Social Media Use Policy

Marchese Ford of Mechanicville recognizes that social media can be an easy and inexpensive way to exchange ideas and information. However, employees' use of social media creates potential risks for Marchese Ford of Mechanicville and our employees, including potential exposure of Marchese Ford of Mechanicville's confidential and proprietary information, damage to our reputation and brands, discrimination and harassment claims, disruption to the workplace, etc.

To minimize these business and legal risks and ensure the Company's resources and systems are used appropriately, Marchese Ford of Mechanicville asks its employees to adhere to the following social media guidelines.

Note: As used in this policy, “social media” refers to social networking sites, blogs, forums, and other similar online environments

General work rules regarding social media. Employees must ensure that social media activity does not interfere with work. Employees generally may not use social media for personal reasons during work time, or at any time with Marchese Ford of Mechanicville equipment.

Compliance with all Company policies. Your social media postings must comply with all Company policies. Please pay particular attention to our EEO, harassment, workplace violence, confidential information, and electronic systems and usage policies, and ensure your postings are consistent with them.

Advertising via social media. Social media postings containing prices, payments, financing options, offers, or any other terms, may be considered advertisements, which can violate state and federal advertising laws if not done properly. For example, such posts can trigger requirements to include specific disclosures relating to minimum credit scores, rebate eligibility, taxes and fees, finance charges, and other terms. Therefore, Marchese Ford of Mechanicville prohibits employees from creating social media posts that share advertisements of Marchese Ford of Mechanicville products or services. Employees wishing to share Marchese Ford of Mechanicville information online should direct potential customers to the Company’s website or official social media account.

Business use of social media. If you are required to use social media as part of your job duties, you will be given and must comply with additional guidelines for doing so.

Ownership of Company social media accounts. Marchese Ford of Mechanicville owns all social media accounts (and related log-in information, content, etc.) used on Marchese Ford of Mechanicville's behalf, regardless of who opens or uses the account, and will retain all such information and content regardless of any employee’s termination of employment.

Use of disclaimer. Employees should make clear that any personal opinions they express are theirs alone and do not reflect the views of the Company when engaging in social media activity that implies or otherwise gives the appearance that such activity is on the Company’s behalf. Employees may not speak on the Company’s behalf without express written permission from management. Do not represent yourself as a spokesperson for the Company unless you actually are one. Employees who identify themselves as Company employees or discuss matters related to the Company on social media must include a prominent disclaimer indicating that the post does not express the views of the Company and expresses only personal views; for example: “The views expressed in this post are mine and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.”

Respect for intellectual property and confidential information. As explained more fully in other policies, you should treat the Company's trade secrets, intellectual property, and other proprietary information about our customers, products, services, etc., as confidential, and not do anything to jeopardize or disclose them via social media. You should also avoid misappropriating or infringing on the intellectual property of other companies and individuals, which can create liability for yourself and for Marchese Ford of Mechanicville.

Others’ privacy. Employees should not disclose personal or non-public contact information, or post photographs or video of employees, customers, vendors, or others without their prior written permission and the Company’s prior written approval. Note that this can be particularly important when it comes to posting pictures of celebrities/public figures doing business with the Dealership.

 Use of proper channels to report complaints. Social media is not the most effective place to report complaints about Marchese Ford of Mechanicville, working at Marchese Ford of Mechanicville, or your coworkers. This is especially true when it comes to concerns regarding discrimination, harassment, or safety. We encourage employees to report such matters directly to their immediate supervisor or to follow the complaint procedure set forth in our ANTI HARASSMENT POLICY so that they can get the proper attention.

Conduct not prohibited by this policy. Nothing in this policy is meant to, nor should it be interpreted to, limit your rights under any applicable law, including your rights under the National Labor Relations Act to discuss the terms and conditions of your employment with other employees.

Discipline. Violations of this policy may result in discipline up to and including immediate termination of employment.