In accordance with Rule 43 of the Business Armadale Constitution, a Special General Meeting (SGM) has been called by the members of the committee to address the following motion:

"That Ashley Hassell be removed from the position of President of Business Armadale due to a conflict of interest, in accordance with Rule 31(3)(a) of the Constitution. If the President does not voluntarily resign, this motion shall proceed to a vote by the members at this meeting. If the motion is carried, the Committee will immediately proceed with the election of a new President in accordance with Rule 31(3)(b) and Rule 26."

Please see below the details of the 'Conflict of Interest':

Since the start of 2025, Ashley Hassell has been a licensee of another privately owned business networking group, Superior Business Networks, without consulting or informing the committee about this potential conflict of interest.

Ashley has already held several meetings for Superior Business Networks at Dome Cafe in Armadale and has invited Business Armadale members to these events via text messages and at Business Armadale events.

Given that Superior Business Networks is a direct competitor of Business Armadale, there is a concern that Ashley has access to Business Armadale's business plans, event plans, and intellectual property. Additionally, he has not disclosed the substantial financial investment required to join Superior Business Networks, nor the fact that he stands to profit from having our members join.

Members of Business Armadale have raised questions with the committee regarding the association between Business Armadale and Superior Business Networks. There is an assumption among members that Business Armadale is endorsing Superior Business Networks, which is negatively affecting the reputation and integrity of our non-profit organization.

To be clear, Business Armadale has no issue with Superior Business Networks operating in the area, nor with Ashley being a member of both organizations. The board's concern arises from a single person being in a position of power and influence in both organizations.

If the above motion fails, the remaining board members have pledged to step down from their positions, necessitating a full election.

If the above motion passes, the board will raise either of two subsequent motions:

a) Immediately nominate and elect a temporary president to serve until the AGM in July, where all board positions are available, or

b) Receive nominations from members at the meeting for the role of President, with a vote to take place during the meeting. This new President will stay in place for a two-year term.

Meeting Details

Date: Monday, 24th March

⏰ Time: 5:30PM

Location: Karda Hills Room, Kelmscott Hall, River Road, Kelmscott

Agenda Items

1️⃣ Call to Order & Welcome

2️⃣ Motion to Remove the President

3️⃣ Discussion & Member Input

4️⃣ Voting Process

5️⃣ (If Motion Passes) Election of a New President

This meeting is a critical opportunity for members to participate in the governance of Business Armadale. If you are unable to attend, you may appoint a proxy voter in accordance with Rule 46.

Please RSVP by 5pm, Sunday 23rd March.

Please note that the President does have the right to respond under Rule 31(4) & (5), and that we will continue operations as usual until a decision is made.

Should you have any questions or wish to tender a proxy vote, please contact the secretary directly via email - secretary@armadalechamber.com.au