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
Filed by the Registrant   þ
Filed by a party other than the Registrant   o
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.
     
(1)
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(2)
  Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
   
 
   
 
   
(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):
 
   
 
   
 
   
(4)
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o     Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
o     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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  Date Filed:
 
           
 
 


 

     
(FENTURA FINANCIAL LOGO)
  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:
  1.   Elect three directors;
 
  2.   Ratify the appointment of Crowe Horwath LLP as Fentura’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2010; and
 
  3.   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.
         
     
  BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS    
     
  (-s- DOUGLAS J KELLEY)
Douglas J Kelley
Secretary 
 
 
Fenton, Michigan 
March 10, 2010 

 
 
 
 
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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 nominee’s 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 Corporation’s Board by a shareholder. As noted, the Board has appropriately considered nominations from the Corporation’s shareholders in connection with the annual meeting.
     Upon receipt of information concerning a shareholder proposed candidate, the Committee assesses the Board’s 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 candidate’s qualifications. The profile and the candidate’s 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 Corporation’s 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.
                 
    Shares     Percent  
Name of   Beneficially     of  
Beneficial Owner   Owned(1)     Outstanding(2)  
William H. Dery (Director)
    26,555 (3)     1.18 %
Kenneth R. Elston (Director)
    6,819 (3)     *  
Donald L. Grill (Director, Executive Officer)
    15,362 (3)(4)     *  
Ronald L. Justice (Executive Officer)
    6,271 (3)(4)     *  
Douglas J. Kelley (Executive Officer)
    2,114 (3)(4)     *  
Thomas P. McKenney (Director)
    15,949 (3)     *  
Brian P. Petty (Director)
    22,403 (3)     1.00 %
Douglas W. Rotman (Director)
    4,022 (3)     *  
Ian W. Schonsheck (Director)
    4,983 (3)     *  
Forrest A. Shook (Director)
    0 (5)     *  
James A. Wesseling (Director)
    4,151 (3)     *  
Daniel J. Wollschlager (Executive Officer)
    0       *  
Donald E. Johnson, Jr.(6)
    220,836       9.81 %
Mary Alice Heaton(6)
    113,583       5.05 %
Linda J. Lemieux(6)
    104,083       4.63 %
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (12 persons)
    108,629       4.83 %
 
(1)   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 Corporation’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This column includes shares that may be acquired pursuant to stock options that are exercisable within 60 days.
 
(2)   The symbol * shown in this column indicates ownership of less than 1%.
 
(3)   Ownership and voting rights of all shares are joint with spouse or individually held.
 
(4)   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.
 
(5)   Mr. Shook transferred 53,402 shares of stock to his heirs for estate planning purposes in December of 2009.
 
(6)   Each person’s address is: SNB Trust Operations, 101 North Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607.

5


 

THE CORPORATION’S 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. Dery’s medical background provides a unique perspective on the Compensation Committee which deals with employee benefits and in loan deliberations regarding loans to professionals. Mr. Dery’s 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 Bank’s 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 Corporation’s 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. Elston’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s annual meeting of shareholders each year. All members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation attended the Corporation’s 2009 annual meeting.

7


 

Separate Chairman and Chief Executive Position and Board’s 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 Officer’s role is respected as to independence in bank operations on day-today basis, the Chairman’s 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 Corporation’s financial risks, the Corporation’s risk management process, any major issues as to the adequacy of the Corporation’s internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of any material control deficiencies.
Communication with the Corporation’s Board of Directors
          Shareholders may communicate with members of the Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 ($)
                                         
                        Change in        
                        Pension        
                        Value and        
                        Nonqualified        
    Fees Earned or           Non-Equity   Deferred        
    Paid in   Stock   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)
                         
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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s website at www.fentura.com.
Audit Committee
          During 2009, the Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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


 

Corporation’s quarterly financial statements.
          Mr. Elston has been designated by the Board as the Audit Committee’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 accountant’s communication with the audit committee concerning independence, and have discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant‘s 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 Corporation’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
     
 
  Respectfully submitted,
 
  Audit Committee
 
   
 
  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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Board’s responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company’s executive officers, including reviewing the competitiveness of executive compensation programs, evaluating the performance of the Company’s 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 executive’s 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.

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     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 officer’s 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, Fentura’s executives were eligible for the same level and offering of benefits made available to other employees, including the Company’s 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. Fentura’s 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 Fentura’s 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. Grill’s 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 Company’s 401(k) and ESOP program. Fentura provides Mr. Grill with a change of control agreement, and he may be eligible for severance under the Company’s executive severance plan following a change of control.

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          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 $100,000 for the year 2009.
2009 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE ($)
                                                         
                                    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
                                                       
 
(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 officer’s benefits under all pension plans established by the Company determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s 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. Grill’s scheduled SERP contribution was suspended for 2009.
 
(6)   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
                                                 
            Option Awards             Stock Awards  
    Number                                    
    of     Number of                     Number of        
    Securities     Securities                     Shares or     Market Value  
    Underlying     Underlying                     Units of     of Shares or  
    Unexercised     Unexercised     Option             Stock That     Units of Stock  
    Options     Options     Exercise             Have Not     That Have Not  
    (#)     (#)     Price     Option     Vested     Vested  
Name   Exercisable     Unexercisable     ($)     Expiration Date     (#)     ($)  
 
Donald L. Grill 
    1303 (1)         $ 20.77       01/25/2011              
    1157 (2)         $ 21.90       01/31/2012              
    1210 (3)         $ 28.31       06/26/2013              
    605 (3)         $ 28.31       06/26/2013              
    1210 (4)         $ 35.45       12/01/2014              
Douglas J. Kelley
                                               
    182 (3)         $ 28.31       06/26/2013              
    363 (3)         $ 28.31       06/26/2013              
    550 (4)         $ 35.45       12/01/2014              
                                               
Ronald L. Justice
    467 (1)         $ 20.77       01/25/2011              
    401 (2)         $ 21.90       01/31/2012              
    484 (3)         $ 28.31       06/26/2013              
    484 (3)         $ 28.31       06/26/2013              
    660 (4)         $ 35.45       12/01/2014              
 
                                               
Daniel J. Wollschlager
                                   
 
(1)   Options become exercisable in three equal installments each year beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date of January 25, 2004.
 
(2)   Options become exercisable in three equal installments each year beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date of January 31, 2005.
 
(3)   Options become exercisable in three equal installments each year beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date of June 26, 2006.
 
(4)   Options become exercisable in three equal installments each year beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date of December 1, 2007.

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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. Grill’s 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. Grill’s 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 Corporation’s Board of Directors based on financial performance of the Corporation and in an amount up to 5% of the participant’s 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 Plan’s 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.

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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 Executive’s employment is terminated (i) without “cause,” (ii) by the Executive for “good reason,” or (iii) due to Executive’s death or disability, then the Corporation and the Affiliate Bank are required to pay the Executive an annual amount equal to 50% of Executive’s annual compensation in the five preceding calendar years, for a period ranging from one to five years, as specified in each Executive’s 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 Executive’s guilt of any crime involving a serious and substantial breach of the Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Bank. No act or failure to act on the Executive’s 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 Executive’s 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. Wollschlager’s fully accrued SERP would have a value of $175,000.

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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 Corporation’s Audit Committee selects the Corporation’s auditors before the end of each calendar year.
Fees Paid to Independent Accountants
                 
    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 Corporation’s 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 LLP’s engagement to audit the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, were attributed to work performed by persons other than Crowe Horwath LLP’s full-time, permanent employees.
     The Charter of the Audit Committee provides that the Audit Committee will administer the Corporation’s policy regarding the approval of audit and non-audit services. Under that policy, the Audit Committee must pre-approve all engagements of the Corporation’s independent auditors. Before the end of the first quarter of each year, the retention of the independent auditors to audit the Corporation’s 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.

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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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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 SEC’s 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 Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s Secretary by delivering a copy of the proposal to the Corporation’s 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 Corporation’s 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,
(-s- DOUGLAS J. KELLEY)
Douglas J. Kelley
Secretary
Dated: March 10, 2010
See enclosed voting (proxy) form please sign and mail promptly.

20


 

     
 
 
COMMON

(FENTURA LOGO)
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


         
 
  DETACH PROXY CARD HERE   (continued on reverse side)
 
         
 
       
 
   
VOTER CONTROL NUMBER
 
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
                     
 
 
  TO VOTE BY INTERNET  
 
     
 
 
   
 
     
      Your Internet vote is quick, confidential and your vote is immediate. Just follow these easy steps:      
 
 
                 
                     
 
 
                 
        1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement.      
     
  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.
     
      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.      
      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.      
      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.      
 
 
                 
     
                     
     
If You Vote By INTERNET, Please Do Not Return Your Proxy Card By Mail
     
     
 
 
                 
 
 
      TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE  
 
     
 
 
       
 
     
 
 
                 
      Your telephone vote is quick, confidential and your vote is immediate. Just follow these easy steps:      
        1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement.      
        2. Using a Touch-Tone telephone, call Toll Free 1-800-555-8140 and follow the instructions.      
        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.
     
      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.      
 
 
                 
     
     
If You Vote By TELEPHONE, Please Do Not Return Your Proxy Card By Mail
     
     
                     
 
 
  TO VOTE BY MAIL  
 
     
 
 
   
 
     
      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.      
 
 
                 

 


 

 

FENTURA FINANCIAL, INC.
NAMES OF PERSONS PLANNING TO
ATTEND THE 2010 MEETING
AND/OR NEW ADDRESS
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
PROXY — FENTURA FINANCIAL, INC.
     
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, April 28, 2010
 
COMMON
 
 
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.
  1.  
In the election of three directors (Class I), each to be elected for term expiring in 2013.
                 
 
      FOR   VOTE WITHHELD    
 
  01 William H. Dery   o   o    
 
  02 Thomas P. McKenney   o   o    
 
  03 Brian P. Petty   o   o    
  2.  
To ratify the appointment of Crowe Horwath LLP as independent auditors for 2010.
                 
 
  FOR   AGAINST   ABSTAIN    
 
  o   o   o    
  3.  
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.
             
     
SIGNATURE
  DATE   SIGNATURE   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.
    Why use the Internet
    Internet Voting is timelier.
 
    It saves the Company ever-rising costs of business reply postage.
 
    You can change your vote by re-voting at any time.
 
    It is simple and easy to use.
    Instructions for Internet Voting can be found on the reverse side.
 
    The Internet Voting Website is:
      http://www.ilstk.com - click on “I am a Shareholder” and select “Internet Voting”.