Board of Directors Application


Application and Qualifications for Central Montana Tourism Board of Directors

Central Montana Tourism is the regional destination organization that works on behalf of the counties of Fergus, Toole, Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Teton, Wheatland, Meagher, Judith Basin, Pondera, Chouteau, Cascade, and Petroleum. These boundaries are designated by the State of Montana through Code 15-65-101. It is one of seven regional tourism organizations in the State of Montana.

The organization’s mission is

Advance the economic vitality of the 13-county region through effective tourism marketing, destination development, advocacy, and knowledge growth that preserves the region’s unique character, honors residents’ quality of life, addresses visitor needs, and enhances business opportunities.

The Central Montana Tourism Board of Directors is an independent body in contract with the State of Montana to manage lodging facility use tax expenditures and in contract with Great Falls Montana Tourism for day-to-day management duties. The Central Montana Tourism Board of Directors is the legal governing body with full fiduciary responsibility for all lodging tax expenditures.

The Board of Director’s primary functions are to provide strategic direction, engage other stakeholders in the region, and set policy. Select subcommittees and task force groups will provide additional direction in areas of specific need.

Central Montana Tourism directors are selected by the governance committee from individual applicants from within the region who exhibit a desire to serve, meet the below outlined composition, and poses needed knowledge and connections to the travel and tourism industry to fulfil the organization’s strategic objectives.

  • One (1) Director from each county included within the geographical boundaries of Central Montana Tourism.
  • One (1) Director per Reservation within the geographical boundaries of Central Montana Tourism (Rocky Boy, Ft. Belknap and Blackfeet) and One (1) Director per Little Shell Tribe.
  • One (1) Director from each accommodations tax funded visitor bureau within the geographical boundaries of Central Montana Tourism.
  • Under special circumstances, up to five (5) particularly deserving individuals can serve as Directors in an at large capacity.

Board Governance Relationships & Responsibilities

To Policy

Your status is that of an individual acting in a governance capacity. You have the right to exert your influence with the Board for approval of actions and policies, but your authority does not go beyond your vote. You have no authority as an individual to commit the organization to any action or policy.

To the Public

You are an official representative of the regional stakeholders within Central Montana. You should educate your sphere of influence about tourism and Central Montana Tourism, defend the organization against criticism and take steps to remedy conditions that cause justified criticism.

To the Staff

Your responsibility for the Central Montana Tourism staff is limited to that of advisor. The Executive Director is responsible for hiring, firing, and management functions of all staff members.

To Committees & Task Forces

You have a responsibility to keep informed about the activities of all committees and task forces because you may eventually be asked to study and act on their recommendations. You also have a responsibility to see that all committees and task forces operate within established structure and guidelines.

To the Board

You are a collaborator in the important work of the Board of Directors to improve the economic and civic life throughout Central Montana. You have assumed a position of public trust. You should disassociate your personal interests from Central Montana Tourism activities.

To the Program of Work

You must understand the relationship between the Board and Central Montana Tourism’s plan of action in order to reach established objectives. Remember, Central Montana Tourism’s Strategic Plan and Annual Plans chart a future course of action, furnishes measurements for performance and serves as a challenge to stakeholders to meet their responsibilities. The liaison with Central Montana Tourism’s agencies and other vendors are expert professional staff working at the direction of the board, but whose expertise should be leveraged for the organization’s benefit.

To the Budget

Operating revenue for Central Montana Tourism comes from a percentage of Lodging Facility Use Tax and potential private sources. Central Montana Tourism operates on a budget approved by the Board of Directors. The budget is developed on a fiscal year, July to June. It is the responsibility of Central Montana Tourism staff to get maximum results from available funds and to operate within the approved budget. The budget, annual plan and project applications must be approved by the state. As you consider this opportunity, please familiarize yourself with this list of expectations.

As a Board Member

  1. I will actively support, promote and participate in Central Montana Tourism’s mission
  2. I will be available to serve a three year term as a Director and work toward serving in a leadership capacity, if asked.
  3. I will devote a minimum of 5 hours each month to prepare for and attend Board of Directors and Committee Meetings.
  4. I will attend a minimum of 70% of the Board of Director meetings each year, either in person or virtually. Expenses for in-person attendance is my responsibility.
  5. I will avoid any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose any conflicts of interest through a form annually.
  6. I will be accountable for my own performance in relation to aiding the organization to succeed and evaluate that performance annually.
  7. I will positively engage in meetings, representing my geographic area, my industry, and my community and exert my influence by speaking up, being direct, efficient, succinct, and focused when I do.
  8. I will be active and involved with the happenings in my community and communicate back to my community the work of Central Montana Tourism.
  9. I will hold accountable the decisions made by the board and not attempt to retroactively change them, unless necessary.
  10. I will uphold fiscal responsibility for the organization and work to ensure steady financial growth through key investments.
  11. I will maintain oversight of Central Montana Tourism’s strategic plan, annual plan, annual budget, and accountability measures tied to those plans.
  12. I will share bold thoughts, unique ideas, and constructive concerns while maintaining a productive relationship with fellow directors and the Central Montana Tourism staff.
  13. I will contribute beyond leadership with:
    1. Images
    2. Videos
    3. Stories
    4. Blog posts
    5. Other resources as requested
  14. I will work with strategically aligned partners to allow our region to move forward, prioritizing the organization’s strategy and objectives over my own.
  15. I will support the decisions of the board of directors, even when they exclude my area of influence so long the decision is made in benefit of the greater good.
Central Montana Tourism Board of Directors

From Central Montana Tourism

  1. I will receive an orientation to the board by the Executive Director and a current board member.
  2. Opportunities will be offered to me to discuss with the staff and Board Chair the organization’s programs, goals, activities, and status; additionally, I can request such opportunities.
  3. The organization will help me perform my duties by keeping me informed about tourism in the region and the issues that surround it.
  4. Directors and staff will work in good faith with me toward the achievement of our goals.
  5. If the organization does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can call on the Board President and Executive Director to discuss these responsibilities.
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Skills / Expertise

Please mark the skills and expertise you will bring to us that will strengthen our board and enhance the ability of our organization to deliver on its mission.
Skills / Experience

Volunteer Experience

Past and Present Membership: Boards, committees, task forces in the public sector (business, civic, community, religious, political, professional, recreational or social)
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Help us get to know you

What opportunities do you see for tourism growth in Central Montana?
A resume can be attached in place of this narrative.

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Meetings

The Board of Directors meets monthly, usually on the second Thursday for about 2 hours in various locations across Central Montana. There are opportunities to join Board of Directors virtually, however, in person attendance is a better experience. Additionally, Committee meetings are held each month usually for 1.5 hours exclusively online. Detail your ability to manage the time commitment, travel expense, any concerns or potential conflicts that may be impediments.

References

Please provide the names of two people who would support your application for service on the Board of Directors representing your area. This can be from your local chamber, county or city government, attractions, or other industry partners.
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Thank you for applying!  For questions please contact Central Montana Tourism at 406-761-5036.

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