League Formation & Organization

On December 5, 1963, the Community Problems Discussion Dinner convened at the Daytona Plaza Hotel. This dinner signified the first step in the formation of the Civic League of the Halifax Area. J. Saxton Lloyd, a prominent businessman and community leader, attended the dinner and respectfully submitted a list of thirty-three community projects which he concluded would be successful "with a vigorous Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce." The implementation and execution of these activities; however, would become the impetus for the creation of the Civic League of the Halifax Area.

The original name of the organization was the Community Development Council. On April 20, 1965, a revision in the by-laws of the Community Development Council changed the name of the organization to the Civic League of the Halifax Area. Article II of the by-laws stated the purpose of the League:

“This corporation is formed to study, confer and act upon any matter, economic in character, which may be deemed to affect the welfare of, the Halifax Area of the County of Volusia, or the State of Florida and to support any educational or civic enterprise deemed by the League to promote such welfare."

In addition, Article II stated the League's intentions to remain non-partisan and not for profit.

Membership Rules

And Governance Structure

Article III of the by-laws dealt with membership and voting privileges. Section one stated that all members received one vote and that membership be limited in number if deemed necessary by the League. In addition, a valid meeting required at least 50% of the members, plus one. Section two limited membership to those individuals who "occupy an executive position in the management of a business or public service enterprise, or he shall be a member of one of the recognized professions." Section three stated that prospective members be nominated in writing, without the knowledge of the nominee. This written nomination included all qualifications of the candidate to be forwarded to the membership committee, where upon approval, be submitted to the Executive Committee and the entire membership for a vote. If 80% of the membership voted affirmatively the nomination passed. Section four indicated that a new member must sign a statement whereby he agreed with and abided by the objectives and resolutions of the League.

Article III, Section five of the by-laws, stated that the Chairman selects a five person Membership Committee with the identity of these members to remain secret except for that of the Chairman. Section six indicated that voting be exercised by secret written ballot. Section seven stipulated that members must attend at least 75% of all meetings with no more than three consecutive unexcused absences. Finally, section eight maintained that, "membership shall be continuous until terminated by resignation, death or ceasing to possess the qualifications of admission to membership."

Organizational Framework

And Future Goals

Article IV of the by-laws established that the annual meeting be held on the first Thursday of the month of November and regular meetings convene no less than quarterly. At these meetings, officers and Executive Committee members would be elected. Section two stipulated that each member is charged an incidental expense fee of $100.00 per year, and failure to pay such dues could result in loss of vote or dismissal. Article V indicated that it was the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to provide the names of nominees to the Executive Committee. In addition, at any Council meeting where nominations for the Executive Council or any office, members could make nominations from the floor. Article VI declared that a twelve member Executive Committee would act on behalf of the Council between meetings. The term of the Executive Committee members was one year and the Chairman of the Council would also be the Chairman of the Executive Committee. The Chairman reserved the right to convene a meeting when necessary and a majority of the members present would constitute a quorum. In addition, the Chairman could appoint special committees with the "advice and consent of the Executive Committee."

Article VII outlined the offices of the Council. This article specified that a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer serve one-year terms and be members of the Executive Committee. These officers would not receive any compensation for their services. Article VIII declared that no funds or contributions are solicited unless the proceeds were directed through the Council, and proper officers, to be utilized for purposes enunciated in the by-laws. In addition, no funds could be used to benefit other organizations. Article IX stipulated that the by-laws could be amended for purposes of civic improvement by a majority vote. Finally, section two decreed that Roberts Rule should preside when the by-laws did not accommodate "any specific provisions."

On April 21, 1965, one day after the official formation of the Civic League of the Halifax Area, the Daytona Beach News Journal ran an article announcing the League's purpose and plans for the future. The first officers of the League were announced as J. Saxton Lloyd, Chairman; Hayward Brown, Vice Chairman; Walter B. Booth, Secretary; and Harley M. Force, Treasurer. The article continued by quoting Lloyd as saying the purpose of the League "will be to support those activities which will contribute to the progress and development of the area." Furthermore, the article informed the public of projects the League intended to initiate. One of the first projects would focus on tourism and the problems created by tourism. According to Lloyd the League's recommendations on the issue of tourism would "keep the Greater Daytona Beach Area abreast of the rapid pace of tourist development throughout Florida." Another project included a study to determine whether a county administrator would benefit Volusia County. In addition, the League would help devise a plan for road construction to deter "an inadequate and hodgepodge paving program."

The article continued by delving into the political aspirations of the League. When asked if the League would be politically active, Lloyd responded: "It is altogether possible that the League won't be able to avoid political issues." Lloyd continued this noncommittal stance by saying the League had not yet determined if it would support candidates or encourage individuals to run for office. Lloyd stated that it was not the purpose of the League to replace any existing groups; but instead, would support them in their endeavors. Lloyd goes on to say; however, that the League "can be more effective than groups, which change administrations every year, because it will be permanent."

Lloyd continued to say that the League would be comprised of members who are primarily owners or managers of business in Volusia County. These businesses share a hefty tax burden; thus, have a large stake in the development and maintenance of the county. Lloyd explained about membership:
“While we have no intention of excluding anyone from participation in the plans we conceive for community development and the work that most assuredly will be involved, we are keeping the membership in the League on a by invitation basis in order to maintain the organization at a workable size and to help assure a balance of community interests among its members."
Lloyd concluded by stating that the membership would eventually reach forty.

The Civic League is a non-profit and nonpartisan group of community leaders dedicated to civic engagement.