4. Competition and Fair Dealing
We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly. Stealing proprietary information, possessing secret trade information that was obtained without the owner’s consent, or inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies is prohibited. Each director, officer and employee should endeavor to respect the rights of and deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. No director, officer or employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other intentional unfair-dealing practice.
Company personnel should not engage a competitor in discussions, agreements or understandings concerning proprietary or specific information with regards to tenant lease terms, investees, interest rates, transaction structures, similar business related arrangements or any other business of the Company. In addition, Company personnel should avoid discussing with a competitor of any other agreements inhibiting free and open competition or involving tie-in sales or reciprocal transactions without prior authorization from the Chief Financial Officer.
The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create good will and sound working relationships, not to gain an unfair advantage with customers. No gift or entertainment should ever be offered, given, provided or accepted by any Company director, officer or employee, family member of a director, officer or employee or agent unless it: (1) is not a cash gift, (2) is consistent with customary business practices, (3) is not excessive in value, (4) cannot be construed as a bribe or payoff and (5) does not violate any laws or regulations. Any proposed gift to a director, officer or employee, family member of a director, officer or employee or agent which is other than of nominal value (greater than $50) should be discussed first with the Chief Financial Officer for appropriate resolution, in advance of the receipt of such proposed gift.
5. Equal Employment and Working Conditions
Each of us has a fundamental responsibility to show respect and consideration to our co-workers. The diversity of the Company’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment or any kind. All employment practices and decisions, including those involving recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, compensation, benefits, discipline and termination, will be conducted without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex or age and will comply with all applicable laws.
6. Relationships with Co-workers
The Company expects everyone to provide co-workers with information that is accurate, complete, objective, relevant, timely and understandable and to share knowledge and maintain skills important and relevant to each co-workers’ needs.
The Company expects all supervisory personnel to promote ethical behavior in the work environment. |