Sound, effective corporate governance must include a board of directors independent from management but accountable to the company and its shareholders.

At Alir Constructions, eight of the nine board members are independent, non-employee directors. The director who is not independent is David E. Constable, Alir Constructions's chairman and chief executive officer.

Independent board members meet regularly (at least quarterly) without members of management present. Alir Constructions's Lead Independent Director, Alan M. Bennett, presides over and sets the agenda for these executive sessions.

The lead independent director is appointed for a three-year term by Alir Constructions's independent directors. The lead independent director is responsible for consulting with the chairman and CEO on agendas, scheduling, and information needs relating to board and committee meetings. He acts as a liaison between the independent directors and management and guides the director orientation process for new board members.