USC Chapter 223

in effect

36 U.S.C. § 22301 Organization

(a) Federal Charter.—American Symphony Orchestra League (in this chapter, the “corporation”) is a federally chartered corporation. (b) Perpetual Existence.—Except as otherwise provided, the corporation has perpetual existence.

36 U.S.C. § 22302 Purposes

The purposes of the corporation are— (1) to serve as a coordinating, research, and educational agency and clearinghouse for symphony orchestras to help strengthen the work in their local communities; (2) to assist in the formation of new symphony orchestras; (3) to encourage and recognize the work of America’s musicians, conductors, and composers, through suitable means; and (4) to aid the expansion of the musical and cultural life of the United States through suitable educational and service activities.

36 U.S.C. § 22303 Membership

(a) Eligibility.—Except as provided in this chapter, eligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights, privileges, and designation of classes of members are as provided in the constitution and bylaws of the corporation. (b) Voting.—Each member (except an honorary, sustaining, or associate member) has one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members.

36 U.S.C. § 22304 Governing body

(a) Board of Directors.—(1) The board of directors is the governing body of the corporation. Between meetings of the members of the corporation, the board is responsible for the general policies and program of the corporation and for the control of contributions raised by the corporation. (2) The number of directors, their manner of selection (including the filling of vacancies), and their term of office are as provided in the constitution and bylaws of the corporation. (b) Officers.—(1) The officers of the corporation are a president, one or more vice presidents as provided in the constitution and bylaws, a secretary, a treasurer, and one or more assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers as provided in the constitution and bylaws. (2) The manner of election, term of office, and duties of the officers are as provided in the constitution and bylaws.

36 U.S.C. § 22305 Powers

The corporation may— (1) adopt and amend a constitution and bylaws for the management of its property and the regulation of its affairs; (2) adopt and alter a corporate seal; (3) choose officers, managers, agents, and employees as the activities of the corporation require; (4) make contracts; (5) acquire, own, lease, encumber, and transfer property as necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of the corporation; (6) borrow money, issue instruments of indebtedness, and secure its obligations by granting security interests in its property; and (7) sue and be sued.

36 U.S.C. § 22306 Exclusive right to name, insignia, emblems, and badges

The corporation has the exclusive right to use the name “American Symphony Orchestra League” and distinctive insignia, emblems and badges, descriptive or designating marks, and words or phrases required to carry out the duties and powers of the corporation. This section does not affect any vested rights.

36 U.S.C. § 22307 Restrictions

(a) Stock and Dividends.—The corporation may not issue stock or declare or pay a dividend. (b) Political Activities.—The corporation or a director or officer as such may not contribute to, support, or assist a political party or candidate for public office. (c) Distribution of Income or Assets.—The income or assets of the corporation may not inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, a director, officer, or member as such during the life of the corporation or on its dissolution or final liquidation. This subsection does not prevent the payment of compensation to an officer in an amount approved by the board of directors. (d) Loans.—The corporation may not make a loan or advance to a director, officer, or employee. Directors who vote for or assent to making a loan or advance to a director, officer, or employee, and officers who participate in making the loan or advance, are jointly and severally liable to the corporation for the amount of the loan or advance until it is repaid.

36 U.S.C. § 22308 Principal office

The principal office of the corporation shall be in Charleston, West Virginia, or another place decided by the board of directors. However, the activities of the corporation are not confined to the place where the principal office is located but may be conducted throughout the States, territories, and possessions of the United States.

36 U.S.C. § 22309 Records and inspection

(a) Records.—The corporation shall keep—(1) correct and complete records of account; (2) minutes of the proceedings of its members, board of directors, and committees having any of the authority of its board of directors; and (3) at its principal office, a record of the names and addresses of its members entitled to vote. (b) Inspection.—A member entitled to vote, or an agent or attorney of the member, may inspect the records of the corporation for any proper purpose, at any reasonable time.

36 U.S.C. § 22310 Service of process

The corporation shall have a designated agent in the District of Columbia to receive service of process for the corporation. Notice to or service on the agent, or mailed to the business address of the agent, is notice to or service on the corporation.

36 U.S.C. § 22311 Liability for acts of officers and agents

The corporation is liable for the acts of its officers and agents acting within the scope of their authority.

36 U.S.C. § 22312 Distribution of assets on dissolution or final liquidation

On dissolution or final liquidation of the corporation, any assets remaining after the discharge of all liabilities shall be distributed as provided by the board of directors, but in compliance with the constitution and bylaws of the corporation.