You can also access the Hotline via the web at https://www.whistleblowerservices.com/AWRE. The Hotline is owned, staffed and managed by an independent company and is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week. All communications submitted through the Hotline are received on a confidential and anonymous basis by the chairperson of the Audit Committee, who shall in turn report the matter to the Audit Committee for discussion, evaluation, response and follow-up actions, if necessary. The Audit Committee may engage independent counsel and other advisers, as it may deem necessary and appropriate, to address the substance of the complaint. Information about known or suspected violations relating to accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters may also be reported using the Hotline.
Any report of a suspected violations of laws, rules, regulations or the Code or any other unethical behavior by any Covered Person should specify in reasonable detail both the nature of the complaint, and the persons involved in and/or with knowledge of the violation. It should also be accompanied by or make reference to any supporting documentation, if applicable. If requested, the Company will maintain the confidentiality of any report, subject to the requirements of applicable law, regulations or legal proceedings.
The Audit Committee will investigate and determine, or shall designate appropriate persons to investigate and determine, the legitimacy of any reports. The Audit Committee, in consultation with the Company’s legal counsel, as appropriate, will recommend to the Board appropriate disciplinary action. Such disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, reprimand, termination with cause, and possible civil and criminal prosecution.
The Company will not tolerate retaliation for reports made in good faith. Retaliation or retribution against any person for a report made in good faith of any suspected violation of laws, rules, regulations or this Code is itself a violation of the Code and cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of the retaliating person’s employment by the Company.
It is not intended that this Code, any other Company policy or any agreement between any person and the Company should have the effect of preventing a Covered Person from reporting possible violations of federal law to any government agency or entity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Code or any other Company policy, or in any agreement entered into between the Company and person, nothing in any such document or agreement prohibits any Covered Person, or is intended in any manner to prohibit any Covered Person or anyone else, from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the SEC, Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Covered Persons do not need the prior authorization of anyone at the Company or its legal counsel to make any such report or disclosure and are not required to notify the Company that any such report or disclosure has been made.
VII. Corporate Opportunities
All Covered Persons owe a duty to the Company to advance the interests of the Company when the opportunity to do so arises. Covered Persons are prohibited from directly or indirectly (a) taking personally for themselves opportunities that are discovered through the use of Company property, information or positions; (b) using Company property, information or positions for personal gain; or (c) competing with the Company for business opportunities. Even if the Company’s Board determine that the Company will not pursue an opportunity that relates to the Company’s business, a Covered Person may only do so, after receiving written approval from the Board of his or her intended course of action.
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