Life Time Fitness, Inc.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
(“The Code”)
December 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW THE CODE WORKS
HOW THE CODE AFFECTS YOU
HOW WE CONDUCT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIPS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Fellow Team Members:
Just as we uphold an unwavering commitment to deliver the highest quality
facilities, products and services at an exceptional value, we conduct our
business activities with the highest standards of integrity and ethical
practices. These are principles we consider to be core to our business
operations and representative of the tremendous company and brand we have
established.
Through our regular interactions with members, colleagues, consumers,
shareholders, suppliers and other key stakeholders, we not only comply with
applicable laws, but also, commit to the values and beliefs of our company.
Guiding our actions is the Life Time Fitness, Inc. Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics, which defines our values and beliefs, and how to incorporate them
into our daily work. As team members, we have the obligation to provide a
work environment that promotes team member involvement, mutual respect and
strong performance. In turn, we continue to build an even stronger company by
furthering our position as the nation’s premier Healthy Way of Life
Company.
All team members and other representatives of our company are expected to be
familiar with the Code and to consistently apply it through the daily
performance of their roles with Life Time Fitness. Furthermore, we expect the
suppliers and contractors with whom we do business to embrace similar values
and standards.
At Life Time Fitness, our team members have worked tirelessly to create the
strong brand and company of which we are privileged to be a part. I thank you
for your strict adherence to the Code, as we uphold our responsibilities as
stewards for our company. By doing the right thing via our actions, we
encourage others to do the same. Please join me in continuing our company’s
strong commitment to conducting good business.
Sincerely,
Bahram Akradi
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Life Time Fitness, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
The Life Time Fitness Code of Business Conduct and Ethics outlines standards
of conduct for all team members and others parties who represent Life Time
Fitness, Inc. or its subsidiaries. The Code provides information about our
standards of integrity and defines our legal and ethical responsibilities.
Because it cannot address every specific business situation, the Code is
intended to guide our actions. It also is supplemented by the Life Time
Fitness Team Member Handbook, which outlines additional requirements and
compliance initiatives. It is each team member’s responsibility to have a
clear understanding of and commitment to the ethical standards, policies and
compliance initiatives by which we operate by reading, understanding and
complying with the entire Code, the documents and policies referenced in the
Code, and the Team Member Handbook.
Any team member or other party who represents Life Time Fitness, Inc. or its
subsidiaries, and violate the Code will be subject to appropriate discipline.
This may include termination of employment and civil and/or criminal
liability for the individual and Life Time Fitness.
HOW THE CODE WORKS
Compliance Requirement
All team members, officers, directors, agents, independent contractors and
other representatives are responsible for understanding and observing the
Code. Any individual determined to have violated the Code will be subject
to appropriate disciplinary or other action, which, in the case of a team
member, may include discipline up to and including termination of
employment. No supervisor or manager may require or imply that a team
member should act illegally or in contradiction to the Code. Each supervisor
and manager is responsible for ensuring team members understand and comply
with the Code and must annually confirm that they are not aware of unreported
violations of the Code and that all team members under their direction have
read and understand the Code.
Supervisors and managers must:
- Inform their teams of the Code;
-
Make sure that allegations of harassment or inappropriate behavior are
investigated and addressed;
-
Take appropriate disciplinary action when the Code or Life Time Fitness
policies, or any applicable law or regulation is violated; and
- Take action to ensure that the Code is not violated.
Supervisors and managers have the additional responsibility of ensuring that
the team members under their direction:
- Understand and comply with the Code;
- Detect and report Code violations as required in the Code; and
- Are protected from any retaliation related violation reporting.
Our General Counsel is responsible for applying the Code in any ambiguous
situations that arise.
Our success depends on all of us doing the right thing, ethically and
legally. If any law should conflict with any policy in the Code, you must
comply with the law. If you are unsure whether a situation is an ethical or
legal violation, you should discuss the situation with your supervisor. All
supervisors are obligated to contact their manager or Human Resources about
how to handle a situation if they are unsure. In the case where it may not be
appropriate for you to discuss an issue with your supervisor, or where you do
not feel comfortable approaching your supervisor with your question, you
should discuss it with your General Manager, Area Director or Human
Resources. In the event that you do not feel comfortable discussing an issue
with a member of the Company, you should contact our Team Member Hotline (the
“Hotline”) given below. Failure to report a violation is itself a
violation of the Code.In any case, seek guidance before you act and make
sure that you have all of the pertinent facts.
Independent contractors, consultants, investors and any other non-team
members may report Code of Conduct violations via e-mail to the Human
Resources Department at TeamMemberReporting@lifetimefitness.com. The
Human Resources Department will review and respond to all concerns in a
timely manner.
We recognize that it takes courage to raise a difficult issue, especially if
it involves a situation in your work area. However, all of us have that
responsibility and Life Time Fitness will provide support to each of us that
follows through on this responsibility. Any team member, officer or director
having information about any conduct, which may violate the Code, is required
to report the matter promptly by calling the anonymous Team Member Hotline
(888) 475-4211.
When reporting violations, you may choose not to identify yourself. If you
choose to identify yourself, your identity will be protected to the extent
possible based on the need to prevent potential harm to others, to comply
with the law, and to conduct a complete investigation. If you are unsure
whether something is a Code violation, ask yourself the following questions:
-
Is my action consistent with the Company’s high standards of honesty
and integrity?;
- How would my action look to the public?; and
-
Will my action protect Life Time Fitness’ reputation as an ethical
company?
If you cannot answer “yes” to all of these questions, then your action
might be a violation of the Code and may even be illegal.
Team Member Hotline
As stated above, we have established the Hotline, which is available 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. The Hotlineallows team members, officers or
directors to report concerns related to finance and accounting, human
resources, legal and/or violations of the Code. The Hotline telephone
number is (888) 475-4211.
What to Report:
Financial and Accounting Issues:
-
Financial, accounting, internal accounting controls or audit
irregularities; and
- Fraud.
Human Resources Issues:
-
Suspected violation of any state or federal harassment or discrimination
laws.
Code of Conduct Issues
-
Any suspected violation of the Life Time Fitness Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics.
Legal Issues:
-
Any suspected violation of any state or federal law, rule or
regulation.
Who may use the Hotline:
What to expect when you make a report to the Hotline:
- Independent, professional and respectful service;
-
Assurance that your concerns will be forwarded anonymously to designated
Life Time Fitness officials responsible for investigating potential
violations (if you ask for such anonymity);
-
To be asked a few questions to verify that you are a Life Time Fitness
team member; and
-
To be asked a series of questions to help you explain your concern in
detail.
Whistleblowers and Non-retaliation
Team members, officers and directors are sometimes concerned that they will
be the victim of retaliation if they “blow the whistle” by reporting
violations of the law or of our policies, including the Code. Our policy is
to promptly and thoroughly investigate any reports of suspected violations.
We will not retaliate against any person who makes a report pursuant to the
Code or who participates in an investigation regarding a violation of any
laws, rules or regulations. Any such retaliation by us or any of our team
members, officers or directors is forbidden. Any team member who retaliates
against another team member or a witness as described above will be subject
to discipline, up to and including termination. Since such retaliation is
itself a Code violation, team members, officers or directors who believe they
have been subject to retaliation because they have made a report or
participated in an investigation should report such suspected retaliation the
same way they would report any other Code violation.
Complaint Procedures for Financial, Accounting and Audit Matters
Any team member, officer or director who has complaints or concerns about the
Company’s financial, accounting, internal controls or auditing matters, or
who becomes aware of questionable accounting or auditing matters, is
required to report such matters through our Hotline (where such matters
will simultaneously be reported to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of our
Company’s Board of Directors). In order to facilitate a complete
investigation, you should be prepared to provide as many details as possible,
including a description of the questionable practice or behavior, the names
of any persons involved, the names of possible witnesses, dates, times,
places, and any other available details.
Supervisors and managers who become aware of any questionable financial,
accounting or auditing matters, or who receive complaints or concerns from
other team members, must immediately report them in accordance with
the Code. The Audit Committee has final responsibility and authority for the
investigation and handling of any concerns or complaints relating to
financial, accounting, internal control and auditing practices.
Investigation and Response
The Legal Department and Human Resources Department will oversee the receipt
and handling of all allegations relating to violations of the Code (except
for those concerning financial, accounting, internal control or auditing
matters), human resources issues and any other issues or matters of the
Company. This oversight shall include an appropriate investigation and
response.
The Audit Committee will oversee the receipt and handling of allegations of
questionable financial, accounting, internal control or auditing matters,
including directing an appropriate investigation and response. Based on its
investigation, the Audit Committee will direct the Company to take prompt and
appropriate corrective action in response to the complaint or concern if
necessary to ensure compliance with legal and ethical requirements relating
to our financial, accounting, internal control and audit matters. If the
Audit Committee determines that a particular complaint or concern is not
related to financial, accounting, internal control or auditing matters, it
will refer the complaint or concern to our General Counsel for appropriate
handling and response.
Waivers
Any team member, officer or director seeking a waiver of any provision of the
Code should consult the General Counsel. Our Audit Committee must approve any
waiver of the Code with respect to an executive officer or director. Any
waiver or amendment of the Code shall be disclosed to the extent required by
law or regulation.
HOW THE CODE AFFECTS YOU
Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy
As an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to recruit, hire, train
and promote based on skills and qualifications and without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual
orientation, public assistance, disability or any other characteristics
protected under federal, state or local law. Furthermore, we are committed to
providing work environments that are free of harassment and discrimination.
Harassment and discrimination are strictly prohibited and will not be
tolerated.
Life Time Fitness complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act as
required by federal law as well as any applicable corresponding state laws.
Any team member, officer or director or applicant who needs a reasonable
accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job should
request such an accommodation in a timely fashion from the Human Resources
Department.
Life Time Fitness prohibits the harassment, including sexual harassment, of
any team member, officer or director or job applicant on the basis of their
protected status. For more information, please see the “Harassment and
Discrimination” section below.
Harassment and Discrimination
Harassment and discrimination is defined as any behavior that creates or is
intended to create a hostile, offensive or intimidating work environment or
member experience. Life Time Fitness does not tolerate any form of harassment
or discrimination towards its team members, officers, directors, members and
guests.
We are committed to providing an environment that is free from disrespectful
and offensive behavior and discrimination for all of our team members,
members and guests. Each individual has a right to work in an atmosphere that
promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices. We
strictly prohibit sexual harassment and harassment and discrimination on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, marital
status, sexual orientation, public assistance, disability or any other
characteristics protected under federal, state or local law. We also strictly
prohibit harassment on the basis of an individual’s protected activity
(opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in the statutory
complaint process).
It is a violation of the Code for any team member, officer, director, club
member, or other individual to harass or discriminate against any team
member, officer, director, club member, or other individual affiliated with
Life Time Fitness. Any individual determined to have violated the Code will
be subject to appropriate disciplinary or other action, which, in the case of
a team member or officer, may include discipline up to and including
termination of employment.
Prohibited harassment and discrimination under the Code consists of unwelcome
verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature or based upon
a team member, officer or director’s race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance,
disability or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or
local law.
Sexual harassment is specifically prohibited. Sexual harassment consists of
unwelcome sexual advances or other verbal or physical conduct or
communication of a sexual nature when:
-
Submission to such conduct or communication is either explicitly or
implicitly made a term or condition of obtaining or retaining employment;
-
Submission to or rejection of such conduct or communication by an
individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s
employment; or
-
Such conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially
or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment or creating
an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment environment.
Examples of conduct that may be considered sexual harassment are set forth
below. These examples are provided to illustrate the kind of conduct
prohibited by the Code. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:
- Sexual or suggestive comments or jokes;
- Sexual propositions;
- Sexist remarks;
- Patting, pinching, or unnecessary touching;
- Unwanted sexual advances;
- Unwanted staring or leering;
-
Granting employment benefits or opportunities because of an
individual’s submission to sexual advances or sexual favors; or
-
Harassment not of a sexual nature directed against an individual due to
his or her gender.
If you believe that you have been the victim of sexual harassment or
discrimination or other harassment or discrimination prohibited by the Code,
or if you have knowledge of any such harassment or discrimination directed
against another person, you are required to report the harassment or
discrimination in the manner stated above.
It is not sufficient to report a complaint of harassment or
discrimination to any person other than your supervisor, manager, Human
Resources or the Hotline. The Complainant must notify one of these
contacts.Any supervisor or manager receiving a complaint must immediately
notify Human Resources. Any supervisor or manager who fails to notify Human
Resources may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment.
Upon receipt of a report, Life Time Fitness will investigate and resolve all
complaints in a confidential, timely and thorough manner. While complete
confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, every attempt will be made to use
confidential information in a discreet manner.
Cooperation with any investigation is required of all team members, officers
or directors as part of their job responsibilities. Any team member, officer
or director who fails to cooperate in an investigation may be subject to
disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Where a team member, officer or director is determined to have violated the
Code, Life Time Fitness will take disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment of the team member or officer. Where a non‑team
member is determined to have violated the Code, Life Time Fitness will take
action reasonably calculated to end the harassment or discrimination.
Life Time Fitness may seek legal redress, including attorneys’ fees and
costs, against any team member, officer, director or other person who causes
Life Time Fitness to incur any expense or liability as a result of prohibited
behavior.
We are committed to maintaining an environment in which people feel free to
report all incidents of harassment or discrimination. To that end, we require
the reporting of all occurrences of harassment or discrimination under the
procedures set forth in the Code. No retaliatory action will be taken against
any person who reasonably and in good faith reports conduct in accordance
with the Code. No retaliatory action will be taken against any individual who
in good faith assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding, or
hearing relating to a harassment or discrimination complaint.
While a complaint is pending, the person about whom the complaint has been
made shall not participate in any formal or informal evaluations of the
person who has made the complaint. Any attempt to do so constitutes a
separate violation of the Code.
Background Check Policy and Duty to Disclose Certain Events
In order to continually promote a safe and secure environment (as further
discussed below), it is our policy to conduct an objective background checks
of all of the following persons:
-
Any person seeking new regular or temporary employment upon a conditional
offer of employment being extended by Life Time Fitness;
-
Any person seeking to become a new contractor or consultant to Life Time
Fitness upon a conditional offer being extended;
-
Any person seeking to be re-employed by Life Time Fitness who has not
been an active team member of the Company within the immediately preceding
three (3) month period, upon a conditional offer of re-employment being
extended; and
-
Any person that was previously a contractor or consultant to Life Time
Fitness who has not been an active contractor or consultant within the
immediately preceding three (3) month period, upon a conditional offer
being extended.
Life Time Fitness conducts the background check once written authorization
has been received. This authorization is a Life Time Fitness requirement. Any
person who does not sign the authorization will be ineligible to work for or
with Life Time Fitness.
The background check includes, but is not limited to, a background check of
the person’s criminal history as well as any other information deemed in
the sole discretion of Life Time Fitness to be related to the position being
sought. The background check is conducted in accordance with all federal,
state and local laws and regulations regarding the collection, distribution
and use of personal information.
No employment offer is considered final until after Life Time Fitness has
deemed the results of the background check acceptable. Human Resources will
provide Life Time Fitness’ final decision, without confidential details, to
the appropriate manager.
It is the duty of each team member, officer or director and contractor or
consultant to inform his/her immediate supervisor of any of the following
events immediately upon their occurrence:
-
Any change in the person’s criminal history, including, but not limited
to any arrest or charge brought for an act deemed by the arresting
authority to be a gross misdemeanor or felony; or
-
Revocation, termination or cancellation of any professional license or
certification considered to be related to the person’s work for or with
the Life Time Fitness.
Upon notification, such person will, in addition to any other actions deemed
appropriate in the sole discretion of Life Time Fitness, be required to
re-submit to the background check by submitting a new written authorization
for the Screening to Life Time Fitness. Any person who does not sign a
written authorization at the request of Life Time Fitness or fails to notify
Life Time Fitness of any of the above events will immediately be considered
ineligible to work for or with Life Time Fitness.
Violence and Threatening Behavior
Violence and threatening behavior are not permitted on any of our premises.
No person on our premises may possess any dangerous materials or weapons.
Team members, officers or directors are forbidden from carrying or possessing
firearms or any other dangerous weapons while acting in the course and scope
of employment.
Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all team
members, officers, directors and members and will not tolerate any form of
workplace violence committed by or against our team members, officers or
directors. Any observed or reported form of workplace violence will be taken
seriously and be thoroughly investigated. Any confirmed offenders will be
dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary process and local law
enforcement will be contacted, as appropriate or required.
Workplace violence includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Harassment;
- Stalking;
- Physical violence;
- The use of weapons of any kind; and
-
The direct or implied threat of physical violence toward any team member
or member of Life Time Fitness.
Some examples of conduct that is prohibited by the Code:
- Causing physical injury to another person;
- Making threatening remarks;
-
Aggressive or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury
to another person or subjects another individual to emotional distress;
-
Intentionally damaging Life Time Fitness property or property of another
team member or member; and
-
Committing acts motivated by, or related to sexual harassment or domestic
violence.
Any potentially dangerous situation must be reported immediately to a
supervisor, manager or Human Resources. Reports or incidents warranting
confidentiality will be handled appropriately and confidentiality will be
maintained to the extent possible.
Conflicts of Interest
A “conflict of interest” exists when your private interests
interfere in any way, or even appear to interfere, with the interests of the
Company. A conflict situation can arise when a team member, officer or
director takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform
his or her work objectively and effectively. You and your family members are
expected to avoid any outside interests or activities that could be advanced
at the expense of the interest of Life Time Fitness. Such involvement could
cause a division in team member loyalty and thus create a potential conflict
of interest.
While it is not possible to develop a comprehensive set of rules covering all
circumstances or serving as a substitute for good judgment, the following are
examples of types of activities that could be considered a conflict of
interest:
-
Consulting with or employment by a competitor, supplier, or customer of
Life Time Fitness;
-
Holding a substantial equity, debt, or other financial interest in any
competitor, supplier, or customer of Life Time Fitness if such interest
could influence your actions as a team member, officer or director;
-
Having a financial interest in any transaction involving the purchase or
sale by Life Time Fitness of any products, materials, equipment, services,
or property, other than through Company-sponsored programs;
-
Using team members, members, materials, equipment, or other assets of
Life Time Fitness for any unauthorized purpose;
-
Accepting any cash, gifts, entertainment, or benefits in violation of the
“Gifts, Meals and Entertainment” section below;
-
Acting as a supplier or subcontractor to the Company in your own right or
through a company in which you or a family member are a part owner;
-
Trading services with another team member (i.e. a massage for personal
training);
-
Offering services that are normally provided in the course of your
employment outside of Life Time Fitness premises without prior approval
from your supervisor or manager;
-
Any arrangement or activity (direct or indirect) which could conflict, or
may reasonably be viewed as conflicting with your responsibilities at Life
Time Fitness; and
-
Loans to, or guarantees of obligations of, team members, officers,
directors or a member of your immediate family.
Each team member, officer and director is responsible for avoiding conflicts
of interest as well as the appearance of such conflicts. A conflict situation
may not always be straightforward, so in the case of any confusion, your
supervisor should be consulted. Any team member, officer, or director who
becomes aware of a conflict or potential conflict should bring it to the
attention of a supervisor, manager, or other appropriate personnel or consult
the procedures described herein. The Company’s General Counsel must approve
any exceptions.
Corporate Opportunities
Team members, officers and directors are prohibited from (a) taking for
themselves opportunities that are discovered through the use of company
property, information or position without the consent of the Company’s
General Counsel, or, in the case of officers and directors, the Company’s
Board of Directors, (b) using company property, information, or position for
personal gain, or (c) competing with the Company. Team members, officers and
directors owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when
the opportunity to do so arises.
Gifts, Meals and Entertainment
It is improper for all Life Time Fitness team members, officers and directors
to accept gifts from a member, competitor, supplier, or from anyone having or
seeking business with Life Time Fitness, other than non-cash gifts of nominal
value generally used for promotional purposes by the donor. We will permit
the giving and receiving of business-related gifts, meals or entertainment
only if:
-
They are associated with a legitimate business purpose and are
appropriate as to time and place;
-
They are of limited and reasonable value, are not intended to influence
and do not even give the appearance of influencing the recipient;
-
They do not violate any laws or generally accepted ethical standards
concerning bribes or payoffs; and
-
They are consistent with accepted business practice and could withstand
public ethical review.
Bribery
It is illegal to pay or receive a bribe intended to influence business
conduct. Our guidelines go beyond the standard set by the law by prohibiting
any activity that creates even the appearance of anything improper or
anything that may embarrass Life Time Fitness. No assets of the Company may
be used to bribe or influence any decision by an officer, director, team
member or agent of another company or any governmental team member or
official.
Fraud
Life Time Fitness prohibits any kind of dishonest or fraudulent acts,
including:
- Embezzlement;
- Forgery or alteration of checks or other negotiable instruments;
-
Misappropriation of Life Time Fitness, supplies, member or team member
assets;
- Personal use of Company assets; and
- Falsification of Company records or financial statements.
Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
All team members, officers and directors must protect the Company’s assets
and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness, and waste have a direct
impact on our success. Company equipment should only be used for legitimate
business, though incidental personal use may be permitted.
Accurate Books and Records
We require honest, accurate and verifiable recording and reporting of
information in order to make responsible business decisions and to comply
with applicable laws and regulations. Federal and state laws require that our
records accurately reflect all transactions, including any payment of money,
transfer of property or furnishing of services. False or misleading entries
must never knowingly be made or concealed in any record. We are also
committed to maintaining complete and accurate records for the appropriate
time periods as required by law and the Company’s system of internal
controls. Records associated with our funds must reflect an accurate and
verifiable record of all transactions. No payment or receipt on behalf of
Life Time Fitness may be approved or made with the intention or understanding
that any part of the payment or receipt is to be used for a purpose other
than that described in the documents supporting the transaction. All funds
and other assets and transactions involving the Company must be reflected in
full detail and promptly recorded in the appropriate books and records in
accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).
We are all responsible for complying with the following requirements:
-
The Company’s financial statements and all records on which they are
based must accurately reflect all transactions;
-
All disbursements and receipts of funds must be promptly and properly
recorded;
-
No false or artificial statements or entries may be made for any purpose
in the records of the Company or in any internal or external
correspondence, memoranda, or communication of any type, including
telephone, computer or wire communications; and
-
Team members, officers and directors must accurately and honestly follow
our expense reimbursement policy.
Many team members, officers and directors regularly use business expense
accounts, which must be documented and recorded accurately.
Internal Controls
It is the policy of Life Time Fitness to maintain internal control systems
that comply with all applicable laws and regulations and ensure:
-
Company assets and funds are properly acquired, safeguarded,
dispositioned and recorded;
- Company liabilities are properly incurred and reported;
- External financial reporting is accurate and reliable; and
-
Life Time Fitness team members, officers and directors adhere to proper
accounting, administrative and financial reporting policies and
procedures.
If you are not sure whether a certain expense is legitimate, ask your
supervisor. If you have any, financial, accounting, internal control or audit
concerns, you must report them through the Team Member Hotline.
Disclosure of Information to the Public, Media, Analysts and Investors
It is the policy of Life Time Fitness and our legal obligation to
provide clear, accurate, complete, timely and consistent public disclosure of
material information about the Company. This is true for all situations where
information is conveyed. To comply with this requirement, Life Time Fitness
has centralized disclosure by appointing designated spokespersons who are the
only personnel authorized to discuss non-public information about Life Time
Fitness with persons outside the Company.
Life Time Fitness has designated its CEO, CFO, Director of Corporate
Communications and Public Relations, and Vice President of Finance, as well
as certain other persons specifically authorized by the Company to speak with
the public and the media on behalf of the Company. All financial community
inquiries, such as from analysts and investors, should be directed to the
CFO. In certain circumstances, other members of the senior management team
may be designated by the CEO to speak with the public, media or other members
of the public. If you receive a request from someone to speak about Life Time
Fitness, you should direct your request to the Company’s Corporate
Communications Department.
In accordance with this policy and specific to dealing with the news media,
we have in place the following guidelines designed to guide all
communications with media representatives on behalf of Life Time Fitness:
-
No team member should respond to or participate in media interviews
without explicit authorization from Corporate Communications;
-
Only authorized spokespeople are approved to communicate with the news
media on behalf of Life Time Fitness. This includes not only traditional
broadcast and print media, but also electronic media, such as Internet
news groups and chat rooms;
-
Corporate Communications must approve all news releases, including Life
Time Fitness-authored releases, third-party releases and testimonials that
include mention of Life Time Fitness and/or our brands, products and
services;
-
Corporate Communications must approve all media requests to enter, film,
photograph or interview within Life Time Fitness facilities; and
-
Finally, it is our policy not to speak with the media about Life Time
Fitness’ partners, vendors or competitors.
If you are contacted directly by a reporter or member of the media, please
take the following steps:
- Obtain the person’s name, organization and contact information;
- Make note of the reporter’s specific inquiry and urgency;
-
Provide the person with the Life Time Fitness Corporate Communications
contact information listed below; and
- Contact Corporate Communications with the above information.
Director of Corporate Communications
Life Time Fitness, Inc.
2902 Corporate Place
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Main Line: (952) 947-0000
Compliance with Insider Trading Policy
Buying or selling securities while in possession of material, non-public
information (or "inside information") may violate U.S. and other securities
laws. Inside information is information that a reasonable investor would
consider important in making investment decisions and that is non-public, or
has been public only for a very short time. Examples include:
- Financial performance
- Proposed acquisitions, joint ventures, or divestitures
- New products or services
- Contracts or proposed contracts with suppliers or other partners
Insider trading is both unethical and illegal. Team members, officers and
directors may not trade in any stock or other securities on the basis of such
inside information, including inside information we learn about an
organization with which Life Time Fitness, Inc. does or might do business.
This also applies to inside information provided to a third party who, in
turn, profits from that information by trading in stock or other
securities.
Life Time Fitness has adopted specific trading restrictions to guard against
insider trading. These restrictions are designed to protect team members,
officers, directors and the Company from liability associated with
inappropriate use of inside information. Additional information can be found
in the Life Time Fitness, Inc. Securities Trading and Information Disclosure
Policy (the “Insider Trading Policy”) that describes the Company’s
policies regarding insider trading. If you have any concerns or questions
about any such transaction, you should seek the advice of the Company’s
General Counsel before undertaking the sale or purchase of our publicly
traded stock.
Responsibilities of Senior Financial Management
Due to the importance of protecting the integrity of the Company’s
financial reports, in addition to the other provisions of this Code, the
Company’s CEO, CFO, Controller, Principal Accounting Officer and other team
members performing similar functions (the “Senior Financial Management”)
have particular obligations to promote honest and ethical conduct and to
deter wrongdoing.
All members of the Senior Financial Management shall:
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Act honestly and ethically in the performance of their duties at the
Company;
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Avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and
professional relationships;
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Provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in
reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the SEC
and in other public communications by the Company;
-
Comply with rules and regulations of federal, state and local governments
and other private and public regulatory agencies that affect the conduct
of the Company’s business and the Company’s financial reporting;
-
Act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence,
without misrepresenting material facts or allowing his or her independent
judgment to be subordinated;
-
Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of
work, except when authorized or legally obligated to disclose such
information;
-
Share knowledge and maintain skills relevant to carrying out his or her
duties within the Company;
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Proactively promote ethical behavior as a responsible partner among peers
and colleagues in the work environment and community;
-
Achieve responsible use of and control over all assets and resources of
the Company entrusted to him or her;
-
Promptly bring to the attention of the Company’s General Counsel or
Chief Executive Officer any information concerning (a) significant
deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could
adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial data, or (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that
involves management or other team members who have a significant role in
the Company’s financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls; and
-
Promptly bring to the attention of the chair of the Audit Committee, any
complaints that such person becomes aware of with respect to financial,
accounting, internal control or audit matters.
Any person who has information concerning any violation of any provision of
this section by any member of the Senior Financial Management shall promptly
report such information as set forth herein.
HOW WE CONDUCT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
All business relationships, whether they are with members, suppliers,
competitors, or other team members, should be based on honesty and fairness.
Competition and Fair Dealing
We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly. Life Time Fitness
will not violate the legal rights of our competitors in the gathering and
using competitive information and we will obey all laws that apply to
information relating to competitors. Stealing proprietary information,
possessing trade secret information that was obtained without the owner’s
consent or inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other
companies is prohibited. Team members, officers and directors should all
respect the rights of and deal fairly with our members, suppliers,
competitors and team members. No team member, officer or director should take
unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of
privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other
intentional unfair-dealing practice. The following guidelines should be
followed:
-
We will not engage in any illegal spying or industrial espionage
activities or any activities which could be interpreted as such;
-
Information that is confidential or proprietary to a competitor may not
be gathered or used unless it has been voluntarily disclosed;
-
Any confidential or proprietary information of another party including
competitors and suppliers, which is inadvertently disclosed shall not be
used and shall be returned to the owner; and
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No manager may apply any pressure, implicit or explicit, on any team
member to use or disclose the confidential information of a former
employer.
Business Communications
Business records and communications often become public and can easily be
misunderstood out of context. We are all responsible for maintaining the
image of Life Time Fitness when communicating with others. You can enhance or
hurt our image with every written, verbal or electronic communication. Never
write or say anything that you would not want read or repeated back to you in
public or in court. If it would embarrass you or the Company to have
something repeated in public, do not write it. Slanderous, libelous, obscene
or distasteful communications are never appropriate and will not be
tolerated. All communications should be addressed only to those persons who
have a legitimate business purpose for knowing the information. Records
should always be retained or destroyed according to our record management
policy.
Protected/Confidential Information
Laws and regulations restrict the confidentiality, access to and use of
individually identifiable health information (referred to as "Protected
Health Information" under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act) and Nonpublic Personal Information (as defined under the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act). Protected Health Information and Nonpublic Personal
Information constitute “Protected Information” under the Code. The
restrictions described below and under the section entitled "Confidentiality
of Business Information" apply to all Protected Information:
-
Protected Information may not be disclosed to others except only to the
extent expressly allowed by applicable laws and regulations;
-
Company team members, officers or directors and other representatives
must use appropriate safeguards to prevent the unauthorized use or
disclosure of Protected Information; and
-
Upon termination of authorized use, the Company team member, officer,
director or representative must return or destroy all Protected
Information in any form and shall retain no copies of such information.
The Company's Legal Department must be notified in writing immediately upon
(a) learning of or receiving any subpoenas, orders or other legal mandates
regarding the use or disclosure of Protected Information; or (b) receiving a
request for amendment of an individual's Personal Information or an
accounting of disclosures of Protected Information.
Confidentiality of Business Information
We understand and value the trust that our members and team members place in
us when they share information with us. We have physical, electronic and
procedural safeguards in place to keep information about our members, team
members, personnel/team member contact information, etc secure. All team
members, officers and directors must comply with these safeguards in keeping
confidential information provided to them by Life Time Fitness or its
members, except when disclosure is authorized by the Legal Department or
required by laws or regulations. Confidential information includes, but is
not limited to, all non-public information that might be of use to
competitors, or harmful to the Company its team members, officers, directors
and/or members, if disclosed. It also includes information that team members,
officers, directors, suppliers, and members have entrusted to Life Time
Fitness. The obligation to preserve confidential information continues even
after employment ends.
Intellectual Property
“Intellectual property” includes: trade secrets, patents, trademarks and
copyrights, as well as customer or member lists (including the customer lists
kept by massage therapists, stylists, personal trainers and membership
advisors), prospective customer or member lists, lists or information,
business, marketing and service plans, manufacturing ideas, designs,
databases, records, salary information and any unpublished financial data and
reports, and any other creations of proprietary information of Life Time
Fitness. We depend on the protection of our intellectual property and expect
our competitors to respect the laws governing it. Life Time Fitness too is
legally and ethically obligated to respect the intellectual property rights
of suppliers, members, business partners and competitors. Unauthorized use or
distribution of our intellectual property violates the Code and could also be
illegal and result in civil and/or criminal penalties.
Antitrust
We compete vigorously, fairly and in compliance with all antitrust and
related laws, which exist to ensure free and open competition in the
marketplace. Violation of antitrust laws is a felony and can result in
imprisonment and fines. Damage awards in civil suits are tripled and may
include costs and attorney’s fees. The cost in time, reputation and lost
business may be staggering. In addition, these laws are complex and,
consequently, team members, officers and directors may not take any
collaborative action with a competitor, or take any action that could have a
potential anti-competitive effect, without prior advice from the Legal
Department.
The following areas are examples of actions creating potential antitrust
risk:
-
Contact with competitors regarding any matter that affects price,
members, territories, restricts sales, quality or research (i.e.
membership dues, enrollment fees, etc.);
-
Exchange of pricing or other proprietary information with competitors;
-
Illegal tying (an agreement that a customer must buy one Company product
or service as a condition of buying another or requiring the customer not
to buy a competitors products or services) or refusals to deal (you cannot
collaborate with a competitor to refuse to buy the products or services of
a third party);
-
Illegal price discrimination (for example, if you know that the low
prices you are offering are not available to the Company’s competitors,
are not cost justified and/or give Life Time Fitness an advantage in that
market that is sufficient to cause competitive injury);
-
False, deceptive or unfair statements about Company products or services,
or those of our competitors; and
-
Business arrangements that involve exclusive arrangements for the
purchase or sale of products or services, bundling of goods or services,
restrictions on a member’s choice of using products or services and
selective discounting and distribution arrangements with competitors.
To help guard against criminal conduct:
-
If you have decision-making authority over price and other terms and
conditions of sale, you should avoid contact with competitors, whether
business or social;
-
Avoid contact with a competitor when Life Time Fitness is considering a
price change or if that competitor or any other has initiated price
changes in a market;
-
Consult with the Legal Department each time you plan to contact a
competitor or immediately after a competitor contacts you, to ensure that
the contact is proper in its scope and is carefully documented; and
-
Consult with the Legal Department before entering into any acquisition or
joint venture.
The provisions of the antitrust laws apply to both formal and informal
communications. Team members, officers and directors involved in trade
association activities or in other situations allowing for informal
communication among competitors, members or suppliers must be especially
alert to the requirements of the law. We are all obligated to comply with
antitrust laws. Management is expected to maintain basic familiarity with the
principles and purposes of the antitrust laws as they apply to our business,
to abstain from any activities that might violate or create any appearance of
intent to violate such laws, and to seek guidance from the Legal Department
in any circumstances where doubt exists.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIPS
Political Activity
You may participate and contribute to political organizations or campaigns,
and are encouraged to do so. If you choose to be involved in political
activities, it must be done on your personal time with personal funds and in
your own name. Political activities are prohibited on any of our premises.
Furthermore, any team members, officers or directors representing the Company
in political and governmental matters must understand and comply fully with
all laws regulating corporate participation in public affairs. Life Time
Fitness is legally prohibited from contributing directly or indirectly in
support of political candidates for elective federal, state and local office
and is similarly prohibited from making such contributions in foreign
countries. Life Time Fitness will make no political contribution of Company
funds, property or services.
Gifts, Meals or Gratuities
Strict guidelines prohibit any type of payment to government team members or
public officials for meals, drinks, travel or lodging expenses. Normal
business courtesies in the commercial marketplace are considered an attempt
to improperly influence the government official and may be seen as a bribe,
kickback or illegal gratuity. Therefore, no team member, officer or director
should promise, authorize or provide to any U.S. government team member
anything of value, including meals, refreshments or gifts, even if they are
of nominal value. In addition, team members, officers and directors should
not accept offers or promises of future employment or business opportunities.
Dealing with Government Regulators
We conduct our relations with government team members in a fair and honest
manner. You must not lie or misrepresent the truth when communicating with
government team members.
Compliance with Government Investigations
It is the policy of Life Time Fitness to comply with any appropriate
government investigation. If you learn of any such investigation or inquiry,
contract the Legal Department immediately. Guidelines for complying with a
government investigation include:
-
Never destroy document in anticipation of those document being requested
as part of an investigation;
- Never alter any historical document or record;
-
Never make any false or misleading statements to any government or
Company investigator; and
- Comply with the Company’s Records Management Policy.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
It is our policy to comply with all U.S. laws and regulations governing
international business transactions and the import and export of goods and
services, including the regulations adopted by the Department of Homeland
Security. In addition, we may be subject to the laws of foreign countries and
the Company’s policy requires compliance with all such foreign laws to the
extent consistent with U.S. laws. Any team member, officer or director with
questions about applicable laws in connection with an international business
transaction should consult with the Legal Department.