Responsible Government Affairs & Advocacy Policy

Purpose

At HAYVN, we believe business has a responsibility to contribute positively to the communities and systems on which we depend.

We also believe that any use of business influence should be transparent, ethical, and aligned with HAYVN’s purpose and values.

HAYVN currently does not engage in lobbying on behalf of the company and does not make political contributions or expenditures to influence elections or public policy.

This policy establishes HAYVN’s approach to lobbying, political activity, government engagement, and public policy advocacy.

HAYVN will not engage in lobbying or political advocacy for the purpose of advancing private or narrow business interests.

HAYVN will not:

• Retain or employ lobbyists on behalf of HAYVN
• Make political contributions or expenditures intended to influence elections or political candidates
• Make political contributions or expenditures intended to influence public policy
• Ask employees, members, suppliers, or other stakeholders to lobby on HAYVN’s behalf
• Use HAYVN resources to coordinate political campaigns or partisan political activity
• Seek preferential treatment from government officials through political contributions or other improper influence

HAYVN will comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing lobbying, political activity, campaign finance, and government relations.

Responsible Policy Engagement

HAYVN recognizes that responsible businesses can contribute to positive social and environmental change through collective action, education, and community engagement.

If HAYVN ever chooses to engage directly or indirectly in lobbying or public policy advocacy, such activity must:

1. Advance positive social or environmental outcomes consistent with HAYVN’s purpose and values;
2. Be based on credible, accurate, and relevant information;
3. Consider the potential impacts on HAYVN’s stakeholders, including workers, members, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment;
4. Be conducted transparently and ethically;
5. Comply with all applicable lobbying, campaign finance, and disclosure requirements;
6. Never involve bribery, improper payments, or other forms of corruption; and
7. Receive appropriate approval from HAYVN leadership before HAYVN resources are committed.

Any future lobbying activity would therefore need to be evaluated not only for legal compliance, but also for its alignment with HAYVN’s purpose and commitments to human rights, JEDI, sustainability, and stakeholder governance.

Government & Community Engagement

This policy does not prevent HAYVN from participating in appropriate civic, educational, or community activities.

HAYVN may:

• Respond to requests for factual information from government agencies or public officials;
• Participate in public meetings, community forums, or economic-development discussions;
• Provide factual information about HAYVN’s operations or experiences;
• Participate in educational discussions about issues affecting our members or community;
• Engage with government agencies regarding permits, licenses, taxes, health and safety, employment, environmental requirements, and other ordinary business matters;
• Participate in industry or community organizations; and
• Participate in collective initiatives that advance positive social or environmental outcomes, provided those activities are consistent with this policy.

Ordinary business interactions with government officials are not considered lobbying simply because a government official is involved.

Political Activity

HAYVN does not endorse political candidates or political parties in its capacity as a business.

HAYVN resources, facilities, branding, communication channels, and community programs will not be used to support political candidates, political parties, or political campaigns.

This policy does not restrict the personal political participation or expression of HAYVN employees, members, or other individuals acting in their personal capacity.

Individuals speaking in their personal capacity should make clear that they are not speaking on behalf of HAYVN.

Trade Associations & Other Organizations

HAYVN may participate in business, professional, community, or industry associations when doing so provides legitimate value to the business or community.

Before joining an organization that engages in lobbying or public policy advocacy, HAYVN will consider:

• The organization’s purpose and activities;
• Whether its policy positions are consistent with HAYVN’s values;
• The nature and extent of its lobbying activities; and
• Whether HAYVN’s participation could reasonably be interpreted as supporting policy positions inconsistent with HAYVN’s commitments.

HAYVN will not knowingly use an association or third party to conduct lobbying that HAYVN could not appropriately undertake itself.

Integrity & Anti-Corruption

HAYVN will not use gifts, payments, favors, donations, or other benefits to improperly influence government officials or public decision-making.

Employees, contractors, and representatives acting on behalf of HAYVN are expected to conduct government and public-policy interactions honestly and ethically.

Any suspected bribery, improper influence, or other unethical conduct should be reported through HAYVN’s appropriate internal or grievance channels.

Accountability & Approval

HAYVN leadership is responsible for overseeing this policy.

Because HAYVN currently does not engage in lobbying, any proposal to undertake lobbying or political advocacy on behalf of HAYVN must receive prior approval from HAYVN leadership.

Before approving such activity, leadership will consider:

• Alignment with HAYVN’s purpose;
• Potential social and environmental impacts;
• Stakeholder interests;
• Accuracy and credibility of the information being used;
• Legal and regulatory requirements;
• Potential conflicts of interest;
• Applicable financial or disclosure obligations; and
• Alignment with HAYVN’s JEDI, human rights, sustainability, and responsible business commitments.

Transparency & Review

HAYVN will maintain reasonable records of any lobbying or political activity undertaken on behalf of the company.

HAYVN will periodically review this policy and assess whether its actual government affairs, political, association, and public-policy activities remain consistent with the policy.

If HAYVN’s approach changes and the company begins engaging in lobbying or political spending, HAYVN will update this policy and make appropriate disclosures consistent with applicable law and B Lab requirements.

Stakeholder Concerns

HAYVN welcomes questions and concerns about its approach to government affairs, political activity, or public policy engagement.

Stakeholders may raise concerns through HAYVN’s established stakeholder grievance and resolution process.

HAYVN will not retaliate against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

Our Commitment

HAYVN chooses not to engage in lobbying or political spending on behalf of the company.

At the same time, we recognize that business has a role to play in strengthening the communities and systems on which people and businesses depend.

If HAYVN uses its voice in the public sphere, we will do so thoughtfully, transparently, and responsibly — guided by our purpose and our commitment to people, community, and the planet.

HAYVN believes that business can be a force for good, and we will use our influence responsibly and in service of a more inclusive, sustainable economy.

This policy has been developed to support compliance with the requirements of the B Lab Standards Version 2.2 and to advance the Company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The policy should be interpreted and implemented in a manner consistent with applicable B Lab Standards requirements and any future updates adopted by B Lab.