These Membership Guidelines set forth the policies of The Executives’ Club of Chicago (the “Club”) regarding membership. These Guidelines shall be implemented by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”). Any business or professional person shall be eligible for membership in the Club upon invitation. Members in good standing shall have the benefits accorded to their classification.
I. Membership Agreement
By submitting a membership application to the Club, the applicant agrees to abide by the terms outlined in these Membership Guidelines, and that application becomes a binding contract with the Club. Membership becomes effective on a provisional basis upon the date that the Club notifies the applicant that such signed membership application has been accepted. Formal membership will begin following Board approval and as set forth in Section V below. Payment of the applicable membership dues and initiation fees as set forth in Section IV below are due upon acceptance of membership (either on a provisional or formal basis).
II. Classification of Members
The Club shall have two classes of members, designated as either Enterprise Members or Executive Members as follows:
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the above-listed membership levels, and the respective membership criteria of such levels, may be categorized, grouped or otherwise changed for administrative or other appropriate business purposes in such a manner as the Executive Committee may determine from time to time. A membership interview can serve as a sponsorship if an Executive Member does not otherwise have a sponsor.
III. Benefits of Membership
Membership with the Club provides a series of benefits designed to connect leaders and foster meaningful connections among our members. Our trusted reputation and unique combination of high-quality programming, leadership development and high-touch member experiences provides our members with the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
| Benefit | Enterprise Members | Individual Members |
| Discounted registration to programs | X | X |
| Complimentary access plus one free guest to Summit Programming | X | X |
| The opportunity to join the Club’s Committees | X | X |
| Access to Leadership Development Programs like Leadership Circle & the One-on-One Mentorship Initiative | X | X |
| Access to member only events | X | X |
| Access to the Club’s member directory | X | X |
| Unlimited virtual events for all employees | X | |
| Member roster flexibility | X | |
| Member pricing to all events for all employees | X | |
| Exclusive, onsite orientation for roster members | X |
IV. Membership Dues
| Enterprise Membership | |
| Corporate | $5,500 |
| Nonprofit | $3,000 |
| Executive Membership | |
| Corporate | $1000 |
| Corporate | $700 |
| Diplomatic Corps | No membership dues |
Membership dues must be paid in full, including initiation fee (where applicable) before a new membership can be processed. Membership dues are billed annually and are non-refundable.
V. Membership Year
For new members, the membership year is a twelve-month period that begins the 1st of the month a member joined if that date is before the 15th of the month, or the month immediately following if that date is after the 15th of the month. For example, if a membership is approved on the 15th of July, the membership year begins August 1 of that year and ends on July 31 in the following year. If a membership is approved on the 14th of July, the membership year begins July 1 of that year and ends on June 30 in the following year. Individuals covered by an Enterprise membership will share the same membership year as the parent organization, regardless of when the membership was processed. Membership year for provisional members will be calculated based on the date that provisional membership was approved, although formal membership is approved at a later date.
For renewing members, the membership year is a twelve-month period that begins on the 1st day of the month the member originally joined the Club (“Anniversary Month”), and ends on the last day of the 12th month from the anniversary month. For example, if the membership year ends on October 31, the new membership year begins on November 1. The membership year does not change regardless of the date a membership payment is processed.
VI. Membership Renewals
An initial invoice for membership renewal dues will be issued 45 days prior to the membership expiration date to notify the member of the upcoming renewal date. Payment is due by the membership expiration date, as indicated on the invoice. Second and third renewal notices will be sent 30 days prior to the membership expiration date and on the membership expiration date, if necessary. These communications will be issued via email and 15-day post expiration follow-up call will be made if membership renewal dues are not yet paid.
| 45 Days Prior to Expiration | 30 Days Prior to Expiration | Expiration Date | 15 Days After Expiration | 30 Days After Expiration | 60 Days After Expiration |
| First Notice – Electronic Invoice | Second Notice-Electronic Invoice | Electronic Notification of Expiration | Follow-up phone call to notify member of lapse | Electronic Notification of Expiration | Electronic Notification of Membership Cancellation |
The member falls out of good standing if payment is not received by the membership expiration date. If payment is not received by this date, the member has a 60-day grace period to submit membership payment. During the 60-day grace period, the Club will issue additional renewal notices. If payment is not received by the end of the grace period, the membership will be terminated by the Board, and all membership benefits will be revoked, including committee participation.
VII. Membership Resignation; Removal Policy
A member may resign at any time by written notice to the Chair of the Club’s Board, the Chief Executive Officer & President or the Secretary of the Club. Members may be suspended or removed as decided by the Board, for non-compliance with the policies of the Club in force from time to time covering matters of finance, conduct or membership duties, including non-payment of dues or other indebtedness to the Club. The Board has the sole discretion in determining which members are subject to suspension or removal on such grounds.
Paid membership dues are non-refundable, regardless of the resignation date. Outstanding charges must be paid by the date of resignation. A member who has been suspended or removed is not entitled to a refund of membership dues, or any portion thereof, unless otherwise determined by the Board.
Any member suspended or removed from membership may be considered for reinstatement in accordance with conditions of reinstatement adopted by the Board.
VIII. Reinstate Membership
Previous members of the Club may reinstate membership at any time, subject to the approval of Executive Committee. Members who wish to reinstate membership must have a record with the Club to prove past membership. Reinstating members may also be required to complete a new membership application. These members must pay the full dues amount for a new membership, including the applicable initiation fee.
IX. Tax Exemption Information
We are required to advise that membership dues are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. However, membership dues may be deductible as a business expense to the extent permitted by law.
X. Non-solicitation and Business Development Policy
Members of the Club may not engage in any business development solicitation (whether for profit or not) or distribute mass communications of any kind to other Club members, speakers, or contacts. The Club will place significant weight on other members’ concerns and complaints when making the judgment that solicitation has taken place.
The Club has the right to suspend or cancel membership related to a member’s violation of this policy. If a complaint is received, a written warning will be issued. If any further complaints are received, the membership of the relevant member with the Club will be suspended or canceled.
XI. Non-Endorsement Policy
Membership in Club is not an endorsement by the Club of the member organization’s policies, business, or business practices. Members may not use a statement regarding Club membership as an endorsement of their business or affiliate their business as a preferred vendor or partner of the Club without written authorization from the President & CEO of the Club.
The Club does not, in any way, contribute to, endorse, lobby, or provide support to political candidates or specific pieces of legislation. The Club has the right to suspend or cancel membership related to violation of this policy. If a complaint is made, a written warning will be issued. If any further complaints are made, membership with the Club will be suspended or canceled. The impacted member of the Club will receive a written suspension or cancelation notice.
XII. Use of Club Name and Logo Policy
The Club logo and name are proprietary and may not be used without permission, nor may they be used as a statement of endorsement. Members in good standing may include Club logo, a statement of membership, and/or link to the Club’s websites (www.ExecutivesClub.org) on their organization’s website only by obtaining the approval from the President & CEO of the Club, or under special circumstances as determined by Club management (such as with a sponsorship agreement or partnership opportunity).
The Club name and logo may not be used by members after expiration or transfer of the membership.
XIII. Privacy Policy
The Club respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information and does not rent, sell, give, exchange, or in any way share personally identifiable information, other than the names of members, with other individuals or organizations. The Club membership database will remain confidential and never be shared outside of the Club, nor will the information be sold to third parties.
The Club gives members access to its membership list. As such, the Club reserves the right to publish the names of members and member organizations in the Club and external communications, including publicizing new members or member organizations via digital, social media, and print channels.
The Club will deliver email communications regarding publications, program invitations, and renewal notices and information to members.
XIV. Non-Discrimination Policy
The Club accepts individuals to membership without regard to gender identity, age, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, and marital/family status.
XV. Member Services
If a Club member has a question or concern about their membership, the terms outlined in the policies and procedures, or other Club membership matters, please contact the membership department at (312) 263-3500 or membership@executivesclub.org.