Members of the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association mixed business with pleasure at their annual holiday party.

The festive Dec. 1 gathering paused for a brief vote to approve the board's suggested changes to the bylaws. The board came up with the changes to boost membership and recruitment and evenly distribute board responsibilities.

The members unanimously approved the changes, expanding active membership to managers and designated employees, and the association extended its membership to businesses outside Willow Glen's geographical boundaries by a two-thirds vote and increased the number of board directors from nine to 12. The changes also included extending the board member directors' term of office from one to two years, so those elected can build upon their first year of experience. The president will also select a president-elect during his or her term.

Former Adobe Hall owner Steve Hanleigh suggested to the board that the association may want to consider endorsing political candidates to have more political clout. Silicon Valley Community News publisher and owner David Cohen added that a legislative committee would be useful for putting the association's support behind political issues.

—Beth Walker