CAP Operating Guidelines
PurposeThe Dow Community Advisory Panel meets regularly to discuss the operations of The Dow Chemical Company and its impact on adjacent communities. These meetings are intended to ensure open and timely communication on matters of interest between Dow and the panel. The CAP is an advisory panel serving voluntarily and is not asked to formally approve or disapprove any actions Dow may take. However, Dow intends to be responsive to CAP questions and concerns and to provide timely feedback when the CAP’s counsel has directly impacted company decision-making.
Membership
Panel members represent an approximate cross-section of adjacent communities to Dow. They are selected to be reflective of the community and its issues. Panel members represent themselves more than the organizations to which they are affiliated. They are, however, encouraged to bring viewpoints from their organizations or from other community members if they are comfortable doing so.
The panel consists of 15 to 25 members. When vacancies exist, current members will recommend new members, subject to Dow’s approval. Dow representatives on the CAP will include the Michigan Operations' site leader, Michigan Operations’ community relations manager, a global Dow Public Affairs leader, or others as selected by Dow.
Compensation
Members are not compensated for their participation on the CAP. If they incur undue expenses, however, they may request reimbursement from Dow.
Tenure of Service
CAP members serve indefinitely or until the panel decides that specific terms are desirable. A member may resign at any time.
Meeting Schedule
Regular meetings are held at times and dates determined by the CAP.
Meeting Attendance
Meeting notices and agendas are sent to CAP members by Dow. Members are requested to RSVP to Dow or the facilitator if they cannot attend. As active members are the most valuable to the process, members who cannot attend meetings on a consistent basis may be asked by Dow or the CAP to reconsider their decision to serve.
Meeting Format
Panel meetings are guided by a professional facilitator who is compensated by Dow. Meetings are approximately two hours in length. Meeting agendas are developed cooperatively between Dow and the CAP facilitator with input from CAP members. Meeting minutes are maintained and, after review for accuracy by all members, are made available to the public-at-large via Dow’s Michigan Operations website.
Visitors
Panel meetings are not open to the public. Guests may be invited by Dow or the CAP if their presence is relevant to a specific agenda item.
Confidentiality
Individual views expressed by CAP members during meetings shall not be identified in the minutes. At times, ground rules may be set by Dow that company information given by Dow representatives for CAP input is confidential. Panel members are expected to treat such information confidentially.