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CONDUCT OF BUSINESS GUIDELINES
Graco Strategic Policy Statement
- Conduct of Business
Graco will conduct its business
ethically and with integrity,
and
in compliance
with all applicable
laws and governmental regulations.
Every employee will understand and follow Graco's Conduct of Business Guidelines
and other company policies, comply with all applicable laws, and forego business
opportunities that would compromise Graco's ethical standards. Management
will provide training and advice on Graco's ethical
standards and legal compliance. |
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GRACO'S BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
GRACO AND ITS EMPLOYEES
GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY
These Conduct of Business Guidelines are intended to help
Graco achieve its mission by protecting and enhancing Graco's
worldwide reputation as an ethical and law-abiding company.
They are also intended to help avoid violations of law that
can be extremely expensive and damaging to Graco's
reputation. These Guidelines apply to the employees, officers
and directors of Graco Inc. and all of its subsidiaries
and branches worldwide.
Graco expects you to understand these Guidelines and comply
with them and with all applicable laws. You are also expected
to conduct your Graco activities with honesty and integrity.
Graco's Legal Department is available to help you
comply with the law.
Of course, some activities will not be covered by these
Guidelines or by law, and some laws set unacceptably low
standards of conduct. You should be able to judge any action
you are considering against the following standards and
answer "yes" to each of these questions:
- Is it the "right thing" to do?
- If you were being affected by the action, is it what
you would want to have done (the "Golden Rule")?
- Will the action stand public scrutiny - would you be
comfortable reading about it in tomorrow's newspaper?
- Will it protect and enhance Graco's reputation
as an ethical
company?
If you cannot answer "yes" to each of these questions, it is time
to rethink your decision and discuss it with your management or the Legal Department.
Management Obligations
Graco's managers are responsible for creating a work
environment in which the highest ethical standards are consistently
practiced, and for assuring that Graco's Conduct of
Business Guidelines are followed and the law is obeyed.
We all share a responsibility to protect Graco's reputation.
It takes courage for an employee to raise an ethical issue.
Graco therefore encourages its managers to maintain an open
door policy for dealing with these issues.
Graco's Conduct of Business Program is under the
supervision of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which has
approved these Guidelines. These Guidelines may not be waived,
in whole or part, for any officer or director of Graco except by
the Audit Committee, and any such waiver shall be promptly
disclosed to the Company's shareholders. The Vice
President and General Counsel is responsible for the Program.
Help With Questions
No guidelines can cover all situations. When you need help interpreting or applying the Guidelines, you can:
Discuss the matter with your supervisor.
Contact your Employee Relations Representative or the Human
Resources Department.
Call the Legal Department at 612-623-6604, or send a fax
to the Legal Department at 612-623-6944.
Write to:
Graco Inc.
Attention: Legal Department
P.O. Box 1441
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440-1441
E-mail to: legal@graco.com
Reporting Suspected Violations
If you know of, or suspect, a violation of these Guidelines
or any law, you should do one of the following:
- Report the matter to your supervisor.
- Call, write or e-mail the Legal Department. You may
remain anonymous if you wish. (See above for
contact information.)
- Call the Graco Ethics Hotline at 1-887-846-8913
- E-mail at ethics@graco.com
All reports of suspected violations will be thoroughly investigated. There
will be no reprisals against any employee reporting a violation or suspected
violation in good faith.
Discipline and Sanctions
These Conduct of Business Guidelines are an essential
part of Graco. Every officer, director and employee is
required to follow them. Violations of these Guidelines may lead
to reprimand, probation, demotion, temporary suspension
or discharge. Failing to report or actively condoning a
violation of these Guidelines may also result in employee
discipline. In certain cases, an employee who violates
these Guidelines may have to reimburse Graco for losses. Violations
of criminal law may be referred to the appropriate authorities
for prosecution.
Additional Copies
For additional copies of the Graco Conduct of Business
Guidelines, write, call or e-mail the Legal Department,
or
send a fax to the Legal Department at 612-623-6944.
GRACO'S BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
In conducting Graco's business, you may deal with
a variety of people and organizations, including customers, suppliers
and competitors, as well as other Graco employees. All business relationships should be based on a solid foundation of honesty
and fairness.
The following Guidelines address Graco's relationship
with our customers, competitors, suppliers and others outside the
Company.
Graco Strategic Policy Statement - Quality
We strive for excellence and continuous improvement
in everything we do. We will understand our customers'
requirements and meet them on time. No defects or delays
are acceptable. Quality is the individual responsibility of every Graco employee.
Every Graco manager is responsible for managing quality
in his/her area. This includes designing and installing
effective processes, setting and monitoring standards, and
most importantly, selecting, training and involving capable,
informed employees.
Every Graco employee is personally responsible for
the quality of his/her work. Each of us will understand our customers'
requirements and make the personal effort to meet those
requirements on time.
For Further Detail See Management Policy and Procedure
90-004, Quality & Reliability.
Product Safety
Safe products and services are essential for Graco to maintain
a competitive position in the marketplace, retain the confidence
of our customers, and minimize product liability exposure.
All Graco products shall be designed, manufactured, installed
and serviced to meet Graco's internal safety standards,
external regulations and the standards of the appropriate
approval entities. Written product safety standards and
procedures for product design, production and use shall
be maintained for all products.
For further detail see Management Policy and Procedure
90-003, Product Safety Assurance.
Product Representation
Truth in Advertising
Graco will avoid any mis-statement of fact or misleading
impression in any of its advertising, literature, exhibits
or other public statements. All statements about Graco products
and services shall be true and supported by documentation. The total impression of the message must also be considered.
Any omission of fact, wrongful emphasis or use of illustrative
material that would tend to mislead a casual reader, listener
or viewer shall be avoided.
Disparagement
Graco will not make any false or misleading remarks regarding competitive organizations or individuals, or their products
and services. All Graco products and services will be sold on
their merits. When we are making comparisons between Graco products and those of competitors, we must be sure that
all statements are factual, accurate and not misleading.
Strategic Policy Statement - Suppliers
Graco suppliers are integral in achieving the Company's
goal of being the highest quality, lowest cost, most responsive
manufacturer. The Company will ensure, through a formal
process, that its suppliers are capable of supporting its
requirements for rapid product design change, innovation,
quality, business process development, value and lower inventories.
The Company will deal with its suppliers fairly and cultivate
an environment of mutual respect and trust. Graco will identify
and qualify the smallest necessary number of suppliers with
which to build long-term relationships for mutual benefit.
The Company will strive to do business with suppliers worldwide
which conduct business legally and ethically, and respect
the human dignity of their employees.
Fair Competition (Antitrust)
The antitrust laws are intended to preserve competition
by prohibiting actions that could unreasonably restrain the
functioning of a free and competitive marketplace. Antitrust
violations are extremely serious and can result in heavy
fines and even criminal prosecution.
The following areas pose substantial antitrust risks. Actions
in these areas may not be taken without first consulting the
Legal Department.
- No Graco employee shall enter into any agreement, written or oral, express or implied, with a competitor regarding
prices, price-related terms (discounts, rebates, payment
terms, etc.), allocation of markets or customers, bidding
practices, or limiting or refusing to do business with
any customer. Because conversations can be interpreted
as agreements, avoid any conversation with competitors
about any of those subjects.
- Graco shall not compel or dictate resale prices charged
for Graco products, or customers or territories where
such products may be resold.
It is the policy of Graco to comply fully with both the
letter and spirit of the antitrust laws of all countries
in which Graco conducts business. This includes the U.S.
antitrust laws, Articles 81 - 86 of the Treaty of Rome in
the European Union, and the Anti-Monopoly Act of Japan.
Management employees are expected to maintain familiarity
with the principles of these antitrust laws and to do nothing
which might violate such laws or give any appearance of
an intention to violate them.
The provisions of the antitrust laws apply to both formal and informal communications.
Employees involved in trade association activities or in other situations allowing
for informal communication among competitors, customers or suppliers must be
especially alert to the requirements of the law.
Graco considers compliance with the applicable antitrust
laws so vitally important that claims of ignorance, good
intentions or failure to seek timely advice will not be accepted as an
excuse for violations.
For Further Detail See Management Policy and Procedure
10-014, Policy on Antitrust Compliance.
Competitive Information
Graco will not violate the legal rights of competitors
or other parties in the gathering and use of competitive
information and will obey all laws that apply to the information
of competitors. The following points will help you avoid
violations:
- Only lawful and ethical methods can be used to obtain
competitive information. Graco will not engage in any
spying or industrial espionage activities, or any activities
that could be misinterpreted as such.
- Information about a competitor's pricing, price
terms, customers or market share should not be obtained directly
from the competitor or from someone who is legally bound
not to disclose this information.
- Information that is confidential or proprietary to a
competitor or other party may not be gathered or used
unless that party voluntarily disclosed it to Graco.
- Graco shall strictly comply with the provisions of all confidential information and non-disclosure agreements
which it enters into, and take measures to assure compliance.
Confidential information of other parties shall not be
shared beyond those who have a "need to know"
such information to perform their jobs for Graco.
- Any confidential or proprietary information of another
party, including a competitor, which is inadvertently
disclosed to Graco shall not be used and shall be immediately
returned to the owner.
Graco shall not solicit or use any confidential or proprietary information of a competitor or other party available to
a current or former employee or consultant of that party.
Graco shall inform any current or former employee or consultant
of a competitor who becomes an employee and/or performs
services for Graco, that he or she is expected not to disclose
or use any confidential or proprietary information of the
competitor or other party in performing services for Graco.
Graco will also tell the person to comply with all legal
and contractual requirements that person may have regarding
such information. No Graco manager will apply any pressure,
implicit or explicit, on any employee to use or disclose
the confidential information of a former employer.
Giving Business Courtesies and Gratuities
Business courtesies and gratuities are gifts, such as meals,
cocktails, discounts, hospitality, entertainment, recreation,
tickets, promotional items, transportation and any tangible
or intangible "thing of value" for which the
recipient does not pay the fair market value.
Graco employees may give business courtesies or gratuities
in their Graco business dealings with commercial customers
and with other non-government parties provided they meet the following guidelines:
- They do not violate the law, regulations, or reasonable customs of the marketplace or the known policy of the
recipient or the recipients employer;
- They are reasonable in cost, amount, quantity and frequency;
- They are appropriate as to time and place;
- They do not influence or give the appearance of influencing
the business judgment of the recipient;
- They can stand public scrutiny without damaging Graco's reputation; and
- They are properly reflected on Graco books and records.
Under no circumstances should you give money as a business
courtesy or gratuity.
These guidelines apply even when no reimbursement from the Company is sought.
The rules regarding gifts and gratuities
to government employees or officials are considerably different
from these guidelines and are very strict. Giving anything
of value, even nominal value, to an official or employee
of the U.S. government is strictly prohibited, as are certain payments to foreign
government officials. Similar laws may apply to state
and
local government officials and employees. Check with the
Legal Department before providing anything of value, even
if it is nominal,
to any governmental official or employee. Also see the
sections titled Business with the U.S. Government
and Transacting International Business in these Conduct
of Business Guidelines.
Use of Software
Most computer software is the valuable intellectual property
of the developer or other owner of the software. It is usually
protected by copyright, patent, and/or trade secret and
is made available to users under the terms of license agreements.
The unauthorized use of this proprietary software on Graco equipment could
expose both the user and the Company to serious liabilities
for violation of these rights. Therefore, it is Graco's policy that all
software owned by a third party will be used on Graco computers
and other equipment only if a license or other permission has been
obtained. The Information Systems Department has the responsibility
and sole authority to acquire and install software on Graco
computers. Employees are prohibited from loading software
onto Graco computers themselves, both to assure that there
is no unauthorized use of software and that the software
will not cause compatibility problem.
For further detail see Human Resources Practice and Procedure
7.9, Personal Computer.
GRACO AND ITS EMPLOYEES
The following Guidelines should be followed to ensure a
positive relationship between Graco and its employees.
Graco Strategic Policy Statement - Employees
Graco will provide challenging employment opportunities
and competitive pay and benefits. The Company will also provide employees with essential resources and training to do their
jobs, as well as set clear performance expectations and timely
appraisal of that performance. While employees are responsible for
their own careers, Graco will facilitate employee development
through training and educational assistance.
Employees are responsible to meet the Company's
job performance expectations, including quality work, productivity
and ethical conduct. Employees have the obligation and responsibility
to regularly contribute suggestions, ideas and actions for
improvement both within their own jobs and elsewhere in
the Company.
Strategic Policy Statement - Human Resource Management
Every Graco manager is responsible for creating a working environment that stretches talents and skills, and encourages participation, trust, accountability and teamwork.
Managers also have the responsibility to ensure that
the appropriate skills and talents are available to meet
the present and future requirements of their areas of responsibility.
All employees, at all levels of the Company, will receive
ongoing training necessary to meet the evolving requirements
of their positions.
Graco is committed to providing equal employment opportunity
to all applicants and employees in accordance with all applicable
equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, directives
and regulations of federal, state and local governing bodies
and agencies thereof. In keeping with this commitment, Graco
will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels
the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color,
creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital
status, status with regard to public assistance, disability,
age, sexual orientation or affectional preference, or status
as a special disabled or Vietnam era veteran, except where
sex is a bona fide occupational qualification.
Graco will base all of its employment decisions on
job-related standards and its commitment to equal employment opportunity. Graco will ensure that all human resources matters, such
as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from
layoff, company-sponsored training programs, education, tuition
assistance, and social and recreational programs are administered
accordingly.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Graco's policy on Equal Employment Opportunity is part
of its Strategic Policy, stated above. For Graco's
full Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action policy,
see Human Resources Practice & Procedure, Practice Number
7.1, Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action.
Harassment
It is Graco's policy and practice to maintain a work
environment free of harassment based on an employee's
protected personal characteristics such as race, national origin, physical
disability, affectional preference, age, religion or sex. Harassment,
including sexual harassment, refers to conduct that is offensive
to the individual, that harms morale and that interferes with the effectiveness of our business. Harassment exists when specific
adverse personal action is taken against a victim or when
the work environment is made intimidating, offensive or abusive.
Harassment in the workplace is unacceptable and will
not be tolerated. An employee who is found to have acted in
violation of this practice is subject to disciplinary action. Such
action may include, depending on the circumstances, suspension,
demotion or termination. Harassment may also lead to personal (legal
and financial) liability for the harasser. Retaliation against
an employee who reports harassing behavior or who participates
in a harassment investigation is prohibited.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment, which is a particular form of harassment
based on the victim's gender, can involve a range
of unwelcome conduct, including such things as:
- offensive sexual flirtations, advances or propositions;
- repeated use of innuendoes or vulgar language or gestures of a sexual nature;
- degrading comments of a sexual nature about an individual;
- leering or looking someone up and down in a suggestive
manner;
- the display of suggestive pictures or objects;
- unwelcome physical contact; or
- action regarding an employee based upon his/her submission
or refusal to submit to sexual overtures.
Responsibility of Managers and Supervisors
Managers and supervisors have the responsibility to:
- never state or even imply that sexual "favors"
from an employee will affect the employee's promotional
opportunities, career development, current position, performance
evaluation or any other aspect of his/her employment;
- encourage employees to communicate questions or concerns
regarding harassment;
- be able to recognize the range of behaviors that constitute
harassment;
- notify their Employee Relations Representative immediately
when an employee complains of harassment or incidents
of harassment come to his or her attention;
- ensure that no retaliation against affected employees
occurs.
If an employee feels that he/she is being harassed or knows
of harassing behavior, he/she should immediately report
such conduct to his/her supervisor or Employee Relations Representative.
Telling a lead person or co-worker is not enough.
If a supervisor or lead person learns that an employee is
being harassed or knows of harassing behavior, he/she should
immediately report this conduct to his/her Employee Relations
Representative. Failure by the supervisor to report any
incidents of harassment could result in disciplinary action,
up to and including termination. The Company will promptly
investigate all complaints in as confidential a manner as
possible and take appropriate action. Any employee who has
been found to have harassed another employee will be subject
to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment.
Graco's complete policy and practice regarding harassment
is contained in Human Resources Practice and Procedure 7.4,
Harassment Prevention.
Health and Safety
The personal safety and health of each Graco employee is
of primary importance. The prevention of occupationally-induced
injuries and illnesses will be given precedence over operating productivity. Graco management will provide all mechanical
and physical facilities required for the personal safety
and health of its employees and comply with the Occupational
Safety and Health Act and comparable legislation throughout the world.
Drug And Alcohol Free Workplace
Graco has a vital interest in maintaining safe, healthful
and efficient working conditions for its employees. The use
of drugs and alcohol has been shown to adversely affect
safety, productivity, quality, integrity and morale. Graco
is also subject to state and federal regulations requiring
drug and alcohol testing under certain circumstances. For these reasons, Graco has implemented
a practice and work rules with regard to the use, possession
and sale of alcohol and drugs.
The Company strictly prohibits the use, sale, solicitation
or possession of drugs, other controlled substances, or the
use of alcohol, in any amount, on any Company premises or work
sites (including parking lots). For the purposes of this
policy, "use" shall include but not be limited
to admission of use or a positive result on a drug &
alcohol screening test indicating the presence of a drug
or its metabolites, or alcohol at or above the threshold
detection levels. Certain exceptions regarding alcohol consumption
may be granted by the Vice President, Human Resources for
Company-sponsored events.
Graco recognizes that drug and alcohol abuse are treatable conditions. Employees are encouraged to voluntarily seek
help through Graco's Employee Assistance Program or
their health care plan. However, using the Employee Assistance
Program will not eliminate disciplinary action if an employee
has violated Graco's Drug and Alcohol practices or
rules, or if performance has been below his or her supervisor's
expectations.
Use of Medication
An employee who has been prescribed or who is using a drug for any medical or other condition which might in any way
impair his/her ability to perform the job must immediately
notify his/her supervisor or Graco's Occupational Safety
and Health Department. Appropriate medical advice will be
sought to determine whether the individual can work while
taking the medication. If it is determined that the individual
is unable to perform his or her job without impairment caused
by the medication, the employee will be reassigned or directed
not to report to work until the condition for which such
medication is being taken is no longer present, or use of
medication causing impairment has been discontinued.
For further information see Human Resources Practice and
Procedure 7.2, Alcohol/Drug Free Workplace.
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs whenever the prospect of direct or indirect personal gain (or the gain of an associate or family member) could influence your judgement or actions in the conduct of Graco business. It is your responsibility to conduct yourself with the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and fair dealing to avoid a conflict between the interests of Graco and your personal interests. The following situations shall be avoided:
- Working for or representing a customer, supplier or
competitor, regardless of the nature of the services being
provided, while employed by or representing Graco;
- Investing in a Graco competitor, customer or supplier,
if the investment is significant enough possibly to conflict
or appear to conflict with your responsibilities to Graco;
- Accepting personal gifts, payments or services from
those seeking to do business with Graco. Accepting anything
of value in return for business with Graco is strictly
prohibited. However, gifts other than money, of such nominal
value that they clearly will not affect the actions of
either the giver or the receiver, and are not given specifically
in return for business, are allowed. Accepting money in
any amount is prohibited;
- Acting as a consultant to a competitor, customer or
supplier of Graco;
- Serving as proprietor, general partner, officer, or
director of any profit-oriented corporation or other organization
without first obtaining written consent from a Graco
corporate officer of vice president rank or higher;
- Using Graco's name, customer or employee lists
for any purpose other than Graco business or functions without
prior written approval from a Graco corporate officer
of vice president rank or higher;
- Personally taking advantage of a business opportunity
available to Graco;
- Any activity or arrangement (direct or indirect) which
could conflict, or may reasonably be viewed as conflicting,
with your responsibilities to Graco.
Personal Loans
Graco shall not make, facilitate or arrange, directly or
indirectly, any personal loans to any employee, officer
or director, unless such loan (i) is in compliance of all
applicable laws and regulations; and (ii) is approved in
advance by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
This policy does not prohibit properly authorized travel
expense advances to employees in the ordinary course of
business.
Unauthorized Use of Company Property
All assets owned by Graco have specific functions related
to operating the Company's business. Graco assets
are for the sole benefit of the Company. Improper or unauthorized
use applies to Company property and personnel resources
as well. Personal use of Company property or facilities
(other than incidental use described below, or in accordance
with Management Policy and Procedure 10-013, Employee
Use of Graco Facilities and Other Assets) is prohibited.
In addition, using services of other Graco employees during
regular working hours for personal use is prohibited. This
policy does not apply to benefits or services that have
been approved for general employee use or as an approved
employee benefit, such as the use of the Oakes or Graco
loan equipment, according to Company guidelines.
Electronic Media
Computer and voice communication systems are provided to
employees for the conduct of Graco business. They are valuable
business assets. Computers, technology, and the electronic
files and communications, including e-mail messages, created,
sent or received, and stored through and in such computers and
telecommunications systems are Graco property. Incidental use of electronic media and services (sending or receiving)
for personal purposes is permitted, but must not involve any prohibited use, must not interfere with the business responsibilities
or productivity of the employee, his/her co-workers or others,
must not consume system resources or storage capacity on
an ongoing basis, may be monitored in the same manner as
business communications and must comply with the provisions
of this policy.
Please understand that the files and records, including e-mail messages and
internet usage patterns, which you create, access, retrieve, send, receive or
store on Graco computer and telecommunications systems are not private and may
be monitored and accessed by the Company to determine whether there have been
any breaches of security, violations of law or Company policy, or other media
or system misuse. Accordingly, users should have no expectation of privacy versus
the Company in anything they create, store, send, receive, view, access or download
through electronic media and systems.
Employees shall not use electronic media or services, including e-mail or the Internet/World Wide Web to create, access,
view, browse, download, send, receive, disseminate, store,
install, display or print material (text and graphics), communications,
programs or documents which:
- Are discriminatory, harassing or disparaging or promote
hate of others based upon race, national origin, gender,
sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political
beliefs or any other protected class status;
- Are sexually explicit, offensive, obscene, pornographic,
insulting, harassing, defamatory, or of a threatening
nature;
- Relate to gambling, wagering or similar activities;
- Are "chain letters," jokes, solicitations,
or offers to buy or sell goods or similar types of broadcast
communications;
- Participate in any newsgroup, mailing list, bulletin
board or other type of discussion forum that is not job-related;
- Solicit for charitable, religious, political or other
non-business purposes;
- Are illegal, unethical, fraudulent, malicious or improper;
- Are intended to further or promote any non-Company
commercial business;
- Transmit destructive programs (e.g., viruses, worms
or
self-replicating code);
- Are personal computer games, financial software or other programs for personal use;
- Encrypt messages, documents, programs, internet logs
or files in order to block access by the Company;
- Send or transmit messages or material which attempts
to hide the true identity of the sender;
- Use another individual's account, password or identity
without explicit authorization;
- Permit any unauthorized individual access to the Company's
electronic media or services;
- Hack or attempt to gain access to or defeat the security
of confidential Company electronic data, records, programs
or systems without prior authorization;
- Violate other Graco policies, or
- Are contrary to Graco's best interests.
Graco's full policy with regard to use of electronic media
is set forth in Human Resources Practice and Procedure 7.8, Electronic
Communication. See also Human Resource Policy and Procedure
7.9, Personal Computer.
Fraud and Theft
Any act by an employee that involves fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or theft of any property, including that
of the Company or any of its employees, suppliers or customers,
is expressly prohibited, regardless of whether or not the act
could result in a criminal proceeding.
GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY
RESPONSIBILITY
Graco Strategic Policy Statement - Community Commitment
Graco will be a good corporate citizen in all communities
worldwide where it has business activities. In addition
to providing jobs, generating economic activity and paying
taxes, Graco will contribute on average 2% percent of U.S.
pre-tax earnings, through the Graco Foundation, to selected
non-profit organizations.
The members of the Graco Foundation board who are managers
of the Company will, as part of their management duties,
direct the Company's U.S. volunteer and community
activities, such as:
- provide information for employees to volunteer their
time and talents.
- participate in selected community fund drives and
other activities, such as the United Way, Junior Achievement
and Paint-a-Thon.
Graco will communicate its views and opinions on public issues that have an impact on the Company.
Environmental Laws
It is Graco's policy to strive to manage its business in a way that conserves natural resources and protects the environment. In all locations and activities worldwide, Graco and its employees will:
- Comply with, or exceed the requirements of, all applicable environmental laws and regulations
- Adopt accepted environmental practices in all its operations
- Continuously improve its environmental practices, preventing pollution and reducing the impact its operations have on the environment.
Graco management will allocate the resources, and adopt processes and procedures,
including setting and reviewing environmental goals and targets, to ensure that
this policy is implemented.
You should immediately notify your supervisor or the Environmental
Specialist at 612-623-6414, if you know or suspect that there has been a spill or release of hazardous materials,
or are aware of other actual or potential environmental problems in any Graco facility.
Graco will provide truthful and accurate information to
the government licensing or permitting authorities in connection
with any application for any environmental license or permit
or any periodic reports that may be required.
Transacting International Business
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other United States
laws prohibit the payment of money or anything of value to a
foreign government official, foreign political party, or
any candidate for foreign political office for the purpose of obtaining, retaining
or directing business. Graco's policy is to strictly
abide by these laws.
The law does allow "facilitating payments",
which are payments for things such as expediting shipments
through customs or securing required permits, or obtaining
adequate police protection. Any facilitating payments must
be accurately and properly accounted for in the Company's
(including any subsidiaries) financial records. Whenever
"facilitating payments" are involved, employees
must seek advice from the Legal Department prior to making
any such payments.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act also requires Graco's
non-U.S. subsidiaries to maintain accurate and complete
financial books and records. No Graco funds or assets may
be used for unlawful, improper or unethical purpose; no
undisclosed, unrecorded or secret funds or assets may be
established, and no false entries may be made in financial
books for any purpose.
Export Regulations
The United States government regulates the export of goods, services and technical information from the United States.
The term "export" is defined very broadly, and
includes a re-export from a non-U.S. subsidiary of a U.S.
company. For example, Graco may export products to a Graco
subsidiary, such as Graco N.V. in Belgium, which in turn
may export it to its ultimate destination. U.S. law regulates
the re-export by the Graco subsidiary and holds Graco Inc.
accountable for the compliance by the Graco subsidiary with
the U.S. export law. The penalties for violating these laws
include fines, imprisonment, suspension or revocation of
the privilege to export from the U.S., and adverse publicity.
U.S. law prohibits exports to certain countries and to
individuals and companies known to do business with those
countries. This list is based on U.S. foreign policy and
changes periodically. It is kept up to date and periodically sent to all Graco
distribution outlets by the Legal Department. Graco and
all its subsidiaries are prohibited from exporting products
to any country subject to a U.S. trade embargo or selling
to any entity listed by the U.S. government.
U.S. law also requires export licenses to be issued by
the U.S. government for certain products sold by Graco or any Graco
subsidiary to certain countries. Graco will review all of
its products on an ongoing basis for any products that may
require a license, and will not ship products without obtaining
the proper license.
Anti-Boycott Laws
Under U.S. law, Graco and each Graco subsidiary (including non-U.S. subsidiaries), is required to report to the U.S.
government receipt of any request to participate in any
way in an international boycott, particularly the boycott
of Israel by many Arab countries. This reporting requirement
applies even if the business transaction is not completed.
Graco is also prohibited from complying with any such request.
The definition of "request" is very broad.
The request may be verbal or written, it may come directly from the customer
or indirectly through another document, for example, a letter
of credit. Consequently, all customer documentation shall
be carefully scrutinized. Such a request may ask the seller
to supply information, take action, or refrain from taking
particular action that would further or support the Arab
League boycott of Israel.
Graco's Legal Department issues periodic updates
and conducts training on compliance with the U.S. anti-boycott
laws. If you have any questions particularly regarding any
statement or document which you believe may be related to
the Arab League boycott of Israel, you should contact Graco's
Legal Department. Do not respond to the request in
the manner instructed by the request. Immediately call the
Legal Department, which will report the request to the U.S.
government and work with you to determine the appropriate
response.
Imports and Customs
Graco will comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the entry of goods into the United States or any
other country. No employee shall take any action to improperly
evade any custom tariff or duty, or other applicable requirement
regarding the importation of goods, including documentation,
record keeping and country of origin markings.
Business with the United States Government
No Gifts, Meals or Gratuities
Very strict guidelines prohibit any type of payment to
U.S. Government employees for meals, refreshments, travel
or lodging expenses. Normal business courtesies in the commercial
marketplace are considered an attempt to improperly influence
the government official and may be construed as a bribe, kickback
or illegal gratuity. Therefore, do not provide any U.S.
government employee with anything of value, including meals,
refreshments, or gifts, even if they are of nominal value.
If a Graco employee and a government employee share a meal,
each should pay full and fair share of the cost of the meal.
Federal employees should be aware of the regulations that govern the activities
and should decline any offer of gifts and gratuities. Do not assume,
however, that because an employee accepts or appears willing to accept such
an offer that it is legal or appropriate.
Kickbacks
Pursuant to federal law, Graco forbids any of its employees
to offer, solicit, provide or accept any gift of money or
other thing of value for the purpose of improperly obtaining
or rewarding favorable treatment in connection with U.S.
government contracts.
No employee, agent, or representative of Graco will bribe
any person, including foreign officials and politicians, in
order to obtain or retain business for Graco. Graco specifically
prohibits offering, giving soliciting, or receiving any
form of bribe or kickback. These activities could constitute
criminal acts.
Contract Negotiations
The law has a number of specific requirements for the negotiation
of contracts with the federal government, which vary depending
on the type of transaction being negotiated. These requirements
are complex, and penalties for violating them can be severe.
If you are considering selling any products or services
to the federal government, call the Legal Department.
Government Investigations
Graco and its employees will cooperate promptly and fully
with all government investigations or interviews involving possible violations of the law. Employees shall give complete and
truthful answers to any questions asked of them. The Company
is also concerned about protecting the legal rights of its employees
and other stakeholders. Therefore, any employee who is approached by anyone claiming to be a government investigator or inspector should immediately contact the Legal Department
before answering any questions.
Employees Serving as Public Officials
Graco encourages its employees to be good citizens and
to take an active part in the political process. A Graco
employee may be a candidate for or be elected or appointed to local, state,
or federal public office. If you serve as a public official, you should
keep your role as a Graco employee and as a public official separate.
Additionally, a supervisor or other employee must not attempt
to exert undue influence over an employee's actions
in that employee's role as a candidate or public official.
Full-time and part-time employees and those on leave serving
as public officials should:
- make decisions as a public official based solely on
the merits of issues;
- adhere strictly to the applicable laws and reporting
regulations governing the proper conduct for candidates
or public officials;
- avoid any conflicts of interest; and
- not speak for or act on behalf of Graco while carrying
out responsibilities as a public official.
Political Contributions
Graco's resources shall not be used to support political
parties or candidates. Individual employees are encouraged to support
their own parties and candidates, but they must do so on
their own time and with their own funds. If a planned contribution
could in any way be looked upon as involving Graco funds,
property or services, call the Legal Department.
Business Information
The following Guidelines are designed to ensure adequate
protection and proper management of Graco's business
information.
Proprietary Information and Nondisclosure
Information, ideas, and intellectual property are valuable
Graco assets. Confidential information pertaining to competitive position and strategy, as well as personal information,
must be protected from misuse. Such information includes
manufacturing methods, information related to customers,
business strategy, salary information, and trade secrets.
Such information will be distributed only to those having
a need to know such information to meet their job responsibilities.
Employees, officers and directors shall maintain the confidentiality
of all such information and disclose it only when legally
mandated.
Accuracy of Reports and Accounting Records
Graco management has the responsibility to fairly and accurately
report financial results to the Company's shareholders,
banks and creditors. Graco management is also bound by legal requirements
for recording and reporting information according to accounting
and financial standards, such as the Financial Accounting
Standards Board and the Internal Revenue Service. As a publicly-held
company whose stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange,
Graco is also subject to the requirements of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, which regulates the format, content
and timeliness of financial and business reports. Graco
must also meet certain government requirements regarding
the financial results of its employee benefit plans.
Accurate and timely financial data are critical to management
and the Board of Directors. Graco policy prohibits the existence
of any undisclosed or unreported funds, receipts or disbursements.
All transactions related to the operations of the Company
must be properly and promptly recorded and reported. Significant
fines, penalties and other legal consequences may arise
if any such information is intentionally misleading, concealed
or otherwise improperly or inaccurately recorded and reported.
Cooperation with Internal and Outside Auditors
Every Graco employee will cooperate fully with both our
internal auditors and Graco's independent public accountants
in the performance of their duties. Cooperation includes promptly providing full and complete information in response to any
request and being open, honest and candid with the auditors.
Disclosure of Information; Compliance with Securities
Laws
Graco complies with all federal, state and local securities
laws and regulations. Federal and state securities laws require
the accurate and timely reporting of material information relating
to Graco's business and financial results and condition.
They also forbid people from trading securities based on knowledge
of material non-public information.
Full and Accurate Reporting and Disclosure
All of Graco's disclosures required under state and
federal securities laws or the requirements of the New York Stock
Exchange, and all of Graco's public communications,
shall be full, fair, accurate, timely, understandable and
not misleading.
Non-Public Information
Any employee who becomes aware of material non-public information
related to Graco or firms with which Graco is negotiating
or competing may not:
- buy or sell shares or other securities of Graco or these
firms; or
- disclose this information to anyone outside the Company
until the information has been disclosed to the
public and the securities markets have had an adequate chance to
absorb it.
Any information that an investor might consider important
in deciding whether to buy, sell or hold securities is considered material. Examples of material information include:
- financial results;
- financial forecasts;
- changes in dividends;
- possible mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures;
- other purchases and sales of companies;
- investments in companies;
- obtaining or losing important contracts; and
- important product developments, major litigation developments,
major management changes and major changes in business
direction.
Insiders
Graco will comply with the securities laws regulating trading
in Company stock by Company "insiders". Graco
officers, directors and other employees who are considered
"insiders" for purposes of the securities laws will follow guidelines for insider
trading periodically issued by the Legal Department, and will not
buy, sell or otherwise engage in any transaction in Graco
stock without prior consultation with the Vice President
and General Counsel. |
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