The American Galvanizers Association (AGA) is committed to promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct among its staff and members. Our Code of Ethics, Standards of Conduct, and Personal Conduct Policy serve as guides for staff and members to uphold integrity, professionalism, and responsibility in all their dealings.

Code of Ethics

The AGA represents the hot-dip galvanizing industry in North America, and by the cooperative endeavor of its members, serves the industry and users of hot-dip galvanized steel. Our Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of professional conduct that reflects positively on the AGA, one's employer, and oneself. The Code of Ethics was approved by the AGA Board of Directors, and the Board reserves the authority to ascertain member companies are in compliance with the standards of the association.

• Membership in the association requires good business ethics be practiced by its members for the protection of customers and the industry’s reputation.
• Each member company agrees to maintain appropriate quality control procedures for the protection of its customers and to maintain production facilities in compliance with accepted standards and local and federal regulations. Each member’s plant facilities and technical competence also must meet accepted industry standards.
• Each member actively participates in the affairs of the association and contributes to the improvement of the processes in the hot-dip galvanizing industry.
• Each member company agrees to operate with concern for the environment and for sustainable development.
• Each member’s personnel participating in or attending any AGA sponsored function (seminar, tradeshow, presentation, conference) may not distinguish their company by mentioning the company name during the function or in dialog with attendees (architects, engineers, fabricators, specifiers, end users, inspectors or representatives of governmental agencies) with the exception of the introduction and/or introductory slide at a seminar/presentation. Furthermore, member company personnel shall refrain from distributing any literature, business cards, samples, etc. pertaining to the member’s company. Distribution of literature shall be limited to that which is published or approved by the AGA.

Standards of Conduct

Millions of people in public and private industry look to the AGA for our vision, expertise, guidance, and impartial consultation. With this role comes a great responsibility to serve them with integrity. Joining the AGA means committing to work in accordance with its ethical standards and encouraging the development and implementation of them within our respective companies and the industries we serve. The AGA and its members are dedicated to serving with integrity and promoting a more sustainable and galvanized world.

Core Ethical Standards

The AGA's core ethical standards are built on four fundamental principles:

• Honesty - Understand and act in a truthful manner in all communications and conduct. Foster an environment where honesty is encouraged.
• Fairness - Make impartial, objective decisions, free from self-interest, prejudice, and favoritism. Regularly assess and correct for bias or favoritism.
  
• Respect - Value yourself, others, and entrusted resources (people, money, reputation, safety, natural resources). Embrace diversity, including informing yourself about the norms and customs of others, and welcome varied perspectives.
  
• Responsibility - Own your decisions and actions as well as their consequences. Strive to continually advance personal knowledge and professional excellence.

Standards of Conduct

Members are expected to adhere to the following standards of conduct:

• Professionalism - Act professionally at all times. Serve your company’s interests through fair, honest, and courteous conduct that elevates the HDG industry.
• Integrity - Build relationships rooted in integrity and uncompromising ethics. Honor commitments made in good faith.
  
• Transparency - Demonstrate transparency in decision-making. Disclose all potential and actual conflicts of interest, and provide accurate, timely information.
  
• Confidentiality - Protect all confidential information acquired through work including AGA member resources and any information from former business partners.
  
• Compliance - Know and abide by the laws and regulations that govern your company, the AGA, and our industry. Encourage all stakeholders to respect and uphold the law and promote fair contractual practices.
  

Reporting Misconduct

The AGA is committed to maintaining a culture of integrity and accountability. Members are encouraged to report any suspected misconduct or unethical behavior. Reports can be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation. The AGA will investigate all reports thoroughly and take appropriate action to address any violations of the Code of Ethics, Standards of Conduct and Personal Conduct Policy.

Conclusion

Adhering to the AGA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct maintains public and stakeholder trust. By upholding these principles, members strengthen the professionalism and reputation of the hot-dip galvanizing industry.