Boardman Orwiler Corporation
Stokes Auction
Code of Ethics and Conduct

As a family-owned auction company, it is our goal and mission to provide personal auction services to individuals, businesses and estates in a professional and trustworthy manner. 
We are committed to the highest standards of customer service and integrity in the auction profession.

Honesty:
Client:  It is our duty to advise the owner of consigned property intelligently and honestly regarding the market value of their merchandise. 
Stokes Auction requires that employees act in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. 
When conducting a fair market value appraisal, the Stokes Auction appraiser will give a well considered opinion, reflecting expert knowledge and sound judgment. This counsel represents a professional service and will be rendered in writing for a reasonable charge.

Public:  It is our duty to protect the auction going public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in connection with the auction. 
This includes, but is not limited too, not allowing sellers or their agents to bid on their own merchandise in an effort to illegally raise the bid.

 Fairness:
When accepting property for auction we will be fair to both seller and buyer, and to protect the owner's interest as he would his own. 
We will provide verbal and written auction rules and maintain those rules regardless of personal affiliations or profit. 
No Stokes Auction employee should become involved in any situation where he or she might profit or benefit as a result of any relationship or act that does not uphold the integrity of, or is not in the best interests of Stokes Auction.

Customer Privacy and Information Availability:
We shall maintain complete auction information for each consignor and buyer in a manner that safeguards their personal information. 
All employees are required to maintain and enforce the Corporate Privacy Policy currently in effect.

 Legality:
We shall keep informed in matters of law and proposed legislation affecting the auction profession, so as to give intelligent business advice and effective service. 
We comply with all applicable state and federal laws including automobile dealer, real estate, auction sales, Federal firearms and any other laws governing business operations.

Competition:
We shall compete fairly and honestly, seeking competitive advantages through superior performance and integrity, and require all employees to maintain this standard.  
We shall never publicly criticize a competitor using false or deceptive information. No Stokes Auction employee will seek to take unfair advantage of any customer or competitor through concealment, misrepresentation of facts, or any other intentional unfair-dealing practice.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity and diversity in all of our operations. 
It is the policy of Stokes Auction not to discriminate or retaliate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability, and to comply fully with all laws prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment and promoting opportunity and advancement in employment.

 Employee Safety and Health:
We shall provide a safe working environment for all of our employees, and commitment to a drug-free workplace. 
For the protection of our employees, our customers and the public, Stokes Auction seeks to avoid hiring those whose lifestyle includes the use and/or abuse of recreational or illegal drugs.