UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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S | Definitive Proxy Statement |
o | Definitive Additional Materials |
o | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a12 |
COMMUNITY BANCORP. | ||
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April 8, 2013
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
Please join us for the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Community Bancorp., which will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Elks Club, Derby, Vermont, on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. As in prior years, a dinner will be served following the meeting.
Our proxy materials and Annual Report for 2012 are enclosed for your review.
At the meeting, you will be asked to vote on the following items:
Election of four incumbent directors to a three year term expiring in 2016;
Election of one director to a two year term expiring in 2015;
Advisory (non-binding) votes on executive compensation and on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, as required by law; and
Ratification of BerryDunn as the Companys external auditors for 2013.
After many years of service on our Board, director Elwood Duckless has decided to retire from the Board at the annual meeting. We are grateful for his valuable contributions over the years and wish him well in retirement. Elwoods retirement creates a vacancy in the class of directors whose term expires in 2015, and the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee of the Board has nominated Executive Vice President Kathryn Austin to stand for election to fill the vacancy. Kathy has many years of service with the Company and has served as a director of Community National Bank since her appointment to the Banks board in July, 2012.
Your participation in the voting is important. Please be sure to sign, date and return your proxy card promptly so that your shares will be represented and can be voted at the meeting whether or not you are present in person. You may withdraw your proxy and vote in person at the meeting if you choose to do so.
If you hold your shares through a broker, please note that under current brokerage industry rules you must furnish voting instructions to your broker in order for your shares to be voted in the election of directors (Proposals 1 and 2) and on the advisory votes on executive compensation and the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation (Proposals 3 and 4).
Thank you for your continued support of Community Bancorp. I look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting.
Sincerely,
Stephen P. Marsh
Chairman, President and CEO
Enclosures
COMMUNITY BANCORP.
4811 U.S. Route 5
Newport, Vermont 05855
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 14, 2013
The annual meeting of shareholders of Community Bancorp. will be held at the Elks Club, Derby, Vermont, on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at 5:30 p.m., for the following purposes:
1.
To elect four directors to the class whose term will expire at the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders;
2.
To elect one director to the class whose term will expire at the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders;
3.
To vote on an advisory (non-binding) proposal to approve executive compensation;
4.
To vote on an advisory (non-binding) proposal on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation;
5.
To ratify the selection of the independent public accounting firm of Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker, LLC (BerryDunn) as the Companys external auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013; and
6.
To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
The close of business on March 12, 2013, has been fixed as the record date for determining holders of the Companys common stock entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting.
IMPORTANT NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR
THE 2013 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
This proxy statement, the proxy card and our Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2012 are available on the internet and may be accessed at http://www.cfpproxy.com/5982/.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Corporate Secretary
Derby, Vermont
April 8, 2013
YOUR PROXY IS ENCLOSED. PLEASE FILL IN, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE, OR FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE CARD TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING. YOU MAY STILL VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU RETURN YOUR COMPLETED PROXY OR VOTE BY TELEPHONE PROMPTLY.
PROXY STATEMENT INDEX
GENERAL VOTING INFORMATION | 1 |
Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting? | 1 |
How many shares are entitled to vote at the meeting? | 1 |
How many votes do I have? | 1 |
How do I vote? | 1 |
How do I vote if my shares are held in the name of a broker or bank? | 2 |
What are “broker non-votes”? | 2 |
Are the Proposals to be voted on at the annual meeting considered routine | 2 |
How do I vote if my shares are held in the Companys 401(k) Plan? | 2 |
What does it mean if I received more than one proxy card? | 3 |
Can I change my vote after submitting the proxy card? | 3 |
What constitutes a quorum and how are votes counted for that purpose? | 3 |
How many votes are required for the election of directors (Proposals 1 and 2)? | 4 |
How many votes are required to approve the executive compensation (Proposal 3)? | 4 |
How many votes are required to approve a recommended frequency for future advisory votes | 4 |
How many votes are required to ratify the selection of Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker, LLC | 4 |
How many votes are required to approve any other matter that may come before the meeting? | 4 |
What is the Board of Directors recommendation on how I should vote my shares? | 4 |
How will my shares be voted if I do not specify on my signed proxy card how they should be voted? | 5 |
When will the vote results be announced? | 5 |
How are proxies being solicited and who pays the expenses? | 5 |
May shareholders submit nominations for election as directors or for consideration | 5 |
What is the deadline to submit a shareholder proposal for inclusion in the Company’s | 5 |
SHARE OWNERSHIP INFORMATION | 6 |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance | 7 |
PROPOSALS 1 and 2 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS | 7 |
Incumbent Director and Nominee Qualifications | 10 |
Directors Fees and Other Compensation | 12 |
Directors Deferred Compensation Plan | 13 |
Directors Retirement Plan | 13 |
Director Compensation Table | 14 |
Vote Required | 14 |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE | 14 |
Director Independence | 14 |
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight | 15 |
Board and Shareholder Meeting Attendance | 16 |
Board Committees | 17 |
Shareholder Communications with the Board | 19 |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation | 19 |
Transactions with Related Persons | 19 |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT | 20 |
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS | 21 |
Executive Officer Qualifications | 21 |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT | 22 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 23 |
Executive Compensation Program Objectives and Risk Management Considerations | 23 |
Summary Compensation Table | 24 |
Officer Incentive Plan | 24 |
Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executives | 25 |
Retirement Savings Plan | 26 |
Perquisites and other Personal Benefits | 27 |
Health and Welfare Benefits | 27 |
PROPOSAL 3 ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 27 |
Vote Required | 28 |
PROPOSAL 4 – ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON | 28 |
Vote Required | 29 |
PROPOSAL 5 – RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS | 29 |
Pre-Approval Required for Services of Independent Auditors | 29 |
Fees Paid to Independent Auditors | 30 |
Vote Required | 30 |
ANNUAL REPORT | 30 |
SHAREHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND OTHER PROPOSALS | 30 |
Bylaw Requirements for Shareholder Nominations and Other Proposals | 30 |
Use of Discretionary Authority in Connection with Shareholder Nominations and Proposals | 32 |
Inclusion of Shareholder Proposals in Company Proxy Materials | 32 |
OTHER MATTERS | 32 |
VOTING QUESTIONS OR OTHER SHAREHOLDER ASSISTANCE | 33 |
COMMUNITY BANCORP.
4811 U.S. Route 5
Newport, Vermont 05855
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
May 14, 2013
This proxy statement is furnished to our shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Community Bancorp. (the Company, we, our or us) for use at the annual meeting of shareholders and any adjournments of that meeting. The annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. at the Elks Club in Derby, Vermont. This proxy statement and related proxy card are first being sent to shareholders on or about April 8, 2013.
GENERAL VOTING INFORMATION
Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting?
Only holders of record of the Companys common stock, $2.50 par value per share, on the record date for the meeting are entitled to vote at the meeting. The record date for the meeting is the close of business on
March 12, 2013.
There are 25 shares of the Companys Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred Stock) outstanding. The holders of those shares are not entitled to vote on any matter to be presented for vote of the shareholders at the annual meeting.
How many shares are entitled to vote at the meeting?
As of the record date for the meeting (March 12, 2013), there were 4,810,735 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, each of which is entitled to one vote with respect to each matter to be voted on at the meeting.
How many votes do I have?
Each issued and outstanding share of the Companys common stock that you hold of record or through a broker or other nominee is entitled to one vote on each matter presented for vote at the meeting.
How do I vote?
If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope or by following the instructions on the proxy card to vote by telephone. Or you may vote your shares in person by written ballot at the meeting. You are a shareholder of record if you own Company common stock in your own name on the stock records maintained by our transfer agent, Registrar and Transfer Company.
1
How do I vote if my shares are held in the name of a broker or bank?
If you received this proxy statement from your broker or bank, your broker or bank should have given you instructions for how you can direct the voting of your shares. It will then be the responsibility of your broker or bank to vote your shares for you in the manner you direct. As explained below, unless you provide instructions, your broker will not have authority to vote your shares on Proposals 1, 2, 3 or 4.
What are broker non-votes?
Under the rules of various national and regional securities exchanges, brokers may generally vote shares they hold for their customers in street name on routine matters, even without specific instructions from the beneficial owner, but cannot vote on non-routine matters unless they have received voting instructions. If there is a non-routine matter presented to shareholders at a meeting and your broker does not receive instructions from you on how to vote, your broker will return the proxy card to us, indicating that he or she does not have the authority to vote on the matter, while voting on other (i.e., routine) matters. The missing votes on non-routine matters are generally referred to as broker non-votes and may affect the outcome of the voting on certain matters.
Are the Proposals to be voted on at the annual meeting considered routine or non-routine for broker voting?
PROPOSALS 1 and 2 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (whether or not contested): non-routine, therefore voting instructions are required.
PROPOSAL 3 ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: non-routine, therefore voting instructions are required.
PROPOSAL 4 ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION VOTES: non-routine, therefore voting instructions are required.
PROPOSAL 5 RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS: routine, therefore voting instructions are not required.
It is important that you provide instructions to your broker promptly as to how you want your shares voted at the 2013 annual meeting on Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4. We urge you to carefully follow the instructions your broker gives you concerning its voting procedures in order to ensure that your shares will be voted at the meeting on all of the proposals.
How do I vote if my shares are held in the Companys 401(k) Plan?
If you are a participant in the Company stock fund under the Companys Retirement Savings 401(k) Plan, you will receive a voting instructions card to instruct the trustees of the Plan on how to vote the prorated number of shares in which you own an interest indirectly through the Plan. You may provide the instructions by completing the card and returning it to Registrar and Transfer Company, the Companys transfer agent, or you may provide your voting instructions by telephone, as explained on the voting instructions card. Your voting instructions are confidential. Registrar and Transfer Company will tabulate the votes of Plan participants and the Plan Trustees will then submit a single proxy card to the Company reflecting the aggregate voting instructions of all Plan participants. The Company is not informed about how individual participants voted on any item.
2
Your voting instructions must be received by Registrar and Transfer Company no later than the opening of business on May 10, 2013 in order to ensure that they will be included in the vote totals transmitted to the Plan Trustees.
What does it mean if I received more than one proxy card?
If you received more than one proxy card, your shares are registered in different names (for example, John Smith and J. Smith) or are in more than one account. Sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all your shares are voted. For instructions on how to register all your accounts in the same name and address, you should contact the Corporate Secretary at 802-334-7915 or our transfer agent, Registrar and Transfer Company, at the contact location shown on the last page of this proxy statement.
Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy card or voting by telephone?
Yes. If you submit your proxy card for shares registered in your name or vote those shares by telephone and later decide that you wish to change or revoke your proxy, you may do so at any time before the proxy is exercised at the annual meeting, by
giving written notice of revocation to Chris Bumps, Corporate Secretary, Community Bancorp.,
4811 US Route 5, Newport, Vermont 05855;
submitting a later-dated proxy by mail or by telephone; or
voting in person after giving written notice of revocation of your proxy to the Corporate Secretary.
If you need another proxy card to revoke an earlier proxy or if you have any questions about proxy voting procedures, please call the Corporate Secretary at 802-334-7915. You may also download and print a copy of the proxy card from the internet at http://www.cfpproxy.com/5982/.
The last vote you submit will supersede all your prior vote(s).
If your shares are held through a broker or other nominee and you wish to change your vote, you should contact the broker or nominee for instructions. Similarly, if your shares are held in the Companys 401(k) Plan and you wish to change your vote, you should contact Registrar and Transfer Company for instructions. Contact information for Registrar and Transfer Company is shown on the last page of this proxy statement.
What constitutes a quorum and how are votes counted for that purpose?
In order to convene the meeting, a quorum must be present, and in order to take action on any matter, a quorum must be present as to such matter. A majority (more than 50%) of the outstanding shares of the Companys common stock, present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote, will constitute a quorum to convene the meeting and to take action as to each matter to be acted upon at the meeting. Shares represented by proxies (including proxies voted by telephone) or ballots and voted on any of the five proposals (including those marked WITHHOLD AUTHORITY on Proposals 1 or 2 or ABSTAIN on Proposals 3, 4 or 5) will be treated as shares present or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum to convene the meeting and to vote on the particular proposal. Broker non-votes on Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4 which are considered non-routine matters for purposes of broker voting authority, will not be considered as shares present and entitled to vote in determining whether a quorum is present for any purpose. Broker proxies will be considered as shares present and entitled to vote in determining whether a quorum is present to convene the meeting and to vote on Proposal 5, which is considered a routine matter for purposes of broker voting authority.
3
How many votes are required for the election of directors (Proposals 1 and 2)?
Under our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, in order to be elected under Proposals 1 or 2 (Election of Directors) a nominee for director must receive the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote. Broker non-votes, if any, and shares represented by proxies or ballots marked WITHHOLD on Proposal 1 or 2, with respect to one or more individual nominees or the entire slate of nominees, will have the same effect on the outcome of the election as a vote against the nominees or slate of nominees, as the case may be.
How many votes are required to approve the executive compensation (Proposal 3)?
Approval of the advisory (non-binding) vote on executive compensation will require that more votes are cast FOR than are cast AGAINST the proposal. Votes to ABSTAIN on Proposal 3 and broker non-votes, if any, are not treated as votes cast and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal 3.
How many votes are required to approve a recommended frequency for future advisory votes on executive compensation (Proposal 4)?
Approval of the advisory (non-binding) vote on the recommended frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation every 1, 2 or 3 years will be by plurality of the votes cast, with the frequency that garners the most votes considered as the recommendation of the shareholders. Votes to ABSTAIN on Proposal 4 and broker non-votes, if any, are not treated as votes cast and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal 4.
How many votes are required to ratify the selection of Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker, LLC (BerryDunn) as the Companys independent auditor for 2013 (Proposal 5)?
Approval of BerryDunn as the Companys independent auditor for 2013 will require that more votes are cast FOR than are cast AGAINST the proposal. Votes to ABSTAIN on Proposal 5 and broker non-votes, if any, are not treated as votes cast and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal 5.
How many votes are required to approve any other matter that may come before the meeting?
As of the date of this proxy statement, our management and directors do not know of any matter that may be put to a vote at the meeting other than Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. If any such matter does arise and is not ruled out-of-order by the Chair, any shares represented by proxies may be voted at the discretion of the attorneys-in-fact named in the proxies, to the extent permitted by law, in accordance with the recommendations of management. Under Vermont law, approval of any such other matter would ordinarily require that more votes be cast for the matter than against. Abstentions from voting and broker non-votes, if any, would not be treated as votes cast and therefore, would have no effect on the vote to approve any such other matter.
What is the Board of Directors recommendation on how I should vote my shares?
The Board recommends that you vote FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 5 and FOR a three (3) year frequency on Proposal 4.
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How will my shares be voted if I do not specify on my signed proxy card how they should be voted?
If you sign and return your proxy card without indicating how you want your shares to be voted, the persons appointed as proxies by the Board of Directors will vote your shares FOR approval of Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 5, and FOR a three (3) year frequency on Proposal 4, and in accordance with the recommendations of management on any other matter presented for vote at the meeting.
When will the vote results be announced?
The Company will appoint inspectors of election to count the votes on all proposals and any other matter voted on at the annual meeting, and the vote results will be announced at the meeting. The vote results will also be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within four business days after the annual meeting. In addition, the Board will disclose its decision on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, in light of the shareholders recommendation on Proposal 4, in a report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC within sixty days after the annual meeting.
How are proxies being solicited and who pays the expenses?
Proxies are being solicited by mail. They may also be solicited by the Companys directors and officers and by the directors, officers and employees of the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, Community National Bank. Those individuals may solicit proxies personally or by telephone or electronic communication but they will not receive any additional compensation for such efforts. In addition, the Company has arranged with brokerage houses, banks and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send the proxy materials to their principals and will reimburse them for out-of-pocket expenses they incur in forwarding the materials.
May shareholders submit nominations for election as directors or for consideration of other matters?
Our bylaws include a process shareholders should follow if they wish to submit director nominations or propose other action for vote by the shareholders. The deadline for submissions relating to this years annual meeting was January 15, 2013. For next years annual meeting the deadline under the bylaws for shareholder proposals and nominations is no earlier than November 15, 2013 and no later than January 14, 2014. Additional information about this process is contained elsewhere in this proxy statement under the caption SHAREHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND OTHER PROPOSALSBylaw Requirements for Shareholder Nominations and Other Proposals. This process applies whether or not a shareholder wishes to include the proposal in the Companys proxy materials for the meeting.
In addition, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors will consider recommendations made by shareholders for possible board nominees. Additional information about this process is contained elsewhere in this proxy statement under the caption CORPORATE GOVERNANCEBoard CommitteesCorporate Governance/Nominating Committee.
What is the deadline to submit a shareholder proposal for inclusion in the Companys 2014 annual meeting proxy statement?
The rules of the SEC provide a process (separate from the process in our bylaws discussed above) for shareholders to submit proposals for possible inclusion in the Companys proxy materials. The deadline under SEC rules for submitting a proposal you wish to include in the Companys 2014 annual meeting proxy statement is earlier than the general deadline under the bylaws for providing notice of proposals to the Company. The SEC rule deadline for the 2014 annual meeting is no later than December 10, 2013. Proposals may be excluded or included from the Companys proxy materials based on applicable rules relating to eligibility, timeliness and subject matter. Additional information about this process is contained elsewhere in this proxy statement under the caption SHAREHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND OTHER PROPOSALSInclusion of Shareholder Proposals in Company Proxy Materials. This process is separate from, and in addition to, the process referred to above that is contained in our bylaws.
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SHARE OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
The following table shows the amount of our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock beneficially owned by all of our incumbent directors, nominees and executive officers, individually and as a group, as of March 12, 2013, the record date for the meeting. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, the named individuals possess sole voting and investment power over the shares listed.
|
| COMMON STOCK |
| SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK | ||||
|
| Number of |
| Percent of |
| Number of |
| Percent of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors and Nominees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas E. Adams (1) |
| 27,734 |
| .58% |
|
|
|
|
Kathryn M. Austin (2) |
| 28,860 |
| .60% |
|
|
|
|
Charles W. Bucknam, Jr. |
| 2,800 |
| .06% |
|
|
|
|
Aminta K. Conant |
| 1,295 |
| .03% |
|
|
|
|
Jacques R. Couture (3) |
| 15,451 |
| .32% |
|
|
|
|
Elwood G. Duckless (4) |
| 174,712 |
| 3.63% |
| 2 |
| 8% |
Rosemary M. Lalime |
| 56,150 |
| 1.18% |
|
|
|
|
Stephen P. Marsh (5) |
| 91,504 |
| 1.90% |
|
|
|
|
Dorothy R. Mitchell |
| 6,544 |
| .14% |
|
|
|
|
Anne T. Moore (6) |
| 48,004 |
| 1.00% |
|
|
|
|
Peter J. Murphy (7) |
| 11,443 |
| .24% |
| 3 |
| 12% |
Frederic Oeschger |
| 61,643 |
| 1.28% |
|
|
|
|
James G. Wheeler, Jr. |
| 1,769 |
| .04% |
|
|
|
|
Non-Director/Nominee Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Louise M. Bonvechio (8) |
| 5,214 |
| .11% |
|
|
|
|
Terrie L. McQuillen (9) |
| 5,966 |
| .12% |
|
|
|
|
All Directors, Nominees & Executive |
| 539,089 |
| 11.21% |
| 5 |
| 20% |
|
| |
(1) | Includes 11,545 shares held in an IRA for Mr. Adams’ benefit. | |
(2) | Includes 7,640 shares as to which voting and investment power is shared and 21,220 shares held indirectly, through participation in the Community Bancorp. stock fund under the 401(k) Plan. | |
(3) | Includes (i) 6,579 shares held by Mr. Couture jointly with his wife, as to which voting and investment power is shared; (ii) 110 shares held jointly with Mr. Coutures son; (iii) 2,575 shares held in an IRA for Mr. Coutures benefit; and (iv) 2,583 shares held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Coutures wife. | |
(4) | Includes 33,771 common shares held in trust for the benefit of Mrs. Duckless. Mr. Duckless has shared voting and investment power over such shares. | |
(5) | Includes (i) 28,556 shares held by Mr. Marsh jointly with his wife, as to which voting and investment power is shared; and (ii) 62,046 shares indirectly owned by Mr. Marsh through his participation in the Community Bancorp. stock fund under the Companys Retirement Savings Plan (the 401(k) Plan). Of the shares listed, 29,058 are pledged as collateral for a loan with a nonaffiliated bank. |
(footnotes continued on following page)
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(6) | All 48,004 shares are held in trust for the benefit of Ms. Moore and her husband, who shares voting and investment power over such shares. |
(7) | Includes (i) 8,000 common shares held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Murphys minor children; and (ii) 3,443 shares held by Mr. Murphy jointly with his wife. All 3 of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are held by Mr. Murphy jointly with his wife, who shares voting and investment power over such shares. |
(8) | All such shares are held indirectly through participation in the Community Bancorp. stock fund under the 401(k) Plan. |
(9) | Includes 5,214 shares held indirectly through participation in the Community Bancorp. stock fund under the 401(k) Plan. |
(10) | Includes 82,499 shares as to which voting and investment power is shared and 93,946 shares held indirectly, through participation in the Community Bancorp. stock fund under the 401(k) Plan. |
_____________________
In addition, as of March 12, 2013, 608,586 shares (12.65%) of the Companys issued and outstanding common stock were held in fiduciary or custodial capacity by the Companys affiliated trust and investment management company, Community Financial Services Group, LLC (CFSG), including 431,256 shares, or 11.16%, held on behalf of the 401(k) Plan Trustees and participants. Participants in the Company stock fund under the 401(k) Plan, including the Companys four executive officers, have the right to vote their proportionate share of the stock held in the fund. The 401(k) Plan Trustees do not generally vote shares of the Companys common stock unless instructions are received from the participants. Similarly, CFSG does not vote shares of the Companys common stock held in fiduciary capacity unless voting instructions are received from the beneficial owner.
Except as set forth above, the Company is not aware of any individual, group, corporation or other entity owning beneficially more than 5% of the Companys outstanding common stock, its only class of voting securities. The Company has no other authorized class of voting securities. The Series A Preferred Shares are nonvoting except in very limited circumstances affecting the rights of the holders of such shares.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys executive officers and directors to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and to furnish the Company with copies of all such reports. The Company has reviewed the copies of the Section 16 reports filed by the directors and executive officers, or written representations from them that no Forms 5 were required to be filed for 2012. Based solely on such review, the Company believes that all Section 16 filing requirements applicable to its executive officers and directors for 2012 were timely complied with, except for a late-filed Form 4 for director Anne Moore relating to the transfer into a trust for the joint benefit of Ms. Moore and her husband of 24,790 shares previously held in her husbands sole name.
PROPOSALS 1 and 2
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Association and our bylaws provide for a Board of no fewer than nine and no more than twenty-five directors, to be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, each class serving for a period of three years. The Board of Directors currently consists of twelve members and the Board has voted to fix the number of directors at twelve for the ensuing year. The incumbent directors whose terms expire at the 2013 annual meeting are Charles W. Bucknam, Jr., Stephen P. Marsh, Peter J. Murphy and Frederic Oeschger and each has been nominated to stand for election to the class whose term will expire at the 2016 annual meeting (Proposal 1).
7
Although long-serving director Elwood G. Duckless, who earlier this year reached the mandatory retirement age of 72, would be eligible to serve out the balance of his term expiring in 2015 under our amended bylaws, he has decided to retire from the Board at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders. We appreciate his many years of service and valuable contributions to our Company and Board.
In view of Mr. Ducklesss decision to retire from the Board, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee of the Board has nominated Company and Community National Bank Executive Vice President Kathryn M. Austin to stand for election to fill the resulting vacancy, to serve a two year term expiring at the 2015 annual meeting (Proposal 2). Ms. Austin has served as a director of Community National Bank since her unanimous appointment to the Banks Board by the directors of the Company and Bank in July, 2012.
Unless authority is withheld, proxies we solicit will be voted in favor of the four nominees to hold a three year term of office, and in favor of Ms. Austin to hold a two year term of office, or until their respective successors are elected and qualify. If for any reason not now known to the Company, any of such nominees should not be able to serve, proxies will be voted for a substitute nominee or nominees designated by the Board of Directors, or to fix the number of directors at fewer than twelve, as the directors in their discretion may deem advisable.
The table below contains certain information concerning each of the nominees and the incumbent directors whose term of office will continue following the annual meeting. Additional biographical and background information about each of them follows the table, under the caption Director Qualifications.
Name and Age |
| Principal Occupation |
| Director of |
|
|
|
|
|
Nominees (if elected) to serve until 2016 annual meeting: |
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
Charles W. Bucknam, Jr., 69 |
| Chief Financial Officer, |
| 2008 |
|
| Lyndon Institute (private high school) |
|
|
|
| Lyndonville, VT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen P. Marsh, 65 |
| President, Chief Executive Officer |
| 1998 |
|
| and Chairman, |
|
|
|
| Community Bancorp. and Community |
|
|
|
| National Bank |
|
|
|
| Newport, VT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter J. Murphy, 54 |
| President and Principal, |
| 2007 |
|
| Murphy Realty Co., Inc. |
|
|
|
| St. Johnsbury, VT |
|
|
|
| (commercial real estate development) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frederic Oeschger, 66 |
| President and Principal, |
| 2009 |
|
| Freds Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and |
|
|
|
| D&C Transportation, Inc. |
|
|
|
| Derby, VT |
|
|
|
| (plumbing and heating contractor and fuel |
|
|
|
| oil, propane and petroleum distributor) |
|
|
8
Name and Age |
| Principal Occupation |
| Director of |
|
|
|
|
|
Nominee (if elected) to serve until 2015 annual meeting: |
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
Kathryn M. Austin, 55 |
| Executive Vice President, |
|
|
|
| Community Bancorp. and Community |
|
|
|
| National Bank |
|
|
|
| and Director, |
|
|
|
| Community National Bank |
|
|
|
| Newport, VT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incumbent Directors to serve until 2015 annual meeting: |
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
Aminta K. Conant, 59 |
| Business Consulting, |
| 2006 |
|
| USA and Europe |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rosemary M. Lalime, 66 |
| Principal Broker and Owner, |
| 1985 |
|
| Coldwell Banker All Seasons Realty |
|
|
|
| Newport, VT |
|
|
|
| (real estate brokerage) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anne T. Moore, 69 |
| Principal Real Estate Broker, |
| 1993 |
|
| Taylor Moore Agency Inc. |
|
|
|
| Derby, VT |
|
|
|
| (insurance agency and real estate brokerage) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incumbent Directors to serve until 2014 annual meeting: |
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas E. Adams, 66 |
| Owner, |
| 1986 |
|
| NPC Realty Co., Inc. |
|
|
|
| Holland, VT |
|
|
|
| (real estate investment) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jacques R. Couture, 62 |
| Owner, |
| 1992 |
|
| Dairy Farm/Maple Products |
|
|
|
| Westfield, VT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dorothy R. Mitchell, 68 |
| Board Chair, |
| 2006 |
|
| Vermont Student Assistance Corporation |
|
|
|
| Winooski, VT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. Wheeler, Jr., 64 |
| Attorney and Principal, |
| 2011 |
|
| Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC |
|
|
|
| St. Johnsbury, VT |
|
|
|
| |
(1) | Each person named in the table is also a director of Community National Bank. The dates indicated in the table reflect only service on the Board of Directors of the Company and not Community National Bank or its regional advisory boards. |
9
Incumbent Director and Nominee Qualifications
As a community banking organization operating in a heavily regulated industry, we rely on our Board of Directors for knowledge of our local markets, business acumen and strategic vision. Each incumbent director and nominee lives and works (unless retired) in the markets we serve, and brings a unique background, perspective and set of skills to our Board. This provides our Board as a whole with a thorough understanding of our local markets, and significant competence and experience in a wide variety of areas, including corporate governance, real estate, insurance, building trades, real estate development, agriculture, energy and commodities, the law and business management. In addition, many of our directors are long-serving members of our Company and Bank Boards, whose past contributions and industry knowledge, judgment and leadership capabilities have benefitted our Company over the years and through multiple economic cycles.
The information below summarizes each incumbent directors or nominees specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led our directors to conclude that the individual should serve on our Board. We also believe that in their professional lives and Board service, each has demonstrated adherence to high ethical standards and a strong commitment to service to the Company and our Board.
Thomas Adams Tom has served as a director since 1986. At the time of his initial election he was the President and CEO of Newport Plastics, where he had also served as the Chief Financial Officer for many years. He is the owner of NPC Realty and until his retirement in November 2010, was a real estate broker at Coldwell Banker All Seasons Realty. In addition to his business interests, Tom served for several years on the board of North Country Hospital, including as Chairman of the Board and Treasurer. He currently seves on the Hospitals Finance Committee and is a trustee of the Haskell Free Library and Opera House. Tom holds an accounting degree from the University of Vermont. He brings to the Board extensive business experience, familiarity with accounting procedures, and broad knowledge of the community. He is Chair of the Audit Committee and also serves on the Compensation Committee and on the Banks Human Resources Committee. He lives in Holland, Vermont.
Kathryn Austin Kathy has been with Community National Bank for over 32 years. She was promoted to her current position of Executive Vice President of the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2011, and on July 10, 2012, she was unanimously appointed to the Community National Bank Board of Directors by the directors of the Company and the Bank. Kathy previously served as a Vice President of the Company and as Senior Vice President of the Bank from 2004 to 2011, responsible for the Banks Retail Banking, Human Resources and Marketing departments. Kathy is a graduate of the New England School of Banking at Williams College and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Georgetown University. In 2003, she received the Outstanding Community Banker Award presented by the Vermont Bankers Association. She currently serves as Chair of the North Country Health Systems Board of Trustees.
Charles Bucknam Charlie is the former President, CEO and a director of LyndonBank and joined the Board in 2008 following our merger with LyndonBank. He has over 35 years of experience in the banking industry in Vermont, with 17 years as CEO. His deep familiarity with LyndonBanks operations, personnel and customers has been and continues to be a great resource for the Board, as is his knowledge of community banking generally. Charlie holds an MBA degree in finance from the University of Vermont. Charlie is currently Assistant Headmaster for Finance (CFO) at Lyndon Institute and is responsible for all aspects of its financial management. He serves on the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee and on the Banks Risk Management and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Committees. He lives in Walden, Vermont.
Aminta Conant Minty is a successful business woman with experience running manufacturing facilities in Vermont, New Hampshire and North Carolina. She is currently a business consultant to companies across the United States and Europe. Previously, she served as the director of Lean Six Sigma programs for Lydall, Inc., an international manufacturing company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Minty is a CPA and has an MBA degree, and brings to the Board not only her experience and knowledge of accounting, finance, and good business practices, but also her experience in working in a public company much larger than Community Bancorp. That perspective is a rarity for community bank directors and a real asset to the Board. She serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees and on the Banks Human Resources Committee. She has been a director since 2006, and prior to that served on our St. Johnsbury (now Caledonia County) Advisory Board. She lives in Barnet, Vermont.
10
Jacques Couture Jacques is a dairy farmer and maple sugar maker, who runs a successful family farm and bed and breakfast in Westfield. He has served on numerous governmental, non-profit and industry-related boards, including the Westfield Select Board, the Vermont Maple Association and the Cooperative Insurance Company, among others. He brings relevant board experience and an agricultural perspective to our Board, where he chairs the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee and also serves on the Banks Risk Management and CRA Committees. He has been a director since 1992, and prior to that served on our Troy Advisory Board. He lives in Westfield, Vermont.
Rosemary Lalime Rosemary is our longest serving director, having been elected to the position in 1985. She has been designated as our outside vice president (a tradition we have had at the Company for many years) and as our lead independent director to convene and run board meetings in the absence of management. A long time realtor in the area, and the owner of Coldwell Banker All Seasons Realty, Rosemary brings to the Board her extensive experience in real estate matters and her knowledge of properties and residents throughout our service area. She chairs the Compensation Committee and also serves on the Audit Committee and on the Banks Human Resources Committee. She lives in Derby, Vermont.
Stephen Marsh Steve is our Chairman, President and CEO, and has served as a director since 1998. He has been employed at the Bank since 1973 in various managerial capacities, including as CFO and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Bank prior to his appointment as President in 2004 and CEO in 2008. He became Chairman on January 1, 2011, following the retirement of former Chairman, Richard White. Steve also serves on the Board of Managers of our trust company affiliate, CFSG, and on the boards of several other entities, including Associated Industries of Vermont, Housing Vermont, Inc., where he serves on the Executive Committee, and Fletcher Allen Health Care, where he chairs the Audit Committee. Steves in depth knowledge of our Bank and our local markets provides invaluable assistance and leadership to the Board in overseeing the Companys affairs and strategic planning. He lives in Newport Center, Vermont.
Dorothy Mitchell Dodie has been a director since 2006, prior to which she served as a member of our Central Vermont Advisory Board. She brings to the Board a variety of governance experience, primarily as a board member of several non-profit organizations, including serving as Chair of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. Dodie also previously served as the President of the Vermont Historical Society and as Co-Chair of the Vermont Historical Society Capital Campaign. As an active member of the community, she has extensive familiarity with the people and businesses in our central Vermont market area. Dodie serves on the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee and on the Banks Risk Management and CRA Committees. She lives in Worcester, Vermont.
Anne Moore Anne is a lifelong resident of Derby and serves as the principal real estate broker at
Taylor-Moore, a local insurance agency and real estate firm. In addition to her familiarity with the Derby community, Anne has extensive familiarity with real estate markets of Charleston, Morgan and Island Pond. She has been a director since 1993 and serves on the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee and on the Banks Risk Management and CRA Committees. She lives in Derby, Vermont.
11
Peter Murphy Peter is the President of Murphy Realty, a commercial real estate firm based in
St. Johnsbury. Murphy Realty is a prominent developer of commercial real estate in northern Vermont and New Hampshire and an extensive property owner. Peters background in commercial real estate is invaluable to the Board, as is his acumen as a business owner. He has been a director since 2007, and was a founding member of our St. Johnsbury (now Caledonia County) Advisory Board. He serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees and on the Banks Human Resources Committee. He lives in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
Frederic Oeschger Elected to the Board in 2009, Fred is one of our newest directors, but is no stranger to our Bank. A prominent local businessman, Fred has several diverse business interests, including plumbing and heating, propane and fuel oil and commercial real estate. Fred is a long time customer of the Bank and has extensive experience with commercial lending practices both here and elsewhere. He serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees and on the Banks Human Resources Committee. He lives in Newport, Vermont.
James Wheeler Jake is one of our newest directors. He joined the Board on January 1, 2011 to fill the vacancy created upon the retirement of former Chairman Richard White. Jake has been a guiding force with the Companys trust company affiliate for many years, as a member of CFSGs Board of Managers since its formation in 2002. Jake has practiced law in St. Johnsbury since 1974 with the states largest law firm, Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, and has been a member of the firm since 1978. His practice focuses principally in the areas of corporate governance, transactions and financing; complex real estate acquisitions and financing; and trusts and estates. Jake received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his law degree from Boston University School of Law. His judgment and insight as a seasoned attorney provide a valuable addition to our Board. Jake serves on the Companys Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee and on the Banks Risk Management and CRA Committees. He lives in East Burke, Vermont.
Information about our Boards important role in the governance of our Company, including the Boards committees, leadership structure and role in oversight of risks, is contained below under the caption CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Directors Fees and Other Compensation
Only the outside (non-employee) directors are paid for their service on the Boards of the Company and the Bank. All fees are paid in cash. The Company and the Bank do not pay any stock-based compensation to directors.
The schedule of fees in effect during 2012 for our nonemployee directors was as follows:
Company Director Fees
Annual Retainer |
| $6,000 |
Board Meeting Fee |
| 325 |
Board Committee Meeting Fee |
| 325 |
Disclosure Control Committee Meeting Fee (1) |
| 325 |
Bank Director Fees
Annual Retainer |
| $6,000 |
Board Meeting Fee |
| 325 |
Board Committee Meeting Fee |
| 325 |
Local Advisory Board Meeting Fee (2) |
| 325 |
|
| |
(1) | At least one member of the Audit Committee attends the quarterly meetings of the Companys Disclosure Control Committee, which reviews the Companys periodic reports prior to filing with the SEC. | |
(2) | Each Bank director attends several meetings a year of the Banks local advisory boards. Mr. Marsh, as an employee-director, also attends local advisory board meetings but does not receive any fees for doing so. |
12
This fee structure is designed to compensate our outside directors for attendance at Board meetings, as well as for the time they spend in activities directly related to their service on the Board for which they receive no additional compensation, such as attendance at the annual directors retreat and attendance at educational seminars or programs on pertinent banking or corporate governance topics.
Directors Deferred Compensation Plan
The directors may choose to defer current receipt of some or all of their Company or Bank director fees under the Companys Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors. Deferrals are credited to a cash account that bears interest at the rate the Bank pays on a three-year certificate of deposit, as adjusted from time to time. Payments are deferred until the directors retirement, death or disability, or at an earlier or later date elected by the director. The director may choose to receive his or her deferrals and accumulated interest in a lump sum or monthly installments. Deferred fees and accumulated interest represent a general unsecured obligation of the Company. No assets of the Company or the Bank have been segregated to satisfy the Companys obligations under the Plan.
Directors Retirement Plan
Prior to 2005, the Company maintained a non-qualified retirement plan for the Companys outside directors. Non-employee directors who served on the Board of the Company or the Bank for at least five years between 1994 and 2004 are entitled to receive upon retirement a lump sum payment of $1,000 for each year of Board service. For this purpose, service as a director of the Company and of the Bank during the same year is not counted separately. Following a re-evaluation of the Companys benefit plans affected by IRC Section 409A, the Company terminated any further accruals under the plan for years after 2004 and Board fees were increased to compensate for the loss of this retirement benefit.
As of December 31, 2012, the total remaining accrued and unpaid benefit for all directors covered by the plan was $55,000. The participating directors are fully vested in their accrued benefits and would be entitled to payout of the full benefit upon retirement from the Board for any reason, regardless of age. Directors Adams, Couture, Duckless, Lalime and Moore each have an accumulated lump sum retirement benefit of $11,000. Accrued benefits do not earn interest, are not adjusted for inflation and will be paid out to participants when they retire from the Board. All benefit accruals under the plan represent a general unsecured obligation of the Company. No assets of the Company or the Bank have been segregated to satisfy the Companys obligations under the plan.
13
Director Compensation Table
The table below shows the total compensation paid to each of our incumbent outside directors during 2012 for service on the Boards of the Company and the Bank:
2012 Director Compensation
Name |
| Fees Earned or |
| All Other |
| Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas E. Adams |
| $20,775 |
| $ 0 |
| $20,775 |
Charles W. Bucknam, Jr. |
| 20,450 |
| 747 |
| 21,197 |
Aminta K. Conant |
| 21,100 |
| 0 |
| 21,100 |
Jacques R. Couture |
| 20,450 |
| 0 |
| 20,450 |
Elwood G. Duckless |
| 20,125 |
| 0 |
| 20,125 |
Rosemary M. Lalime |
| 21,100 |
| 0 |
| 21,100 |
Dorothy R. Mitchell |
| 20,775 |
| 0 |
| 20,775 |
Anne T. Moore |
| 20,125 |
| 0 |
| 20,125 |
Peter J. Murphy |
| 21,100 |
| 0 |
| 21,100 |
Frederic Oeschger |
| 20,975 |
| 0 |
| 20,975 |
James G. Wheeler, Jr. |
| 20,450 |
| 886 |
| 21,336 |
|
| |
(1) | Represents mileage reimbursement. Does not include earnings on directors fees deferred under the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan because interest on those amounts is not accrued at a preferential (above market) rate. |
Vote Required
Election of a nominee for director will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote. A vote to WITHHOLD AUTHORITY as to a nominee will have the same effect as a vote against such nominee.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 1 TO ELECT INCUMBENT DIRECTORS BUCKNAM, MARSH, MURPHY AND OESCHGER TO A THREE YEAR TERM AND FOR PROPOSAL 2 TO ELECT NOMINEE KATHRYN AUSTIN TO A TWO YEAR TERM.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Independence
The primary responsibility of the Board of Directors is to provide objective, independent judgment in its management oversight function, and our Boards composition reflects that principle. Although the Companys common stock is not listed on NASDAQ, our Board uses the definition of independence contained in the NASDAQ listing standards in its annual evaluation of Board member independence. Under current NASDAQ standards, a director is considered independent if he or she is not an officer or employee of the Company or the Bank and does not have any other relationship which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities as a director. Under NASDAQ standards, a director of the Company is not considered independent if he or she:
14
has been employed in any capacity by the Company or the Bank during the past three years;
has accepted, or has a close family member who accepted, any payments from the Company or the Bank in excess of $120,000 in any consecutive twelve-month period during the last three years, except for
payments relating to ordinary loan or deposit relationships with the Bank
compensation for Board service
compensation paid to a close family member who is not an executive officer of the Company or the Bank
certain retirement benefits or non-discretionary compensation and
payments arising solely from investments in the Companys common stock;
has a close family member who during the past three years was an executive officer of the Company or the Bank;
has been a principal, or has a close family member who was a principal, of any organization to which the Company made or from which it received payments, in any of the past three years, that exceeded the greater of $200,000 or 5% of the annual consolidated gross revenues of the other entity;
has been an executive officer of any other entity, or has a close family member who was an executive officer of any other entity, where any of the Companys executives serves on that other entitys compensation committee; or
has been, or had a family member who was, a partner or employee of the Companys independent auditor at any time during the last three years.
In determining whether a director or nominee for director is independent, the Board considers all relevant facts and circumstances and may consider a director or nominee not to be independent even if none of the disqualifying factors listed above applies. However, if any of the above disqualifying factors apply, a director or nominee will not be considered independent.
Based on the information available to it, the Companys Board of Directors has determined that each of the incumbent directors is independent within the meaning of the listing standards of NASDAQ, except for employee-director Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Marsh, and director Jacques Couture, who is the brother of Company Treasurer and Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Louise Bonvechio. In addition, the Board has determined that nominee Kathryn Austin is not independent as she is an executive officer of the Company and the Bank and an employee of the Bank.
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
Our Board of Directors believes that each business is unique, and that therefore, the appropriate board leadership structure will depend upon each companys unique circumstances and needs at the time. Historically, the positions of Board Chair and CEO of the Company were held by the same individual. This pattern changed temporarily during 2008-2010 as former Chairman and CEO Richard White began a three-year phased retirement. In 2008, he retired from the CEO position and Mr. Marsh was appointed to that position. Mr. White remained as Board Chair and continued to serve as a part-time executive employee of the Company until his full retirement from the Company on December 31, 2010. The Board believes that the temporary division of the CEO and Board Chair positions during 2008-2010 contributed to the smooth transition of the Companys top executive leadership position to Mr. Marsh, while at the same time ensuring that Mr. Whites valuable experience, judgment and service would remain available to the Company during the transition period. Following completion of the management transition at the end of 2010, the Board concluded that it was appropriate to return to having the positions of Chair and CEO held by a single individual and Mr. Marsh has held both positions since that time.
15
The Board believes that the Company has been well served over the years by a leadership structure guided by the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee that includes a Board Chair with in-depth managerial and operational knowledge of the banking industry and the Companys business. This structure fosters clear accountability, efficient and effective decision-making and focus on strategic priorities. The Board also believes this structure helps to facilitate the efficient and timely flow of information between management and the Board.
While the Board of Directors believes that having the position of Board Chair held by the CEO is conducive to our Companys efficient operation and strategic development, the Board is also mindful of its obligation to provide independent oversight of management. In order to enhance its oversight function, the Board has created the position of lead independent director, which is currently held by long-serving director Rosemary Lalime. The lead director presides over executive sessions of the independent directors. The Board believes that this structure strikes an appropriate balance by providing for both a Board Chair with extensive executive experience with the Company and knowledge of its operations, and a lead director to help ensure that the Board provides independent oversight and perspective.
While risks are inherent in any business, effective management of those risks can contribute significantly to the ultimate success of an enterprise. As a community banking organization, we face a number of risks, including general and local economic risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, strategic risk and reputational risk. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks the Company faces, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, is responsible for the general oversight of risk management. In order to identify and manage the Companys risks more effectively, the Risk Management Committee of the Banks Board of Directors has undertaken a detailed review and analysis of the risks facing the Company with the goal of creating a comprehensive, enterprise-wide framework for identifying, monitoring, managing and controlling risks. Formation of this enterprise risk management program is ongoing.
Other Board committees also contribute significantly to the Boards oversight role in risk management. In particular, the Audit Committee plays an important role in monitoring and assessing our financial, legal and organizational risks and at least one member of the Committee sits on the Companys Disclosure Control Committee which reviews our periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act prior to filing with the SEC. The Compensation Committee monitors and assesses risks associated with our compensation policies and practices, including the establishment of appropriate incentives that do not encourage excessive risk-taking. The Boards Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee contributes to risk mitigation by its formulation of the Companys corporate governance policies, which help to establish a tone at the top that values and encourages diligence, honesty and integrity in the conduct of the Companys business. Committees of the Banks Board of Directors, in addition to the Risk Management Committee referred to above, also contribute to the Companys risk management program.
Board and Shareholder Meeting Attendance
The Companys Board of Directors held six regular meetings and four special meetings during 2012. During 2012, each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of all Company Board meetings and meetings of Company Board committees on which he or she served during 2012, except Ms. Moore, who attended 71% of all such meetings. However, all directors, including Ms. Moore, attended at least 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of the Banks Board, which meets more frequently than the Companys Board, and meetings of committees of the Banks Board on which he or she served during 2012.
All directors are encouraged and expected to attend the annual shareholders meeting. All of the Companys directors attended the 2012 annual meeting, except Ms. Conant and Mr. Murphy, who had previous business commitments.
16
Board Committees
The Board of Directors has established three standing committees to help it in fulfilling its responsibilities: Audit; Compensation; and Corporate Governance/Nominating. Members of the committees are nominated by the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee and appointed by the Board. All members of the three standing committees are considered to be independent under the NASDAQ standards described above other than Director Jacques Couture, the Chair of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee, who is not considered independent under NASDAQ standards due to his sibling relationship with Company Treasurer, and Bank Senior Vice President and CFO Louise Bonvechio. Additional information about each of the three standing committees is set forth below.
Compensation Committee. The responsibilities of the Companys Compensation Committee include reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the compensation of the Companys executive officers and directors, establishing performance goals under the Officer Incentive Plan and approving matters relating to other compensation plans. A report of the Committee regarding executive compensation is set forth elsewhere in this proxy statement under the caption COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT.
The members of the Compensation Committee are Rosemary Lalime (Chair), Thomas Adams, Aminta Conant, Elwood Duckless and Peter Murphy. During 2012, the Committee met two times. The Committees charter is available on the Companys website at www.communitybancorpvt.com.
Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee. The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee considers and makes recommendations on matters related to the practices, policies and procedures of the Board and takes a leadership role in shaping the corporate governance environment of the Company. As part of its duties, the Committee assesses the size, structure and composition of the Board and its committees, coordinates evaluation of Board and committee performance, makes recommendations as to the structure of Board meetings and flow of information to the Board, reviews Board compensation and reviews and makes recommendations as to the size, structure, composition and functions of the Banks regional advisory boards.
The Committee also acts as a screening and nominating committee for candidates considered for election to the Board. In this capacity it has established minimum criteria for Board nominees. The Committee believes it would be desirable for a Board candidate to possess the following characteristics:
have experience in the management or leadership of a substantial private business enterprise, educational, religious or not-for-profit organization, or such other professional experience as the Committee deems appropriate;
be a shareholder of the Company;
be willing and able to devote full interest and attendance to the Board and its committees;
bring business to the Company and its trust company affiliate, CFSG, including personal, business and investment accounts;
help develop business and promote the Company and its subsidiary and affiliate throughout our service area;
provide advice and counsel to the Board and senior management;
bring a diversity of interests to the Board as evidenced by participation in community, charitable or other similar activities;
have the ability to serve at least seven years before reaching the mandatory retirement age; and
maintain integrity and confidentiality at all times.
17
The Committee reviewed the qualifications of nominee Kathryn Austin and concluded that she possesses the experience, skills, judgment and personal attributes desirable in a director of the Company.
The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee does not currently have a formal diversity policy. However, the Committee and the Board believe that it is important and desirable for the Board to include members with diverse business experience, backgrounds and viewpoints. In considering candidates for the Board, the Committee reviews their particular qualifications, strengths and attributes individually and in relation to the Board as a whole, with the aim of complementing and strengthening the overall composition of the Board.
Evaluation of external candidates occurs on the basis of materials submitted by or on behalf of the candidate. If a candidate continues to be of interest after initial consideration by the Committee, additional information about her/him will be obtained through inquiries to various sources and, if warranted, interviews.
The Committee will consider prospective nominees recommended by shareholders. Any shareholder wishing to recommend a person for consideration as a Board nominee should submit to the Committee the same information that would be required under the Companys bylaws if the shareholder sought to make a nomination from the floor at the annual meeting. The required information is described elsewhere in this proxy statement under the caption SHAREHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND OTHER PROPOSALSBylaw Requirements for Shareholder Nominations and Other Proposals. The Committee uses the same criteria for evaluating candidates recommended by shareholders as it does for those proposed by Board members or management.
The members of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee are Jacques Couture (Chair), Charles Bucknam, Dorothy Mitchell, Anne Moore and James Wheeler. During 2012, the Committee met two times. The Committees charter is available on the Companys website at www.communitybancorpvt.com.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, which operates under a written charter, oversees the Companys accounting and financial reporting process, internal controls and audits. The Audit Committee consults with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors on, among other items, matters related to the annual audit, the published financial statements and the accounting principles applied. As part of its duties, the Committee appoints, evaluates and retains the Companys independent auditors. It has responsibility for the compensation, termination and oversight of the Companys independent auditors and evaluates the independent auditors qualifications, performance and independence. The Committee has similar authority regarding selection and oversight of the Companys internal auditor. In addition, the Audit Committee pre-approves all services provided by the independent auditors, including both audit and permitted non-audit services. Those services and fees are described elsewhere in this proxy statement under the caption PROPOSAL 5 RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORSFees Paid to Independent Auditors. The Committee is also involved in the review of the Companys periodic reports filed with the SEC, including participation by one of its members in the meetings of the Companys Disclosure Control Committee.
The Audit Committee has established so-called whistleblower procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment, on a confidential basis, of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. These complaint procedures, as well as the Audit Committees charter, are posted on the Companys website at www.communitybancorpvt.com.
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Under SEC rules, companies must disclose whether at least one member of the Audit Committee qualifies as a financial expert. As defined by the SEC, the concept of financial expert is heavily focused on individuals who have prepared or audited public company financial statements or have had similar management experience or responsibility for others performing those or comparable functions. Given the Companys rural market area and the limited number of public companies in it, the Board has not deemed it advisable to require that the Audit Committee include a person qualifying as a financial expert under this definition. The Board has considered the business experience, past performance as a Board and/or Audit Committee member and other qualifications of each of the members of the Audit Committee and has concluded that each of them has demonstrated that he or she is capable of (i) understanding generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial statements,
(ii) assessing the general application of GAAP principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves, (iii) analyzing and evaluating the Companys financial statements, (iv) understanding internal controls and procedures for financial reporting, and (v) understanding audit committee functions. Given the business experience and acumen of each of the members of the Audit Committee, the Board believes that each of such persons, although not a financial expert under the SEC definition, is nevertheless qualified to carry out all of the duties and responsibilities of a member of the Companys Audit Committee.
The members of the Audit Committee are Thomas Adams (Chair), Aminta Conant, Elwood Duckless, Rosemary Lalime, Peter Murphy and Frederic Oeschger. All members of the Audit Committee are considered independent directors under the applicable NASDAQ standard. During 2012, the Committee met five times. A report of the Audit Committee is set forth elsewhere in this proxy statement under the caption AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT.
Shareholder Communications with the Board
The Board welcomes communications from shareholders on matters relating to the Companys business operations and corporate governance. Shareholders may communicate with the Board, or its committees or individual directors, by writing to the following address: Board of Directors [or Board Committee or name of individual director]Shareholder Communications; c/o Corporate Secretary, Community Bancorp.,
4811 US Route 5, Newport, Vermont 05855. The Corporate Secretary will forward communications to the Board or appropriate committee or individual director.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Company is not aware of the existence of any interlocking relationships between the senior management of the Company and that of any other company.
Transactions with Related Persons
The son of director Anne Moore is the principal shareholder and executive officer of the Taylor-Moore Agency, Inc., an insurance agency and real estate brokerage firm, and Mrs. Moore is an employee of the agency. The Company and the Bank purchase various insurance coverages through the agency, on arms length terms.
Director Peter Murphy is the President and a principal of Murphy Realty Co., Inc., a commercial real estate development firm. Murphy Realty Co., Inc. owns the Price Chopper Supermarket premises in St. Johnsbury at which Community National Bank leases space for a branch office, on arms length terms.
Director Frederic Oeschger is the President and principal shareholder of Freds Plumbing and Heating, Inc., a plumbing and heating contractor and fuel oil distributor based in Orleans, Vermont, from which the Company and the Bank purchase plumbing and heating services and heating oil, on arms length terms.
Director James Wheeler, Jr. is a member of the law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, which performs various legal services for the Company and the Bank, on arms length terms.
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Some of the incumbent directors, nominees and executive officers of the Company, and some of the corporations and firms with which these individuals are associated, are customers of Community National Bank in the ordinary course of business, or have loans outstanding from the Bank, and it is anticipated that they will continue to be customers of and indebted to the Bank in the future. All such loans were made in the ordinary course of business, do not involve more than normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features, and were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable Bank transactions with unaffiliated persons, although directors were generally allowed the lowest interest rate given to others on comparable loans.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee consists of six Directors, each of whom meets applicable NASDAQ standards for independence. The Audit Committees primary responsibility is to oversee the Companys financial reporting process and to report the results of its activities to the Board. Management is responsible for preparing the Companys financial statements and the independent auditors are responsible for auditing those statements.
Among the responsibilities of the Audit Committee include selecting an accounting firm to be engaged as the Companys independent auditors. Additionally, and as appropriate, the Audit Committee reviews and evaluates, discusses and consults with the Companys management, the Companys internal auditor and its independent auditors, regarding the following matters:
the plan and budget for, and the independent auditors report on, the audit of the Companys financial statements;
the Companys financial disclosure documents, including financial statements and reports filed with the SEC or sent to shareholders;
changes in the Companys auditing practices, principles, controls or methodologies, or in the Companys financial statements;
significant developments in auditing rules;
the adequacy of the Companys internal auditing controls, and its accounting, financial and auditing personnel; and
the establishment and maintenance of an environment within the Company that promotes and encourages quality financial reporting, sound business risk practices and ethical behavior.
The Audit Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board that the Companys financial statements be included in the Companys annual report. The Committee took a number of steps in making this recommendation for the year ended December 31, 2012. First, the Committee discussed with Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker, LLC (BerryDunn) the Companys independent accountants for 2012, those matters BerryDunn communicated to and discussed with the Committee under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (Communications with Audit Committees), including information regarding the scope and results of the audit. These communications and discussions are intended to assist the Audit Committee in overseeing the financial reporting and disclosure process. Second, the Committee discussed with, and received a letter from, BerryDunn concerning their independence from the Company and its management as required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526, regarding the independent accountants communications with the audit committee concerning independence. This discussion and disclosure informed the Committee of BerryDunns independence and assisted the Committee in evaluating such independence. The Committee also considered applicable auditor independence standards under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Finally, the Committee reviewed and discussed the Companys financial statements with the Companys management.
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Based on the discussions with BerryDunn, on the independence discussions, and on the financial statement review, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the financial statements be included in the Companys 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Audit Committee has established procedures for the treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. The Committee has also established procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. No such complaints or concerns were received in 2012.
Submitted by the Community Bancorp.
Audit Committee,
Thomas E. Adams, Chair
Aminta K. Conant
Elwood G. Duckless
Rosemary M. Lalime
Peter J. Murphy
Frederic Oeschger
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Our executive officers are appointed by the Board of Directors to hold office at the discretion of the Board and may be removed at any time by the Board with or without cause. The names, ages and current titles with the Company and the Bank are listed in the following table:
Name and Age |
| Position(s) with the Company and Subsidiaries |
|
|
|
Stephen P. Marsh, 65 |
| President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director, Community Bancorp. and Community National Bank |
|
|
|
Kathryn M. Austin, 55 |
| Executive Vice President, Community Bancorp. and Community National Bank and Director of Community National Bank |
|
|
|
Louise M. Bonvechio, 52 |
| Treasurer, Community Bancorp. and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Community National Bank |
|
|
|
Terrie L. McQuillen, 50 |
| Vice President, Community Bancorp. and Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, Community National Bank |
Executive Officer Qualifications
Additional information about the background and qualifications of Mr. Marsh and Ms. Austin is set forth above under the caption PROPOSALS 1 and 2 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Incumbent Director and Nominee Qualifications. Set forth below is additional information about the background and qualifications of the Companys other two executive officers:
Louise Bonvechio Louise became an executive officer of the Company in 2008 when she was appointed as its Treasurer. Since January 1, 2011, she has also served as the Banks Senior Vice President and since 2008 as its Chief Financial Officer. In her 20 years with the Bank, she has held a number of other positions, including serving as the Banks Vice President and Cashier from 2004 to 2008, as the Banks Controller in 2003 and as Assistant Finance Officer in 2002. Louise holds an Associate Degree in Accounting and has received diplomas in general banking and finance, including from the New England School of Financial Studies at Babson College.
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Terrie McQuillen Terrie became an executive officer of the Company in 2008 when she was appointed as its Vice President. Since January, 2011, Terrie has also served as the Banks Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. In her 20 years of employment with the Bank, she has served in various other capacities, including as the Banks Senior Vice President Loan Administration between 2004 and 2011 and as its Compliance and Bank Secrecy Officer in 2004 and 2005. Terrie is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and of the New England School of Banking at Williams College.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the full Board of the Bank on all compensation and benefits issues relating to the CEO and other executive officers of the Bank. No separate compensation is paid to such individuals for their service as executive officers of the Company.
As CEO, Mr. Marsh made recommendations to the Committee with respect to the 2012 compensation of the other executive officers, including Ms. Austin, Ms. McQuillen and Ms. Bonvechio, which were acted on by the Committee and recommended to the full Board.
The Committee and Board believe they have designed a compensation package for the executive officers that will attract and retain competent senior management for the Bank and provide for appropriate rewards for both personal and Bank performance.
To reach these objectives, the Bank provides for a base salary which is reviewed annually in relation to each individuals performance and a cash bonus as a short term incentive, the amount of which depends upon the Banks performance. (The Banks Officer Incentive Plan is described elsewhere in this proxy statement.) The Bank does not currently provide for long term incentives, such as stock options or similar benefits.
In Mr. Marshs case, the Boards annual review process included consideration of his self-evaluation covering certain key elements of his written job description, including strategic planning, establishment and overall implementation of operating policies, and regulatory matters. The Board also undertook its own evaluation of Mr. Marsh, reviewing various matters, including leadership, planning and organization abilities, creativity and problem solving, CRA (community reinvestment) and compliance. The Committees evaluation resulted in an excellent performance rating for Mr. Marsh in 2012.
The annual review and adjustment (if any) of executive officer salaries takes place at mid year. The salary of Mr. Marsh was increased from $236,000 to $260,000, effective July 1, 2012. Also as of that date, Ms. Austins base salary was increased from $139,000 to $149,000, and Ms. McQuillens base salary was increased from $128,500 to $136,000.
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A total of $183,711 was paid in February, 2013, to the Executive Officers for 2012 performance under the Banks Officer Incentive Plan, including awards to Mr. Marsh, Ms. Austin, Ms. McQuillen and Ms. Bonvechio.
Submitted by the Community Bancorp.
Compensation Committee,
Rosemary M. Lalime, Chair
Thomas E. Adams
Aminta K. Conant
Elwood G. Duckless
Peter J. Murphy
Frederic Oeschger
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The executive officers of the Company did not receive any compensation for services rendered to the Company in 2012 and prior years, but did receive compensation for services rendered in their capacities as executive officers of the Bank.
Executive Compensation Program Objectives and Risk Management Considerations
The key objectives of the Companys executive compensation programs are: to support and drive business objectives and strategies; to reward competent stewardship of the enterprise; to provide a cost-effective, competitive total compensation package that enables the Company to attract and retain qualified executives for leadership roles; and to motivate and reward these executives for creating value for the Company and its shareholders. The cash incentive bonus program, in particular, is intended to reward exceptional financial performance of the Company, while at the same time ensuring consequences for below-average performance. In making compensation decisions about the executive officers, the Compensation Committee and the Board have traditionally placed emphasis on the overall performance of the Company rather than on individual performance targets, in order to foster an attitude of team spirit and shared goals among our executives.
In establishing the overall compensation program for employees, including the executive officers, the Compensation Committee and the Board are mindful of the potential implications for enterprise risk management. The Committee and Board believe that the Companys compensation practices, which for executives are heavily weighted to fixed salary, do not create any material adverse risks to the Company. In addition, the short-term incentive program is focused largely on Bank-wide performance, which encourages overall achievement of annual goals rather than individual or business line performance, and includes a recoupment provision which discourages inappropriate risk-taking that might lead to improper financial reporting.
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes annual compensation earned in 2012 and 2011 for services rendered in all capacities to the Company and the Bank by the CEO and the Companys two other most highly-compensated executive officers.
2012 Summary Compensation Table
Name and |
| Year |
| Salary (1) |
| Non-Equity |
| All Other |
| Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen P. Marsh, |
| 2012 |
| $248,000 |
| $73,484 |
| $47,177 |
| $368,661 |
President, CEO and Chairman of |
| 2011 |
| $233,000 |
| $43,985 |
| $41,608 |
| $318,593 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathryn M. Austin, |
| 2012 |
| $144,000 |
| $45,928 |
| $15,741 |
| $205,669 |
Executive Vice President |
| 2011 |
| $137,000 |
| $27,491 |
| $14,649 |
| $179,140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terrie L. McQuillen, |
| 2012 |
| $132,250 |
| $36,742 |
| $13,606 |
| $182,598 |
Vice President Community Bancorp.; |
| 2011 |
| $126,750 |
| $21,993 |
| $13,113 |
| $161,856 |
|
| |
(1) | Includes voluntary salary deferrals under the Companys Retirement Savings (401(k)) Plan. | |
(2) | Includes discretionary profit-sharing contributions under the Retirement Savings Plan as follows: For 2012: Mr. Marsh, $34,650, Ms. Austin, $9,879, and Ms. McQuillen, $8,842; and for 2011: Mr. Marsh, $33,458, Ms. Austin, $10,183, and Ms. McQuillen, $9,115. Also includes (i) matching employer 401(k) contributions under the Plan; (ii) the taxable portion of employer-provided term life insurance benefits in excess of $50,000; and (iii) for Mr. Marsh, includes the taxable fringe benefit for personal use of a bank owned automobile. |
Officer Incentive Plan
The Bank maintains an Officer Incentive Plan for designated executive officers and for other officers and exempt employees whose compensation is not commission-based. Each executive officer, non-executive officer and qualifying exempt employee having at least one year of service is eligible to participate in the plan. There are two separate incentive pools under the plan, one for designated executive officers and another for all other officers and participating exempt employees.
Executive Officers. Under the Executive Officers Incentive Plan an incentive bonus pool for designated executive officers is established annually, based on a combination of (1) the Banks annual rating issued by IDC Financial Publishing, Inc. (IDC), an industry-wide recognized ranking service, (2) Return on Assets, Non-performing Loans, and Overhead Expense compared to the state average as published in the Uniform Bank Performance Report (UBPR), and (3) a subjective evaluation by the Board of Directors of the Company.
The IDC rating takes into account the Banks financial performance and risk profile in areas of asset quality, capital, margins, earnings and liquidity. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2012, the Company had an IDC rating of Excellent. Use of a September 30 rating rather than a year-end rating permits the Company to calculate and pay out the executive officer bonuses consistent with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, added by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, penalizing bonuses paid later than 2-1/2 months following the end of the calendar year in which the related services were rendered.
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The pool is then allocated among the participating executive officers based on fixed percentages. The
2012 incentive pool allocation percentages for the four participating executive officers were as follows:
Mr. Marsh, 40%; Ms. Austin, 25%; Ms. McQuillen, 20%; and Ms. Bonvechio, 15%. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the allocation percentages and performance criteria and may recommend changes for approval by the Banks Board of Directors. Incentive bonuses paid to the three executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table for services rendered in 2011 and 2012 are included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Table.
The Companys Board of Directors, in its discretion and in consultation with the Compensation Committee, designates participating executive officers and establishes annually minimum performance targets as well as performance criteria used to determine the incentive bonus pool.
The Plan includes a recoupment provision, which provides that if the Company restates its financial statements, any current or former executive officer who received bonus compensation under this Plan may be required to reimburse the Company with respect to any bonus compensation paid within the preceding three years. Any such reimbursement shall not exceed the amount by which the bonus compensation paid to the executive officer exceeds the amount of bonus compensation (if any) that would have been paid if it had been based upon the financial statements as restated.
Other Officers and Exempt Employees. The Bank also creates a separate incentive bonus pool under the plan for other officers and qualifying exempt employees. If it attains at least 90% of net income as presented in its budget, the Bank places between 1% and 2.5% of its net income in a pool, with the exact percentage of net income available for bonuses determined by attainment of pre-established percentage-of-budgeted net income targets. Each qualifying employee is allotted a portion of the pool based on his or her position in the Bank and involvement in other incentive plans. Part-time exempt employees receive one-half of a full-time allotment.
If it exceeds its budgeted net income by more than 10%, the Bank creates an additional pool comprising 1.75% of net income, plus 15% of the amount over budget. This additional pool is divided among the same group of officers and exempt employees, and is allotted based on their position in the Bank. Part-time exempt employees receive one-half of a full-time allotment.
Several officers (but not the designated executive officers eligible for bonus payments under the other portion of the plan) are eligible to receive individual incentive awards based upon the attainment of specific performance goals. These individual incentives are accounted for in the allotment of shares in the incentive pools and are paid in addition to incentive payouts described above.
Distributions from this pool are ordinarily payable in January for services rendered during the preceding fiscal year.
Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executives
The Company maintains a non-qualified Supplemental Retirement Plan for certain of its executive officers. The purpose of the plan is to provide an annual retirement benefit approximating 75% of the average annual bonus earned by the participant for the five highest years of bonus compensation in the ten years before retirement (Replacement Benefit). This benefit, combined with the projected benefits under the Companys Retirement Savings Plan, is designed to approximate the benefit that the participant would have been entitled to under the Companys now terminated defined benefit pension plan. During 2008, the Supplemental Retirement Plan was amended in certain respects to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. President and CEO Stephen Marsh is currently the only remaining active participant in the Plan.
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Under the plan, the Company makes an annual credit to the participants account in an amount equal to the level annual deposit that would be required to be made for each year up to his normal retirement date (at attainment of age 65), in order to pay an annual estimated benefit amount approximately equal to the Replacement Benefit. Calculation of the required annual deposit is based on a 6% discount rate, the officers remaining years to retirement, and payment of the annual benefits in the form of a 240 month annuity. For this purpose, the estimated Replacement Benefit is calculated based on 75% of the average annual bonus compensation earned by the participant for the highest five years during the ten years preceding the calculation date.
Benefits under the plan are payable at retirement at age 65, or upon earlier disability, in accordance with the participants election, in a lump sum or in substantially equal installments over the participants projected life expectancy. If the participant dies before receiving all payments due, the remaining payments will be paid to the participants designated beneficiary. If the participant dies before benefit payments have commenced, the accrued benefit will be paid out to his designated beneficiary over the beneficiarys projected life expectancy. A participant with at least ten years of service who retires early (before age 65) is entitled to receive his accrued plan benefit on or after attainment of age 55. The estimated accrued lump sum early retirement benefit as of December 31, 2012 for Mr. Marsh, who has satisfied the age and service requirements for early retirement benefits, was $371,953. Although benefit accruals are held in a special-purpose trust, those funds remain available to satisfy the claims of the Companys creditors.
Retirement Savings Plan
Employees who are age 21 or over and who have completed at least one year of service (as defined in the plan) are eligible to participate in the Community Bancorp. and Designated Subsidiaries Retirement Savings Plan. The plan contains features of a so-called 401(k) plan which permit participants to make voluntary compensation deferrals on a tax-deferred or after-tax (ROTH) basis. For 2012 the plan limited the maximum annual deferral per participant to the lesser of 100% of compensation or $17,000 ($22,500 for participants age 50 and older, who are entitled to make catch up contributions). During 2012 the Company matched 50 cents for each dollar of compensation deferred, up to 5% of compensation. This same matching contribution percentage is in effect for 2013. The plan also provides for discretionary profit sharing contributions by the Company. During 2012 and 2011, each of the three executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table made voluntary salary deferrals and received matching employer contributions. These amounts are reflected in the Table.
Participants are at all times fully vested in their own compensation deferrals and in any rollover contributions from other plans. Vesting in any matching employer contribution begins after one year of service, with full vesting after six years of service. Vesting in any discretionary profit sharing employer contribution begins in the first year of service, with full vesting after six years of service. Participants may direct the investment of their plan account among several funds maintained by the plan trustee, including a Community Bancorp. stock fund. Distributions of accounts are generally deferred until the participants death, disability or retirement, except in cases of financial hardship (as defined in the plan). Benefits are subject to income tax upon distribution and certain early withdrawals may be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax. Distribution of plan benefits may be in the form of an annuity, a lump sum in cash, or in certain circumstances, common stock of the Company.
In addition to 401(k) compensation deferrals and matching employer contributions, the plan permits the Company to make a discretionary profit sharing contribution in any year for the account of all participants, including the three executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. The amount of the contribution for any year is determined annually based on a calculation of the maximum allowable deductible contribution that the Company is permitted to make on behalf of the executives, but subject to the annual contribution limitations of the Internal Revenue Code. The profit sharing contributions made for 2012 and 2011 to the account of the three executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table are included in the All Other Compensation column of the Table.
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Perquisites and other Personal Benefits
The Company does not generally provide its executive officers with perquisites or other personal benefits such as club memberships, financial planning assistance, tax preparation, living allowances, commuting expenses, or similar benefits not described in this proxy statement. However, the Company does provide a Company-owned vehicle to Mr. Marsh and pays related gas and maintenance charges. The Company also pays the expenses of the executive officers and their spouses in connection with attendance at certain banking-related functions, such as bankers association conventions.
Health and Welfare Benefits
The Company offers the same health and welfare benefits to all salaried and non-salaried employees, although benefits may vary depending on whether the employee is employed full-time or part-time. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, wellness reimbursement, education benefits and combined time off.
PROPOSAL 3
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the Dodd-Frank Act) requires that we provide our shareholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the three executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table (our Named Executive Officers). This vote is sometimes referred to by the SEC as a say-on-pay vote. The SECs say-on-pay advisory vote requirement and the related say on frequency advisory vote requirement (see PROPOSAL 4), which became effective for larger companies in 2011, became effective this year for smaller reporting companies, such as Community Bancorp. Therefore, we are submitting our compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers for your approval.
The compensation program for the Companys Named Executive Officers is described elsewhere in this proxy statement under the captions COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT and EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION in accordance with the compensation disclosure requirements of the SEC. Our executive compensation arrangements are developed and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board, which consists exclusively of non-employee directors. The primary goal of our executive compensation program is to align the interests of the Companys executives with those of the shareholders in order to achieve long-term growth in shareholder value. It is also designed to enable us to attract, hire and retain talented, high-performing and experienced executives. The Compensation Committee and Board periodically review our executive compensation arrangements to ensure that they continue to meet those objectives.
This advisory say on pay vote gives our shareholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. The Board believes that our current compensation program appropriately compensates our Named Executive Officers for their contributions to the success of the Company and in a manner that does not encourage or reward inappropriate risk-taking. Accordingly, the Board asks that you approve the following resolution:
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Resolved, that the compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers of Community Bancorp. as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the disclosures under the captions EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION and COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT in the 2013 annual meeting proxy statement of Community Bancorp., is hereby approved.
Vote Required
Approval of the nonbinding vote on the compensation of the Named Executive Officers will require that more votes be cast FOR than AGAINST the proposal.
Although your vote is advisory and will not be binding on the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee, the Board and Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3.
PROPOSAL 4
ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Dodd-Frank Act also requires that our shareholders be given the opportunity to vote on a non-binding, advisory basis, to express their preference as to how frequently we should seek future advisory votes on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. In voting on Proposal 4, shareholders may indicate whether they would prefer that we conduct future say-on-pay advisory votes once every one, two, or three years. Shareholders also may, if they wish, abstain from casting a vote on this proposal.
Our Board of Directors has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation that occurs once every three years is the most appropriate alternative for us and therefore our Board recommends that you vote for a three-year interval on Proposal 4. In determining to recommend that shareholders vote for a frequency of once every three years, the Board considered how an advisory vote at this frequency would provide our shareholders with sufficient time to evaluate the effectiveness of our overall compensation philosophy, policies and practices in the context of our long-term business results for the corresponding period, while avoiding over-emphasis on short-term variations in compensation and business results. An advisory vote occurring once every three years will also permit our shareholders to observe and evaluate the impact of any changes to our executive compensation policies and practices that may have occurred since the last advisory vote on executive compensation, including changes made in response to the outcome of a prior advisory vote on executive compensation.
This shareholder vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation (say-on frequency vote) is advisory and not binding on the Board or the Company. Whether or not the shareholders follow the Boards recommendation to approve a three year frequency, the Board may in the future decide to conduct advisory votes on executive compensation on a more or less frequent basis and may vary its practice based on factors such as the adoption of material changes to our executive compensation programs.
In accordance with SEC rules, we will periodically seek another advisory say-on frequency shareholder vote at least once every six years.
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As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, we are asking shareholders to vote on the preferred frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation by selecting the option of one year, two years, or three years (or abstain) in response to the following proposal at the annual meeting:
Resolved, that an advisory vote on approval of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers of Community Bancorp. should be held every year, every two years or every three years, as determined by a plurality of the votes cast.
Vote Required
A plurality of the shares present or represented and entitled to vote either in person or by proxy is required to determine the outcome of the non-binding vote on the frequency of future non-binding say-on-pay votes.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE TO CONDUCT FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS.
PROPOSAL 5
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Audit Committee of the Board has appointed BerryDunn as the Companys independent auditors to audit Community Bancorp.s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2013. BerryDunn served as the Companys independent auditors for 2012 and 2011 and also provided certain tax and other audit-related services in both years. See Fees Paid to Independent Auditors below. Representatives of BerryDunn are expected to attend the annual meeting, where they will be available to respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, to make a statement.
Although neither Vermont law nor the Companys bylaws requires the submission of the selection of the Companys independent auditors to the shareholders for approval, the Board of Directors believes it is appropriate to give shareholders the opportunity to vote on whether to ratify the decision of the Audit Committee. Neither the Audit Committee nor the Board has made any determination as to what action, if any, would be taken if the shareholders do not ratify the appointment of BerryDunn as the Companys independent auditors for 2013. If the shareholders fail to ratify this appointment, the Audit Committee may reconsider whether to retain BerryDunn and may retain that firm or another firm without resubmitting the matter to the shareholders.
Pre-Approval Required for Services of Independent Auditors
As part of its duties, the Audit Committee is required to pre-approve audit and non audit services performed by the Companys independent auditors, in order to ensure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditors independence. Under applicable law, certain services may not be performed by the auditors under any circumstances. Consistent with these legal requirements, the Audit Committees charter provides that all permitted services must be approved by the Audit Committee in advance. However, the Audit Committee may delegate this authority to a member of the Committee, who is required to inform the entire Committee of any approval taken pursuant to that delegated authority. The Audit Committee does not delegate to management its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the independent auditors. Each of the services performed by BerryDunn described under the captions below was pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
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Fees Paid to Independent Auditors
The following table summarizes the fees billed for professional services rendered by BerryDunn for the last two calendar years:
Fees | Year Ended | Year Ended |
|
|
|
Audit Fees | $129,175 | $122,109 |
Audit-Related Fees | 1,540 | 5,146 |
Tax Fees | 11,892 | 10,425 |
All Other Fees | 0 | 0 |
Total | $142,607 | $137,680 |
Audit Fees. The aggregate audit fees billed for professional services rendered by BerryDunn related to the audit of the Companys annual financial statements included in each of the Companys Forms 10-K, review of financial statements included in each of the Companys Forms 10-Q and audit of the Companys Retirement Savings Plan, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services rendered by BerryDunn related to the performance of the audit or review of the Companys financial statements in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. These services related to the application of accounting pronouncements.
Tax Fees. The aggregate tax fees billed for professional services rendered by BerryDunn related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. These services included preparation of federal tax returns, review of estimated tax payments, review of compliance with information reporting requirements and tax planning.
All Other Fees. There were no other fees billed for services provided by BerryDunn, other than the services reported in the paragraphs above, in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Vote Required
Ratification of the selection of BerryDunn as the Companys independent auditors for the ensuing year will require that more votes be cast FOR than AGAINST the proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 5.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Companys Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2012, including consolidated financial statements and the report of BerryDunn thereon, accompanies this proxy statement.
SHAREHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND OTHER PROPOSALS
Bylaw Requirements for Shareholder Nominations and Other Proposals
A shareholder may make a nomination for director or present other matters for action from the floor at the annual meeting, under procedures specified in Section 2.13 of the Companys bylaws, which requires that a shareholder provide timely advance written notice and specified information to the Company. In order for a shareholder to make a nomination or propose other business from the floor at the 2014 annual meeting, the shareholder must provide to the Company advance written notice of the proposed nomination or other business, containing all of the information specified in Section 2.13 of the bylaws, no earlier than November 15, 2013 and no later than January 14, 2014.
30
The required notice and information should be sent within the specified deadlines to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, Community Bancorp., 4811 US Route 5, Newport, Vermont 05855. The notice must include the following information about the shareholder and any associated persons, and, as applicable in the circumstances, the following information regarding any nominee or other proposal:
Information Regarding the Proponent and Any Associated Person*
Name and address;
Class, series and number of shares of the Companys capital stock held of record or beneficially owned;
Any derivative positions held of record or beneficially owned and information regarding any hedging transactions involving the Companys capital stock;
Any material interest in the proposed business or nomination; and
A representation that the shareholder intends to be present at the meeting in person or by proxy to make the nomination or proposal.
Information Required for Director Nominations
Name and address of the nominee;
Description of all arrangements or understandings between the nominee and any other person (including the shareholder or any associated person of the shareholder) regarding the nomination;
All other information about the nominee that would be required to be included in the proxy materials filed under applicable rules of the SEC if the nominee had been nominated by the Board of Directors; and
A written consent of the nominee to serve as a director if properly nominated and elected.
Information Required for Other Business
A brief description of the proposal;
The reasons for making the proposal; and
Any direct or indirect interest of the shareholder or any associated person of the shareholder in making the proposal.
The Companys Amended and Restated Bylaws are contained in Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2013, and are available on the SECs website at
www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. A shareholder may also request a copy of the bylaws by contacting the Corporate Secretary at the address or telephone number shown below under VOTING QUESTIONS OR OTHER SHAREHOLDER ASSISTANCE.
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| |
* | An associated person of a shareholder is any person directly or indirectly controlling or acting in concert with the shareholder, any beneficial owner of shares for which the shareholder is the record holder and any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with, the associated person. |
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The above process, which is governed by the Companys bylaws, is in addition to, and separate from
(i) the process contained elsewhere in this proxy statement under the caption CORPORATE GOVERNANCEBoard CommitteesCorporate Governance/Nominating Committee for submitting names of possible director nominees for consideration by the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee; and (ii) the process described below under Inclusion of Shareholder Proposals in Company Proxy Materials, which is governed by SEC Rules and which has an earlier notification deadline.
Use of Discretionary Authority in Connection with Shareholder Nominations and Proposals
Under the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Company will be permitted to use its discretionary authority conferred in the proxy card for the annual meeting to vote on a shareholder proposal or director nominee even if the proposal or nominee has not been discussed in the Companys proxy statement, unless the shareholder-proponent has given timely notice to the Company of his or her intention to present the proposal or nominee for vote at the meeting. Assuming timely notice has been given, the proxies will only be voted on the matter pursuant to the grant of discretionary authority if the Company has described the proposal in the proxy statement and indicated how the persons named as proxies intend to vote on the matter. In order to be considered timely for the 2014 annual meeting, the shareholder-proponent must furnish written notice to the Company of the proposal or nominee no earlier than November 15, 2013 and no later than January 14, 2014, the same advance notice period as described above for notice of proposals to be made from the floor at the annual meeting.
Inclusion of Shareholder Proposals in Company Proxy Materials
There is a separate process from that described above, with an earlier notification deadline, if a shareholder seeks to have his or her proposals included in the Companys proxy materials for the 2014 annual meeting. That process is governed by SEC rules, and not exclusively by the Companys bylaws. In order to be considered for inclusion in the Companys proxy material for the 2014 annual meeting, shareholder proposals must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Company not later than December 10, 2013, and must comply in all respects with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC relating to such inclusion. Any such proposal will be omitted from or included in the proxy material at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company, subject to such rules and regulations. Proponents must also timely provide the information required under the bylaws, as described above.
Questions about any of the procedures for shareholder nominations or proposals should be directed to the Corporate Secretary, Community Bancorp., 4811 US Route 5, Newport, Vermont 05855.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board of Directors knows of no business that may come before the 2013 annual meeting other than the five proposals described in this proxy statement. If any other matters should properly come before the meeting, it is expected that proxies will be voted on such matters in accordance with the recommendations of management.
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VOTING QUESTIONS OR OTHER SHAREHOLDER ASSISTANCE
If you have any questions or require assistance with the voting process, contact either Corporate Secretary Chris Bumps or the Companys stock transfer agent, Registrar & Transfer Company, at the address or telephone number shown below:
Chris Bumps, Corporate
Registrar & Transfer Company
Secretary
Attn: Investor Relations Dept.
Community Bancorp.
10 Commerce Drive
4811 US Route 5
Cranford, NJ 07016
Newport, VT 05855
(800) 368-5948
(802) 334-7915
33
REVOCABLE PROXY
COMMUNITY BANCORP.
| ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS MAY 14, 2013 |
|
|
| YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS |
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| Shareholders of record have two ways to vote: |
| 1. By Telephone (using a Touch-Tone Phone); or |
| 2. By Mail. |
|
|
| To Vote by Telephone: |
|
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| Call 1-877-705-5103 Toll-Free on a Touch-Tone |
|
|
| Please note that the last vote received from a shareholder, whether by telephone, by internet or by mail, will be the vote counted. |
|
|
| Mark here if you plan to attend the meeting. c |
| Mark here for address change and fill in new address below. c |
Annual Meeting Materials are available at: |
|
http://www.cfpproxy.com/5982 |
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FOLD HERE IF YOU ARE VOTING BY MAIL
PLEASE DO NOT DETACH
[X] | PLEASE MARK VOTES |
1. Election of Four Directors (except as marked to the contrary below):
For | Withhold | For All Except |
c | c | c |
Four Nominees to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2016:
(01) CHARLES W. BUCKNAM, JR., (02) STEPHEN P. MARSH, (03) PETER J. MURPHY and
(04) FREDERIC OESHGER
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), mark For All Except and write that nominee(s)
name(s) or number(s) in the space provided below.
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Election of One Director: Nominee to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2015:
(05) KATHRYN M. AUSTIN
For | Withhold |
|
c | c |
|
3. Advisory (non-binding) say on pay vote to approve executive compensation:
For | Against | Abstain |
c | c | c |
4. Advisory (non-binding) vote on the frequency of future advisory say on pay votes:
Three Years | Two Years | One Year | Abstain |
c | c | c | c |
(Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of 3 years)
5. To ratify the selection of the independent public accounting firm of BerryDunn as the Companys external auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.
For | Against | Abstain |
c | c | c |
In their discretion, the persons named above are authorized to act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting. If any such business is presented, the proxies intend to vote the shares represented by this proxy in accordance with the recommendations of management.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS EXERCISED.
This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholders. If this Proxy is properly executed but no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 5 and in favor of a
3 year frequency on Proposal 4.
A dinner will be served for all registered shareholders immediately following the Annual Meeting.
Please be sure to date and sign this proxy card in the box below.
Date Sign above Co-holder (if any) sign above |
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this card. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
COMMUNITY BANCORP. - ANNUAL MEETING MAY 14, 2013
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
Annual Meeting Materials are available on-line at:
http://www.cfpproxy.com/5982
You can vote in one of two ways:
1.
Call toll free 877-705-5103 on a Touch-Tone Phone. Thee is NO CHARGE to you for this call.
or
2.
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope.
PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
REVOCABLE PROXY
COMMUNITY BANCORP.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 14, 2013
5:30 p.m.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Elizabeth Bumps and Rachel Ducharme, and each of them individually, as his or her lawful agents and proxies with full power of substitution in each, to vote all of the common stock of Community Bancorp. that the undersigned is (are) entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Elks Club, Derby, Vermont, on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. and at any adjournment thereof.
PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR
COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
COMMUNITY BANCORP.
401K VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
| ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS MAY 14, 2013 |
|
|
| YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS |
|
|
| 401K Plan participants have two ways to vote: |
| 1. By Telephone (using a Touch-Tone Phone); or |
| 2. By Mail. |
|
|
| To Vote by Telephone: |
|
|
| Call 1-877-705-5103 Toll-Free on a Touch-Tone |
|
|
| Please note that the last vote received from a shareholder, whether by telephone, by internet or by mail, will be the vote counted. |
|
|
| Mark here if you plan to attend the meeting. c |
| Mark here for address change and fill in new address below. c |
Annual Meeting Materials are available at: |
|
http://www.cfpproxy.com/5982 |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
FOLD HERE IF YOU ARE VOTING BY MAIL
PLEASE DO NOT DETACH
[X] | PLEASE MARK VOTES |
1. Election of Four Directors (except as marked to the contrary below):
For | Withhold | For All Except |
c | c | c |
Four Nominees to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2016:
(01) CHARLES W. BUCKNAM, JR., (02) STEPHEN P. MARSH, (03) PETER J. MURPHY and
(04) FREDERIC OESHGER
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), mark For All Except and write that nominee(s)
name(s) or number(s) in the space provided below.
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Election of One Director: Nominee to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2015:
(05) KATHRYN M. AUSTIN
For | Withhold |
|
c | c |
|
3. Advisory (non-binding) say on pay vote to approve executive compensation:
For | Against | Abstain |
c | c | c |
4. Advisory (non-binding) vote on the frequency of future advisory say on pay votes:
Three Years | Two Years | One Year | Abstain |
c | c | c | c |
(Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of 3 years)
5. To ratify the selection of the independent public accounting firm of BerryDunn as the Companys external auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.
For | Against | Abstain |
c | c | c |
In their discretion, the 401K Plan Trustees are authorized to act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting. If any such business is presented, the Trustees intend to vote the shares, or refrain from voting the shares, represented by this Voting Instruction Form in accordance with the best interests of the participants in the 401K Plan.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 5 and in favor of a 3 year frequency on Proposal 4.
Please check the box if you plan to attend the dinner
c
Immediately following the Annual Meeting.
Please be sure to date and sign this Voting Instruction Form in the box below.
Date Sign above |
COMMUNITY BANCORP. - ANNUAL MEETING MAY 14, 2013
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
Annual Meeting Materials are available on-line at:
http://www.cfpproxy.com/5982
You can provide your voting instructions
to the 401K Plan Trustees in one of two ways:
1.
Call toll free 877-705-5103 on a Touch-Tone Phone. Thee is NO CHARGE to you for this call.
or
2.
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope.
PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
401K PLAN VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM
COMMUNITY BANCORP.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 14, 2013
5:30 p.m.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby authorizes and instructs the Trustees of the Community Bancorp. Retirement Savings (401K) Plan (the 401K Plan) to vote all of the common stock of Community Bancorp. that are allocated to the undersigneds account under the 401K Plan at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Elks Club, Derby, Vermont, on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. and at any adjournment thereof.
PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR
COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD PROMPTLY
IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
- YOUR MAILED INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN
THE OPENING OF BUSINESS ON MAY 10, 2013 -
| 4811 US Rt. 5 Newport, VT 05855 Tel. 802 334-7915 Fax 802 334-3484 | |
| www.communitynationalbank.com cnbderby@communitynationalbank.com |
April, 2013
TO: | Participants in the Community Bancorp. and Designated Subsidiaries Retirement Savings Plan (the 401(k) Plan) |
|
|
RE: | Instructions for voting shares of common stock of Community Bancorp |
As described in the enclosed materials, your voting instructions are being solicited in connection with the five proposals to be considered at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Community Bancorp. We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to direct the manner in which shares of common stock of Community Bancorp. allocated to your account in the Community Bancorp. 401(k) Plan will be voted.
Enclosed with this letter is the Proxy Statement, which describes the matters to be voted upon, the Annual Report to shareholders and a Voting Instruction Form. After you have reviewed the Proxy Statement, we urge you to direct the voting of your allocated shares held in the 401(k) Plan by marking, dating, signing and returning the enclosed Vote Instruction Form in the envelope provided, or if you prefer, you may provide your voting instructions by telephone, as indicated on the Vote Authorization Form. In order to be effective, your Voting Instruction Form or telephone instructions must be received by Registrar and Transfer Company no later than the opening of business on May 10, 2013. Registrar and Transfer Company will tabulate the votes for the purpose of having those shares voted by the Trustee of the Plan. Your vote is confidential and will not be disclosed to the Companys management or Board of Directors.
We urge you to vote, as a means of participating in the governance of the affairs of Community Bancorp. If your voting instructions are not received, the shares allocated to your 401(k) Plan account generally will not be voted by the Trustees. While I hope that you will vote in the manner recommended by the Board of Directors, the most important thing is that you vote in whatever manner you deem appropriate. Please take a moment to do so.
Please note that the enclosed Voting Instruction Form relates only to those shares of common stock allocated to your account under the 401(k) Plan. If you also own shares of Community Bancorp. common stock outside of the 401(k) Plan, you should receive other voting material for those shares owned by you individually. Please return all your voting material so that all of your shares may be voted.
| Sincerely, |
|
|
| COMMUNITY BANCORP. |
| |
| Stephen P. Marsh |
| President and CEO |
SPM/cb
Enclosures
REVOCABLE PROXY
COMMUNITY BANCORP.
| PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS MAY 14, 2013 |
| THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. |
|
|
| The undersigned hereby appoints Elizabeth Bumps and Rachel Ducharme, and each of them individually, as his or her lawful agents and proxies with full power of substitution in each, to vote all of the common stock of Community Bancorp. that the undersigned is (are) entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Elks Club, Derby, Vermont, on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. and at any adjournment thereof. |
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| Mark here if you plan to attend the meeting. c |
|
|
| Mark here for address change and fill in new address below. c |
|
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|
Annual Meeting Materials are available at: |
|
http://www.cfpproxy.com/5982 |
|
|
|
FOLD HERE - PLEASE DO NOT DETACH PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE |
[X] | PLEASE MARK VOTES |
1. Election of Four Directors (except as marked to the contrary below):
For | Withhold | For All Except |
c | c | c |
Four Nominees to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2016:
(01) CHARLES W. BUCKNAM, JR., (02) STEPHEN P. MARSH, (03) PETER J. MURPHY and
(04) FREDERIC OESHGER
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), mark For All Except and write that nominee(s) name(s) or number(s) in the space provided below.
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Election of One Director: Nominee to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2015:
(05) KATHRYN M. AUSTIN
For | Withhold |
|
c | c |
|
3. Advisory (non-binding) say on pay vote to approve executive compensation:
For | Against | Abstain |
c | c | c |
4. Advisory (non-binding) vote on the frequency of future advisory say on pay votes:
Three Years | Two Years | One Year | Abstain |
c | c | c | c |
(Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of 3 years)
5. To ratify the selection of the independent public accounting firm of BerryDunn as the Companys external auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.
For | Against | Abstain |
c | c | c |
In their discretion, the persons named above are authorized to act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting. If any such business is presented, the proxies intend to vote the shares represented by this proxy in accordance with the recommendations of management.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS EXERCISED.
This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholders. If this Proxy is properly executed but no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 5 and in favor of a
3 year frequency on Proposal 4.
A dinner will be served for all registered shareholders immediately following the Annual Meeting.
Please be sure to date and sign this proxy card in the box below.
Date Sign above Co-holder (if any) sign above |
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this card. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Community
Bancorp. 2013 Annual Meeting
You are cordially invited to attend
the 2013 Community Bancorp.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
5:30 PM at the Elks Club in Derby, Vermont
A dinner will be served immediately following the meeting
Separate card here
Community Bancorp. Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:30 PM
(Please complete and return only if you are planning on attending)
M____________________________________________________________________
Number of shareholders attending Annual Meeting_____________________________
RSVP by May 7, 2013