I am proud to be a member of the STC.  During my years as an independent consultant, I have always shared the values that make up the STC’s code of ethics.  “Authorized agent” and Value Added Reseller (VAR) arrangements are appropriate for some organizations, but I believe that independent consultants are most effective when they serve as the customer advocate alone.   For your review, I have attached the STC’s code of ethics.  I am sure that you will agree with me that these guidelines provide exceptional value and integrity to a consultant’s clients.

 Robert Lee Harris, President - Communications Advantage, Inc.

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1. Every member has the professional responsibility of fair dealing towards the member's clients, past and present, fellow members, and the general public.

2. Every member has the professional responsibility of adhering to generally accepted standards of accuracy, truth and good taste at all times.

3. No member shall represent conflicting or competing interests, nor shall be placed in a position where the member's interest is, or may be, in conflict with duty to the client.

4. Each member shall safeguard the confidences of both present and former clients, and shall not accept retainers which may involve the disclosure or use or these confidences to the disadvantage or prejudice of such clients.

5. No member shall intentionally disseminate false or misleading information, and each member is obligated to use as much care as is humanly possible to avoid dissemination of false or misleading information.

6. No member shall intentionally injure the professional reputation or practice of another member. However, if a member has evidence that another member has been guilty of unethical, illegal or unfair practices, including practices in violation of this Code, the member is obligated to present the information to the proper authorities of the Society for action in accordance with the procedure set forth in the by-laws.

7. In performing services for a client, no member shall accept fees, commissions, or any other valuable consideration in connection with those services from anyone other than the member's client.

8. Each member shall, prior to the commencement of the services to be performed, make the client fully aware of the fee structure, and all associated costs.

9. It is imperative that no member should be in conflict by retaining ownership in any company selling or leasing telecommunications products where such interest constitutes a conflict of interest.

10. A member shall, as soon as possible, sever the relationship with any organization when the member knows or should know that continued employment would require the member to conduct himself contrary to the good conduct principles of this Code