Director Compensation
The form and amount of director compensation will be recommended by the Compensation Committee to the Board in accordance with the policies and principles set forth in its charter, and the Compensation Committee will conduct an annual review of director compensation. The companies acknowledge that a director’s independence may be jeopardized if director compensation and perquisites exceed customary levels, if the Companies make substantial charitable contributions to organizations with which a director is affiliated, or if the Companies enter into consulting contracts with (or provides other indirect forms of compensation to) a director or an organization with which the director is affiliated.
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.