditures.
    • b) The travel and subsistence costs of the WACS Board and the WACS appointed Committees to attend official WACS meetings.
    • c) WACS approved programs.

4.4. Authority to Sign

  • 4.4.1. WACS is duly represented and committed by the joint signatures of the WACS President and or WACS Vice-President.
  • 4.4.2. Use may be made of the assets of WACS as follows:
    • a) For amounts up to Euro. 5000. —, by the single signature of the WACS Treasurer and written approval by the president.
    • b) For amounts of more than Euro. 5000. —, by the joint signatures of either the WACS President and/or WACS Vice-President with that of the WACS Secretary General or WACS Treasurer.

4.5. WACS Auditors

  • 4.5.1. Prior to the congress, the president appoints from the ranks of the official National Member Societies three auditors who are not members of any country represented on the WACS Board.
  • 4.5.2. The three individuals will receive, three weeks in advance from the treasurer, the required documentation and will meet with the treasurer prior to the start of the congress. They will submit an audit report to the Congress for approval.
  • 4.5.3. The WACS annual financial accounts are also verified by the Business and Audit Committee of the Hotel & Gastro Union and by “Price Waterhouse Coopers” a professional and licensed audit company of Lucerne.

5. HONOURS

  • 5.1. Honorary President of WACS
  • 5.2. Honorary Members of WACS

5.1. WACS Honorary President

  • 5.1.1. As a special honor, the Congress may grant the title of WACS Honorary President. There may not be
    more than one WACS Honorary President at any particular time.

5.2. WACS Honorary Members

  • 5.2.1. At the request of legitimate WACS National Member Societies or the WACS Board, the Congress may grant the title of WACS Honorary Membership to individuals who have given outstanding service to WACS and the culinary profession in general.
  • 5.2.2. Nominations must be submitted by the WACS Continental Directors for those nominations from their respective areas to the WACS Executive Committee.
  • 5.2.3. These nominations must be accompanied, in writing, three (3) months before the congress.
  • 5.2.4. Unsuccessful nominations are not automatically carried over to the next congress. Unsuccessful nominations must re apply and resubmit all relevant documentation at the relevant time for the next congress.
  • 5.2.5. Current members of the board should not be eligible for honorary membership.
  • 5.2.6. A curriculum vitae and a brief explanation stating the reasons why the nominated candidate should receive such an accolade must be forwarded to the WACS board for its perusal and recommendation to the congress.
  • 5.2.7. WACS Honorary Members will receive a WACS certificate on their appointment and the WACS medal and ribbon.
  • 5.2.8. The number of living WACS Honorary Members may not exceed the number of active societies affiliated to WACS.
  • 5.2.9. The Honorary Member may be given a special role by the board of WACS.

6. DISSOLUTION

  • 6.1. The World Association of Chef's Societies can only be dissolved by a decision of the Congress if twothirds of all the eligible votes approve the motion stated on the agenda.

7. MANAGEMENT OF REMAINING ASSETS

  • 7.1. In the event of the dissolution of WACS, the remaining assets will be distributed evenly between the member societies, which still belong to WACS at the time of dissolution. This distribution will be facilitated by the Swiss Chefs Association acting in agreement with the current WACS Board and after settling all liabilities.

8. OFFICIAL ORGANS FOR PUBLICATIONS

  • 8.1. The official communication vehicle for WACS will be via its website at www.wacs2000.org and www.worldchefs.org

9. FINAL PROVISIONS

  • 9.1. The above By-laws enter into force in January 2010 subject to their approval by the 34th WACS Congress held in Santiago, Chile Upon approval, the above By-laws hereafter replace any previously existing By-laws of WACS.