GEO Issuer Advisory Council Charter

Purpose

The purpose of the Issuer Advisory Council (the Advisory Council) is to:

  • Serve as an advisory body to GEO regarding issuer needs, marketplace developments, etc.
  • Preview, test and provide feedback about new and existing service offerings.
  • Serve as a conduit for fresh ideas and a forum for meaningful discussion that will result in recommendations for improved operations for GEO and ultimately business growth.
  • Provide a forum for GEO to build and strengthen relationships with our corporate issuer members.
  • Serve as a resource for blog issuances.
  • Develop prospective board members.
  • Provide a way for participation with GEO without the higher commitment level of a GEO board position.

 

Role of the Issuer Advisory Council

The Issuer Advisory Council will consist of geographically diverse, corporate issuer members and will provide broad vision and feedback to GEO’s Board of Directors and staff. The Council will be a key link for GEO to corporate issuer member needs and priorities for GEO programs. Moreover, the Council will be an important channel for GEO outreach. Issuer Advisory Council members will provide feedback about new and/or proposed GEO programs. Finally, the Issuer Advisory Council will offer its members the opportunity to communicate with and learn from each other.

 

Time Commitment

The Issuer Advisory Council will meet 3-4 times per calendar year via a combination of in-person meetings (typically scheduled in conjunction with GEO conferences) and via conference calls, facilitated by GEO staff and council chair. Separate conference calls will be held for GEO’s US and non-US Issuer Advisory Council members. Each Issuer Advisory Council member is expected to attend a minimum of 75% of the Issuer Advisory Council’s meetings. Members are strongly encouraged to attend one in-person meeting each year.

 

Responsibilities of Issuer Advisory Council Members

Issuer Advisory Council members serve as a communications link between the company he or she represents and GEO. Advisory Council members are expected to advise GEO on matters presented for discussion on topics such as:

  • Overall strategic direction of the organization
  • New and existing member service offerings and fee structure
  • Material for blog issuances
  • Guidance and opinions on event locations and formats
  • Review of conference events
  • Types of best-in-class resources for corporate issuer members
  • Opportunities for relationship building
  • Periodic review and report on effectiveness of the Issuer Advisory Council

Perhaps the simplest part of this expectation entails attending and actively participating in the Issuer Advisory Council meetings.

 

Issuer Advisory Council Membership

The Issuer Advisory Council will have approximately 30 members. Geographic representation of the Issuer Advisory Council will generally approximate the GEO membership mix. Council membership will be highly encouraged to firms with a presence in GEO’s areas of strategic geographic focus, e.g., Asia, South Africa, etc. Multi-location corporate issuers are welcome to have a representative from each location on the council. Issuer Advisory Council members will be required to maintain an active GEO membership throughout their term on the Issuer Advisory Council.

While invitations for membership may be made on a personal basis where determined appropriate, Issuer Advisory Council membership will be open to any individual who volunteers.

GEO reserves the right to withdraw a firm’s representation on the Issuer Advisory Council. 

 

Selection

The Issuer Advisory Council chair will be elected by the GEO Board.

 

Member Benefits

In recognition of the significance of this role, the following benefits are available to each Issuer Advisory Council member:

  • Influence in the overall direction of the organization
  • Regular opportunity to express thoughts and concerns and provide input to GEO operations
  • A medium for networking with industry peers around the world
  • Developing ground for prospective board members
  • Involvement with GEO without the higher commitment level of a board position
  • Visibility/recognition in GEO marketing materials and on its website as an Issuer Advisory Council member
  • Preference for participation in other GEO activities/committees

 

Success Measures/Desired Outcomes of Issuer Advisory Council

  • Effective and useful input, which helps in decision-making, prioritizing, planning and advancement of GEO's mission.
  • Well-attended meetings with strong member participation.
  • Diverse geographic representation.
  • Enhanced relationships with GEO and corporate issuer members.
  • Positive response from GEO and Issuer Advisory Council members as to effort versus rewards.