Blue Collar Connect Member Agreement

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Blue Collar Connect! We are honored to have you as a member. This agreement outlines the rules and regulations governing your membership, including the Code of Conduct, use of the Blue Collar Connect logo, handling of personal information, and the procedures for leaving Blue Collar Connect. By signing this document, you agree to comply with these terms.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP + OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Group Details

Blue Collar Connect is an exclusive Trades and Home Services organization for business owners. 

We only accept one person per industry in each group. There are 75 different industry categories to choose from. Each group has a maximum of 45 total members. 

You may only talk about and promote the industry you hold the seat in Blue Collar Connect for. You may apply for and purchase additional industries in your group, if available, to promote those industries. 

The Opportunity

We have strategically planned 12 yearly meetings, 4 yearly collaboration meetings, and 1 Annual business development meeting (Annual Retreat) per year to empower, collaborate, and grow your business and this community.

Networking Opportunities

Access to networking events, forums, and other opportunities to connect with fellow members. This includes the Monthly Meetings, weekly lunches, quarterly socials, and other social events.

Professional Development

Online workshops, Do Work University access, Annual Retreat training. You have the option to join Collaboration Groups where you will gain tools and connections to grow your business. Collaboration Groups are designed to foster peer coaching, mentoring, and accountability.

Marketing and Promotion

Your business will be featured in the Blue Collar Connect member directory and included in cross branding efforts including tags on social media. Blue Collar Connect stickers, proud member badge for website, and other printed materials (vehicle, apparel etc).

Blue Collar Connect Ownership

Blue Collar Connect is a privately held company, owned solely by Joe Mikitish. Blue Collar Connect will not take on investors or private equity. There are no plans to sell the company. In the unlikely event that Blue Collar Connect becomes available to purchase, Blue Collar Connect members will have first right of refusal and have 60 days to match any offer.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Professional Behavior

Members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that reflects positively on Blue Collar Connect. This includes respectful communication and ethical business practices that follow our Code of Ethics.

• Stay In Your Lane. Only promote the services offered by your business in the category for the seat you hold. This includes in the meetings as well as on Blue Collar Connect’s social media.
• Treat fellow members with respect.
• Speak positively about other members in public and private.
• Practice timely and professional communication with other members, contractors, and customers as outlined in the Blue Collar Connect Best Practices.
• Blue Collar Connect is a professional business networking organization. Relationships formed should be professional. Dating between members is strongly discouraged. Communication between members should be kept professional at all times.
• Contracts: You are responsible for all contract agreements with subcontractors, General Contractors, customers, vendors, etc. These contracts should be reviewed by your attorney to ensure that your financial interests are covered.
• Resolve all conflicts in a private, professional, and prompt manner following the conflict resolution process below.

 

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Members agree to resolve any disputes with other members or Blue Collar Connect through constructive conversation and mediation if necessary. Members are expected to communicate openly, respectfully, and directly with one another to resolve any disagreements.

If you have a disagreement with another member, seek to resolve it amicably through direct discussion or a mediation process offered by Blue Collar Connect.

Commitment to Constructive Dialogue

• Resolution Procedure: Call the member involved in the dispute within 4 hours of the incident, schedule an in-person meeting to happen within 1 business day.
• Mediation Process: In the event that a dispute cannot be resolved through direct discussion, the following mediation process will be employed:

1. Notification: The member with the grievance shall notify Blue Collar Connect using the feedback form found here: Incident Report, providing a detailed description of the issue and the steps already taken to resolve it.
2. Initial Review: The Blue Collar Connect Team will review the grievance and may request additional information from the involved parties to fully understand the context and nature of the dispute.
3. Mediation Session: If deemed necessary, the Blue Collar Connect Team will arrange a mediation session. 
4. Final Resolution: If mediation does not result in a resolution, the Blue Collar Connect Team will review the case and provide a final decision based on the information and discussions that have taken place. This decision will be binding on all parties involved.

No Retaliation: Members agree not to engage in any form of retaliation against other members or the organization as a result of participating in the conflict resolution process. This includes gossiping, creating drama, etc. Violation of this rule is grounds for immediate dismissal.

Confidentiality: All aspects of the conflict resolution process shall be treated as confidential by all parties involved, and no information shall be disclosed to any third party without the prior consent of all parties.

 

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

• Members must comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations in the course of their business activities.
• Ensure that your business is registered, licensed and insured where applicable. Comply with labor laws and industry regulations.

ATTENDANCE AND TRAINING

• This attendance policy is to ensure that each member of Blue Collar Connect experiences the maximum value from their membership, and that all members get as much benefit as possible.
• Attendance at monthly Group Meetings and Collaboration Group meetings is mandatory. Two absences are permitted per calendar year for the Monthly Meeting. Up to two additional absences from the Monthly Meeting are allowed if you send a representative substitute from your company.
• No visitors or nonmembers may attend the Group Meetings or Collaboration Groups.
• Do Work University is Mandatory and all members have 90 days to complete all modules. The education modules provide the base level that all future training and growth is built on. Without this education, the members that don't complete the courses, will slow down the progress for the entire group. 

 

USE OF LOGO

Permission to Use

Members are granted a non-exclusive, revocable right to use the Blue Collar Connect logo for the purposes of promoting their affiliation with our organization. This includes use on business cards, websites, marketing materials, and social media.

Guidelines for Use

• Integrity: The logo must be used in its original form and may not be altered, modified, or distorted in any way. The logo should not be stretched, recolored, or cropped. It must be used exactly as provided by Blue Collar Connect.
• Context: The logo should only be used in contexts that reflect positively on Blue Collar Connect and its members. It should not be associated with any illegal, unethical, or harmful activities.
• Approval: Any new use of the logo outside the standard approved formats must be submitted for review and receive written approval from Blue Collar Connect.

Termination of Use

Upon termination of membership, members must immediately cease all use of the Blue Collar Connect logo and remove it from all materials, vehicles, website, and social media platforms.

 

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Collection and Use

Blue Collar Connect collects personal information from its members to facilitate networking, communication, and business opportunities. This information may include names, contact details, business profiles, and other relevant data.

Privacy and Security

• Confidentiality: Blue Collar Connect is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its members' personal information. This information will not be sold. 
• Security Measures: Blue Collar Connect uses technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Member Responsibilities

Members are responsible for ensuring that the personal information they provide is accurate and up-to-date. Members should notify Blue Collar Connect of any changes to their personal information promptly.

 

LEAVING BLUE COLLAR CONNECT

Notice of Termination

Members wishing to terminate their membership must provide written notice to Blue Collar Connect. This notice must be submitted via email to [email protected].

Discontinue Use

Members must discontinue use of any Blue Collar Connect promotional items, including shirts, name badges, documents, and any other items provided during the membership.

Cease Use of Logo

Members must immediately cease the use of the Blue Collar Connect logo and remove it from all business materials, websites, and social media platforms upon termination of membership.

Confidentiality Post-Membership

Members must continue to respect the confidentiality of any proprietary or sensitive information obtained during their membership, even after termination. Do not share any internal strategies or member lists obtained during your membership with external parties after leaving the organization.

 

AMENDMENTS TO AGREEMENT

Blue Collar Connect reserves the right to amend this agreement at any time. 

 

ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By agreeing to the document, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement.

 

MEMBERSHIP FEES

Fee Structure

Membership fees are due each year or two years depending on the membership details. Fees are due in full at time of membership acceptance. Payment plans are available.

Once accepted, yearly membership fee remains the same throughout the duration of membership and does not increase as long as active membership is retained.

If a member leaves and wants to return, the current market price will be required to rejoin.

Payment Terms

• Due Dates: Membership fees are due by the specified dates.
• Late Payments: Consequences of late payments include possible suspension or termination of membership.

Refund Policy

• Membership fees are non-refundable.

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Ownership

All training materials and resources developed by Blue Collar Connect remain the sole property of Blue Collar Connect. 

Use of Intellectual Property

Guidelines for the use of Blue Collar Connect's intellectual property, including trademarks, logos, and content. Members can use Blue Collar Connect's resources for personal business development but shall not distribute them without permission. Upon leaving Blue Collar Connect, any member must cease the use of any and all resources and content created or provided by Blue Collar Connect.

 

LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

Limitation of Liability

The Organization shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses (even if the Organization has been advised of the possibility of such damages), resulting from:

1. The use or the inability to use the services provided by the Organization; b. Unauthorized access to or alteration of Member's transmissions or data; c. Statements or conduct of any third party on the services; d. Any other matter relating to the services.

Member's Liability

The Member agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Organization, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that such parties may incur as a result of or arising from:

1. The Member's breach of any terms of this Agreement; b. The Member's use or misuse of the services provided by the Organization; c. The Member's violation of any rights of another person or entity.

Assumption of Risk

The Member acknowledges that participation in the Organization's events and activities involves inherent risks and dangers, including but not limited to physical or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, death, or economic loss. The Member assumes all risks associated with such participation and releases the Organization from any liability related thereto.

No Warranty

The Organization makes no warranty that:

1. The services will meet the Member's requirements; b. The services will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free; c. The results that may be obtained from the use of the services will be accurate or reliable; d. The quality of any products, services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by the Member through the services will meet the Member's expectations.

Indemnification Procedure

In the event that the Organization seeks indemnification from the Member under this Agreement, the Organization shall:

1. Provide prompt written notice of such claim or action to the Member; b. Permit the Member to assume and control the defense of such action, provided that the Member may not settle any claim without the Organization's consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld; c. Cooperate with the Member's defense of such a claim.

TERM AND RENEWAL

Membership Term

Members may sign up for a 1 year or a 2 year membership. Membership is valid for one year or two years from the date of joining and may be renewed. 

Renewal Process

Membership committee will review and vote on each upcoming renewal. Upon approval, members will receive a renewal notice 30 days before the membership expiration date and must pay the renewal fee and provide current documentation of compliance with laws to continue membership. 

In the event that a member is not approved for renewal, the member will receive a 30 day non-renewal notice. The member may appeal this decision within 14 days of receiving the notice.

 

TERMINATION

Grounds for Termination

Conditions under which a membership may be terminated include violations of the agreement or non-payment of fees. Additional reasons may include: 

• Violations of Blue Collar Connect Ten Commandments or Member Agreement
• Complaints from clients, members of the business community or other contractors
• Failure to pay subcontractors
• Unethical business practice
• Failure to settle outstanding dues
• Lapse of insurance, business license, contractor registration or licensing
• Criminal conviction 

Standard Process for termination: 

1. Blue Collar Connect Team Meeting 
2. Written Warning 
3. Official Termination

Blue Collar Connect reserves the right to terminate any membership at any time for any reason.

Appeal Process

Process for members to appeal a termination decision.

• Members may submit a written appeal within 3 days to the Blue Collar Connect Team for review.
• Blue Collar Connect Team will review and issue a decision within 10 business days.

Addendum: Professional Conduct Policy

Purpose This policy is established to ensure that all members of Blue Collar Connect maintain a professional and respectful environment conducive to collaboration, business growth, and mutual support. By adhering to this policy, members contribute to a positive and productive atmosphere that aligns with the community’s values and mission.

Scope This policy applies to all members of Blue Collar Connect, in all forms of communication and interaction, including but not limited to text messages, emails, social media platforms, in-person meetings, group 1:1’s, and networking events.

General Expectations

• Members are expected to communicate and interact in a manner that reflects professionalism, respect, and integrity.
• Members must refrain from behavior or language that could be deemed inappropriate, unprofessional, or disruptive to Blue Collar Connect's purpose.
• All interactions should prioritize business and professional objectives.

Prohibited Behaviors To maintain a professional environment, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

1. Unprofessional Communication:
• Use of offensive, disrespectful, or inflammatory language in any form of communication.
• Sharing inappropriate, non-business-related content in group settings or direct communications with other members.
2. Flirting and Dating:
• Flirting, romantic propositions, or dating among members is not permitted.
• Behavior that may be construed as flirtatious, suggestive, or intended to establish a romantic relationship is strictly prohibited.
• Members must respect boundaries and ensure their interactions do not create discomfort for others.
3. Creation of Uncomfortable Situations:
• Engaging in conduct that might intimidate, harass, or alienate other members.
• Failing to respect requests for privacy or professional boundaries.
• Sharing of non-business related personal problems and relationship difficulties is not acceptable. 

Guidelines for Communication and Meetings

• Text and Email: Messages should remain professional, concise, and business-focused. Avoid language or any tone that could be misinterpreted.
• Social Media: Posts and comments within the community’s social media groups should relate to professional topics. Personal disputes, off-topic content, and inappropriate posts are not acceptable.
• In-Person Interactions: Maintain professional decorum at all BCC meetings, networking events, and gatherings. Avoid conversations or actions that could detract from the professional nature of the community.
• 1:1’s and Group Meetings: All meetings should be held during business hours and in places that are accepted as business meeting places. We strongly encourage group meetings of 3 or more people. We strongly discourage individual meetings with members of the opposite sex. 

Reporting and Enforcement

• Members who feel uncomfortable or witness conduct that violates this policy are encouraged to report their concerns to the community’s leadership team confidentially through the incident reporting form.
• When submitting a report, please provide as much proof as possible (such as screenshots, call logs, emails, messages, posts, pictures, etc).
• Violations of this policy will be reviewed by the leadership team and may result in corrective action, up to and including coaching with leaders or even termination of membership.

Acknowledgment By joining Blue Collar Connect, members agree to uphold the principles and guidelines outlined in this Professional Conduct Policy. Failure to comply with these standards may result in disciplinary action, as deemed appropriate by the leadership team.

Effective Date This policy is effective as of December 1, 2024.

Revisions: This document will be a living document and may be revised as the business evolves. All revisions of this policy will be added to the membership agreement, located on Do Work University under the Resource Library.