Antitrust Statement

ANTITRUST ALERT FOR ARA MEETING PARTICIPANTS

           Federal and state antitrust laws prohibit any agreement or conspiracy which unreasonably restrains trade or reduces competition.  If any of these laws were found to have been violated at an ARA meeting, ARA and its officials, as well as participating members, could be held liable for substantial (including treble) damages.  Since trade association meetings recently have come under close scrutiny by regulators, participants must remember to follow these minimum standards of conduct:

• Do NOT, discuss or exchange present or future price-related information.

• Do NOT discuss matters relating to actual or potential suppliers, customers or other competitors that might have the effect of excluding them from any market or influencing the business conduct of other firms toward them.

• Do NOT speak disparagingly of other companies, products or individuals or discuss matters relating to punitive measures of any kind against companies that decline to become ARA members or decline to support or utilize ARA programs.

• DO limit discussions to general and “industry-oriented” topics – do NOT discuss company specific topics.

If you suspect or become aware that illegal activities may be occurring in connection with an ARA meeting or any other ARA program or event, advise Rod Nydam (ARA Counsel) or an ARA official immediately.