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Any controversy of any kind arising between the parties under this agreement or otherwise (or any agent, officer, director or affiliate of any party), including but not limited to common law, statutory, tort or contract claims, will be submitted to mediation, and failing settlement in mediation, to binding arbitration. Unless otherwise agreed, a mediation and arbitration designated by staff professionals will govern any mediation and arbitration. The parties will select the mediator or arbitrator from the designated company panel of mediators and will notify the designated company, in writing, to initiate the selection process. The arbitration will be subject to and governed by the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act. 9 U.S.C. Section 1-et seq. The parties hereto stipulate that this agreement involves matters affecting interstate commerce.