Star Inc - Lighting the Way

“Membership is open to all persons, families, corporations and organizations who support star's purposes, and who pay annual dues, which shall be set by the board of directors. The membership year shall run concurrently with star's fiscal year. Payment of dues shall confer upon a general member all rights, duties and powers attributable to a general member as provided in the certificate of incorporation, these by-laws, and the connecticut revised nonstock corporation act (rnca). Each general member is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the general membership. Family memberships shall have two votes and rights, duties and powers accordingly.”

“Star members elect the board of directors and one (1) member of the nominating committee”

“Besides electing members of the governing body, star members have the power to adopt, amend, restate and repeal the certificate of incorporation, approve mergers, divestitures, and dissolutions. Star members may also review, approve or perform such other matters as may be expressly reserved to general members by rnca including by way of reference but not by limitation, sections 33-1130, 1142, 1156, 1166, 1171, 1173, 1175, 1187, 1236, 1242, and 1285.”

“Executive committee of the board of directors will review the 990 with the executive director and director of financial services. Any questions or concerns will be addressed to the agency auditing firm.”

“The conflict of interest policy is signed by each new board member at their orientation. Each board member is required prior to a vote to disclose any possible conflict of interest. The board shall then determine the extent to which the members may or may not participate in the matter. This is noted in the minutes. Star's compliance officer is responsible for investigating and resolving all reported complaints and allegations concerning violations and, at his/her discretion, shall advise the audit committee. The compliance officer has direct access to the audit committee of the board of directors and is required to report to the audit committee at least annually on compliance activity. Star's compliance officer is the chair of the audit committee.”

“Deloitte, an independent accounting firm, conducted a comprehensive employee compensation and benefits diagnostic study in july 2008. Deloitte benchmarked total cash compensation for star employees to determine whether pay levels are consistent with market practice. The key steps to their study included: 1) determining appropriate labor markets in which star competes both for talent and business under current compensation strategy, 2) conduct a comprehensive marketplace analysis of base salary and total cash compensation levels for all employees, 3) assess the competitiveness of the employees total cash compensation compared to the marketplace, 4) assess whether the current pay levels are consistent with star's pay strategy. The board and executive director approve all increases.”

“Star makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available to the public upon request. In addition the financial statement is included in the annual report which is mailed to all members, donors, and friends of star. The annual report is posted on star's web site. Financial documents are submitted annually to the office of policy and management of the state of ct.”

“There have been no changes made to the organization's oversight or selection process during the tax year.”