Otter Tail Corporation

Otter Tail integrates ESG and DEI into its business practices, tying executive compensation to ESG and DEI metrics. From its 2024 Proxy Statement: the company “include[s] ESG metrics in our annual incentive plan in support of our safety, DEI and environmental strategies” (1)(2). The company promotes divisive sex and gender policies. Its Code of Business Ethics requires international vendors to include sexual orientation and gender identity in their nondiscrimination policy (3). However, the company has not canceled customers, suppliers, or vendors based on political views or religious beliefs (4).

Otter Tail Power Company Foundation does not discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or beliefs. However, it will only give to religious organizations that provide non-sectarian services (1).

Otter Tail requires its employees to take unconscious bias training (1). The company appears to prioritize diversity over merit in its leadership composition. From its 2024 Proxy Statement: “In addition to seeking out director candidates with skills and experiences that are important to our businesses, the Corporate Governance Committee considers factors including… diversity of background and experience (including experience informed by gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation)” (2). The company appears to prioritize diversity over merit in its hiring. From its 2023 Annual Report: “We have implemented initiatives to improve upon our demographic profile, including revised hiring processes and a commitment to diverse slates of interview candidates” (3). The company’s subsidiary, Otter Tail Power Corporation, appears to prioritize diversity over merit in its supply chain. From its 2023 ESG Report: “Our goal is to increase our awareness of diverse suppliers in our geographic region and track our spend by supplier diversity business classification” (4). Otter Tail does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees (5).

Otter Tail supports DEI within its business practices. From its Sustainability webpage: “We expect and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of who we are, what we value, and how we achieve individual, business, and community success” (1). Otherwise, the company has not supported ideological causes or policies (2).

Otter Tail has not used corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies (1).

Otter Tail has not used its PAC donations for ideological purposes and does not engage in lobbying at this time (1)(2)(3).