Citizens & Northern Corporation DEF 14A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment
No. )
Filed by the
Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the
Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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o Preliminary
Proxy Statement
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o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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þ Definitive
Proxy Statement
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o Definitive
Additional Materials
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o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
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CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if
other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of
transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11
(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined):
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(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as
provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing
for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing.
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(1) |
Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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90-92 Main Street
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2006
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the stockholders of Citizens & Northern
Corporation (the Corporation) will be held at the Arcadia Theatre, located at 50 Main Street,
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 2:00 P.M., local time, for the following
purposes:
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To elect three Class I directors to serve for a term of 3 years; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any
adjournment or adjournments thereof. |
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2006 are entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. Such stockholders may vote in person or by proxy.
All stockholders are urged to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy in the
accompanying envelope, whether or not you expect to attend the meeting. If you do attend the
meeting, you may, if you wish, withdraw your proxy and vote your shares in person.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Kathleen M. Osgood |
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Corporate Secretary |
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March 21, 2006 |
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CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION
90-92 Main Street
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Stockholders April 18, 2006
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board
of Directors of Citizens & Northern Corporation to be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
the Corporation to be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 2:00 P.M. at the Arcadia Theatre, located
at 50 Main Street, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, and at any adjournment thereof. The approximate date
upon which this Proxy Statement and proxy will first be mailed to stockholders is March 21, 2006.
Shares represented by properly completed proxies will be voted in accordance with the
instructions indicated thereon unless such proxies have previously been revoked. If no direction
is indicated, such shares will be voted in favor of the election as directors of the nominees named
below, and in the discretion of the proxy holder as to any other matters that may properly come
before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. A proxy may be revoked at any time before it
is voted by written notice to the Secretary of the Corporation or by attending the Annual Meeting
and voting in person.
The Corporation will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting. In
addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by personal interview, telephone,
telegram or other electronic means by the Corporations directors, officers and employees.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the transfer agent and registrar for the Corporation, will
assist in the distribution of proxy materials and the solicitation and tabulation of votes.
Arrangements also may be made with custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for forwarding proxy
materials to beneficial owners of stock held of record by such persons, and the Corporation may
reimburse such custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred
by them in connection therewith.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 28, 2006 as the record date
for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and
at any adjournment thereof. On the record date, there were outstanding and entitled to vote
8,295,569 shares of common stock. Common stockholders will be entitled to one vote per share on
all matters to be submitted at the meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of stockholders
entitled to cast at least 50% of the votes that all stockholders are entitled to cast shall
constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. An abstention will be considered present at the meeting
for purposes of determining a quorum, but will not be counted as voting for or against the issue to
which it relates. Neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will be counted as votes cast and
neither will have any effect on the result of the vote, although both will count toward the
determination of the presence of a quorum. The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation do not
permit cumulative voting.
No person is known by the Corporation to have beneficially owned 5% or more of the outstanding
common stock of the Corporation as of February 28, 2006.
PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation provide that the Board of Directors shall
consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five directors and that within these limits the
numbers of directors shall be as established by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has
set the number of directors at thirteen. The Articles further provide that the Board shall be
classified into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible. One class of directors is to
be elected annually. Three directors in Class I are to be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve
for a three-year term. It is the intention of the persons named as proxyholders on the enclosed
form of proxy, unless other directions are given, to vote all shares which they represent for the
election of managements nominees named in the tabulation below. Directors are elected by a
plurality of the votes cast. Assuming the presence of a quorum, the three nominees for Class I
directors receiving the highest number of votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected to the
Board of Directors. Any stockholder who wishes to withhold authority from the proxyholders to vote
for the election of directors, or to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, may do
so by marking the proxy to that effect. Each director elected will continue in office until a
successor has been elected. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of the
nominees listed below, each of whom
- 1 -
has consented to be named as a nominee and to serve if elected. If for any reason any nominee
named is not a candidate (which is not expected) when the election occurs, proxies will be voted
for a substitute nominee determined by the Board of Directors.
The following table sets forth certain information about the director nominees, all of whom
are presently members of the Board, and about the other directors whose terms of office will
continue after the Annual Meeting.
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Name, Age and Certain Biographical Information |
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Period of Service as a Director |
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CLASS I MANAGEMENTS NOMINEES FOR A 3 YEAR TERM ENDING IN 2009: |
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R. Robert DeCamp, 65 |
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Director since 1988 |
President of Patterson Lumber Co., Inc. |
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Edward H. Owlett, III, 51 |
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Director since 1994 |
President & CEO of Putnam Company, formerly
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Attorney in law firm of Owlett & Lewis, P.C. |
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James E. Towner, 59 |
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Director since 2000 |
Publisher of The Daily / Sunday Review |
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Class II Continuing Directors with Terms Expiring in 2007: |
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R. Bruce Haner, 58 |
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Director since 1998 |
Auto Buyer for New Car Dealers |
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Susan E. Hartley, 48 |
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Director since 1998 |
Attorney at Law |
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Leo F. Lambert, 52 |
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Director since 2001 |
President and General Manager of Fitzpatrick & Lambert, Inc. |
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Edward L. Learn, 58 |
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Director since 1989 |
Owner of Learn Hardware & Building Supply |
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Leonard Simpson, 57 |
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Director since 1989 |
Attorney at Law |
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Class III Continuing Directors with Terms Expiring in 2008: |
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Dennis F. Beardslee, 55 |
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Director since 1999 |
Owner of Terrace Lanes Bowling Center |
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Jan E. Fisher, 51 |
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Director since 2002 |
Executive Director for Healthcare Services of Laurel Health System |
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Karl W. Kroeck, 66 |
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Director since 1996 |
Farmer |
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Craig G. Litchfield, 58 |
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Director since 1996 |
President & Chief Executive Officer of Citizens & Northern
Corporation and Citizens & Northern Bank |
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Ann M. Tyler, 61 |
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Director since 2002 |
Certified Public Accountant in firm of Ann M. Tyler CPA, PC |
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table shows beneficial ownership of the Corporations common stock as of
February 23, 2006 by (i) each director of the Corporation, (ii) each executive officer named in the
Summary Compensation Table on page 10 and (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group.
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Amount and Nature of |
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Percent of Class |
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Beneficial Ownership (1) (2) (3) |
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(if 1% or Greater) |
Dennis F. Beardslee |
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7,162 |
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R. Robert DeCamp |
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5,175 |
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Jan E. Fisher |
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2,735 |
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R. Bruce Haner |
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13,818 |
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Susan E. Hartley |
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4,618 |
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Karl W. Kroeck |
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2,653 |
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Leo F. Lambert |
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6,595 |
(4) |
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Edward L. Learn |
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6,158 |
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Craig G. Litchfield |
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75,883 |
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Edward H. Owlett, III |
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5,616 |
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Leonard Simpson |
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31,797 |
(5) |
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James E. Towner |
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7,634 |
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Ann M. Tyler |
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4,569 |
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Dawn A. Besse |
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12,701 |
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Mark A. Hughes |
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15,067 |
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Thomas L. Rudy, Jr. |
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9,028 |
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Deborah E. Scott |
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18,808 |
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Directors and Executive Officers
as a Group (18 Persons) |
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234,321 |
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2.82 |
% |
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Pursuant to the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, an
individual is considered to beneficially own shares of common stock if he or she directly or
indirectly has or shares (a) the power to vote or direct the voting of the shares; or (b)
investment power with respect to the shares, which includes the power to dispose of or direct
the disposition of the shares. Unless otherwise indicated in a footnote below, each
individual holds sole voting and investment authority with respect to the shares listed. |
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In addition, an individual is deemed to be the beneficial owner if he or she has the
right to acquire shares within 60 days through the exercise of any option. Therefore, the
following stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after February 23, 2006 are
included in the shares above: Mr. Beardslee, 2,048 shares; Mr. DeCamp, 2,876 shares; Mrs.
Fisher, 1,211 shares; Mr. Haner, 2,039 shares; Ms. Hartley, 1,811 shares; Mr. Kroeck, 1,211
shares; Mr. Lambert, 1,211 shares; Mr. Learn, 1,811 shares; Mr. Litchfield, 50,643 shares; Mr.
Owlett, 3,176 shares; Mr. Simpson, 2,328 shares; Mr. Towner, 1,748 shares; Ms. Tyler, 1,211
shares; Mrs. Besse, 6,910 shares; Mr. Hughes, 10,438 shares; Mr. Rudy, 7,202 shares; and Mrs.
Scott, 15,428 shares. |
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Includes the following restricted stock awards granted under the Stock Incentive
Plan of the Corporation: Mr. Beardslee, 48 shares; Mr. DeCamp, 48 shares; Mrs. Fisher, 48
shares; Mr. Haner, 48 shares; Ms. Hartley, 48 shares; Mr. Kroeck, 48 shares; Mr. Lambert, 48
shares; Mr. Learn, 48 shares; Mr. Litchfield, 650 shares; Mr. Owlett, 48 shares; Mr. Simpson,
48 shares; Mr. Towner, 48 shares; Ms. Tyler, 48 shares; Mrs. Besse, 238 shares; Mr. Hughes,
238 shares; Mr. Rudy, 211 shares; and Mrs. Scott, 238 shares. Restricted stock awards granted
under the Stock Incentive Plan vest ratably over a three-year period; however, the recipients
have the right to vote all awarded shares. |
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Includes 143 shares held in a SEP-IRA Plan for the benefit of Mr. Lamberts
retirement plan. |
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Includes 4,111 shares held in a SEP-IRA Plan for the benefit of Mr. Simpsons
retirement plan. |
- 3 -
BOARD OF DIRECTOR COMMITTEES,
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Both the Corporations and the Banks by-laws provide that the Board may create any number of
committees of the Board as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.
Executive Committee of the Corporation. The Corporation has an Executive Committee whose
purpose is to monitor and oversee the Corporations management succession plan and leadership
development processes, review and provide advice and counsel to the CEO regarding the Corporations
strategic plan, mission, goals and objectives and action plans as well as other various matters and
to act on behalf of and with full authority of the Board of Directors in matters that may arise
between the regular monthly meetings of the Board, which require immediate Board level action. This
committee consists of the following seven members of the Board of Directors: R. Robert DeCamp, R.
Bruce Haner, Leo F. Lambert, Craig G. Litchfield, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard Simpson and James
E. Towner. During 2005, the Executive Committee held six meetings.
Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee for each of the Corporation and the Bank
consists of the following six independent members of the Board of Directors: R. Robert DeCamp, Jan
E. Fisher, R. Bruce Haner, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard Simpson and James E. Towner. The purpose
of the Nominating Committee is to establish criteria for Board member selection and retention,
identify individuals qualified to become Board members, and recommend to the Board the individuals
to be nominated and re-nominated for election as directors. The Nominating Committee held two
meetings during 2005.
All members of the Nominating Committee are independent directors within the meaning of Rule
4200 of the NASD. The Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted a written charter for the
Nominating Committee, a copy of which was attached to the Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual
Meeting. A current copy is also available on our website at www.cnbankpa.com by clicking on
Shareholder News & Info., then Corporate Governance, then Nominating Committee Charter of C&N
Corp.
Qualifications considered by the Nominating Committee in assessing director candidates include
but are not limited to the following:
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An understanding of business and financial affairs. A career in business is not essential, but the candidate should
have a proven record of competence and accomplishments and should be willing to commit the time and energy necessary to
be an effective director; |
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A genuine interest in representing all of Citizens & Northerns stakeholders, including the long-term interest of the
stockholders; |
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A willingness to support the Values, Mission and Vision of Citizens & Northern; |
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An open-mindedness and resolve to independently analyze issues presented for consideration. Additionally, a candidate
should be inquisitive and feel a duty to ask questions of management and challenge the status quo; |
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A reputation for honesty and integrity; |
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A high level of financial literacy; |
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A mature confidence and ability to approach others with self-assurance, responsibly and supportively; |
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The ability, capacity and willingness to serve as a conduit of business referrals to the organization; |
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Diversity (in terms of gender, race or other factors) that would reflect representation of different perspectives; |
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Residency in the geographically defined market area of the Bank, with emphasis placed on maintaining representation
throughout the market area; and |
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Knowledge, judgment, skill diversity, business experience, as well as the interplay or fit of the candidates
experience and skill with the experience and skills of other Board members. |
Other than the foregoing, there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees, although
the Nominating Committee may also consider such other factors as it may deem are in the best
interests of the Corporation and its stockholders and such factors may change from time to time.
The Nominating Committee does, however, believe it appropriate that at least one director meet the
criteria for audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC rules, even though no one
currently meets this criteria, and that a majority of the Board members meet the definition of
independent director under NASD rules.
The Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current directors who are willing to
continue in service. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue its service or the Board
determines not to re-nominate
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a current director for re-election, the Nominating Committee identifies the desired skills and
experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria above. The evaluation procedure for
candidates recommended by the stockholders would be the same as is done for those recommended by
the Board of Directors and management. The Committee recommends a director nominee to the Board,
and the Board makes the final determination as to the nominees who will stand for election.
Current members of the Board of Directors are polled for suggestions as to prospective
candidates meeting criteria for the Nominating Committee. The Committee has the prerogative to
employ and pay third party search firms, but to date has not done so.
Corporate Governance Committee. The Corporate Governance Committee of the Corporation, which
met four times in 2005, consists of the following five independent members of the Board of
Directors: Dennis F. Beardslee, R. Bruce Haner, Susan E. Hartley, Karl W. Kroeck and Ann M. Tyler.
This committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting to the Board periodically on matters of
corporate governance.
Executive Committee. The Bank has an Executive Committee consisting of seven members of the
Board of Directors who are as follows: R. Robert DeCamp, R. Bruce Haner, Leo F. Lambert, Craig G.
Litchfield, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard Simpson and James E. Towner. The function of this
committee is to monitor and oversee the Banks management succession plan and leadership
development processes, review and provide advice and counsel to the CEO regarding the Banks
strategic plan, mission, goals and objectives and action plans and other various matters, as well
as recommend policies and procedures. During 2005, the Executive Committee held eleven meetings.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee of the Bank, which held three meetings in
2005, consists of the following six independent members of the Board of Directors: R. Robert
DeCamp, R. Bruce Haner, Leo F. Lambert, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard Simpson and James E. Towner.
The purpose of the committee is to discharge the responsibilities of the Board of Directors
relating to compensation of the executive officers and to provide oversight of the Banks
compensation, benefit, perquisite and employee equity programs.
Trust Investment Committee. The Trust Investment Committee of the Bank, which met twelve
times in 2005, consists of four members of the Board of Directors; namely, Dennis F. Beardslee,
Susan E. Hartley, Edward L. Learn and Leonard Simpson. Deborah E. Scott, Executive Vice President
and Senior Trust Officer of the Bank, is also a member of this committee, which determines the
policy and investments of the Trust Department, the acceptance of all fiduciary relationships and
relinquishments of all fiduciary relationships.
Asset Liability Committee. The Bank also has an Asset Liability Committee, which consists of
Board members R. Robert DeCamp, Jan E. Fisher, Craig G. Litchfield, Edward H. Owlett, III and Ann
M. Tyler, as well as Mark A. Hughes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Bank. The Asset Liability Committee met twelve times during 2005. The purpose of the committee is
to stabilize and improve profitability by balancing the relationship between risk and return over
an extended period of time and to function as an investment committee.
Finance and Loan Committee. The Bank has a Finance and Loan Committee consisting of nine
members of the Board of Directors who are as follows: Dennis F. Beardslee, Susan E. Hartley, Karl
W. Kroeck, Leo F. Lambert, Edward L. Learn, Craig G. Litchfield, Edward H. Owlett, III, Leonard
Simpson and Ann M. Tyler. The primary purpose of this committee is to evaluate and act on loan
requests that exceed managements lending authority. During 2005, the Finance and Loan Committee
held eight meetings.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Corporation, which held six meetings in 2005,
consists of six independent members of the Board of Directors. The members of the Committee are R.
Bruce Haner, Karl W. Kroeck, Leo F. Lambert, Edward H. Owlett, III, James E. Towner and Ann M.
Tyler. In addition to the six meetings of the Audit Committee, the chairman and a rotating member
of the Committee met with representatives of Parente Randolph, LLC, the Banks internal audit
department and management in May, August and November, 2005 to discuss the Corporations quarterly
10-Q filings. The primary function of the Audit Committee is to review the internal audit program
as performed by the internal auditors, recommend to the Board of Directors the independent auditors
for the year, and review the examinations and reports from those persons. None of the members of
the Audit Committee meet the definition of Audit Committee financial expert as defined in the
rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board of Directors has determined
that each of the present members of the Audit Committee have sufficient knowledge and experience in
financial matters to effectively perform their duties.
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The Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted a written charter for the Audit
Committee, which was attached to the 2004 Proxy Statement. The current Audit Committee Charter is
also available on our website at www.cnbankpa.com. Click on Shareholder News & Info, then
Corporate Governance, then Audit Committee Charter of C&N Corp. The policies and procedures
for pre-approval of engagements for non-audit services are included in the Charter.
The following table sets forth information concerning fees paid to Parente Randolph, LLC for
the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. All services provided by Parente Randolph, LLC in 2005
and 2004 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
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Fiscal Years Ended |
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December 31, |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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Audit Fees |
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Audit of Annual financial statements and
Audit of internal control over financial reporting
and managements assertions related thereto, and
reviews of Quarterly financial statements |
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$ |
162,092 |
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$ |
123,700 |
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Audit-Related Fees |
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Audits of employee benefit plans |
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9,550 |
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9,300 |
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Consultation concerning financial accounting and
reporting standards for potential acquisition |
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0 |
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3,750 |
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Total Audit-Related Fees |
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9,550 |
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13,050 |
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Tax Fees |
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Preparation of Corporate tax returns |
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7,000 |
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6,460 |
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Preparation of retired employee tax returns |
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4,230 |
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3,725 |
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Aggregate of all fees billed to the Corporation
by Parente Randolph, LLC |
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$ |
182,872 |
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$ |
146,935 |
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
On March 2, 2006, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviewed and discussed the
audited financial statements dated December 31, 2005 with management. They also have discussed
with Parente Randolph, LLC, the independent auditors of the Corporation, the matters for discussion
as specified by the AICPA Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61. The Audit Committee has received
from Parente Randolph, LLC the written communications required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees and has discussed with Parente
Randolph, LLC, its independence. Based on its review and discussions referred to above, the
Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be
included in the Corporations annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Members of the Audit Committee, |
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Edward H. Owlett, III, Chairman
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Leo F. Lambert |
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R. Bruce Haner
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James E. Towner |
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|
Karl W. Kroeck |
|
Ann M. Tyler |
- 6 -
Directors Attendance and Compensation. The Board of Directors of the Corporation met
thirteen times and the Board of Directors of the Bank met thirteen times in 2005. The Board of
Directors also held four quarterly Executive Sessions and Independent Directors Meetings in 2005.
The Executive Sessions include only members of the Board of Directors and the Independent Directors
Meetings include only non-employee members. All of the directors attended at least 75% or more of
the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Corporation and of the board committees on which he
or she served.
Although the Company does not have a formal policy with respect to Board member attendance at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, each member is encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. All
Directors attended the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in April 2005, with the exception of Mr.
Towner, who was unable to attend due to a business commitment.
All directors of the Corporation are directors of the Bank. Each director who is not an
officer of the Corporation or Bank received an annual retainer of $14,000 and an attendance fee of
$400 for each meeting of the Board attended. In addition, each such director received a fee of
$200 for attendance at each committee meeting. The chairpersons of the Audit and Executive
Committees also received an annual retainer of $2,500 and the chairpersons of the Trust,
Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees received an annual retainer of $1,500.
The aggregate amount of directors retainers and fees paid during 2005 was $315,450.
Under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan, for 2004, each director who is not an
officer of the Corporation or Bank was awarded, as of January 3, 2005, 473 stock options and 54
shares of restricted stock. The awards of options and restricted shares are based on the
Corporations three-year cumulative earnings per share growth as compared to the Plans growth
target. Since this target was not met in 2005, there were no awards for 2005 in 2006. The present
value of the stock options and restricted shares awarded to each director for 2004 was
approximately $9,000. The present value calculations use as the discount rate the 5-year U.S.
Treasury rate and are based on assumptions including a five-year projected future market value and
an assumed growth in dividends.
Each member of the Corporations Board of Directors and Advisory Board who receives retainers
and fees may elect to receive such retainers and fees in the form of either cash or Corporation
common stock, or a combination of cash and Corporation common stock. To the extent such members
elect to receive payment of retainers and fees in the form of Corporation common stock, such stock
is purchased through the Corporations dividend reinvestment plan.
- 7 -
CORPORATIONS AND BANKS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the current executive
officers of the Corporation and the Bank.
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Position for Last Five Years |
|
|
Age |
|
Craig G. Litchfield |
|
|
58 |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and the Bank since January 1997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dawn A. Besse |
|
|
55 |
|
Executive
Vice President and Director of Sales, Service and Employee
Development of the Bank since August 2000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harold F. Hoose, III |
|
|
39 |
|
Executive
Vice President and Director of Lending of the Bank since March 2005; formerly Vice President of the Bank since September 2001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark A. Hughes |
|
|
45 |
|
Treasurer of
the Corporation since November 2000; Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank since August 2000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas L. Rudy, Jr. |
|
|
42 |
|
Executive Vice President and Director of Branch Delivery of the Bank since
February 2004; formerly President of C&N Financial Services Corporation since
January 2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deborah E. Scott |
|
|
46 |
|
Executive Vice President and Senior Trust Officer of the Bank since September 1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee (Committee) of the Board of Directors of the Bank establishes
compensation policies, plans and programs which are intended to accomplish three objectives: to
attract and retain highly capable and well qualified executives; to focus executives efforts on
increasing long-term stockholder value; and to reward executives at levels which are reasonable and
competitive within the marketplace for similar positions and commensurate with the performance of
each executive and of the Corporation. Each member of the Committee is an independent non-employee
director. The Committee establishes the salaries of the other executive officers with input from
the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors reviews all decisions relating to the
compensation of the executive officers.
The key elements in the Corporations executive compensation program, all determined by
individual and corporate performance, are base salary compensation, annual cash bonus incentive
compensation, long-term incentive compensation, and equitable retirement benefits.
Annual compensation for the Chief Executive Officer is determined in essentially the same way
as for other executives, recognizing that the CEO has overall responsibility for the performance of
the Corporation. The Committee believes that the CEO compensation should be heavily influenced by
the performance of the Corporation. Base salaries and compensation programs are set at levels
competitive with peer banking institutions and are adjusted for individual performance. To develop
peer groups for the Corporation, Ben S Cole Financial Incorporated (Cole Financial) collected
market pay data from surveys covering the banking industry. Cole Financial then analyzed the
compensation of the Corporations executive officers as compared with compensation packages offered
by U.S. financial institutions of similar asset or revenue size, as applicable.
In establishing Mr. Litchfields base salary for 2005, the Committee reached their conclusion
using the directors evaluation of Mr. Litchfields performance and the information provided by the
Cole Financial CEO Compensation Survey. The survey established a Peer Group of 40 financial
institutions with a 2004 average asset
- 8 -
size approximately equal to the Corporation, and further narrowed their Peer Group to a Core Group
of 25 bank holding companies with Returns on Assets of 1.10% or better. According to the survey,
the Corporations return on average assets (ROA) for 2004 was 1.33%, while the Core Groups
projected average ROA was 1.38 % and the Peer Groups projected average ROA was 1.20%. Mr.
Litchfields 2004 base salary of $303,849 is 3% below the average base salary of CEOs in the 40
Peer Group. Mr. Litchfields total compensation with bonus and incentives for 2004 was 88% of the
average total compensation of CEOs in the 40 Peer Group and 85% of the average total compensation
of CEOs in the Core Group of 25 bank holding companies. In December 2004, the Committee
established the Chief Executive Officers 2005 base salary at $320,000, representing a 5.32%
increase over 2004.
The compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and executive officers is reviewed annually by
the Committee, except for decisions about cash bonuses under the Incentive Award Plan. The
incentive opportunities in the Incentive Award Plan apply to meeting the Threshold, Target and
Maximum levels of the Corporations Return on Average Assets as compared to peers and growth in
Core Bank Earnings as defined in the Incentive Award Plan, compared to selected benchmarks. The
CEO Performance Criteria Weighting for 2004 applied 90% to corporate performance and 10% for
individual performance. The Corporations Incentive Award Plan target and maximum awards for 2004
were 40% and 60% of base compensation for the CEO. For 2003 performance, the CEO Incentive Award
was 32% of base compensation and 83% of the average cash bonuses awarded to the Peer Group CEOs in
2003. In December 2004, for 2004 performance, the Committee established the Chief Executive
Officers Incentive Award of 31% of base compensation, which equates to a cash bonus of $94,204.
The Corporation approved a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective
January 1, 1989. It was designed for the purpose of retaining talented executives and to promote
in these executives a strong interest in the long-term, successful operation of the Corporation.
Since the Banks Pension Plan provides a substantially reduced benefit as a percentage of final
compensation for the executive officers as compared to non-executives, the Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan is intended to supplement the total retirement benefit package of the covered
executives. The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan is an unfunded plan and is subject to the
general creditors of the Corporation.
The Corporation approved a Stock Incentive Plan effective January 1, 1995. The Stock
Incentive Plan is designed to advance the development, growth and financial condition of the
Corporation while attracting, retaining and rewarding executives.
The Committee believes that the programs discussed above further the stockholders interests
since a significant part of executive compensation is based on obtaining results for the
stockholders. The Committee bases its review on experience of its own members, on information
requested from management and information compiled by various independent compensation consultants.
The Committee believes that the program encourages responsible management of the Corporation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members of the Compensation Committee, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Robert DeCamp, Chairman
|
|
Edward H. Owlett, III |
|
|
R. Bruce Haner
|
|
Leonard Simpson |
|
|
Leo F. Lambert
|
|
James E. Towner |
- 9 -
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table contains information with respect to annual compensation for services in
all capacities to the Corporation and Bank for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and
2003 of those persons who were, at December 31, 2005, (i) the Chief Executive Officer and (ii) the
four (4) other most highly compensated executives to the extent such persons total salary and
bonus exceeded $100,000:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ANNUAL COMPENSATION |
|
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Options |
|
Compen- |
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus (1) |
|
Awards (2)(3) |
|
Awards (2) |
|
sation (4) |
Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
CRAIG G. LITCHFIELD |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
320,000 |
|
|
|
88,320 |
|
|
|
16,875 |
|
|
|
5,515 |
|
|
|
47,517 |
|
Chairman, President and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
303,849 |
|
|
|
94,204 |
|
|
|
17,151 |
|
|
|
5,715 |
|
|
|
43,315 |
|
CEO |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
286,650 |
|
|
|
91,372 |
|
|
|
11,049 |
|
|
|
7,204 |
|
|
|
38,401 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARK A. HUGHES |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
|
|
32,954 |
|
|
|
6,210 |
|
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
20,125 |
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
145,444 |
|
|
|
34,510 |
|
|
|
6,382 |
|
|
|
2,145 |
|
|
|
18,406 |
|
and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
137,852 |
|
|
|
28,604 |
|
|
|
4,146 |
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
18,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEBORAH E. SCOTT |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
133,482 |
|
|
|
21,983 |
|
|
|
6,210 |
|
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
16,689 |
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
124,643 |
|
|
|
23,881 |
|
|
|
6,382 |
|
|
|
2,145 |
|
|
|
15,487 |
|
and Senior Trust Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
119,080 |
|
|
|
24,709 |
|
|
|
4,146 |
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
15,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DAWN A. BESSE |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
20,027 |
|
|
|
6,210 |
|
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
20,292 |
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
110,006 |
|
|
|
21,751 |
|
|
|
6,382 |
|
|
|
2,145 |
|
|
|
18,838 |
|
and Director of Sales, Service |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
99,060 |
|
|
|
20,349 |
|
|
|
4,146 |
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
17,223 |
|
and Employee Development |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THOMAS L. RUDY, JR. |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
114,402 |
|
|
|
18,113 |
|
|
|
6,210 |
|
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
13,180 |
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
117,325 |
|
|
|
19,659 |
|
|
|
4,387 |
|
|
|
1,435 |
|
|
|
12,203 |
|
and Director of Branch |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
101,746 |
|
|
|
7,086 |
|
|
|
2,094 |
|
|
|
1,350 |
|
|
|
8,785 |
|
Delivery |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The bonus is paid pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan, which is described on page 15. |
|
(2) |
|
Determined by multiplying the market value of the Corporations common stock on
the date of grant by the number of shares awarded. Recipients receive dividends on, and have
rights to vote, shares of restricted stock. The awards of restricted shares of Corporation
common stock and stock options granted on January 3, 2005, at the closing price of $27.00 per
share, were based on performance for the year ended December 31, 2004. There were no awards
granted for the year ended December 31, 2005, as the earnings per share compound growth
threshold was not met. The restricted shares vest in three equal annual increments on the
anniversaries of the awards. |
|
(3) |
|
The total number of restricted shares and the aggregate market value thereof at
December 31, 2005 are as follows: Mr. Litchfield held 1,339 restricted shares having an
aggregate market value of $34,319; Mr. Hughes held 496 restricted shares having an aggregate
market value of $12,712; Mrs. Scott held 496 restricted shares having an aggregate market
value of $12,712; Mrs. Besse held 496 restricted shares having an aggregate market value of
$12,712; and Mr. Rudy held 393 restricted shares having an aggregate market value of $10,073.
Dividends accrue and are paid on the restricted shares. The aggregate market value is based
on the fair market value at December 31, 2005 of $25.63 per share. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 2005 (a) contributions to the following accounts under the Banks
Savings & Retirement Plan (401k): Mr. Litchfield, $16,800; Mr. Hughes $15,560; Mrs. Scott,
$12,590; Mrs. Besse, $11,340; and Mr. Rudy, $10,724,and (b) allocations to the following
Non-Qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan accounts: Mr. Litchfield, $30,717; Mr.
Hughes $4,565; Mrs. Scott, $4,099; Mrs. Besse, $8,952; and Mr. Rudy, $2,456. |
- 10 -
STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
In 1995, the Corporations Board of Directors adopted and the stockholders approved the
Citizens & Northern Corporation Stock Incentive Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to advance the
development, growth and financial condition of the Corporation by providing incentives through
participation in the appreciation of the capital stock in order to secure, retain and motivate
personnel responsible for the operation and management of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Participants in the Stock Incentive Plan include the officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table, as set forth herein, as well as other officers and key employees.
No stock options or shares of restricted stock were granted by the Board of Directors under
the Stock Incentive Plan in January 2006, as the performance for the year ended December 31, 2005
did not meet the earnings per share growth threshold of the Plan.
The Board of Directors granted 31,500 qualified stock options in January 2005 for key officers
of the Bank, based on performance for the year ended December 31, 2004, and 29,325 shares under
options in January 2004, based on performance for 2003. (The number of options granted in 2003
have been adjusted for the 3-for-2 stock split issued in April 2003.) The period of the options
is ten (10) years, commencing from the date of the grant, and become exercisable six (6) months
from the grant date. Once the options are exercisable, all or a portion of the available
exercisable options may be exercised at any time within the ten (10) year period from the grant
date. If employment with the Bank terminates, except in the event of death or disability, the
optionee has three (3) months from the date of termination to exercise any exercisable options
outstanding as of the date of cessation of employment. In the event of an optionees death or
disability, the optionee or their legal representative may exercise any options to which the
optionee was entitled as of the date of cessation of employment.
The Board of Directors also granted 3,480 shares of restricted stock under the Stock Incentive
Plan in January 2005 based on 2004 performance and 3,270 shares were granted in January 2004 for
2003 performance. (The number of awards granted in 2003 have been adjusted for the 3-for-2 stock
split issued in April 2003.) Restricted stock awards require no payment from the selected officers
and vest ratably over three (3) years.
There are 130,252 shares reserved for future grants under the Stock Incentive Plan.
OPTION GRANTS
The following table sets forth information concerning stock options granted in 2005 under the
Stock Incentive Plan to the Chief Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated executives
of the Corporation named in the Summary Compensation Table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential Realizable |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value at Assumed |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Granted |
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
Annual Rates of Stock |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
to Employees |
|
or Base |
|
|
|
Price Appreciation for |
|
|
|
Options |
|
in Fiscal |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Option Term (1) |
|
Name |
|
Granted |
|
Year |
|
($/Share) |
|
Date |
|
5% |
|
10% |
|
Craig G. Litchfield |
|
|
5,515 |
|
|
|
17.51 |
% |
|
$ |
27.00 |
|
|
|
1/03/2015 |
|
|
$ |
93,646 |
|
|
$ |
237,316 |
|
Mark A. Hughes |
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
6.56 |
% |
|
$ |
27.00 |
|
|
|
1/03/2015 |
|
|
$ |
35,065 |
|
|
$ |
88,859 |
|
Deborah E. Scott |
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
6.56 |
% |
|
$ |
27.00 |
|
|
|
1/03/2015 |
|
|
$ |
35,065 |
|
|
$ |
88,859 |
|
Dawn A. Besse |
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
6.56 |
% |
|
$ |
27.00 |
|
|
|
1/03/2015 |
|
|
$ |
35,065 |
|
|
$ |
88,859 |
|
Thomas L. Rudy, Jr. |
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
6.56 |
% |
|
$ |
27.00 |
|
|
|
1/03/2015 |
|
|
$ |
35,065 |
|
|
$ |
88,859 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the difference between the market value of the common stock for which the
option may be exercised, assuming that the market value of the common stock on the date of
grant appreciates in value to the end of the |
- 11 -
|
|
|
|
|
ten-year option term at annualized rates of 5% and 10%, respectively, and the exercise price of
the option. The rates of appreciation used in this table are prescribed by regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast future appreciation of the
market value of the common stock. |
AGGREGATED STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISED DURING 2005
AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information concerning the exercise during 2005 of options
granted under the Stock Incentive Plan by the Chief Executive Officer and the four most highly
compensated executives of the Corporation named in the Summary Compensation Table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
Value |
|
Number of Securities |
|
Value of Unexercised |
|
|
Shares |
|
Realized |
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
In-the-Money |
|
|
Acquired |
|
on Shares |
|
Options at |
|
Options on |
Name |
|
On Exercise |
|
Acquired (1) |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
December 31, 2005 (2) |
|
Craig G. Litchfield |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
8,028 |
|
|
|
50,643 |
|
|
$ |
59,683 |
|
Mark A. Hughes |
|
|
865 |
|
|
|
14,584 |
|
|
|
10,438 |
|
|
$ |
13,689 |
|
Deborah E. Scott |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
15,428 |
|
|
$ |
22,377 |
|
Dawn A. Besse |
|
|
4,605 |
|
|
|
68,193 |
|
|
|
6,910 |
|
|
$ |
13,230 |
|
Thomas L. Rudy, Jr. |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
7,202 |
|
|
$ |
6,921 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the difference between the market value on the date of exercise of the
shares acquired and the option price of those shares. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the difference between the aggregate market value at December 31, 2005 of
the shares subject to the options and the aggregate option price of those shares. |
There were no Unexercisable Options at December 31, 2005.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth information concerning the Stock Incentive Plan and Independent
Directors Stock Incentive Plan, both of which have been approved by the security holders. The
figures are as of December 31, 2005. The stockholders have approved all of the Corporations
equity compensation plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Weighted-Average |
|
Remaining Available for |
|
|
To be Issued Upon |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
Future Issuance Under |
|
|
Exercise of |
|
Outstanding |
|
Equity Compensation |
|
|
Outstanding Options |
|
Options |
|
Plans |
|
Equity Compensation Plans
Approved by Security Holders |
|
|
203,993 |
|
|
$ |
21.51 |
|
|
|
161,882 |
|
Equity Compensation Plans
Not Approved by Security Holders |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
- 12 -
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Set forth below is a chart comparing the Corporations cumulative return to stockholders
against the cumulative return of the Russell 2000 and a Peer Group Index of similar banking
organizations selected by the Corporation for the five year period commencing December 31, 2000 and
ended December 31, 2005. The index values are market-weighted dividend-reinvestment numbers which
measure the total return for investing $100.00 five years ago. This meets Securities & Exchange
Commission requirements for showing dividend reinvestment share performance over a five year period
and measures the return to an investor for placing $100.00 into a group of bank stocks and
reinvesting any and all dividends into the purchase of more of the same stock for which dividends
were paid.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN
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|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
PERIOD ENDED |
|
|
AS OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/31/00 |
|
12/31/01 |
|
12/31/02 |
|
12/31/03 |
|
12/31/04 |
|
12/31/05 |
C&N |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
136.99 |
|
|
$ |
172.23 |
|
|
$ |
235.22 |
|
|
$ |
245.94 |
|
|
$ |
243.79 |
|
Russell 2000 |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
102.49 |
|
|
$ |
81.49 |
|
|
$ |
120.00 |
|
|
$ |
142.00 |
|
|
$ |
148.46 |
|
C&N Peer Group |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
124.51 |
|
|
$ |
153.96 |
|
|
$ |
209.93 |
|
|
$ |
232.07 |
|
|
$ |
221.09 |
|
The C&N peer group consists of banks headquartered in Pennsylvania with total assets of $500
million to $1.3 billion. This peer group consists of ACNB Corporation, Gettysburg; American Bank
Incorporated, Allentown; AmeriServ Financial, Inc., Johnstown; Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation, Bryn
Mawr; CNB Financial Corporation, Clearfield; Citizens Financial Services, Inc., Mansfield; Comm
Bankcorp, Inc., Clarks Summit; Ephrata National Bank, Ephrata; Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc.,
Dunmore; First Chester County Corp., West Chester; First Keystone Corporation, Berwick; First
National Community Bankcorp, Inc., Dunmore; Franklin Financial Services Corporation, Chambersburg;
IBT Bancorp, Inc., Irwin; Leesport Financial Corp., Wyomissing; Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.,
Shippensburg; Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc., Williamsport; Penseco Financial Services Corporation,
Scranton; PSB Bancorp, Inc., Philadelphia; QNB Corp., Quakertown; Republic First Bancorp, Inc. ,
Philadelphia; and Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, Inc., Narbeth.
The data for this graph was obtained from SNL Financial L.C.
- 13 -
PENSION PLAN
The Citizens & Northern Bank Pension Plan (the Plan) is a qualified defined benefit plan
under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan is intended to provide a defined
retirement benefit to participants without regard to the profits of the Bank. Employees are
neither required nor permitted to contribute to the Plan. Annual contributions by the Bank are
determined actuarially. To participate in the Plan, an employee must be 18 years of age and have
completed one year of service. A participants retirement benefit, which becomes fully vested
after 5 years of service, is based on compensation and credited service with the Bank. For
purposes of determining a retirement benefit, the term compensation is defined to include an
employees total remuneration received from the Bank, including base salary, bonus and overtime.
Benefits are a percentage of the average compensation for the five consecutive years of highest
compensation preceding retirement, multiplied by the number of years of completed service, up to 25
years. The Banks Trust and Financial Services Department serves as Trustee under the Plan.
The following table indicates, for purposes of illustration, the approximate amounts of annual
retirement income which would be payable under the terms of the Plan, in the form of a straight
life annuity, to a participant who retired as of December 31, 2005, at age 65, under various
assumptions as to compensation and years of credited service. For 2005, the Pension Plan benefits
are determined on only the first $210,000, as indexed, in compensation as determined by the
Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and as prescribed by law.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
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|
|
|
|
Years of Credited Service |
Average Annual Compensation |
|
15 |
|
20 |
|
25(or more) |
|
|
|
$100,000 |
|
$ |
18,502 |
|
|
$ |
24,670 |
|
|
$ |
30,837 |
|
$125,000 |
|
$ |
24,315 |
|
|
$ |
32,420 |
|
|
$ |
40,524 |
|
$150,000 |
|
$ |
30,127 |
|
|
$ |
40,170 |
|
|
$ |
50,212 |
|
$175,000 |
|
$ |
35,940 |
|
|
$ |
47,920 |
|
|
$ |
59,899 |
|
$200,000 |
|
$ |
41,752 |
|
|
$ |
55,670 |
|
|
$ |
69,587 |
|
$205,000 |
|
$ |
42,915 |
|
|
$ |
57,220 |
|
|
$ |
71,524 |
|
$210,000 and over |
|
$ |
44,077 |
|
|
$ |
58,770 |
|
|
$ |
73,462 |
|
The credited years of service under the Plan as of December 31, 2005 was 33 years for Mr.
Litchfield, 5 years for Mr. Hughes, 8 years for Mrs. Scott, 5 years for Mrs. Besse, and 6 years for
Mr. Rudy.
In December 1989, the Bank established a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan
for certain key executive employees (Executive Plan). The Executive Plan provides a retirement
benefit for executives who retire after attaining age 55 and 5 years of plan service in an amount
determined annually by the Directors. The Board of Directors may terminate the Executive Plan at
any time. In 2005, the amounts accrued pursuant to the Executive Plan for the accounts of the
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth herein, is included in All Other
Compensation.
SAVINGS PLAN
The Citizens & Northern Savings and Retirement Plan (Savings Plan) is qualified under
Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. It allows a participant to authorize the deposit into
the Plan of before tax earnings of from 1% to 15% of his compensation. Under the Tax Reform Act,
the maximum amount of elective contributions that could be made by a participant during 2005 was
Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000.00) plus a Four Thousand Dollar ($4,000.00) catch-up
contribution if over age 50, also subject to a $210,000 compensation limit. All officers and
employees of the Bank, including the officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth
herein, are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. A participant also may make voluntary
contributions to the Savings Plan from after tax savings of up to 10% of the participants
compensation. The Bank is required to contribute a basic employer contribution equal to 2% of each
eligible participants compensation; in addition, the Bank may make a discretionary basic
contribution. The total actual basic employer contribution for 2005 was equal to 4%. In addition,
the Bank makes matching contributions equal to 100% of a participants before tax contributions up
to 3% of compensation and equal to 50% of such contributions between 3% and 5% of compensation.
The Banks basic employer contributions are invested in the common stock of the Corporation. All
participants contributions and the
- 14 -
Banks matching contributions for 2005, at the participants election, were invested in a choice of
investment funds maintained by the Bank as Trustee. In 2005, the Banks contribution to the
Savings Plan for the accounts of the officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth
herein is included as All Other Compensation.
INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
The Board of Directors has adopted an Incentive Award Plan for certain members of the
management group of the Bank in order to promote a superior level of performance regarding the
Banks financial goals and to attract and retain competent management. Under the Incentive Award
Plan, if predetermined performance goals are realized by the Bank in a given fiscal year, the
participants will receive awards based upon the target or maximum levels of payout as determined by
the Plan.
Pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Award Plan, immediately before the beginning of each
year the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Bank will designate the
participants in the Incentive Award Plan and set a minimum and maximum level of awards for each
class of participants and the individual performance and financial goals of the Bank or appropriate
unit to be achieved. The Compensation Committee, at its discretion, may adjust award payments
under the Incentive Award Plan based on extraordinary circumstances, conflicts with long-term
financial and development objectives, or below standard individual participant performance. All
awards under the Incentive Award Plan are paid in cash as soon as practical after the end of a plan
year.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENTS
The Corporation and the Bank (the Employer) have entered into Change in Control Agreements
(the Agreements) with Messrs. Litchfield, Hughes, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Besse, Mr. Rudy and certain
other officers (each an Employee), effective December 31, 2003. The purpose of the Agreements is
to retain and secure key employees and encourage their continued attention and dedication to their
assigned duties without the distraction of potential disturbing circumstances arising from the
possibility of a change in control of the Corporation and Bank.
The Change in Control Agreements are not employment agreements. The Agreements provide for a
lump sum severance benefit in the event certain events take place after there is a change in
control, as defined in the Agreement, of the Corporation, or for a period of twenty-four (24)
months thereafter. If the Employee remains employed for more than twenty-four (24) months after a
change in control, nothing is payable.
Under the Agreements, the term termination means the termination of the employment of the
officer either by the Employer for any reason other than death, disability, or cause, or by
resignation of the Employee upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events: a
significant change in the Employees authorities or duties, a reduction in annual salary, or a
material reduction in benefits; the relocation of the Employees office to a location more than 35
miles from the location of the Employees office immediately prior to the employment period; the
Employee is unable to exercise the authorities, powers, functions or duties associated with the
Employees position; or the failure of the Corporation to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any
successor to assume and agree to perform the Agreement in the same manner and extent as if no
succession had taken place.
In the event of a termination, the Agreements provide severance benefits of (i) Employer-paid
group medical insurance continuation premiums for a period of eighteen (18) months after the date
of termination, and (ii) a lump sum payment in cash no later than thirty (30) business days after
the date of termination equal to the sum of the Employees unpaid salary, accrued vacation pay and
unreimbursed business expenses through and including the date of termination; and an amount equal
to one (1) times the Employees base salary in effect immediately prior to the date of termination.
The original Agreements terminated on December 31, 2005, but are automatically extended for
additional one-year periods unless written notice is provided by the Employer or Employee that such
party does not wish to extend the term. If a change in control occurs during the original or
extended term of the Agreements, the term shall continue for a period of twenty-four (24) months
and end upon the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period.
The amount of severance salary benefits that each of the above-named executive officers would
be entitled to, pursuant to the Agreements, if an event which triggered the payment occurred on the
date of the Proxy Statement,
- 15 -
is as follows: Messrs. Litchfield $336,000, Hughes $176,005, Mrs. Scott $135,018, Mrs. Besse
$124,800 and Mr. Rudy $110,240. The total of such severance salary benefit payments for all
covered Employees would be $1,356,287.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS
On April 20, 2004, the Stockholders of the Corporation authorized the Corporation to enter
into Indemnification Agreements with the Directors of the Corporation and the Bank and certain
officers of the Bank, as designated by the Board of Directors. The primary purpose of the
Agreements is to ensure the ability of the Corporation and the Bank to continue to attract and
retain responsible, competent and otherwise qualified directors and officers. The Indemnification
Agreements were entered into with all Directors of the Bank and Corporation, as well as the
Corporations and Banks Executive Officers as named on page 8, beginning in late May 2004.
The indemnification agreements provide to covered directors and officers the most advantageous
of any combination of benefits under (i) the benefits provided by the Bylaws of the Corporation in
effect as of the date the agreements were are entered into; (ii) the benefits provided by the
Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation or their equivalent of the Corporation in effect at the time
indemnification expenses are incurred by an indemnitee; (iii) the benefits allowable under
Pennsylvania law in effect on the date of the agreements; (iv) the benefits allowable under the law
of the jurisdiction under which the Corporation exists at the time indemnifiable expenses are
incurred by an indemnitee; (v) the benefits available under a liability insurance policy obtained
by the Corporation and its subsidiaries in effect on the date of the agreements; (vi) the benefits
available under a liability insurance policy obtained by the Corporation and its subsidiaries, in
effect at the time the indemnifiable expenses are incurred by an indemnitee; and (vii) such other
benefits as are or may otherwise be available to the indemnitee.
The Corporation is not obligated to, nor has it agreed to provide funding for its obligations
under the agreements. The Corporation is obligated, however, to pay its obligations under the
agreements from general assets or insurance. The agreements do require the Corporation to continue
to purchase D&O Coverage for so long as it is available on a commercially reasonable basis.
The indemnification available pursuant to the agreements is subject to a number of exclusions.
No indemnification is required under the agreements with respect to any claim as to which it is
finally proven by clear and convincing evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction that the
covered person acted or failed to act with deliberate intent to cause injury to the Corporation or
a subsidiary thereof or with reckless disregard for the Corporations best interest. The
Corporation is also not required to make any payment finally determined by a court to be unlawful
or any payment required under Section 16(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
In addition, any claim (or part thereof) against an indemnitee which falls within the prohibitions
of 12 C.F.R. §7.5217 (i.e. a prohibition on indemnification or insurance coverage for expenses,
penalties or other payments incurred in connection with an action by a banking regulatory agency
which results in a final order assessing monetary penalties or requiring affirmative action in the
form of payment to said bank) is excluded from indemnification under the agreements.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Certain directors and officers of the Corporation and the Bank and their associates (including
corporations of which such persons are officers or 10% beneficial owners) were customers of, and
had transactions with the Bank in the ordinary course of business during the year ended December
31, 2005. Similar transactions may be expected to take place in the future. Such transactions
included the purchase of certificates of deposit and extensions of credit in the ordinary course of
business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those
prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than
the normal risks of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. The Bank expects that
any other transactions with directors and officers and their associates in the future will be
conducted on the same basis.
- 16 -
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Parente Randolph, LLC, formerly Parente, Randolph, Orlando, Carey & Associates, has been the
independent public accounting firm appointed by the Bank since 1981, and was selected by the Board
as the independent public accounting firm for the Corporation and the Bank for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2005. The engagement of Parente Randolph, LLC as its independent accountants
for the year 2006 is subject to the review and approval by the Audit Committee. No member of the
firm or any of its associates has a financial interest in the Corporation. A representative of
Parente Randolph, LLC is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting to answer appropriate
questions from stockholders and will be afforded an opportunity to make any statement that the firm
desires.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Messrs. DeCamp, Haner, Lambert, Owlett, Simpson and Towner served as members of the
Compensation Committee during 2005 and none of them was an officer or employee of the Corporation
or any of its subsidiaries during that time. There are no interlocking relationships, as defined
in regulations of the SEC, involving members of the Compensation Committee.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Corporations officers and
directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of the Corporations common stock, to file
reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations to furnish the Corporation with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file.
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to the
Corporation during 2005 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Corporation with
respect to 2005, the Corporation believes that no director, officer or ten percent stockholder or
any other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, failed to make on a timely basis during
2005 any reports required to be filed by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, except as follows. Mr.
Owlett had four delinquent Form 4 filings due to purchases made with the cash dividends for his
childrens accounts that are managed by a brokerage firm. Mrs. Besse had one late filing reporting
two sales that were inadvertently missed.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
The Corporations Articles of Incorporation contain provisions that address the process by
which a stockholder may nominate an individual to stand for election to the Board of Directors.
Stockholder recommendations for members of the Board should be submitted in writing to the
President of the Corporation, and must include the stockholders name, address, and the number of
shares owned. The recommendation must also include the name, address and principal occupation of
the proposed nominee as well and number of shares owned by the notifying stockholder and the total
number of shares that will be voted for the proposed nominee. Stockholder recommendations must
also include the information that would be required to be disclosed in the solicitation of proxies
for the election of directors under federal securities laws, including the candidates consent to
be elected and to serve. The Articles of Incorporation specify that nominations from stockholders
must be delivered or mailed not less than fourteen (14) days nor more than fifty (50) days prior to
the stockholder meeting at which directors will be elected, except in the case where less than
twenty-one (21) days notice is given of a stockholder meeting, in which case a notifying
stockholder can mail or deliver a nomination not later than the close of business on the seventh
day after the day the meeting notice was mailed.
The Corporations 2007 Annual Meeting of stockholders is scheduled to be held in April 2007.
Any stockholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2007 Annual Meeting and who wishes to have
the proposal included in the Corporations proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting must
deliver the proposal to the Corporations executive offices, 90-92 Main Street, P.O. Box 58,
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901, by November 20,
- 17 -
2006. Citizens & Northern must receive notice of all other stockholder proposals for the 2006
annual meeting delivered or mailed no less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to the Annual
Meeting; provided, however, that if less than twenty-one days notice of the annual meeting is given
to stockholders then the Corporation must receive notice not less than seven days following the
date on which notice of the annual meeting was mailed. If notice is not received by the
Corporation within this time frame, the Corporation will consider such notice untimely. The
Corporation reserves the right to vote in its discretion all of the shares of common stock for
which it has received proxies for the 2007 annual meeting with respect to any untimely shareholder
proposals.
OTHER MATTERS
The management of the Corporation does not intend to bring any other matters before the Annual
Meeting and is not presently informed of any other business which others may bring before such
meeting. However, if any other matters should properly come before such meeting or any adjournment
thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters
as they, in their discretion, determine.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you wish to communicate with the Board, you may send correspondence to Kathleen M. Osgood,
Corporate Secretary, Citizens & Northern Corporation, 90-92 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901. The
Corporate Secretary will submit your correspondence to the Board or the appropriate committee, as
applicable. You may also communicate directly with the presiding non-management director of the
Board by sending correspondence to Lead Director, Board of Directors, Citizens & Northern
Corporation, 90-92 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901.
The Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 2005, including financial statements
as certified by Parente Randolph, LLC, was mailed with this Proxy Statement on or about March 21,
2006, to the stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 28, 2006.
An additional copy of the Corporations 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the financial statements and schedules thereto, will
be furnished free of charge to stockholders. Written request should be directed to the Treasurer,
Citizens & Northern Corporation, 90-92 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, 16901, or by phone at
570-724-3411.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
|
|
|
|
Kathleen M. Osgood |
|
|
Corporate Secretary |
|
|
|
Dated: March 21, 2006 |
|
|
- 18 -
CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD APRIL 18, 2006
The undersigned hereby appoints Dennis F. Beardslee and Edward L. Learn, and each or either of
them, as the attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution in each, to
vote all shares of the common stock of Citizens & Northern Corporation which the undersigned would
be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 2:00 P.M. (local time), at the Arcadia Theatre, 50 Main Street,
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901, and at any adjournments thereof, and to vote as follows:
1. |
|
ELECTION OF CLASS I DIRECTORS.
Nominees: R. Robert DeCamp, Edward H. Owlett, III and James E. Towner. |
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o VOTE FOR all nominees listed above (except as marked to the contrary below)
|
|
o VOTE WITHHELD from all nominees listed above. |
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write that nominees name on the space provided above.)
2. |
|
OTHER MATTERS. In their discretion, to vote with respect to any other matters that may
properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof. |
WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE STOCKHOLDER. UNLESS
OTHERWISE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION AS DIRECTORS OF THE NOMINEES LISTED
IN PROPOSAL 1.
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS HEREON. When shares are held as 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.
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Dated:
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|
, 2006 |
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Signature |
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Signature |
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PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.