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10. Gift Policy

This policy strictly prohibits the acceptance of gifts from vendors, suppliers, customers, potential employees, potential vendors and suppliers, or any other individual or organization, regardless of their value. The term "gift" includes items like pens, hats, t-shirts, mugs, calendars, bags, keychains, portfolios, and other small items, as well as items of higher value.

  • The no-gift policy extends to vendor-provided food, beverages, meals, or entertainment, including sporting events.

  • This policy also applies to any business courtesies, such as product discounts or other benefits, that are not uniformly offered to all employees.

10.1. Exceptions to the Gift Policy​

  • Exempted from this policy are small items like t-shirts, pens, trade show bags, and similar items that employees acquire as members of the public at events such as conferences, training sessions, seminars, and trade shows, where these items are equally available to all attendees.

This exemption covers attendance, as well as food, beverages, and small items provided at events, exhibitor trade show areas, press events, and parties sponsored by conference or event organizers.

  • Exempted are cards, thank-you notes, certificates, or other written forms of gratitude and recognition.

  • Exempted are modestly priced food, beverages, or tickets to local events provided by current customers, partners, and vendors or suppliers, as part of working meetings aimed at fostering positive business relationships. These activities are expected to be reciprocated by our company in turn.

Employees are expected to professionally communicate the no-gift policy to vendors, potential vendors, and others. They should explain the company's reasoning behind the policy and request that vendors respect the policy by refraining from purchasing or delivering gifts to employees, departments, or the company for any reason.

10.2. Procedures for Received Gifts​

  • Feasible gifts will be returned to the vendor.

  • Gifts that cannot be returned will become the property of the office, available for use by all employees equally.

  • When agreed upon, the gift will be donated to a charity identified by the philanthropy committee.

  • Plants or flowers will be displayed in a central location accessible to all employees.

  • Food gifts received during traditional gift-giving occasions will be shared among all staff members. No employee is allowed to take food gifts home. The food must be distributed to all staff members during work hours in central, worksite locations after notifying all staff via email.