| Directors, officers and employees of the Company are expected to make decisions and take actions based on the best interests of the Company, as a whole, and not based on personal relationships or benefits. Generally, a “conflict of interest” is an activity that is inconsistent with or opposed to the best interest of the Company or one which gives the appearance of impropriety. As conflicts of interest can compromise the ethical behavior of Company personnel, they should be avoided. |
| Employees should avoid any relationship which would create a conflict of interest. Employees are expected to disclose such relationships and conflicts to their immediate supervisors. Conflicts of interest involving those with whom the Company does business should also be disclosed in writing to such third parties. Any waivers of conflicts of interest must be approved by the Board of Directors or an appropriate committee. |
| Members of the Board of Directors are to disclose any conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest to the entire Board of Directors as well as the committees on which they serve. Directors are to excuse themselves from participation in any decision of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof in any matter in which there is a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest. |
| Set forth below is specific guidance in respect to certain conflicts of interest situations. As it is not possible to list all conflicts of interest situations, it is the responsibility of the individual, ultimately, to avoid and properly address any situation involving a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest. Company personnel who wish to obtain clarification of the Company’s conflicts of interest principles or further guidance with respect to the proper handling of any specific situation should consult his or her immediate supervisor, the Company’s President or Chief Financial Officer or the Company’s outside legal counsel. |
| Proper Payments: All individuals should pay for and receive only that which is proper. Company personnel should not make improper payments for the purposes of influencing another’s acts or decisions and should not receive any improper payments or gifts from others for the purposes influencing the decisions or actions of Company’s personnel. No individual should give gifts beyond those extended in the context of normal business circumstances. Company personnel must observe all government restrictions on gifts and entertainment. |
| Supervisory Relationships: Supervisory relationships with family members present special workplace issues. Accordingly, Company personnel must avoid a direct reporting relationship with a family member or any individual with whom a significant relationship exists. If such a relationship exists or occurs, the individuals involved must report the relationship in writing to the Board of Directors. |
