def14a
SCHEDULE 14A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
FENTURA
FINANCIAL, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s)
Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required.
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(3)
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Total fee paid: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. |
Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing.
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement: |
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Filing Party: |
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Date Filed: |
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS
FENTURA FINANCIAL, INC.
175 North Leroy Street
P.O. Box 725
Fenton, Michigan 48430 |
The Fentura Financial, Inc. 2010 Annual Shareholders Meeting will be held at the Fenton
Community Center, 150 South Leroy Street, Fenton, Michigan, Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at 10:00
a.m. for the following purposes:
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Elect three directors; |
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Ratify the appointment of Crowe Horwath LLP as Fenturas independent
registered public accounting firm for 2010; and |
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Transact any other business that may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment of the meeting. |
In the event that you have questions regarding the financial performance or financial condition of
Fentura Financial, Inc., a special mailing cards has been included for your individual use. Please
address your questions to any individual member of management or the Board of Directors and return
the card to us at your earliest convenience. If you would like a personal response by phone, email
or letter, please include your name and contact information.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 3, 2010, as the record date for the
purpose of determining shareholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and
any adjournment of the meeting.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Douglas J Kelley
Secretary |
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Fenton, Michigan March 10, 2010 |
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IMPORTANT
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN
TO ATTEND IN PERSON, YOU ARE URGED TO DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY FORM AND RETURN
IT PROMPTLY IN THE POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. This will assure your
representation and a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting. If you do attend the
meeting in person and if you have submitted a proxy form, it will not be necessary for you to vote
in person at the meeting. However, if you attend the meeting and wish to change your proxy vote,
you will be given an opportunity to do so.
PROXY STATEMENT
FENTURA FINANCIAL, INC.
175 North Leroy Street
P.O. Box 725
Fenton, Michigan 48430
Telephone: (810) 750-8725
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board
of Directors of Fentura Financial, Inc. (the Corporation) to be voted at the annual meeting of
its shareholders to be held at the Fenton Community Center, 150 South Leroy Street, Fenton,
Michigan, on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., eastern standard time, and at any
adjournment of the meeting, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting
of Shareholders. This proxy statement and form of proxy are first being sent to shareholders on or
about March 25, 2010.
If a proxy in the accompanying form is properly executed, duly returned to the Corporation,
and not revoked, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted at the annual meeting of the
Corporations shareholders and at any adjournment of that meeting. Where a shareholder specifies a
choice, a proxy will be voted as specified. If no choice is specified, the shares represented by
the proxy will be voted for election of all nominees of the Board of Directors. The Corporations
management does not know of any other matters to be presented at the annual meeting. If other
matters are presented, the shares represented by proxy will be voted at the discretion of the
persons designated as proxies, who will take into consideration the recommendations of the
Corporations management.
Any shareholder executing a proxy in the enclosed form has the power to revoke it by notifying
the Secretary of the Corporation in writing at the address indicated above at any time before it is
exercised, or by appearing at the meeting and voting in person.
Solicitation of proxies is being made by mail. Directors, officers, and regular employees of
the Corporation and its subsidiaries may also solicit proxies in person or by telephone without
additional compensation. In addition, banks, brokerage firms, and other custodians, nominees, and
fiduciaries may solicit proxies from the beneficial owners of shares they hold and may be
reimbursed by the Corporation for reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxy material to
beneficial owners of the Corporations stock. The Corporation will pay all expenses of soliciting
proxies.
Boards of Directors
The names of directors of the Corporation and the subsidiary banks, The State Bank (TSB),
Davison State Bank, West Michigan Community Bank, and Livingston Community Bank a division of TSB
(the Affiliate Banks), are set forth below.
FENTURA FINANCIAL, INC.
Forrest A. Shook (Chairman)
Chairman
NLB Corporation
William H. Dery
Medical Doctor
Mid-Michigan Medical Center
Kenneth R. Elston
Chief Financial Officer
3SI Security Systems
Donald L. Grill
President & CEO Fentura
and The State Bank
Thomas P. McKenney
Owner/President & Attorney
McKenney & McKenney
Brian P. Petty
Owner & President
Fenton Glass Service, Inc
Douglas W. Rotman
Partner
Ferris, Busscher & Zwiers, P.C.
Ian W. Schonsheck
CEO
Schonsheck, Inc
James A. Wesseling
Senior Partner & Attorney
Wesseling & Brackmann, P.C.
THE STATE BANK
Forrest A. Shook (Chairman)
Chairman
NLB Corporation
William H. Dery
Medical Doctor
Mid-Michigan Medical Center
Kenneth R. Elston
Chief Financial Officer
3SI Security Systems
Donald L. Grill
President & CEO Fentura
and The State Bank
Thomas P. McKenney
Owner/President & Attorney
McKenney & McKenney
Brian P. Petty
Owner & President
Fenton Glass Service, Inc
Ian W. Schonsheck
CEO
Schonsheck, Inc
Daniel J. Wollschlager
SVP & Senior Lender
The State Bank
DAVISON STATE BANK
Kenneth R. Duetsch (Chairman)
Real Estate Broker
Red Carpet Keim
Thomas G. Donaldson
Vice President
McLaren Foundation
Donald L. Grill
President & CEO Fentura
and The State Bank
Holly J. Pingatore
President & CEO
Davison State Bank
Craig L. Stefanko
Partner & President
DCC Development Corporation
Daniel J. Wollschlager
SVP & Senior Lender
The State Bank
William J. Zirnhelt
Business Manager
St. John
Evangelical Church
WEST MICHIGAN
COMMUNITY BANK
James A. Wesseling (Chairman)
Senior Partner & Attorney
Wesseling & Brackmann, P.C.
Michael A. Byars, M.D.
Partner
Georgetown Physicians, P.C.
James W. Fredricks
Economic Development Director
City of Hudsonville
Donald L. Grill
President & CEO Fentura
And The State Bank
Ronald L. Justice
President & CEO
West Michigan Community Bank
Douglas J. Kelley
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President Fentura
Richard A. Patmos
Co-Owner & President
Sunrise Acres, Inc.
Douglas W. Rotman
Partner & Vice President
Ferris, Busscher & Zwiers, P.C.
James H. Vander Kolk
President
Royal Plastics, Inc.
Samuel L. Wanner
Director of Finance
Calvin College
LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY BANK
Kenneth E. Burchfield (Chairman)
Senior Partner & Attorney
Burchfield, Park, & Pollesch, PC
Frederick P. Dillingham
Executive Director
Livingston County Economic
Development Council
Donald L. Grill
President & CEO Fentura
and The State Bank
Patrick M. Hanniford
Certified Public Accountant
Pfeffer, Hanniford, Palka
Thomas A. Janego
President
Livingston Community Bank
Steven T. Krause
Owner & President
Best Storage
Joseph J. Skandalaris, D.O.
Doctor of Internal Medicine
Internal Medical Specialist of
Howell
Roberta S. Balon-Vaughn
Attorney at Law
Of Counsel-Burchfield, Park &
Pollesch, PC
Daniel J. Wollschlager
SVP & Senior Lender
The State Bank
Patricia L. Wylie, D.D.S.
Partner and Dentist
Family Dental Care, PLLC
PROPOSAL 1 2010 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Corporations Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Each year, on a rotating
basis, the terms of office of the directors in one of the three classes expire. Directors are
elected for a three year term. The directors whose terms expire at the annual meeting (Class I
Directors) are William H. Dery, Thomas P. McKenney and Brian P. Petty. The Board has nominated
these same individuals for reelection as Class I Directors. If elected, the terms of these
directors will expire at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders.
Except for those individuals nominated by the Board of Directors, no persons may be nominated
for election at the 2010 annual meeting. The Corporations Bylaws require at least 120 days prior
written notice of any other proposed shareholder nominations. No nominations were received from a
shareholder prior to the required written notice date.
The proposed nominees are willing to be elected and to serve. In the event that any nominee is
unable to serve or is otherwise unavailable for election, which is not now contemplated the
incumbent Board of Directors may or may not select a substitute nominee. If a substitute nominee is
selected, all proxies will be voted for the person so selected. If a substitute nominee is not so
selected, all proxies will be voted for the election of the remaining nominee. Proxies will not be
voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named.
A vote of shareholders holding a plurality of shares voting is required to elect directors.
For the purpose of counting votes on this proposal, abstentions, broker nonvotes, and other shares
not voted will not be counted as shares voted. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for
the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.
The Nomination Process
Director nominees are considered and must be recommended to the full Board by the Director
Selection Committee, whose members are independent under SEC and NASDAQ Standards. When
considering a potential candidate for membership on the Corporations Board, the Committee seeks to
identify candidates who will meet the challenges and needs of the Board. The Committee considers,
among other qualifications, demonstrated character and judgment, diversity, geographic
representation, professional credentials, recognition in the marketplace, and experience in
business and the financial industry. While the Committee considers diversity among the various
qualifications, it has not adopted a formal diversity policy. In addition, the Committee has not
established specific minimum age, education, and years of business experience or specific types of
skills for potential candidates, but, in general, expects qualified candidates will have ample
experience and a proven record of business success and leadership. In general, the Board requires
that each of its members will have the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and
values; will consistently exercise sound and objective business judgment; and will have a comfort
with diversity in its broadest sense. In addition, it is anticipated that the Board as a whole
will have individuals with significant appropriate senior management and leadership experience, a
comfort with technology, a long-term and strategic perspective, and the ability to advance
constructive debate. It is considered important for the Board as a whole to operate in an
atmosphere where the chemistry of the Board is collaborative and constructive in effectively
representing the interests of the shareholders.
The Committee will consider shareholder nominations for directors submitted in accordance with
the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 15(c) of the Corporations Bylaws. The procedure
provides that a notice relating to the nomination must be given in writing to the Corporation not
later than 120 days prior to the annual meeting. Such notice must contain identification
information, business experience and background information with respect to the proposed nominee
and contain information with respect to the proposed nominees share ownership. There are no
differences in the manner in which the Committee evaluates a candidate that is recommended for
nomination for membership on the Corporations Board by a shareholder. As noted, the Board has
appropriately considered nominations from the Corporations shareholders in connection with the
annual meeting.
Upon receipt of information concerning a shareholder proposed candidate, the Committee
assesses the Boards needs, primarily whether or not there is a current or pending vacancy or a
possible need to fulfill by adding or replacing a director, and then develops a director profile by
comparing the current state of Board characteristics with the desired state and the candidates
qualifications. The profile and the candidates submitted information are provided to the Board
for discussion. Similarly, if at any time the Committee determines there may be a need to add or
replace a director, the Committee develops a director profile by comparing the current state of
Board characteristics with the desired state. If no candidates are apparent from any source, the
Committee will determine the appropriate method to conduct a search. The Committee has, to date,
not paid any third party fee to assist in identifying and evaluating nominees.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE
FOR ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES AS DIRECTORS
4
STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
Stock Ownership of Directors, Executive Officers and Certain Major Shareholders
At the close of business on March 3, 2010, the record date for determination of the
shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, the Corporation had issued and outstanding
2,250,028 shares of its common stock, the only class of voting securities presently outstanding.
Each share entitles its holder to one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the meeting.
In general, beneficial ownership includes those shares a director or officer has the power
to vote or transfer, and stock options that are exercisable currently or within 60 days. The table
below shows the beneficial stock ownership of the Corporations directors and executive officers
named in the summary compensation table below and those shareholders who hold more than 5% of the
total outstanding shares as of March 3, 2010.
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Shares |
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Percent |
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Name of |
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Beneficially |
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of |
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Beneficial Owner |
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Owned(1) |
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Outstanding(2) |
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William H. Dery (Director) |
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26,555 |
(3) |
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1.18 |
% |
Kenneth R. Elston (Director) |
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6,819 |
(3) |
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* |
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Donald L. Grill (Director, Executive Officer) |
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15,362 |
(3)(4) |
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* |
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Ronald L. Justice (Executive Officer) |
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6,271 |
(3)(4) |
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* |
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Douglas J. Kelley (Executive Officer) |
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2,114 |
(3)(4) |
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* |
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Thomas P. McKenney (Director) |
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15,949 |
(3) |
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* |
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Brian P. Petty (Director) |
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22,403 |
(3) |
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1.00 |
% |
Douglas W. Rotman (Director) |
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4,022 |
(3) |
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* |
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Ian W. Schonsheck (Director) |
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4,983 |
(3) |
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* |
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Forrest A. Shook (Director) |
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0 |
(5) |
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* |
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James A. Wesseling (Director) |
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4,151 |
(3) |
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* |
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Daniel J. Wollschlager (Executive Officer) |
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0 |
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* |
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Donald E. Johnson, Jr.(6) |
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220,836 |
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9.81 |
% |
Mary Alice Heaton(6) |
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113,583 |
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5.05 |
% |
Linda J. Lemieux(6) |
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104,083 |
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4.63 |
% |
Directors and Executive Officers
as a group (12 persons) |
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108,629 |
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4.83 |
% |
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The number of shares in this column includes shares owned directly or indirectly, through any
contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship, or that the indicated beneficial owner
otherwise has the power to vote, or direct the voting of, and/or has investment power. This
includes shares allocated to the person under the Corporations Employee Stock Ownership Plan
(ESOP). This column includes shares that may be acquired pursuant to stock options that are
exercisable within 60 days. |
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The symbol * shown in this column indicates ownership of less than 1%. |
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Ownership and voting rights of all shares are joint with spouse or individually held. |
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Includes 6,317 shares for Mr. Grill, 2,750 shares for Mr. Justice, and 1,095 shares for Mr.
Kelley that may be acquired pursuant to stock options that are exercisable within 60 days. |
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Mr. Shook transferred 53,402 shares of stock to his heirs for estate planning purposes in
December of 2009. |
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Each persons address is: SNB Trust Operations, 101 North Washington Avenue, Saginaw,
Michigan 48607. |
5
THE CORPORATIONS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Biographical information concerning the current directors and the nominees who are nominated
for election to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting is presented below. Except as
otherwise indicated, all directors and nominees have had the same principal employment for over
five years.
Nominees for 3-Year Terms Expiring in 2013
William H Dery, age 59, was appointed as a Director of The State Bank and as a Director of the
Corporation effective April 2009. Dr. Dery is a Class I Director. Dr. Dery is a Medical Doctor
and Director of the Midland Family Medicine Residency Program at Mid-Michigan Medical Center in
Midland, Michigan. Mr. Derys medical background provides a unique perspective on the Compensation
Committee which deals with employee benefits and in loan deliberations regarding loans to
professionals. Mr. Derys father, grandfather and great grandfather all previously served as
directors of The State Bank. Mr. Dery was recommended to the board by several sources, such as the
CEO, non-management director and shareholders.
Thomas P. McKenney, age 58, has been a Director of the Corporation since 1992 and was a
Director of The State Bank from 1991 to 2003, serving as Chairman of The State Banks Board from
2001 to 2003. Mr. McKenney was appointed Vice Chairman of the Corporation in May, 2003, and
re-appointed to The State Bank board in 2009. Mr. McKenney is a Class I Director. Mr. McKenney is
an attorney with a private practice located in Holly, Michigan. Mr. McKenney is an accomplished
and experienced attorney. He provides a unique legal and negotiating perspective to board
deliberations, and his experience with estate planning assists him in his role as head of the Trust
Committee at The State Bank. Mr. McKenney is a first cousin by marriage to the Corporations
Senior Vice President, Ronald L. Justice.
Brian P. Petty, age 52, was reappointed a Director of the Corporation effective September,
2002. Mr. Petty previously served as a Director of the Corporation from March of 1995 to December
of 2000. Mr. Petty has served as a Director of The State Bank since January of 1994 and has served
as Chairman from 2003 to 2009. He was re-appointed to the board of The State Bank in 2009. Mr.
Petty is a Class I Director. Mr. Petty is the owner and President of Fenton Glass Service, Inc.,
which sells and installs glass for automobile, residential, industrial and specialty uses. Mr .
Petty provides the board with a unique perspective as a successful small business owner. He also
provides a community perspective to his role as a director of The State Bank and Fentura Financial
Inc. having served on numerous boards in the Fenton area.
Directors with Terms Expiring in 2012
Donald L. Grill, age 62, has been a Director of the Corporation and The
State Bank since 1996. Mr. Grill is a Class III Director. Mr. Grill joined the Corporation as
President and Chief Executive Officer in 1996. From 1976-1983, Mr. Grill served as Executive Vice
President and Senior Lender at Key State Bank in Owosso, Michigan. From 1983-1996, Mr. Grill
served in several capacities at First of America Bank Corporation including President and Chief
Executive Officer of First of America Bank-
Frankenmuth. Mr. Grill also serves as a Director of Davison State Bank, West Michigan Community
Bank and Livingston Community Bank.
Douglas W. Rotman, age 45, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Corporation,
effective May, 2007. He has served on the Board of West Michigan Community Bank since 2004. Mr.
Rotman is a Class III Director. Mr. Rotman is a CPA, partner and Vice President at the accounting
firm of Ferris, Busscher, & Zwiers, P.C. located in Holland, Michigan. As a CPA, Mr. Rotman
provides substantial financial and analytical perspective to the analysis of company and bank
performance. His financial perspective is particularly valuable in loan deliberations at West
Michigan Community Bank.
6
Forrest A. Shook, age 67, has been a Director since 1996 and served as Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors of the Corporation from 1997 to May, 2003. Mr. Shook was appointed Chairman of
the Board of Directors of the Corporation in May, 2003. He was a member of The State Bank Board
from 1996 through 2000 and served as its Vice Chairman from 1997 through 2000, and was re-appointed
Chairman of The State Bank in 2009. Mr. Shook is a Class III Director. Mr. Shook is the founder
and Chairman of NLB Corporation located in Wixom, Michigan. NLB Corporation manufactures high
pressure pumps that are used around the world in many applications. Mr. Shook brings a unique
perspective to the Fentura Financial board as an entrepreneur, inventor and founder of a very
successful company. His areas of accomplishment and expertise include sales, marketing and
management.
Directors with Terms Expiring in 2011
Kenneth R. Elston, age 49, was appointed to the Board of Directors of The State Bank and the
Corporation, effective September, 2005. Mr. Elston is a Class II Director. Mr. Elston, a CPA, is
Chief Financial Officer for 3SI Security Systems in Exton, Pennsylvania. 3SI Security Systems is
the world leader in asset protection systems designed to recover stolen cash and high value assets,
apprehend criminals and deter crime. Mr. Elstons experience as the CFO of a publicly traded
company and his auditing background qualify him to serve as a financial expert and Chairman of the
Corporations Audit Committee.
James Wesseling, age 49, was appointed as a Class II Director of the Corporation in April,
2009. He is an attorney with the law firm of Wesseling & Brackmann, P.C. located in Hudsonville,
MI. Mr. Wesseling has served as Chairman of West Michigan Community Bank since 2004. Mr.
Wesseling provides the board with a west Michigan perspective. He has a successful estate planning
legal practice that assists him in serving as Chairman of the West Michigan Community Bank Trust
Committee. Mr. Wesseling was recommended to the board by the CEO and non-management director.
Ian W. Schonsheck, age 56, was appointed as a Class II Director of the Corporation in June,
2003. Mr. Schonsheck served as a Director of West Michigan Community Bank from 2004 to 2006. He
also serves as a director of The State Bank. He is the CEO of Schonsheck, Inc., a company he
founded in 1985. Schonsheck, Inc. is a design, construction and land development company that
specializes in industrial and commercial buildings, expansions and renovations. Mr. Schonsheck is
an experienced real estate developer, and is uniquely equipped to assist Fentura Financial and The
State Bank in deliberations regarding the acquisition or disposition of real estate, construction
or renovation of facilities or consideration of credit requests for such purposes.
Independence of Directors and Attendance at Meetings
The Board of Directors of the Corporation is composed of a majority of independent directors
(as independence is defined in Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Listing Standards). The Board has
determined that each of Messrs. Dery, Elston, McKenney, Petty, Rotman, Schonsheck, Shook, and
Wesseling are independent. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the Board of Directors
of the Corporation held a total of 12 regular meetings. Various committees of the Board held
meetings as needed. Each director attended at least 75 percent of the total meetings of the Board
of Directors and meetings of the
committees on which he served. The Corporation also encourages all members of the Board to attend
the Corporations annual meeting of shareholders each year. All members of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation attended the Corporations 2009 annual meeting.
7
Separate Chairman and Chief Executive Position and Boards Oversight of Risk
Since the inception of the holding company in 1987, the corporation has chosen to have
independence between board leadership and the bank leadership. Accordingly, board leadership
positions including the Chairmanship of the board and Audit Committee have always been outside or
non-management directors. While the Chief Executive Officers role is respected as to independence
in bank operations on day-today basis, the Chairmans independence provides meaningful and
appropriate oversight in fulfilling the fiduciary responsibilities of the board and representing
the interests of the shareholders.
Responsibilities for managing the various types of risks inherent in the Corporation and the
Banks are spread among the holding company and bank boards and committees, various members of
management and management committees. As separately chartered institutions, the subsidiary banks
are authorized and empowered by Michigan and federal banking law and regulation to operate
autonomously as commercial banks. Through a disciplined structure of board delegated authority,
individuals and committees are empowered to monitor and control operational risks, credit risks,
interest rate risks, etc. Internal and external testing is utilized to determine compliance with
risk control procedures. Affiliate bank boards are heavily involved on monitoring reports,
interacting with management, and communication with external audit firms. Summary reports are
provided to the holding company board for review and monitoring. Importantly, all holding company
directors also serve on one or more subsidiary bank boards which means that all holding company
directors are intimately aware of, and involved in, risk management at both the subsidiary bank and
holding company levels.
At the holding company level, the Audit Committee reviews with management, the internal
auditor and the independent auditor, the Corporations financial risks, the Corporations risk
management process, any major issues as to the adequacy of the Corporations internal controls and
any special audit steps adopted in light of any material control deficiencies.
Communication with the Corporations Board of Directors
Shareholders may communicate with members of the Corporations Board by mail addressed to the
Board of Directors, a specific member of the Board, or to a particular committee of the Board at
175 North Leroy Street, P.O. Box 725, Fenton, Michigan 48430-0725.
Director Compensation
The Corporation and Affiliate Bank directors are compensated in cash retainer fees or through
participation in stock purchase plan. Each director of the Corporation is paid an annual retainer
fee. In 2009, the annual retainer was $7,500. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional
annual $1,000 retainer fee. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional $250 for
each Audit Committee meeting attended and the remaining Audit Committee members receive $125 for
attending each Audit Committee meeting. Directors of the Corporation who also serve on Affiliate
Bank Boards receive additional compensation in connection with their Affiliate Bank Board service.
Stock option grants are available to directors who are not employees of the Corporation under
the 1996 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan. However, no options were granted to directors
during
the year 2009 and no options have been granted to directors since 1999. Exercisable stock
options issued in prior years are included in the table and footnotes which appear on page 5.
Directors of the Corporation and the Subsidiary Banks may use director cash retainer fees to
purchase shares of the Corporation issued by the Corporation at fair market value under the
Corporations Director Stock Retainer Plan. Directors may also use other personal funds or cash
retainer fees to purchase shares under the Fentura Financial, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan. This plan
permits all employees of the Corporation and Subsidiary Banks, as well as directors, to purchase
shares at fair market value through regular payroll or fee deductions and also through lump sum
payments. The maximum annual dollar amount of purchases per individual through payroll or fee
deductions is $10,000 and the maximum annual dollar amount of lump sum purchases is also $10,000,
for a total annual maximum of $20,000.
8
2009 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION ($)
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Change in |
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Pension |
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Value and |
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Nonqualified |
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Fees Earned or |
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Non-Equity |
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Deferred |
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Paid in |
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Stock |
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Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name |
|
Cash (1) |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
Compensation (2) |
|
Total |
|
William H. Dery
|
|
|
$3,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$3,667 |
|
|
|
$7,334 |
|
Kenneth R. Elston
|
|
|
$6,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$4,125 |
|
|
|
$10,750 |
|
Donald L. Grill(3)
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. David Karr(4)
|
|
|
$1,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$600 |
|
|
|
$2,100 |
|
Thomas P. McKenney
|
|
|
$5,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$4,125 |
|
|
|
$9,750 |
|
Thomas L. Miller(4)
|
|
|
$4,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$3,583 |
|
|
|
$7,833 |
|
Brian P. Petty
|
|
|
$6,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$4,958 |
|
|
|
$11,083 |
|
Douglas W. Rotman
|
|
|
$6,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$5,000 |
|
|
|
$11,500 |
|
Ian W. Schonsheck
|
|
|
$5,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$4,125 |
|
|
|
$9,750 |
|
Forrest A. Shook
|
|
|
$6,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$4,125 |
|
|
|
$10,750 |
|
Sheryl E. Stephens(4)
|
|
|
$2,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,375 |
|
|
|
$4,250 |
|
James A. Wesseling
|
|
|
$4,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$6,500 |
|
|
|
$10,500 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts for Messrs. Elston, Petty, and Rotman include fees paid as members of the Audit
Committee for each meeting attended. As Chairman, Mr. Shook receives an additional
retainer fee. |
|
(2) |
|
Amounts include retainer fees paid by a subsidiary Bank for serving on their Board. |
|
(3) |
|
Mr. Grill does not receive compensation for serving as a director of the Corporation or
subsidiary banks. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. Karr retired from the board in April of 2009. Ms. Stephens resigned from the board
for personal and
professional reasons in June 2009. Mr Miller resigned from the board for personal and
professional reasons
in October 2009. |
9
Code of Ethics
Fentura Financial, Inc. is dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards and principles
throughout our operations. Our Code of Ethics is a product of our commitment to comply with the
law and to conduct business ethically while reinforcing values of trust, respect, dignity, and
honesty which form the foundation for our relationships with our shareholders, employees, and
customers. The Corporations Board of Directors reaffirmed its Code of Ethics on February 25,
2010. The Code details principles and responsibilities governing professional and ethical conduct
for all directors and officers of the Corporation and its Affiliate Banks. Any changes or waivers
to the Code of Ethics will be promptly disclosed in our SEC filings.
Going beyond the legal requirements for corporate ethics, we require all board members and
members of management to sign our Code and to conduct themselves consistent with its requirements.
Additionally, the Boards of the Corporation and each Affiliate Bank and all Board Committees are
chaired by an independent outside director and, at each Board and Audit Committee session, our
outside directors reserve time for discussions without management or management directors present.
Another example of the Corporations commitment to ethical conduct is its support of the Internal
Audit Function. Previously outsourced, Internal Audit returned to an in house function in 2006 to
strengthen the risk-based annual audit program, including incorporating testing consistent with the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404, which the Corporation was required to comply with by December 31,
2007.
Committees of the Corporation Board
The Corporation maintains the following standing committees: Executive, Director Selection,
Audit, and Compensation/ESOP.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee, which met three times in 2009 consists of Messrs. Grill, McKenney,
and Shook. This Committee reviews in depth the status and progress of various projects, management
activities and the Corporations financial performance. As necessary, it provides guidance and
makes recommendations to management and/or the Board of Directors. During 2009 many traditional
executive committee topics were considered by the full board at regular board meetings.
Director Selection Committee
The Corporations Director Selection Committee consists of Messrs. McKenney, Shook and Miller
until his September 24, 2009 resignation. This Committee coordinates the process of identifying,
interviewing and recommending new director candidates. In reviewing director selections, the
Committee considers recommendations of shareholders. The Director Selection Committee met three
times during 2009. The Director Selection Committee adopted a charter on November 30, 2006, a copy
of which is available on the Corporations website at www.fentura.com.
Audit Committee
During 2009, the Corporations Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Elston, Petty and Rotman,
and the Subsidiary Bank Audit Committee chairpersons who serve as ex-officio members. The Audit
Committee oversees the Corporations corporate accounting, financial reporting and internal audit
processes. For this purpose, the Audit Committee performs several functions. For example, the
Audit Committee evaluates the performance of and assesses the qualifications of the independent
auditors; appoints and approves the compensation of the independent auditors; determines whether to
retain or terminate the existing independent auditors or to appoint and engage new independent
auditors; reviews the annual internal risk based audit plan and approves the retention of auditors
to perform portions of the internal audit functions and services which the independent auditors are
not permitted to perform; reviews the financial statements to be included in the Corporations
Annual Report on Form 10-K; and discusses with management and the independent auditors the results
of the annual audit and the results of the
10
Corporations quarterly financial statements.
Mr. Elston has been designated by the Board as the Audit Committees financial expert.
Mr. Elston is independent as defined in Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ listing standards.
The Audit Committee is guided by an Audit Committee Charter, which is available on the
Corporations website at www.fentura.com. All of the members of the Audit Committee are
independent, as defined in Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Listing Standards. During 2009, the Audit
Committee held five meetings. On March 8, 2010, the Audit Committee submitted to the Board the
following report:
Report of Audit Committee
We have reviewed and discussed with management the Corporations audited financial statements
as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009.
We have discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended (AICPA,
Professional Standards Volume 1 AU Section 380), as adopted by the Public Accounting Oversight
Board in Rule 3200T.
We have received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent
accountants required by applicable requirement of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
regarding the independent accountants communication with the audit committee concerning
independence, and have discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountants
independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, we recommend to the Board of Directors
that the financial statements referred to above be included in the Corporations annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
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Respectfully submitted, |
|
|
Audit Committee |
|
|
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|
|
Kenneth R. Elston, Chairman |
|
|
Brian P. Petty |
|
|
Douglas W. Rotman |
Compensation/ESOP Committee
The members of the Compensation/ESOP Committee are Messrs. Dery, Petty and Shook. This
Committee oversees the administration of the Corporations compensation and benefit programs. The
Committee met two times during 2009. The Compensation/ESOP Committee adopted a charter on November
30, 2006, which is available on the Corporations website at www.fentura.com. The
performance of the CEO and all Compensation/ESOP Committee items were reviewed by the committee and
approved by the full Board.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION
During 2009, the Corporation did not compensate any of its executive officers, all of whom are
also executive officers of one of the Affiliate Banks and paid for services by the Affiliate Bank
following the corporate guidelines described below.
11
Role and Composition of the Committee
The Compensation Committee discharges the Boards responsibilities relating to compensation of
the Companys executive officers, including reviewing the competitiveness of executive compensation
programs, evaluating the performance of the Companys executive officers, and approving their
annual compensation and equity awards. The Committee also assists the CEO in establishing annual
goals and objectives and, after considering the results of the CEO performance review, recommends
CEO compensation to the Board for approval. The specific responsibilities and functions of the
Compensation Committee are delineated in the Compensation Committee Charter.
The Compensation Committee has three members. Each Committee members meets the independence
requirements established by NASDAQ.
Under its Charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain outside services to
assist it in carrying out its duties and responsibilities. No initiatives or actions required the
Committee to execute this authority in 2009. However, management used outside services provided by
the legal firm Howard & Howard to assist with certain human resource issues and the Committee
reviewed their recommendations.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
All of our compensation programs are designed to attract and retain key employees, motivating
them to achieve and rewarding them for superior performance. Different programs are geared to
short and longer-term performance with the goal of increasing shareholder value over the long term.
Because we believe the performance of every employee is important to our success, we are mindful
of the effect of various compensation and incentive programs on all of our employees. However, the
annual bonus plan historically made available to all employees was suspended for 2009.
We believe that the compensation of our executives, management team and employees should
fairly reflect their individual success as well as the overall performance of the company.
Accordingly, following the decline in company performance reported at December 31, 2007, a decision
was made to freeze all management salaries for 2008. This decision changed the historical approach
of considering and granting annual salary increases to executives and other members of management
based upon individual and company performance for the prior year. As the economy and company
performance continued to falter, in 2009, a decision was made to dramatically reduce compensation
and benefit expense. Management developed a proposal which was subsequently approved by the board
of directors to eliminate approximately fourteen staff and management positions reducing overall
full-time equivalent employment by seven percent. Additionally, all remaining management and staff
employees accepted a 5% salary or wage cut,. Furthermore, all retirement benefit contributions
were suspended for the balance of the year including ESOP contributions, the 401 (k) match, and the
Officer and Executive Supplemental Retirement Plans. These actions reduced salary and benefit
expense by approximately $950,000 on an
annualized basis. The reduced compensation and benefit levels will continue in effect until the
economy and bank performance allow the company to revert to historical compensation practices and
philosophy.
Components of Executive Compensation
The components of the compensation program for executive officers are described below.
Base Salary. Base salaries are determined based on a variety of factors, including the
executives scope of responsibilities, a market competitive assessment of similar roles at other
companies, and a comparison of salaries paid to peers within the Company. Base salaries are set at
levels that allow the Company to attract and retain superior leaders that will enable the Company
to deliver on its business goals. As mentioned above, salaries were reduced for all employees,
including executive officers, during 2009.
12
The CEO will make recommendations for base salaries for each executive officer, excluding the
CEO. When setting the base salaries for executive officers, excluding the CEO, the Committee
considers recommendations from the CEO and makes a final determination based on the factors listed
above and the executive officers performance during the year.
Bonus. Historically executives had the opportunity to earn a bonus ranging from 30% to 45% of
their base salary. Bonuses are determined based upon a combination of quantative measures, the
details of which are established annually by the Board of Directors. However, due to Company
financial performance, bonus opportunities were eliminated in 2008 and 2009.
Executive Benefits
In fiscal year 2009, Fenturas executives were eligible for the same level and offering of
benefits made available to other employees, including the Companys 401(k) Plan and other benefit
programs. In addition to the standard benefits offered to all employees, Fentura maintains
non-qualified deferred compensation plans for certain executives. Effective October 23, 2008,
Fentura modified certain non-qualified deferred compensation plans to comply with certain IRS
requirements. Fenturas contributions to the non-qualified deferred compensation plans are further
discussed in the supplementary retirement benefit section of the proxy information.
How Executive Pay Levels are Determined
Fentura participates in executive compensation benchmarking surveys that provide summarized
data on levels of base salary, target annual incentives, and stock-based and other long-term
incentives. These surveys also provide benchmark information on compensation practices such as the
prevalence of types of compensation plans and the proportion of the types of pay components as part
of the total compensation package. These surveys are supplemented by other publicly available
information and input from trade associations on other factors such as recent market trends. The
entire comparison group includes banks from Michigan and the Midwest. The Company does not
customarily use consultants in establishing executive compensation. The Committee uses formal
performance plans that ascribe performance expectations to the components of executive officer
compensation, including salary and bonus. Company Executive severance plan information is provided
on pages 18 through 20.
How Stock-Based Awards are Determined
In 2009, no stock-based awards were granted to executive officers. When granted, the level of
usage is determined based on factors such as compensation levels at comparison companies relative
to Fenturas target total compensation levels and the desired mix of cash and equity pay. As
appropriate, the Committee determines the appropriate usage, balancing these factors against the
projected needs of the business as well as financial considerations, including the projected impact
on shareholder dilution.
Compensation for the Chief Executive Officer
The independent members of the Board approve the compensation of Donald L. Grill, President
and Chief Executive Officer. The Committee recommends salary and if appropriate bonus amounts to
the Board. Mr. Grills salary was reduced for 2009 and his total compensation is considered
competitive with industry averages. Mr. Grill did not receive a bonus for 2008 or 2009. The
Summary Compensation Table sets forth all compensation received by Mr. Grill during the fiscal year
2009. He is eligible for a Company sponsored supplemental retirement program and the Companys
401(k) and ESOP program. Fentura provides Mr. Grill with a change of control agreement, and he may
be eligible for severance under the Companys executive severance plan following a change of
control.
13
The following tables show the compensation for services to Affiliate Banks of the
principal executive officer, principal financial officer and the two highest paid corporate
executive officers who received total compensation in excess of $100,000 for the year 2009.
2009 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE ($)
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|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus (1) |
|
|
Awards (2) |
|
|
Earnings (3) |
|
|
Compensation (4) |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Donald L. Grill
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
235,434 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5) |
|
$ |
7,937 |
|
|
$ |
243,371 |
|
President & CEO of |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
244,363 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
66,338 |
(5) |
|
$ |
14,826 |
|
|
$ |
325,527 |
|
the Corporation and |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
244,363 |
|
|
$ |
4,676 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
61,335 |
|
|
$ |
16,900 |
|
|
$ |
327,274 |
|
CEO of The State |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
234,965 |
|
|
$ |
63,762 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
55,075 |
|
|
$ |
12,038 |
|
|
$ |
365,840 |
|
Bank |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Douglas J. Kelley
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
113,838 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,573 |
|
|
$ |
121,411 |
|
Senior Vice President |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
118,155 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,744 |
|
|
$ |
125,899 |
|
and CFO and |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
118,155 |
|
|
$ |
1,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9,818 |
|
|
$ |
129,732 |
|
Secretary of the |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
108,283 |
|
|
$ |
22,855 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8,981 |
|
|
$ |
140,119 |
|
Corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ronald L. Justice
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
139,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29,071 |
(6) |
|
$ |
168,717 |
|
CEO West Michigan |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
125,706 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
22,882 |
(6) |
|
$ |
148,588 |
|
Community Bank and |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
129,942 |
|
|
$ |
4,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,389 |
|
|
$ |
145,915 |
|
Senior Vice President |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
124,944 |
|
|
$ |
29,938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,533 |
|
|
$ |
166,415 |
|
of the Corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel J. Wollschlager |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
139,702 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,000 |
(6) |
|
$ |
194,702 |
|
SVP of The State |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
27,028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
20,000 |
(6) |
|
$ |
47,028 |
|
Bank |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts reflect payments made pursuant to the Annual Bonus Plan as in effect for the
fiscal year indicated. For more information on this plan, see the Executive Compensation
Discussion. |
|
(2) |
|
No options were granted in 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Amounts reflect the actuarial increase in the present value of the named executive
officers benefits under all pension plans established by the Company determined using
interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Companys
financial statements and includes amounts which the named executive officer may not
currently be entitled to receive because such amounts are not vested. |
|
(4) |
|
Amounts include the taxable benefit of Company owned vehicle for Mr. Grill, the
Corporate match for the 401k profit sharing plan and the Corporate distribution to the
Employee Stock Ownership plan for all named executive officers, and awards under the
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Grill voluntarily reduced the 2008 Deferred Compensation accrual by $10,000 and Mr.
Grills scheduled SERP contribution was suspended for 2009. |
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(6) |
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Mr. Justice received a housing allowance of $22,500 in 2009. Mr. Wollschlager received
a stay bonus of $20,000 in 2009. Mr. Justice received $13,125 in housing allowance to
become President and CEO of West Michigan Community Bank in 2008. Mr. Wollschlager
received a signing bonus of $20,000 in 2008 and 2009. |
14
Stock Option Grants in 2009
No Options were granted in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END 2009
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Option Awards |
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Stock Awards |
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Number |
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of |
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Number of |
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Number of |
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Securities |
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Securities |
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Shares or |
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Market Value |
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Underlying |
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Underlying |
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Units of |
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of Shares or |
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Unexercised |
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Unexercised |
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Option |
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Stock That |
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Units of Stock |
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Options |
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Options |
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Exercise |
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Have Not |
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That Have Not |
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(#) |
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(#) |
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Price |
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Option |
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Vested |
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Vested |
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Name |
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Exercisable |
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Unexercisable |
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($) |
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Expiration Date |
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(#) |
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($) |
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Donald L. Grill |
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1303 |
(1) |
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$ |
20.77 |
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01/25/2011 |
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1157 |
(2) |
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$ |
21.90 |
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01/31/2012 |
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1210 |
(3) |
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$ |
28.31 |
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06/26/2013 |
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605 |
(3) |
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$ |
28.31 |
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06/26/2013 |
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1210 |
(4) |
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$ |
35.45 |
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12/01/2014 |
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Douglas J. Kelley |
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182 |
(3) |
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$ |
28.31 |
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06/26/2013 |
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363 |
(3) |
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$ |
28.31 |
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06/26/2013 |
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550 |
(4) |
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$ |
35.45 |
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12/01/2014 |
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Ronald L. Justice |
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467 |
(1) |
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$ |
20.77 |
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01/25/2011 |
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401 |
(2) |
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$ |
21.90 |
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01/31/2012 |
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484 |
(3) |
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$ |
28.31 |
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06/26/2013 |
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484 |
(3) |
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$ |
28.31 |
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06/26/2013 |
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660 |
(4) |
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$ |
35.45 |
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12/01/2014 |
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Daniel J. Wollschlager |
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(1) |
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Options become exercisable in three equal installments each year beginning on the third
anniversary of the grant date of January 25, 2004. |
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(2) |
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Options become exercisable in three equal installments each year beginning on the third
anniversary of the grant date of January 31, 2005. |
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(3) |
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Options become exercisable in three equal installments each year beginning on the third
anniversary of the grant date of June 26, 2006. |
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(4) |
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Options become exercisable in three equal installments each year beginning on the third
anniversary of the grant date of December 1, 2007. |
15
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Fentura Financial, Inc., and The State Bank have entered into Supplemental Executive
Retirement Agreement (SERP Agreement) with Mr. Donald L. Grill and Daniel J. Wollschlager. SERP
Agreements are designed to encourage executives to remain long-term employees of the Corporation,
and to provide specified benefits to certain key executives who contribute materially to the
continued growth, development and future business success of the Corporation. The retirement
benefits are an unsecured obligation of the Corporation. The Corporation has purchased prepaid
life insurance policies in connection with Mr. Grills SERP, and expects investment earnings and
proceeds from the policies to recover all or a portion of the annual costs for his SERP Agreement.
No benefit was accrued for Mr. Grills SERP for 2009.
2009 NONQUALIFED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The Corporation and the Affiliate Banks have established a Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
Plan (the Plan) for key executives not covered under the SERP agreements. The Plan is designed
to encourage highly compensated officers to remain long-term employees of the Corporation and the
Affiliate Banks, and to provide the officers with supplemental retirement income. Interest is
earned on the deferred compensation based on the U.S. Treasury 5 year rate at the end of each
calendar year. The interest along with the deferred compensation is credited to the deferred
compensation account. Discretionary contributions to the plan may be granted each Plan year by the
Corporations Board of Directors based on financial performance of the Corporation and in an amount
up to 5% of the participants annual compensation. Discretionary contributions under the plan are
credited to a deferred compensation account established and maintained for each participant.
Participants shall vest in their account based on the Plans schedule which begins at 3 years of
service and is fully vested after 7 years of service. No contributions were made to the
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan during 2009.
Qualified Retirement Plans
The Corporation and the Affiliate Banks offer all employees two separate qualified retirement
plans, the first of which is the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the second is a 401k
profit sharing plan. The ESOP is 100% funded by the Corporation and/or Affiliate Banks. In order
to promote longevity with the Corporation, this plan includes a vesting schedule of seven years
before a participant is fully vested. The 401k profit sharing plan allows participants to defer
compensation, before taxes, in order to invest in various investment vehicles. No corporate
contributions were made to the ESOP during 2009. In 2009, approximately $80,000 was contributed to
the 401(k)Plan.
16
Potential Post-Employment Payments
Payments for Termination following a Change in Control
The Corporation and the Affiliated Banks have entered into Severance Compensation Agreements
with Messrs. Grill, Kelley, and Justice. Under each of these agreements, if a change in control
occurs while the Executive is an employee of the Corporation or the Affiliate Bank, and if within
five years thereafter the Executives employment is terminated (i) without cause, (ii) by the
Executive for good reason, or (iii) due to Executives death or disability, then the Corporation
and the Affiliate Bank are required to pay the Executive an annual amount equal to 50% of
Executives annual compensation in the five preceding calendar years, for a period ranging from one
to five years, as specified in each Executives agreement (Grill and Justice 5 years; Kelley
2 years). Mr. Grill may also be entitled to payment for certain excise, income and other taxes
that he incurs under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code (i.e. tax gross-up payments). The
Executives other than Mr. Grill are to have their payments reduced to the extent necessary to avoid
such excise and other taxes. Each Executive is also entitled to the acceleration of vesting of any
outstanding stock options and/or restricted stock upon a change in control.
Change in Control means (i) the acquisition, directly, indirectly and/or beneficially, by
any person or group, of more than 50% of the voting securities of the Corporation or the Bank, (ii)
the occurrence of any event at any time during any two year period which results in a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Corporation or the Bank being comprised of individuals who were not
members of such Board at the commencement of that two year period (iii) a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or the Bank to another entity, or (iv) a merger
or reorganization of the Corporation or the Bank with another entity.
Cause means (i) the willful and continuing failure by the Executive to substantially perform
his duties with the Bank or the Corporation and which is not remedied in a reasonable period of
time after receipt by Executive of written notice from the Bank specifying the duties the Executive
has failed to perform, or (ii) the willful and continued engaging by Executive in gross misconduct
that is materially injurious to the Bank or the Corporation and which is not ceased within a
reasonable period of time after receipt by Executive of written notice from the Bank specifying the
misconduct and the injury, or (iii) an adjudication of the Executives guilt of any crime involving
a serious and substantial breach of the Executives fiduciary duties to the Bank. No act or
failure to act on the Executives part shall be considered willful unless done, or omitted to be
done, by him in bad faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best
interest of the Bank or the Corporation.
Good Reason means any of the following, as determined by the Executive in his discretion:
(i) a material diminution of Executives duties, responsibilities or authority with the Bank or the
Corporation; or (ii) the Bank or the Corporation requiring Executive to be based anywhere other
than within fifty miles of their present office location; or (iii) the failure by the Corporation
to obtain the assumption of the agreement. If any of the foregoing result from, or follow, a
termination of employment for Cause, then Good Reason will not have occurred.
If the Corporation had experienced a change of control during 2009, and all of the foregoing
executive officers were terminated on December 31, 2009, without cause the estimated aggregate
total value of compensation and benefits (including the economic benefit resulting from the
acceleration of options and restricted stock) from Severance Compensation Agreements would be as
follows: Mr. Grill $791,253, Mr. Kelley- $149,886, and Mr. Justice- $411,202.
Additionally, under the change of control provisions of the Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plans, assuming executive officers were terminated on December 31, 2009 in the manner described
above, Mr. Grill SERP would be fully accrued with a total value of $923,565. Mr. Wollschlagers
fully accrued SERP would have a value of $175,000.
17
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009,
have been examined by Crowe Horwath LLP, independent certified public accountants. The
Corporations Audit Committee selects the Corporations auditors before the end of each calendar
year.
Fees Paid to Independent Accountants
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
138,000 |
|
|
$ |
120,000 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
$ |
58,000 |
|
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
The amounts shown for Audit-Related Fees related to the development of tools designed to
assist the Corporation in complying with certain provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related
consultation and advice.
The amounts shown for Tax Fees were for corporate tax compliance, tax advice and tax
planning services.
The amounts shown for All Other Fees related primarily to compliance reviews, consulting,
and software licensing.
The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of these services is compatible with
maintaining our principal auditors independence. Following the adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder, our independent auditors are proscribed from offering
certain services to us. None of those proscribed services were provided to us in 2009. The
Corporations Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of services covered under the
caption All Other Fees is compatible with Crowe Horwath LLP maintaining their independence. None
of the hours expended on Crowe Horwath LLPs engagement to audit the Corporations consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, were attributed to work performed by
persons other than Crowe Horwath LLPs full-time, permanent employees.
The Charter of the Audit Committee provides that the Audit Committee will administer the
Corporations policy regarding the approval of audit and non-audit services. Under that policy,
the Audit Committee must pre-approve all engagements of the Corporations independent auditors.
Before the end of the first quarter of each year, the retention of the independent auditors to
audit the Corporations financial statements, including the associated fee, is approved by the
Audit Committee. At the same time, the Audit Committee will evaluate other known potential
engagements of the independent auditors, including the scope of the work proposed to be performed
and the proposed fees, and approve or reject each service, taking into account whether the services
are permissible under applicable law and the possible impact of each non-audit service on the
independent auditors independence from management. At each subsequent meeting of the Audit
Committee, the Audit Committee will receive updates on the services actually provided by the
independent auditors and management may present additional services for approval. The Audit
Committee has delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to evaluate and
approve engagements on behalf of the Audit Committee in the event that the need arises for
pre-approval between Audit Committee meetings. This might occur, for example, if the Corporation
was proposing to execute a financing on an accelerated timetable. If the Chairman so approves any
such engagements, he/she is required to report that approval to the full Audit Committee at the
next Audit Committee meeting.
All of the services described above as Audit-related Fees and Tax Fees were approved under
this policy.
18
PROPOSAL 2 RATIFICATION OF ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Crowe Horwath LLP to serve as our
independent auditors for 2010. The Board of Directors is asking the shareholders to ratify the
appointment of Crowe Horwath LLP.
In the event our shareholders fail to ratify the selection of Crowe Horwath LLP, the Audit
Committee will consider it as a direction to select other auditors for the subsequent year.
Representatives of Crowe Horwath LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to answer questions.
They will also have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.
The affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast on this proposal, without regard to
abstentions or broker non votes, is required for approval of this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF CROWE
HORWATH LLP AS OUR
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR 2010.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16 REPORTING
The rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission require that the Corporation disclose late
filings of reports of stock ownership (and changes in stock ownership) by its directors, executive
officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Corporations common stock. Based solely on
its review of the copies of such reports received by it, and written representations from certain
reporting persons, the Corporation believes that during the year ended December 31, 2009, its
directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Corporations common
stock have complied with all filing requirements applicable with the exception of the following:
Director McKenney filed one Form 4 reporting one transaction 18 days late; Executive officer Daniel
Wollschlager filed one form 4 reporting one transaction seven days late and one Form 4 reporting
two transaction 28 days late.
OTHER INFORMATION
Annual Report on Form 10-K
The Corporation will provide a copy of its 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K to any shareholder
who asks for it in writing, without charge. Please direct your request to our Secretary, Douglas J
Kelley, at 175 North Leroy Street, P.O. Box 725, Fenton, Michigan 48430. The Form 10-K and certain
other periodic filings are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC
maintains an Internet web site that contains reports and other information regarding companies,
including the Corporation, that file electronically. The SECs web site address is www.sec.gov.
19
Transactions with Certain Interested Parties
The Company has Related Party Transactions provisions in its lending policies which require
preapproval of any loans to a related party with a subsidiary Bank by a majority of disinterested
board members of the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Board reaffirms all debt with related
parties at least annually.
Certain directors and officers of the Corporation have had and are expected to have in the
future, transactions with the subsidiaries of the Corporation, or have been directors or officers
of corporations, or members of partnerships, which have had and are expected to have in the future,
transactions with the subsidiaries of the Corporation. All such transactions with officers and
directors, either directly or indirectly, have been made in the ordinary course of business and on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the
same time for comparable with persons not related to the lender, and these transactions do not
involve more than the normal risk of collection or present other unfavorable features. All such
future transactions, including transactions with principal shareholders and other Corporation
affiliates, will be made in the ordinary course of business, on terms no less favorable to the
Corporation than with persons not related to the Corporation, and will be subject to approval by a
majority of the Corporations independent, outside disinterested directors.
Shareholder Proposals
An eligible shareholder who wants to have a qualified proposal considered for inclusion in the
proxy statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must notify the Corporations Secretary
by delivering a copy of the proposal to the Corporations offices no later than November 25, 2010.
If a shareholder notifies the Corporation after 45 days before the first anniversary of the date on
which this Proxy Statement is first mailed of an intent to present a proposal at the 2010 annual
meeting of shareholders, the Corporation will have the right to exercise its discretionary voting
authority with respect to such proposal without including information regarding such proposal in
its proxy materials.
Expenses of Solicitation
The Corporation pays the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing this proxy-soliciting
material. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited personally, by telephone or
telegraph, or by the Corporations officers and employees without additional compensation. The
Corporation pays all costs of solicitation, including certain expenses of brokers and nominees who
mail proxy material to their customers or principals.
Important Notice Regarding The Availability of Proxy Materials For The Shareholder Meeting To Be
Held On April 28, 2010:
The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Security Holders are available at www.fentura.com.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Douglas J. Kelley
Secretary
Dated: March 10, 2010
See enclosed voting (proxy) form please sign and mail promptly.
20
FENTURA FINANCIAL, INC.
P.O. Box 725
Fenton, Michigan 48430-0725
ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
You can vote in one of three ways:
1) By Mail, 2) By Internet, 3) By Telephone.
IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY INTERNET OR
TELEPHONE, COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF
PROXY CARD, DETACH AND RETURN IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO:
Illinois Stock Transfer Co.
209 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 903
Chicago, Illinois 60606
If you plan to personally attend the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders please check the box below and list the
names of attendees on the reverse side.
To change the address on your account, please check
the box below and indicate your new address on the
reverse side. Please note that changes to the
registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted
via this method.
I/We do plan to attend. o Change of address. o
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DETACH PROXY CARD HERE
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(continued on reverse side) |
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TO VOTE BY INTERNET
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Your Internet vote is quick, confidential and your vote is
immediate. Just follow these easy steps:
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1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement. |
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2. Visit our Internet voting site at
www. ilstk.com, click on the I am a Shareholder, select the Internet Voting
tab, enter your Voter Control Number and the last four digits of your Tax Identification Number that is associated with the account you are voting in the designated fields. Your Voter Control Number is shown above.
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Please note that all votes cast by Internet must be completed and
submitted prior to Monday, April
26, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. |
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Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares to the same
extent as if you
marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card. |
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This is a secured web page site. Your software and/or Internet
provider must be enabled to
access this site. Please call your software or Internet provider for further information if
needed. |
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If You
Vote By INTERNET, Please Do Not Return Your Proxy Card By Mail |
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TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE
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Your telephone vote is quick, confidential and your vote is immediate. Just follow
these easy steps: |
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1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement. |
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2. Using a Touch-Tone telephone, call Toll Free 1-800-555-8140 and
follow the instructions. |
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3. When asked for your Voter Control Number, enter the number
printed above.
Please note that all votes cast by telephone must be completed
and submitted prior to Monday, April 26, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. |
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Your telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares to the
same extent as if you
marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card. |
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If You Vote By TELEPHONE, Please Do Not Return Your Proxy Card By Mail |
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TO VOTE BY MAIL
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To vote by mail, complete both sides of the proxy card, sign and date on the reverse side, detach and return the card in the envelope provided. |
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FENTURA FINANCIAL, INC.
NAMES OF PERSONS PLANNING TO
ATTEND THE 2010 MEETING
AND/OR NEW ADDRESS
PROXY FENTURA FINANCIAL, INC.
|
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Annual Meeting of Shareholders, April 28, 2010
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COMMON |
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The undersigned hereby appoints Douglas W. Rotman and Ian W. Schonsheck
as Proxies, each with the power to
appoint his substitute, and
hereby authorize them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of Common Stock
of Fentura Financial, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on March 3, 2010 at the Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be held April 28, 2010 and at any adjournment thereof.
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In the election of three directors (Class I), each to be elected for term expiring in 2013. |
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FOR
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VOTE WITHHELD
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01 William H. Dery
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o
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o |
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02 Thomas P. McKenney
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o
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o |
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03 Brian P. Petty
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o
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2. |
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To ratify the appointment of Crowe Horwath LLP as independent auditors for 2010. |
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FOR
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AGAINST
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ABSTAIN |
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o
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o
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o
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3. |
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In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business
as may properly come before the meeting. |
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned
shareholder. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted FOR all nominees listed in No. 1 and
the proposal in No. 2.
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SIGNATURE
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DATE
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SIGNATURE
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DATE |
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear on this proxy. When signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title. If shares are held
jointly, each holder may
sign. Only one signature is required.
DETACH PROXY CARD HERE
ATTENTION SHAREHOLDERS
INTERNET VOTING
You can now submit your Proxy via the Internet and have your vote recorded.
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Internet Voting is timelier. |
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It saves the Company ever-rising costs of business reply postage. |
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You can change your vote by re-voting at any time. |
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It is simple and easy to use. |
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Instructions for Internet Voting can be found on the reverse side. |
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The Internet Voting Website is: |
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http://www.ilstk.com - click on I am
a Shareholder and select Internet Voting. |