Code Of Business Conduct and Ethics
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company Code Of Business Conduct And Ethics
Introduction
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company and its subsidiaries (“Shentel”
or the “Company”) have always subscribed to the highest ethical
standards. Our employees, officers and members of our Board of Directors (“Company
Persons” or individually, a “Company Person”) are expected
to conduct business legally and ethically and insist that our vendors and business
associates do the same. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”)
embodies the Company’s commitment to conduct our business in accordance
with applicable laws, rules and regulations and the highest ethical standards.
All Company Persons are expected to adhere to the principles and procedures
set forth in this Code. Throughout the Code, the terms “Shentel,”
“Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us”
are used to refer to the enterprise as a whole, to each person within it, and
to any person who represents Shentel or any part of the Shentel organization.
Each Company Person will be held accountable for his or her adherence to the
Code. Company Persons who violate the policies in the Code will be subject to
disciplinary action, up to and including a discharge from the Company and, where
appropriate, civil liability and criminal prosecution.
Company Persons who have questions regarding business conduct or possible violations
should typically be directed to their Vice President, the human resources department
or the Executive Vice President. In some instances it may be appropriate to
contact the Company’s President, who is the Administrator of this Code,
or in connection with accounting or auditing matters, you should follow the
procedures outlined in the section of the Code entitled “Duty to Report
Questionable Accounting or Auditing Matters.” The Company strives for
an environment where all concerns and complaints can be submitted by employees
with the confidence they will be handled professionally, and to the extent possible,
confidentially. The Company will not tolerate retaliation for reports made in
good faith.
Each Company Person should also read and be familiar with Shentel’s Policy
Manual and Shentel’s Policy Statement on Insider Trading (“Insider
Trading Policy”). The Policy Manual and Insider Trading Policy are not
part of the Code.
Nothing in this Code, in any Company policies or procedures, or in other related
communications (oral or written), creates or implies a contract of employment
for a definite or indefinite term.
The Company reserves the right to amend, alter or terminate this Code or the
policies underlying it at any time for any reason.
For purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules
promulgated thereunder, the Code shall also be our code of ethics for senior
financial officers and the chief executive officer (defined below as “Senior
Officers”).
Compliance and Reporting
Company Persons should endeavor to identify and raise potential issues before
they lead to problems and should ask about the application of the Code whenever
in doubt. Any employee who becomes aware of any existing or potential violation
of this Code should promptly notify the employee’s Vice President, the
human resources department or the Executive Vice President. In connection with
accounting or auditing matters, you should follow the procedures outlined in
the Code section entitled, “Duty to Report Questionable Accounting or
Auditing Matters.” If any director or the Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or Controller, or any person performing
similar functions (the “Senior Officers”), becomes aware of any
existing or potential violation of this Code, he or she should promptly notify
the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors or the Company’s
legal counsel. The Company will take such disciplinary or preventive action
as it deems appropriate to address any existing or potential violation of this
Code brought to its attention.
Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is one of the foundations on
which this Company’s ethical policies are built. All Company Persons must
respect and comply with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations
(including insider trading laws). It is the personal responsibility of each
Company Person to adhere to the standards and restrictions imposed by those
laws, rules and regulations. It is important that you seek advice from senior
managers or other appropriate personnel if you have questions regarding the
laws, rules and regulations that apply to the Company’s business.
Generally, it is illegal and against Company policy for any Company Person
who is aware of material nonpublic information relating to the Company, to buy
or sell any securities of the Company, or recommend that another person buy,
sell or hold the Company’s securities. More detailed rules governing the
trading of securities by Company Persons are set forth in the Insider Trading
Policy. Any Company Person who is uncertain about his or her responsibilities
under the Insider Trading Policy should consult the Company’s President,
who is the Administrator of this Policy, before making any such purchase or
sale.
Confidential Information
In carrying out the Company’s business, Company Persons often learn confidential
or proprietary information about the Company, its customers, prospective customers
or other third parties. Company Persons must maintain the confidentiality of
all information so entrusted to them, except when disclosure is authorized or
legally mandated. Confidential or proprietary information includes, among other
things, any non-public information concerning the Company, including its businesses,
financial performance, pricing information, results or prospects, and any non-public
information provided by a third party with the expectation that the information
will be kept confidential and used solely for the business purpose for which
it was conveyed. Use or knowledge of confidential information should be limited
to only those Company Persons having a need to use such information for the
sole purpose of carrying out the Company’s business.
Conflicts of Interest
A “conflict of interest” exists when an individual’s private
interest improperly interferes or conflicts (or appears to conflict) with the
interest of the Company. A conflict of interest may arise when a Company Person
takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or
her Company work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also
arise when a Company Person or a member of his or her family receives from any
person or entity improper personal benefits as a result of the Company Person’s
position with the Company. In some circumstances, loans to, or guarantees of
obligations of, Company Persons or their family members also may create conflicts
of interest. Conflicts of interest are generally prohibited as a matter of Company
policy, unless they have been approved by the Company. All Company Persons should
contact the persons described above under “Compliance and Reporting”
to receive guidance on how best to resolve the conflict.
The giving or receiving of a business gift by a Company Person may present
a conflict of interest and in some cases may be prohibited by law or regulation.
Company Persons may not accept gifts or entertainment from customers or suppliers
or potential customers or potential suppliers other than those of nominal value,
such as meals, calendars, flowers, fruit, candy, books and advertising novelties,
unless such gifts of more than nominal value are first reported in writing to
their supervisor or in the case of Directors to the Nominating Committee.. Gifts
in excess of $ 250 must be approved by the President or, with respect to the
President and any Director, the Nominating Committee and gifts in excess of
$1000 must be approved by the Board of Directors or a committee established
by the Board. If approval is not granted, then the Company Person shall either:
(i) return the gift; (ii) reimburse the giver for the fair market value of the
gift; or (iii) make a donation of the gift or an amount equal to the fair market
value of the gift to a charity approved by the Company. The Company will keep
written records of such reports filed with the Human Resources Department. Such
reporting, reviewing and record keeping system should serve to prevent an unintended
breach of trust and should enable the Company to better protect itself from
acts of self-dealing at the expense of the Company.
A conflict of interest may also occur when a Company Person is engaged in a
business or business activity that is in competition with or injurious to the
Company. Directors and officers should consult with the Company’s President,
General Counsel or the Company’s outside corporate counsel before engaging
in any such business. An employee should consult with the President, General
Counsel or Executive Vice President before engaging in any business or business
activity.
Service to the Company should never be subordinated to personal gain and advantage.
Corporate Opportunities
Company Persons owe a duty to the Company to advance the Company’s legitimate
business interest when the opportunity to do so arises. Company Persons are
prohibited from taking for themselves (or directing to a third party) a business
opportunity that is discovered through the use of corporate property, information
or position, unless the Company has already been offered the opportunity and
refused it. Company Persons are prohibited from using Company property, information
or position for personal gain or competing with the Company, directly or indirectly.
Competition and Fair Dealing
We have a history of succeeding through honest business competition. We seek
competitive advantages through superior performance, not through unethical or
illegal business practices. Each Company Person should endeavor to respect the
rights of and deal fairly with the Company’s customers, vendors, competitors
and employees. No Company Person should take unfair advantage of anyone through
manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation
of material facts or any unfair-dealing practice.
Record Keeping
The Company requires honest, accurate and prompt recording and reporting of
information in order to make responsible business decisions and to provide full,
fair, accurate and timely disclosure. All of the Company’s books, records,
accounts and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, must
appropriately reflect the Company’s transactions and must conform both
to applicable legal and accounting requirements and to the Company’s system
of internal controls. The accurate and timely reporting of our financial results
and financial condition requires that all financial information be recorded
promptly and accurately, and that our systems for recording and reporting that
information be properly functioning and subject to regular and thorough evaluations.
All information you record or report on behalf of the Company-whether for the
Company’s purposes or for use by third parties-must be done honestly and
accurately. Providing false or misleading information in connection with any
aspect of the Company’s business or operations will not be tolerated.
Duty to Report Questionable Accounting or Auditing Matters
All Company Persons are responsible for reporting to the Company any questionable
situation regarding the Company’s accounting, internal accounting controls
or auditing matters, or a concern regarding questionable accounting or auditing
matters that come to their attention. Any Company Person may report such a complaint
or concern by calling the toll-free telephone hotline and reporting the matter.
The toll-free number is listed in the Company’s Policy Manual, and its
internal phone directory, and is available from the Human Resources Department.
All calls to the telephone hotline will be transcribed by an outside service
contracted by the Company, which is required to forward all such transcriptions
to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
If a complaint regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing
matters is brought to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating
Officer or General Counsel of the Company, either by an employee or a third
party outside of the confidential and anonymous submission process, that executive
officer is required to report the complaint directly to the chairperson of the
Audit Committee. If a complaint regarding accounting, internal accounting controls
or auditing matters is brought to the attention of a non-executive employee
of the Company, such employee may either (a) report such complaint directly
to his or her supervisor as described above in “Compliance and Reporting”
or (b) submit the complaint through the use of the toll-free telephone hotline.
All reports submitted by employees of the Company regarding questionable accounting
or auditing matters will be treated, to the extent possible, as confidential.
The Company will not tolerate retaliation against any person who in good faith
submits a concern or complaint or participates in any investigation conducted
pursuant to these procedures. Any suspected retaliation should be reported immediately
to the Company’s President or via the toll-free telephone hotline. Such
retaliation is extremely serious misconduct and may result in discipline, up
to and including discharge of the person engaging in any retaliatory actions.
Retaliation may also subject the person responsible to personal legal and financial
liability, and in certain cases may be a criminal offense.
Questions concerning these procedures may be directed to Company’s President.
Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
All Company Persons should protect the Company’s assets and ensure their
efficient use. All Company assets should be used for legitimate Company business
purposes only. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be immediately
reported to an appropriate supervisor for investigation.
The obligation of Company Persons to protect the Company’s assets includes
its confidential or proprietary information.
Public Disclosure
All disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits
to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in other
public communications made by the Company shall be full, fair, accurate, timely
and understandable. All Company Persons who are involved in the Company’s
disclosure process, including Senior Officers, are responsible for acting in
furtherance of this policy. In particular, these individuals are required to
maintain familiarity with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company
and are prohibited from knowingly misrepresenting, omitting, or causing others
to misrepresent or omit, material facts about the Company to others, within
or outside the Company, including the Company’s independent auditors.
In addition, any Company Person who has a supervisory role in the Company’s
disclosure process has an obligation to discharge his or her responsibilities
diligently.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Harassment
The Company is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws relating
to equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to any
impermissible criterion or circumstance. This policy applies to all terms and
conditions of employment and in regard to any other matter that affects in any
way the working environment of the employee. The Company does not tolerate or
condone any type of discrimination prohibited by law, including harassment.
Waivers and Amendments
It may be appropriate for a provision of the Code to be waived in a particular
circumstance. Any employee seeking a waiver should speak to his or her Vice
President, who will likely need to involve other persons in consideration of
the waiver request. Any waiver of the Code, other than for an executive officer
(including any Senior Officer who is otherwise not an executive officer), must
be approved by the Company’s President.
Any waiver of the Code for an executive officer (including any Senior Officer
who is otherwise not an executive officer) or any director of the Company must
be made only by the Board of Directors or an authorized committee and will be
publicly disclosed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the SEC
and The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
Any amendment to a provision of the Code that applies to any Senior Officer
will be publicly disclosed in accordance with the applicable requirements of
the SEC and The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
Investigations and Discipline
The responsibility for administering the Code, investigating alleged violations
and determining corrective and disciplinary action rests with various groups
within the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible
for maintaining and updating the Code, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
Senior Officers, the Human Resources Department and other relevant departments
work together as appropriate to promptly handle investigations and recommend
corrective and disciplinary actions. Depending on the circumstances, in some
cases senior managers and other officers will be involved to consider and determine
the appropriate corrective or disciplinary action. Senior Officers and the Human
Resources Department will periodically report Code violations and the corrective
actions taken to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. In some cases,
the Audit Committee or the full Board of Directors will be responsible to conduct
the investigation and determine the actions to be taken. As appropriate, outside
consultants may participate in investigations.
Company Persons who violate the Code will be subject to disciplinary action
up to and including termination. Violations of the Code are not the only basis
for disciplinary action. The Company has additional guidelines and procedures
governing conduct, and violations of those guidelines and procedures may also
result in corrective or disciplinary action.
Protection for Persons Reporting Questionable Behavior
Our commitment to promoting the highest ethical standards includes a responsibility
to foster an environment that allows Company Persons to report violations without
the fear of retaliation or retribution. You will not be disciplined, lose your
job, or be retaliated against in any other way for asking questions or voicing
concerns about our legal or ethical obligations, as long as you are acting in
good faith. “Good faith” does not mean that you have to be right-but
it does mean that you believe that you are providing truthful information. The
important thing is that you bring your question or concern to the Company’s
attention through one of the available channels.
Company Persons must never be discouraged from using any available channel
within the organization. Even simple questioning of a person reporting a violation
can lead to unintentional retaliation, as it may make that person feel that
he or she did something wrong by choosing one method over another. Any person
reporting a violation under this Code must be able to choose whichever method
they are most comfortable with to communicate their concern to the Company.
Any Company Person who retaliates against another Company Person for reporting
known or suspected violations of our legal or ethical obligations will be in
violation of the Code and subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
dismissal. Retaliation may also be a violation of the law, and as such, could
subject both the individual offender and the Company to legal liability.
Additional questions about retaliation should be addressed to the Company’s
President.
*Amended on February 21, 2005
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