On behalf of the ASD, we want to welcome you to this meeting.  It is essential that you observe certain ground rules as you participate in this meeting.  As you know, the antitrust laws prohibit or make highly imprudent the discussion of a number of matters at a meeting such as this.  There can be no discussion among you at this meeting or in any other place concerning:

1. Prices paid or charged by the individuals or companies that you represent
2. Terms or conditions of sale established by your firm such as credit terms, markups or profits
3. The geographical areas in which your company is seeking or may seek to do business
4. The persons or companies with whom your company will or will not do business
5. Specific costs and plans.

Any departure from these ground rules could result in severe civil and criminal penalties to you as individuals, to your firm and even to the association.  Federal sentencing guidelines mandate jail sentences for first-time antitrust violations and call for criminal fines that may range into millions of dollars.