Article I: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Independent Brokerage Collective (IBC).
Article II: Mission
The Independent Brokerage Collective exists to support, connect, and strengthen independently owned real estate brokerages through collaboration, education, advocacy, and shared resources.
The Collective is committed to fostering professional growth, ethical business practices, leadership development, and community within the independent brokerage community.
Article III: Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
Membership is limited to independently owned, non-franchise, full-service real estate brokerages operating under the supervision of a licensed Broker-in-Charge and having fifty (50) or fewer affiliated agents.
The brokerage’s Broker-in-Charge, Broker Owner, or Managing Broker shall serve as the primary member representative.
Section 2: Membership Approval
Membership is open to any brokerage meeting eligibility requirements and submitting payment of annual dues.
No vote is required for membership approval.
Section 3: Membership Dues
- Annual membership dues shall be $500 per brokerage.
- Membership runs from July 1 through June 30.
- Dues may be prorated semi-annually: July 1 to December 31, $500; January 1 to June 30, $250.
- Dues are non-refundable unless approved by the Board.
Section 4: Membership Benefits
Member brokerages receive:
- Access to all educational trainings
- Access to networking events
- Voting rights
- Access to member resources and communications
- Eligibility to serve on committees and the Board
All trainings are included with membership.
The Broker-in-Charge or designated brokerage representative attends as part of membership.
The Board may establish fees for additional attendees or special events when necessary.
Article IV: Board of Directors
Section 1: Board Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of the following officers:
- President: Brian Hardyman
- Vice President: Ronnetta Griffin
- Secretary-Treasurer: Dana Goos
- Director of Operations & Technology: Alesha Oppatt
The Board may create additional positions as needed.
Section 2: Founding Board Protection
Founding Board Members retain their Board positions and voting rights unless they voluntarily resign, become unable to serve, or are removed for misconduct by unanimous vote of the remaining Founding Board Members.
Founding Board positions are not subject to election, term limits, or removal by the general membership.
Section 3: Duties
President
- Leadership and meetings
- Spokesperson duties
- Educational and networking event coordination
Vice President
- Assists the President
- Special projects, partnerships, and committees
- Member engagement
Secretary-Treasurer
- Financial records, dues collection, and budgeting
- Minutes and records
- Membership recruitment and retention
Director of Operations & Technology
- Website, technology, and communications
- Databases, records, and systems
- Operational support
Section 4: Additional Positions and Vacancies
Any additional Board positions created beyond the Founding Board shall be filled as determined by the Board.
Should an additional Board position become vacant, the Board shall appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term.
Article V: Meetings
Section 1: Board Meetings
The Board shall meet at least quarterly.
Additional meetings may be called by the President or a majority of the Board.
Section 2: Membership Meetings
Membership meetings shall be held quarterly.
Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
Section 3: Quorum
A majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum for conducting business.
Article VI: Ethics and Professional Conduct
All members agree to:
- Follow all Fair Housing laws
- Comply with state and federal real estate laws
- Follow applicable REALTOR® Code of Ethics requirements
- Maintain professional conduct in all Collective activities
Antitrust Compliance
Members shall not engage in discussions regarding:
- Commission rates
- Brokerage compensation structures
- Fee setting
- Market allocation
- Boycotts
- Any activity that could violate federal or state antitrust laws
Violations may result in disciplinary action, including membership termination.
Article VII: Committees
The Board may establish committees as necessary to support the mission of the organization.
Committee chairs shall be appointed by the President with Board approval.
Article VIII: Financial Management
The fiscal year shall run from July 1 through June 30.
The Secretary-Treasurer may pay routine organizational expenses up to $250 without prior Board approval.
Any single expenditure exceeding $250 requires approval by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall provide a record of expenditures at regular Board meetings.
Article IX: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.
Notice of proposed amendments must be provided to Board members at least fourteen (14) days prior to the vote.
No amendment may alter the rights, protections, voting authority, or status of the Founding Board Members without unanimous written consent of all active Founding Board Members.
Article X: Annual Review
The Board shall review these bylaws annually to ensure they remain relevant and effective for the organization’s mission and membership.
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are not governed by these bylaws and may be addressed through a separate Board-approved addendum.
Founding Principle
The Independent Brokerage Collective exists to strengthen independent brokerages through community over competition, while respecting legal, ethical, Fair Housing, and antitrust requirements at all times.