UNITED STATES |
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
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Washington, D.C. 20549 |
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SCHEDULE 14A |
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Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of |
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Filed by the Registrant x |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
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FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC. |
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) |
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Total fee paid: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Date Filed: |
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www.bankatfidelity.com |
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April 1, 2008 |
Dear Fellow Shareholders of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc.:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to invite you to attend our Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. to be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at the main office of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, 18512. At the annual meeting, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and to make comments. Enclosed are your notice of meeting, proxy statement, proxy card and the Companys 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders.
The principal business of the meeting is to elect three Class B Directors, ratify the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm and to transact any other business that is properly presented at the annual meeting. The notice of meeting and proxy statement accompanying this letter describe the specific business to be acted upon in more detail.
We are delighted you have chosen to invest in the Company. We look forward to you joining us. Whether or not you expect to attend the annual meeting in person, we hope that you will vote as soon as possible by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy in the envelope provided. The prompt return of your proxy will save the Company expenses involved in further communications. Your vote is important. Voting by written proxy will ensure your representation at the annual meeting, if you do not attend in person.
We look forward to seeing you on May 6, 2008.
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Sincerely, |
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/s/ Patrick J. Dempsey |
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Patrick J. Dempsey |
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Chairman of the Board |
FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
Blakely and Drinker Streets
Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512
(570) 342-8281
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 6, 2008
The Board of Directors is
distributing this proxy statement to shareholders
on or about April 1, 2008
OTC Bulletin Board trading symbol: FDBC
www.the-fidelity.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT |
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OPTION GRANTS AND OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS |
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RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PROPOSAL NO. 2) |
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TO BE HELD ON MAY 6, 2008
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at the main office of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, 18512, to consider and vote upon the following proposals:
(1) Election of three Class B Directors to serve for a three-year term and until their successors are properly elected and qualified;
(2) To ratify the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008; and
(3) To transact any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 11, 2008, are entitled to notice of the meeting and may vote at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy.
Management welcomes your attendance at the annual meeting. Whether or not you expect to attend the annual meeting in person, we ask you to complete, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy in the accompanying postage-paid envelope. The prompt return of your proxy will save expenses involved in further communications. Even if you return a proxy, you may vote in person if you give written notice to the Secretary of the Company and attend the annual meeting. Promptly returning your completed proxy will ensure that your shares are voted in accordance with your wishes and will guarantee the presence of a quorum.
The Board of Directors is distributing this proxy statement, form of proxy, and Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc.s 2007 Annual Report on or about April 1, 2008.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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/s/ John T. Cognetti |
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John T. Cognetti |
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Secretary |
Dunmore, Pennsylvania
April 1, 2008
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD.
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Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) is furnishing this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company. The annual meeting will be held at the main office of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, 18512, on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. The telephone number for the Company is (570) 342-8281. Please direct all inquiries to Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and registered bank holding company, was organized in 1999 and became the holding company for The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank (the Bank) on June 30, 2000. The Bank, the Companys wholly-owned, sole subsidiary, was established in 1902 as a commercial banking institution under the laws of Pennsylvania. In 1997, the Bank acquired trust powers. The Bank offers a full range of traditional banking and trust services as well as alternative financial products and services.
The Board of Directors encloses a copy of the annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, with this proxy statement. You may obtain additional copies of the Companys annual report for the 2007 fiscal year at no cost by contacting Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512, telephone (570) 342-8281.
We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information. You should rely only on the information contained in this document or in documents to which we refer you. Although we believe we have provided you with all the information you will need to make your decision to vote, events may occur at the Company subsequent to printing this proxy statement that might affect your decision or value of your stock.
The Board of Directors is sending this proxy statement and proxy to shareholders on or about April 1, 2008. The Board of Directors of the Company solicits this proxy for use at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company. The directors, officers and other employees of the Company or the Bank may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, facsimile, or other electronic means. The Company will pay the cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and soliciting proxies and any additional material that the Company sends to shareholders. The Company will make arrangements with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of stock held by these persons. The Company will reimburse these persons for their reasonable forwarding expenses.
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Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, the voting record date, may vote at the annual meeting. On all matters to come before the annual meeting, shareholders may cast one vote for each share held. Cumulative voting rights do not exist with respect to the election of directors.
By properly completing a proxy card, the shareholder appoints the proxy holders named on the proxy card to vote his or her shares as specified on the proxy card. Any signed proxy card, which does not specify how the shares are to be voted, will be voted FOR:
· Election of Samuel C. Cali, Mary E. McDonald and David L. Tressler, Sr., as Class B Directors of the Company, each for three-year terms expiring in 2011; and
· Ratification of the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008.
If a shareholder is a participant in the Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment Plan, the enclosed proxy will also serve as a proxy for the shares held in the plan. The Register and Transfer Company, as the administrator of the plan, will not provide plan participants with separate proxies covering the shares held in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy, for each whole share of common stock held as of the record date. If your proxy is signed but does not indicate your voting preferences, the proxy holders will vote your shares in favor of the proposals and for all nominees. If you do not return a proxy, your shares will not be voted.
Quorum and Vote For Approval
The Companys Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock. At the close of business on February 29, 2008, the Company had issued and outstanding 2,075,182 shares of common stock, without par value. The Companys Articles of Incorporation also authorize the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Company has not issued any preferred stock.
To hold the annual meeting, a quorum of shareholders must be present. Under Pennsylvania law and the by-laws of the Company, the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting. Votes withheld and abstentions will be counted in determining the presence of a quorum for the particular matter. The Company will not count broker non-votes in determining the presence of a quorum. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker nominee, holding shares for a beneficial owner, does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item, and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Those shareholders present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another time and place if a quorum is lacking.
Assuming the presence of a quorum, the nominees in each class of directors receiving the highest number of votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors shall be elected. Votes withheld from a nominee and broker non-votes will not be cast for a nominee. The Companys Articles of Incorporation do not permit cumulative voting in the election of directors.
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Shareholders who sign and return proxies to the Company may revoke them at any time before they are voted by:
· Delivering written notice of revocation to John T. Cognetti, Secretary of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512; or
· Delivering a properly executed proxy bearing a later date to John T. Cognetti, Secretary of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512; or
· Attending the meeting and voting in person, after giving written notice to John T. Cognetti, Secretary of the Company.
You have the right to vote and, if desired, to revoke your proxy any time before the annual meeting. Should you have any questions, please call John T. Cognetti, Secretary, at (570) 342-8281.
· Mark your selections.
· Date your proxy and sign your name exactly as it appears on your proxy.
· Mail in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope.
· Attend the annual meeting and show proof of eligibility to vote.
· Obtain a ballot.
· Mark your selections.
· Date your ballot and sign your name exactly as it appears in the transfer books of the Company.
Our Board of Directors believes that the purpose of corporate governance is to ensure that we maximize shareholder value in a manner consistent with legal requirements and the highest standards of integrity. The Board has adopted and adheres to corporate governance practices which the Board and senior management believe promote this purpose, are sound and represent best practices. We continually review these governance practices, Pennsylvania law (the state in which we are incorporated), the rules and listing standards of Nasdaq, and SEC regulations, as well as best practices suggested by recognized governance authorities.
Currently, our Board of Directors has eight members. Under the Nasdaq listing standards for independence, Samuel C. Cali, Michael J. McDonald, David L. Tressler, Sr., Patrick J. Dempsey, Mary E. McDonald and John T. Cognetti meet the Nasdaq standards for independence. This constitutes more than a majority of our Board of Directors. Only independent directors serve on our Audit Committee.
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Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
During 2007, the Companys Board of Directors maintained three standing committees, and the Banks Board of Directors maintained eight standing committees. The Board of Directors of the Company has a standing Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Human Resource/Employee Stock Incentive Committee. In addition, the full Board of Directors of the Company performs the functions of a Nominating Committee. The Board of Directors of the Bank has an Asset/Liability Committee, Audit and Compliance Committee, Credit Administration Committee, Executive Committee, Human Resource and Compensation Committee, Loan Application Committee, Trust/401(k)/Investment Committee, and a Building Committee.
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee acts as the Compensation Committee for named executives. Members of the Companys Executive Committee were Patrick J. Dempsey, Chairman, Michael J. McDonald, and Brian J. Cali. The members of the Executive Committee, other than Mr. Cali, meet the Nasdaq listing standards for independence. The principal duties of the Executive Committee are to act on behalf of the Board between meetings to take action on loan approvals, to review and approve compensation paid to senior executive officers and to evaluate governance issues and strategic plans. The Executive Committee met four (4) times during 2007.
Audit Committee. Members of the Companys Audit Committee were Michael J. McDonald, Chairman, Samuel C. Cali, Mary E. McDonald and David L. Tressler, Sr. The Board of Directors has determined that David L. Tressler, Sr. is an audit committee financial expert and independent as defined under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules. The principal duties of the Audit Committee, as set forth in its charter, which is available on our website, www.the-fidelity.com, under Investor Relations Governance Documents, include reviewing significant audit and accounting principles, policies and practices, reviewing performance of internal auditing procedures, reviewing reports of examination received from regulatory authorities and recommending annually, to the Board of Directors, the engagement of an independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee met four (4) times during 2007.
Human Resource/Employee Stock Incentive Committee. Members of the Companys Human Resource/Employee Stock Incentive Committee were Patrick J. Dempsey, Chairman, Samuel C. Cali, John T. Cognetti and Michael J. McDonald. This committee determines which key employees are eligible for participation in the Companys Incentive Stock Option Plan. This committee also administers the Companys Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Because the full Board of Directors awarded the December 2007 stock option grants, the Committee did not meet in 2007.
Nominating Committee. The entire Board of Directors, each of whom, other than Mr. Ackmann, is a non-employee director, desires to participate on and performs the functions of a Nominating Committee. The members of the Board other than Mr. Brian Cali and Mr. Ackmann meet the Nasdaq listing standards for independence. Because of full Director participation, the Board of Directors believes there is no need to have a separate standing committee to perform similar functions. The principal duties of a Nominating Committee include developing and recommending the criteria for selecting qualified director candidates, identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, evaluating and selecting or recommending director nominees for each election of directors, considering committee member qualifications, appointment and removal, recommending codes of conduct and codes of ethics applicable to the Company and providing oversight in the evaluation of the Board and each committee. Because of the rare occurrence of shareholder recommendations, the Board of Directors has not developed a formal policy to consider potential director candidates recommended by shareholders, but will give due consideration to any and all such candidates. If a shareholder wishes to recommend a potential director candidate, the shareholder should mail the information regarding the candidate as
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required by the Companys by-law provision 9.1 to the Secretary of the Company at the Companys offices at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, PA 18512. The Board acting as a Nominating Committee met one (1) time during 2007.
Human Resource and Compensation Committee. Members of the Banks Human Resources and Compensation Committee were David L. Tressler, Sr., Chairman, Patrick J. Dempsey, Samuel C. Cali, and Mary E. McDonald. The principal duties of the Human Resource and Compensation Committee include the establishment of policies dealing with employee compensation, retirement and welfare benefit plans for the Bank. The Human Resource and Compensation Committee met two (2) times during 2007.
Composition Table of the Company and Bank Committees
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HR/EMPLOYEE |
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TRUST/ |
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INVEST. |
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BUILDING |
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Samuel C. Cali |
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Brian J. Cali |
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John T. Cognetti |
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Patrick J. Dempsey |
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Mary E. McDonald |
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Michael J. McDonald |
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David L. Tressler, Sr. |
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Steven C. Ackmann |
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Meetings held in 2007 |
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0 |
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24 |
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The Board of Directors of the Company met 24 times during 2007. There were a total of 50 meetings of the various committees of the Board of Directors in 2007. All directors attended at least 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the various committees on which they served. All Directors attended the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and plan to attend the 2008 meeting.
Shareholder Communications
The Board of Directors has not adopted a formal process for shareholders to send communications to the Board. Due to the infrequency of shareholder communications, the Board does not believe that a formal process is necessary. Written communications received by the Company from shareholders are shared with the full Board no later than the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Nomination of Directors
Under the Companys by-laws, nominations for director may be made by the Board of Directors or by a shareholder of record entitled to vote. In order for a shareholder to make a nomination, the shareholder must provide a notice along with the additional information and materials required by the by-laws to the Companys Secretary not less than 60 days prior to the date of any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors. For our annual meeting in the year 2009, we must receive this notice on or before March 6, 2009. You can obtain a copy of the full text of the by-law provision by writing to John T. Cognetti, Secretary, Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, PA. A copy of our by-laws has been
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filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Registrants current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 21, 2007.
Submission of Shareholder Proposals
Any shareholder who, in accordance with the proxy rules of the SEC, wishes to submit a proposal for inclusion in the Companys proxy statement for its 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must deliver such proposal in writing to the Secretary of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. at its principal executive office, Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512, not later than December 4, 2008.
A shareholder may have other business brought before the 2009 Annual Meeting by submitting the proposal to the Companys Secretary, in accordance with our by-laws. The proposal must be delivered to our executive offices at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, PA 18512, to the attention of the Companys Secretary. We are not required to include any proposal received after December 4, 2008 in our proxy materials for the 2009 annual meeting.
Employee Code of Ethics
Since 1993, the Bank has had a Code of Ethics. As required by law and regulation, the Board of Directors amended the Code of Ethics as of March 16, 2004, so that our Code of Ethics is applicable to the Companys and the Banks directors, officers and employees, including the Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers.
The Code of Ethics encourages individuals to report any conduct that they believe in good faith to be an actual or apparent violation of the code of ethics. The Board of Directors periodically receives reports on our compliance program. The Code of Ethics is posted on our website at www.the-fidelity.com, under Investor Relations Governance Documents. We have also filed a copy of the Code of Ethics with the SEC as Exhibit 14 to our December 31, 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(PROPOSAL NO. 1)
The Companys by-laws provide that the Board of Directors consist of at least three directors and be classified into three classes. Each class is elected for a term of three years. Accordingly, the terms of the classes expire at successive annual meetings. The Board may fix the number of directors and their respective classifications within the foregoing limits. A majority of the Board may also fill vacancies on the Board, and the person appointed to fill the vacancy serves, until the expiration of the term of office of the class of directors to which he or she was appointed.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO ELECT THE THREE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW AS CLASS B DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.
Currently, Class A consists of two directors, Class B consists of three directors, and Class C consists of three directors. Shareholders will elect three Class B directors at the annual meeting to serve for a three year term that expires at the Companys annual meeting in the year 2011.
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The proxy holders will vote the proxies for the election of each of the nominees named below, unless you indicate that your vote should be withheld from any or all of them. Each nominee elected as a director will continue in office until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until his or her death, resignation or retirement.
The Board of Directors is proposing the following nominees for election as Class B Directors at the annual meeting:
Samuel C. Cali |
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Mary E. McDonald |
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David L. Tressler, Sr. |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of the above named nominees for directors.
The following biographies contain selected information with respect to the directors of the Company. The information includes each persons age as of March 11, 2008, and principal occupation for at least the past five years.
Current Class A Directors (to serve until 2009)
John T. Cognetti
Mr. Cognetti, age 58, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. He has served as a member of the Banks Board of Directors since 1988. Mr. Cognetti is President of The Hinerfeld Realty Co., in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Michael J. McDonald, Esquire
Mr. McDonald, age 53, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. Mr. McDonald has served as a member of the Banks Board of Directors since 1994. He is a partner with the law firm of Foley, McLane, Foley, McDonald and MacGregor, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Current Class B Directors (to serve until 2008) and Nominees (to serve until 2011, if re-elected)
Samuel C. Cali
Mr. Cali, age 91, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. Mr. Cali previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company from 1999 to October of 2001. He has been a Director of the Bank since 1958 and served as Chairman of the Banks Board of Directors from June 1986 to October 2001. Mr. Cali is the retired proprietor of S.C. Cali Agency, an insurance agency located in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.
Mary E. McDonald
Mrs. McDonald, age 74, has been a Director of the Company since 2000. She has been a member of the Banks Board of Directors since 2000. Mrs. McDonald is a retired educator.
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David L. Tressler, Sr.
Mr. Tressler age 71, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. Mr. Tressler has been a member of the Banks Board of Directors since 1998. He is a consultant for The Quandel Group, Inc., in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Current Class C Directors (to serve until 2010)
Steven C. Ackmann
Mr. Ackmann, age 56, has been a Director of the Company since August of 2007 and has served as the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2004. Mr. Ackmann served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since July 2004. Prior to that date, Mr. Ackmann was an officer of FNB Corporation, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Brian J. Cali, Esquire
Mr. Cali, age 55, has been a Director of the Company since February of 2001. Mr. Cali has served as a member of the Banks Board of Directors since February of 2001. He is a self-employed attorney practicing in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.
Patrick J. Dempsey
Mr. Dempsey, age 74, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. Mr. Dempsey has also served as a member of the Banks Board of Directors since 1985. He is the Chairman of the Board of Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply, Inc., in Jessup, Pennsylvania.
Director Mary E. McDonald is the aunt of Director Michael J. McDonald. Director Brian J. Cali is the son of Samuel C. Cali, Chairman Emeritus.
Steven C. Ackmann, age 56, has served as the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2004. Mr. Ackmann served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since July 2004. Prior to that date, Mr. Ackmann was an officer of FNB Corporation, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Daniel J. Santaniello, age 42, has served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since May 2004. Mr. Santaniello has been employed by the Bank since July 2001 and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., CPA, age 38, has served as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 2003. Mr. DeFrancesco has been employed by the Bank since January 2003 and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Timothy P. OBrien, age 56, has been employed by the Bank since January 2008 and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. OBrien was Senior Management/Commercial Loan Officer of Community Bank and Trust Company in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.
9
John T. Piszak, age 61, has been employed by the Bank since January 2004 and currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer. Mr. Piszak has more than 35 years of experience in the banking profession. Previous to joining the Bank, Mr. Piszak held executive positions at both regional and community banks in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of directors who meet the Nasdaq standards for independence. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted in 2004 by the Board of Directors, which was reviewed and revised in February 2008, and is available on our website, www.the-fidelity.com.
The Audit Committee met with management periodically during the year to consider the adequacy of the Companys internal controls and the objectivity of its financial reporting. The Audit Committee discussed these matters with the Companys independent registered public accountants and with appropriate Company financial personnel and internal auditors. The Audit Committee also discussed with the Companys senior management and independent registered public accountants the process used for certifications by the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer which are required for certain of the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Audit Committee met privately at its regular meeting with both the independent registered public accountants and the internal auditors, as well as with the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Executive Officer on a number of occasions, each of whom has unrestricted access to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has outsourced the internal audit function to the local certified public accounting firm of McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates. The main responsibility of this firm was to complete the internal audits necessary to meet the monitoring component of the Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Other responsibilities included the identifying, re-testing and reporting all significant findings to the Audit Committee.
The commitment of the Audit Committee, internal audit, and management, resulted in the completion of the scheduled internal audits. Management, in response to findings, has taken corrective action and internal audit re-testing was performed as required. The combined efforts were successful in meeting the internal control components of risk assessment and monitoring required by year end. The internal audit outsource arrangement, audit schedule and the commitment to maintain an effective system of internal controls, required under regulation, caused the Audit Committee to meet four times (4) in 2007.
The Audit Committee selected Parente Randolph, LLC as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company in 2007 after reviewing the firms performance and independence from management.
Management has primary responsibility for the Companys consolidated financial statements and the overall reporting process, including the Companys system of internal controls.
Parente Randolph, LLC audited the annual consolidated financial statements prepared by management, expressed an opinion as to whether those consolidated financial statements fairly present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in conformity with
10
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and discussed with the Audit Committee any issues they believed should have been raised with the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee reviewed with management and Parente Randolph, LLC the Companys audited consolidated financial statements and met separately with both management and Parente Randolph, LLC to discuss and review those consolidated financial statements and reports prior to issuance. Management has represented, and Parente Randolph, LLC has confirmed, to the Audit Committee, that the consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Audit Committee received from Parente Randolph, LLC the written disclosure and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). The Audit Committee first discussed with Parente Randolph, LLC the items related to the firms independence from the Company. The Audit Committee also discussed with Parente Randolph, LLC matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees) of the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to the extent applicable. As such, the Audit Committee implemented a procedure to monitor auditor independence, reviewed audit and non-audit services performed by Parente Randolph, LLC and discussed with the auditors their independence.
In reliance on these reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Companys audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee and the Board have also recommended, subject to shareholder ratification, the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC, as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008.
Michael J. McDonald, Chairman
Samuel C. Cali
David L. Tressler, Sr.
Mary E. McDonald
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANYS COMMON STOCK BY PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As of February 29, 2008, we know of no shareholder who owned more than 5% of the Companys outstanding common stock, either on the Companys records or indirectly as a beneficial owner.
The following table provides information, as of February 29, 2008, with respect to the following beneficial owners of the Companys common stock:
· Each Director of the Company
· Each named Executive Officer
· All Executive Officers and Directors as a group
11
We determined beneficial ownership by applying the General Rules and Regulations of the SEC, which state that a person may be credited with the ownership of common stock:
· Owned by or for the persons spouse, minor children or any other relative sharing the persons home;
· Of which the person shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the stock; and
· Of which the person has investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the stock.
Also, a person who has the right to acquire shares within 60 days after February 29, 2008, will be considered to own the shares. As of February 29, 2008 the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding was approximately 2,075,182. The calculation of percentages is based upon this number, plus 20,680 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options for a total of 2,095,862 shares.
Name of Individual and |
|
Amount and Nature of |
|
Percentage of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brian J. Cali |
|
89,560 |
(2) |
4.27 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mary E. McDonald |
|
86,899 |
(3) |
4.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael J. McDonald |
|
70,734 |
(4) |
3.38 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Samuel C. Cali |
|
67,680 |
(5) |
3.23 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patrick J. Dempsey |
|
35,143 |
(6) |
1.68 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
David L. Tressler, Sr. |
|
11,887 |
(7) |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John T. Cognetti |
|
10,707 |
(8) |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven C. Ackmann |
|
8,986 |
(9) |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy P. OBrien |
|
3,915 |
(10) |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel J. Santaniello |
|
1,675 |
(11) |
* |
|
12
Name of Individual and |
|
Amount and Nature of |
|
Percentage of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr. |
|
532 |
(12) |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John T. Piszak |
|
430 |
(13) |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Officers and Directors as a Group |
|
388,148 |
|
18.52 |
% |
* |
|
Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the Companys common stock. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Information furnished by the directors and the Company. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Figure includes 66,901 shares held solely by Mr. Cali, 13,280 shares held for Mr. Cali in a self-employed retirement trust, 4,378 shares held jointly by Mr. Cali and his children, 4,451 held by Mr. Calis children and 550 exercisable stock options. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Figure includes 85,799 shares held solely by Mrs. McDonald and 1,100 exercisable stock options. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Figures includes 55,271 shares held solely by Mr. McDonald, 10,918 shares held by Mr. McDonalds spouse, 1,050 shares held by Mr. McDonalds spouse and children, 1,295 shares held by Mr. McDonalds children and 2,200 exercisable stock options. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Figure includes 4,800 shares held in the S.C. Cali Revocable Trust, 60,680 shares held in Jane Calis Revocable Trust and 2,200 exercisable stock options. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Figure includes 4,645 shares held solely by Mr. Dempsey, 28,298 shares held by Mr. Dempseys spouse and 2,200 exercisable stock options. |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Figure includes 2,881 shares held solely by Mr. Tressler, 619 shares held jointly by Mr. Tressler and his spouse, 1,189 shares held in trust for Mr. Tresslers spouse and child, 4,519 shares held jointly for Mr. Tressler in trust with his son, 349 shares held jointly by Mr. Tressler and his daughter, 130 shares held jointly by Mr. Tressler and his grandchildren and 2,200 exercisable stock options. |
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Figure includes 13 shares held solely by Mr. Cognetti, 4,831 shares held solely for Mr. Cognetti in an IRA, 1,084 shares held jointly by Mr. Cognetti and his spouse, 460 shares held by Mr. Cognettis spouse, 2,119 shares held by Mr. Cognettis spouse and children and 2,200 exercisable stock options. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Figure includes 1,800 shares held solely for Mr. Ackmann in an IRA, and 7,186 shares held jointly by Mr. Ackmann and his spouse. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Figure includes 800 shares held solely for Mr. OBrien in an IRA, 100 shares held jointly by Mr. OBrien and his spouse, 650 shares held in partnership with Mr. OBrien and his brother, 2,065 shares held in an investment club of which Mr. OBrien is a member and 300 shares held in an investment club of which Mr. OBriens spouse is a member. |
|
|
|
(11) |
|
Figure includes 527 shares held solely by Mr. Santaniello, 598 shares held jointly by Mr. Santaniello and his spouse and 550 exercisable stock options. |
|
|
|
(12) |
|
Figure includes 532 shares held jointly by Mr. DeFrancesco and his spouse. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Figures includes 430 shares held solely by Mr. Piszak. |
13
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 require the Companys officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the registered class of the Companys equity securities to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all filed Section 16(a) forms. The Board of Directors knows of no persons who own greater than 10% of the Companys outstanding common stock.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that during the period from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007, all officers and directors were in compliance with all filing requirements applicable to them, except for Director, Brian J. Cali who inadvertently had a late filing.
CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
Except as described below, the Company has not entered into and does not intend to enter into any material transactions with any director or executive officer of the Company and/or the Bank or their associates.
Some of our directors and officers and the companies with which they are associated had banking transactions with the Bank in the ordinary course of its business during 2007, and the Bank expects to continue such banking transactions in the future.
Total loans outstanding from the Bank at December 31, 2007, to the Companys/Banks officers and directors as a group, members of their immediate families and companies in which they had an ownership interest of 5% or more, amounted to $8,818,887 or approximately 16% of the total shareholders equity of the Bank. The Bank made these loans in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and they did not involve more than the normal risk of collection or present other unfavorable features.
The largest total amount of indebtedness outstanding during 2007 to the above described group was approximately $10,145,667. The aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding as of the latest practicable date, February 29, 2008, to the above group was approximately $8,929,114.
Policies and procedures for approving loans to related parties are comparable to those applied to non-related parties. In deciding whether to approve other types of related person transactions the following factors may be considered:
· information about the goods or services proposed to be or being provided by or to the related party or the nature of the transactions;
· the nature of the transactions and the costs to be incurred by the Company or payments to the Company;
· an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with the transaction and a comparison of comparable or alternative goods or services that are available to the Company from unrelated parties; and
· the business advantage the Company would gain by engaging in the transaction.
14
To receive approval, the related person transaction must be on terms that are fair and reasonable to the Company, and that are as favorable to the Company as would be available from non-related entities in comparable transactions.
Other than loans, there have been no material transactions between the Company or the Bank, nor any material transactions proposed, with any Director or Executive Officer of the Company or the Bank, or any associate of these persons. The Bank does, from time to time, enter into non-material transactions with related parties.
During 2007, the Bank paid, in its ordinary course of business, for legal services performed by Brian J. Cali, Esquire and by Tressler Law, LLC, of which James M. Tressler, Esquire is the owner and son of David L. Tressler, Sr.
Further, in 2007, the Bank paid Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply, Inc., of which Patrick J. Dempsey is Chairman of the Board, for linen services; Guy Cali and Associates, Inc., of which Guy Cali, son of Samuel C. Cali, is owner, for photography services and creative projects; and DX Dempsey, of which Michelle Dempsey, daughter of Patrick J. Dempsey, is owner, for architectural services. All of these products and services were sold or provided according to the customary price or fee schedule of the seller or service provider.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Executive Compensation
The Companys Executive Committee acts as the Compensation Committee. The Committee members are Patrick J. Dempsey, Michael J. McDonald and Brian J. Cali.
The Committee does not have a formal written charter or policy that guides the Committees actions. The Companys compensation philosophy is to have a simple compensation plan that provides competitive levels of pay and benefits that will serve to attract and retain management talent, while at the same time motivating the executives to work toward providing a competitive level of returns for shareholders. Further, the committee seeks to avoid complex and formulaic compensation and bonus plans that could provide unintended areas of motivation or yield overly high levels of pay or bonuses. Unintended areas of motivation are deemed to be short-term actions that may yield rapid growth in assets, loans or deposits, but provide earnings or revenues that are not sustainable, or introduce elements of risk to the Companys long-term growth goals.
In deciding the appropriate levels of executive compensation, the Committee seeks input on the levels of compensation from a variety of sources:
· In 2004 a search was conducted for a new President and CEO. At that time levels of compensation necessary to attract management were provided by a search firm.
· Reviews of compensation levels of peer banks of a similar size and within the same or similar markets are reviewed.
· L.R. Webber provided a study of executive compensation levels of peer banks in 2005.
· In the fall of 2007, the company contracted with Strategic Compensation Planning, Inc. to study compensation practices of peer banks in the Northeast Pennsylvania region.
15
No specific weight is given to any of the above inputs but all are considered when making decisions on the appropriate levels of executive pay. Further, with banking being a highly regulated industry, adherence with regulatory guidelines is also considered.
The Committee has determined that executive compensation should consist of:
· |
Base Pay |
· |
Annual Bonus |
· |
Benefits |
· |
Retirement Plan |
· |
Profit Sharing Contributions |
· |
Equity Based Compensation |
· |
Perquisites |
|
|
Base Pay
Base pay is deemed to be the basic part of the Companys executive compensation. The levels of base pay are primarily determined by competitive factors and levels of experience, performance and longevity, though no specific weight is ascribed to any of the factors.
Annual Bonus
The Annual Bonus is determined by the overall performance of the Company in achieving targeted goals. Those goals include Return on Assets (ROA), growth in both deposits and loans, improvement in Non-performing Assets and overall attainment of the annual operating budget. The attainment of the aforementioned goals is reviewed, but there is no overriding formula used to determine the bonus level.
Benefits
The Company believes it has comprehensive and competitive benefit plans that are available to all of the Companys employees. These include health insurance, short and long-term disability programs, term life insurance and an employee stock purchase plan. Each executive is eligible to participate in these plans to the same extent as all other employees of the Company.
Retirement Plan
The Company provides a 401(k) plan for all of its full-time employees, subject to certain eligibility requirements regarding age and length of employment. The Company matches the employee contribution to the first 3% of pay contributed. Contributions by the executives are subject to the normal discrimination testing for these types of plans and are limited due to those rules.
Profit Sharing Contribution
The above mentioned 401(k) plan also has a profit sharing component. This plan has the same eligibility requirements as the 401(k) plan plus the requirement of being an active employee as of the plans year end. This plan is designed for the Company to pay out a discretionary amount annually to all eligible employees based on the Companys profitability. The plan has previously paid out contributions ranging from 2% to 4% of eligible employees salaries. The executives are eligible to participate in this plan to the same extent as other employees.
Equity Based Compensation
The Company has a Stock Incentive Plan that was adopted in 2000 and is designed to provide both qualified and non-qualified stock options. The plan provides for options to be granted at 100% of the closing price of the Companys stock on the day the option is granted. Options fully vest six months after the grant date and have a term of 10 years. Individual grants have an appreciable value when the market price of the Companys stock increases above the price on the date the option was granted. There is no policy governing the amount and timing of any stock grant and the plan has had limited use since 2002.
16
Perquisites
The Committee recognizes that perquisites are an important part of the executive compensation mix. Accordingly, in limited cases, the Company provides for automobiles and country club dues for select executives. These are designed to further the business goals of the Company and the executives are expected to reimburse the Company for any personal use of the selected benefit.
Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions
The Executive Committee makes all compensation decisions with respect to the Executive Officers. The Chief Executive Officer provides input regarding the performance of the other named Executive Officers and makes recommendations for their compensation amounts. The Chief Executive Officer is not involved with any aspect of determining his own pay.
2007 Executive Officer Compensation
The actual compensation of the executive officers is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.
· Adjustments to base pay were made for Messrs. DeFrancesco, Santaniello, Gorman and Piszak in 2007. Mr. Ackmanns base compensation was unchanged.
· Annual bonuses were awarded to each executive officer based on the Companys performance in 2007. These amounts were paid in the first quarter of 2008 and reflect accomplishments for 2007.
· Stock Options were awarded by the Board of Directors to Messrs. Ackmann, DeFrancesco and Piszak in 2007.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides the annual and equity based compensation for services rendered in all capacities to the Company and the Bank for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, for those persons who were:
· The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and
· The three other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company or Bank to the extent such persons total exceeded $100,000.
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Option |
|
All other |
|
Total |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
|||||||
Steven C. Ackmann, |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
230,000 |
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
$ |
13,925 |
(7) |
$ |
26,208 |
(1) |
$ |
300,133 |
|
||
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Bank |
|
2006 |
|
214,929 |
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
23,621 |
(1) |
258,550 |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
120,700 |
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
$ |
11,140 |
(7) |
$ |
11,693 |
(2) |
$ |
158,533 |
|
||
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank |
|
2006 |
|
105,876 |
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
6,655 |
(2) |
121,531 |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Daniel J. Santaniello, |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
135,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,711 |
(3) |
$ |
151,101 |
|
||||
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company; Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer of the Bank |
|
2006 |
|
118,973 |
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
|
|
18,669 |
(3) |
147,642 |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
James T. Gorman, |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
148,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18,218 |
(5) |
$ |
166,689 |
|
||||
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer of the Bank |
|
2006 |
|
145,000 |
|
$ |
8,760 |
|
$ |
13,662 |
(4) |
16,933 |
(5) |
184,355 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
John T. Piszak, |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
100,224 |
|
$ |
12,500 |
|
$ |
2,785 |
(7) |
$ |
11,463 |
(6) |
$ |
126,972 |
|
||
Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of the Bank |
|
2006 |
|
89,625 |
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
9,454 |
(6) |
106,079 |
|
|||||||
17
(1) Figure represents the personal use value of a company automobile of $6,785 for 2007, $5,605 for 2006 and the 401(k) match and profit sharing plan contributions of $13,125 for 2007 and $11,975 for 2006. It includes life insurance premiums paid by the Company in the amount of $768 for 2007 and 2006. In addition, $5,530 was paid in 2007 and $5,273 was paid in 2006 by the Company on behalf of Mr. Ackmann for country club membership dues.
(2) Figure represents contributions to the 401(k) match and profit sharing plan of $6,873 in 2007 and $6,050 in 2006 on behalf of Mr. DeFrancesco. It also includes $641 of life insurance premiums paid by the Company in 2007 and $605 in 2006. In addition, $4,179 was paid in 2007 by the Company on behalf of Mr. DeFrancesco for country club membership dues.
(3) Figure represents the contributions to the 401(k) match and profit sharing plan of $4,389 in 2007 and $6,929 in 2006. It also includes an insurance cash option paid of $923 in 2007 and $999 in 2006, country club initiation and membership dues of $9,737 in 2007 and $10,063 in 2006, was paid on behalf of Mr. Santaniello in 2006 and $662 for life insurance premiums paid by the Company in 2007 and $678 in 2006.
(4) This figure represents the SFAS 123(R) value of the options granted to Mr. Gorman in January 2006. For a discussion on the valuation of the 2006 option award see Footnote 9, Stock Plans, contained in the consolidated financial statements of the Companys 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part II Item 8.
(5) Figure represents the personal use value of a company automobile of $1,575 for 2007 and $1,488 for 2006 and the 401(k) match and profit sharing plan contributions of $8,703 for 2007 and $4,199 for 2006. It also includes an insurance cash option paid of $1,000 in 2007 and $835 for life insurance premiums paid in 2007 and $768 in 2006. In addition, $6,105 was paid by the Company on behalf of Mr. Gorman for country club membership dues during 2007 and $6,505 in 2006.
(6) Figure represents the contributions for the 401(k) match and profit sharing plan of $5,896 for 2007 and $5,112 for 2006. It also includes $346 of life insurance premiums paid by the Company in 2007 and 2006. In addition, $5,221 was paid by the Company on behalf of Mr. Piszak for country club membership dues during 2007 and $3,996 in 2006.
(7) This figure represents the SFAS 123(R) value of the options granted to Messrs. Ackmann, DeFrancesco, and Piszak in December 2007. For a discussion on the valuation of the 2007 option award see Footnote 9, Stock Plans, contained in the consolidated financial statements of the Companys 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part II Item 8.
Employment Agreement with Steven C. Ackmann
The Company and the Bank entered into a three-year employment agreement with Steven C. Ackmann, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Bank, on July 11, 2007. The agreement was effective on July 6, 2007.
Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Ackmann receives an annual base salary of $230,000. The Board of Directors may increase his salary in future years and may grant bonuses. Mr. Ackmann also receives the following benefits: twenty days of annual vacation; a company automobile; a country club membership and participation in the Companys employee benefit plans as allowed by the terms and conditions of the plans.
Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
Mr. Ackmanns employment agreement provides for its termination upon occurrence of various termination events, each as defined in the agreement and discussed below. Each termination event has a different effect. In the event the agreement terminates because of Mr. Ackmanns death, the agreement automatically terminates. If the agreement terminates because of Mr. Ackmanns disability that is expected to last more than twelve months, then payments under the agreement can continue for up to six months at which time the companys normal disability benefits will take over. If Mr. Ackmanns employment is terminated with cause or he terminates his employment due to health reasons, he will receive his current annual salary through the date of his termination. If the agreement terminates because
18
Mr. Ackmanns employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, he will receive the following:
· If Mr. Ackmann has twelve months left on his agreement he will receive his full annual salary; or
· If Mr. Ackmann has less than twelve months remaining on his agreement and he has expressed a desire to renew the agreement and the corporation has said the agreement will not be continued beyond the remaining term, then the corporation will continue to pay him through the remainder of the term of the agreement and will then pay an amount equal to one half his annual salary. If Mr. Ackmann terminates his employment prior to the end of the agreement, no additional payment will be made, or
· If on or after the date that is twelve months prior to the expiration date of the agreement, one half of his annual salary.
If a change in control, as defined in the agreement, occurs, Mr. Ackmann may resign effective upon the change in control and receive an amount equal to 2.0 times his then current annual salary and health care, life and disability benefits for one (1) year, or approximately $470,039. However, the Bank has the right to extend his employment for an additional six (6) months following a change in control. Between the execution of an agreement to effect a change in control and the actual change in control, Mr. Ackmanns employment can only be terminated for cause.
The agreement contains non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions that benefit the Bank. The agreement also provides for arbitration of disputes arising under the agreement.
Employment Agreement with Timothy P. OBrien
On January 3, 2008, the Corporation and the Bank entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Timothy P. OBrien, under which Mr. OBrien will serve as Chief Commercial Banking Officer of the Bank and in such other capacities as the Bank or the Corporation directs.
Under the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. OBriens employment commences effective January 22, 2008 and continues until such time as he or the Bank and the Corporation decides to terminate the employment relationship, with or without cause, or earlier upon Mr. OBriens death or disability. Mr. OBrien is entitled to a base salary of $155,000 per annum, subject to annual reviews and adjustments. In addition, Mr. OBrien shall receive a $10,000 signing bonus and may receive additional bonuses in such amounts as the Bank or the Corporation shall determine in their sole discretion.
If the Corporation terminates Mr. OBriens employment without cause or if Mr. OBrien terminates his employment for good reason, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to his annual salary, payable within thirty days of his termination. If Mr. OBriens employment terminates in connection with a change in control, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to two times his annual salary, payable on the first business day of the month following the date that is six months after his termination from employment.
Employment Agreement with Daniel J. Santaniello
On February 28, 2008, the Corporation and the Bank entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Daniel J. Santaniello, under which Mr. Santaniello will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank, as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation and in such other capacities as the Bank or the Corporation directs.
19
Under the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Santaniellos employment continues until such time as he or the Bank and the Corporation decide to terminate the employment relationship, with or without cause, or earlier upon Mr. Santaniellos death or disability. Mr. Santaniello is entitled to a base salary of $160,000 per annum, subject to annual reviews and adjustments. In addition, Mr. Santaniello may receive periodic bonuses in such amounts as the Bank or the Corporation shall determine in their sole discretion.
If the Corporation terminates Mr. Santaniellos employment without cause or if Mr. Santaniello terminates his employment for good reason, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to his annual salary, payable within thirty days of his termination. If Mr. Santaniellos employment terminates in connection with a change in control, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to two times his annual salary, payable on the first business day of the month following the date that is six months after his termination from employment.
Other Agreements with Executives
Messrs. DeFrancesco and Gorman each has a change of control agreement and severance agreement that are substantially the same in terms. The agreements provide for payments to the executives in the event of termination without cause, or in the event of a change of control.
For each executive, payment for termination without cause will be six months of the executives then current annual salary, plus a continuation of benefits for the same period. Based on their current annual salary and benefits, this benefit for Messrs. DeFrancesco and Gorman would be approximately $68,949 and $81,553, respectively.
The change in control benefit is equal to one times the executives current annual salary plus continuation of benefits for up to one year. For Messrs. DeFrancesco and Gorman, the amount of these payments, based on their current salaries and benefits, would be $137,899 and $163,107 respectively.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Executive Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and the Companys Form 10-K.
20
The following tables summarize option grants to the named executives during 2007 and each outstanding option award as of December 31, 2007. Share and per-share amounts presented have been adjusted to reflect the effect of a 10% stock dividend paid on February 15, 2006, where applicable.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
Name |
|
Grant |
|
All Other Stock |
|
All Other Option |
|
Exercise |
|
|
Steven C. Ackmann |
|
12/18/2007 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
$ |
28.90 |
|
Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr. |
|
12/18/2007 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
$ |
28.90 |
|
John T. Piszak |
|
12/18/2007 |
|
|
|
500 |
|
$ |
28.90 |
|
The option grants vest six months from the date of grant.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
|
|
Options Awards |
|
|||||||||
Name |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Vesting |
|
|
Steven C. Ackmann |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
$ |
28.90 |
|
12/18/2017 |
|
06/18/2008 |
|
Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr. |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
$ |
28.90 |
|
12/18/2017 |
|
06/18/2008 |
|
Daniel J. Santaniello |
|
550 |
|
|
|
$ |
34.09 |
|
01/02/2012 |
|
07/02/2002 |
|
James T. Gorman |
|
2,200 |
|
|
|
$ |
36.59 |
|
01/04/2016 |
|
07/04/2006 |
|
John T. Piszak |
|
|
|
500 |
|
$ |
28.90 |
|
12/18/2017 |
|
06/18/2008 |
|
There were no exercises of stock options by named executives during 2007.
There were no Executive Committee (which functions as the Compensation Committee) interlocks or any insider participation during 2007.
21
Directors receive no remuneration for attendance at the Companys Board of Directors meetings. However, the Bank pays each non-employee member of its Board a regular quarterly fee. During 2007, the Bank paid a quarterly retainer of $7,500 to each non-employee Bank director for his or her services. In addition the Chairman of the Board received an additional $3,750 per quarter, the Audit Committee Chairman received an additional $1,250 per quarter and members of the Executive Committee received an additional $1,250 per quarter. The Bank does not compensate employee directors for attendance at Board of Directors meetings or committee meetings. Directors must attend at least two out of three meetings per month of regularly scheduled Board or committee meetings. In the aggregate, the Bank paid its directors $320,000 for all services rendered in 2007.
Director Compensation Table
Name |
|
Fees Earned or |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
|
||||
Patrick J. Dempsey |
|
$ |
55,000 |
|
$ |
13,925 |
|
|
|
$ |
68,925 |
|
|
Michael J. McDonald |
|
$ |
45,000 |
|
$ |
13,925 |
|
|
|
$ |
58,925 |
|
|
Brian J. Cali |
|
$ |
40,000 |
|
$ |
13,925 |
|
$ |
25,000 |
(2) |
$ |
78,925 |
|
Samuel C. Cali, John T. Cognetti, Mary E. McDonald, David L. Tressler, Sr., each |
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
$ |
13,925 |
|
|
|
$ |
48,925 |
|
|
Paul A. Barrett |
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
||
(1) Includes a $5,000 bonus for each Director over and above their regular Director, Chairman and Committee fees for 2007 paid in the first quarter of 2008, except for Mr. Barrett who is deceased.
(2) Annual retainer as General Counsel of the Company.
(3) This figure represents the SFAS 123(R) value of the options granted to each of the Directors in December 2007. For a discussion on the valuation of the 2007 option award see Footnote 9, Stock Plans, contained in the consolidated financial statements of the Companys 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part II Item 8.
In addition, under the 2000 Independent Directors Stock Option Plan, non-employee directors of the Company were eligible to receive stock option awards during 2007. Each non-employee director was granted 2,500 stock option awards as of December 2007. The aggregate number of outstanding option awards for each listed Director as of December 31, 2007 was: Mr. Dempsey 4,700; Mr. McDonald 4,700; Mr. Brian Cali 3,050; Mr. Samuel Cali 4,700; Mr. Cognetti 4,700; Mrs. McDonald 3,600; and Mr. Tressler 4,700.
22
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table summarizes our equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2007. Information is included for both equity compensation plans approved and not approved by Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. shareholders. Share and per-share amounts presented have been adjusted to reflect the effect of a 10% stock dividend paid on February 15, 2006.
Plan Category |
|
Number of shares |
|
Weighted-average |
|
Number of shares available |
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2000 Independent Director Stock Option Plan |
|
32,350 |
|
$ |
30.35 |
|
22,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2000 Stock Incentive Plan |
|
10,830 |
|
$ |
31.71 |
|
41,970 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan |
|
2,253 |
|
$ |
25.70 |
|
102,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. shareholders: |
|
-0- |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
-0- |
|
Totals |
|
45,433 |
|
$ |
30.45 |
|
167,239 |
|
2000 Independent Directors Stock Option Plan
The Company maintains an independent director stock option plan that was approved by the shareholders at the 2001 Annual Meeting. The purpose of this plan is to advance the development, growth and financial condition of the Company by providing an incentive, through participation in the appreciation of the common stock of the Company, in order to secure, retain and motivate members of the Companys Board of Directors who are not officers or employees of the Company or the Bank. 2,500 stock options were granted to each Director in 2007. The purchase price of the option is the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. As of February 29, 2008, 32,350 outstanding options have been granted under this plan.
2000 Stock Incentive Plan
The Company maintains a stock incentive plan that was approved by the shareholders at the 2001 Annual Meeting. The purpose of this plan is to advance the development, growth and financial condition of the Company by providing incentives through participation in the appreciation of the common stock of the Company in order to secure, retain and motivate personnel responsible for the operation and management of the Company and the Bank. There were 2,500 non-qualified stock options granted to executives in 2007. The purchase price of the option is the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. As of February 29, 2008, 10,830 outstanding options have been granted to key personnel under this plan.
23
2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan that was approved by the shareholders at the 2002 Annual Meeting. The purpose of this plan is to provide Company and Bank employees the opportunity to acquire ownership interests in the Company and to motivate the employees to improve job performance and enhance the financial results of the Company. Under the plan, each eligible employee may purchase a limited number of shares of the Companys common stock on each January 1st at a purchase price per share equal to 90% of the lower of the ten trading day average of fair market value of the Companys common stock as of December 31st or January 1st of the previous year. The subsequent sale or transfer of the purchased shares under the plan is restricted for one year from the purchase date.
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
(PROPOSAL NO. 2)
The Board of Directors has selected Parente Randolph, LLC as the independent registered public accounting firm for the audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2008. The Board of Directors of the Company and the Audit Committee believe that Parente Randolph, LLCs knowledge of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. and The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank is invaluable. Parente Randolph, LLC advised the Company that none of its members has any financial interest in the Company or the Bank. Parente Randolph, LLC served as the Companys independent registered accountants for the 2007 year. It assisted the Company and the Bank with the preparation of their federal and state tax returns and provided assistance in connection with regulatory matters, charging for such services at its customary hourly billing rates. The Companys and the Banks Audit Committee approved these non-audit services after due consideration of the accountants objectivity and after finding them to be wholly independent.
Aggregate fees billed to the Company by Parente Randolph, LLC for services rendered are presented below:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
||
Audit fees |
|
$ |
92,405 |
|
$ |
86,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Audit related fees |
|
19,500 |
|
18,000 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Tax fees |
|
6,350 |
|
4,300 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
All other fees |
|
4,950 |
|
|
|
||
Audit fees included fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements. Audit related fees included fees billed for the review of the Companys Forms 10-Q or services that are normally provided by Parente Randolph, LLC in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Also, fees billed for other engagements of assurance and related services by Parente Randolph, LLC that are reasonably related to the performance of either the audit or quarterly review of the Companys filings are not reported under the audit fees section of the table above.
Tax fees include fees billed for professional services rendered by Parente Randolph, LLC for tax compliance or advice. These services included the preparation of the Companys 2006 and 2005 Consolidated Federal Corporate Income Tax Returns and Pennsylvania Corporate Tax Reports along with the 2007 and 2006 Pennsylvania Bank Shares Tax Returns.
24
Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Accountants
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered accountants. These services may include audit services, audit related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of services provided by the independent registered accountants. Under the policy, pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget. In addition, the Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. For each proposed service, the independent registered accountant is required to provide detailed back-up documentation at the time of approval.
In the event that the shareholders do not ratify the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC as the independent registered public accounting firm for the 2008 fiscal year, the Board of Directors may choose another accounting firm to provide independent registered public accountant/audit services for the 2008 fiscal year.
Representatives of Parente Randolph, LLC are expected to attend the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire, and will be available to answer questions.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of Parente Randolph, LLC, as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2008.
The Board of Directors knows of no matters other than those referred to in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders that properly may come before the annual meeting. However, if any other matter should be properly presented for consideration and voting at the annual meeting or any adjournments of the meeting, the persons named as proxy holders will vote the proxies in what they determine to be the best interest of the Company on the recommendation of the Board of Directors.
The Company encloses a copy of the annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, with this proxy statement. In addition, upon request, any shareholder may obtain, without charge, a copy of the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, including the consolidated financial statements and the schedules thereto, required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, from Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512 or by calling (570) 342-8281.
25
REVOCABLE PROXY
FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
x |
PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE |
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE
HELD ON MAY 6, 2008
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints John T. Cognetti and Michael J. McDonald and each or any of them, proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution to vote all of the shares of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. that the undersigned shareholder may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, 18512, on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting as follows:
|
|
For |
|
With- |
|
For All |
1. Election of three Class B Directors to serve for a three-year term: |
|
o |
|
o |
|
o |
Samuel C. Cali |
Mary E. McDonald |
David L. Tressler, Sr. |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees.
INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark For All Except and write that nominees name in the space provided below.
|
|
For |
|
Against |
|
Abstain |
2. Ratification of the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008; and |
|
o |
|
o |
|
o |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FORthis proposal.
3. In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY SIGNED AND DATED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER(S). IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES AND FOR PROPOSAL 2 LISTED ABOVE.
PLEASE CHECK BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING OR CALL 1-800-388-4380. |
o |
Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy in the box below. |
Date |
|
Shareholder sign above |
|
Co-holder (if any) sign above |
|
Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.
FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
This proxy must be dated, signed by the shareholder and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title. If more than one trustee, all should sign. If stock is held jointly, each owner should sign.
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY
PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE
IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE CORRECT THE ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW AND RETURN THIS PORTION WITH THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
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