MINNESOTA BUSINESS LEADERSHIP NETWORK
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2015 APPLICATION FORM
NAME:
EMPLOYER:
OCCUPATION/TITLE:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
FAX:
Please answer the following questions:
1. Why do you want to be involved with the Minnesota Business Leadership Network
Board of Directors? Please include your time commitments and availability to serve
in your answer.
2. What skills do you possess that you think would make you an asset to the Minnesota
Business Leadership Network Board of Directors?
3. Please indicate what areas you have expertise in:
Accounting/Finance
Fundraising
Marketing/Communication
Membership
Legal
Strategic Planning
Governmental/Legislative Affairs
Other:
4. What Minnesota Business Leadership Board of Directors position are you interested
in? See attached position descriptions.
Secretary
Government Liaison
Member Meeting Liaison
Member at Large
5. What is your vision for this organization for the next 1-2 years?
If I am elected to the MNBLN Board of Directors, I agree to:
 Attend monthly meetings of the board
 Commit approximately 4-6 hours per month to the Minnesota Business Leadership
Network
 Fulfill duties as described on position description for the Board of Directors
(attached)
As part of my application and consideration for the Board, I would like to:
Submit a letter of reference
OR
Identify a personal reference for the Board of Directors to contact
Reference name, phone and email:
Applicant Name/Signature:
Date:
Minnesota Business Leadership Network
Board of Directors Descriptions
Officers
Chair
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Principal officer of the MNBLN
Carry into effect all resolutions and directives of the board
Preside at all board meetings, executive committee meetings and meetings of
membership
Execute all contracts, deeds, conveyances, mortgages, bonds and other required
instruments
Appoint members to standing committees, establish and appoint members to other
committees
Voting ex-officio of all board committees except nominating committee
Vice Chair
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Act in the absence of the chair and perform duties assigned by the Chair
Works closely with the Chair and other staff
Secretary
 Coordinate assigned board projects
 Keep organization's records
 Keep minutes of board, membership and executive committee meetings
 Give notice of meetings of the board
 Keep all books, correspondence, committee minutes and papers relating to MNBLN
business, except those of the Treasurer
Treasurer
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Prepare MNBLN budget and keep budget records
Present report of MNBLN Finances to members and board
Keep track of membership revenue and billing for renewals
Provide reimbursement to members and relevant contractors (per contractual
agreements) as approved by board
Manage daily, monthly and yearly transactions and balance books for year-to-date totals
Report on monthly and year-to-date totals for the board
Assist in applying for grants as needed, supplying financial information for grant budget
narratives
General Member—Lead Roles
Provider Liaison
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Provide ongoing communication to provider members about member meetings
Communicate job leads to provider members to increase chances of successful
employment outcomes
Recruit provider groups/members to volunteer for special events, grants or projects
Government Liaison
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Serve as advisor to the board in providing legislative updates on legislation that will
impact the Minnesota Business Leadership Network, individuals with disabilities and our
overall mission
Be the liaison for State legislative staff when needing information on people served or
employers involved in membership through the Minnesota Business Leadership Network
Communication/Marketing Liaison
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Lead marketing committee and manage the development, distribution and maintenance
of all print and electronic collateral including but not limited to newsletters, brochures,
etc.
Manage website updates including correspondences with related vendor, and work with
members and board on approval for suitable content (article links, stories, events, etc.)
Provide communication to increase the level of engagement with members and within
social networks
Membership Meeting Liaison
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Assist in coordinating membership meetings including finding host meeting sites,
communicating agenda and logistics, and working with board on annual training topics
and plan
Keep distribution list for MNBLN announcements, marketing and meeting notices
Member At Large--Representing Disability Community and Voice
 Provide input and outreach to individuals with disabilities to obtain feedback on ideas for
events, education, and other initiatives or grant opportunities
Other Responsibilities for all Board Members
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Establish overall long and short term goals; objectives and priorities for Minnesota
Business Leadership Networks in meeting the needs of members
Adhering to legal and ethical standards and norms
Attend monthly board meetings, membership meeting and related meetings
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Stay informed about board and committee matters, prepare for meetings, participate in
discussions and deliberations of the board, and review and comment on minutes and
reports
Participate actively in committee work
Become familiar with reporting responsibilities of a non-profit organization
Support special events and support and participate in fundraising events
Monitor financial planning and financial reports
Be informed of the membership benefit and services provided by the Minnesota
Business Leadership Network and publicly support them
Foster a positive working relationship with other board members and staff
Ensure the board adheres to its bylaws/articles
Be aware and abstain from any conflict of interest
Orient new board members
Board Member Competencies
Each board members needs to be proficient in the following competencies to successfully
perform in the position:
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Result Driven--Drives for successful results; moves tasks and assignments towards
closure
Business Acumen--Gets work done efficiently through formal and informal channels;
displays broad understanding of business practices and policy
Communication--Whether speaking or writing, clearly articulates the key points of an
issue; interpersonally holds the attention of others; takes recipient's needs into account;
addresses and listens to others in a respectful manner
Adaptability and Dealing with Ambiguity--Appropriately changes one's strategy in
response to new information; continuously adapts to changes; deals with uncertainty and
vagueness; decides and acts without having the picture totally defined; is receptive to
understanding cultural and individual differences
Team Building--Supports team efforts; builds a spirit of participation and belonging;
builds cohesiveness by emphasizing team objectives and reinforcing cooperation
Initiative and Risk Taking--Demonstrates a high motivation for succeeding; show effort
and drive in the face of obstacles; sets aggressive goals for oneself and works hard in
achieving those goals; is internally driven; believes calculated risk taking is necessary in
a competitive marketplace; a sense of urgency prevails
Decision Making--Makes quality decisions based on a mixture of analysis, wisdom and
judgment, and due diligence