ANTITRUST STATEMENT  Antitrust enforcement agencies fully recognize the value of trade and professional associations as a means of enhancing competition and contributing overall in a positive way to the economy and the public interest.  However, because certain activities are not entirely free from antitrust concerns, it is important to keep in mind certain guidelines when conducting or discussing our association’s business. What can I do?  Antitrust law explicitly provides that a concerted effort by an association to influence the exercise of government power or to influence public officials is not a violation of the antitrust laws.  Conduct undertaken to further that goal is seen by regulators as necessary to bring about change in a trade or industry.  Activities that have been deemed to NOT raise antitrust concerns include publishing trade journals, collecting and disseminating industry data, lobbying, seminars for industry members, monitoring and reporting on government actions, and educational activities in certain specified areas. What should I not do?  Regulators are wary of collaboration that may have the effect of raising prices above, or reducing output, quality, service or innovation below, what would likely exist absent that collaboration.  Further, collaboration that limits independent decision-making or combines the control of certain financial interests will bring increased scrutiny.  Activities that have been deemed to raise antitrust concerns include discussing methods of distribution, terms and conditions of sale, production and price related information, transportation rates, certain kinds of joint research, the division of markets or allocation of customers, and product standardization and certification programs.  This statement reflects the guidelines utilized by IERG Staff and Member Company Representatives in the conduct of IERG meetings.  Prohibited discussion topics apply equally to social gatherings incidental to IERG meetings.