Employee Handbook

Conflicts of Interest (Ethics Statement)

Shepherd Electric Supply expects all employees to conduct themselves and company business in a manner that reflects the highest standards of ethical conduct, and in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This includes avoiding real and potential conflicts of interests.

Exactly what constitutes a conflict of interest, or an unethical business practice is both a moral and a legal question. Shepherd Electric Supply recognizes and respects the individual employee’s right to engage in activities outside of employment which are private in nature and do not in any way conflict with or reflect poorly on the company.

It is not possible to define all the circumstances and relationships that might create a conflict of interest. If a situation arises where there is a potential conflict of interest, the employee should discuss this with a manager for advice and guidance on how to proceed. The list below suggests some of the types of activity that indicate improper behavior, unacceptable personal integrity, or unacceptable ethics:

1.   Simultaneous employment by another firm that is a competitor of or supplier to Shepherd Electric Supply.

2.   Carrying on company business with a firm in which the employee, or a close relative of the employee, has a substantial ownership or interest.

3.   Holding a substantial interest in, or participating in the management of, a firm to which the company makes sales or from which it makes purchases.

4.   Borrowing money from customers or firms, other than recognized loan institutions, from which our company buys services, materials, equipment, or supplies.

5.   Accepting gifts or entertainment, more than $100 from an outside organization or agency.

6.   Speculating or dealing in materials, equipment, supplies, services, or property purchased by the company.

7.   Participating in civic or professional organization activities in a manner that divulges confidential company information.

8.   Misusing privileged information or revealing confidential data to outsiders.

9.   Using one’s position in the company or knowledge of its affairs for personal gains.

10. Engaging in practices or procedures that violate antitrust laws, commercial bribery laws, copyright laws, discrimination laws, campaign contribution laws, or other laws regulating the conduct of company business.