MSA ANTITRUST POLICY
M
SA is a nonprofit association organized to advance the success of cultural commerce and of the professionals engaged in it. MSA is committed to helping member institutions be competitive in their respective markets, fiscally responsible and, in general, assets to their institutions. Through the MSA Retail Conference & Expo, chapter meetings, seminars and various publications, the Association brings together museum representatives and vendors. The board of directors recognizes that the Association’s activities could be seen by some as an opportunity for anticompetitive conduct. Thus, the board takes this opportunity to express its undeviating policy to comply strictly with the letter and spirit of all federal, state, applicable trade regulations and antitrust laws. Any actions of MSA or its staff, officers, directors or members that violate these regulations and laws is detrimental to the Association’s interests and is unequivocally contrary to MSA policy. The following rules apply to all MSA
activities and must be observed at all MSAsponsored activities and functions under all circumstances—without exception— unless specifically noted here. To assist MSA staff members, officers and committees in recognizing situations that may raise the appearance of an antitrust problem, the board of directors has adopted this Antitrust Policy. Should questions arise as to the manner in which the antitrust laws apply to activities of MSA or any of its committees, such questions shall be directed to MSA headquarters.
GUIDELINES • MSA shall not be used for the purpose of bringing about, or attempting to bring about, any understanding or agreement—written or oral, formal or informal, express or implied— regarding prices, terms or conditions of sale, distribution, volume or customers. • No MSA activity or communication shall include discussion—for any purpose or in any fashion—of pricing methods or other limitations in timing,
costs or volume of production or sale, or allocation of customers. • No MSA activity or communication shall include any discussion that might be construed as an attempt to prevent any person or business entity from gaining access to any market or customer for goods or services, or to prevent any business entity from obtaining a supply of goods or otherwise purchasing goods or services freely in the market. • MSA-sponsored activities shall not include any activity or communication, which is, or might be construed as, an agreement to refrain from purchasing any products, services or supplies from any supplier. These rules apply to informal discussions at MSA-sponsored activities and functions as well as formal presentations and meetings. Antitrust compliance is the responsibility of every MSA member, affiliate, sponsor and staff member.
T
his year’s program was developed with input from a volunteer planning group. The sessions are based on five of MSA’s eight Knowledge Standards. The Knowledge Standards highlight the core knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the responsibilities of a cultural commerce professional. The application of the Knowledge Standards program at our cultural institutions help museum stores become a more integral part of the institution’s mission and success. Be sure to thank the 2013 PRG members for their tireless efforts when you see them in Los Angeles. Use the Knowledge Standards icons to customize your schedule so that you can focus on the sessions most applicable to the issues you face in your institution today.
Communications
Financial Management
Customer Relations
Merchandise Planning
Strategic Management
19