OESA Protects Member Interests on Antitrust Compliance
Margaret Baxter, OESA

Recent media reports have highlighted antitrust concerns in this industry and others.  As an association, OESA has always paid special attention to matters of antitrust.  Here are a few of the ways that staff ensures that OESA is in compliance with antitrust law:

1. OESA relies on the law firm of Arent Fox to provide guidance and legal advice in all related matters.
2. OESA uses the OESA antitrust guidelines at all events and council meetings.
3. OESA uses outside counsel for all council meetings where competitors might be present and potentially competitive issues might be raised.
4. OESA keeps complete and accurate minutes from council and board meetings.

All minutes and work products are reviewed by OESA antitrust counsel.

All OESA surveys are reviewed by antitrust counsel before they are conducted; all survey results are reviewed as well before they are issued.

There are many ways that OESA provides value to members through its forums, councils, committees and surveys among others.  There are guidelines which provide staff and members with counsel to understand what they may or may not discuss or do.

OESA also works with its affiliate law firm members on an on-going basis, which provide guidance and assistance in this area.  The law firm of Butzel Long has made association handbooks available to OESA members (one will be mailed to each OESA regular company representative).  The handbook will be useful as companies review antitrust considerations related to association membership.

Members may contact Margaret Baxter at 248.952.6401 ext. 223 or mbaxter@oesa.org for further information or guidance on these matters.