Director Access to Officers and Employees
Directors have full and free access to officers and employees of the Companies. Directors have full and free access to the advice and services of the Secretary of the Companies. Any meetings or contacts that a director wishes to initiate may be arranged through the CEO or the Secretary or directly by the director. The directors will use their judgment to ensure that any such contact or request for advice or services is not disruptive to the business operations of the Companies and will, to the extent not inappropriate, copy the CEO on any written communications between a director and an officer or employee of the Companies.
The Boards welcome regular attendance at each Board meeting of senior officers of the Companies. If the CEO wishes to have additional personnel of the Companies attend on a regular basis, this suggestion should be brought to the Boards for approval.
A director has the authority to hire independent professional advisors at the expense of the Companies, as he or she may deem necessary to discharge his or her responsibilities as director. Directors shall inform the Presiding Director of his or her intent to engage an independent professional advisor.