FORM PRE 14A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
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 Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12 |
CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (4) and 0-11.
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Tile 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: |
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] 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. : |
90-92 Main Street
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the stockholders of Citizens & Northern
Corporation (the Corporation) will be held at Citizens & Northern Bank, located at 90 Main
Street, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at 2:00 P.M., local time, for the
following purposes:
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To elect four Class I directors to serve for a term of 3 years; |
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To consider and approve the following advisory (non-binding) resolution: |
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Resolved, that the shareholders approve the compensation paid to executives of the
Corporation pursuant to the policies and procedures employed by the Corporation, as
described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and tabular disclosure
regarding named executive officer compensation (together with the accompanying
narrative disclosure) in this Proxy Statement. |
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and |
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To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any
adjournment or adjournments thereof. |
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on February 24, 2009 are entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. Such stockholders may vote in person or by proxy.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Jessica R. Brown |
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Corporate Secretary |
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March 12, 2009
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CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION
90-92 Main Street
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Stockholders April 21, 2009
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board
of Directors of Citizens & Northern Corporation to be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
the Corporation to be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. at Citizens & Northern Bank
(C&N Bank), located at 90 Main Street, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, and at any adjournment thereof.
We have decided to use the Notice and Access rule adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission to provide access to our proxy materials over the internet instead of mailing a printed
copy of the proxy materials to each stockholder. As a result, on or about March 12, 2009, we
mailed to most stockholders only a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that tells
them how to access and review the information contained in the proxy materials and how to vote
their proxies over the internet. If you received only this Notice by mail, you will not receive a
printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail unless you request the materials by following the
instructions included in the Notice.
Shares represented by properly completed proxies will be voted in accordance with the
instructions indicated thereon unless such proxies have previously been revoked. If no direction
is indicated, such shares will be voted in favor of the election as directors of the nominees named
below, and in the discretion of the proxy holder as to any other matters that may properly come
before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. A proxy may be revoked at any time before it
is voted by written notice to the Secretary of the Corporation or by attending the Annual Meeting
and voting in person.
The Corporation will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting. In
addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by personal interview, telephone,
telegram, e-mail or other electronic means by the Corporations directors, officers and employees.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the transfer agent and registrar for the Corporation, will
assist in the distribution of proxy materials and the solicitation and tabulation of votes.
Arrangements also may be made with custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for forwarding proxy
materials to beneficial owners of stock held of record by such persons, and the Corporation may
reimburse such custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred
by them in connection therewith.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 24, 2009 as the record date
for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and
at any adjournment thereof. On the record date, there were outstanding and entitled to vote
8,961,084 shares of common stock. Common stockholders will be entitled to one vote per share on
all matters to be submitted at the meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of stockholders
entitled to cast at least 50% of the votes that all stockholders are entitled to cast shall
constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. An abstention will be considered present at the meeting
for purposes of determining a quorum, but will not be counted as voting for or against the issue to
which it relates. Neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will be counted as votes cast and
neither will have any effect on the result of the vote, although both will count toward the
determination of the presence of a quorum. The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation do not
permit cumulative voting.
No person is known by the Corporation to have beneficially owned 5% or more of the outstanding
common stock of the Corporation as of February 24, 2009.
Important Notice About the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be Held on April 21, 2009: This proxy statement, proxy card and the Corporations
annual report to shareholders are available at: www.amstock.com/proxyservices/viewmaterials.asp
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PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation provide that the Board of Directors shall
consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five directors and that within these limits the
numbers of directors shall be as established by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has
set the number of directors at thirteen. The Articles further provide that the Board shall be
classified into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible. Typically, one class of
directors is elected annually, and the term for each Class is typically three years. Four
directors in Class I are to be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a three-year term. It
is the intention of the persons named as proxyholders on the enclosed form of proxy, unless other
directions are given, to vote all shares which they represent for the election of managements
nominees named in the tabulation below. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast.
Plurality means that the nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast are elected as
directors up to the maximum number of directors who are nominated to be elected at the meeting. Any
stockholder who wishes to withhold authority from the proxyholders to vote for the election of
directors, or to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, may do so by marking the
proxy to that effect. Each director elected will continue in office until a successor has been
elected. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of the nominees listed below,
each of whom has consented to be named as a nominee and to serve if elected. If for any reason any
nominee named is not a candidate (which is not expected) when the election occurs, proxies will be
voted for a substitute nominee determined by the Board of Directors.
All Directors and Nominees are independent, except for Craig G. Litchfield and Charles H.
Updegraff, Jr., according to the definition of independent director under NASDAQ rules, which the
Corporation uses to determine independence. The Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted a
written policy for Director Independence, which is available on our website at www.cnbankpa.com by
clicking on Shareholder News, then Corporate Governance Policies, then Independence
Standards.
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The following table sets forth certain information about the director nominees and about the
other directors whose terms of office will continue after the Annual Meeting.
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Name, Age and Certain Biographical Information |
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Period of Service as a Director |
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CLASS I MANAGEMENTS NOMINEES FOR A 3 YEAR TERM ENDING 2012: |
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Raymond R. Mattie, 45 |
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Director since 2007 |
President of M & S Conversion Co. Inc. |
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Edward H. Owlett, III, 54 |
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Director since 1994 |
President & CEO of Putnam Company |
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James E. Towner, 62 |
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Director since 2000 |
General Manager of The Scranton Times, formerly |
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Publisher of The Daily / Sunday Review |
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Charles H. Updegraff, Jr., 56 |
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Director since 2007 |
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of C&N Bank since May
2007 and President and Chief Executive Officer of Canisteo Valley Corporation
and First State Bank since May 2008; formerly President & Chief Executive
Officer of Citizens Bancorp, Inc. and Citizens Trust Company |
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Class II Continuing Directors with Terms Expiring in 2010: |
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R. Bruce Haner, 61 |
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Director since 1998 |
Auto Buyer for New Car Dealers |
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Susan E. Hartley, 51 |
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Director since 1998 |
Attorney at Law |
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Leo F. Lambert, 55 |
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Director since 2001 |
President and General Manager of Fitzpatrick & Lambert, Inc. |
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Edward L. Learn, 61 |
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Director since 1989 |
Former owner of Learn Hardware & Building Supply |
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Leonard Simpson, 60 |
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Director since 1989 |
Attorney at Law and Sullivan County District Attorney |
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Class III Continuing Directors with Terms Expiring in 2011: |
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Dennis F. Beardslee, 58 |
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Director since 1999 |
Owner of Terrace Lanes Bowling Center |
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Jan E. Fisher, 54 |
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Director since 2002 |
Executive Vice President & COO of Laurel Health System, President and CEO
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, Wellsboro, PA |
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Craig G. Litchfield, 61 |
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Director since 1996 |
President & Chief Executive Officer of Citizens & Northern Corporation and
Citizens & Northern Bank |
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Ann M. Tyler, 64 |
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Director since 2002 |
Certified Public Accountant in firm of Ann M. Tyler CPA, PC |
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CORPORATIONS AND C&N BANKS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the current executive
officers of the Corporation and C&N Bank.
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Name and Position for Last Five Years |
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Craig G. Litchfield |
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61 |
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President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and C&N Bank since
January 1997 |
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Dawn A. Besse |
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57 |
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Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of C&N Bank since August
2008; formerly Executive Vice President and Director of Sales, Service and
Employee Development of C&N Bank since August 2000 |
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Harold F. Hoose, III |
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41 |
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Executive Vice President and Director of Lending of C&N Bank since March 2005;
formerly Vice President of C&N Bank since September 2001 |
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Mark A. Hughes |
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47 |
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Treasurer of the Corporation since November 2000; Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of C&N Bank since August 2000 |
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George M. Raup |
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55 |
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Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer since April 2008;
formerly Vice President of Citizens Trust Company |
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Thomas L. Rudy, Jr. |
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44 |
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Executive Vice President and Director of Branch Delivery of C&N Bank since
February 2004; President of C&N Financial Services Corporation since January
2000 |
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Deborah E. Scott |
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49 |
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Executive Vice President and Director of Trust Department of C&N Bank since
September 1999 |
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Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. |
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56 |
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Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of C&N Bank since May
2007 and President and Chief Executive Officer of Canisteo Valley Corporation
and First State Bank since May 2008; formerly President & Chief Executive
Officer of Citizens Bancorp, Inc. and Citizens Trust Company |
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table shows beneficial ownership of the Corporations common stock as of
February 24, 2009 by (i) each director of the Corporation, (ii) each executive officer named in the
Summary Compensation Table on page 17 and (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group.
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Amount and Nature of |
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Beneficial Ownership(1)(2)(3) |
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Dennis F. Beardslee |
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10,322 |
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Jan E. Fisher |
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7,077 |
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R. Bruce Haner |
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19,165 |
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Susan E. Hartley |
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7,629 |
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Leo F. Lambert |
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8,828 |
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Edward L. Learn |
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9,361 |
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Craig G. Litchfield |
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83,430 |
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Raymond R. Mattie |
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5,227 |
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Edward H. Owlett, III |
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8,595 |
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Leonard Simpson |
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35,116 |
(6) (7) |
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James E. Towner |
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12,567 |
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Ann M. Tyler |
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10,380 |
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Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. |
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51,040 |
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Dawn A. Besse |
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16,149 |
(8) |
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Mark A. Hughes |
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24,171 |
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Deborah E. Scott |
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22,876 |
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Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (19 Persons) |
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363,247 |
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4.05 |
% |
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Pursuant to the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, an
individual is considered to beneficially own shares of common stock if he or she directly or
indirectly has or shares (a) the power to vote or direct the voting of the shares; or (b)
investment power with respect to the shares, which includes the power to dispose of or direct
the disposition of the shares. Unless otherwise indicated in a footnote below, each
individual holds sole voting and investment authority with respect to the shares listed. |
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In addition, an individual is deemed to be the beneficial owner if he or she has the
right to acquire shares within 60 days through the exercise of any option. Therefore, the
following stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after February24, 2009 are
included in the shares above: Mr. Beardslee, 4,606 shares; shares; Mrs. Fisher, 3,769 shares;
Mr. Haner, 3,358 shares; Ms. Hartley, 4,069 shares; Mr. Lambert, 3,769 shares; Mr. Learn,
4,069 shares; Mr. Litchfield, 49,044 shares; Mr. Mattie, 1,341 shares; Mr. Owlett, 5,134
shares; Mr. Simpson, 4,186 shares; Mr. Towner, 3,484 shares; Ms. Tyler, 3,769 shares; Mr.
Updegraff, 2,780 shares; Mrs. Besse, 10,975 shares; Mr. Hughes, 16,193 shares; and Mrs. Scott,
17,603 shares. |
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Includes the following restricted stock awards granted under the Corporations Stock
Incentive Plan and Independent Director Stock Incentive Plan: Mr. Beardslee, 170 shares; Mrs.
Fisher, 170 shares; Mr. Haner, 170 shares; Ms. Hartley, 170 shares; Mr. Lambert, 170 shares;
Mr. Learn, 170 shares; Mr. Litchfield, 913 shares; Mr. Mattie, 142 shares; Mr. Owlett, 170
shares; Mr. Simpson, 170 shares; Mr. Towner, 170 shares; Ms. Tyler, 170 shares; Mr. Updegraff,
315 shares; Mrs. Besse, 270 shares; Mr. Hughes, 438 shares; and Mrs. Scott, 325 shares. All
of the restricted awards to the directors, with the exception of Mr. Litchfield and Mr.
Updegraff, vest ratably over a three-year period. Restricted awards to the executive
officers, including Mr. Litchfield and Mr. Updegraff, include 2007 awards that vest ratably
over a three-year period, as well as 2009 and 2008 awards that have a performance condition in
addition to a requirement for continued employment. One-third of the total shares are
distributed on the anniversary date of the award based on the Corporations attainment of a
Performance Target of 100% or more of the Peer Groups average return on equity (as defined by
the Committee) for the four quarters ending the third quarter of each calendar year following
the award date. The Performance Target requirement continues until all Restricted Shares
awarded are distributed, expired or forfeited. If all Restricted Shares awarded are not
distributed within the ten (10) year period following the date of the award, they shall expire
and revert back to the Corporation. Recipients have the right to vote all restricted shares. |
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Includes 2,756 shares being pledged as security on borrowing facilities with C&N
Bank. |
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Includes 168 shares held in a SEP-IRA Plan for the benefit of Mr. Lamberts
retirement plan. |
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Includes 4,596 shares held in a SEP-IRA Plan for the benefit of Mr. Simpsons
retirement plan. |
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Includes 30,292 shares being pledged as security on borrowing facilities with C&N
Bank. |
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Includes 458 shares held in an IRA Plan for the benefit of Mrs. Besses
retirement plan. |
BOARD OF DIRECTOR COMMITTEES AND
ATTENDANCE
Both the Corporations and C&N Banks by-laws provide that the Board may create any number of
committees of the Board as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.
Directors Attendance. The Board of Directors of the Corporation met fifteen times and the
Board of Directors of C&N Bank met thirteen times in 2008. The Board of Directors also held four
Executive Sessions and Independent Directors Meetings in 2008. The Executive Sessions include only
members of the Board of Directors and the Independent Directors Meetings include only non-employee
members. All of the directors attended at least 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation and of the board committees on which he or she served.
Although the Company does not have a formal policy with respect to Board member attendance at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, each member is encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. All
Directors except Director Towner attended the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in April 2008 and
the Special Meeting of Stockholders held in December 2008.
Executive Committee of the Corporation. The Corporation has an Executive Committee whose
purpose is to monitor and oversee the Corporations management succession plan and leadership
development processes, review and provide advice and counsel to the CEO regarding the Corporations
strategic plan, mission, goals and objectives and action plans as well as various other matters and
to act on behalf of and with full authority of the Board of Directors in matters that may arise
between the regular monthly meetings of the Board, which require immediate Board level action. This
committee consists of the following eight members of the Board of Directors: R. Robert DeCamp, R.
Bruce Haner, Leo F. Lambert, Craig G. Litchfield, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard Simpson, James E.
Towner and Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. During 2008, the Executive Committee held six meetings.
Governance and Nominating Committee. Effective April 15, 2008, the Corporation established a
Governance and Nominating Committee, with Dennis F. Beardslee, R. Robert DeCamp, Jan E. Fisher, R.
Bruce Haner, Susan E. Hartley, Edward H. Owlett, III, and Leonard Simpson as members and the
separate Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees were discontinued. The Corporate
Governance Committee met once, and the combined Corporation Governance and Nominating committee met
once during 2008. The purpose of the Governance and Nominating Committee is to establish criteria
for Board member selection and retention, identify individuals qualified to become Board members,
and recommend to the Board the individuals to be nominated and re-nominated for election as
directors. This committee is also responsible for reviewing and reporting to the Board
periodically on matters of corporate governance.
All members of the Governance and Nominating Committee are independent directors within the
meaning of Rule 4200 of NASDAQ. The Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted a written
charter for the Governance and Nominating Committee, which is available on our website at
www.cnbankpa.com by clicking on Shareholder News, then Corporate Governance Policies, then
Governance and Nominating Charter.
Qualifications considered by the Governance and Nominating Committee in assessing director
candidates include but are not limited to the following:
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An understanding of the business and financial affairs and the complexities of a
business organization. A career in business is not essential, but the candidate should
have a proven record of competence and accomplishments and should be willing to commit the
time and energy necessary to fulfill the role as an effective director; |
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A genuine interest in representing all of Citizens & Northerns stakeholders, including
the long-term interest of the shareholders; |
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A willingness to support the Values, Mission and Vision of Citizens & Northern; |
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An open-mindedness and resolve to independently analyze issues presented for
consideration; |
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A reputation for honesty and integrity; |
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A high level of financial literacy (i.e., the ability to read financial statements and
financial ratios, and a working knowledge and familiarity with basic finance and accounting
practices); |
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A mature confidence and ability to approach others with self-assurance, responsibly and
supportively. Candidates should value Board and team performance over individual
performance. Candidates should be able to raise tough questions in a manner that
encourages open discussions. Additionally, a candidate should be inquisitive and curious
and feel a duty to ask questions of management. |
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The ability, capacity, and willingness to serve as a conduit of business referrals to
the organization; |
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Independence as defined by the NASDAQ Stock Market; and |
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Residency in the geographically defined market area of Citizens & Northern with emphasis
placed on maintaining representation throughout the market area. |
Other than the foregoing, there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees, although
the Governance and Nominating Committee may also consider such other factors as it may deem are in
the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders and such factors may change from time to
time. The Governance and Nominating Committee does, however, believe it appropriate that at least
one director meet the criteria for audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC rules,
even though no one currently meets this criteria, and that a majority of the Board members meet the
definition of independent director under NASDAQ rules.
The Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current directors who are willing to
continue in service. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue service or the Board
determines not to re-nominate a current director for re-election, the Governance and Nominating
Committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria
above. The evaluation procedure for candidates recommended by the stockholders would be the same
as is done for those recommended by the Board of Directors and management. The Committee
recommends a director nominee to the Board, and the Board makes the final determination as to the
nominees who will stand for election.
Current members of the Board of Directors are polled for suggestions as to prospective
candidates meeting criteria for the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Committee has the
prerogative to employ and pay third party search firms, but to date has not done so.
Executive Committee. C&N Bank has an Executive Committee consisting of eight members of the
Board of Directors who are as follows: R. Robert DeCamp, R. Bruce Haner, Leo F. Lambert, Craig G.
Litchfield, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard Simpson, James E. Towner and Charles H. Updegraff, Jr.
The function of this committee is to monitor and oversee the Banks management succession plan and
leadership development processes, review and provide advice and counsel to the CEO regarding C&N
Banks strategic plan, mission, goals and objectives and action plans and other matters, as well as
recommend policies and procedures. During 2008, the Executive Committee held nine meetings.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee of C&N Bank, which held four meetings in
2008, consists of the following seven independent members of the Board of Directors: R. Robert
DeCamp, Jan E. Fisher, R. Bruce Haner, Leo F. Lambert, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard Simpson and
James E. Towner. The purpose of the committee is to discharge the responsibilities of the Board of
Directors relating to compensation of the executive officers and to provide oversight of the Banks
compensation, benefit, perquisite and employee equity programs.
The Board of Directors of C&N Bank has adopted a written charter for the Compensation
Committee, which is available on our website at www.cnbankpa.com. Click on Shareholder News,
then Corporate Governance Policies, then Compensation Committee Charter of C&N Bank.
Trust Investment Committee. The Trust Investment Committee of C&N Bank, which met seven times
in 2008, consists of six members of the Board of Directors; namely, Dennis F. Beardslee, Susan E.
Hartley, Edward L. Learn, Raymond R. Mattie, Leonard Simpson, and Charles H. Updegraff, Jr.
Deborah E. Scott, Executive Vice President and Senior Trust Officer of the Bank, is also a member
of this committee, which determines the policy and investments of the Trust Department, the
acceptance of all fiduciary relationships and relinquishments of all fiduciary relationships.
- 8 -
Finance and Loan Committee. C&N Bank has a Finance and Loan Committee consisting of ten
members of the Board of Directors who are as follows: Dennis F. Beardslee, Susan E. Hartley, Leo
F. Lambert, Edward L. Learn, Craig G. Litchfield, Raymond R. Mattie, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard
Simpson, Ann M. Tyler and Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. The primary purpose of this committee is to
evaluate and act on loan requests that exceed managements lending authority. During 2008, the
Finance and Loan Committee held five meetings.
Asset Liability Committee. The Corporations Asset Liability Committee consisted of Board
members R. Robert DeCamp, Jan E. Fisher, Craig G. Litchfield, Raymond R. Mattie, Edward H. Owlett,
III, Ann M. Tyler and Charles H. Updegraff, Jr., as well as Mark A. Hughes, The Corporations
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. The Corporations Asset Liability Committee met four times,
during 2008. The purpose of the committee is to stabilize and improve profitability by balancing
the relationship between risk and return over an extended period of time and to function as an
investment committee.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Corporation, which held six meetings in 2008,
consists of five independent members of the Board of Directors. The members of the Committee are
R. Bruce Haner, Leo F. Lambert, Edward H. Owlett, III, James E. Towner and Ann M. Tyler. In
addition to the six meetings of the Audit Committee, the chairman and a rotating member of the
Committee met with representatives of Parente Randolph, LLC, C&N Banks internal audit department
and management in May, August and November, 2008 to discuss the Corporations quarterly 10-Q
filings. There was also a meeting of the full Audit Committee held in February 2008 to discuss the
Corporations 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2007. The primary function of the Audit
Committee is to review the internal audit program as performed by the internal auditors, recommend
to the Board of Directors the independent auditors for the year, and review the examinations and
reports from those persons. None of the members of the Audit Committee meet the definition of
Audit Committee financial expert as defined in the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the present members of the Audit
Committee have sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to effectively perform
their duties.
The Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted a written charter for the Audit
Committee, which is available on our website at www.cnbankpa.com. Click on Shareholder News,
then Corporate Governance Policies, then Audit Committee Charter of C&N Corp. The policies and
procedures for pre-approval of engagements for non-audit services are included in the Charter.
- 9 -
The following table sets forth information concerning fees paid to Parente Randolph, LLC for
the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. All services provided by Parente Randolph, LLC in 2008
and 2007 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, or approved by management and ratified by the
Audit Committee, consistent with the limits provided for in the Charter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Years Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit of Annual financial statements and
Audit of internal control over financial reporting
and reviews of Quarterly financial statements |
|
$ |
180,021 |
|
|
$ |
171,747 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audits of employee benefit plans |
|
|
18,700 |
|
|
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preparation of Corporate tax returns |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
Preparation of retired employee tax returns |
|
|
4,715 |
|
|
|
4,710 |
|
Preparation of Citizens Bancorp, Inc. tax returns
and related assistance |
|
|
3,800 |
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounting consultation fees |
|
|
7,268 |
|
|
|
1,399 |
|
Services related to Citizens Bancorp, Inc. merger |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate of all fees billed to the Corporation
by Parente Randolph, LLC |
|
$ |
224,504 |
|
|
$ |
218,373 |
|
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
On , 2009, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviewed and discussed the
audited financial statements dated December 31, 2008 with management. They also have discussed
with Parente Randolph, LLC, the independent registered public accounting firm of the Corporation,
the matters for discussion as specified by AICPA Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, as
amended. The Audit Committee has received from Parente Randolph, LLC the written communications
required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees and has discussed with Parente Randolph, LLC, its independence. Based on its review
and discussions referred to above, the Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the
audited financial statements be included in the Corporations annual report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Members of the Audit Committee,
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|
Edward H. Owlett, III, Chairman
|
|
James E. Towner |
|
|
R. Bruce Haner
|
|
Ann M. Tyler |
|
|
Leo F. Lambert |
|
|
STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
The Board of Directors has not adopted formal guidelines for stock ownership by directors, but
the Board encourages directors to increase their ownership over time.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Messrs. DeCamp, Haner, Lambert, Owlett, Simpson, Towner and Mrs. Fisher served as members of
the Compensation Committee during 2008 and none of them was an officer or employee of the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries during that time. There are no interlocking relationships,
as defined in regulations of the SEC, involving members of the Compensation Committee.
- 10 -
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
OVERVIEW OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The Corporations executive compensation program includes a number of fixed and variable
compensation and benefit components, typical of programs among comparable community banking and
financial services companies in our local and regional marketplace.
The program provides participating executives with an industry-competitive level of total
compensation when their collective and individual performances meet or exceed the goals approved by
the Board of Directors.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
We believe that the compensation program for executives should directly support the
achievement of specific annual, longer-term and strategic goals of the business, and, thereby,
align the interests of executives with the interests of our shareholders.
The current program provides sufficient levels of fixed income, in the forms of base salary
and health and welfare benefits, to attract high caliber executive talent to the organization. It
also provides annual and longer-term incentive opportunities to encourage specific performance and
to reward the successful efforts of executives.
The incentive opportunities are structured to produce a performance-leveraged program format
in which executives may derive as much as 30% to 40% of their total compensation over time,
depending on their role in the organization, from short- and longer-term incentive opportunities,
but only when performance targets are met on a consistent basis.
We believe that the features and composition of the current program provide a total
compensation package for executive officers that is competitive in our marketplace, but weighted
toward variable pay based on corporate and individual performance, and which contributes to the
creation of shareholder value.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The Compensation Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors has primary
responsibility for the design and administration of the executive compensation program. It reviews
the make-up and administration of the executive compensation program throughout the year in light
of changing organization needs and operating conditions and changing trends in industry practice.
In evaluating program effectiveness, the Committee utilizes information from management and the
services of an outside consultant. Strategic Compensation Planning, Inc. of Malvern, PA is the
Committees consultant on executive and director compensation matters.
The Committee currently consists of seven (7) directors, all of whom qualify as independent
members of the Board. R. Robert DeCamp serves as Chair of the Committee. Jan E. Fisher, R. Bruce
Haner, Leo F. Lambert, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard Simpson, and James E. Towner also serve on
the Committee.
Role of Executive Management in the Pay Decision Process. The Committee is responsible for
recommending compensation related decisions to the Board of Directors for final approval. In
formulating its recommendations, the Committee will regularly seek information about the
performance of the business, organization staffing requirements and the performance levels of
incumbent executives from the Chief Executive Officer. It will also utilize the services of the
Companys Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer and, as circumstances suggest, other
officers of the Company. The Committee weighs the information provided by officers carefully,
especially the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer on decisions affecting subordinate
executives, but ultimately makes its decisions and formulates recommendations for Board approval
independently.
Program Review and Pay Decision Process. During the Fall of a calendar year, the Committee
(1) receives base salaries and annual and long-term incentive information on current executive
compensation levels in the industry and industry program practices provided by its compensation
consultant, (2) conducts a comprehensive review of the compensation program structure and
provisions, and (3) considers salary and benefit adjustments and incentive awards for executives.
After examining the information provided by its outside consultant, the Committee determines
(1) if the content and structure of the compensation program is still competitive, (2) if the
current provisions remain
- 11 -
consistent with the Corporations overall pay philosophy, and (3) if the
compensation program continues to support achievement of business objectives.
After deciding on the program structure for the coming calendar year, the Committee will
examine the current compensation and benefit levels of incumbent executives in light of their
continuing or changing roles in the business, the assessments of their individual performances by
the Chief Executive Officer, and industry practice trends. The performance of the Chief Executive
Officer is reviewed and appraised by the Committee with input from a questionnaire provided to all
Directors.
Based on the information gathered about each executive, the Committee will formulate
recommendations on possible salary adjustments for executives during the coming calendar year. It
will also determine annual incentive awards for executives based on results achieved against goals
and objectives defined at the beginning of the year, and it will determine appropriate longer-term
incentive awards, usually in the form of stock options and restricted stock grants.
These recommendations will be presented to the full Board of Directors for consideration,
usually in December, prior to the beginning of the new fiscal (calendar) year.
As incentive awards for the year ending are calculated, the Committee is also working with the
Chief Executive Officer to construct executive performance plans for the coming calendar year (the
new fiscal year). The Committee will formulate their recommendations on performance goals and
award opportunities for Board consideration and approval.
The Committee may be called upon to consider pay related decisions from time to time
throughout the calendar year as executives are reassigned or new executives join the organization.
In these instances, the Committee will review all aspects of the executives compensation including
base salary level, annual incentive opportunities, longer-term incentive awards, participation in
special benefit plans, and employment contract provisions, if applicable.
Pay Decision Factors and Considerations. The following factors typically influence Committee
recommendations on pay and benefits for executives:
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Salary: executives overall performance during the year ending, changes in organization
role and scope of responsibility, current salary in relation to the positions market
value, any significant changes in the industrys pay practices for comparable positions. |
|
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|
Annual Incentive Awards: competitive industry practice with respect to size of awards,
actual performance (achievement) against goals and objectives assigned at the beginning of
the fiscal year. |
|
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|
Longer-term Incentive Awards: competitive industry practice with respect to size of
awards and the typical mix of stock options, restricted shares and other forms of
equity-based grants, recent performance of the Corporation and the individual executive and
shareholder concerns about dilution and overhang. |
|
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|
|
Perquisites: the needs of the executives position, i.e., frequency of need to travel to
other Corporation locations, or to meet with Corporation clients and prospective clients,
and competitive industry practices for comparable executive roles. |
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|
Employment Contracts: Currently, Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. is the only executive
officer with an employment contract. Mr. Updegraffs employment contract was originally
with Citizens Bancorp, Inc., which the Corporation assumed by merger on May 1, 2007. It
will terminate on December 31, 2009. The Committee will authorize employment agreements if
it determines that the agreements will serve Corporation needs for confidentiality about
business practices and plans and preservation of the customer base (noncompetition and
nonsolicitation provisions) and competitive industry practices. |
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|
Comparator Base: The Basis for Defining Competitive Compensation Levels and Practices.
The types and levels of compensation included in the executive compensation program are
consistent with current features and programming trends among similar size and type
organizations in the Corporations local and
regional marketplace. |
- 12 -
Annually, the Committee asks its outside consultant to review survey reports on national and
regional compensation practice within the Corporations industry group, focusing on pay levels and
practices among Community Banking and Diversified Financial Services institutions based in the
Mid-Atlantic Region and having between $1.0B and $2.0B of assets. This range of institutions
includes banking companies that are somewhat smaller and somewhat larger than the Corporation. The
asset range will be modified from time to time as Corporations operating circumstances change.
For the 2008 program planning review, the outside consultant selected the following institutions in
Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Ohio to serve as a peer group (the Peer Group):
|
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|
Alliance Financial Corp.
|
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First National Community Bancorp |
|
|
Arrow Financial Corp.
|
|
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. |
|
|
Camco Financial Corp.
|
|
Parkvale Financial Corp. |
|
|
Canandaigua National Corp.
|
|
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp. |
|
|
Center Bancorp, Inc.
|
|
Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp |
|
|
ESB Financial Corp.
|
|
Peoples Bancorp Inc. |
|
|
Financial Institutions, Inc.
|
|
Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania |
|
|
First Defiance Financial Corp.
|
|
VIST Financial Corp. |
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
There are six (6) elements in the current executive compensation program:
1. Base Salary. Base salary opportunities are established taking into consideration the
median level of industry practice within the Peer Group for comparable jobs. Within
the defined competitive range, an executives salary level is based initially on his/her
qualifications for the assignment and experience in similar level and type roles.
Ongoing, salary adjustments reflect the individuals overall performance of the job
against organization expectations and may also reflect changes in industry practices.
For most executive positions, salary will ordinarily provide at least 60% 70% of total
annual compensation, when considering the value of short-term and long-term incentive
awards and benefits provided by the organization.
2. Health and Welfare Benefits. Executives participate in the Corporations qualified
health and welfare benefits programs on the same terms and conditions as all other
employees of the Corporation.
3. Annual Performance Incentives. The annual performance Incentive Award Plan provides
participating executives with opportunities to earn additional cash compensation in a
given year when corporate and business unit operating results and individual performance
contributions meet or exceed established thresholds of acceptable achievement.
Currently, these awards can provide as much as approximately 40% of an executives total
annual compensation when target levels of performance are achieved. For 2008, corporate
performance was measured based on return on average equity and core earnings growth, as
defined, over the prior years level. These same criteria will be used to evaluate
corporate performance for 2009. Business unit goals vary based on the nature of the
unit, but, where applicable, would include such items as loan and deposit growth, and
non-interest income. The Committee, in its discretion, may adjust award payments under
the Incentive Award Plan based on extraordinary circumstances, conflicts with long-term
financial and development objectives, or below standard individual participant
performance. All awards under the Incentive Award Plan are paid in cash as soon as it
is practical after the end of a plan year.
4. Longer-term Performance Incentives. Executives are eligible to participate in
longer-term incentive award plans established to focus their efforts on the strategic
directions and goals of the business and incent ownership in the Corporation, promoting
a vested interest in the Corporations long-term success. Awards may be made in the form
of qualified options (Incentive Stock Options, as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code), nonqualified options, stock appreciations rights or restricted stock. All awards
granted have been Incentive Stock Options or restricted stock. While the size of such
awards may increase or decrease based on current business performance, it is the
intention of the
Committee to recommend such awards at least annually as an incentive to focus
executives future efforts on longer-term needs and objectives of the business.
- 13 -
Equity Grant Plans. Our 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, as most recently amended by
shareholder vote on April 15, 2008, authorizes us to grant options to purchase
shares of common stock and to make restricted stock grants to our employees. The
Committee is the administrator of the Stock Incentive Plan. Stock option or
restricted stock grants may be made at the commencement of employment and from time
to time to meet other specific retention or performance objectives. The Committee
reviews and recommends approval of stock option and restricted stock awards to
executive officers based upon its assessment of individual performance, a review of
the executives existing long-term incentives, and retention considerations. Peer
Group data regarding stock-based compensation has not reflected much consistency
among the financial institutions. Periodic grants of stock options or restricted
stock are made at the discretion of the Committee to eligible employees and, in
appropriate circumstances, the Committee considers the recommendations of the Chief
Executive Officer. Typically, the Board of Directors has approved stock option
grants at its late December meeting, grants to be effective on the second stock
trading day of January in the following year. The average of the high and low price
of the Corporations stock on the first trading day is used as the exercise price
for the option grants. Generally, employee stock option grants vest six (6) months
after the grant date, and generally expire 10 years after the grant date.
Restricted stock grants made in 2007 and previous years vest at the rate of
one-third each year for three (3) years following the grant date and are subject to
continued employment with the Corporation. Restricted stock awards made in January
2009 and 2008 include a performance condition, as well as a requirement for
continued employment. One-third of the total shares are distributed on the
anniversary date of the award based on the Corporations attainment of a Performance
Target of 100% or more of the Peer Groups average return on equity (as defined by
the Committee) for the four quarters ending the third quarter of each calendar year
following the award date. The Performance Target requirement continues until all
Restricted Shares awarded are distributed, expired or forfeited. If all Restricted
Shares awarded are not distributed within the ten (10) year period following the
date of the award, they shall expire and revert back to the Corporation. Incentive
stock options and restricted stock grants also include certain other terms necessary
to assure compliance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. A total of
850,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan. As of
December 31, 2008, a balance of 498,030 shares is available for issuance.
The Committee recommended to the Board and the Board authorized the awarding of stock
options and restricted stock to executives and certain employees on specific dates in
January 2002 through January 2009, except for 2006, when no options or restricted shares
were granted. The timing of such grants was not tied to the release of negative or
positive material information about the Corporation. Prior to the January 2002 awards,
options were awarded from time to time, as recommended by the Committee and approved by
the Board. No formal structured program of granting annual awards had been developed
prior to 2001.
The Corporation has not established a policy regarding executive ownership of company
stock and/or retention guidelines applicable to equity awards to executives.
5. Nonqualifed Benefits and Perquisites. These provisions include participation in a
supplemental retirement income plan (SERP) as well as, in many instances, use of a
company-provided automobile. In a few instances, the company pays a portion of an
executives membership dues for a golf or social club, when such membership can
facilitate the conduct of business with clients.
The SERP is intended to replace some of the benefits lost by executives under Federally
mandated restrictions on retirement income benefits to highly compensated employees
under qualified retirement income plans like pensions and 401(k) plans. The
Corporations SERP provides a retirement benefit to participants who retire after
attaining age 55, with 5 years of service. Participants vest earlier than age 55 in the
event of disability, death or if the Corporation is acquired. Annual contributions to
the SERP are at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and the Board may terminate
the SERP at any time. The SERP is described in more detail in a later section of this
Proxy Statement.
6. Employment Contracts and Change of Control Agreements. At present and contrary to
prevailing industry practices, the Corporation does not offer formal employment
contracts to any of its executives, except for Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. (as discussed
in the Pay Decision Factors and Considerations section in the Compensation Discussion
& Analysis). It may choose to offer such employment arrangements to current or future
executives as circumstances warrant.
- 14 -
A select group of senior executives, including the Named Executive Officers, have Change
of Control agreements with the Corporation. In the event that any of these executives
were terminated following a Change of Control, they would receive a severance benefit
equal to one (1) times their annual base salary rate at the time of termination. They
would also be eligible for continued coverage under the Corporations health and welfare
benefit plans for eighteen (18) months, as permitted under law and carrier contract.
None of the Named Executive Officers have a commitment from the Corporation for a tax
gross-up payment in the event that their severance benefits following a change in
control exceed the deduction limits under IRS Code Section 4999.
RECENT ACTIONS: 2008 AND FIRST QUARTER 2009
During 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, the Corporation, through the Committee and Board of
Directors, has made a number of important decisions regarding executive compensation. The most
important actions are summarized here.
Base Salaries. At the beginning of 2009, executives received modest salary increases based on
evaluations of corporate and individual performances and prevailing industry practices for
comparable positions.
The salary of the Chief Executive Officer increased by 1.5% in January, 2009 to a level of
$348,000. The salary of the Chief Financial Officer increased in January 2009 by 5% to a level of
$192,944.
Annual Incentives. The Board establishes a series of annual Corporate, Business Unit and
Individual goals for each Named Executive Officer whereby each Named Executive Officer may receive
an annual cash bonus equal to a percentage of base salary, depending upon achievement of
performance goals. The following were the target, maximum, and actual percentages of base salary
paid to the Named Executive Officers related to their performance in 2008, with comparative
information for 2007 and 2006:
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Target |
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Maximum |
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Actual |
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Name |
|
Year |
|
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Percentage |
|
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Percentage |
|
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Percentage |
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Craig G. Litchfield |
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2008 |
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32 |
% |
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48 |
% |
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31.9 |
% |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
40 |
% |
|
|
60 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
40 |
% |
|
|
60 |
% |
|
|
24.8 |
% |
Mark A. Hughes |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
24 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
23.9 |
% |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
45 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
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|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
45 |
% |
|
|
22.8 |
% |
Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. |
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|
2008 |
|
|
|
24 |
% |
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|
36 |
% |
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|
23.9 |
% |
Deborah E. Scott |
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|
2008 |
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|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
30 |
% |
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|
17.6 |
% |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
18.5 |
% |
Dawn A. Besse |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
18.3 |
% |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
19.1 |
% |
Longer-term Incentives. The Committee utilizes equity grants as an incentive to drive future
performance. In December 2008, the Committee recommended equity grants that were awarded in
January 2009. Effective January 5, 2009, the Corporation awarded options and restricted stock
under the Stock Incentive Plan. The exercise price of the options, and the value of the restricted stock, was $19.88 per share, which was
based on the market price of the Corporations stock, as defined in the Plan. The following awards
on January 5, 2009 are not included in the tables within the Executive Compensation section of
this Proxy Statement, because they were made after the end of 2008: Mr. Litchfield- 7,780 options
and 380 shares of restricted stock; Mr. Hughes- 4,530 options and
- 15 -
225 shares of restricted stock;
Mr. Updegraff- 3,725 options and 185 shares of restricted stock; Mrs. Scott- 2,700 options and 135
shares of restricted stock and Mrs. Besse- 2,360 options and 115 shares of restricted stock.
Nonqualified Benefits and Perquisites. No changes have been made to existing participation
practices or benefit levels in current program offerings.
Employment Contracts and Change of Control Agreements. Except as may be required to comply
with recently enacted legislation (described in the following section), no substantial changes in
the Companys current practice of not providing employment contracts (except for Mr. Updegraff), as
well as limited Change of Control protection, are anticipated.
The Committee believes that the direct compensation components of the executive compensation
programsalary, annual incentive opportunities, equity grantsare competitive and reflect the
median of prevailing industry practices. The Committee intends to maintain the current leveraged
approach to total compensation, directly tying a significant portion of an executives total
earnings to achievements against goals and objectives approved by the Board of Directors.
REQUIREMENTS OF RECENTLY ENACTED LEGISLATION
We participated in the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program (referred to in
this section as the TARP Program) established under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of
2008 (the EESA) pursuant to which, on January 16, 2009, the U.S. Department of the Treasury
(Treasury) invested approximately $26.44 million in our preferred stock and warrants.
Participation in the TARP Program requires that we implement certain restrictions and limitations
on executive compensation, in particular severance pay, requires a review of our incentive
compensation programs to ensure that they do not encourage our senior executive officers to take
unnecessary and excessive risks, and limits our ability to receive tax deductions related to senior
executive pay.
Additionally, on February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the ARRA), which amends the EESA by, among other things, directing
Treasury to issue regulations implementing strict limitations on compensation paid or accrued by
financial institutions, like us, participating in the TARP Program. These limitations are to
include:
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A prohibition on paying or accruing bonus, incentive or retention compensation for at
least the five most highly compensated employees, other than certain awards of long-term
restricted stock or bonuses payable under existing employment agreements; |
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|
A prohibition on making any payments to the five highest paid executive officers and the
next five most highly compensated employees for departure from the Company, other than
payments for services performed or benefits accrued; |
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|
Subjecting bonus, incentive and retention payments made to the five highest paid
executive officers and the next 20 most highly compensated employees to repayment
(clawback) if based on statements of earnings, revenues, gains or other criteria that are
later found to be materially inaccurate; |
|
|
|
A prohibition on any compensation plan that would encourage manipulation of reported
earnings; |
|
|
|
Requiring the establishment by the Board of Directors of a company-wide policy regarding
excessive or luxury expenditures; |
|
|
|
Requiring the submission of a say-on-pay proposal to a non-binding vote of
shareholders at annual meetings, whereby shareholders vote to approve the compensation of
executives as disclosed pursuant to the executive compensation disclosures included in the
proxy statement; and |
|
|
|
Providing for a review by the Treasury of any bonus, retention awards or other
compensation paid to the five highest paid executive officers and the next 20 most highly
compensated employees prior to February 17, 2009 to determine if such payments were excessive and negotiate for the reimbursement of
such excess payments. |
As noted, the ARRA directs the Treasury to issue regulations implementing the foregoing.
There are numerous questions regarding the scope of the limitations and the requirements of the
ARRA. None of the
- 16 -
regulations mandated by the law have been issued to date. Pending the issuance
of regulations, the Board, Compensation Committee and management are reviewing the requirements of
the ARRA, its impact on current and going forward compensation, and the effect of the laws
requirements on the Corporations competitive position. Actions required by the ARRA and
consideration of competitive factors may include changes to the form and amount of compensation
paid to our executive officers, including adjustments to base salaries, the reduction or
elimination of bonus compensation, issuance of long-term restricted stock awards and modifications
to existing plans and agreements.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee certifies that it has reviewed with senior risk officers the senior
executive officer incentive compensation arrangements and has made reasonable efforts to ensure
that such arrangements do not encourage senior executive officers to take unnecessary and excessive
risks that threaten the value of the Corporation.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion & Analysis
required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and
discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation
Discussion & Analysis be included in the Proxy Statement.
|
|
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
|
|
R. Robert DeCamp, Chairman |
|
|
Jan E. Fisher |
|
|
R. Bruce Haner |
|
|
Leo F. Lambert |
|
|
Edward H. Owlett, III |
|
|
Leonard Simpson |
|
|
James E. Towner |
- 17 -
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table contains information with respect to annual compensation for services in
all capacities to the Corporation and C&N Bank for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008, 2007
and 2006 of those persons who were, (i) the Chief Executive Officer, (ii) the Chief Financial
Officer and (iii) the three (3) other most highly compensated executives (collectively, the Named
Executive Officers) to the extent such persons total compensation exceeded $100,000:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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|
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|
|
|
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|
Change in |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
Pension Value |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
All |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Deferred Plan |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Total |
|
Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CRAIG G. LITCHFIELD |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
342,720 |
|
|
|
109,232 |
|
|
|
9,212 |
|
|
|
27,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,854 |
|
|
|
555,006 |
|
Chairman, President and |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
342,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,829 |
|
|
|
21,497 |
|
|
|
194,817 |
|
|
|
55,538 |
|
|
|
626,401 |
|
CEO |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
336,000 |
|
|
|
83,462 |
|
|
|
6,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,014 |
|
|
|
55,852 |
|
|
|
511,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARK A. HUGHES |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
183,756 |
|
|
|
43,925 |
|
|
|
4,371 |
|
|
|
13,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,935 |
|
|
|
268,123 |
|
Treasurer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
183,756 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,399 |
|
|
|
10,191 |
|
|
|
48,339 |
|
|
|
19,285 |
|
|
|
266,970 |
|
and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
175,006 |
|
|
|
39,959 |
|
|
|
2,442 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,912 |
|
|
|
21,872 |
|
|
|
249,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHARLES H.
UPDEGRAFF, JR. |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
187,100 |
|
|
|
44,724 |
|
|
|
1,470 |
|
|
|
8,757 |
|
|
|
32,306 |
|
|
|
60,182 |
|
|
|
334,539 |
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Chief Operating Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEBORAH E. SCOTT |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
140,419 |
|
|
|
25,734 |
|
|
|
3,306 |
|
|
|
9,954 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,807 |
|
|
|
200,220 |
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
140,419 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,239 |
|
|
|
7,827 |
|
|
|
33,169 |
|
|
|
19,089 |
|
|
|
204,743 |
|
and Director of Trust |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
135,018 |
|
|
|
26,085 |
|
|
|
2,442 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,478 |
|
|
|
21,154 |
|
|
|
193,177 |
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DAWN A. BESSE |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
128,544 |
|
|
|
23,557 |
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
8,237 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,617 |
|
|
|
188,655 |
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
128,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,626 |
|
|
|
6,467 |
|
|
|
34,399 |
|
|
|
22,624 |
|
|
|
195,660 |
|
and Chief Credit Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
124,800 |
|
|
|
23,840 |
|
|
|
2,442 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,134 |
|
|
|
22,566 |
|
|
|
191,782 |
|
The 2008 and 2006 bonuses were paid pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan, which
is described in the Program Components section of Compensation Discussion and Analysis. There
were no bonuses paid in 2007.
The amount shown in the Stock Awards column for 2008 equals the amount recognized during
2008 as compensation expense for financial statement reporting purposes as a result of restricted
stock awards made in 2007 and 2008. The 2007 amount equals the amount recognized during 2007 as
compensation expense for financial statement reporting purposes as a result of restricted stock
awards made in 2005 and 2007. The 2006 amount equals the amount recognized during 2006 as
compensation expense for financial statement reporting purposes as a result of restricted stock
awards made in 2004 and 2005. Stock awards are valued as the average of the high and low on the
trading day prior to the grant date. A portion of that grant-date value is recorded as expense
over the vesting period applicable to the grant. There were no restricted stock awards in 2006.
- 18 -
The amount shown in the Option Awards column for 2008 equals the amount recognized during
2008 as compensation expense for financial reporting purposes, computed in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R. The value used for 2008 options is $3.15 per
option, determined based on the grant date fair market value, computed using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. A portion of that grant-date value is recorded as expense over the vesting
period applicable to the grant. The 2007 amount equals the amount recognized during 2007 as
compensation expense for financial reporting purposes, computed in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R. The value used for 2007 options is $4.46 per option,
determined based on the grant date fair market value, computed using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model. A portion of that grant-date value is recorded as expense over the vesting period
applicable to the grant. There were no stock options awarded in 2006.
The amount shown in the column headed Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Plan
Compensation for 2008 is attributable to Mr. Updegraffs participation in the Citizens Trust
Company Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan. This plan covers certain employees who were
employed by Citizens Trust Company on December 31, 2002, when the plan was amended to discontinue
admittance of any future participants and to freeze benefit accruals. The Corporation acquired
Citizens Bancorp, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens Trust Company, effective May 1,
2007. Mr. Updegraff is the only Named Executive Officer who is a participant in this plan. In
2008, for financial reporting purposes the Corporation adopted a December 31 measurement date for
this plan, while in 2007, a September 30 measurement date was used. Accordingly, the amount of
change in pension value reported for Mr. Updegraff was determined based on the 15-month period
ended December 31, 2008. The discount rate used to calculate the present value of accumulated plan
benefit was 6.25% at December 31, 2008 and 5.80% as September 30, 2007.
Amounts shown in the column headed Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Plan
Compensation for 2007 and 2006 were related to the Citizens & Northern Bank Pension Plan, a
defined benefit pension plan. The 2007 and 2006 amounts were determined using a December 31
measurement date, which was the pension plan measurement date used for financial reporting
purposes. The Citizens & Northern Bank Pension Plan was frozen and terminated, effective December
31, 2007. In 2008, the Corporation funded and settled substantially all of its obligations under
the plan. The large increase in the change in pension value reported for Named Executive Officers
in 2007 as compared to 2006 resulted from termination of the plan. Because the Pension Plan has
been terminated, with a final payout to settle Plan obligations expected in 2008, a lower discount
rate (4.77%) was used in 2007 than the discount rate used in 2006 (5.75%). Use of the lower
discount rate in 2007 was the major reason for the reported increase.
The Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column has been omitted from the Summary
Compensation Table because no Named Executive Officers earned compensation during 2008, 2007, or
2006 of a type required to be disclosed in that column.
- 19 -
Amounts shown as All Other Compensation include the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employer |
|
|
Employer |
|
|
Employer |
|
|
Dollar Value |
|
|
Commissions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions |
|
|
Contributions |
|
|
Contributions to |
|
|
of Insurance |
|
|
for |
|
|
Perquisites |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to the |
|
|
to the 401 (k) |
|
|
the Supplemental |
|
|
Premium |
|
|
Insurance |
|
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee |
|
|
Employee |
|
|
Executive |
|
|
paid for |
|
|
and |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Savings |
|
|
Retirement |
|
|
Group Term |
|
|
Brokerage |
|
|
Personal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ownership Plan |
|
|
Plan |
|
|
Plan (SERP) |
|
|
Life Insurance |
|
|
Sales |
|
|
Benefits |
|
|
Total |
|
Name |
|
Year |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
Craig G. Litchfield |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
9,200 |
|
|
|
11,500 |
|
|
|
42,682 |
|
|
|
1,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
644 |
|
|
|
65,854 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
40,221 |
|
|
|
1,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
55,538 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
8,800 |
|
|
|
8,800 |
|
|
|
36,488 |
|
|
|
1,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
55,852 |
|
Mark A. Hughes |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
7,367 |
|
|
|
9,209 |
|
|
|
5,944 |
|
|
|
415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,935 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
4,483 |
|
|
|
8,965 |
|
|
|
5,422 |
|
|
|
415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,285 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
8,335 |
|
|
|
8,334 |
|
|
|
4,788 |
|
|
|
415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,872 |
|
Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
8,176 |
|
|
|
10,220 |
|
|
|
24,490 |
|
|
|
1,928 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,368 |
|
|
|
60,182 |
|
Deborah E. Scott |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
5,729 |
|
|
|
7,161 |
|
|
|
5,109 |
|
|
|
415 |
|
|
|
405 |
|
|
|
1,988 |
|
|
|
20,807 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
3,398 |
|
|
|
6,796 |
|
|
|
4,886 |
|
|
|
415 |
|
|
|
1,181 |
|
|
|
2,413 |
|
|
|
19,089 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
6,404 |
|
|
|
6,404 |
|
|
|
4,614 |
|
|
|
415 |
|
|
|
588 |
|
|
|
2,729 |
|
|
|
21,154 |
|
Dawn A. Besse |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
5,189 |
|
|
|
6,487 |
|
|
|
12,750 |
|
|
|
1,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,617 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
3,072 |
|
|
|
6,144 |
|
|
|
11,446 |
|
|
|
1,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
770 |
|
|
|
22,624 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
5,838 |
|
|
|
5,190 |
|
|
|
9,621 |
|
|
|
1,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
726 |
|
|
|
22,566 |
|
For Mr. Updegraff and Mrs. Scott, perquisites and other personal benefits include a
company-supplied automobile. For Mr. Litchfield, Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Besse perquisites include the
cost of club memberships, which is used primarily, but not exclusively, for business purposes.
- 20 -
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table sets forth information with respect to grants of plan-based awards as of
December 31, 2008 for the Named Executive Officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Awards: |
|
Exercise |
|
Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Number of |
|
or Base |
|
Date Fair |
|
|
|
|
Board/ |
|
of Shares |
|
Securities |
|
Price of |
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
Committee |
|
of Stock |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
Stock and |
|
|
Grant |
|
Action |
|
or Units |
|
Options |
|
Awards |
|
Option |
Name |
|
Date |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
($/Sh) |
|
Awards |
Craig G. Litchfield
|
|
1/3/2008
|
|
12/20/2007
|
|
|
430 |
|
|
|
8,885 |
|
|
|
17.50 |
|
|
|
35,513 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark A. Hughes
|
|
1/3/2008
|
|
12/20/2007
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
4,170 |
|
|
|
17.50 |
|
|
|
16,724 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles H. Updegraff, Jr.
|
|
1/3/2008
|
|
12/20/2007
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
2,780 |
|
|
|
17.50 |
|
|
|
11,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deborah E. Scott
|
|
1/3/2008
|
|
12/20/2007
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
3,160 |
|
|
|
17.50 |
|
|
|
12,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dawn A. Besse
|
|
1/3/2008
|
|
12/20/2007
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
2,615 |
|
|
|
17.50 |
|
|
|
10,425 |
|
The grant date fair market value of stock and options awards is computed in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R. The value used for restricted stock awards
is $17.50 per share, based on the market value of the stock at the grant date. The value used for
options is $3.15 per option, computed using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
- 21 -
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding equity awards as of
December 31, 2008 for the Named Executive Officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Value of |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
|
Shares or |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of |
|
|
Units of |
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Option |
|
|
That Have |
|
|
That Have |
|
|
|
(#) |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Expiration |
|
|
Not Vested |
|
|
Not Vested |
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
($) |
|
|
Date |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
Craig G. Litchfield |
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
18.000 |
|
|
|
12/23/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,405 |
|
|
|
17.000 |
|
|
|
1/2/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,204 |
|
|
|
20.730 |
|
|
|
1/2/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,715 |
|
|
|
26.590 |
|
|
|
1/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,515 |
|
|
|
27.000 |
|
|
|
1/3/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,820 |
|
|
|
22.325 |
|
|
|
1/3/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,885 |
|
|
|
17.500 |
|
|
|
1/3/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
925 |
|
|
$ |
18,269 |
|
Total: |
|
|
49,044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
|
|
925 |
|
|
$ |
18,269 |
|
Mark A. Hughes |
|
|
2,828 |
|
|
|
17.000 |
|
|
|
1/2/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
20.730 |
|
|
|
1/2/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,145 |
|
|
|
26.590 |
|
|
|
1/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
27.000 |
|
|
|
1/3/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,285 |
|
|
|
22.325 |
|
|
|
1/3/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,170 |
|
|
|
17.500 |
|
|
|
1/3/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
439 |
|
|
$ |
8,670 |
|
Total: |
|
|
16,193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
|
|
439 |
|
|
$ |
8,670 |
|
Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. |
|
|
2,780 |
|
|
|
17.500 |
|
|
|
1/3/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
$ |
2,666 |
|
Total: |
|
|
2,780 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
|
|
135 |
|
|
$ |
2,666 |
|
Deborah E. Scott |
|
|
2,250 |
|
|
|
18.000 |
|
|
|
12/23/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,528 |
|
|
|
17.000 |
|
|
|
1/2/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
20.730 |
|
|
|
1/2/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,145 |
|
|
|
26.590 |
|
|
|
1/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
27.000 |
|
|
|
1/3/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,755 |
|
|
|
22.325 |
|
|
|
1/3/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,160 |
|
|
|
17.500 |
|
|
|
1/3/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
331 |
|
|
$ |
6,537 |
|
Total: |
|
|
17,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
|
|
331 |
|
|
$ |
6,537 |
|
Dawn A. Besse |
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
20.730 |
|
|
|
1/2/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,145 |
|
|
|
26.590 |
|
|
|
1/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
27.000 |
|
|
|
1/3/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,450 |
|
|
|
22.325 |
|
|
|
1/3/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,615 |
|
|
|
17.500 |
|
|
|
1/3/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
$ |
5,333 |
|
Total: |
|
|
10,975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
|
|
270 |
|
|
$ |
5,333 |
|
- 22 -
OPTIONS EXERCISED AND STOCK VESTED
The following table sets forth information concerning the exercise during 2008 of options
granted, and value realized on vesting of restricted stock, under the Stock Incentive Plan by the
Named Executive Officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
Acquired |
|
|
Realized |
|
|
Acquired |
|
|
Realized |
|
|
|
on Exercise |
|
|
on Exercise |
|
|
on Vesting |
|
|
On Vesting |
|
Name |
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Craig G. Litchfield |
|
|
4,305 |
|
|
$ |
39,743 |
|
|
|
461 |
|
|
$ |
8,215 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark A. Hughes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
194 |
|
|
$ |
3,457 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deborah E. Scott |
|
|
1,615 |
|
|
$ |
14,947 |
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
$ |
2,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dawn A. Besse |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
$ |
2,691 |
|
PENSION BENEFITS(1)(2)
The following table sets forth information with respect to pension benefits for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2008 for the Named Executive Officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credited Service |
|
|
Benefit |
|
Name |
|
Plan Name |
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
Craig G. Litchfield |
|
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan(3) |
|
|
20 |
|
|
$ |
302,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark A. Hughes |
|
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan(3) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
$ |
32,556 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles H.
Updegraff, Jr. |
|
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan(3) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
24,435 |
|
|
|
Citizens Trust Company Pension Plan(4) |
|
|
28 |
|
|
$ |
437,259 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
461,694 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deborah E. Scott |
|
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan(3) |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
29,783 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dawn A. Besse |
|
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan(3) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
$ |
62,357 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The column disclosing benefits paid from any of the plans named in the
table has been omitted from the table because no named executive
officer received any such payments during 2008. |
|
(2) |
|
Values are as of December 31, 2008, which is the Pension Plan
measurement date used by the Corporation for financial reporting
purposes. |
|
(3) |
|
A nonqualified plan, described in more detail below. |
|
(4) |
|
Tax-qualified defined benefit plan, described in more detail below. |
- 23 -
PENSION PLANS
The Citizens & Northern Bank Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) was a qualified defined benefit
plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. In October 2007, the Corporations Board
of Directors adopted amendments to freeze and terminate the Plan, effective December 31, 2007. In
2008, the Corporation funded and settled substantially all of its obligations under the Pension
Plan.
Mr. Updegraff is a participant in the Citizens Trust Company Pension Plan, an IRS-qualified
defined benefit plan. This plan covers certain employees who were employed by Citizens Trust
Company on December 31, 2002, when the plan was amended to discontinue admittance of any future
participant and to freeze benefit accruals. The Corporation acquired Citizens Bancorp, Inc. and
its wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens Trust Company, effective May 1, 2007.
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (SERP)
The SERP provides selected key employees a supplemental retirement income. The SERP is a
target benefit pension plan. The annual contribution amount is based on a formula designed to
provide an annual benefit equal to 20% of pay, with a target age of 65. In determining the annual
contribution amounts, the discount rate used is 8.0%. Also, a standard mortality table is used.
The annual contribution amounts are deposited into each participants account within a trust
(discussed below). The actual amount a participant has at separation of employment depends upon
his/her self-directed investment results over time. The actual investment returns do not impact the
annual contributions. Investment returns are allocated to participant accounts quarterly based on
balances as of the beginning of the quarter.
C&N Bank has established a trust account for the SERP. Our Trust and Financial Management
Group manage the trust assets established for the SERP. The individual balances for each SERP
participant are accounted for by our Trust and Financial Management Group. C&N Bank has funded the
trust, but all assets in the trust are subject to the claims of C&N Banks creditors in the event
of insolvency. The participation and funding of the SERP is entirely at the discretion of C&N
Banks Board of Directors each year, and the Board of Directors may terminate the SERP at any time.
The individual participants account balances are payable, in the form of an annuity that
would be purchased from an unrelated entity, when any of the following events occur:
|
|
|
Retirement at the later of age 55 and 5 years of plan participation |
|
|
|
|
In the event of death |
|
|
|
|
In the event of disability |
|
|
|
|
In the event the Corporation is acquired by another institution. |
401 (k) SAVINGS PLAN
The Citizens & Northern Corporation Savings and Retirement Plan (Savings Plan) is qualified
under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All officers and employees, including the
Named Executive Officers, are eligible to participate in the Savings Plan. The Savings Plan
allows a participant to authorize a deposit into the Plan of before tax earnings from 1% to 40% of
compensation. The maximum amount of elective contributions that could be made by a participant
during 2008 was $15,500 plus a $5,000 catch-up contribution if over age 50. The elective
contributions are also subject to a $230,000 compensation limit. In addition, the employer makes
matching contributions equal to 100% of a participants before tax contributions up to 5% of
compensation. All participants contributions and the safe harbor employer matching contributions
for 2008, at the participants election, were invested in a choice of investment funds maintained
by C&N Bank as Trustee.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (ESOP)
As of January 1, 2007, the Corporation established an ESOP. Prior to 2007, the Corporation
maintained the ESOP as a component of the Savings Plan, with a basic regular employer contribution equal
to 2% of each eligible employees compensation, and additional discretionary contributions
considered from year-to-year by the Board of Directors. Employer contributions are invested in
the Corporations common stock. The new ESOP has features similar to the previous ESOP, except
that it has been removed from the Savings Plan, and all
- 24 -
contributions are at the discretion of the
Board of Directors. The values of participants ESOP accounts, which were 100% vested as of
December 31, 2006, were transferred from the Savings Plan to the new ESOP. The ESOP does not
allow for employee contributions. The total ESOP employer contribution for 2008 was equal to 4%
of compensation.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENTS
The Corporation and C&N Bank (the Employer) have entered into Change in Control Agreements
(the Agreements) with Messrs. Litchfield, Hughes, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Besse, and certain other
officers (each an Employee). The employment agreement with Mr. Updegraff includes Change in
Control provisions with some variation from the Agreement with the other Employees. The purpose of
the Agreements is to retain and secure key employees and encourage their continued attention and
dedication to their assigned duties without the distraction of potential disturbing circumstances
arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Corporation and C&N Bank.
The Change in Control Agreements are not employment agreements. The Agreements provide for a
lump sum severance benefit in the event certain events take place after there is a change in
control, as defined in the Agreement, of the Corporation, or for a period of twenty-four (24)
months thereafter. If the Employee remains employed for more than twenty-four (24) months after a
change in control, nothing is payable.
Under the Agreements, the term termination means the termination of the employment of the
officer either by the Employer for any reason other than death, disability, or cause, or by
resignation of the Employee upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events: a
significant change in the Employees authorities or duties, a reduction in annual salary, or a
material reduction in benefits; the relocation of the Employees office to a location more than 35
miles from the location of the Employees office immediately prior to the employment period; the
Employee is unable to exercise the authorities, powers, functions or duties associated with the
Employees position; or the failure of the Corporation to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any
successor to assume and agree to perform the Agreement in the same manner and extent as if no
succession had taken place.
In the event of a termination, the Agreements provide severance benefits of (i) Employer-paid
group medical insurance continuation premiums for a period of eighteen (18) months after the date
of termination, and (ii) a lump sum payment in cash no later than thirty (30) business days after
the date of termination equal to the sum of the Employees unpaid salary, accrued vacation pay and
unreimbursed business expenses through and including the date of termination; and an amount equal
to one (1) times the Employees base salary in effect immediately prior to the date of
termination.
The original Agreements terminated on December 31, 2005, but are automatically extended for
additional one-year periods unless written notice is provided by the Employer or Employee that such
party does not wish to extend the term. If a change in control occurs during the original or
extended term of the Agreements, the term shall continue for a period of twenty-four (24) months
and end upon the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period.
The Corporation expressly agreed to assume, as of May 1, 2007, the existing employment
agreement between Citizens Bancorp, Inc. and Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. Mr. Updegraffs employment
agreement, as amended by an addendum between Mr. Updegraff and the Corporation, provides:
|
|
|
For a current term expiring on December 31, 2009; |
|
|
|
|
For automatic renewals on December 31 of each year to December 31 of the third
calendar year thereafter, subject to the right of each party to terminate the automatic
renewal and thereby fix the expiration of the term; |
|
|
|
|
For early termination upon dismissal by resolution of a majority of the board of
directors, the death or disability of Mr. Updegraff; |
|
|
|
|
For a base salary, subject to increase or decrease from time to time at such
intervals and by the same percentages as may be authorized by the board of directors
generally with respect to base salary increases or decrease for executive officers; |
|
|
|
|
For participation in certain benefits and incentive programs adopted by the board of
directors, including without limitation, all employer-sponsored group health, life and
disability insurance plans and such annual bonus plans, stock options and restricted
stock plans as may be adopted by the board of directors; |
- 25 -
|
|
|
That if Mr. Updegraff is terminated by the board of directors without proper cause,
or if Mr. Updegraff resigns his employment upon a material reduction of his authority
or responsibilities or a substantial modification of his working conditions following a
merger or consolidation of the Corporation, he will continue to receive his salary and
benefits for the remainder of the current term; and |
|
|
|
|
That if Mr. Updegraff is terminated due to disability, he will be entitled to a
monthly disability income benefit in an amount equal to the monthly disability income
benefit allowed by the group disability income insurance policy maintained by the
Corporation for its executives, life insurance benefits (unless and until Mr. Updegraff
accepts other employment) and health insurance premiums (unless and until Mr. Updegraff
accepts other employment). |
The amount of severance salary benefits that each of the above-named executive officers would
be entitled to, pursuant to the Agreements, if an event which triggered the payment occurred on the
date of the Proxy Statement, is as follows: Mr. Litchfield $348,000, Mr. Hughes $192,944, Mr.
Updegraff $201,133, Mrs. Scott $151,000, and Mrs. Besse $135,050. The total of such severance
salary benefit payments for all covered Employees would be $1,697,425.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS
On April 20, 2004, the Stockholders of the Corporation authorized the Corporation to enter
into Indemnification Agreements with the Directors of the Corporation and C&N Bank and certain
officers of C&N Bank, as designated by the Board of Directors. The primary purpose of the
Agreements is to ensure the ability of the Corporation and C&N Bank to continue to attract and
retain responsible, competent and otherwise qualified directors and officers. Indemnification
Agreements have been entered into with all Directors of C&N Bank and the Corporation, as well as
the Corporations and C&N Banks Executive Officers as named on page 3.
The indemnification agreements provide to covered directors and officers the most advantageous
of any combination of benefits under (i) the benefits provided by the Bylaws of the Corporation in
effect as of the date the agreements were are entered into; (ii) the benefits provided by the
Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation or their equivalent of the Corporation in effect at the time
indemnification expenses are incurred by an indemnitee; (iii) the benefits allowable under
Pennsylvania law in effect on the date of the agreements; (iv) the benefits allowable under the law
of the jurisdiction under which the Corporation exists at the time indemnifiable expenses are
incurred by an indemnitee; (v) the benefits available under a liability insurance policy obtained
by the Corporation and its subsidiaries in effect on the date of the agreements; (vi) the benefits
available under a liability insurance policy obtained by the Corporation and its subsidiaries, in
effect at the time the indemnifiable expenses are incurred by an indemnitee; and (vii) such other
benefits as are or may otherwise be available to the indemnitee.
The Corporation is not obligated to, nor has it agreed to provide funding for its obligations
under the agreements. The Corporation is obligated, however, to pay its obligations under the
agreements from general assets or insurance. The agreements do require the Corporation to continue
to purchase D&O Coverage for so long as it is available on a commercially reasonable basis.
The indemnification available pursuant to the agreements is subject to a number of exclusions.
No indemnification is required under the agreements with respect to any claim as to which it is
finally proven by clear and convincing evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction that the
covered person acted or failed to act with deliberate intent to cause injury to the Corporation or
a subsidiary thereof or with reckless disregard for the Corporations best interest. The
Corporation is also not required to make any payment finally determined by a court to be unlawful
or any payment required under Section 16(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
In addition, any claim (or part thereof) against an indemnitee which falls within the prohibitions
of 12 C.F.R. §7.5217 (i.e. a prohibition on indemnification or insurance coverage for expenses,
penalties or other payments incurred in connection with an action by a banking regulatory agency
which results in a final order assessing monetary penalties or requiring affirmative action in the
form of payment to said bank) is excluded from indemnification under the agreements.
- 26 -
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION (1)(2)(3)
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Fees |
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Earned or |
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Paid in |
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Stock |
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Option |
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Cash (4) |
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Awards (5) |
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Awards(6) |
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Total |
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Name |
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($) |
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($) |
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($) |
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($) |
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Dennis F. Beardslee |
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29,200 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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33,059 |
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R. Robert DeCamp |
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33,300 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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37,159 |
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Jan E. Fisher |
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28,600 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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32,459 |
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R. Bruce Haner |
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32,800 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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36,659 |
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Susan E. Hartley |
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27,600 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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31,459 |
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Karl W. Kroeck |
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18,950 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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22,809 |
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Leo F. Lambert |
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34,700 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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38,559 |
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Edward L. Learn |
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28,200 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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32,059 |
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Craig G. Litchfield (7) |
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Raymond R. Mattie |
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28,200 |
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1,187 |
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2,139 |
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31,526 |
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Edward H. Owlett, III |
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41,700 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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45,559 |
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Leonard Simpson |
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36,700 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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40,559 |
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James E. Towner |
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34,600 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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38,459 |
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Ann M. Tyler |
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28,200 |
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1,720 |
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2,139 |
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32,059 |
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Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. (7) |
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(1) |
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The columns disclosing Non-equity incentive plan compensation, changes in pension
value and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings, and other forms of compensation have been
omitted from the table because no director earned any compensation during 2008 of a type required
to be disclosed in those columns. |
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(2) |
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As of December 31, 2008, each non-employee director except Director Mattie owned 167
shares of common stock awarded pursuant to the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan for which
transfer restrictions had not yet lapsed. For each director except Director Mattie; those shares
had a value of $3,298 based on the closing price of the Corporations common stock on December 31,
2008 (the last business day of the year). Director Mattie owned 109 shares of common stock awarded
pursuant to the Independent Director Stock Incentive Plan for which transfer restrictions had not
yet lapsed. Those shares had a value of $2,153 based on the closing price of the Corporations
common stock on December 31, 2008 (the last business day of the year.) |
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(3) |
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Effective January 5, 2009, the Corporation awarded 1,341 options and 170 shares of
restricted stock under the Independent Director Stock Incentive Plan to each director. The
exercise price of the options, and the value of the restricted stock, was $19.88 per share, based
on the market price of the Corporations stock on January 2, 2009. The awards made in January 2009
are not included in the table. |
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(4) |
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Includes annual cash retainer, Committee chair retainer (if any) and per meeting
fees. |
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(5) |
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The amount shown in the Stock Awards column equals the amount recognized during
2008 as compensation expense for financial statement reporting purposes as a result of restricted
stock awards made in 2007 and 2008. Stock awards are valued at the closing price on the grant
date. A portion of that grant-date value is recorded as expense over the vesting period applicable
to the grant. There were no restricted stock awards in 2006. |
- 27 -
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(6) |
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The amount shown in the Option Awards column of 2008 equals the amount recognized
during 2008 as compensation expense for financial reporting purposes, computed in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R. The value used for options is $3.15 per
option, determined based on the grant date fair market value, computed using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. A portion of that grant-date value is recorded as expense over the vesting
period applicable to the grant. There were no stock options awarded in 2006. |
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(7) |
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Mr. Litchfield and Mr. Updegraff are compensated for their services as employees,
and do not receive additional compensation for their services as directors. |
Compensation of the Board of Directors of C&N Bank is established by the board, upon
recommendation of the Executive Committee. Directors who are employed by C&N Bank are not entitled
to additional compensation for board or committee service. Directors who are not employed by C&N
Bank receive compensation according to the following table; however, no separate compensation will
be paid to a director of C&N Bank who attends a board or committee meeting that is held jointly
with a board or committee meeting of Citizens & Northern Corporation and who is compensated for
that meeting by Citizens & Northern Corporation.
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Annual Fees: |
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Cash Retainer (all Directors) |
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$ |
14,000 |
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Committee Chairman: |
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Audit Committee |
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$ |
4,000 |
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Executive Committee |
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$ |
4,000 |
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All Other Committees |
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$ |
2,500 |
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Per-Meeting Attendance Fees: |
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Board meetings (all Directors) |
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$ |
600 |
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Advisory board meetings |
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$ |
200 |
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Committee meetings: |
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Audit Committee |
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$ |
500 |
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Executive Committee |
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$ |
500 |
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All Other Committees |
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$ |
400 |
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A director who, by invitation, attends a meeting of a committee of which he or she is not a
regular member will be paid the same attendance fee as is payable to members of that committee.
In addition to cash fees, non-employee directors also receive compensation in the form of
Corporation common stock, or stock options, under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan.
This plan permits awards of nonqualified stock options and/or restricted stock to non-employee
directors. A total of 135,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the Independent Directors
Stock Incentive Plan. The recipients rights to exercise stock options under this plan vest
immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant. The exercise prices of all stock options
awarded under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan are equal to market value as of the
dates of grant. The restricted stock awards vest ratably over 3 years. A balance of 76,645 shares
is available for issuance under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan as of December 31,
2008.
Cash dividends payable with respect to shares of common stock issued to directors under the
Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan are paid in the same amount and at the same time as
dividends are paid to stockholders generally. Stock dividends, stock splits and similar
transactions will have the same effect on shares of
- 28 -
stock issued pursuant to the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan as on all other shares
of Corporation common stock outstanding.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Certain directors and officers of the Corporation and C&N Bank and their associates (including
corporations of which such persons are officers or 10% beneficial owners) were customers of, and
had transactions with the Corporation and C&N Bank in the ordinary course of business during the
year ended December 31, 2008. Similar transactions may be expected to take place in the future.
Such transactions included the purchase of certificates of deposit and extensions of credit 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 did
not involve more than the normal risks of collectability or present other unfavorable features.
The Corporation expects that any other transactions with directors and officers and their
associates in the future will be conducted on the same basis.
PROPOSAL 2 ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
As a result of the Corporations participation in the TARP Program, the Corporation is
required to permit its shareholders a separate, non-binding advisory vote on the compensation paid
to the Corporations executives pursuant to the policies and procedures employed by the
Corporation, as described in the CD&A and tabular disclosure regarding named executive officer
compensation (together with the accompanying narrative disclosure) in this Proxy Statement.
For the reasons set forth in this Proxy Statement, we believe that our compensation polices
and procedures are centered on a pay-for-performance culture, are competitive in our marketplace,
and are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders, and that the
compensation paid to our executives is consistent with such policies and procedures.
This proposal, commonly known as a Say-on-Pay proposal, gives you as a shareholder the
opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay program and policies through the following
resolution:
Resolved, that the shareholders approve the compensation paid to executives of the
Corporation pursuant to the policies and procedures employed by the Corporation, as
described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and tabular disclosure
regarding named executive officer compensation (together with the accompanying
narrative disclosure) in this Proxy Statement.
Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the
Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future
executive compensation arrangements.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the compensation paid to executives of
the Corporation pursuant to the policies and procedures employed by the Corporation, as described
in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis and tabular disclosure regarding the named executive
officer compensation (together with the accompanying narrative disclosure) in this Proxy Statement.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Parente Randolph, LLC, has been the independent registered public accounting firm appointed by
the Corporation since 1981, and was selected by the Board as the independent registered public
accounting firm for the Corporation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The engagement of
Parente Randolph, LLC as its independent accountants for the year 2009 is subject to review and
approval by the Audit Committee. No member of the firm or any of its associates has a financial
interest in the Corporation. A representative of Parente Randolph, LLC is expected to be present
at the Annual Meeting to answer appropriate questions from stockholders and will be afforded an
opportunity to make any statement that the firm desires.
- 29 -
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Corporations officers and
directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of the Corporations common stock, to file
reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations to furnish the Corporation with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file.
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to the
Corporation during 2008 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Corporation with
respect to 2008, the Corporation believes that no director, officer or ten percent stockholder or
any other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, failed to make on a timely basis during
2008 any reports required to be filed by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, except that Mrs. Tyler
had one late filing reporting one sale that was inadvertently missed.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
The Corporations Articles of Incorporation contain provisions that address the process by
which a stockholder may nominate an individual to stand for election to the Board of Directors.
Stockholder recommendations for members of the Board should be submitted in writing to the
President of the Corporation, and must include the stockholders name, address, and the number of
shares owned. The recommendation must also include the name, address and principal occupation of
the proposed nominee as well as the number of shares owned by the notifying stockholder and the
total number of shares that will be voted for the proposed nominee. Stockholder recommendations
must also include the information that would be required to be disclosed in the solicitation of
proxies for the election of directors under federal securities laws, including the candidates
consent to be elected and to serve. The Articles of Incorporation specify that nominations from
stockholders must be delivered or mailed not less than fourteen (14) days nor more than fifty (50)
days prior to the stockholder meeting at which directors will be elected, except in the case where
less than twenty-one (21) days notice is given of a stockholder meeting, in which case a notifying
stockholder can mail or deliver a nomination not later than the close of business on the seventh
day after the day the meeting notice was mailed.
The Corporations 2010 Annual Meeting of stockholders is scheduled to be held in April 2010.
Any stockholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2010 Annual Meeting and who wishes to have
the proposal included in the Corporations proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting must
deliver the proposal to the Corporations executive offices, 90-92 Main Street, P.O. Box 58,
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901, by November 12, 2009. Citizens & Northern must receive notice of
all other stockholder proposals for the 2010 annual meeting delivered or mailed no less than 14
days nor more than 50 days prior to the Annual Meeting; provided, however, that if less than
twenty-one days notice of the annual meeting is given to stockholders then the Corporation must
receive notice not less than seven days following the date on which notice of the annual meeting
was mailed. If notice is not received by the Corporation within this time frame, the Corporation
will consider such notice untimely. The Corporation reserves the right to vote in its discretion
all of the shares of common stock for which it has received proxies for the 2010 annual meeting
with respect to any untimely shareholder proposals.
OTHER MATTERS
The management of the Corporation does not intend to bring any other matters before the Annual
Meeting and is not presently informed of any other business which others may bring before such
meeting. However, if any other matters should properly come before such meeting or any adjournment
thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters
as they, in their discretion, determine.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you wish to communicate with the Board, you may send correspondence to Jessica R. Brown,
Corporate Secretary, Citizens & Northern Corporation, 90-92 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901. The
Corporate Secretary will submit your correspondence to the Board or the appropriate committee, as
applicable. You may also communicate directly with the presiding non-management director of the
Board by sending correspondence to Lead Director, Board of Directors, Citizens & Northern
Corporation, 90-92 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901.
The Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 2008, including financial statements
as certified by Parente Randolph, LLC, was made available with this Proxy Statement on or about
March 12, 2009, to
the stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 24, 2009.
- 30 -
A paper copy of the Corporations 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including the financial statements and schedules thereto, will be
furnished free of charge to stockholders. Written request should be directed to the Treasurer,
Citizens & Northern Corporation, 90-92 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, 16901, or by phone at
570-724-3411.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Jessica R. Brown |
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Dated: March 12, 2009 |
Corporate Secretary |
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- 31 -
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION April 21, 2009 PROXY VOTING
INSTRUCTIONS INTERNET Access www.voteproxy.com and follow the on-screen instructions. Have
your proxy card available when you access the web page, and use the Company Number and Account
Number shown on your proxy card. TELEPHONE Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) in the
United States or 1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries from any COMPANY NUMBER touch-tone telephone
and follow the instructions. Have your proxy card available when you call and use the Company
Number and Account Number shown on your proxy card. ACCOUNT NUMBER Vote online/phone until 11:59 PM
EST the day before the meeting. MAIL Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope
provided as soon as possible. IN PERSON You may vote your shares in person by attending the
Annual Meeting. NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL: The Notice of meeting, proxy
statement and proxy card are available at http://www.amstock.com/ProxyServices/ViewMaterials.asp.
Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via
telephone or the Internet. 20430000000000000000 8 042109 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. ELECTION OF CLASS I DIRECTORS. 2. To approve, in an advisory (non-binding) vote, the
compensation of executives as disclosed in the proxy statement. NOMINEES: 3. OTHER MATTERS. In
their discretion, to vote with respect to any other matters that may properly FOR ALL NOMINEES O
Raymond R. Mattie come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof. O Edward H. Owlett, III WHEN
PROPERLY EXECUTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED HEREIN BY WITHHOLD AUTHORITY O James E.
Towner THE STOCKHOLDER. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES O
Charles H. Updegraff, Jr. FOR THE ELECTION AS DIRECTORS OF THE NOMINEES LISTED IN PROPOSAL 1. FOR
ALL EXCEPT (See instructions below) PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish
to withhold, as shown here: JOHN SMITH 1234 MAIN STREET APT. 203 NEW YORK, NY 10038 To change the
address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address
space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be
submitted via this method. Signature of Shareholder Date: Signature of Shareholder Date: Note:
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each
holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by
duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person. |
0 CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD APRIL 21, 2009 As an alternative to completing this form, you
may enter your vote instruction by telephone at 1-800-PROXIES, or via the Internet at
WWW.VOTEPROXY.COM and follow the simple instructions. Use the Company Number and Account Number
shown on your proxy card. The undersigned hereby appoints Dennis F. Beardslee and Edward L. Learn,
and each or either of them, as the attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of
substitution in each, to vote all shares of the common stock of Citizens & Northern Corporation
which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. (local time), at Citizens &
Northern Bank, 90 Main Street, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901, and at any adjournments thereof, and
to vote as follows: (Continued and to be signed on the reverse side.) 14475 |
Important Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting of CITIZENS &
NORTHERN CORPORATION To Be Held On: April 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Local Time Location of Meeting
Citizens & Northern Bank 90 Main Street, Wellsboro Pennsylvania 16901 COMPANY NUMBER JOHN SMITH
1234 MAIN STREET ACCOUNT NUMBER APT. 203 NEW YORK, NY 10038 CONTROL NUMBER This communication
presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the
Internet. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the
proxy materials before voting. If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of the proxy materials
you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. To facilitate timely
delivery please make the request as instructed below before 4/10/09. Please visit
http://www.amstock.com/proxyservices/viewmaterials.asp, where the following materials are available
for view: Notice of Annual Meeting of stockholders Proxy Statement Form of Electronic Proxy
Card Annual Report on Form 10-K TO REQUEST MATERIAL: TELEPHONE: 866-668-8562 E-MAIL:
info@amstock.com WEBSITE: http://www.amstock.com/proxyservices/requestmaterials.asp TO VOTE:
ONLINE: To access your online proxy card, please visit www.voteproxy.com and follow the on-screen
instructions. You may enter your voting instructions at www.voteproxy.com up until 11:59 PM Eastern
Time the day before the cut-off or meeting date. OR IN PERSON: You may vote your shares in
person by attending the Annual Meeting. OR TELEPHONE: To vote by telephone, please visit
https://secure.amstock.com/voteproxy/login2.asp to view the materials and to obtain the toll free
number to call. OR MAIL: You may request a card by following the instructions above. 1.
ELECTION OF CLASS I DIRECTORS. 2. To approve, in an advisory (non-binding) vote, the compensation
of executives as disclosed NOMINEES: in the proxy statement. Raymond R. Mattie Edward H. Owlett,
III 3. OTHER MATTERS. In their discretion, to vote with respect to any other matters that may
properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof. James E. Towner Charles H. Updegraff,
Jr. O Nominee #12 O Nominee #13 Please note that you cannot use this notice to vote by mail. |