Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal accounting officer and persons performing similar
functions. We will provide to any person without charge, upon written request, addressed to our corporate headquarters, attention Corporate Secretary, a copy of such code of ethics.
Board Leadership Structure and Independence
Our Board leadership structure is currently comprised of (i) an Executive Chairman, (ii) President of the Company, and
(iii) Chairman for each of our Compensation Committee and Audit Committee.
From time to time, the entire Board reviews the
Companys leadership structure, including the positions of Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, as well as the President. Mr. E.J. Elliott currently serves as Executive Chairman. Mr. Elliott has held this position since
1968 and is intimately familiar with our history, current business and future objectives. By serving as our Executive Chairman, Mr. Elliott is able to provide strong and consistent leadership, vision and direction as we pursue our plans.
Board Oversight of Risk
Our Board
of Directors oversees risk to help ensure a successful business at the Company. While the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, and other members of our senior leadership team are responsible for the day-to-day management of risk, our Board of Directors is responsible for appropriate risk oversight and assisting management in addressing specific risks, such as strategic
and competitive risks, financial risks, legal risks, and operational risks.
The Board believes that its leadership structure facilitates
its oversight of risk by combining, Board committees, and majority independent Board composition, with an experienced Executive Chairman who has detailed knowledge of our business, history, and the complex challenges we face. The Executive
Chairmans in-depth understanding of these matters and involvement in the day-to-day management of the Company positions
them to promptly identify and raise key risks to the Board and focus the Boards attention on areas of concern. The independent committee chairs and other directors also are experienced professionals or executives who can and do raise issues
for Board consideration and review, and are not hesitant to challenge management. The Board believes there is a well-functioning and effective balance between the non-management directors and the Executive
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, which enhances risk oversight.
The Board exercises its oversight responsibility for risk
both directly and through its three standing committees. Throughout the year, the Board and each committee spends a portion of their time reviewing and discussing specific risk topics. The full Board is kept informed of each committees risk
oversight and related activities through frequent non-member attendance at committee meetings and committee meeting minutes available to all directors. Strategic, operational and competitive risks are
presented and discussed at the Boards regular quarterly meetings. On at least an annual basis, the Board conducts a review of our long-term strategic plans and other members of senior management report on our top risks and the steps management
has taken or will take to mitigate these risks. As needed between Board meetings, our Executive Chairman reports to the Board on the critical issues we face and the recent developments in our business units, including identified risks.
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing our financial risks. The Audit Committee meets with our Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Controller, and the independent auditor to discuss our major financial risk exposures, financial reporting, internal controls, and credit and liquidity risk. The Audit Committee meets regularly in separate executive session with
the independent auditor to facilitate a full and candid discussion of risk and other issues.
The Compensation Committee is responsible
for overseeing compensation risk and ensuring executive compensation is aligned with performance. The Compensation Committee is charged with monitoring our equity-based compensation plans.
The Nominating Committee oversees risk related to our overall governance, including Board and committee composition, Board size and structure,
director independence, ethical and business conduct and our corporate governance profile and ratings. The Nominating Committee also is engaged in overseeing risks associated with succession planning for the Board and management.
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