Illinois Pork Producers Association

“The association has two classes of members, voting and non-voting. Only voting members can hold office.”

“Members have the authority to elect or appoint members of the governing body.”

“Various governing decisions of the organization are subject to approval by the members.”

“Return will be reviewed by the board prior to filing.”

“Annually, the members of the staff report to the board of directors any interest in the pork industry which appears to be a conflict of interest. Members of the board and the committees are made aware of this conflict policy, in this handbook, and by signing a coi statement annually. This may be accomplished through an attendance sheet signed by those in attendance at each meeting. If members of the board or committees have a conflict they agree to withdraw from the discussion before the group and not vote on any action related to which they have a conflict. A director, officer, contractor, or employee of the association must not participate in the selection, award, or decision-making, related to the administration of a contract with a vendor, if the director, officer, contractor, or employee (or any member of his or her immediate family), has a financial or ownership interest in the vendor. In connection with any actual or possible conflicts of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of his or her financial interest and must be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the executive director (if a contractor or employee) or to the board president (if a director or the executive director) considering the proposed transaction or arrangement. With respect to any employees or contractors, the executive director shall decide whether an actual conflict of interest exists. With respect to an interested person that is a director, after disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, the remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists. In situations where a transaction or arrangement holds a potential conflict of interest, and the board cannot find an acceptable substitute, it shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether it is: 1) in the association's best interest; and 2) fair and reasonable to the association to enter into the transaction or arrangement. Those directors determined to have a potential conflict of interest may participate in the discussion but will excuse themselves from the voting. The minutes of the board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, and the board's or committees' decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed. Each director, employee, and contractor shall annually sign a conflict of interest statement that identifies any existing potential conflicts and acknowledge the board member's receipt and understanding of the policy. If the board or a committee has reasonable cause to believe a director or officer has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the director of the basis for such belief and afford the director an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose. If, after hearing the response of the director and making such further investigation as may be warranted in the circumstances, the board or committee determines the director has in fact failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall have the authority to take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.”

“Manager's contract and compensation are reviewed annually by the officers of the board, using comparability data. A recommendation is made and voted on by the entire board. Board members are compensated via a per diem and mileage agreement. Mileage is paid at the standard irs rate.”

“Governing documents, the conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are on file at the office and available upon request.”