Organization
The Eastman Chemical Company Political Action Committee (also known as "EastmanPAC"), is a voluntary group of participants, made up of concerned employees and Eastman directors. Participants in EastmanPAC must be U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents in the U.S.
Through personal contributions to EastmanPAC, state and federal candidates in the U.S. are supported. EastmanPAC is a separate, segregated fund that complies with the Federal Election Campaign Act, as amended, and all state and federal election laws and regulations.
Every dollar contributed to EastmanPAC goes directly to supporting political candidates. Personal political preferences of Eastman executives, directors, and employees play no part whatsoever in decisions involving political contributions. Campaign contributions are never made in return for, or in anticipation of, an official act.
The Company defrays all costs and expenses, as allowed by law, associated with operating EastmanPAC.
Governance
EastmanPAC is governed and overseen by an Executive Board comprised of a diverse group of Eastman employees, including members of the Company's Executive Team and at least one employee from Eastman’s Law department. The Executive Board supervises and directs the PAC’s financial and administrative affairs, including approving financials and contribution recommendations as set forth by the Government Affairs organization. Ex officio members include employees of the Government Affairs organization. The Executive Board officers include a Chairman, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.
Contributions
The Executive Board evaluates all candidates on a bipartisan basis, basing its giving decisions on a number of factors, most importantly the policy stances of individual candidates. Strong consideration is also given to those who share Eastman's corporate values and our commitment to drive positive change in our communities.
- Eastman's presence in a candidate's state/district
- Demonstrates a commitment to supporting manufacturing and the chemical industry
- Key committee member or thought leader on issues of importance to Eastman
- House and Senate Leadership
- Alignment with Eastman's public policy priorities
All proposed U.S. political contributions by EastmanPAC are first reviewed by the Eastman Government Affairs team, which makes recommendations to the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for approval and submission on an annual basis to the Executive Board. Approved EastmanPAC contributions are submitted to the EastmanPAC Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer for disbursement and are publicly disclosed to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in monthly filings and in the Political Contributions Report.