"NASDAQ is committed to good governance and is focused on restoring investor trust in the quality and integrity of the information that fuels our stock markets," said Edward Knight, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of NASDAQ. "Our alliance with NACD is a key addition to the steps we have taken to provide board directors and executives with access to corporate governance tools and information."
Through the NASDAQ Corporate Services Network (NCSN), an online network of service providers designed to help companies maximize their investor relations and compliance functions, the Boards of NASDAQ listed companies now have access to director education and governance resources from the NACD. The resources provided are practical, nationally recognized programs designed to define director roles and responsibilities; hone board members' financial oversight skills; provide guidance on audit committee structure and processes; and provide strategies for risk oversight.
"In the wake of Sarbanes-Oxley, Corporate America has made great strides to improve disclosure and transparency, but there is more work to be done," said Roger W. Raber, President of NACD. "Engaged corporate boards have a greater role than simple compliance with the new laws; through our relationship with NASDAQ, we can help ensure boards serve as strategic assets to a corporation."
As part of this relationship, NASDAQ-listed companies have access to NACD's interactive seminars and conferences for executive management and directors at a discount, as well as NACD's educational programs that can be tailored to suit the needs of individual boards. NASDAQ companies will also have access to periodicals, surveys and blue ribbon commission reports. Among the seminars available are:
- Director Professionalism;
- Scrutinizing Financial Statements;
- Role of the Governance Committee;
- Effective Compensation Committees;
- Board Evaluation: Improving Director Effectiveness;
- What the Board Really Expects from the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary; and
- The Effective Entrepreneurial Company Board.
For more information on the services available through NASDAQ and NACD's corporate governance education alliance, listed companies should visit the NASDAQ Corporate Services Network at http://www.nasdaq.net.
