Under what circumstances can a special meeting of the Membership be called for Best Western?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Special meetings of the Membership may be called by the Chairperson, by four Directors or by at least 10% of the Voting Members who sign, date and deliver to the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson or the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board one or more written demands for the meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which the special meeting is to be held. The Corporation may conduct only those matters at a special meeting of the Members that are within the purpose or purposes described in the notice of the special meeting. Special meetings of the Members shall be held in the City of Phoenix, Arizona, or at the Annual Meeting, and shall commence on a Monday.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, special meetings of the Membership can be initiated under specific conditions. The Chairperson, four Directors, or at least 10% of the Voting Members can call for these meetings. If the members choose to call a meeting, they must sign, date, and deliver a written demand to either the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, or the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board. This demand must clearly state the purpose or purposes for which the special meeting is being requested.
Best Western will only address matters at the special meeting that align with the purposes outlined in the meeting's notice. This ensures that the meeting remains focused on the specific issues that prompted its convocation. The special meetings are to be held in the City of Phoenix, Arizona, or at the Annual Meeting, and must commence on a Monday.
Prospective franchisees should note that the ability to call a special meeting is a mechanism for members to address concerns or propose changes within the organization. However, it requires a significant level of support from the membership, either through a substantial number of voting members or the involvement of multiple directors. This process ensures that such meetings are called only when there is a significant need or concern within the Best Western membership.