The CEC Business Association exists to represent, coordinate, and support participating businesses and community economic leaders under the principles and direction of the CEC Constitution.

This Charter defines the governance structure, responsibilities, and authority of the CEC Business Association and its governing bodies.

This document does not define marketing programs, outreach campaigns, or operational playbooks.

The CEC Business Association is mandated to:

• Support the advancement of the CEC economic mission within the business community
• Provide a structured forum for business participation, collaboration, and feedback
• Support the development of local and regional economic initiatives
• Ensure alignment between participating businesses and CEC national strategy
• Provide governance oversight for business led chapters and forums

This Charter operates under and is subordinate to:

• CEC Constitution
• CEC Foundation Governance Manual

Where conflicts arise, the CEC Constitution shall prevail.

The Business Association Board is responsible for providing governance, strategic guidance, and executive level oversight for business focused programs and chapters.

The Board shall:

• Act as executive sponsors for business focused initiatives and Economic Symposium programs
• Support the certification and development of Lead Ambassadors and business chapter leaders
• Provide senior mentorship and advisory support to business leaders and community organizers
• Participate in selected forums, symposiums, and business roundtables as speakers or representatives
• Support national alignment, governance standards, and regional expansion
• Support partnerships and strategic relationships with external organizations where appropriate

The Board shall not directly manage operational delivery unless expressly authorized by Executive Leadership.

Executive Leadership, including the Founder and the Executive Board, is responsible for the institutional and strategic framework within which the Business Association operates.

Executive Leadership is responsible for:

• Defining and authoring the national economic strategy
• Defining and authoring a new tax code strategy aligned with the CEC economic principles
• Authoring and maintaining all governing documents
• Authoring and maintaining the CEC Constitution
• Designating and maintaining the founding and Ground Zero location of the CEC
• Establishing and maintaining rules, regulations, and bylaws governing the CEC and its associated entities
• Establishing and maintaining governance alignment across affiliated initiatives, including the New Wave Common Sense Business Associations and the NWCS Federal Party

Local business chapters and affiliated business associations may be established under the authority of Executive Leadership.

All chapters must:

• Be formally approved and registered
• Operate in accordance with the CEC Constitution and this Charter
• Maintain compliance with all governance, financial, and reporting requirements
• Remain aligned with national priorities and approved programs

The Business Association shall maintain common standards for:

• Business participation and membership criteria
• Chapter governance and leadership conduct
• Forum and business roundtable standards
• Professional and ethical conduct
• Representation of the CEC brand and mission

The Business Association does not independently control funds.

All funding, reimbursements, grants, and financial approvals for business association activities are governed by the CEC Foundation Governance Manual and administered through the appropriate executive committees.

The Business Association may:

• Provide formal recommendations to Executive Leadership and the Board
• Submit policy, regulatory, and economic proposals
• Participate in consultation processes related to national economic strategy

All recommendations remain advisory unless formally adopted by Executive Leadership.

Questions of interpretation of this Charter shall be referred to Executive Leadership.

Disputes, complaints, or governance concerns arising within the Business Association or its chapters shall be escalated through the procedures defined in the CEC Foundation Governance Manual.

This Charter may be amended only by Executive Leadership in accordance with the amendment procedures defined in the CEC Constitution.