UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.)

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

☐         Preliminary Proxy Statement

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

 

☐         Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒         Definitive Proxy Statement

☐         Definitive Additional Materials

☐         Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

JONES SODA CO.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

No fee required

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

PROXY STATEMENTFee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11

INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING

PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE

PROPOSAL 2  RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PROPOSAL 3  ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION PAID TO OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (SAY ON PAY)

PROPOSAL 4  READOPTION OF 2011 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2022 ANNUAL MEETING

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXIES

INTERNET VOTING

OTHER BUSINESS

 

 

1

Table of Contents

 

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66 S. Hanford St., Suite 150

Seattle, WA

JONES SODA CO.

66 South Hanford Street, Suite 150

Seattle, Washington 98134

T    206-624-3357

F    206-624-6857

www.jonessoda.com

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

May 13, 2021TO BE HELD ON MAY 16, 2022

2:9:00 p.m.A.M.

 

ToDear Shareholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Jones Soda Co. Shareholders:

Notice is hereby given that the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Jones Soda Co., a Washington corporation (the “Company”“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), which will be held at 2:9:00 p.m. locala.m. Seattle time on Thursday,Monday, May 13, 2021 (the “Annual Meeting”).16, 2022. The Annual Meeting will be an entirely virtual meeting. That means you can attend the Annual Meeting online via a live webcast on the Internet, vote your shares electronically and submit questions during the Annual Meeting by visiting http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/JSDA2021.JSDA2022. We have adopted a virtual format for our Annual Meeting to provide a consistent experience to all shareholders regardless of location, and to support the health and well-being of our employees and shareholders due to the public health impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Only shareholders who owned stock at the close of business on the record date, March 18, 2021,28, 2022, are entitled to receive notice and to vote at the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments of the Annual Meeting that may take place. At the Annual Meeting, weyou will ask you to:be asked to consider and act upon the following matters:

 

1.

To elect six directors to serve for a one-year term to expire at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders;

1. elect five directors nominated by our

2.

To approve an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 100,000,000 shares of common stock to 800,000,000 shares of common stock;

3.

To approve the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan;

4.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s 2021 named executive officer compensation;

5.

To ratify the appointment of Armanino LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022;

6.

To recommend, by non-binding vote, the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation; and

7.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The Company’s Board of Directors;

2. ratifyDirectors has fixed the appointmentclose of BDO USA, LLPbusiness on March 28, 2022 as our independent registered public accounting firmthe record date for 2021;

3. approve, by non-bindinga determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers;

4. approve the readoption of the Company's 2011 Equity Incentive Plan to extend the expiration date thereof from April 1, 2021 to April 1, 2023 and reserve an aggregate of 12,084,032 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder; and

5. transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting andAnnual Meeting or any adjournmentsadjournment or postponement thereof.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE COMPANY NOMINATED DIRECTORS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT, “FOR” RATIFICATIONAPPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENTAMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S ARTICLES OF BDO USA, LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM,INCORPORATION, “FOR” APPROVAL OF THE 2022 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, “FOR” APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION PAID TO OURTHE COMPANY’S 2021 NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND “FOR” READOPTIONRATIFICATION OF THE 2011 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN.APPOINTMENT OF ARMANINO LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, AND VOTE “ONE YEAR” FOR THE FREQUENCY FOR HOLDING THE SAY-ON-PAY VOTE.

 

Each of these items of business is more fully described in the Proxy Statement.

 

Internet Availability of Proxy Materials – In accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules, we are making our proxy materials, including the Proxy Statement and the related proxy as well as our annual report to security holders (which is not a part of our proxy solicitation materials), available over the Internet at https://www.jonessoda.com/pages/sec. Please read the Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held by Virtual Meeting on May 13, 202116, 2022 (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) and Proxy Statement for more information on this alternative, which we believe will allow us to provide shareholders with the information they need while lowering the costs of delivering the Proxy Statement and related materials and reducing the environmental impact of the Annual Meeting.

 

 

 

By the Order of the Board of Directors

 

jsda20210330_def14aimg002.jpg/s/ Paul Norman

 

Eric ChastainPaul Norman

 

Chief Operating Officer and Corporate SecretaryChairman of the Board of Directors

Seattle, Washington

Dated: April 1, 20212022

 

Please note that in order to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting via live webcast, shareholders will need to access the website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/JSDA2021JSDA2022 and input the unique 16-digit control number assigned to such shareholder, as set forth on the shareholders proxy card or the Notice of Internet Availability.

 

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IMPORTANT

We urge you to vote by telephone, by internet or by marking your vote on the proxy card, signing and dating the proxy card, and returning it to us in the envelope provided at your earliest convenience. Your vote will ensure the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting and will save us the expense and extra work of additional solicitation. An addressed envelope, for which no postage is required if mailed in the United States, is provided for that purpose. Sending in your proxy will not prevent you from voting your shares at the Annual Meeting if you desire to do so, as your proxy is revocable at your option as described in the Proxy Statement. Please note, however, that if a broker, bank or other nominee is the record holder of your shares and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from such broker, bank or other nominee.


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We urge you to vote by telephone, by internet or by marking your vote on the proxy card, signing and dating the proxy card, and returning it to us in the envelope provided at your earliest convenience. Your vote will ensure the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting and will save us the expense and extra work of additional solicitation. An addressed envelope, for which no postage is required if mailed in the United States, is provided for that purpose. Sending in your proxy will not prevent you from voting your shares at the Annual Meeting if you desire to do so, as your proxy is revocable at your option as described in the Proxy Statement. Please note, however, that if a broker, bank or other nominee is the record holder of your shares and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from such broker, bank or other nominee.

 

JONES SODA CO.

66 S.South Hanford St.,Street, Suite 150

Seattle, WAWashington 98134

 

PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE

2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MAY 16, 2022

9:00 A.M.

 

INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING

General

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by theThe Board of Directors (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”) of Jones Soda Co., a Washington corporation (the “Company”), is soliciting your proxy to be votedvote at the 2021 Annual MeetingCompany’s annual meeting of Shareholders,shareholders, or at any adjournment thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting will be held at 2:9:00 p.m. (locala.m. (Seattle time) on Thursday,Monday, May 13, 2021.16, 2022. The Annual Meeting will be an entirely virtual meeting. That means you can attend the Annual Meeting online via a live webcast on the Internet, vote your shares electronically and submit questions during the Annual Meeting by visiting http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/JSDA2021.JSDA2022. The matters for consideration at the Annual Meeting are as set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

We intendIn accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have elected to mailprovide our beneficial owners and shareholders of record access to our proxy materials over the Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held by Virtual Meeting on May 13, 2021 (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) on or about April 1, 2021, to allInternet. Beneficial owners are shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Notice of Internet Availability contains instructions on how to access the Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report”), including financial statements (which is not a partwhose shares of our proxy solicitation materials). The Notice of Internet Availability also contains a unique 16-digit control number for each shareholder, to enable such shareholder to attend and vote at the virtual webcast of the Annual Meeting.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 13, 2021

The Proxy Statement and the 2020 Annual Report are available at:

http://www.jonessoda.com/pages/sec

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. We urge you to vote and submit your proxy in order to ensure the presence of a quorum.

Registered holders may vote:

1. By Internet: go to www.proxyvote.com;

2. By toll-free telephone: call 1-800-690-6903; or

3. By mail: mark, sign, date and promptly mail the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided.

Any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the Annual Meeting as described in this Proxy Statement.

Beneficial Shareholders. If your sharescommon stock are held in the name of a broker, bank or other holderagent (i.e., in “street name”). Accordingly, a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) will be mailed on or about April 4, 2022 to our beneficial owners and shareholders of record who owned our common stock at the close of business on March 28, 2022. Beneficial owners and shareholders of record will have the ability to access the proxy materials on a website referred to in the Notice or request that a printed set of the proxy materials be sent to them by following the instructions in the Notice. Beneficial owners and shareholders of record who have previously requested to receive paper copies of our proxy materials will receive paper copies of the proxy materials instead of a Notice.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY MATERIAL AND VOTING

Why did I Receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials in the Mail instead of a Full Set of Proxy Materials?

We are pleased to take advantage of the SEC rule that allows companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, we have sent to our shareholders of record a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet free of charge or to request a paper copy may be found in the Notice. Our shareholders may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically on an ongoing basis. A shareholder’s election to receive proxy materials by mail or electronically will remain in effect until the shareholder changes its election.

What Does it Mean if I Receive More than One Notice?

If you receive more than one Notice, your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions you receive fromon each Notice to ensure that all of your shares are voted.


How do I attend the holder of record to vote your shares.Annual Meeting?

 

Virtual Meeting

This year’sThe Annual Meeting will be an entirely virtual meeting of shareholders, which will be conductedmeeting. That means you can attend the Annual Meeting online via a live webcast. You are entitled towebcast on the Internet, vote your shares electronically and submit questions during the Annual Meeting by visiting http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/JSDA2022.

To participate in the Annual Meeting, only if you were a shareholder as ofwill need the close of business16-digit control number included on March 18, 2021your proxy card or ifon the Notice.

The Annual Meeting webcast will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. (Seattle time) on Monday, May 16, 2022. Online access will begin at 8:45 a.m. (Seattle time), and we encourage you hold a valid proxy forto access the Annual Meeting.

Meeting prior to the start time. You will be able to participate in the Annual Meeting online, submit your questions and vote your shares electronically during the Annual Meeting by visiting http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/JSDA2021.

To participate in the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or on the Notice of Internet Availability.

The Annual Meeting webcast will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) on Thursday, May 13, 2021. Online access will begin at 1:45 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time), and we encourage you to access the Annual Meeting prior to the start time. You can submit questions electronically at the Annual Meeting during the webcast.JSDA2022. During the live Q&A session of the Annual Meeting, members of our executive leadership team will be available to answer any questions you may have.

 

We will have technicians ready to assist you with any technical difficulties you may encounter accessing the virtual Annual Meeting. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Virtual Shareholder Meeting log in page.

 

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Voting and Outstanding SharesWho May Attend the Annual Meeting?

 

Only record holders of recordand beneficial owners of our common stock, ator their duly authorized proxies, may attend the Annual Meeting.

Who is Entitled to Vote?

The Board has fixed the close of business on March 18, 2021 are28, 2022 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. ThereMeeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. On the Record Date, there were 64,385,80692,250,235 shares of common stock issued and outstanding on that date. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for eachoutstanding. Each share of common stock heldrepresents one vote that may be voted on each matter to be voted upon atproposal that may come before the Annual Meeting. If your shares are represented by a completed and signed proxy, they will be voted in accordance with your directions. If your proxy is signed and returned without any directions given, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.Board.

 

WeWhat is the Difference Between Holding Shares as a Record Holder and as a Beneficial Owner (Holding Shares in Street Name)?

If your shares are not aware, asregistered in your name with our transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company, you are the “record holder” of those shares. If you are a record holder, these proxy materials have been provided directly to you by the dateCompany.

If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account, a bank or other holder of this Proxy Statement,record, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of any mattersthose shares held in “street name.” If your shares are held in street name, these proxy materials have been forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be voted onthe shareholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual MeetingMeeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct this organization on how to vote your shares.

What am I Voting on?

There are six matters scheduled for a vote:

1.

To elect six directors to serve for a one-year term to expire at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders;

2.

To approve an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 100,000,000 shares of common stock to 800,000,000 shares of common stock;

3.

To approve the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”);


4.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s 2021 named executive officer compensation;

5.

To ratify the appointment of Armanino LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022; and

6.

To recommend, by non-binding vote, the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.

What if another matter is properly brought before the Annual Meeting?

The Board knows of no other than as stated in this Proxy Statement andmatters that will be presented for consideration at the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the provided proxy gives discretionary authority tointention of the persons named in itthe accompanying proxy to vote the shareson those matters in accordance with their best judgment.

 

If the Annual Meeting is adjourned for any reason, at any subsequent reconvening of the Annual Meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as the proxies would have been voted at the original convening of the Annual Meeting, except for any proxies that have been revoked or withdrawn, notwithstanding that they may have been voted on the same or any other matter at a previous meeting.

 

Quorum; Approval RequirementsHow Do I Vote?

 

UnderShareholders of Record

For your convenience, record holders of our Amendedcommon stock have three methods of voting:

1.

Vote by Internet. Go to www.proxyvote.com.

2

By toll-free telephone: call 1-800-690-6903.

3.

Vote by mail. Mark, date, sign and promptly mail the enclosed proxy card (a postage-paid envelope is provided for mailing in the United States).

4.

Vote during the meeting. Vote during the Annual Meeting.

Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other holder of record, follow the voting instructions you receive from the holder of record to vote your shares.

If you vote by Internet, please DO NOT mail your proxy card.

All shares entitled to vote and Restated Bylaws,represented by a properly completed and executed proxy received before the presenceAnnual Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting as instructed in person (virtually) ora proxy delivered before the Annual Meeting. If you do not indicate how your shares should be voted on a matter, the shares represented by your properly completed and executed proxy of holders of record of at least 33 1/3 %will be voted as the Board recommends on each of the outstanding shares of common stock constitutes a quorum at the Annual Meeting.

For Proposal 1, Election of Directors, directors are elected by a plurality of votes. Accordingly, the five nominees for electionenumerated proposals, with regard to the Board of Directors who receive the greatest number of affirmative votes cast at the Annual Meeting willany other matters that may be elected to the Board of Directors.

For Proposal 2, Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, this matter will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast against the proposal.

For Proposal 3, Advisory Vote on Compensation Paid to our Named Executive Officers (the “Say on Pay” Proposal), this matter will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast against the proposal.

For Proposal 4, Readoption of the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, this matter will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast against the proposal.

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., our registrar and transfer agent, will act as Inspector of Electionsproperly presented at the Annual Meeting and inon all matters incident to the conduct of the Annual Meeting. If you are a street name shareholder and wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you will need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that capacity,holds your shares. All votes will tabulate all votes andbe tabulated by the inspector of elections appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes.

 

AbstentionsWe provide Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and Broker Non-Votescorrectness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.


How Many Votes do I Have?

 

On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock you own as of the close of business on the Record Date.

Is My Vote Confidential?

Yes, your vote is confidential. Only the inspector of elections, individuals who help with processing and counting your votes and persons who need access for legal reasons will have access to your vote. This information will not be disclosed, except as required by law.

What Constitutes a Quorum?

To carry on business at the Annual Meeting, we must have a quorum. A quorum is present when one-third of the shares entitled to vote as of the Record Date, are represented in person (virtually) or by proxy. Thus, 30,750,079 shares must be represented in person (virtually) or by proxy to have a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in person (virtually) at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no impact onbe counted towards the votes relating to anyquorum requirement. If there is not a quorum at the Annual Meeting, either the chairperson of the proposals becauseAnnual Meeting or our shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting may adjourn the Annual Meeting.

How Will my Shares be Voted if I Give No Specific Instruction?

We must vote your shares as you have instructed. If there is a matter on which a shareholder of record has given no specific instruction but has authorized us generally to vote the shares, they will be voted as follows:

1.

“FOR” the election of six directors to serve for a one-year term to expire at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders;

2.

“FOR” an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 100,000,000 shares of common stock to 800,000,000 shares of common stock;

3.

“FOR” our 2022 Plan;

4.

“FOR” the advisory vote on our 2021 named executive officer compensation;

5.

“FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Armanino LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022; and

6.

“FOR” one year for the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.

This authorization would exist, for example, if a shareholder of record merely signs, dates and returns the proxy card but does not representindicate how its shares are to be voted on one or more proposals. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting and you do not provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted at the discretion of the proxies.

If your shares are held in street name, see “What is a Broker Non-Vote?” below regarding the ability of banks, brokers and other such holders of record to vote the uninstructed shares of their customers or other beneficial owners in their discretion.

How are Votes Counted?

Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately count, for the election of directors, “FOR,” “WITHHOLD” and broker non-votes; and, with respect to the other proposals, votes cast“FOR” and “AGAINST,” abstentions and broker non-votes.


What is a Broker Non-Vote?

If your shares are held in street name, you must instruct the organization who holds your shares how to vote your shares. If you sign your proxy card but do not provide instructions on how your broker should vote on “routine” proposals, your broker will vote your shares as recommended by the Board. If you do not provide voting instructions, your shares will not be voted on any “non-routine” proposals. This vote is called a “broker non-vote. The ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 5) is the only routine proposal to be presented at the Annual Meeting. If nominees exercise this discretionary voting authority on Proposal 5, such shares will be considered present at the Annual Meeting for determining whether a quorum is present.

Brokers cannot use discretionary authority to vote shares on the purposeelection of directors, the approval of the 2022 Plan, the approval of the amendment to our Articles of Incorporation, the approval of the advisory vote on executive compensation, or the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation if they have not received instructions from their clients. Please submit your vote instruction form so your vote is counted.

What is an Abstention?

An abstention is a shareholder’s affirmative choice to decline to vote on a proposal. An abstention is not considered a “vote cast” and so is not counted either “for” or “against” any proposal that requires a majority of votes cast in favor in order to pass, which includes all of the proposals being presented at the Annual Meeting, except for the approval of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, in which case an abstention will have the practical effect of voting onagainst such proposals. However, abstentions and broker non-votes areproposal. Abstentions will be counted as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. An abstention occurs when a shareholder withholds such shareholder’s

How Many Votes are Needed for Each Proposal to Pass?

Proposal

Vote Required

Election of each of the six members to our Board of Directors

Plurality of the votes cast (the six directors receiving the most “FOR” votes)

Approval of an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to increase our authorized shares of common stock from 100,000,000 shares to 800,000,000 shares

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock of the Company entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting

Approval of our 2022 Plan

A majority of the votes cast in favor exceeds the number of votes cast against

Approval of an advisory vote on our 2021 named executive officer compensation

A majority of the votes cast in favor exceeds the number of votes cast against.

Ratification of the appointment of Armanino LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year Ending December 31, 2022

A majority of the votes cast in favor exceeds the number of votes cast against

Approval of the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation

Determined by the alternative (every one year, two years or three years) that receives the greatest affirmative entitled to vote thereon and present at the Annual Meeting

What Are the Voting Procedures?

In voting by proxy with regard to the election of directors, you may vote by checkingin favor of all nominees, withhold your votes as to all nominees, or withhold your votes as to specific nominees. With regard to other proposals, you may vote in favor of or against the “abstain” boxproposal, or you may abstain from voting on the proposal. You should specify your respective choices on the accompanying proxy card or when a shareholder present at the Annual Meeting does not cast a ballot. Broker non-votes occur when a person holding shares through a bank or brokerage account does not provide instructions as to how his or her shares should be voted and the broker either does not exercise, or is not permitted to exercise, discretion toyour vote those shares on a particular matter. However, brokers may exercise discretion to vote shares as to which instructions are not given with respect to Proposal 2, Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Brokers may not exercise discretion to vote shares as to which instructions are not given with respect to Proposal 1, Election of Directors, Proposal 3, the Say on Pay Proposal, or Proposal 4, Readoption of the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.instruction form.


Is My Proxy Revocable?

 

Solicitation of Proxies

Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies pursuant to this Proxy Statement. Our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)You may revoke your proxy and our Chairman of the Board of Directors are each named as proxies on the proxy card. We will bear the entire cost of solicitation of proxies, including preparation, assembly and mailing of the Notice of Internet Availability and if requested, this Proxy Statement, the proxy card and any additional information furnished to shareholders. Copies of the Notice of Internet Availability will be furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding shares of common stock in their names that are beneficially owned by others to forward to such beneficial owners. We may reimburse persons representing beneficial owners for their costs of forwarding the Notice of Internet Availability to such beneficial owners. Original solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, email, facsimile or personal solicitation by our directors, officers or other regular employees, none of whom will be paid any additional compensation for such services.

Revocability of Proxies

Any shareholder who executes a proxy pursuant to this solicitation retains thereclaim your right to revoke itvote at any time before ityour proxy is voted. It may be revokedvoted by giving written notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, by delivering to our Corporate Secretary, ata properly completed, later-dated proxy card or prior to the Annual Meeting, either a written notice of revocationvote instruction form or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. Alternatively, it may be revoked by voting atduring the Annual Meeting. Attendance atAll written notices of revocation and other communications with respect to revocations of proxies should be addressed to: Jones Soda Co., 66 South Hanford Street, Suite 150, Seattle, Washington 98134. Your most current proxy card or Internet proxy is the Annual Meetingone that will not, by itself, revoke a proxy.be counted.

 

Who is Paying for the Expenses Involved in Preparing and Mailing this Proxy Statement?

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the expenses involved in preparing, assembling and mailing these proxy materials and all costs of soliciting proxies will be paid by us. In addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by our officers and other employees by telephone or in person. Such persons will receive no compensation for their services other than their regular salaries. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of the shares held of record by such persons, and we may reimburse such persons for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding solicitation materials.

PROPOSAL 1 Do I Have Dissenters ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Rights of Appraisal?

 

Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of five directors, all of which are standing for re-election. Each director elected atshareholders do not have appraisal rights under Washington law or under our governing documents with respect to the Annual Meeting will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors are elected by a plurality of the sharesmatters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

 

Recent ChangesHow can I Find out the Results of the Voting at the Annual Meeting?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an additional Form 8-K to publish the final results.

When are Shareholder Proposals Due for the 2023 Annual Meeting?

We currently intend to hold the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders in May 2023. Eligible shareholders who wish to present proposals for action at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders in accordance with the Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), for inclusion in our Proxy Statement must submit their proposals in writing to our Corporate Secretary, at 66 S. Hanford St., Suite 150, Seattle, WA 98134 no later than the close of business on December 5, 2022. As described in the Compositionrules under the Exchange Act, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee that it will be included.

In addition, as set forth in our Amended and Restated Bylaws, any shareholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders (other than a director nomination) must deliver notice to our Corporate Secretary no later than 90 days and no earlier than 120 days before the first anniversary of the Boarddate of Directorsthe prior year's annual meeting. This means that for the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders, we must receive notice no earlier than January 16, 2023 and no later than February 15, 2023, or such proposal will be considered untimely. Section 2.6.2 of our Amended and Restated Bylaws also requires the shareholder to provide additional specified information regarding the business that the shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting.

 

On September 1, 2020, upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors, Jamie Colbourne was appointed as a member of the Board of DirectorsIn addition, shareholders who intend to fill a vacancy. Subsequently, effective January 1, 2021, the Board of Directors approved the appointment of Mr. Colbourne as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Michael M. Fleming, who continues to serve on the Board of Directors.

On March 7, 2021, Jennifer Cue informed the Company that she was resigning from the Board of Directors effective immediately. Ms. Cue’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement between Ms. Cue and us, our management, the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors, or with respect to any matter relating to our operations, policies or practices.

Voting Arrangements

Pursuant to Section 2 of that certain Investor Rights Agreement dated July 11, 2019 (the “IRA”) entered into by us, Heavenly Rx Ltd. (“Heavenly Rx”) and certain of our shareholders, as described below in more detail under “Transactions with Related Persons,” we are required to nominate persons for election to the Board of Directors two directors designated by Heavenly Rx. Eachat the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of Paul Norman and Clive Sirkin are “Investor Designees”shareholders must provide advance written notice of Heavenly Rx, as definedsuch nomination in the IRA.   In addition, pursuantmanner required by our Amended and Restated Bylaws. Written notice of nominations, complying with Section 2.6.1 of the Amended and Restated Bylaws, must be delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage pre-paid, to our Corporate Secretary not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to the termsdate of the Note Purchase Agreement dated as2023 annual meeting of March 23, 2018 among us and the purchasersshareholders; provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the Convertible Notes (as defined below) (the “Note Purchase Agreement”), we are requiredmeeting is given to nominate forthe shareholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed, as prescribed above, to our Corporate Secretary not later than 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to the shareholders.

We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements


Do the Companys Officers and Directors have an Interest in Any of the Matters to Be Acted Upon at the Annual Meeting?

Members of the Board have an interest in Proposal 1, the election to the Board of Directors two directors designated by Manatuck Hill Partners, LLC (“MHP”), onethe six director nominees set forth herein, Proposal 2, the approval of an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of the purchasersCompany’s common stock, Proposal 3, approval of a Convertible Note.  Currently, MHP has not designated any directors to be elected tothe Company’s 2022 Plan, Proposal 4, approval, on an advisory basis, of the Company’s 2021 named executive officer compensation and Proposal 6, the advisory vote on the frequency of future votes on executive compensation. Members of the Board and executive officers of Directors.the Company do not have any interest in Proposal 5, the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

GeneralCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STANDARDS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Our Bylaws currently authorize seven directors. Two seats currently remain vacant. SubjectWe are committed to the rights of MHP under the Note Purchase Agreement, the Nominating Committee and thegood corporate governance practices. These practices provide an important framework within which our Board of Directors have decided to leaveand management pursue our strategic objectives for the open director positions vacant at this time until qualified candidates have been identified.benefit of our shareholders. 

 

Unless otherwise directed, the persons named as proxies in the provided proxy card will vote the proxies received by them for the five nominees named below. In the event that any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at or prior to the time of the Annual Meeting (an event that currently is not anticipated by management), the proxies will be voted for the election of another person nominated by the Nominating Committee. As there are five nominees, proxies may be voted for up to five persons.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the persons nominated by the Board of Directors.

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Nominees

Set forth below is biographical information for each of the five nominees as director, each of whom currently serves on our Board of Directors.

Name

Position / Background

Age

Director Since

Jamie Colbourne

Mr. Colbourne served as our Interim Chief Executive Officer from April 6, 2020 until December 1, 2020 and has served as the Chairman of our Board of Directors since January 1, 2021. Prior to that, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Harry’s Fresh Foods, a position he held from July 2012 until it was sold in March 2019, and also served on its Board of Directors. Mr. Colbourne currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt, Harbor Wholesale, and Bargreen Ellingson. He was the Chief Operating Officer of Charlie’s Produce from 2008 to 2012. From 2002 to 2008, Mr. Colbourne served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Litehouse Inc., and prior to that, he held positions at Tully’s Coffee, Specialty Frozen Foods, Haagen-Dazs, Pepsico/Seven-up Canada. Mr. Colbourne received a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing and Finance from St. Mary’s University in Canada and received a Canadian Chartered Accounting designation in 1982. We believe Mr. Colbourne is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of his management expertise and experience in the food industry.

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September 2020

Jeffrey D. Anderson

 Mr. Anderson has over 36 years of consumer products experience working for public and private companies in senior management positions. He has worked for Newell Companies, Quaker Oats, Caron International, and Eagle Industries. He served as CEO for 20 years and owned his own company Gerry Sportswear which he successful grew before selling. He is also owner of Farwest Properties Management a real estate investment company. Mr. Anderson currently serves on the Board of Harbor Foods, a large Pacific Northwest food service distributor. They supply retailer outlets like Subway and Taco Time. They also service over 2500 convenience stores and quick serve retailers. Mr. Anderson received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master’s degree from the University of Iowa. Mr. Anderson has also had considerable M&A experience with over 40 acquisitions and some divestitures throughout his career. We believe Mr. Anderson is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of his management expertise and experience in the food industry.

73

August 2017

Michael M. Fleming

Mr. Fleming served as the Chairman of our Board of Directors from June 27, 2012 until January 1, 2021. Mr. Fleming is an attorney with the law firm Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC specializing in real estate, dispute resolution, securities and environmental matters, a position he has held since January 2014. Mr. Fleming previously was an attorney with the law firm of Lane Powell PC from 2000 to 2013. Mr. Fleming served on the Board of Directors of Eastside Distilling, a spirits company, were he was a member of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees, from August 2016 to August 2019. Mr. Fleming also served on the Board of Directors of S&W Seed Co., an agricultural products company, where he served as Chairman of the Audit and Compensation Committees from 2008 to 2017. Mr. Fleming has served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Puget Sound since 2002 and was Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2008-2009. He has also been the President and owner of Kidcentre, Inc., a company in the business of providing child care services in Seattle, Washington, since 1988. Since 1985, he has also been the President and owner of Fleming Investment Co., an investment company. Mr. Fleming holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Washington and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. We believe Mr. Fleming is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because his experience as President and owner of two businesses, his experience as a director of other public companies as well as his legal background contribute legal expertise in matters of business and securities law.

72

April 1997

Paul Norman

Mr. Norman is a seasoned global operating executive that currently serves on the Board of Directors of Hearthside Food Solutions. Previously, from June 2019 through April 2020, Mr. Norman was chairman and CEO of Heavenly Rx, where he is focused on developing a long-term strategic direction and growing the company’s brand portfolio. Preceding his role at Heavenly Rx, Mr. Norman spent over 30 years at the Kellogg Company, a multinational food manufacturing company, and most recently served as President of the company’s North American operations from April 2015 to April 2018. During his multi-decade career at Kellogg, Norman led various transformation efforts through strategic portfolio innovation and management that resulted in long-term, profitable growth. Mr. Norman holds a bachelor’s degree in French studies from the University of Portsmouth, and previously was a Board member for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, where he served on the executive committee. We believe Mr. Norman is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of his branding, business strategy and marketing expertise and experience in the food industry. Mr. Norman is an “Investor Designee” of Heavenly Rx, as defined in the IRA, and was appointed to the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms and conditions of such agreement.

56

August 2019

Clive Sirkin

Mr. Sirkin is a seasoned marketing executive who has held various executive roles in large multinational consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. He was most recently the Chief Growth Officer for the Kellogg Company from January 2016 through February 2019. In this capacity he was a member of the company's Executive Committee and was responsible for R&D, innovation, sales, marketing, research and analytics and setting the category strategy for the company. Prior to Kellogg, Clive served as the Chief Marketing Officer of Kimberly-Clark from March 2012 to November 2015, overseeing all marketing across their B2B and B2C divisions. This followed a 16+ year career in advertising at Leo Burnett, where he served in various leadership capacities across multiple geographies culminating in being named Group Managing Director with responsibility for setting the global business strategy for the group. He served on the Global Executive Committee and the Board of the company. Mr. Sirkin currently serves on the Boards of Screendragon ltd., Fyllo tech, UCAN and 70 Faces Media. He holds a B. Comm. degree from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. We believe Mr. Sirkin is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of his marketing expertise and experience in the food industry. Mr. Sirkin is an “Investor Designee” of Heavenly Rx, as defined in the IRA, and was appointed to the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms and conditions of such agreement.

57

August 2019

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Independence of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors has determined that all of our five current directors, Messrs. Colbourne, Anderson, Fleming, Norman and Sirkin, are “independent directors” within the meaning of the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“NASDAQ”). In making its independence determinations, the Board of Directors considered all relationships between any of the directors and the Company.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

 

The Board of Directors selects the Chairman by consensus. Mr. ColbourneNorman currently serves as the Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors does not have a specific policy on whether the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board should be separate, or if the roles are separate, whether the Chairman of the Board should be selected from the non-employee directors. Currently, these roles are separate and the Chairman is a non-employee director. The Board of Directors believes that it should have discretion to determine the most appropriate leadership structure within the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

The Board of Directors believes having an independent Chairman of the Board is the appropriate leadership structure for the Board of Directors at this particular time. The Board of Directors believes this structure ensures a greater role for the independent directors in the oversight of the Company, as well as their active participation in setting agendas and establishing priorities and procedures for the work of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors also believes its administration of risk oversight, as discussed below, has not affected the Board's leadership structure.

 

The Board of Directors oversees the Company’s risk management process, while executive management oversees and manages risk on a day-to-day operational basis. The Board of Directors receives regular reports from executive management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal, regulatory and strategic risks. While the Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for risk oversight, each of the committees of the Board of Directors assists in fulfilling these oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee oversees management of financial risks by identifying key areas of risk for the Company, reviewing management's policies, programs and policies to deal with risk, identifying members of management whose responsibility it is to manage risks and receiving reports from such persons. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to corporate governance and the compensation of executives, employees and non-employee directors. The Nominating Committee managesindependent members of the board manage risks associated with Board composition, including the independence of Board members. The Chair of the relevant Board committee reports on its discussions to the full Board of Directors, enabling the Board of Directors and its committees to coordinate the risk oversight roles.

 

Board Attendance

During 2020, the Board of Directors held nine meetings. Each director was in attendance at more than 75% of the meetings held of the Board of Directors and any committees on which he or she served during his or her tenure as a director in 2020. At each Board meeting, non-employee directors have the opportunity to, and regularly do, meet in executive session without members of management present.

We do not have a formal policy requiring director attendance at our annual meeting of shareholders; however, all directors are encouraged to attend. At the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, all of our directors were in virtual attendance.

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Board Meetings and CommitteesDirector Independence

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that four of our directors, Messrs. Spiro, Bronstein, Norman and Sirkin, are “independent directors” within the meaning of the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”). In making its independence determinations, our Board of Directors considered all relationships between any of the directors and our Company.


Committee of our Board of Directors

As of December 31, 2021, our Board of Directors had an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Governance Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) and a Nominating Committee. The membership of each committee asAs of March 18, 2021 is indicated below:

Director

Audit

Compensation and Governance

Nominating

Jeff Anderson

Chair

Chair

X

Jamie Colbourne

Chair

Clive Sirkin

X

X

Michael M. Fleming

X

X

Paul Norman

X

15, 2022, our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee and our entire Board of Directors serves in place of a Nominating Committee. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Board of Directors formed a Mergers and Acquisitions and Investments Committee.

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee represents theour Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to our accounting, reporting, financial and internal control practices, and any related party transactions. Among its responsibilities, the Audit Committee: is responsible for selecting, retaining or replacing our independent auditors; reviews the scope, fees and result of their audit; reviews the independence of the auditors; reviews and approves any non-audit services and related fees; is informed of their significant audit findings and management's responses; reviews the adequacy of the Company’sour accounting and financial personnel; reviews the Company’sour financial reporting processes and internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; and oversees legal and regulatory compliance matters, including reviewing and approving all significant related party transactions and potential conflict of interest situations. The Audit Committee reviews the quarterly and annual financial statements and recommends their acceptance to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee also periodically reviews, in consultation with the Compensation Committee, the Company’sour Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics, and establishes and reviews (a) procedures for receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding the Company'sour accounting, internal controls and auditing matters; and (b) procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter setting forth the functions and responsibilities of the committee, which is reviewed by the committee on a periodic basis, and by the Board of Directors as appropriate. A current copy of the charter is available on our website at www.jonessoda.com under the Investor Relations tab under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

 

TheAs of March 15, 2022, the Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. AndersonColbourn (Chair), Sirkin and Bronstein. From February 15, 2022 until March 15, 2022, the Audit Committee was comprised of Messrs. Sirkin (Chair), Norman and Bronstein (and, prior to February 15, 2022, was comprised of Messrs. Jeffrey D. Anderson, Michael M. Fleming and Sirkin.Sirkin for fiscal year 2021). The Board of Directors has determined that, after consideration of all relevant factors, each of these directors qualifiesMessrs. Sirkin and Bronstein qualify as an “independent” director under applicable SecuritiesSEC and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and NASDAQNasdaq rules. Each member of the Audit Committee is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows. Further, no member of the Audit Committee has participated in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, or those of any of our current subsidiaries, at any time during the past three years. The Board of Directors has designated Mr. Andersondetermined that Jamie Colbourne qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under applicable SEC rules and has determined that Mr. Anderson possesses the requisite “financial sophistication” under applicable NASDAQ rules. The Audit Committee held four meetings in 2020.

 

Compensation and Governance Committee

 

TheAs of March 15, 2022, the Compensation Committee is comprised of Messrs. Sirkin (Chair), Spiro and Bronstein. From February 15, 2022 until March 15, 2022, the Compensation Committee was comprised of Messrs. Paul Norman (Chair) and Alexander Spiro (and, prior to February 15, 2022, was comprised of Messrs. Jeffrey D. Anderson (Chair), Michael M. Fleming and Norman. ThePaul Norman for fiscal year 2021). Our Board of Directors has determined that, after consideration of all relevant factors, each of these directors qualifies as an “independent” and “non-employee” director under applicable NASDAQNasdaq and SEC rules and qualifies as an “outside director” pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to theour Board of Directors regarding the Company’sour general compensation policies as well as the compensation plans and specific compensation levels for itsour executive officers. The Compensation Committee held three meetings during 2020.

 

The Compensation Committee has a number of functions and responsibilities as delineated in its written charter, which is reviewed by the committee on an annual basis, and by theour Board of Directors as appropriate. A current copy of the Compensation Committee charter is available on our website at www.jonessoda.com under the Investor Relations tab under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

 


The primary functions of the Compensation Committee are to (i) assist theour Board of Directors with its responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company's CEOour Chief Executive Officer and other executives, employees and directors who are not our employees, of the Company, (ii) advise theour Board of Directors in connection with the Company’sour retirement, welfare and other benefit plans, and (iii) develop, update, as necessary, and recommend to theour Board of Directors corporate governance principles and policies applicable to the Company,us, and monitor compliance with such principles and policies. The Compensation Committee, when appropriate, may delegate authority to subcommittees and may delegate authority to one or more designated members of the committee, theour Board of Directors or Companyour officers. Additionally, the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may retain compensation consultants, independent counsel, accounting and other professionals without seeking approval of theour Board of Directors with respect to the selection, fees or retention terms for these advisors. The Compensation Committee did not retain a compensation consultant in 2020.2021.

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Under its charter, the Compensation Committee establishes and annually reviews policies regarding executive compensation. With respect to our CEO,Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee solicits input from the full Board of Directors and, based on that input, develops corporate goals and objectives relevant to the CEO’sChief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluates the CEO’sChief Executive Officer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives and recommends to theour Board of Directors the CEO’sChief Executive Officer’s compensation based on this evaluation and other relevant information. For other executive officers, the CEOChief Executive Officer provides the Compensation Committee a performance assessment and recommendation regarding performance goals and compensation. The Compensation Committee reviews this information and the recommendations, as well as other relevant information, and recommends the compensation of these officers on an annual basis to theour Board of Directors for approval. With respect to equity grants, the Compensation Committee has the authority, without approval from our Board of Director approval,Directors, to approve all equity awards to employees and executive officers, although the Company’sour general practice is to obtain approval from our Board approvalof Directors of equity awards.

 

The CEOChief Executive Officer reports to the Compensation Committee periodically on the results of the evaluations of our executive officers (other than the CEO)Chief Executive Officer). In addition to the CEO’sChief Executive Officer’s involvement in setting individual performance goals, conducting evaluations and making compensation recommendations for other executive officers, our management team plays an active role in updating the Compensation Committee on the trends and challenges of hiring, retaining and competing for talent. The management team periodically suggests alternative forms of compensation or compensation strategies to assist the Compensation Committee in recommending to theour Board of Directors compensation packages that will enable us to attract and retain key talent.

 

Under its charter, the Compensation Committee also reviews director compensation practices, including analysis of our practice in comparison to other companies, and recommends to theour Board of Directors revisions to ourthe Company’s director compensation program. In addition, the Compensation Committee develops, periodically reviews and recommends to theour Board of Directors director and executive stock ownership guidelines, and provides oversight and recommendations to theour Board of Directors regarding our tax-qualified and nonqualified benefit plans. In addition, the Compensation Committee develops and recommends to theour Board of Directors procedures for selection of the Chairperson of the Board,board, and helps develop an annual meeting calendar for theour Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee recommends to theour Board of Directors, as appropriate, the number, type, functions and structure and independence of the committees of theour Board of Directors, and helps determine procedures for selection of the CEOChief Executive Officer and assists with the development and maintenance of a succession plan. The Compensation Committee also periodically reviews, in consultation with the Audit Committee, the Company’sour Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics, and consults with and supports the Audit Committee with respect to the establishment of (a) procedures for receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding the Company'sour accounting, internal controls and auditing matters; and (b) procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Compensation Committee also develops, reviews and recommends such other corporate governance policies and principles as it deems appropriate.

 


Nominating Committee

 

During 2020,Until March 15, 2022, the Nominating Committee was comprised of Messrs. FlemingSirkin (Chair) and Spiro, and at the beginning of 2021, the Nominating Committee was comprised of Messrs. Colbourne (Chair), Anderson and Sirkin. In March 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed Mr. Colbourne as the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, and Mr. Fleming stepped off of the Nominating Committee. TheAs of December 31, 2021, the Board of Directors has determined that, after consideration of all relevant factors, each of these directors qualifiesthe members of the Nominating Committee qualified as an “independent” director under applicable NASDAQNasdaq rules. The Nominating Committee held three meetings during 2020.

 

The Nominating Committee operates under a written charter setting forth the functions and responsibilitiesAs of the committee, which is reviewed by the committee on an annual basis, and by theMarch 15, 2022, our entire Board of Directors as appropriate. A current copyserves in place of the Nominating Committee, charter is available onand our website at www.jonessoda.com under the Investor Relations tab under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

The primary functions of the Nominating Committeeindependent directors are to identifyresponsible for, among other things, identifying individuals qualified to become members of theour Board of Directors and to approve and recommend to the Board of Directorsapproving director candidates for election to theour Board of Directors, including the development of policies and procedures to assist in the performance of these responsibilities. In the event there is a vacancy on theour Board of Directors, the Chairindependent members of the Nominating Committeeour Board of Directors will initiate the effort to identify appropriate director candidates.

The Nominating Committeeindependent members of our Board of Directors will also periodically reviews with the Board of Directorsreview the appropriate size of theour Board of Directors, any appropriate restrictions on service on our Board service,of Directors, such as term limits and retirement policy, recommends standards regarding the Company’sour definition of “independence,” establishesestablish performance criteria/expectations for director performance, and overseesoversee the criteria and method for evaluating the effectiveness of theour Board of Directors.

 

10

Director Nomination ProcessMergers and Acquisitions and Investment Committee

 

As noted above, theOn March 15, 2022, our Board of Directors has determinedformed the Mergers and Acquisitions and Investments Committee to examine possible strategic acquisitions and significant investments by us and to formulate recommendations concerning any such possible transactions to our Board as a whole. The Mergers and Acquisitions and Investments Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Spiro (Chair), Colbourn, Sirkin and Norman.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have a Code of Ethics that director nomination responsibilities should be overseen by the Nominating Committee. Oneapplies to our Chief Executive Officer and other senior financial officers, as well as a Code of the Nominating Committee’s goals isConduct applicable to assemble a Board of Directors that brings a variety of perspectivesall directors, officers and skills derived from high quality business and professional experience. The Nominating Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has adopted, the Director Selection Guidelines set out in Exhibitemployees. A to the Nominating Committee charter, a copy of whicheach is availableposted on our website at www.jonessoda.com under the Investor Relations tab, under “Corporate Governance” and under the heading “Corporate Governance.headings “Code of Ethics” and “Code of Conduct,In accordance withrespectively. If we waive any material provision of our Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer or senior financial officers or substantively change the Director Selection Guidelines,codes, we will disclose that fact on our website within four business days.

Anti-hedging

As part of our Insider Trading Policy, all of our officers, directors and employees are prohibited from engaging in short sales of our securities and any hedging or monetization transactions involving our securities. Our Insider Trading Policy further prohibits such persons from holding our securities on margin in a margin account or otherwise pledging our securities. As of December 31, 2021, none of our directors or executive officers had pledged any shares of our common stock.

Family Relationships and Other Arrangements

There are no family relationships among our directors and executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between or among our executive officers and directors pursuant to which any director or executive officer was or is to be selected as a director or executive officer.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

We are not aware of any of our directors or officers being involved in any legal proceedings in the Nominatingpast ten years relating to any matters in bankruptcy, insolvency, criminal proceedings (other than traffic and other minor offenses), or being subject to any of the items set forth under Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.


Board and Committee Meetings and Attendance

The Board of Directors and its committees meet regularly throughout the year and also hold special meetings and act by written consent from time to time. During fiscal year 2021, the Board of Directors as appropriate, will reviewheld six meetings; the following considerations, among others, in their evaluation of candidates for Board nomination: personalAudit Committee held four meetings; the Compensation Committee held four meetings; and professional ethics; training, experience and ability in making and overseeing policy in business; commitment to fulfilling the duties of the Board of Directors; commitment to understanding the Company’s business; commitment to engaging in activities in the best interests of the Company; independence; diversity; industry knowledge and contacts; financial or accounting expertise; leadership qualities; public company board of director and committee experience; and other relevant qualifications. The Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity; however, the Nominating Committee andheld four meetings. During fiscal year 2021, none of the directors attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings held by the Board of Directors believe it essential to have directors representing diverse viewpoints. Accordingly, diversity is one factor consideredduring his tenure and the total number of meetings held by the Nominating Committee in evaluating overall Board of Directors composition and evaluating appropriate director candidates. We believe our current directors bring strong diversity of experiences to the Board of Directors as leaders in business, finance and legal affairs. Under the oversight of the Nominating Committee, the Board of Directors periodically reviews the compositionall committees of the Board of Directors and assesses the characteristics and critical skills required of prospectiveon which such director candidates.

Other than consideration of the foregoing and applicable SEC and NASDAQ requirements, unless determined otherwise by the Nominating Committee, there are no stated minimum criteria, qualities or skills for director nominees.served during his tenure. The Nominating Committee may also consider such other factors as it may deem are in the best interests of us and our shareholders. In addition, at least one member of the Board of Directors serving on the Audit Committee should meet the criteria for an “audit committee financial expert” having the requisite “financial sophistication” under applicable NASDAQ and SEC rules, and a majority of theindependent members of the Board of Directors shouldalso meet separately without management directors to discuss such matters as the definition of “independent director” under applicable NASDAQ rules.independent directors consider appropriate.

 

The Nominating Committee identifies director nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board of Directors willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board of Directors with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board of Directors with that of obtaining a new perspective. The Nominating Committee also takes into account an incumbent director’s performance as a Board member. If any member of the Board of Directors does not wish to continue in service, if the Nominating Committee decides not to re-nominate a member for reelection, if the Board of Directors decided to fill a director position that is currently vacant or if the Board of Directors decides to recommend that the size of the Board of Directors be increased, the Nominating Committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria described above. Potential director candidates are referred to the Chair of the Nominating Committee for consideration by the Nominating Committee, which may then recommend the director candidate to the Board of Directors for its consideration, if deemed appropriate. If necessary or desirable in the opinion of the Nominating Committee, the Nominating Committee will determine appropriate means for seeking additional director candidates, including engagement of outside consultants to assist in the identification of director candidates. Upon the Nominating Committee’s recommendations, the Board of Directors recommends the director nominees to the shareholders for election.Attendance at Annual Shareholders Meeting

 

The Nominating Committee will consider candidates recommended by shareholders in the same manner as it evaluates suggestions forWe do not have a formal policy requiring director nominees made by management, then-currentattendance at our annual meeting of shareholders; however, all directors or other appropriate sources. Shareholders wishingare encouraged to suggest director candidates should submit their suggestions in writing to the Chair of the Nominating Committee, c/o the Corporate Secretary of the Company, providing the candidate's name, biographical data and other relevant information. Shareholders who intend to nominate a director for election at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must provide advance written notice of such nomination to the Corporate Secretary of the Company in the manner described below under the heading “Shareholder Proposals For 2022 Annual Meeting.”attend.

 

Shareholder Communication with the Board of Directors

 

Shareholders who wish to communicate with our Board of Directors or with a particular director can send correspondence to our Corporate Secretary, c/o Jones Soda Co., 66 S.South Hanford St.,Street, Suite 150, Seattle, WAWashington 98134. The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating that the enclosed letter is a “Shareholder-Board Communication” or “Shareholder-Director Communication.” All such correspondence must identify the author as a shareholder of Jones Soda Co.,the Company, and clearly state whether the intended recipients are all members of the Board of Directors or just certain specified directors.

 

Depending on the subject matter of the communication, management will do one of the following:

 

 

forward the communication to the director or directors to whom it is addressed;

 

 

attempt to handle the inquiry directly, for example where it is a request for information about Jones Soda Co.the Company or it is a stock related matter; or

 

 

not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature, if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic, or if it is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or otherwise inappropriate.

 

At each Board of Directors meeting, management will present a summary of all communications received since the last meeting that were not forwarded and shall make those communications available to the directors.

 

In addition, any person who desires to communicate any matter specifically to our Audit Committee may contact the Audit Committee by addressing a letter to the Chair of the Audit Committee, c/o Corporate Secretary, Jones Soda Co., 66 S.South Hanford St.,Street, Suite 150, Seattle, WAWashington 98134. Communications addressed to the Audit Committee Chair may be submitted anonymously, in which event the envelope will not be opened for any purpose other than appropriate security inspections. Otherwise, such mailing will be forwarded directly to the Chair of our Audit Committee for his or her review and follow-up action as he or she deems appropriate.

 

11

Considerations in Evaluating Director Nominees

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forthOur Board of Directors previously determined that director nomination responsibilities should be overseen by the Nominating Committee; however, as of March 18, 2021 certain information regarding15, 2022, our entire Board of Directors serves in place of the beneficial ownership of our outstanding common stock by the following persons or groups:Nominating Committee.

each person who is known by us to own beneficially more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of common stock;

the Named Executive Officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table below;

each of our directors and director nominees; and

all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

As noted above, on March 15, 2022, the Board of March 18, 2021 there were 64,385,806 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Unless otherwise indicated, each person's address is c/o Jones Soda Co., 66 S. Hanford St., Suite 150, Seattle, WA 98134.

Beneficial ownership isDirectors determined in accordance with SEC rules and includes shares over whichthat given the indicated beneficial owner exercises voting and/or investment power. Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 18, 2021 are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownershipcurrent size of the person holdingCompany that director nomination responsibilities should be overseen by the options or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computingentire Board. The Board’s goal is to assemble a Board of Directors that brings a variety of perspectives and skills derived from high quality business and professional experience. The Board of Directors has adopted, the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated and subject to community property laws where applicable, we believe the beneficial owners of the common stock listed below, based on information furnished by them, have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed opposite their names.

  

Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock (1)

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

No. of Shares

 

Securities Currently Exercisable or Within 60 Days

 

Total Beneficial Ownership

 

Percent of Total

5% Owners

        

Heavenly Rx Ltd. (2)

 

 16,852,879

 

 — 

 

 16,852,879

 

26.2 %

Executive Officers and Directors

        

Mark Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 50,000

 

 100,000

 

 150,000

 

 *

Eric Chastain, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary (3)

 

 10,500

 

 395,471

 

 405,971

 

 *

Jamie Colbourne, Director

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

  

Jeff Anderson, Director

 

 200,301

 

 120,228

 

 320,529

 

 *

Clive Sirkin, Director

 

 1,519,036

 

 80,645

 

 1,599,681

 

2.5 %

Michael M. Fleming, Director (4)

 

 110,368

 

 400,645

 

 511,013

 

 *

Paul Norman, Director

 

 1,265,152

 

 80,645

 

 1,345,797

 

2.1 %

Jennifer Cue, Former Chief Executive Officer(5)

 

 2,406,360

 

 738,545

 

 3,144,905

 

4.8 %

All current directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons) (6)

 3,155,357 

 1,198,988

 

 4,354,345

 

6.6 %

                                    

        

* Less than one percent

        

(1) The table is based upon information supplied by such principal shareholders, executive officers and directors.

(2) According to a Schedule 13D filed on July 19, 2019 by Heavenly Rx and a Form 4 filed by Heavenly Rx on November 27, 2020, Heavenly Rx may be deemed to beneficially own (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) 16,852,879 shares of common stock comprised of 13,000,000 shares of common stock owned directly by Heavenly Rx and 3,852,879 shares of common stock that Heavenly RX may be deemed to beneficially own as a result of entering into the IRA with us, Messrs. Fleming and Chastain and Ms. Cue (collectively, the “Shareholders”). Heavenly Rx previously held a warrant to purchase 15,000,000 shares of common stock which expired on July 11, 2020.
(3) On April 18, 2018, Mr. Chastain purchased a $10,000 convertible subordinated promissory note of the Company, which accrues interest at a rate of 6.0% per annum with a four-year team and a conversion rate of $0.32 per share. The conversion price is subject to anti-dilution adjustment on a broad-based, weighted average basis if we issue shares or equity-linked instruments at a conversion price below $0.32 per share.  Mr. Chastain may convert all or part of such convertible note into shares of common stock of the Company at any time on or prior to the maturity date of the convertible note. As of March 18, 2021, Mr. Chastain has the ability to convert the note into 36,721 shares, which have been included in the amounts described above.  In addition, according to a Schedule 13D filed on July 23, 2019, as a result of entering into the IRA, Mr. Chastain may be deemed to be a member of a “group,” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, comprised of the Shareholders and Heavenly Rx.  According to the Schedule 13D and note (2) above, the Shareholders believe that they and Heavenly Rx together as a “group” may be deemed to collectively beneficially own in the aggregate 16,852,879 shares of common stock. The Shareholders expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of any securities beneficially owned or acquired by Heavenly Rx, and each of the Shareholders expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities beneficially owned or acquired by any other Shareholder.
(4) According to a Schedule 13D filed on July 23, 2019, as a result of entering into the IRA, Mr. Fleming may be deemed to be a member of a “group,” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, comprised of the Shareholders and Heavenly Rx. According to the Schedule 13D and note (2) above, the Shareholders believe that they and Heavenly Rx together as a “group” may be deemed to collectively beneficially own in the aggregate 16,852,879 shares of common stock. The Shareholders expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of any securities beneficially owned or acquired by Heavenly Rx, and each of the Shareholders expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities beneficially owned or acquired by any other Shareholder. 

(5) On March 23, 2018, Ms. Cue purchased a $100,000 convertible subordinated promissory note of the Company, which accrues interest at a rate of 6.0% per annum with a four-year team and a conversion rate of $0.32 per share. The conversion price is subject to anti-dilution adjustment on a broad-based, weighted average basis if we issue shares or equity-linked instruments at a conversion price below $0.32 per share.  Ms. Cue may convert all or part of such convertible note into shares of common stock of the Company at any time on or prior to the maturity date of the convertible note. As of March 18, 2021, Ms. Cue has the ability to convert the note into 368,545 shares, which have been included in the amounts described above.  In addition, according to a Schedule 13D filed on July 23, 2019, as a result of entering into the IRA, Ms. Cue may be deemed to be a member of a “group,” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, comprised of the Shareholders and Heavenly Rx.  According to the Schedule 13D and note (2) above, the Shareholders believe that they and Heavenly RX together as a “group” may be deemed to collectively beneficially own in the aggregate 16,852,879 shares of common stock. The Shareholders expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of any securities beneficially owned or acquired by Heavenly Rx, and each of the Shareholders expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities beneficially owned or acquired by any other Shareholder.

(6) Consists of Messrs. Colbourne, Anderson, Fleming, Norman, Sirkin, Chastain, Murray, and Culp.  See Notes (3) and (4) above. 

12

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock (collectively, “Reporting Persons”) to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock. Reporting Persons are also required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all such ownership reports they file. SEC regulations also require the Company to identify in this Proxy Statement any Reporting Person who failed to file any such report onDirector Selection Guidelines, a timely basis.

Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports received or written communications from certain Reporting Persons we believe that all Reporting Persons filed all required Section 16(a) reports on a timely basis for fiscal year 2020, except as follows: Heavenly Rx filed a late report on Form 4 on November 27, 2020 related to its sale of 1,000,000 shares of common stock to each of Messrs. Sirkin and Norman on November 10, 2020.

Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

We have a Code of Ethics that applies to our CEO and other senior financial officers, as well as a Code of Conduct applicable to all directors, officers and employees. A copy of eachwhich is postedavailable on our website at www.jonessoda.com under the Investor Relations tab under the heading “Corporate Governance”Governance.” In accordance with the Director Selection Guidelines, the Board of Directors, will review the following considerations, among others, in their evaluation of candidates for Board nomination: personal and professional ethics; training, experience and ability in making and overseeing policy in business; commitment to fulfilling the duties of the Board of Directors; commitment to understanding the Company’s business; commitment to engaging in activities in the best interests of the Company; independence; diversity; industry knowledge and contacts; financial or accounting expertise; leadership qualities; public company board of director and committee experience; and other relevant qualifications. The Board does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity; however, the Board believes it essential to have directors representing diverse viewpoints. Accordingly, diversity is one factor considered by the Board in evaluating overall Board composition and evaluating appropriate director candidates. We believe our current directors bring strong diversity of experiences to the Board as leaders in business, finance and legal affairs. The Board periodically reviews the composition of the Board and assesses the characteristics and critical skills required of prospective director candidates.


Other than consideration of the foregoing and applicable SEC and Nasdaq requirements, unless determined otherwise by the Board, there are no stated minimum criteria, qualities or skills for director nominees. The Board may also consider such other factors as it may deem are in the best interests of us and our shareholders. In addition, at least one member of the Board serving on the Audit Committee should meet the criteria for an “audit committee financial expert” having the requisite “financial sophistication” under applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules, and a majority of the members of the Board of Directors should meet the definition of “independent director” under applicable Nasdaq rules.

The Board identifies director nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. The Board also takes into account an incumbent director’s performance as a Board member. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service, if the Board decides not to re-nominate a member for reelection, if the Board decided to fill a director position that is currently vacant or if the Board decides to recommend that the size of the Board be increased, the Board will identify the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria described above. Potential director candidates are referred to the Chair of the Board for consideration by the Board as a whole. If necessary or desirable in the opinion of the Board, the Board will determine appropriate means for seeking additional director candidates, including engagement of outside consultants to assist in the identification of director candidates. The Board recommends the director nominees to the shareholders for election.

The Board will consider candidates recommended by shareholders in the same manner as it evaluates suggestions for director nominees made by management, then-current directors or other appropriate sources. Shareholders wishing to suggest director candidates should submit their suggestions in writing to the Chair of the Board, c/o the Corporate Secretary of the Company, providing the candidate's name, biographical data and other relevant information. Shareholders who intend to nominate a director for election at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders must provide advance written notice of such nomination to the Corporate Secretary of the Company in the manner described below under the headings “Codeheading “When are Shareholder Proposals Due for the 2023 Annual Meeting?”

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

At the Annual Meeting, our shareholders will elect six directors to hold office until the 2023 annual meeting of Ethics”shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and “Codequalified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors are elected by a plurality of Conduct,” respectively. If we waivevotes cast by shareholders. In the event the nominees are unable or unwilling to serve as directors at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted for any material provisionsubstitute nominees designated by the present Board or the proxy holders to fill such vacancy, or for the balance of the nominees named without nomination of a substitute, or the size of the Board will be reduced in accordance with the Bylaws of the Company. The Board has no reason to believe that the persons named below will be unable or unwilling to serve as nominees or as directors if elected.

Assuming a quorum is present, the six nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of shares entitled to be voted for such persons will be elected as directors of the Company to serve for a one-year term. Unless marked otherwise, proxies received will be voted “FOR” the election of the nominees named below. In the event that additional persons are nominated for election as directors, the proxy holders intend to vote all proxies received by them in such a manner as will ensure the election of the nominees listed below, and, in such event, the specific nominees to be voted for will be determined by the proxy holders.


Pursuant to Section 2 of that certain Investor Rights Agreement dated July 11, 2019 (the “IRA”) entered into by us, Heavenly Rx Ltd. (“Heavenly Rx”) and certain of our Codeshareholders, we are required to nominate for election to the Board of Conduct or CodeDirectors two directors designated by Heavenly Rx. Each of Ethics for our CEO or senior financial officers or substantively changePaul Norman and Clive Sirkin are “Investor Designees” of Heavenly Rx, as defined in the codes, we will disclose that fact on our website within four business days.IRA.  

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERSInformation with Respect to Director Nominees

 

Our executive officersListed below are the current directors who are nominated to hold office until their successors are elected and qualified, and their ages as of March 18, 2021 were as follows:the Record Date.

 

NameNAME

 

AgeAGE

 

PositionPOSITION

Mark Murray

 

6162

 

President, and Chief Executive Officer and Director

Eric Chastain         Paul Norman

 

5056

 

Chief Operating Officer and Corporate SecretaryChairman of the Board of Directors

Joe Culp         Jamie Colbourne

 

2963

 

Controller, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting OfficerDirector

Clive Sirkin

57

Director

Alexander Spiro

39

Director

Chad Bronstein

34

Director

 

The business background and certain other information about our directors is set forth below.

Mark Murray

 

Mr. Murray was most recentlyappointed as our President effective September 1, 2020 and as our Chief Executive Officer as of December 1, 2020, and has been a director of Jones Soda since May 19, 2021.  Prior to that, he was the President of JGC Food Company (“JGC”), a position he held from 2017 to May 2019, and was previously the Vice President of Sales and Marketing of JGC from 2013 to 2017. He was the Vice President of Sales of Harry’s Fresh Foods from 2011 and 2013 and Vice President of National Accounts of Solo Cup Company from 2008 to 2011.  Previous to 2008, Mr. Murray held numerous other roles in sales and marketing, including a 22-year career with Kraft Foods. Mr. Murray received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing, from Michigan State University.  We believe Mr. Murray is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because he brings first-hand knowledge of the Company's day-to-day operations as well as an understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues facing our Company.

Paul Norman

Mr. Norman has been a director of Jones Soda since August 2019 and has served as the Chairman of our Board of Directors since March 15, 2022. In addition, since February 2021, Mr. Norman has served as the President of CHW Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: CHWA). Mr. Norman is a global consumer products leader with over 30 years of experience creating brand and shareholder value. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Hearthside Food Solutions, a contract food manufacturer and PureK Holdings (TSX-V: PKAN), a CBD retail products company. From 2019 to 2020, he served as chairman and CEO of HeavenlyRx, a privately held CBD wellness company. Prior to HeavenlyRx, Mr. Norman spent three decades at Kellogg, the $11 billion multinational food-manufacturing company, where his tenure was defined by transformation, profitable growth and shareholder value creation through strategic portfolio management, innovation and diverse talent development and leadership. He has deep experience in building brands while successfully navigating complex regulatory environments where challenges around marketing and nutrition/ ingredient labeling restrictions are constantly evolving. As President of Kellogg’s $9 billion North American business from 2015 to 2018, Mr. Norman led initiatives such as the exit of Direct Store Delivery, which transformed U.S. Snacks to a warehouse pull model. He was instrumental in accelerating mergers and acquisitions activity at Kellogg, including Kellogg’s acquisition of RX bar in 2017 for $600 million. In his role, Mr. Norman interacted regularly with the Kellogg board of directors, attending all board meetings and collaborating closely with several sub-committees. He also participated in analyst and investor calls for the company. Prior to serving as President of Kellogg’s North American business in 2015, Mr. Norman served as the company’s Chief Growth Officer from 2013 to 2015, where he developed the Kellogg global category operating model. In that role he focused on long-term innovation, building sales and marketing capability, and long-term strategy for the company’s breakfast and snacks categories. Concurrent with the Chief Growth Officer role, Mr. Norman served as interim President of the U.S. Morning Foods business, which generated approximately $3 billion in revenues. In 2008, he was promoted to president of Kellogg International, where he built a team and platform to support international growth, a key pillar of the company’s growth plan. As part of that team, Mr. Norman helped to facilitate the acquisition of Pringles® in 2012, which was key to the company’s plans for global expansion and growth. In 2012, he led the integration of Pringles® and the restructuring of Kellogg’s European business to implement the new “Wired to Win” operating model, which resulted in significantly improved European top and bottom line performance. From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Norman led U.S. Morning Foods, which included cereal, PopTarts®, the Kashi Company, and the frozen foods division, to five years of sequential profitable sales and share growth. He was named managing director of Kellogg’s U.K./ Republic of Ireland business in 2002, where he successfully led a turnaround in sales performance and helped to grow the company’s cereal market share for the first time in 11 years. In 2000, Mr. Norman became president of Kellogg Canada Inc. and from 1989 to 2000, he held progressively more senior marketing roles at U.S. Morning Foods across France, Canada, Latin America and the U.S. In addition to his time at Kellogg, from 2016 to 2018 Mr. Norman served as a member of the Grocery Manufacturers Association board of directors, where he served on the executive committee. He also served as a Trustee of the Food Marketing Institute Foundation board, from 2016 to 2018. Mr. Norman received a bachelor’s degree with honors in French from Portsmouth Polytechnic.   We believe Mr. Norman is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of his branding, business strategy and marketing expertise and experience in the food industry. Mr. Norman is an “Investor Designee” of Heavenly Rx, as defined in the IRA, and was appointed to the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms and conditions of such agreement.


Jamie Colbourne

Mr. Colbourne has served as our director since September 2020. In addition, Mr. Colbourne served as the Chairman of Jones Soda’s Board of Directors from January 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022 and served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer from November 2021 to March 2022.  Mr. Colbourne served as Jones Soda’s Interim Chief Executive Officer from April 6, 2020 until December 1, 2020. Prior to that, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Harry’s Fresh Foods, a position he held from July 2012 until it was sold in March 2019, and also served on its Board of Directors. Mr. Colbourne currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt, Harbor Wholesale, and Bargreen Ellingson. He was the Chief Operating Officer of Charlie’s Produce from 2008 to 2012. From 2002 to 2008, Mr. Colbourne served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Litehouse Inc., and prior to that, he held positions at Tully’s Coffee, Specialty Frozen Foods, Haagen-Dazs, Pepsico/Seven-up Canada. Mr. Colbourne received a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing and Finance from St. Mary’s University in Canada and received a Canadian Chartered Accounting designation in 1982.  We believe Mr. Colbourne is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of his management expertise and experience in the food industry.

Clive Sirkin

Mr. Sirkin has been a director of Jones Soda since August 2019. Mr. Sirkin is a seasoned marketing executive who has held various executive roles in large multinational consumer packaged goods companies. He was most recently the Chief Growth Officer for the Kellogg Company from January 2016 through February 2019. In this capacity he was a member of the company's Executive Committee and was responsible for R&D, innovation, sales, marketing, research and analytics and setting the category strategy for the company. Prior to Kellogg, Clive served as the Chief Marketing Officer of Kimberly-Clark from March 2012 to November 2015, overseeing all marketing across their B2B and B2C divisions. This followed a 16+ year career in advertising at Leo Burnett, where he served in various leadership capacities across multiple geographies culminating in being named Group Managing Director with responsibility for setting the global business strategy for the group. He served on the Global Executive Committee and the Board of the company. Mr. Sirkin currently serves on the Boards of Screendragon ltd., Fyllo tech, UCAN and 70 Faces Media. He earned a B. Comm. degree from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa in 1985.  We believe Mr. Sirkin is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of his marketing expertise and experience in the food industry. Mr. Sirkin is an “Investor Designee” of Heavenly Rx, as defined in the IRA, and was appointed to the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms and conditions of such agreement.


Alexander Spiro

Mr. Spiro has been a director of Jones Soda since February 15, 2022. Mr. Spiro is a well-known litigator and successful investor.  Mr. Spiro has been a partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP since October 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Spiro had been an attorney at Brafman and Associates in New York City since July 2013. Mr. Spiro is a former prosecutor and the former coordinator of  an autism children’s program at McLean Hospital, Harvard’s psychiatric hospital. Mr. Spiro is a graduate of Harvard Law School where he continues to teach. He has lectured and written on a variety of subjects related to psychology and the law. Mr.  Spiro  serves  as  a  board member and strategic  advisor to a number of public and private companies. Mr. Spiro serves as the Chairman of Glassbridge Enterprises. We believe Mr. Spiro is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of his significant analytical and overall business leadership skills.

Chad Bronstein

Mr. Bronstein has been a director of Jones Soda since February 15, 2022. Currently, Mr. Bronstein serves as Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Fyllo, a company providing compliance-first SaaS solutions for highly regulated industries. He also serves as Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board for Tyson 2.0, boxer Mike Tyson’s cannabis company, and Wesana Health, a life science company on a journey to treat traumatic brain injury and mental illness through psychedelics. In addition, he is an investor and partner in Kenan Thompson’s new talent management and production company, Artists for Artists. Previously,  Mr.  Bronstein  served  as the  Chief Revenue Officer of Amobee Inc. after it was acquired by  Adconian Media Group, where he served as Senior  Vice  President  of  North  American  Sales  and  Partnerships.  Mr.  Bronstein  is  also  a  strategic advisor at OpenWeb. He graduated from Miami University in 2009.  We believe Mr. Bronstein brings to our Board of Directors executive leadership experience and a knowledge of the cannabis industry. 

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR EACH OF THE NOMINEES TO THE BOARD SET FORTH IN THIS PROPOSAL 1.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following are biographical summaries of our executive officers and their ages as of the Record Date, except for Mark Murray, whose biography is included under the heading “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” set forth above:

NAME

AGE

POSITION

Mark Murray

62

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Eric Chastain

51

Chief Operating Officer, President of the Jones Beverage Division, and Corporate Secretary

Joe Culp

30

Interim Chief Financial Officer, Controller and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

Eric Chastain

 

Mr. Chastain was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer effective June 2014.2014 and as the President of the Jones Beverage Division since November 8, 2021. He has been with the Company for nearly 1920 years, and previously served as Vice President of Operations of the Company from May 2002 to June 2014. As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Chastain is responsible for directing the operational aspects of our contract manufacturing, as well as purchasing, logistics, and product development. Additionally, Mr. Chastain leads the international business development for the Company. Prior to joining us, Mr. Chastain had several years of beverage manufacturing experience as Director of Operations. Mr. Chastain attended Washington State University and Central Washington University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.

 

Joe Culp

Mr. Culp was appointedhas served as our Controller and Principal Accounting Officer since March 8, 2021 and our Interim Chief Financial Officer and Principal AccountingFinancial Officer effectivesince March 8, 2021.2022. He has served in various financial roles since joining us in January 2019.2019, including as Principal Financial Officer from March 8, 2021 to November 23, 2021. Previously, Mr. Culp served as a senior accountant in the audit department of Moss Adams LLP from 2014 to November 2018, performing audits for both public and private companies across various industries including manufacturing, public utilities, financial institutions, health care, and contractors. Mr. Culp received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Master's in Accounting, both from Washington State University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

13


 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table shows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, all compensation awarded or paid by us to, or earned by, the following persons (the “Named Executive Officers”):

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

  

Salary ($)

  

Bonus ($)

  

Option Awards ($)(1)

  

All Other Compensation ($)

  

Total

Jennifer L. Cue

 

2020

 

$

 38,758

 

$

 — 

 

$

 — 

 

$

 137,314

(2)

$

 176,072

Former President and Chief Executive Officer

 

2019

  

 112,475

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 7,800

(2)

$

 120,275

Eric Chastain

 

2020

  

 129,422

  

 2,000

  

 11,000

  

 1,800

(3) 

 144,222

Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary

 

2019

  

 116,134

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 1,800

(3) 

 117,934

Jamie Colbourne

 

2020

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 — 

  170,000(4) 

 170,000

Former Interim Chief Executive Officer

 

2019

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 — 

Mark Murray

 

2020

  

 85,417

  

 — 

  

 82,500

  

 75,400

(5) 

 243,317

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

2019

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 — 

  

 — 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

  

Salary ($)

  

Bonus ($)

  

Option Awards ($)(1)

  

All Other Compensation ($)

   

Total

Mark Murray

 

2021

  

284,375

  

100,000

  

-   

  

1,200

   

385,575

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

2020

  

85,417

  

-   

  

82,500

  

75,400

(3)

  

243,317

Eric Chastain

 

2021

  

170,183

  

33,000

  

24,500

  

1,800

(2)

  

229,483

Chief Operating Officer, President of the Jones Beverage Division, and Corporate Secretary

 

2020

  

114,922

  

16,500

  

11,000

  

1,800

(2)

  

144,222

Joe Culp

 

2021

  

95,000

  

29,250

  

24,500

  

-   

   

148,750

Interim Chief Financial Officer, Controller and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer (4)

 

2020

  

85,000

  

10,500

  

-   

  

-   

   

95,500

____________

 

____________

(1)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value for awards granted, as applicable, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC Topic 718”). See Note 7 to our 2020consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 regarding the assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards.

(2)

Ms. Cue resigned as our Chief Executive Officer, President and Acting Principal Financial Officer on April 6, 2020, and transitioned to providing consulting services to us pursuant to the Cue Consulting Agreement (as defined below).  “All Other Consideration” consisted of a car allowance and cell phone allowance for Ms. Cue in 2019 and 2020, as well as consulting payments made to Ms. Cue during 2020 pursuant to the Cue Consulting Agreement.
(3)

Consisted of a car allowance and cell phone allowance for Mr. Chastain in 20192020 and 2020.2021 and Mark Murray in 2021.

(4)

(3)

Mr. Colbourne served as our Interim Chief Executive Officer from April 6, 2020 through December 1, 2020 pursuant to the Colbourne Consulting Agreement (as defined below) and as our Acting Principal Financial Officer from April 6, 2020 through March 8, 2021. “All Other Consideration” consisted of consulting payments to Mr. Colbourne during 2020, including payments made pursuant to the Colbourne Consulting Agreement.
(5)

Mr. Murray was appointed as our President effective September 1, 2020 and as our Chief Executive Officer as of December 1, 2020.  “All Other Consideration” consisted of a car allowance and cell phone allowance for Mr. Murray in 2020, as well as consulting payments made to Mr. Murray during 2020 prior to his employment as our President in September 2020.

(4)

Mr. Culp was appointed as of Interim Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer on March 15, 2022.


 

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

 

The following describes the material factors necessary to understand the compensation disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table.

Jennifer L. Cue.  Ms. Cue served as our Chief Executive Officer, President and, most recently, Acting Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to an employment agreement that was effective June 2012 prior to stepping down on April 6, 2020. Prior to April 6, 2020, Ms. Cue received an annual base salary of $165,000 (effective as of November 1, 2019) and based on the achievement of performance metrics established by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, she was eligible for performance-based cash bonuses. No performance-based cash bonus was paid to Ms. Cue for 2020 or 2019.

Ms. Cue stepped down as our Chief Executive Officer, President and Acting Principal Financial Officer effective April 6, 2020. On that date, Ms. Cue transitioned to a consulting role for us and remained on our Board of Directors until her resignation from the Board of Directors on March 7, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of a consulting and separation agreement between us and Ms. Cue (the “Cue Consulting Agreement”), she was entitled to receive a consulting fee of $13,750 per month during the term of the Cue Consulting Agreement, which expires April 5, 2021.  In addition, we agreed to subsidize Ms. Cue’s COBRA costs during the term of the Cue Consulting Agreement, up to an amount equal to the costs that we pay for other employees with similar benefit elections.

Eric Chastain. Mr. Chastain has served as our Chief Operating Officer since June 2014 and as Corporate Secretary since December 2015. Mr. Chastain previously served as Vice President of Operations from 2002 until June 2014 when he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Effective as of December 17, 2020, Mr. Chastain currently receives an annual base salary of $165,000. In addition, Mr. Chastain may be eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus based on us achieving certain net income targets, all subject to approval by the Compensation Committee. Other than the $2,000 cash bonus noted in the table above, no performance-based cash bonus was paid to Mr. Chastain for 2020 or 2019. In connection with his performance, in March 2020, we awarded to Mr. Chastain a stock option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock, which option is subject to the terms and conditions of our 2011 Plan (as defined below), has an exercise price equal to $0.22 per share and vests as follows:  (i) 25% of such shares upon the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and (ii) an additional 1/48th of such shares at the conclusion of each additional one-month period thereafter, in each case subject to Mr. Chastain’s continued employment with us. In addition, in connection with his performance, in March 2021, we awarded to Mr. Chastain a stock option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock, which option is subject to the terms and conditions of our 2011 Plan, has an exercise price equal to $0.49 per share and vests as follows:  (i) 25% of such shares upon the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and (ii) an additional 1/48th of such shares at the conclusion of each additional one-month period thereafter, in each case subject to Mr. Chastain’s continued employment with us. During 2020 and 2019, Mr. Chastain was paid a $150 per month cell phone allowance.

Jamie Colbourne. Mr. Colbourne was appointed as our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Acting Principal Financial Officer effective April 6, 2020. Pursuant to a consulting agreement with Mr. Colbourne dated April 1, 2020 (the “Colbourne Consulting Agreement”), Mr. Colbourne was entitled to receive a consulting fee of $25,000 per month through June 30, 2020. This agreement was extended through December 31, 2020 until it terminated on December 1, 2020 when Mr. Murray was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Colbourne’s monthly consulting fee was reduced to $10,000 during the months of September 2020 through November 2020. Mr. Colbourne was appointed to our Board of Directors on December 1, 2020 and Chairman of the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2021.

 

Mark Murray. Mr. Murray was appointed as our President effective September 1, 2020, and we and Mr. Murray entered into our standard employment letter agreement pursuant to which Mr. Murray served as President at an annual salary of $250,000. Effective December 1, 2020, we and Mr. Murray entered into an amended and restated employment letter agreement pursuant to which Mr. Murray serves as our Chief Executive Officer and President at an annual salary of $275,000. Effective May 16, 2021, Mr. Murray’s annual base salary was increased from $275,000 to $290,000. In addition, Mr. Murray is eligible to earn an additional $100,000 for 2021 as a cash bonus pursuant to ain an amount equal $75,000 payable in the event that the Company achieves both its revenue and EBITDA targets for 2021 (with upward scaling of the bonus planamount available to be establishedearned at the rate of $1,250 in additional bonus amounts for every 1% above these targets achieved by ourthe Company (i.e., if the Company exceeds both its revenue and EBITDA targets for 2021 by 20%, the bonus amount for 2021 shall be equal to $100,000)). The Company also approved the grant to Mr. Murray of a stock option to purchase up to 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock; provided that (a) such option shall become immediately vested as to 50,000 shares if the Company achieves both its revenue and EBITDA targets for 2021 (as determined by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion based on its review of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for 2021); (b) such option shall become immediately vested as to 100,000 shares if the Company exceeds by at least 20% both its revenue and approvedEBITDA targets for 2021 (as determined by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion based on its review of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for 2021) and (c) such option shall be terminated in its entirety and shall not be exercisable for any shares if the Company does not achieve both its revenue and EBITDA targets for 2021 (as determined by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion based on its review of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for 2021). Mr. Murray’s stock option shall be subject to the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, as readopted, and the Company’s standard non-qualified stock option agreement, which have been filed by the Company with the SEC, and shall have an exercise price equal to the Company’s closing stock price (as quoted on the OTCQB marketplace) on the date of grant. Effective as of February 15, 2022, the Board of Directors whichapproved a cash bonus plan will befor Mr. Murray in the amount of $100,000 based on ourthe Company’s 2021 performance.  In addition, Mr. Murray was granted non-qualified stock options subject to the terms and conditions of our 2011 Plan for the purchase of (i) 100,000 shares of the our common stock at an exercise price equal to $0.165 per share, which were immediately vested as of the date of grant, and (ii) 400,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to $0.165 per share, which vests as follows:  1/4th of the shares subject to the option shall vest on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and an additional 1/48th of the shares subject to the option shall vest on a monthly basis thereafter for a period of 48 months (subject to Mr. Murray’s continuous service with us).   

 

Eric Chastain. Mr. Chastain has served as our Chief Operating Officer since June 2014, as Corporate Secretary since December 2015 and as the President of the Jones Beverage Division since November 8, 2021. Mr. Chastain previously served as Vice President of Operations from 2002 until June 2014 when he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Effective as of November 8, 2021, Mr. Chastain’s annual base salary was increased from $165,000 to $200,000. In addition, Mr. Chastain may be eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus based on us achieving certain net income targets, all subject to approval by the Compensation Committee. Effective as of February 15, 2022, the Board of Directors approved a cash bonus for Mr. Chastain in the amount of $33,000 based on the Company’s 2021 performance. In connection with his performance, in March 2020, we awarded to Mr. Chastain a stock option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock, which option is subject to the terms and conditions of our 2011 Plan (as defined below), has an exercise price equal to $0.22 per share and vests as follows:  (i) 25% of such shares vest upon the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and (ii) an additional 1/48th of such shares vest at the conclusion of each additional one-month period thereafter, in each case subject to Mr. Chastain’s continued employment with us. In addition, in connection with his performance, in March 2021, we awarded to Mr. Chastain a stock option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock, which option is subject to the terms and conditions of our 2011 Plan, has an exercise price equal to $0.49 per share and vests as follows:  (i) 25% of such shares vest upon the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and (ii) an additional 1/48th of such shares vest at the conclusion of each additional one-month period thereafter, in each case subject to Mr. Chastain’s continued employment with us. During 2021 and 2020, Mr. Chastain was paid a $150 per month cell phone allowance.

Joe Culp. Mr. Culp has served as our Controller and Principal Accounting Officer since March 8, 2021 and Interim Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer since March 15, 2022. He has served in various financial roles since joining us in January 2019, including as Principal Financial Officer from March 8, 2021 to November 23, 2021. Effective as of January 1, 2022, Mr. Culp’s annual base salary was increased from $95,000 to $110,000. In addition, on November 2, 2021, the Board approved a cash bonus in the amount of $15,000 for Mr. Culp. Additionally, Mr. Culp was paid a cash bonus of $14,250 effective February 15, 2022 in connection with his 2021 performance. In addition, in March 2021, we awarded to Mr. Culp a stock option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock, which option is subject to the terms and conditions of our 2011 Plan, has an exercise price equal to $0.49 per share and vests as follows:  (i) 25% of such shares vest upon the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and (ii) an additional 1/48th of such shares vest at the conclusion of each additional one-month period thereafter, in each case subject to Mr. Culp’s continued employment with us. 

 

14

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 20202021 Table

 

The following table presents information about outstanding equity awards held by each of the Namedour named executive officers (the “Named Executive OfficersOfficers”) as of December 31, 2020.2021.

 

    

Option Awards

    

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#)

     

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

  

Option Exercise Price ($)

 

Option Expiration Date

Mark Murray (1)

 

11/3/2020

 

100,000

 

300,000

  

0.17

 

3/6/2028

  

11/3/2020

 

100,000

 

  

0.17

 

12/21/2025

Eric Chastain (2)

 

3/23/2021

 

 

50,000

  

0.49

 

3/23/2031

  

3/26/2020

 

21,875

 

28,125

  

0.22

 

3/26/2030

  

3/6/2018

 

23,438

 

1,562

  

0.35

 

3/6/2028

  

3/6/2018

 

25,000

 

  

0.35

 

3/6/2028

  

12/8/2016

 

50,000

 

  

0.49

 

12/8/2026

  

12/8/2016

 

50,000

 

  

0.49

 

12/8/2026

  

11/18/2015

 

50,000

 

  

0.41

 

11/18/2025

  

12/12/2013

 

50,000

 

  

0.47

 

12/12/2023

  

1/24/2013

 

100,000

 

  

0.27

 

1/24/2023

  

12/6/2012

 

15,000

 

  

0.31

 

12/6/2022

Jamie Colbourne (3)

 

1/4/2021

 

 

104,690

  

0.18

 

1/4/2031

  

12/2/2020

 

11,870

 

  

0.18

 

12/2/2030

Joe Culp (4)

 

3/23/2021

 

 

50,000

  

0.49

 

3/23/2031

  

11/5/2019

 

13,021

 

11,979

  

0.40

 

11/5/2029

  

1/24/2019

 

18,229

 

6,771

  

0.28

 

1/24/2029

__________________

 

    

Option Awards

    

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#)

     

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

  

Option Exercise Price ($)

 

Option Expiration Date

Mark Murray(1)

 

11/3/2020

 

 — 

 

 400,000

 

 $

                    0.17

 

3/6/2028

  

11/3/2020

 

              100,000

 

 — 

  

                    0.17

 

12/21/2025

Eric Chastain(2)

 

3/26/2020

 

 — 

 

 50,000

  

                    0.22

 

3/26/2030

  

3/6/2018

 

                25,000

 

 — 

  

                    0.35

 

3/6/2028

  

3/6/2018

 

                18,750

 

 6,250

  

                    0.35

 

3/6/2028

  

12/8/2016

 

 50,000

 

 — 

  

                    0.49

 

12/8/2026

  

12/8/2016

 

                50,000

 

 — 

  

                    0.49

 

12/8/2026

  

11/18/2015

 

 50,000

 

 — 

  

                    0.41

 

11/18/2025

  

12/12/2013

 

 50,000

 

 — 

  

                    0.47

 

12/12/2023

  

1/24/2013

 

              100,000

 

 — 

  

                    0.27

 

1/24/2023

  

12/6/2012

 

                15,000

 

 — 

  

                    0.31

 

12/6/2022

Jamie Colbourne(3) 12/2/2020  — 11,870  0.18 12/2/2030

Jennifer Cue(4)

 

3/6/2018

 100,000  —  0.35 3/6/2028
  12/21/2015 250,000  —  0.41 12/21/2025
  12/13/2011 10,000  —  0.49 12/13/2021
  9/12/2011 10,000  —  0.83 9/12/2021

__________________

(1)

Mr. Murray's stock options vest as follows (in each case, subject to Mr. Murray’s continued service with the Company):

•400,000 stock option granted in November 2020 vests over a period of 48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter; and

•100,000 stock options granted in November 2020 was fully vested upon grant.

(2)

Mr. Chastain's stock options vest as follows (in each case, subject to Mr. Chastain’s continued service with the Company):

•2021 stock option granted in March 2021 vests over a period of 48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter;

•2020 stock option granted in March 2020 vests over a period of 48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter;

•2018 stock option granted in March 2018, 50% vests over a period of 48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter; and 50% cliff vested in March 2019 after certain performance metrics were met;

•2016 stock option granted in December 2016 cliff vested in 2017 as certain quantitative performance metrics were met;

•2016 stock option granted in December 2016 vested over a period of 48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter;

•2015 stock option granted in November 2015 vested over a period of 48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter;

•2013 stock option granted in December 2013 vested over a period of 48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter;

•2013 stock option granted in January 2013 vested and became exercisable at a rate of 1/24 each month and became fully exercisable on the two-year anniversary of the date of grant subject his continuous service; and

•2012 stock option vested in full on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant.


(3)

Mr. Colbourne's stock options vest in full in December 2021 (subjectas follows (in each case, subject to Mr. Colbourne’s continued service with the Company).:

•2021 stock option granted in January 2021 vests in full in January 2022; and 

•2020 stock option granted in December 2020 vested in full in December 2021. 

(4)

Ms. Cue'sMr. Culp's stock options vestedvest as follows: follows (in each case, subject to Mr. Culp’s continued service with the Company):

20182021 stock option granted in March 2018 vested evenly2021 vests over the next 8 quarters,a period of 48 months, with 12,50025% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each quarter; one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter;

20152019 stock option granted in December 2015 was fully vested upon grant;November 2019 vests over a period of 48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter; and

20112019 stock option grants vestedgranted in full on the one-year anniversary from the respective dateJanuary 2019 vests over a period of grant.48 months, with 25% vesting after one year and an additional 1/48th vesting each one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter.

 

15

Additional Narrative Disclosure

 

In March 2021, the Board of Directors approved the readoption of the Company’s 2011 Plan to extend the expiration date thereof from April 1, 2021 to April 1, 2023 and obtained shareholder approval of such readoption at the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 13, 2021.

On September 30, 2021, the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approved an amendment to the 2011 Plan to decrease the number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the 2011 Plan from 4,785,597 shares of common stock to 2,500,000 shares of common stock. In addition, both our 2002 Equitythe Board of Directors approved an amendment to the outstanding awards previously granted under the 2011 Plan to provide that upon the closing of the Plan of Arrangement, the vesting of all awards outstanding as of September 30, 2021 shall be accelerated, and such awards shall thereafter become immediately vested in full and the restrictions thereon shall lapse.

Moreover, our 2011 Plan, provideas amended, provides for accelerated vesting of all unvested awards upon a corporate transaction, irrespective of the scheduled vesting date for these awards, unless the awards are assumed or substituted for by the successor company. For purposes of each plan,the 2011 Plan, a “corporate transaction” means any of the following events:

2002 Equity Plan

Consummation of any merger or consolidation in which we are not the continuing or surviving corporation, or pursuant to which shares of our common stock are converted into cash, securities or other property and our shareholders (immediately prior to such merger or consolidation) own less than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving corporation after the merger or consolidation;

Consummation of any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer in one transaction, or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of our assets; or

Shareholder approval of any plan or proposal for our liquidation or dissolution.

2011 Plan:

 

 

Acquisition by a third party of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the outstanding common stock or voting power of the Company, subject to certain exceptions;exceptions;

 

 

A change in the composition of the Board of Directors during any 24-month period such that the individuals who, as of the beginning of such 24-month period, constitute the Board of Directors, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors, subject to certain exceptions;exceptions;

 

 

Consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other company;company;

 

 

Consummation of a statutory share exchange pursuant to which our outstanding shares are acquired or a sale in one transaction or a series of transactions undertaken with a common purpose of at least 50% of our outstanding voting securities;securities; or

 

 

Consummation of a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions undertaken with a common purpose of all or substantially all of our assets.


 

Compensation Practices

 

We have evaluated the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees and concluded that such risks are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In this regard, the following factors, among others, were considered:

 

 

Compensation is in line with the Company’s business plan and discourages inappropriate risk-taking for short-term gains;gains;

 

Long-term incentive compensation is primarily in the form of stock options that generally vest over multiple year periods, thereby aligning the interests of management and other key employees with the long-term interests of our shareholders;shareholders;

 

Annual cash bonuses are discretionary and are not governed by a fixed formula;formula; and

 

Sales commissions are not an element of our compensation practices for our Named Executive Officers or other senior management.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATIONDirector Compensation

 

We use a combination of cash and stock-based incentive compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. In setting director compensation, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors consider the significant amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties as well as the skill level required of members of the Board of Directors.

 

In addition to cash and stock-based compensation, non-employee directors are reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses, in accordance with our reimbursement policies, incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors and committee meetings and conferences with our management. We also maintain liability insurance for all of our directors and executive officers.

 

2020 2021Cash Compensation

 

We pay cash compensation to our non-employee directors for their service on the Board of Directors and Board committees. Under our standard director compensation structure for 2020,2021, each non-employee director received the following cash compensation for his or her service in 2020:

2021:

 

Position

  

Amount

Non-employee (NE)(“NE”) Director Annual Retainer (payable in quarterly payments)

 

$

20,000  

NE Director Board Meeting Attendance Fee (telephonic)

  

2,000 (500)

Chair of Board of Directors Annual Retainer

  

5,000  

Chair of Audit Committee Annual Retainer

  

2,500  

Chair of Compensation and Governance Committee Annual Retainer

  

1,000  

Chair of Nominating Committee Annual Retainer

  

1,000  

Audit Committee Member Annual Retainer

  

1,000  

Compensation, Nominating, and Governance Committee Member Annual Retainer

  

500  

 

Non-employee directors can elect to receive payment of all or any portion of their cash compensation in the form of shares of our fully vested common stock in lieu of cash. Our Compensation Committee has approved this practice since June 2010. No directors elected to receive shares in lieu of payment of all or any portion of their cash compensation during 2020.

2021.

 

16


 

20202021 Equity Compensation

 

Commencing as of January 1, 2020, equity compensation for non-employee director service consists of the grant of an annual non-qualified stock option award that vests on the first anniversary of the date of grant (subject to the director’s continuing service as of such anniversary date), with the number of shares underlying such award determined by dividing $25,000 by the closing stock price (as quoted on the OTCQB marketplace) on the date of grant (which shall be the first trading day in January in each calendar year), and such stock option award shall have an exercise price equal to our closing stock price (as quoted on the OTCQB marketplace) on the date of grant. When joining our Board of Directors, each new non-employee director shall be granted a non-qualified stock option award that vests on the first anniversary of the date of grant (subject to the director’s continuing service as of such anniversary date), with the number of shares underlying such award determined by dividing $25,000 by our closing stock price on the first trading day following the date on which such director is appointed), prorated based on the date on which such director is appointed, and which stock option shall be granted as of the first trading day following the date on which such director was appointed, and shall have an exercise price equal to our closing stock price (as quoted on the OTCQB marketplace) on the date of grant.

 

20202021 Director Compensation Table

 

The following table presents information about compensation earned by non-employee directors during 2020:2021:

Name

 

Fees Earned ($)

 

Stock Option Awards ($)

 

Total ($)

Jeff Anderson

 

$

38,000

 

$

25,000

 

$

63,000

Clive Sirkin

  

34,000

  

25,000

  

59,000

Paul Norman

  

33,000

  

25,000

  

58,000

Michael Fleming

  

34,333

  

25,000

  

59,333

Jamie Colbourne

  

43,667

  

25,000

  

68,667

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Name

 

Fees Earned ($)

 

Stock Option Awards ($)(1)

 

Total ($)

Jeff Anderson

 

$

 31,000

 

$

 25,000

 

$

 56,000

Clive Sirkin

  

 28,000

  

 25,000

  

 53,000

Paul Norman

  

 27,000

  

 25,000

  

 52,000

Michael Fleming

  

 35,083

  

 25,000

  

 60,083

Jamie Colbourne (1)

  

 2,583

  

 2,083

  

 4,667

(1)For servicesDuring our fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, except as a non-employee director starting December 1, 2020.

____________

Stock Ownership Guidelines

In August 2007, the Board of Directors implemented stock ownership guidelines for its non-employee directors to further align their interests with those of shareholders. For non-employee directors, stock ownership guidelines are set at a value equal to three times their annual cash retainer and other Board fees paid to such director over the prior twelve months. Under these guidelines, new non-employee directors are encouraged to increase their ownership of our common stock to meet these ownership requirements within three years of becoming a director, and the required ownership level for existing directors is re-calculated as of June 30 of every third year. Shares that count toward these ownership guidelines include:

shares of common stock purchased on the open market;

common stock obtained and held through stock option exercises; and

vested restricted stock and in-the-money vested stock options.

Unvested restricted stock, unvested stock options and vested out of the money stock options do not count toward the ownership guidelines.

For so long as a director continues to serve on the Board of Directors, he or she may sell no more than 33% of his or her vested stock holdings in any one quarter. However, directors may sell enough shares to cover their income tax liability on vested grants. The Board of Directors may approve exceptions to these guidelines on a case-by-case basis.

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, all non-employee directors that have served on the Board of Directors for three years or more have met the ownership level under the stock ownership guidelines based on the ownership level established as of June 30, 2020.

17

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

From March 23, 2018 through April 18, 2018 we offered subscriptions and issued an aggregate principal amount of $2,920,000 of convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) to institutional and individual accredited investors. As of March 18, 2021, there was $971,265 in principal and accrued interest outstanding under the Convertible Notes.  Two of our Named Executive Officers (Jennifer Cue and Eric Chastain), our former Chief Financial Officer, and a former director were among the group of accredited investors who participated in the offering. Ms. Cue purchased a Convertible Note in the principal amount of $100,000 and Mr. Chastain purchased a Convertible Note in the principal amount of $10,000.  Max Schroedl, our former Chief Financial Officer, purchased a Convertible Note in the principal amount of $5,000, and Mr. Beach, a director who has since resigned, purchased a Convertible Note in the principal amount of $500,000 through a family investment company, Hawksbill Holdings, LLLP. All of these transactions were consummated pursuant to the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”).  As of March 18, 2021, there was an aggregate of $129,685 in principal and accrued interest outstanding under the Convertible Notes held by Ms. Cue and Mr. Chastain.

Each Convertible Note has a four-year term from the subscription date and bears interest at a rate of 6.0% per annum until maturity. The holders can convert all or part of each Convertible Note on or prior to the maturity date into a number of shares of the Company’s common stock, equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the amount of the unpaid principal and interest on the Convertible Note by (ii) $0.32. The conversion price is subject to anti-dilution adjustment on a broad-based, weighted average basis if we issue shares or equity-linked instruments at a conversion price below $0.32 per share.

Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company was required to file a registration statement that covers the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes within 30 days from the final closing of the sale of the Convertible Notes and not later than 60 days from the initial closing. The Company filed the registration statement covering these shares of common stock and such registration statement was declared effective in July 2018. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to nominate for election to the Board of Directors two directors designated by MHP, one of the purchasers of a Convertible Note. Currently, MHP has not designated any directors to be elected to the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee reviewed the terms of the Transaction Documents in accordance with the policies described below, and ratified and approved (a) the transactions contemplated under the terms of the Transaction Documents and (b) the purchase of such Convertible Notes by Ms. Cue and Messrs. Beach, Chastain and Schroedl.

On July 11, 2019, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Heavenly Rx pursuant to which the Company sold to Heavenly Rx in a private placement (the “Financing”): (a) 15,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and (b) a warrant to purchase up to an additional 15,000,000 shares of common stock (the “Warrant”).  The aggregate purchase price for the shares and the warrant was $9,000,000 in cash, which was paid to us at the closing of the purchase and sale on July 11, 2019. The Warrant expired on n July 11, 2020.

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company, Heavenly Rx, two of our Named Executive Officers (Ms. Cue and Mr. Chastain), and Mr. Fleming, a member of our Board of Directors (collectively, the “Shareholders”) entered into the IRA.  Pursuant to the IRA, the Company and the Shareholders agreed to cause the Board of Directors to be set at seven (7) directors; Heavenly Rx has the right to designate two members of the Board of Directors as the Investor Designees,  (the “Investor Designees”); and the Shareholders have agreed to vote their shares of common stock in favor of the election of the Investor Designees.  For so long as any Investor Designees serve on the Board of Directors, the Company must obtain the approval of the Board of Directors, including all of the Investor Designees, before taking certain actions, such as amending the Company’s charter documents, offering to sell any new securities, creating any debt security, approving a change of control, changing the strategy or principal lines of business of the Company, liquidating or dissolving the Company or agreeing to make expenditures in excess of $1,000,000.  Heavenly Rx also has the right to appoint a nonvoting observer to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors. In addition, in the event that the Company proposes to offer any new securities (subject to certain standard exceptions), Heavenly Rx has a right of first offer to purchase such securities. Under the IRA, Heavenly Rx and the Shareholders agreed for a period of one year following the closing of the Financing that they would not sell or otherwise transfer any shares of common stock or other securities of the Company, subject to certain standard exceptions.  In addition, pursuant to the IRA, we granted to Heavenly Rx certain demand registration rights (after the expiration of the lock-up described in the preceding sentence) and piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares acquired in the Financing.  The Company has also agreed to maintain director and officer insurance so long as any Investor Designee serves on the Board of Directors.

In addition, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, the Company and each of SOL Global Investments Corp., an Ontario corporation, of which Heavenly Rx is a portfolio company (“SOL”), and Heavenly Rx entered into Standstill Agreements pursuant to which SOL and Heavenly Rx, on behalf of themselves and each of their respective affiliates, agreed to not acquire, on the open market or otherwise, any loans, debt securities, equity securities, or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or rights or options to acquire interests in any of the Company’s loans, debt securities, equity securities, or assets, subject to certain exceptions, including as described below.  SOL and Heavenly Rx also agreed, on behalf of themselves and each of their respective affiliates, to not make any proposal or offer to acquire the Company through any business combination, merger, tender offer, exchange offer, or similar transaction, acquire any of the Company’s securities or seek representation on the Board of Directors (other than the Investor Designees). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Heavenly Rx shall be permitted (as an exception to the restrictions described above) to acquire in the open market, from time to time and in the aggregate, up to such additional number of shares of common stock equal to 50% of the Warrant Shares that have been purchased upon exercise of the Warrant as of such time, and to exercise all of its rights, including its right of first offer, pursuant to the IRA, in full and without restriction; and SOL shall be permitted (as an exception to the restrictions described above) to acquire in the open market, from time to time and in the aggregate, up to such additional number of shares of common stock such that SOL’s aggregate ownership of common stock equals (but does not exceed) 9.99% of the Company’s outstanding common stock as of such time (on an outstanding basis and not on a fully diluted basis).  The restrictions set forth in the Standstill Agreements shall terminate and be of no further force or effect on July 11, 2021.

The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee reviewed the terms of the Financing in accordance with the policies described below, and ratified and approved theherein, we were not a party to any transactions contemplated under the terms of the Financing.

18

On March 20, 2020, the Company entered into a Partner Agreement (the “Partner Agreement”) with Torque Esports (“Torque”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay up to $80,000 to Torque in exchange for certain promotional and marketing rights. SOL, which currently holds approximately 38% of the outstanding stock of Heavenly RX, also holds 9.9% of the outstanding stock of Torque.

The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee reviewed the terms of the Partner Agreement in accordance with the policies described below, and ratified and approved the transactions contemplated under the terms of the Partner Agreement.

On April 6, 2020, the Company entered into the Cue Consulting Agreement with Ms. Cue, our former Chief Executive Officer, President, Acting Principal Financial Officer and director, and the Colbourne Consulting Agreement with Mr. Colbourne, our former Interim Chief Executive Officer and Acting Principal Financial Officer and current director, each as described above under “Executive Compensation - Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table.” 

The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee reviewed the terms of the Cue Consulting Agreement and the Colbourne Consulting Agreement in accordance with the policies described below, and ratified and approved the terms thereof.

Except as described above, there were no transactions since January 1, 2019, nor are there any proposed transactions as of the date of this Proxy Statement, as to which the amount involved exceedsin the transaction exceeded the lesser of $120,000 or one percent1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any related person hasof our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest other thaninterest.

On February 9, 2022, current directors Chad Bronstein and Alexander Spiro purchased, prior to becoming directors on our Board of Directors, an aggregate principal amount of $100,000 and $400,000, respectively, of 3.00% unsecured convertible debentures (“Contingent Convertible Debentures”) of the equity and other compensation, termination and other arrangementsCompany, which are described aboveconvertible into units of our Company at a conversion price of $0.50 per unit, with each unit consisting of one share of our common stock and one share purchase special warrant of our Company (“Jones Special Warrant”). Each Jones Special Warrant will be exercisable into one share of our common stock at a price of $0.625 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance, conditional upon us increasing our authorized capital to an amount to cover the shares issuable pursuant to all of the outstanding Jones Special Warrants as well as the other shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to our then outstanding convertible/exercisable securities. The Contingent Convertible Debentures are automatically convertible into our units upon us increasing our authorized capital to an amount to cover the shares issuable pursuant to all of the outstanding Contingent Convertible Debentures as well as all of our other then outstanding convertible/exercisable securities. The Contingent Convertible Debentures are only convertible into our units upon us increasing our authorized capital to an amount to cover the shares issuable pursuant to all of the outstanding Contingent Convertible Debentures as well as all of our other then outstanding convertible/exercisable securities. See Proposal 2 with respect to the proposal to increase the authorized number of shares of our common stock.

Jamie Colbourne, a director and the former Chairman of our Board of Directors and former Interim Chief Financial Officer, Mark Murray, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member our Board of Directors, former director Jeffrey Anderson, current director Clive Sirkin and current Chairman of the Board Paul Norman, each acquired $200,000 in subscription receipts in Pinestar Gold Inc., and consequently each of these related persons acquired 400,000 shares of our common stock and 400,000 Jones Special Warrants (exercisable into shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.625 per share) in connection with the closing of the plan of arrangement under the headings “Director Compensation”Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on February 15, 2022. The issuance of our shares of common stock and “Executive Officer Compensation.”the Jones Special Warrants to these related parties was approved by the Company’s Audit Committee.


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The Board of Directors, upon the recommendationfollowing table sets forth as of the Audit Committee, has adopted a written policy forRecord Date certain information regarding the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions. Under the policy, our directors and executive officers are expected to disclose to our principal financial officer (or, if the transaction involves the principal financial officer, to the CEO) (either, as applicable, the “Designated Officer”) the material facts of any transaction that could be considered a related person transaction promptly upon gaining knowledge of the transaction. For purposesbeneficial ownership of our policy, a related person transaction is generally defined as any transaction involving a related person as defined under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K,outstanding common stock by the SEC's related person transaction disclosure rule, without regard to a dollar threshold for such transaction.

If the Designated Officer determines that the transaction is a related person transaction under our policy, the Designated Officer will notify the Chair of the Audit Committee and submit the transaction to the Audit Committee, which will review and determine whether to approvefollowing persons or ratify the transaction.

When determining whether to approve or ratify a related person transaction, the Audit Committee will review relevant facts regarding the related person transaction, including:groups:

 

 

the extenteach person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the related person's interest in the transaction;outstanding shares of common stock;

 

 

whether the terms are comparable to those generally availableNamed Executive Officers identified in arm's-length transactions;the Summary Compensation Table above;

each of our directors; and

 

 

whether the related person transaction is consistent with the best interestsall of the Company.our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

The related person involved in the related person transaction may participate in the approval/ratification process only to provide additional information as needed for the Audit Committee's review. If any related person transaction is not approved or ratified by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee may take such action in respectAs of the transactionRecord Date, there were 92,250,235 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Unless otherwise indicated, each person's address is c/o Jones Soda Co., 66 S. Hanford St., Suite 150, Seattle, WA 98134.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules and includes shares over which the indicated beneficial owner exercises voting and/or investment power. Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding the options or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated and subject to community property laws where applicable, we believe the beneficial owners of the common stock listed below, based on information furnished by them, have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed opposite their names.

  

Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock (1)

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

No. of Shares

 

Securities Currently Exercisable or Within 60 Days

 

Total Beneficial Ownership

 

Percent of Total

5% Owners

        

Heavenly Rx Ltd. (5)

 

9,000,000

 

 

9,000,000

 

9.8%

SOL Verano Blocker I LLC (6)

 

16,740,850

 

8,855,035

 

25,595,885

 

25.3%

Executive Officers and Directors

        

Mark Murray

 

450,000

 

500,000

 

950,000

 

1.0%

Eric Chastain (2)

 

10,500

 

503,647

 

514,147

 

Joe Culp

 

 

100,000

 

100,000

 

Jamie Colbourne

 

400,000

 

116,560

 

516,560

 

Alexander Spiro

 

83,000

 

 

83,000

 

Clive Sirkin

 

1,920,211

 

185,335

 

2,105,546

 

2.3%

Chad Bronstein

 

 

 

 

Paul Norman

 

1,665,152

 

185,335

 

1,850,487

(4)

2.0%

All current directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons)(3) 

 

4,528,863

 

1,590,877

 

6,119,740

 

6.5%

         

* Less than one percent

        

(1) The table is based upon information supplied by such principal shareholders, executive officers and directors.

(2) On April 18, 2018, Mr. Chastain purchased a $10,000 convertible subordinated promissory note of the Company, which accrues interest at a rate of 6.0% per annum with a four-year team and a conversion rate of $0.32 per share. The conversion price is subject to anti-dilution adjustment on a broad-based, weighted average basis if we issue shares or equity-linked instruments at a conversion price below $0.32 per share.  Mr. Chastain may convert all or part of such convertible note into shares of common stock of the Company at any time on or prior to the maturity date of the convertible note. As of the Record Date, Mr. Chastain has the ability to convert the note into 38,647 shares, which have been included in the amounts described above. 

(3) Consists of Messrs. Colbourne, Bronstein, Spiro, Norman, Sirkin, Chastain, Murray, and Culp.  

(4) The securities are owned by Paul Timothy Norman Trust. Paul Norman is the Trustee of Paul Timothy Norman Trust and in such capacity has the right to vote and dispose of the securities held by such trust.

(5) Peter Liabotis is the director of Heavenly Rx Ltd. and in such capacity has the right to vote and dispose of the securities held by such entity. The address of Heavenly Rx Ltd. is 5600-100 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5X 2AI.

(6) Andrew DeFrancesco is a director of SOL Verano Blocker I LLC and in such capacity has the right to vote and dispose of the securities held by such entity. The address of SOL Verano Blocker I LLC is Suite 5600, 100 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5X 1C9.


PROPOSAL 2

APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK FROM 100,000,000 SHARES TO 800,000,000 SHARES

Our Articles of Incorporation currently authorizes the issuance of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share. On March 15, 2022, our Board adopted a resolution to amend our Articles of Incorporation, subject to shareholder approval, to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock to 800,000,000 shares (the “Share Increase Amendment”). The additional 700,000,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance pursuant to the proposed Share Increase Amendment would be part of the existing class of common stock and, if and when issued, would have the same rights and privileges as the shares of common stock presently issued and outstanding. The holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or cumulative voting.

The form of Share Increase Amendment to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Washington is set forth as Appendix A to this proxy statement (subject to any changes required by applicable law).

Purpose of Share Increase Amendment

Our Board believes it may deem necessary or desirableis in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders to increase our authorized shares of common stock in order to have additional shares available for use as our Board deems appropriate or necessary. At present, the Company has 92,249,756 shares outstanding and 3,906,159 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options leaving only 3,844,085 shares available for issuance by the Company. As such, the primary purpose of the Share Increase Amendment is to provide our Company with greater flexibility with respect to managing our common stock in connection with such corporate purposes as may, from time to time, be considered advisable by our Board. These corporate purposes could include, without limitation, financing activities, public or private offerings, stock dividends or splits, conversions of convertible securities, issuance of options and other equity awards pursuant to our incentive plans, and acquisition transactions. Specifically, the Contingent Convertible Debentures are not convertible, and the Jones Special Warrants are not exercisable, into shares under the Company’s current authorized number of shares. Having an increased number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock would allow us to take prompt action with respect to corporate opportunities that develop, without the delay and expense of convening a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of approving an increase in our capitalization. Our Board will determine whether, when and on what terms the issuance of shares of common stock may be warranted in connection with any of the foregoing purposes.


Effect of Approval of Proposed Amendment

The following table illustrates the effect the proposed Share Increase Amendment would have on the number of shares of common stock available for issuance, if approved by our shareholders:

As of
March 28, 2022

Upon
Effectiveness of
the Share Increase Amendment

TOTAL AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

100,000,000

800,000,000

Outstanding shares of common stock

92,250,235

92,250,235

Shares of common stock authorized for future issuance under the Company’s incentive plan (1)

1,985,363

1,985,363

Shares of common stock subject to outstanding equity awards under the Company’s incentive plan

    

3,857,085

     

3,857,085

  

Shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding Jones Special Warrants that become exercisable upon the effectiveness of the Share Increase Amendment

    

20,025,035

     

20,025,035

  

Shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the 3.00% unsecured convertible debentures

    

6,038,575

     

6,038,575

  

Shares of common stock underlying Jones Special Warrants issued upon the conversion of the convertible debenture

    

6,038,575

     

6,038,575

  

TOTAL OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, SHARES OF COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS, SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AUTHORIZED FOR FUTURE ISSUANCE UNDER THE COMPANYS INCENTIVE PLAN, SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF OUTSTANDING JONES SPECIAL WARRANTS, SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF UNSECURED CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES AND SHARES OF COMMON STOCK UNDERLYING JONES SPECIAL WARRANTS ISSUED UPON CONVERSION OF CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES

    

130,194,868 (2)

     

130,194,868

  
              

SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE

1,907,317 (3)

701,907,317

(1)

Does not include shares of our common stock that may be reserved pursuant to the 2022 Plan if the 2022 Plan is adopted by our shareholders at the Annual Meeting. See Proposal 3 for additional information regarding the 2022 Plan.

(2)Includes shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to the conversion of our outstanding unsecured convertible debentures as well as the shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the outstanding Jones Special Warrants and the Jones Special Warrants issuable upon the conversion of the unsecured convertible debentures.
(3)Excludes all shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the conversion of our outstanding unsecured convertible debentures and the exercise of the Jones Special Warrants, as all such securities only become issuable upon the effectiveness of the Share Increase Amendment.


In addition to the shares that will be reserved for issuance under our existing incentive plan, an aggregate of 6,038,575 shares and 6,038,575 Jones Special Warrants (exercisable into 6,038,575 shares at an exercise price of $0.625 per share) will be issued upon the conversion of the Contingent Convertible Debentures, which will convert automatically upon the effectiveness of the Share Increase Amendment.Additionally, an aggregate of 20,025,035 currently outstanding Jones Special Warrants become exercisable into 20,025,035 shares at an exercise price of $0.625 per share upon the effectiveness of the Share Increase Amendment. Because our directors and executive officers have outstanding equity awards under our incentive plan, and may be granted additional equity awards under such plan, and if approved by shareholders, the 2022 Plan, they may be deemed to have an indirect interest in the Share Increase Amendment because, absent the amendment, the Company may not have sufficient authorized shares to make future awards. Additionally, Chad Bronstein and Alexander Spiro currently hold $100,000 and $400,000 respectively, in aggregate principal amount of Contingent Convertible Debentures that convert automatically upon the effectiveness of the Share Increase Amendment, and each of Jamie Colbourne, Mark Murray, Clive Sirkin and Paul Norman hold 400,000 Jones Special Warrants which become exercisable upon the effectiveness of the Share Increase Amendment.

The Share Increase Amendment will not have any immediate effect on the rights of existing shareholders. However, our Board will have the authority to issue authorized common stock without requiring future shareholder approval of such issuances, except as may be required by applicable law. Future issuances of common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock could have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, book value per share and the voting power and interest of current shareholders.

The Share Increase Amendment would become effective upon the filing of Articles of Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Washington, which the Company intends to do promptly after the Annual Meeting. In the event that the Share Increase Amendment is not approved by our shareholders at the Annual Meeting, our current Articles of Incorporation would remain in effect in its entirety. Our Board reserves the right, notwithstanding shareholder approval of the Share Increase Amendment and without further action by our shareholders, not to proceed with the Share Increase Amendment at any time before it becomes effective.

Potential Anti-Takeover Effect

Our Board has not proposed the Share Increase Amendment with the intention of discouraging tender offers or takeover attempts of the Company. However, the availability of additional authorized shares for issuance could, under certain circumstances, discourage or make more difficult efforts to obtain control of our Company. This proposal is not being presented with the intent that it be used to prevent or discourage any acquisition attempt, but nothing would prevent our Board from taking any appropriate actions not inconsistent with its fiduciary duties.

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY FROM 100,000,000 SHARES TO 800,000,000 SHARES.


PROPOSAL 3

APPROVAL OF THE JONES SODA CO. 2022 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Introduction

On March 15, 2022, our Board of Directors adopted our 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. The 2022 Plan will become effective, if at all, on the date that it is approved by the our shareholders (the “Effective Date”).

Under the 2022 Plan, the sum of (i) 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, plus (ii) the number of shares of common stock reserved, but unissued under the Company’s 2011 Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), plus (iii) the number of shares of common stock underlying forfeited awards under the 2011 Plan are initially available for issuance of awards under the Plan.

Our administrator may grant incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to participants to acquire shares of Company common stock under the 2022 Plan. It is anticipated that the 2022 Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee. The closing price per-share of the Company’s common stock as reported on the OTCQB on March 28, 2022 was $0.5203.

Rationale for Adoption of the 2022 Plan

Grants of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares of common stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to our employees, directors and independent contractors are an important part of our long-term incentive compensation program, which we use in order to strengthen the commitment of such individuals to us, motivate them to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities and attract and retain competent and dedicated individuals whose efforts are expected to result in our long-term growth and profitability.

The number of shares proposed to be available for grant under the 2022 Plan is designed to enable the Company to properly incentivize its employees and management teams over a number of years on a going-forward basis.

Share Usage. Subject to shareholder approval of the 2022 Plan, the sum of (i) 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, plus (ii) the number of shares of common stock reserved, but unissued under the 2011 Plan, plus (iii) the number of shares of common stock underlying forfeited awards under the 2011 Plan will be reserved for issuance under the 2022 Plan as of March 17, 2022, which represents approximately 12.94% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. The Board believes that this number of shares of the Company’s common stock constitutes reasonable potential equity dilution and provides a significant incentive for employees to increase the value of the Company for all shareholders. The closing trading price of the Company’s common stock as reported on the OTCQB as of the Record Date was $0.5203.

As of the Record Date, we had: (i) 92,250,235 shares of Company common stock outstanding; (ii) 3,857,085 stock options outstanding (vested and unvested) under the 2011 Plan, with a weighted average exercise price of $0.40 per share; and (iii) no shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding.

Shares Available; Certain Limitations. The maximum number of shares of common stock reserved and available for issuance under the 2022 Plan will be equal to the sum of (i) 10,000,000 shares of common stock; plus (ii) the number of shares of common stock reserved, but unissued under the 2011 Plan, plus (iii) the number of shares of common stock underlying forfeited awards under the 2011 Plan; plus (iv) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning with the first January 1 following the Effective Date and ending with the last January 1 during the initial ten-year term of the 2022 Plan, equal to the lesser of (A)  4% of the shares of common stock outstanding (on an as-converted basis, which shall include shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of all outstanding securities or rights convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock, including, without limitation, preferred stock, warrants or employee options to purchase any shares of common stock) on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (B) such lesser number of shares of common stock as determined by our Board of Directors; provided that shares of common stock issued under the 2022 Plan with respect to an Exempt Award will not count against the share limit. We use the term “Exempt Award” to mean (i) an award granted in the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by another business entity acquired by us or any of our subsidiaries or with which we or any of our subsidiaries merges, or (ii) an award that a participant purchases at fair market value.


No more than the sum of (i) 10,000,000 shares of common stock, plus (ii) the number of shares of common stock reserved, but unissued under the 2011 Plan, plus (iii) the number of shares of common stock underlying forfeited awards under the 2011 Plan, as increased on an annual basis, on the first day each calendar year beginning with the first January 1 following the Effective Date of the 2022 Plan and ending with the last January 1 during the initial ten-year term of the 2022 Plan, by the lesser of (A) 4% of the shares of common stock outstanding (on an as-converted basis, which shall include shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of all outstanding securities or rights convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock, including without limitation, preferred stock, warrants or employee options to purchase any shares of common stock) on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year, (B)  such lesser number of shares of common stock as determined by our Board of Directors) shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options.

New shares reserved for issuance under the 2022 Plan may be authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s common stock or shares of the Company’s common stock that will have been or may be reacquired by the Company in the open market, in private transactions or otherwise. If any shares of the Company’s common stock subject to an award are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or if an award terminates or expires without a distribution of shares to the participant, the shares of the Company’s common stock with respect to such award will, to the extent of any such forfeiture, cancellation, exchange, surrender, termination or expiration, again be available for awards under the 2022 Plan except that (i) any shares of Company common stock reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of options, and (ii) any shares of Company common stock surrendered or withheld as payment of either the exercise price of an award and/or withholding taxes in respect of an award will not again be available for awards under the 2022 Plan. If an award is denominated in shares of the Company’s common stock, but settled in cash, the number of shares of common stock previously subject to the award will again be available for grants under the 2022 Plan. If an award can only be settled in cash, it will not be counted against the total number of shares of common stock available for grant under the 2022 Plan. However, upon the exercise of any award granted in tandem with any other awards, such related awards will be cancelled as to the number of shares as to which the award is exercised and such number of shares of the Company’s common stock will no longer be available for grant under the 2022 Plan.

As exhibited by our responsible use of equity over the past several years and good corporate governance practices associated with equity and executive compensation practices in general, the stock reserved under the 2022 Plan will provide us with the platform needed for our continued growth, while managing program costs and share utilization levels within acceptable industry standards.

Description of 2022 Plan

The following is a summary of the material features of the 2022 Plan. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2022 Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix B.

Types of Awards. The 2022 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and other stock-based awards. Items described above in the Section called “Shares Available; Certain Limitations” are incorporated herein by reference.

Administration. The 2022 Plan will be administered by our Board of Directors, or if our Board of Directors does not administer the 2022 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board or other subcommittee of our Board of Directors that complies with the applicable requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and any other applicable legal or stock exchange listing requirements (each of our Board of Directors or such committee or subcommittee, the “plan administrator”). The plan administrator may interpret the 2022 Plan and may prescribe, amend and rescind rules and make all other determinations necessary ordesirable for the administration of the 2022 Plan.


The 2022 Plan permits the plan administrator to select the eligible recipients who will receive awards, to determine the terms and conditions of those awards, including, but not limited to, the exercise price or other purchase price of an award, the number of shares of common stock or cash or other property subject to an award, the term of an award and the vesting schedule applicable to an award, and to amend the terms and conditions of outstanding awards. No participant who is a director, but is not also an employee or consultant, of the Company shall receive awards under the 2022 Plan and be paid cash compensation during any calendar year that exceed, in the aggregate, $200,000 in total value, increased to $250,000 in the calendar year of his or her initial service as a non-employee director. In addition, subject to shareholder approval, (i) the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2022 Plan to a “related person” (as defined herein) shall not exceed 5% of the outstanding securities of the Company and its shareholders. If anythe aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance to all related persons shall not exceed10%, and (ii) the number of shares of common stock issued within 12 months to a related person transactionshall not exceed 5% of the outstanding securities of the Company and the aggregate number of shares issued to all related persons within 12 months shall not exceed 10%, with such thresholds in each case determined on a fully diluted basis. A “related person” means a director or executive officer of the Company of an affiliate of the Company, an associate of such person, or a “permitted transferee of such person. A permitted transferee includes (1) a spouse of a related person, (2) a trustee, custodian, or administrator acting on behalf of, or for the benefit of such related person or his or her spouse, (3) a holding entity of such related person or his or her spouse.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock and RSUs may be granted under the 2022 Plan. The plan administrator will determine the purchase price, vesting schedule and performance goals, if any, and any other conditions that apply to a grant of restricted stock and RSUs. If the restrictions, performance goals or other conditions determined by the plan administrator are not satisfied, the restricted stock and RSUs will be forfeited. Subject to the provisions of the 2022 Plan and the applicable award agreement, the plan administrator has the sole discretion to provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments.

Unless the applicable award agreement provides otherwise, participants with restricted stock will generally have all of the rights of a shareholder; provided that dividends will only be paid if and when the underlying restricted stock vests. RSUs will not be entitled to dividends prior to vesting, but may be entitled to receive dividend equivalents if the award agreement provides for them. The rights of participants granted restricted stock or RSUs upon the termination of employment or service to us will be set forth in the award agreement.

Options. Incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options may be granted under the 2022 Plan. An “incentive stock option” means an option intended to qualify for tax treatment applicable to incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”). A “non-statutory stock option” is ongoingan option that is not subject to statutory requirements and limitations required for certain tax advantages that are allowed under specific provisions of the Code. A non-statutory stock option under the 2022 Plan is referred to for federal income tax purposes as a “non-qualified” stock option. Each option granted under the 2022 Plan will be designated as a non-qualified stock option or an incentive stock option. At the discretion of the plan administrator, incentive stock options may be granted only to our employees, employees of our “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or employees of our subsidiaries.

The exercise period of an option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant and the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted (110% of fair market value in the case of incentive stock options granted to 10% shareholders). The exercise price for shares of common stock subject to an option may be paid in cash, or as determined by the plan administrator in its sole discretion, (i) through any cashless exercise procedure approved by the plan administrator (including the withholding of shares of common stock otherwise issuable upon exercise), (ii) by tendering unrestricted shares of common stock owned by the participant, (iii) with any other form of consideration approved by the plan administrator and permitted by applicable law or (iv) by any combination of these methods. The option holder will have no rights to dividends or distributions or other rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares of common stock subject to an option until the option holder has given written notice of exercise and paid the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes.

In the event of an participant's termination of employment or service, the participant may exercise his or her option (to the extent vested as of such date of termination) for such period of time as specified in his or her option agreement.

Stock Appreciation Rights. SARs may be granted either alone (a “free-standing SAR”) or in conjunction with all or part of any option granted under the 2022 Plan (a “tandem SAR”). A free-standing SAR will entitle its holder to receive, at the time of exercise, an amount per share up to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of common stock over the base price of the free-standing SAR (which shall be no less than 100% of the fair market value of the related shares of common stock on the date of grant) multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised. A tandem SAR will entitle its holder to receive, at the time of exercise of the SAR and surrender of the applicable portion of the related option, an amount per share up to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of common stock over the exercise price of the related option multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised. The exercise period of a free-standing SAR may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. The exercise period of a tandem SAR will also expire upon the expiration of its related option.


The holder of a SAR will have no rights to dividends or any other rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares of common stock subject to the SAR until the holder has given written notice of exercise and paid the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes.

In the event of an participant's termination of employment or service, the holder of a SAR may exercise his or her SAR (to the extent vested as of such date of termination) for such period of time as specified in his or her SAR agreement.

Other Stock-Based Awards. The planadministrator may grant other stock-based awards under the 2022 Plan, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, shares of common stock. Theplan administrator will determine the terms and conditions of these awards, including the number of shares of common stock to be granted pursuant to each award, the manner in which the award will be settled, and the conditions to the vesting and payment of the award (including the achievement of performance goals). The rights of participants granted other stock-based awards upon the termination of employment or service to us will be set forth in the applicable award agreement. In the event that a bonus is granted in the form of shares of common stock, the shares of common stock constituting such bonus shall, as determined by the plan administrator, be evidenced in uncertificated form or by a book entry record or a certificate issued in the name of the participant to whom such grant was made and delivered to such participant as soon as practicable after the date on which such bonus is payable. Any dividend or dividend equivalent award issued hereunder shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as apply to the underlying award.

Equitable Adjustment and Treatment of Outstanding Awards Upon a Change in Control

Equitable Adjustments. In the event of a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out,special or extraordinary dividend or other extraordinary distribution (whether in the form of common shares, cash or other property), combination, exchange of shares, or other change in corporate or capital structure results in (a) the outstanding shares of common stock, or any securities exchanged therefor or received in their place, being exchanged for a different number or kind of securities of the Company or (b) new, different or additional securities of the Company or any other company being received by the holders of shares of common stock, an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment shall be made in (i) the aggregate number and kind of securities reserved for issuance under the 2022 Plan as well as the maximum number and kind of shares of common stock of the Company issuable as incentive stock options, (ii) the kind and number of securities subject to, and the exercise price of, any outstanding options and SARs granted under the 2022 Plan, (iii) the kind, number and purchase price of shares of common stock, or the amount of cash or amount or type of property, subject to outstanding restricted stock, RSUs and other stock-based awards granted under the 2022 Plan and (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding awards (including any applicable performance targets). In addition, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent not previously exercised or settled, and unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator in its sole discretion, awards shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company and, to the extent a vesting condition, forfeiture provision or repurchase right applicable to an award has not been waived by the plan administrator, the award shall be forfeited immediately prior to the consummation of the dissolution or liquidation. With respect to awards subject to foreign laws (including the applicable requirements under Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial securities laws), adjustments will be made in compliance with applicable requirements. Except to the extent determined by the plan administrator, adjustments to incentive stock options will be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code.

Change in Control. The 2022 Plan provides that, unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator and evidenced in an award agreement, if a “change in control” (as defined below) occurs that is not assumed, substituted, converted or replaced by the successor company and a participant is employed by us or any of our affiliates immediately prior to the consummation of the change in control, then (i) any unvested award subject to time-based vesting will become fully vested and the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any such award granted under the 2022 Plan to lapse, and (any award subject to any performance conditions imposed with respect to such awards will be deemed to be fully achieved at target performance levels. The plan administrator shall have discretion in connection with such change in control to provide that all outstanding and unexercised options and SARs shall expire upon the consummation of such change in control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a change in control, which is results in a change in capitalization, the plan administrator may terminate all outstanding awards for the payment of cash or in-kind consideration having an aggregate fair market value equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock, cash or other property covered by such awards over the aggregate exercise price, if any, of such awards, but if the exercise price of any outstanding award is equal to or greater than the fair market value of the shares of common stock, cash or other property covered by such award, the plan administrator may cancel the award without the payment of any consideration to the participant.


For purposes of the 2022 Plan, a “change in control” means, in summary, the first to occur of the following events: (i) a person or entity becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of our voting power; (ii) an unapproved change in the majority membership of our Board of Directors; (iii) a merger or consolidation of us or any of our subsidiaries, other than (A) a merger or consolidation that results in our voting securities continuing to represent 50% or more of the combined voting power of the surviving entity or its parent and our Board of Directors immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continuing to represent at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the surviving entity or its parent or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization in which no person is or becomes the beneficial owner of our voting securities representing more than 50% of our combined voting power; or (iv) shareholder approval of a plan of our complete liquidation or dissolution or the consummation of an agreement for the sale or disposition of substantially all of our assets, other than (A) a sale or disposition to an entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned by our shareholders in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of us immediately prior to such sale or (B) a sale or disposition to an entity controlled by our Board of Directors. However, a change in control will not be deemed to have occurred as a result of any transaction or series of integrated transactions following which our shareholders, immediately prior thereto, hold immediately afterward the Audit Committeesame proportionate equity interests in the entity that owns all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, a change of control shall exclude, in each case described in (i) through (iii) of this paragraph, a transaction pursuant to which no person (other than the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company, a related company or a successor company) will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 33% or more of, respectively, the outstanding shares of common stock of the successor company or the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the successor company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors unless such ownership resulted solely from ownership of securities of the Company prior to the change of control.

Tax Withholding

Each participant will be required to make arrangements satisfactory to the plan administrator regarding payment of up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the participant’s applicable jurisdiction with respect to any award granted under the 2022 Plan, as determined by us. We have the right, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the participant. With the approval of the plan administrator, the participant may establish guidelinessatisfy the foregoing requirement by either electing to have us withhold from delivery of shares of common stock, cash or other property, as applicable, or by delivering already owned unrestricted shares of common stock, in each case, having a value not exceeding the applicable taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations. We may also use any other method of obtaining the necessary payment or proceeds, as permitted by applicable law, to satisfy our withholding obligation with respect to any award.

Amendment and Termination of the 2022 Plan

The 2022 Plan provides our Board of Directors with authority to amend, alter or terminate the 2022 Plan, but no such action may impair the rights of any participant with respect to outstanding awards without the participant’s consent. The plan administrator may amend an award, prospectively or retroactively, but no such amendment may materially impair the rights of any participant without the participant’s consent. Shareholder approval of any such action will be obtained if required to comply with applicable law.The 2022 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date (although awards granted before that time will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms).

Clawback

If we are required to prepare a financial restatement due to material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement, then the plan administrator may require any Section 16 officer to repay or forfeit to us that part of the cash or equity incentive compensation received by that Section 16 officer during the preceding three years that the plan administrator determines was in excess of the amount that such Section 16 officer would have received had such cash or equity incentive compensation been calculated based on the financial results reported in the restated financial statement. The plan administrator may take into account any factors it deems reasonable in determining whether to seek recoupment of previously paid cash or equity incentive compensation and how much of such compensation to recoup from each Section 16 officer (which need not be the same amount or proportion for each Section 16 officer). The amount and form of the incentive compensation to be recouped shall be determined by the plan administrator in its sole and absolute discretion


US Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax consequences of awards under the 2022 Plan. It does not purport to be a complete description of all applicable rules, and those rules (including those summarized here) are subject to change.

Non-Qualified Stock Options

A participant who has been granted a non-qualified stock option will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a non-qualified stock option. Rather, at the time of exercise of such non-qualified stock option, the participant will recognize ordinary income for income tax purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock purchased over the exercise price. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount that the participant recognizes ordinary income. If shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the amount received upon such sale or exchange and the fair market value of such shares on the date of such exercise will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss (if the shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending upon the length of time such shares were held by the participant.

Incentive Stock Options

In general, no taxable income is realized by a participant upon the grant of an incentive stock option (“ISO”). If shares of common stock are purchased by a participant, or option shares, pursuant to the exercise of an ISO granted under the 2022 Plan and the participant does not dispose of the option shares within the two-year period after the date of grant or within one year after the receipt of such option shares by the participant, such disposition a disqualifying disposition, then, generally (1) the participant will not realize ordinary income upon exercise and (2) upon sale of such option shares, any amount realized in excess of the exercise price paid for the option shares will be taxed to such participant as capital gain (or loss). The amount by which the fair market value of the common stock on the exercise date of an ISO exceeds the purchase price generally will constitute an item which increases the participant’s “alternative minimum taxable income.” If option shares acquired upon the exercise of an ISO are disposed of in a disqualifying disposition, the participant generally would include in ordinary income in the year of disposition an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares at the time of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of the option shares), over the exercise price paid for the option shares. Subject to certain exceptions, an option generally will not be treated as an ISO if it is exercised more than three months followingtermination of employment. If an ISO is exercised at a time when it no longer qualifies as an ISO, such option will be treated as a nonqualified stock option as discussed above. In general, we will receive an income tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the participant recognizes ordinary income.

Stock Appreciation Rights

A participant who is granted an SAR generally will not recognize ordinary income upon receipt of the SAR. Rather, at the time of exercise of such SAR, the participant will recognize ordinary income for income tax purposes in an amount equal to the value of any cash received and the fair market value on the date of exercise of any shares of common stock received. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount, if any, that the participant recognizes as ordinary income. The participant’s tax basis in any shares of common stock received upon exercise of an SAR will be the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date of exercise, and if the shares are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the amount received upon such sale or exchange and the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss (if the shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending upon the length of time such shares were held by the participant.


Restricted Stock

A participant generally will not be taxed upon the grant of restricted stock, but rather will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of common stock at the earlier of the time the shares become transferable or are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (within the meaning of the Code). We generally will be entitled to a deduction at the time when, and in the amount that, the participant recognizes ordinary income on account of the lapse of the restrictions. A participant’s tax basis in the shares of common stock will equal their fair market value at the time the restrictions lapse, and the participant’s holding period for capital gains purposes will begin at that time. Any cash dividends paid on the shares of common stock before the restrictions lapse will be taxable to the participant as additional compensation and not as dividend income, unless the individual has made an election under Section 83(b) of the Code. Under Section 83(b) of the Code, a participant may elect to recognize ordinary income at the time the restricted shares are awarded in an amount equal to their fair market value at that time, notwithstanding the fact that such stock is subject to restrictions or transfer and a substantial risk of forfeiture. If such an election is made, no additional taxable income will be recognized by such participant at the time the restrictions lapse, the participant will have a tax basis in the shares of common stock equal to their fair market value on the date of their award, and the participant’s holding period for capital gains purposes will begin at that time. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the time when, and to the extent that, ordinary income is recognized by such participant.

Restricted Stock Units

In general, the grant of RSUs will not result in income for the participant or in a tax deduction for us. Upon the settlement of such an award in cash or shares of common stock, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the aggregate value of the payment received, and we generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.

Other Awards

With respect to other stock-based awards, generally when the participant receives payment in respect of the award, the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of any shares of common stock or other property received will be ordinary income to the participant, and we generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.

New Plan Benefits

Future grants under the 2022 Plan will be made at the discretion of the plan administrator and, accordingly, are not yet determinable. In addition, benefits under the 2022 Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the fair market value of our common stock on future dates and the exercise decisions made by participants. Consequently, at this time, it is not possible to determine the future benefits that might be received by participants receiving discretionary grants under the 2022 Plan.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2021.

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)

  

Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights

  

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holder

  

3,305,511

   

$0.36

   

2,389,062(1)

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holder

  

-

   

-

   

-

 

Total

  

3,305,511

   

$0.36

   

2,389,062(1)

 

(1)

The 2011 Plan, as readopted, includes a formula for an annual increase in the number of shares authorized under the 2011 Plan, as of January 1 of each year, by an amount equal to the lesser of (a) 1,300,000 shares, (b) 4.0% of our outstanding common stock as of the end of our immediately preceding fiscal year, and (c) a lesser amount determined by the Board of Directors, provided that the number of shares that may be granted pursuant to awards in a single year may not exceed 10% of our outstanding shares of common stock on a fully diluted basis as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal year. On September 30, 2021, our Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved an amendment to the 2011 Plan to decrease the number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the 2011 Plan from 4,785,597 shares of common stock to 2,500,000 shares of common stock.

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 2022 PLAN.


PROPOSAL 4

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the related SEC rules promulgated thereunder, we are providing our shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, also known as the “say-on-pay vote”, as described below.

The objective of the compensation program for our named executive officers is to motivate and reward fairly those individuals who perform over time at or above the levels that we expect and to attract, as needed, and retain individuals with the skills necessary to appropriately reviewachieve our objectives. Our compensation philosophy is also designed to reinforce a sense of ownership and to link compensation to the ongoing related person transaction. After initial approval/ratificationCompany’s performance as well as the performance of each of our named executive officers. Before voting on this Proposal 4, you are urged to read the transaction, the Auditsections of this proxy entitled “Executive Compensation”.

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on our Board of Directors, nor will it directly affect or otherwise limit any compensation or award arrangements that have already been granted to any of our named executive officers. However, our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee will review the related person transactionvoting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation. In accordance with the rules adopted by the SEC, the following resolution, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” vote, is being submitted for a shareholder vote at the Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the named executive officers of Jones Soda Co., as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission as set forth in the Executive Compensation Section of this proxy statement, is hereby APPROVED”.

Unless the Board of Directors modifies its policy on the frequency of future “say-on-pay” advisory votes, the next “say-on-pay” advisory vote will be held at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders.

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.


PROPOSAL 5

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF OUR INDEPENDENTREGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDINGDECEMBER 31, 2022

Our Board has appointed Armanino LLP (“Armanino”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022. Armanino has acted as our principal accountant since 2021 and served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

A representative of Armanino is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. He or she will have the opportunity to make a regular basis (at least annually).statement if desired and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Our Audit Committee retains our independent registered public accounting firm and approves in advance all audit and non-audit services performed by this firm and any other auditing firms. Although management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process including the systems of internal control, the Audit Committee consults with management and our independent registered public accounting firm regarding the preparation of financial statements and the adoption and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates and generally oversees the relationship of the independent registered public accounting firm with the Company. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, relating to their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles, and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards.

It is the responsibility of our management to determine that our financial statements and disclosures are complete and accurate and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It is the responsibility of our independent registered public accounting firm to conduct the audit of our financial statements and disclosures. In giving its recommendation to the Board that our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Audit Committee has relied on: (1) management’s representation that such financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States; and (2) the report of our independent registered public accounting firm with respect to such financial statements.

Accountant Fees and Services

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by our current independent accountants, Armanino, for professional services rendered in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

  

2021

  

2020

Audit Fees (1)

$

94,500

 

$

Audit-Related Fees (2)

 

  

Tax fees (3)

 

16,050

  

All Other Fees (4)

 

  

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by our former independent accountants, BDO LLP, for professional services rendered in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

  

2021

  

2020

Audit Fees (1)

$

30,200

 

$

122,778 

Audit-Related Fees (2)

 

  

Tax fees (3)

 

16,050

  

36,715

All Other Fees (4)

 

  

(1)

“Audit Fees” represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements and review of our quarterly financial statements included in our reports on Form 10-Q, and audit services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings, including without limitation, our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (previously on Form S-3).

(2)

“Audit-Related Fees” generally represent fees for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements.

(3)

“Tax Fees” generally represent fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

(4)

“All Other Fees” generally represents fees for products and services provided to the Company that are not otherwise reported in the table.


Policy on Audit Committee is authorizedPre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors

All audit, audit-related and tax services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by our independent accountants for 2021 was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The Audit Committee’s charter requires that the Audit Committee review the scope and extent of audit services to administer our related person transactions policy, and may amend, modify and interpretbe provided, including the policy as it deems necessary or desirable. Any material amendments or modificationsengagement letter, prior to the policy willannual audit, and review and pre-approve all audit fees to be reported tocharged by the full Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting.independent accountants. In addition, the charter requires the Audit Committee will conduct an annual review and assessmentto pre-approve all additional non-audit matters, if any, to be provided by the independent accountants.

Changes in our Accountants

Resignation of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

As previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 15, 2021, BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”), the former independent registered public accounting firm of the policy.Company, resigned as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm effective as of September 9, 2021. BDO audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The report of BDO on such financial statements contained an explanatory paragraph which noted that there was substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The reports of BDO on the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except for the going concern matter.

 

During the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and through the interim period ended September 9, 2021, there were no disagreements between the Company and BDO on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BDO, would have caused BDO to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its audit reports on the Company’s financial statements. During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the interim period ended September 9,2021, BDO did not advise the Company of any reportable events specified in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K with respect to the Company.

In addition, the Company previously provided BDO with a copy of the disclosure in the Current Report on Form 8-K and requested that it furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether BDO agrees with the above statements and, if it did not agree, the respects in which it did not agree. A copy of the letter from BDO was filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 15, 2021.

Engagement of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

As previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 6, 2021, the Audit Committee approved and the Company appointed Armanino as its independent registered public accounting firm.   During the Company’s two most recently completed fiscal years and through the date of engagement of Armanino, neither the Company nor anyone on behalf of the Company consulted with Armanino regarding (a) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements as to which the Company received a written report or oral advice that was an important factor in reaching a decision on any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (b) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event as defined in Items 304(a)(1)(iv) and (v), respectively, of Regulation S-K.

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ARMANINO LLP AS THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2022.

 

19


 

REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors serves as the representative of the Board of Directors for general oversight of our financial accounting and reporting process, system of internal control, audit process, and process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations. Management has primary responsibility for preparing our financial statements, our internal controls and our financial reporting process. Our independent registered public accounting firm (our “independent accountants”), BDO USA,Armanino LLP  (“BDO”Armanino”), was engaged on December 20, 2019September 9, 2021 and is responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) and issuing their report. As described below, on November 1, 2019, Peterson Sullivan, LLP (“Peterson Sullivan”), our prior independent accountants, was acquired by BDO, and on December 20, 2019, through and with the approval of the Audit Committee, we appointed BDO as our independent accountants.

 

In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 20202021 with management and the independent accountants. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent accountants the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB and the SEC.

 

The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountants required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountants’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent accountants the independent accountants' independence.

 

Based upon the Audit Committee's review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202021 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

Jeffrey Anderson,Clive Sirkin, Chair

Michael FlemingPaul Norman

Clive Sirkin

Policy for Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services

All audit, audit-related and tax services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by our independent accountants for 2020 was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The Audit Committee’s charter requires that the Audit Committee review the scope and extent of audit services to be provided, including the engagement letter, prior to the annual audit, and review and pre-approve all audit fees to be charged by the independent accountants. In addition, the charter requires the Audit Committee to pre-approve all additional non-audit matters, if any, to be provided by the independent accountants.

Audit and Audit-Related Fees

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by our current independent accountants, BDO, for professional services rendered in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

  

2020

  

2019

Audit Fees (1)

$

      122,778

 

$

      82,325

Audit-Related Fees (2)

 

 — 

  

 — 

Tax fees (3)

 

 36,715

  

 27,000

All Other Fees (4)

 

— 

  

 — 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by our previous independent accountants, Peterson Sullivan, for professional services rendered in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Peterson Sullivan did not provide any services in 2020.

  

2020

  

2019

Audit Fees (1)

$

 — 

 

$

        57,300

Audit-Related Fees (2)

 

 — 

  

 — 

Tax fees (3)

 

 — 

  

 — 

All Other Fees (4)

 

 — 

  

 — 

_______

_____

(1)

“Audit Fees” represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements and review of our quarterly financial statements included in our reports on Form 10-Q, and audit services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings, including without limitation, our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (previously on Form S-3).

(2)

“Audit-Related Fees” generally represent fees for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements.

(3)

“Tax Fees” generally represent fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

(4)

“All Other Fees” generally represents fees for products and services provided to the Company that are not otherwise reported in the table.

All the above services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

Chad Bronstein

 

20


 

Changes in our Certifying Accountant

Dismissal of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

As previously reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on December 23, 2019 (the “Form 8-K”), on November 1, 2019, the partners and professional staff of Peterson Sullivan, which had been engaged as our independent accountants, joined BDO.  As a result of this transaction, Peterson Sullivan resigned as the Company's independent accountants on December 20, 2019. On December 20, 2019, following the resignation of Peterson Sullivan, the Company, through and with the approval of the Audit Committee, appointed BDO as our independent accountants.

Peterson Sullivan’s reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, contained an explanatory paragraph that raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Other than the going concern matter, the reports of Peterson Sullivan on the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and through December 20, 2019, there were no disagreements between the Company and Peterson Sullivan on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Peterson Sullivan, would have caused Peterson Sullivan to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its audit reports on the Company’s financial statements. During the Company’s past fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the interim period through December 20, 2019, Peterson Sullivan did not advise the Company of any of the matters specified in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

The Company previously provided Peterson Sullivan and BDO with a copy of the above disclosure in this Proxy Statement in accordance with Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K prior to its filing with the SEC.   Neither Peterson Sullivan nor BDO presented the Company with a statement that it believes the statements are incorrect or incomplete.  In addition, the Company previously provided Peterson Sullivan with a copy of the disclosure in the Form 8-K and requested that it furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether Peterson Sullivan agrees with the above statements and, if it did not agree, the respects in which it did not agree. A copy of the letter from Peterson Sullivan was filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Form 8-K.

Engagement of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

As noted above, on December 20, 2019, through and with the approval of its Audit Committee, the Company appointed BDO as our independent accountants.  During the Company’s two most recently completed fiscal years through the date of BDO’s engagement by the Company, neither the Company nor anyone on behalf of the Company consulted with BDO regarding (a) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements as to which the Company received a written report or oral advice that was an important factor in reaching a decision on any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (b) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event as defined in Items 304(a)(1)(iv) and (v), respectively, of Regulation S-K.

PROPOSAL 6

 

PROPOSAL 2 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee has selected BDO as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2021 fiscal year and has further directed that management submit the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. Representatives of BDO are expected to be present (virtually) at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Shareholder ratification of the selection of BDO as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires the Audit Committee to be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the audit work of the independent registered public accounting firm. However, the Audit Committee is submitting the selection of BDO to the shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance. If the shareholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain BDO, and may continue to retain BDO or choose to retain another firm without resubmitting the matter to the shareholders. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders.

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Proposal 2

21

PROPOSAL 3 ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION PAID TO OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE SAY ON PAY ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (SAY ON FREQUENCY)

 

We are askingseeking the input of our shareholders on the frequency with which we will hold future non-binding, advisory “say on pay” votes to approve a non-binding advisory resolution (commonly referred tothe compensation of our named executive officers.  This proposal is commonly known as a “say-on-pay” resolution)"say-on-frequency" vote.  In voting on our executive compensationthis Proposal 6, shareholders are provided with four choices: shareholders may indicate their preference as reported in this Proxy Statement. This proposal gives ourto whether the future say-on-pay advisory vote should occur every year, every two years or every three years or shareholders may abstain from making a recommendation.

After careful consideration, it is the opportunity to express their viewsopinion of the Board that an annual advisory shareholder vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.named executive officers is the most appropriate option for us because it will allow our shareholders to provide more frequent, direct input on our compensation policies and practices, and the resulting compensation for our named executive officers.  Shareholders will have the opportunity to consider our most recent compensation decisions and focus on increasing long-term shareholder value, and to provide feedback to us in a timely way.  Finally, the Board believes an annual advisory shareholder vote promotes corporate transparency.

 

We urgeWhile the Board has determined that the say-on-frequency vote shall be held annually, shareholders are not being asked to read the Executive Compensation section above, including the Summary Compensation Table and the other related compensation tables and narrative, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.

We believe that our executive compensation program provides balanced compensation elements, with goals of motivating and rewarding the efforts of our Named Executive Officers, while carefully managing our cash assets and compensation expense, and also aligning the long-term interestsapprove or disapprove of the Named Executive OfficersBoard's determination.  Rather, shareholders are being provided with the long-term interestsopportunity to cast an advisory vote as to what shareholders believe the appropriate frequency should be.  The alternative receiving the greatest number of votes (once every one year, two years or three years) will be the resulting recommendation, on an advisory basis, of our shareholders.

 

For these reasons, the Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of the following advisory resolution at the Annual Meeting:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Jones Soda Co. (the “Company”) approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including Summary Compensation Table and the related compensation tables, notes and narrative in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s Annual Meeting.

This advisory “say-on-pay” resolution“say-on-frequency” vote is not binding on the Board of Directors.Board.  Although non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value the opinions expressed by shareholders in their vote on this proposal, and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers.

Unless the Board of Directors modifies its policy ona determination as to the frequency of future “say-on-pay” advisory votes, the next “say-on-pay” advisory vote will be held at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.say-on-pay votes.

Board Recommendation

 

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Proposal 3

PROPOSALTHE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, TO HOLD THE SAY-ON-FREQUENCY VOTE 4ONCE EVERY YEAR. — READOPTION OF THE COMPANYS 2011 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN TO EXTEND THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF FROM APRIL 1, 2021 TO APRIL 1, 2023 AND THE RESERVATION OF 12,084,032 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FOR INSSUANCE THEREUNDER

The Board of Directors is seeking shareholder approval of the readoption of our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) to extend the expiration date thereof from April 1, 2021 to April 1, 2023 and the reservation of 12, 084,032 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The Board approved the extension of the 2011 Plan on March 23, 2021, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting. We believe that the effective use of stock-based incentive compensation has been integral to our success in the past and is vital to our ability to achieve strong performance in the future.  Therefore, rather than allow the 2011 Plan to expire in accordance with its terms, the Board of Directors recommends an extension of the expiration date of the 2011 Plan from April 1, 2021 to April 1, 2023 to enable the Company to continue to issue equity compensation thereunder.

The following description of the 2011 Plan is a summary, does not purport to be a complete description of the 2011 Plan and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2011 Plan. A copy of the 2011 Plan is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A is incorporated herein by reference. The 2011 Plan contains certain provisions that were meant to satisfy the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code.  While these provisions remain in the 2011 Plan and are not being amended in connection with this proposal, given the recent revisions to Section 162(m) of the Code, we believe that such provisions do not constitute a material feature of the 2011 Plan.

 

22


 

OTHER MATTERS

Description

We have no knowledge of any other matters that may come before the Annual Meeting and do not intend to present any other matters. However, if any other matters shall properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the persons soliciting proxies will have the discretion to vote as they see fit unless directed otherwise.

We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form. In addition to the use of the 2011 Plan

Plan Benefits

No awards have been granted, and no specific plans have been made for the grant of future awards, out of the pool of shares of common stock tomailings, proxies may also be reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan. The amount and timing of awards granted under the 2011 Plan are determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee and therefore cannot be determined in advance. The future awards that would be received under the 2011 Plansolicited by executiveour directors, officers andor other employees, are discretionary and are therefore not determinable at this time.

Purpose

The purpose of the 2011 Plan is to attract, retain and motivate employees, officers, directors, consultants, agents, advisors and independent contractors of the Company and its related companiespersonally or by providing them with the opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and to align their interests and efforts to the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders.

Administration

The 2011 Plan will continue to be administered by the Boardtelephone, facsimile or the Compensation and Governance Committee of the Board (including a subcommittee thereof), which must be composed of two or more directors, eachemail, none of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3) under the Exchange Act, and an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Board may delegate concurrent administration of the 2011 Plan to different committees consisting of two or more members of the Board or to one or more senior executive officers in accordance with the 2011 Plan’s terms. References to the “Committee” in this plan description are, as applicable, to the Board or the Compensation and Governance Committee, or other committee or officers authorized to administer the 2011 Plan.

The Committee is authorized to select the individuals towill be granted awards, the types of awards to be granted, the number of shares to be subject to awards, and the other terms, conditions and provisions of such awards, as well as to interpret and administer the 2011 Plan and any award or agreement entered into under the 2011 Plan.

Eligibility

Awards may be granted under the 2011 Plan to employees, officers, directors, consultants, agents, advisors and independent contractors of the Company and its related companies selected by the Committee.

Number of Shares

The number of shares of our common stock initially authorizedcompensated separately for issuance under the 2011 Plan was 3,000,000 shares. The number of shares authorized under the 2011 Plan also may be increased each January 1st starting in 2012 by an amount equal to the least of (a) 1,300,000 shares, (b) 4.0% of our outstanding common stock as of the end of our immediately preceding fiscal year, and (c) a lesser amount determined by the Board, provided that the number of shares that may be granted pursuant to awards in a single year may not exceed 10% of our outstanding shares of common stock on a fully diluted basis as of the end of our immediately preceding fiscal year. The shares of our common stock issuable under the 2011 Plan will consist of authorized and unissued shares. In 2012, an increase in common stock occurred in the amount of 1,284,032 shares, and 1,300,000 share increases occurred in each of the following years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020, which resulted in the aggregate number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan being equal to 12,084,032 as of March 18, 2021, and the shareholders are being asked to approve the reservation of 12,084,032 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2011 Plan.

The following shares will again be available for issuance under the 2011 Plan:

shares subject to awards that lapse, expire, terminate or are canceled prior to the issuance of the underlying shares; and

shares subject to awards that are subsequently forfeited to or otherwise reacquired by us.

The following shares will not be available again for issuance under the 2011 Plan:

shares withheld by or tendered to us as payment for the purchase price of an award or to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to an award; and

shares subject to an award that is settled in cash or in another manner where some or all of the shares covered by the award are not issued.

Awards granted in assumption of or in substitution for awards previously granted by an acquired company will not reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2011 Plan.these solicitation activities.

 

If certain changesyou do not plan to attend the Annual Meeting, in our common stock occur by reason of a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, combination or exchange oforder that your shares distributionmay be represented and in order to shareholders other than a normal cash dividend or other change in our corporate or capital structure,assure the Committee will make proportional adjustments to (a) the maximum numberrequired quorum, please sign, date and kind of securities available for issuance under the 2011 Plan, (b) the maximum number and kind of securities issuable as incentive stock options, (c) the maximum number and kind of securities issuable as “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code and (d) the number and kind of securities subject to any outstanding awards and the per share price of such securities.

The closing price of our common stock, as reported on the OTCQB on March 18, 2021, was $0.48 per share.

23

Types of Awards

The 2011 Plan permits the granting of any or all of the following types of awards:

Stock Options.  Stock options entitle the holder to purchase a specified number of shares of our common stock at a specified price, which is called the exercise price, subject to the terms and conditions of the stock option grant. The Committee may grant either incentive stock options, which must comply with Section 422 of the Code, or nonqualified stock options. The Committee sets exercise prices and terms, except that stock options must be granted with an exercise price not less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant (excluding stock options granted in connection with assuming or substituting stock options in acquisition transactions). Unless the Committee determines otherwise, fair market value means, as of a given date, the closing price of our common stock. At the time of grant, the Committee determines when stock options are exercisable and what the term of the stock options will be, except that the term cannot exceed ten years. If the stock option agreement does not provide otherwise, stock options will vest according to the schedule set forth in the 2011 Plan.

return your proxy promptly. In the event of termination of service withyou are able to attend the Annual Meeting, at your request, the Company or a related company, a participant will be able to exercise his or her stock option for the period of time and on the terms and conditions determined by the Committee and stated in the stock option agreement. If the stock option agreement does not provide otherwise, stock options may be exercised in accordance with following:

Any portion of a stock option that is not vested and exercisable on the date of termination of service will expire on the date of termination of service.

Any portion of a stock option that is vested and exercisable on the date of termination of service will expire on the earlier of:

the date that is three months after termination of service, if termination of service is for reasons other than cause, retirement, disability or death;

the one-year anniversary of termination of service, if termination of service occurs by reason of retirement, disability or death; or

the expiration date of the stock option.

If a participant dies after his or her termination of service but while the stock option is otherwise exercisable, the portion of the stock option that is vested and exercisable on the date of termination of services will generally expire upon the earlier of the stock option expiration date and the one-year anniversary of the date of death. If a participant is terminated for cause, all stock options will generally automatically expire upon notification to the participant of the termination.cancel your previously submitted proxy.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs).  The Committee may grant SARs as a right in tandem with the number of shares underlying stock options granted under the 2011 Plan or as a freestanding award. Upon exercise, SARs entitle the holder to receive payment per share in stock or cash, or in a combination of stock and cash, equal to the excess of the share’s fair market value on the date of exercise over the grant price of the SAR. The grant price of a tandem SAR is equal to the exercise price of the related stock option and the grant price for a freestanding SAR is determined by the Committee in accordance with the procedures described above for stock options. Exercise of an SAR issued in tandem with a stock option will reduce the number of shares underlying the related stock option to the extent of the SAR exercised. The term of a freestanding SAR cannot be more than ten years, and the term of a tandem SAR cannot exceed the term of the related stock option.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Stock Units.  The Committee may grant awards of shares of common stock or awards designated in units of common stock. These awards may be made subject to repurchase or forfeiture restrictions at the Committee’s discretion. The restrictions may be based on continuous service with the Company or the achievement of specified performance criteria, as determined by the Committee. Stock units may be paid in stock or cash or a combination of stock and cash, as determined by the Committee.

Performance Awards.  The Committee may grant performance awards in the form of performance shares or performance units. Performance shares are units valued by reference to a designated number of shares of common stock. Performance units are units valued by reference to a designated amount of property other than shares of common stock. Performance shares and performance units may be payable upon the attainment of performance criteria and other terms and conditions as established by the Committee. Performance awards may be payable in stock, cash or other property, or a combination thereof.

Other Stock or Cash-Based Awards.  The Committee may grant other incentives payable in cash or in shares of common stock, subject to the terms of the 2011 Plan and any other terms and conditions determined by the Committee.

24

Award Limits

The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be granted subject to awards under the 2011 Plan (other than options or SARs) in a single calendar year may not exceed 500,000 shares.

No Repricing

Without shareholder approval, the Committee is not authorized to (a) lower the exercise or grant price of an option or SAR after it is granted, except in connection with certain adjustments to our corporate or capital structure permitted by the 2011 Plan, such as stock splits, (b) cancel a stock option or SAR at a time when its exercise or grant price exceeds the fair market value of the underlying stock, in exchange for cash, another stock option or stock appreciation right, restricted stock or other equity award, unless the cancellation and exchange occur in connection with a merger, acquisition, spin-off or similar corporate transaction or (c) take any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.

Change of Control

Effect of Change of Control.  Under the 2011 Plan, unless the Committee determines otherwise in the instrument evidencing an award or in a written employment, services or other agreement between a participant and the Company or a related company, in the event of a change of control:

All outstanding awards, other than performance shares and performance units, will become fully vested and exercisable or payable, and all applicable restrictions or forfeiture provisions will lapse, immediately prior to the change of control and such awards will terminate at the effective time of the change of control, except that with respect to a change of control that is a company transaction in which such awards could be converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the successor company, such awards will become fully vested and exercisable or payable, and all applicable restrictions or forfeiture provisions will lapse, only if and to the extent such awards are not converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the successor company. If and to the extent that the successor company converts, assumes, substitutes for or replaces an award, the vesting restrictions and/or forfeiture provisions applicable to such award will not be accelerated or lapse, and all such vesting restrictions and/or forfeiture provisions will continue with respect to any shares of the successor company or other consideration that may be received with respect to such award.

All performance shares and performance units earned and outstanding as of the date of the change of control and for which the payout level has been determined will be payable in full in accordance with the payout schedule included in the instrument evidencing the award. Any remaining outstanding performance shares or performance units for which the payout level has not been determined will be prorated at the target payout level up to and including the date of the change of control and will be payable in accordance with the payout schedule provided in the instrument evidencing the award.

The Committee may in its discretion instead provide that a participant’s outstanding awards will terminate in exchange for a cash payment.

Definition of Change of Control and Company Transaction.  Unless the Committee determines otherwise with respect to an award at the time it is granted or unless otherwise defined for purposes of an award in a written employment, services or other agreement between a participant and the Company or a related company, a change of control of the Company generally means the occurrence of any of the following events:

an acquisition by any individual, entity or group of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of either (a) the then outstanding shares of common stock or (b) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (generally excluding any acquisition directly from the Company, any acquisition by the Company, any acquisition by any employee benefit plan of the Company or a related company, or an acquisition pursuant to certain related party transactions);

a change in the composition of the Board such that, during any 24-month period, the incumbent Board members cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board (not including directors whose election, or nomination for election by shareholders, was approved by a majority of the incumbent Board); or

consummation of a company transaction, which is generally defined as a merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange, a sale of at least 50% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities, or a sale, lease or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless (a) after such transaction the beneficial owners of our common stock and voting securities immediately prior to the transaction retain at least 50% of such common stock and voting securities of the company resulting from such transaction, (b) no person beneficially owns 33% or more of the then outstanding common stock or voting securities of the company resulting from such transaction, and (c) at least a majority of the board of directors of the company resulting from such transaction were incumbent directors of the Company prior to such transaction.

If we dissolve or liquidate, unless the Committee determines otherwise, outstanding awards will terminate immediately prior to such dissolution or liquidation.

25

Term, Termination and Amendment

Unless earlier terminated by the Board of Directors or the Compensation and Governance Committee, the 2011 Plan will terminate, and no further awards may be granted, ten years after the date on which the Board approved the 2011 Plan, or April 1, 2021, unless extended or amended. The Board of Directors has recommended that the shareholders approve an extension of the 2011 Plan from April 1, 2021 to April 1, 2023.  The Board of Directors or the Compensation and Governance Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the 2011 Plan at any time, except that, if required by applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, shareholder approval will be required for any amendment, and only the Board may amend the Plan if shareholder approval of the amendment is required. The amendment, suspension or termination of the 2011 Plan or the amendment of an outstanding award generally may not, without a participant’s consent, materially adversely affect any rights under an outstanding award.

Federal Income Tax Information

The following is a brief summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the 2011 Plan generally applicable to the Company and to participants in the 2011 Plan who are subject to U.S. federal taxes. The summary is based on the Code, applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, each as in effect on the date of this proxy statement and is, therefore, subject to future changes in the law, possibly with retroactive effect. The summary is general in nature and does not purport to be legal or tax advice. Furthermore, the summary does not address issues relating to any U.S. gift or estate tax consequences or the consequences of any state, local or foreign tax laws.

Nonqualified Stock Options.  A participant generally will not recognize taxable income upon the grant or vesting of a nonqualified stock option with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and no additional deferral feature. Upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, a participant generally will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares underlying the stock option on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the stock option. When a participant sells the shares, the participant will have short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, equal to the difference between the amount the participant received from the sale and the tax basis of the shares sold. The tax basis of the shares generally will be equal to the greater of the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date or the exercise price of the stock option.

Incentive Stock Options.  A participant generally will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of an incentive stock option. If a participant exercises an incentive stock option during employment as an employee or within three months after his or her employment ends (12 months in the case of permanent and total disability), the participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of exercise for regular U.S. federal income tax purposes (although the participant generally will have taxable income for alternative minimum tax purposes at that time as if the stock option were a nonqualified stock option). If a participant sells or otherwise disposes of the shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option after the later of (a) one year from the date the participant exercised the stock option and (b) two years from the grant date of the stock option, the participant generally will recognize long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount the participant received in the disposition and the exercise price of the stock option. If a participant sells or otherwise disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option before these holding period requirements are satisfied, the disposition will constitute a “disqualifying disposition,” and the participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income in the year of disposition equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the stock option (or, if less, the excess of the amount realized on the disposition of the shares over the exercise price of the stock option). The balance of the participant’s gain on a disqualifying disposition, if any, will be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain, as the case may be.

With respect to both nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options, special rules apply if a participant uses shares of our common stock already held by the participant to pay the exercise price or if the shares received upon exercise of the stock option are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture by the participant.

Stock Appreciation Rights.  A participant generally will not recognize taxable income upon the grant or vesting of an SAR with a grant price at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and no additional deferral feature. Upon the exercise of an SAR, a participant generally will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares underlying the SAR on the date of exercise and the grant price of the SAR.

Unrestricted Stock Awards.  Upon receipt of an unrestricted stock award, a participant generally will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid by the participant with respect to the shares. When a participant sells the shares, the participant generally will have short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, equal to the difference between the amount the participant received from the sale and the tax basis of the shares sold. The tax basis of the shares generally will be equal to the amount, if any, paid by the participant with respect to the shares plus the amount of taxable ordinary income recognized by the participant upon receipt of the shares.

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Restricted Stock Awards.  A recipient of a restricted stock award generally will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income when the shares cease to be subject to restrictions in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date the restrictions lapse over the amount, if any, paid by the participant with respect to the shares. However, no later than 30 days after a participant receives the restricted stock award, the participant may elect to recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of receipt. Provided the election is properly made in a timely manner, when the restrictions on the shares lapse, the participant will not recognize any additional income. If the participant forfeits the shares to the Company (e.g., upon the participant’s termination prior to expiration of the restriction period), the participant may not claim a deduction with respect to the income recognized as a result of making the election. Any dividends paid with respect to shares of restricted stock generally will be taxable as ordinary income to the participant at the time the dividends are received.

Restricted Stock Units.  A participant generally will not recognize income at the time a restricted stock unit is granted. When any part of a stock unit is issued or paid, the participant generally will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income at the time of such issuance or payment in an amount equal to the then fair market value of any shares the participant receives.

Performance Awards.  A participant generally will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a performance award. Upon the distribution of cash, shares or other property to a participant pursuant to the terms of a performance award, the participant generally will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income equal to the excess of (a) the amount of cash or the fair market value of any other property issued or paid to the participant pursuant to the terms of the award over (b) any amount paid by the participant with respect to the award.

Other Stock or Cash-Based Awards.  The U.S. federal income tax consequences of other stock or cash-based awards will depend upon the specific terms of each award.

Tax Consequences to the Company.  In the foregoing cases, we generally will be entitled to a deduction at the same time, and in the same amount, as a participant recognizes ordinary income, subject to certain limitations imposed under the Code.

Section409A of the Code.  We intend that awards granted under the 2011 Plan comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, Section 409A of the Code, but make no representation or warranty to that effect.

Tax Withholding.  We are authorized to deduct or withhold from any award granted or payment due under the 2011 Plan, or require a participant to remit to us, the amount of any withholding taxes due in respect of the award or payment and to take such other action as may be necessary to satisfy all obligations for the payment of applicable withholding taxes. We are not required to issue any shares of common stock or otherwise settle an award under the 2011 Plan until all tax withholding obligations are satisfied.

The Board Of Directors Unanimously Recommends a Vote FOR Proposal 4

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2022 ANNUAL MEETING

Shareholder Proposals

We currently intend to hold the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May 2022. Eligible shareholders who wish to present proposals for action at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in accordance with the SEC Rule 14a-8 for inclusion in our Proxy Statement must submit their proposals in writing to our Corporate Secretary, at 66 S. Hanford St., Suite 150, Seattle, WA 98134 no later than the close of business on December 2, 2021. As described in the rules of the SEC, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee that it will be included.

In addition, as set forth in our Amended and Restated Bylaws, any shareholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2022 Annual Meeting (other than a director nomination) must deliver notice to the Secretary of the Company no later than 90 days and no earlier than 120 days before the first anniversary of the date of the prior year's annual meeting. This means that for the 2022 Annual Meeting, we must receive notice no earlier than January 13, 2022 and no later than February 12, 2022, or such proposal will be considered untimely. Section 2.6.2 of the Amended and Restated Bylaws also requires the shareholder to provide additional specified information regarding the business that the shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting.

In addition, shareholders who intend to nominate persons for election to the Board of Directors at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must provide advance written notice of such nomination in the manner required by our Amended and Restated Bylaws. Written notice of nominations, complying with Section 2.6.1 of the Amended and Restated Bylaws, must be delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage pre-paid, to the Secretary of the Company not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders; provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the meeting is given to the shareholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed, as prescribed above, to the Secretary of the company not later than 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to the shareholders.

We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.

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HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXIES

Householding

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers(e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for annual reports and proxy statementsProxy Availability Notice or other Annual Meeting materials with respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single annual report and/Notice or proxy statementother Annual Meeting materials addressed to those shareholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,”householding, potentially provides extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for companies. WeShareholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and somereceive separate proxy cards.

This year, a number of brokers household annual reports andwith account holders who are our shareholders will be “householding” our proxy materials. A Notice or proxy materials delivering awill be delivered in one single annual report and/or proxy statementenvelope to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from one or more of the affected shareholders.

Once you have received notice from your broker or us that they or we will be householding materialscommunications to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. You may request to receive, at no charge, at any time a separate copy of our annual report or proxy statement, by sending a written request to Jones Soda Co., 66 S. Hanford St., Suite 150, Seattle, WA 98134, Attention: Investor Relations or calling us at 206-624-3357.

If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate annual reportNotice or proxy statement in the future,materials, please notify your broker if your shares are heldor call our Corporate Secretary at (206) 624-3357, or submit a request in writing to our Corporate Secretary, Jones Soda Co., 66 South Hanford Street, Suite 150, Seattle, Washington 98134. Shareholders who currently receive multiple copies of the Notice or proxy materials at their address and would like to request householding of their communications should contact their broker. In addition, we will promptly deliver, upon written or oral request to the address or telephone number above, a brokerage accountseparate copy of the Notice or us if you hold registered shares. If,proxy materials to a shareholder at any time, you and another shareholder sharing the samea shared address wish to participate in householding and prefer to receivewhich a single copy of our annual report or proxy statement, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or us if you hold registered shares. You can notify usthe documents was delivered.

Annual Reports on Form 10-K

Additional copies of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 may be obtained without charge by sending a written requestwriting to the Corporate, Jones Soda Co., 66 S.South Hanford St.,Street, Suite 150, Seattle, WA 98134, Attention: Investor Relations or calling us at 206-624-3357.

INTERNET VOTING

The Company is incorporated under Washington law, which specifically permits electronically transmitted proxies, provided that the transmission set forth or be submitted with information from which it can reasonably be determined that the transmission was authorized by the shareholder. The electronic voting procedures provided for the Annual Meeting are designed to authenticate each shareholder by use of a control number to allow the shareholder to vote their shares and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded.

OTHER BUSINESS

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote the shares represented by the proxies on each of such matters, in accordance with their best judgment.

98134.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

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Mark Murray

/s/ Paul Norman 

President and Chief Executive OfficerPaul Norman

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

April 1, 20212022

 

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Table of Contents

 

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Appendix A

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

TO

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

JONES SODA CO.

Pursuant to RCW 23B.10.030 and RCW 23B.10.060 of the Washington Business Corporation Act, the undersigned corporation (the “Corporation”) hereby submits the following amendments to the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation.

1.     The name of the Corporation is JONES SODA CO.

2.     The amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation is as follows:

Article II is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Article II:

ARTICLE II

ANNEXAuthorized SharesA

The Corporation shall be authorized to issue eight hundred million (800,000,000) shares of Common Stock, without par value.

3.    The date of adoption of this amendment was: ___________ _____, 2022.

4.     The amendment was approved by the shareholders of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of RCW 23B.10.030 and RCW 23B.10.040.

Dated: _____________________, 2022.

 

JONES SODA CO.

 

2011 INCENTIVE PLAN

By___________________________

SECTION1.PURPOSE

The purpose of the Jones Soda Co. 2011 Incentive Plan is to attract, retain and motivate employees, officers, directors, consultants, agents, advisors and independent contractors of the Company and its Related Companies by providing them the opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and to align their interests and efforts to the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders.

SECTION2.DEFINITIONS

Certain capitalized terms used in the Plan have the meanings set forth in Appendix A.

SECTION3.ADMINISTRATION

3.1Administration of the Plan

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Board or the Compensation and Governance Committee (including a subcommittee thereof), which shall be composed of two or more directors, each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act, or any successor definition adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may delegate concurrent responsibility for administering the Plan, including with respect to designated classes of Eligible Persons, to different committees consisting of two or more members of the Board, subject to such limitations as the Board deems appropriate, except with respect to Awards to Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or Awards granted pursuant to Section 16 of the Plan. Members of any committee shall serve for such term as the Board may determine, subject to removal by the Board at any time. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Board may authorize one or more senior executive officers of the Company to grant Awards to designated classes of Eligible Persons, within limits specifically prescribed by the Board; provided, however, that no such officer shall have or obtain authority to grant Awards to himself or herself or to any person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. All references in the Plan to the “Committee” shall be, as applicable, to the Board, the Compensation and Governance Committee or any other committee or any officer to whom authority has been delegated to administer the Plan.

3.2Administration and Interpretation by Committee

(a) Except for the terms and conditions explicitly set forth in the Plan and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee shall have full power and exclusive authority, subject to such orders or resolutions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as may from time to time be adopted by the Board or a Committee composed of members of the Board, to (i) select the Eligible Persons to whom Awards may from time to time be granted under the Plan; (ii) determine the type or types of Award to be granted to each Participant under the Plan; (iii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Award granted under the Plan; (iv) determine the terms, conditions, restrictions and limitations, if any, of any Award granted under the Plan; (v) approve the forms of notice or agreement for use under the Plan; (vi) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be settled in cash, shares of Common Stock or other property or canceled or suspended; (vii) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument evidencing an Award, notice or agreement executed or entered into under the Plan; (viii) establish such rules and regulations as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; (ix) delegate ministerial duties to such of the Company’s employees as it so determines; and (x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for administration of the Plan.

Mark Murray, President

 

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(b) In no event, however, shall the Committee have the right, without shareholder approval, to (i) lower the exercise or grant price of an Option or SAR after it is granted, except in connection with adjustments provided in Section 15.1; (ii) cancel an Option or SAR at a time when its exercise or grant price exceeds the fair market value of the underlying stock, in exchange for cash, another option or stock appreciation right, restricted stock or other equity award, unless the cancellation and exchange occur in connection with a merger, acquisition, spin-off or other similar corporate transaction; or (iii) take any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.

(c) The effect on the vesting of an Award of a Company-approved leave of absence or a Participant’s reduction in hours of employment or service shall be determined by the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, with respect to directors or executive officers, by the Compensation and Governance Committee, whose determination shall be final.

(d) Decisions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, any Participant, any shareholder and any Eligible Person. A majority of the members of the Committee may determine its actions.

SECTION4.SHARESSUBJECT TO THE PLAN

4.1Authorized Number of Shares

Subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Section 15.1, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall be:

(a) 12,084,032  shares; plus

(b) an annual increase to be added as of the first day of the Company’s fiscal year beginning in 2012 equal to the least of (i) 1,300,000 shares, (ii) 4.0% of the outstanding Common Stock as of the end of the Company’s immediately preceding fiscal year, and (iii) a lesser amount determined by the Board; provided, however, that any shares from any such increases in previous years that are not actually issued shall continue to be available for issuance under the Plan, and provided further that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be granted pursuant to all Awards in a single fiscal year shall not exceed 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock on a fully diluted basis as of the end of the Company’s immediately preceding fiscal year.

Shares issued under the Plan shall be drawn from authorized and unissued shares.

4.2Share Usage

(a) If any Award lapses, expires, terminates or is canceled prior to the issuance of shares thereunder or if shares of Common Stock are issued under the Plan to a Participant and thereafter are forfeited to or otherwise reacquired by the Company, the shares subject to such Awards and the forfeited or reacquired shares shall again be available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any shares of Common Stock (i) tendered by a Participant or retained by the Company as full or partial payment to the Company for the purchase price of an Award or to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with an Award, or (ii) covered by an Award that is settled in cash, or in a manner such that some or all of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Award are not issued, shall not become available for Awards under the Plan. The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall not be reduced to reflect any dividends or dividend equivalents that are reinvested into additional shares of Common Stock or credited as additional shares of Common Stock subject or paid with respect to an Award.

(b) The Committee shall also, without limitation, have the authority to grant Awards as an alternative to or as the form of payment for grants or rights earned or due under other compensation plans or arrangements of the Company.

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(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may grant Substitute Awards under the Plan. Substitute Awards shall not reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Plan. In the event that an Acquired Entity has shares available for awards or grants under one or more preexisting plans not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination and previously approved by the Acquired Entity’s shareholders, then, to the extent determined by the Board or the Compensation and Governance Committee, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such preexisting plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to holders of common stock of the entities that are parties to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan; provided, however, that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of such preexisting plans, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not employees or directors of the Company or a Related Company prior to such acquisition or combination. In the event that a written agreement between the Company and an Acquired Entity pursuant to which a merger or consolidation or statutory share exchange is completed is approved by the Board and that agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of the substitution for or assumption of outstanding awards of the Acquired Entity, those terms and conditions shall be deemed to be the action of the Committee without any further action by the Committee, except as may be required for compliance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and the persons holding such awards shall be deemed to be Participants.

(d) Notwithstanding the other provisions in this Section 4.2 to the contrary, the maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall equal the aggregate share number stated in Section 4.1, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15.1.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15.1, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be granted subject to all Awards (other than Awards of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights) in a single calendar year shall not exceed 500,000 shares.

SECTION5.ELIGIBILITY

An Award may be granted to any employee, officer or director of the Company or a Related Company whom the Committee from time to time selects. An Award may also be granted to any consultant, agent, advisor or independent contractor for bona fide services rendered to the Company or any Related Company that (a) are not in connection with the offer and sale of the Company’s securities in a capital-raising transaction and (b) do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities.

SECTION6.AWARDS

6.1Form, Grant and Settlement of Awards

The Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, to determine the type or types of Awards to be granted under the Plan. Such Awards may be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with any other type of Award. Any Award settlement may be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine.

6.2Evidence of Awards

Awards granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written, including an electronic, instrument that shall contain such terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions as the Committee shall deem advisable and that are not inconsistent with the Plan.

6.3Dividends and Distributions

Participants may, if the Committee so determines, be credited with dividends paid with respect to shares of Common Stock underlying an Award in a manner determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The Committee may apply any restrictions to the dividends or dividend equivalents that the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine the form of payment of dividends or dividend equivalents, including cash, shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock or Stock Units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right to any dividends or dividend equivalents declared and paid on the number of shares underlying an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right may not be contingent, directly or indirectly on the exercise of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right, and must comply with or qualify for an exemption under Section 409A. Also notwithstanding the foregoing, the right to any dividends or dividend equivalents declared and paid on Restricted Stock must (a) be paid at the same time they are paid to other shareholders and (b) comply with or qualify for an exemption under Section 409A.

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SECTION7.OPTIONS

7.1Grant of Options

The Committee may grant Options designated as Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options.

7.2Option Exercise Price

Options shall be granted with an exercise price per share not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date (and shall not be less than the minimum exercise price required by Section 422 of the Code with respect to Incentive Stock Options), except in the case of Substitute Awards.

7.3Term of Options

Subject to earlier termination in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the instrument evidencing the Option, the maximum term of an Option shall be ten years from the Grant Date. For Incentive Stock Options, the maximum term shall comply with Section 422 of the Code.

7.4Exercise of Options

The Committee shall establish and set forth in each instrument that evidences an Option the time at which, or the installments in which, the Option shall vest and become exercisable, any of which provisions may be waived or modified by the Committee at any time.

If not so established in the instrument evidencing the Option, the Option shall vest and become exercisable according to the following schedule, which may be waived or modified by the Committee at any time:

Period of Participants Continuous

Employment or Service With the Company

or Its Related Companies from the Vesting

Portion of Total Option

Commencement Date

That Is Vested and Exercisable

After one year

25%

Each additional one-month period of continuous service completed thereafter

An additional 1/48th 

After four years

100%

To the extent an Option has vested and become exercisable, the Option may be exercised in whole or from time to time in part by delivery to or as directed or approved by the Company of a properly executed stock option exercise agreement or notice, in a form and in accordance with procedures established by the Committee, setting forth the number of shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised, the restrictions imposed on the shares purchased under such exercise agreement or notice, if any, and such representations and agreements as may be required by the Committee, accompanied by payment in full as described in Section 7.5. An Option may be exercised only for whole shares and may not be exercised for less than a reasonable number of shares at any one time, as determined by the Committee.Appendix B

 

 

7.5JONES SODA CO.
Payment of Exercise Price2022 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Section 1.    Purpose of Plan.

 

The exercise price for shares purchased under an Option shall be paid in full to the Company by delivery of consideration equal to the product of the Option exercise price and the number of shares purchased. Such consideration must be paid before the Company will issue the shares being purchased and must be in a form or a combination of forms acceptable to the Committee for that purchase, which forms may include:

(a) cash;

(b) check or wire transfer;

(c) having the Company withhold shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be issued on exercise of the Option that have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares being purchased under the Option;

(d) tendering (either actually or, so long as the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, by attestation) shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant that have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares being purchased under the Option;

(e) so long as the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, and to the extent permitted by law, delivery of a properly executed exercise agreement or notice, together with irrevocable instructions to a brokerage firm designated or approved by the Company to deliver promptly to the Company the aggregate amount of proceeds to pay the Option exercise price and any withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with the exercise, all in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board; or

(f) such other consideration as the Committee may permit.

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7.6Effect of Termination of Service

The Committee shall establish and set forth in each instrument that evidences an Option whether the Option shall continue to be exercisable, and the terms and conditions of such exercise, after a Termination of Service, any of which provisions may be waived or modified by the Committee at any time. If not so established in the instrument evidencing the Option, the Option shall be exercisable according to the following terms and conditions, which may be waived or modified by the Committee at any time:

(a) Any portion of an Option that is not vested and exercisable on the date of a Participant’s Termination of Service shall expire on such date.

(b) Any portion of an Option that is vested and exercisable on the date of a Participant’s Termination of Service shall expire on the earliest to occur of:

(i) if the Participant’s Termination of Service occurs for reasons other than Cause, Retirement, Disability or death, the date that is three months after such Termination of Service;

(ii) if the Participant’s Termination of Service occurs by reason of Retirement, Disability or death, the one-year anniversary of such Termination of Service; and

(iii) the Option Expiration Date.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant dies after his or her Termination of Service but while an Option is otherwise exercisable, the portion of the Option that is vested and exercisable on the date of such Termination of Service shall expire upon the earlier to occur of (y) the Option Expiration Date and (z) the one-year anniversary of the date of death, unless the Committee determines otherwise.

Also notwithstanding the foregoing, in case a Participant’s Termination of Service occurs for Cause, all Options granted to the Participant shall automatically expire upon first notification to the Participant of such termination, unless the Committee determines otherwise. If a Participant’s employment or service relationship with the Company is suspended pending an investigation of whether the Participant shall be terminated for Cause, all the Participant’s rights under any Option shall likewise be suspended during the period of investigation. If any facts that would constitute termination for Cause are discovered after a Participant’s Termination of Service, any Option then held by the Participant may be immediately terminated by the Committee, in its sole discretion.

SECTION8.INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION LIMITATIONS

Notwithstanding any other provisionname of the Plan tois the contrary, the terms and conditions of anyJones Soda Co. 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Stock Options shall in addition comply in all respects with Section 422Plan (the “Plan”). The purposes of the Code, or any successor provision,Plan are to (a) provide an additional incentive to selected employees, directors, and any applicable regulations thereunder, including, to the extent required thereunder, the following:

8.1Eligible Employees

Individuals who are not employeesConsultants of the Company or one of its parent or subsidiary corporations (as such termsAffiliates whose contributions are defined for purposes of Section 422 ofessential to the Code) on the Grant Date may not be granted Incentive Stock Options.

8.2Dollar Limitation

To the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000 (or, if different, the maximum limitation in effect at the time of grant under the Code), such portion in excess of $100,000 shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option.

8.3Ten Percent Shareholders

In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of the stockgrowth and success of the Company, or of its parent or subsidiary corporations, such Option shall be granted with an exercise price per share not less than 110% of(b) strengthen the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date and with a maximum term of five years from the Grant Date. The determination of more than 10% ownership shall be made in accordance with Section 422 of the Code.

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SECTION9.STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

9.1Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights

The Committee may grant Stock Appreciation Rights to Participants at any time on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. An SAR may be granted in tandem with an Option or alone (“freestanding”). The grant price of a tandem SAR shall be equal to the exercise price of the related Option. The grant price of a freestanding SAR shall be established in accordance with procedures for Options set forth in Section 7.2. An SAR may be exercised upon such terms and conditions and for the term as the Committee determines in its sole discretion; provided, however, that, subject to earlier termination in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the instrument evidencing the SAR, the maximum term of a freestanding SAR shall be ten years, and in the case of a tandem SAR, (a) the term shall not exceed the term of the related Option and (b) the tandem SAR may be exercised for all or part of the shares subject to the related Option upon the surrender of the right to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option, except that the tandem SAR may be exercised only with respect to the shares for which its related Option is then exercisable.

9.2Payment of SAR Amount

Upon the exercise of an SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment in an amount determined by multiplying: (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise over the grant price of the SAR by (b) the number of shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. At the discretion of the Committee as set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award, the payment upon exercise of an SAR may be in cash, in shares, in some combination thereof or in any other manner approved by the Committee in its sole discretion.

9.3Waiver of Restrictions

The Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive any other terms, conditions or restrictions on any SAR under such circumstances and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate.

SECTION10.STOCK AWARDS, RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK UNITS

10.1Grant of Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Stock Units

The Committee may grant Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Stock Units on such terms and conditions and subject to such repurchase or forfeiture restrictions, if any, which may be based on continuous service with the Company or a Related Company or the achievement of any performance goals, as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion, which terms, conditions and restrictions shall be set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award.

10.2Vesting of Restricted Stock and Stock Units

Upon the satisfaction of any terms, conditions and restrictions prescribed with respect to Restricted Stock or Stock Units, or upon a Participant’s release from any terms, conditions and restrictions of Restricted Stock or Stock Units, as determined by the Committee, and subject to applicable securities laws, (a) the shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Award of Restricted Stock shall become freely transferable by the Participant, and (b) Stock Units shall be paid in shares of Common Stock or, if set forth in the instrument evidencing the Awards, in cash or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock. Any fractional shares subject to such Awards shall be paid to the Participant in cash.

10.3Waiver of Restrictions

The Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive the repurchase or forfeiture period and any other terms, conditions or restrictions on any Restricted Stock or Stock Unit under such circumstances and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate.

SECTION11.PERFORMANCE AWARDS

11.1Performance Shares

The Committee may grant Awards of Performance Shares, designate the Participants to whom Performance Shares are to be awarded and determine the number of Performance Shares and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Shares shall consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated number of shares of Common Stock, the value of which may be paid to the Participant by delivery of shares of Common Stock or, if set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award,commitment of such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, shares of Common Stock, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee. The amount to be paid under an Award of Performance Shares may be adjusted on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.

11.2Performance Units

The Committee may grant Awards of Performance Units, designate the Participants to whom Performance Units are to be awarded and determine the number of Performance Units and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Units shall consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated amount of property other than shares of Common Stock, which value may be paid to the Participant by delivery of such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, shares of Common Stock, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee. The amount to be paid under an Award of Performance Units may be adjusted on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.

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SECTION12.OTHER STOCK OR CASH-BASED AWARDS

Subject to the terms of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate, the Committee may grant other incentives payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock under the Plan.

SECTION13.WITHHOLDING

The Company may require the Participant to payindividuals to the Company or a Related Company, as applicable, the amount of (a) any taxes that the Company or a Related Company is required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign lawand its Affiliates, (c) motivate those individuals to withhold with respect to the grant, vesting or exercise of an Award (“tax withholding obligations”)faithfully and (b) any amounts due from the Participant to the Company or to any Related Company (“other obligations”). Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock or otherwise settle an Award under the Plan until such tax withholding obligationsdiligently perform their responsibilities and other obligations are satisfied.

The Committee may permit or require a Participant to satisfy all or part of the Participant’s tax withholding obligations(d) attract and other obligations by (a) paying cash to the Company or a Related Company, as applicable, (b) having the Company withhold an amount from any cash amounts otherwise due or to become due from the Company or a Related Company to the Participant, (c) having the Company withhold a number of shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be issued to the Participant (or become vested,retain competent and dedicated individuals whose efforts will result in the case of Restricted Stock) having a Fair Market Value equal to the tax withholding obligationslong-term growth and other obligations, or (d) surrendering a number of shares of Common Stock the Participant already owns having a value equal to the tax withholding obligations and other obligations. The value of the shares so withheld or tendered may not exceed the employer’s minimum required tax withholding rate.

SECTION14.ASSIGNABILITY

No Award or interest in an Award may be sold, assigned, pledged (as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of an obligation or for any other purpose) or transferred by a Participant or made subject to attachment or similar proceedings otherwise than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, except to the extent the Participant designates one or more beneficiaries on a Company-approved form who may exercise the Award or receive payment under the Award after the Participant’s death. During a Participant’s lifetime, an Award may be exercised only by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing and to the extent permitted by Section 422 of the Code, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to assign or transfer an Award subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall specify.

SECTION15.ADJUSTMENTS

15.1Adjustment of Shares

In the event that, at any time or from time to time, a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, distribution to shareholders other than a normal cash dividend, or other change in the Company’s corporate or capital structure results in (a) the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any securities exchanged therefor or received in their place, being exchanged for a different number or kind of securities of the Company or (b) new, different or additional securities of the Company or any other company being received by the holders of shares of Common Stock, then the Committee shall make proportional adjustments in (i) the maximum number and kind of securities available for issuance under the Plan; (ii) the maximum number and kind of securities issuable as Incentive Stock Options as set forth in Section 4.2(d); (iii) the maximum number and kind of securities issuable pursuant to Awards as set forth in Section 4.2(e); (iv) the maximum numbers and kind of securities set forth in Section 16.3; and (v) the number and kind of securities that are subject to any outstanding Award and the per share price of such securities, without any change in the aggregate price to be paid therefor. The determination by the Committee as to the terms of any of the foregoing adjustments shall be conclusive and binding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for labor or services rendered, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, outstanding Awards. Also notwithstanding the foregoing, a dissolution or liquidation of the Company or a Change of Control shall not be governed by this Section 15.1 but shall be governed by Sections 15.2 and 15.3, respectively.

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15.2Dissolution or Liquidation

To the extent not previously exercised or settled, and unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, Awards shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidationprofitability of the Company. To accomplish these purposes, the extent a vesting condition, forfeiture provisionPlan provides that the Company may grant Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Other Stock-Based Awards or repurchase right applicable to an Award has not been waived by the Committee, the Award shall be forfeited immediately prior to the consummationany combination of the dissolution or liquidation.foregoing.

 

Section 2.    15.3Change of ControlDefinitions.

 

Notwithstanding any other provisionFor purposes of the Plan, to the contrary, unless the Committeefollowing terms shall determine otherwise in the instrument evidencing the Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, in the event of a Change of Control:be defined as set forth below:

 

(a) All outstanding Awards, other than Performance Shares and Performance Units, shall become fully vested and exercisable“    Administrator” means the Board, or, payable, and all applicable restrictions or forfeiture provisions shall lapse, immediately prior to the Change of Control and such Awards shall terminate at the effective time of the Change of Control; provided, however, that with respect to a Change of Control that is a Company Transaction in which such Awards could be converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the Successor Company, such Awards shall become fully vested and exercisable or payable, and all applicable restrictions or forfeiture provisions shall lapse, only if and to the extent such Awards are not converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the Successor Company. If and to the extent that the Successor Company converts, assumes, substitutes for or replaces an Award, the vesting restrictions and/or forfeiture provisions applicable to such Award shall not be accelerated or lapse, and all such vesting restrictions and/or forfeiture provisions shall continue with respect to any shares of the Successor Company or other consideration that may be received with respect to such Award.

For the purposes of this Section 15.3(a), an Award shall be considered converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the Successor Company if following the Company Transaction the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each share of Common Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the Company Transaction, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the Company Transaction by holders of Common Stock for each share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Company Transaction is not solely common stock of the Successor Company, the Committee may, with the consent of the Successor Company, provide for the consideration to be received pursuant to the Award, for each share of Common Stock subject thereto, to be solely common stock of the Successor Company substantially equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Company Transaction. The determination of such substantial equality of value of consideration shall be made by the Committee, and its determination shall be conclusive and binding.

(b) All Performance Shares or Performance Units earned and outstanding as of the date the Change of Control is determined to have occurred and for which the payout level has been determined shall be payable in full in accordance with the payout schedule pursuant to the instrument evidencing the Award. Any remaining outstanding Performance Shares or Performance Units (including any applicable performance period) for which the payout level has not been determined shall be prorated at the target payout level up to and including the date of such Change of Control and shall be payable accordance with the payout schedule pursuant to the instrument evidencing the Award. Any existing deferrals or other restrictions not waived by the Committee in its sole discretion shall remain in effect.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may instead provide in the event of a Change of Control that is a Company Transaction that a Participant’s outstanding Awards shall terminate upon or immediately prior to such Company Transaction and that such Participant shall receive, in exchange therefor, a cash payment equal to the amount (if any) by which (x) the value of the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Company Transaction, or, in the event the Company Transaction is one of the transactions listed under subsection (c) in the definition of Company Transaction or otherwiseBoard does not result in direct receipt of consideration by holders of Common Stock, the value of the deemed per share consideration received, in each case as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such outstanding Awards (to the extent then vested and exercisable or whether or not then vested and exercisable, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) exceeds (y) if applicable, the respective aggregate exercise price or grant price for such Awards.

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 15.3 requires all outstanding Awards to be treated similarly.

15.4Further Adjustment of Awards

Subject to Sections 15.2 and 15.3, the Committee shall have the discretion, exercisable at any time before a sale, merger, consolidation, a statutory share exchange, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or change of control of the Company, as defined by the Committee, to take such further action as it determines to be necessary or advisable with respect to Awards. Such authorized action may include (but shall not be limited to) establishing, amending or waiving the type, terms, conditions or duration of, or restrictions on, Awards so as to provide for earlier, later, extended or additional time for exercise, lifting restrictions and other modifications, and the Committee may take such actions with respect to all Participants, to certain categories of Participants or only to individual Participants. The Committee may take such action before or after granting Awards to which the action relates and before or after any public announcement with respect to such sale, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or change of control that is the reason for such action.

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15.5No Limitations

The grant of Awards shall in no way affect the Company’s right to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise change its capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate or sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

15.6No Fractional Shares

In the event of any adjustment in the number of shares covered by any Award, each such Award shall cover only the number of full shares resulting from such adjustment, and any fractional shares resulting from such adjustment shall be disregarded.

15.7Section409A

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, (a) any adjustments made pursuant to this Section 15 to Awards that are considered “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A and (b) any adjustments made pursuant to this Section 15 to Awards that are not considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A shall be made in such a manner as to ensure that after such adjustment the Awards either (i) continue not to be subject to Section 409A or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

SECTION16.CODE SECTION162(m) PROVISIONS

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, if the Committee determines, at the time Awards are granted to a Participant who is, or is likely to be as of the end of the tax year in which the Company would claim a tax deduction in connection with such Award, a Covered Employee, then the Committee may provide that this Section 16 is applicable to such Award.

16.1Performance Criteria

If an Award is subject to this Section 16, then the lapsing of restrictions thereon and the distribution of cash, shares of Common Stock or other property pursuant thereto, as applicable, shall be subject to the achievement of one or more objective performance goals established by the Committee, which shall be based on the attainment of specified levels of one of or any combination of the following “performance criteria” for the Company as a whole or any affiliate or business unit of the Company, as reported or calculated by the Company: cash flows (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow or cash flow return on capital); working capital; earnings per share; book value per share; operating income (including or excluding depreciation, amortization, extraordinary items, restructuring charges or other expenses); revenues; operating margins; return on assets; return on equity; debt; debt plus equity; market or economic value added; stock price appreciation; total shareholder return; cost control; strategic initiatives; market share; net income; return on invested capital; improvements in capital structure; or customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, services performance, subscriber, cash management or asset management metrics (together, the “Performance Criteria”).

Such performance goals also may be based on the achievement of specified levels of Company performance (or performance of an applicable affiliate or business unit of the Company) under one or more of the Performance Criteria described above relative to the performance of other corporations. Such performance goals shall be set by the Committee within the time period prescribed by, and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of, Section 162(m) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto, and the regulations thereunder.

The Committee may provide in any such Award that any evaluation of performance may include or exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: (i) asset write-downs, (ii) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (iii) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iv) any reorganization and restructuring programs, (v) extraordinary nonrecurring items as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 and/or in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the applicable year, (vi) acquisitions or divestitures, (vii) foreign exchange gains and losses, (viii) gains and losses on asset sales; and (ix) impairments. To the extent such inclusions or exclusions affect Awards to Covered Employees, they shall be prescribed in a form that satisfies the requirements for “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto.

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16.2Adjustment of Awards

Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan other than Section 15, with respect to any Award that is subject to this Section 16, the Committee may adjust downwards, but not upwards, the amount payable pursuant to such Award, and the Committee may not waive the achievement of the applicable performance goals except in the case of the death or disability of the Covered Employee.

16.3Limitations

Subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Section 15.1, no Covered Employee may be granted Awards other than Performance Units subject to this Section 16 in any calendar year period with respect to more than 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for such Awards, except that the Company may make additional onetime grants of such Awards for up to 500,000 shares to newly hired or newly promoted individuals, and the maximum dollar value payable with respect to Performance Units or other awards payable in cash subject to this Section 16 granted to any Covered Employee in any one calendar year is $1,000,000.

The Committee shall have the power to impose such other restrictions on Awards subject to this Section 16 as it may deem necessary or appropriate to ensure that such Awards satisfy all requirements for “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto.

SECTION17.AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

17.1Amendment, Suspension or Termination

The Board or the Compensation and Governance Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any portion of the Plan at any time and in such respects as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that, to the extent required by applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, shareholder approval shall be required for any amendment to the Plan; and provided, further, that any amendment that requires shareholder approval may be made only by the Board. Subject to Section 17.3, the Committee may amend the terms of any outstanding Award, prospectively or retroactively.

17.2Term of the Plan

Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, the Plan shall automatically terminate on the tenth anniversary of the earlier of (a) the date the Board adopts the Plan and (b) the date the shareholders approve the Plan. After the Plan is terminated, no future Awards may be granted, but Awards previously granted shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the Plan’s terms and conditions.

17.3Consent of Participant

The amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan or a portion thereof or the amendment of an outstanding Award shall not, without the Participant’s consent, materially adversely affect any rights under any Award theretofore granted to the Participant under the Plan. Any change or adjustment to an outstanding Incentive Stock Option shall not, without the consent of the Participant, be made in a manner so as to constitute a “modification” that would cause such Incentive Stock Option to fail to continue to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustments made pursuant to Section 15 shall not be subject to these restrictions.

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SECTION18.GENERAL

18.1No Individual Rights

No individual or Participant shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and the Company has no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants under the Plan.

Furthermore, nothing in the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan shall be deemed to constitute an employment contract or confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Related Company or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Related Company to terminate a Participant’s employment or other relationship at any time, with or without cause.

18.2Issuance of Shares

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision ofadminister the Plan, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver any shares of Common Stock under the Plan or make any other distribution of benefits under the Plan unless, in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, such issuance, delivery or distribution would comply with all applicable laws (including, without limitation, the requirements of the Securities Act or the laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction) and the applicable requirements of any securities exchange or similar entity.

(b) The Company shall be under no obligation to any Participant to register for offering or resale or to qualify for exemption under the Securities Act, or to register or qualify under the laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction, any shares of Common Stock, security or interest in a security paid or issued under, or created by, the Plan, or to continue in effect any such registrations or qualifications if made.

(c) As a condition to the exercise of an Option or any other receipt of Common Stock pursuant to an Award under the Plan, the Company may require (i) the Participant to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that such shares are being purchased or received only for the Participant’s own account and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares and (ii) such other action or agreement by the Participant as may from time to time be necessary to comply with the federal, state and foreign securities laws. At the option of the Company, a stop-transfer order against any such shares may be placed on the official stock books and records of the Company, and a legend indicating that such shares may not be pledged, sold or otherwise transferred, unless an opinion of counsel is provided (concurred in by counsel for the Company) stating that such transfer is not in violation of any applicable law or regulation, may be stamped on stock certificates to ensure exemption from registration. The Committee may also require the Participant to execute and deliver to the Company a purchase agreement or such other agreement as may be in use by the Company at such time that describes certain terms and conditions applicable to the shares.

(d) To the extent the Plan or any instrument evidencing an Award provides for issuance of stock certificates to reflect the issuance of shares of Common Stock, the issuance may be effected on a noncertificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of any stock exchange.

18.3Indemnification

Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Board, the Compensation and Governance Committee, or a committee appointed by the Board, or an officer of the Company to whom authority was delegated in accordance with Section 3 shall be indemnified and held harmlesshereof.

(b)“    Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such person in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which such person may be a party or in which such person may be involved by reasonPerson specified as of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by such person in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by such person in satisfactiondate of any judgment in any such claim, action, suit or proceeding against such person, unless such loss, cost, liability or expense is a result of such person’s own willful misconduct or except as expressly provided by statute; provided, however, that such person shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before such person undertakes to handle and defend it on such person’s own behalf.determination.

 

The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive(c)“    Applicable Laws” means the applicable requirements under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, including the Code, the applicable requirements under Canadian federal, provincial and territorial securities laws, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any other rights of indemnification to which such person may be entitled under the Company’s articles of incorporationcountry or bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or of any power that the Company may have to indemnify or hold harmless.

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18.4No Rights as a Shareholder

Unless otherwise provided by the Committee or in the instrument evidencing the Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement, no Award, other than a Stock Award, shall entitle the Participant to any cash dividend, voting or other right of a shareholder unless and until the date of issuance under the Plan of the shares thatjurisdiction where Awards are the subject of such Award.

18.5Compliance with Laws and Regulations

(a) In interpreting and applying the provisions of the Plan, any Option granted as an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to the Plan shall, to the extent permitted by law, be construed as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

(b) The Plan and Awards granted under the Plan, as are intendedin effect from time to be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A to the maximum extent possible, whether pursuant to the short-term deferral exception described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), the exclusion applicable to stock options, stock appreciation rights and certain other equity-based compensation under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5), or otherwise. To the extent Section 409A is applicable to the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan, it is intended that the Plan and any Awards granted under the Plan comply with the deferral, payout and other limitations and restrictions imposed under Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan to the contrary, the Plan and any Award granted under the Plan shall be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner consistent with such intentions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan to the contrary, with respect to any payments and benefits under the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan to which Section 409A applies, all references in the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan to the termination of the Participant’s employment or service are intended to mean the Participant’s “separation from service,” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i). In addition, if the Participant is a “specified employee,” within the meaning of Section 409A, then to the extent necessary to avoid subjecting the Participant to the imposition of any additional tax under Section 409A, amounts that would otherwise be payable under the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan during the six-month period immediately following the Participant’s “separation from service,” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i), shall not be paid to the Participant during such period, but shall instead be accumulated and paid to the Participant (or, in the event of the Participant’s death, the Participant’s estate) in a lump sum on the first business day after the earlier of the date that is six months following the Participant’s separation from service or the Participant’s death. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee, to the extent it deems necessary or advisable in its sole discretion, reserves the right, but shall not be required, to unilaterally amend or modify the Plan and any Award granted under the Plan so that the Award qualifies for exemption from or complies with Section 409A; provided, however, that the Committee makes no representations that Awards granted under the Plan shall be exempt from or comply with Section 409A and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A from applying to Awards granted under the Plan.time.

 

18.6Participants in Other Countries or Jurisdictions

Without amending the Plan, the Committee may grant Awards to Eligible Persons who are foreign nationals on such terms and conditions different from those specified in the Plan as may, in the judgment of the Committee, be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of the Plan and shall have the authority to adopt such modifications, procedures, subplans and the like as may be necessary or desirable to comply with provisions of the laws or regulations of other countries or jurisdictions in which the may operate or have employees to ensure the viability of the benefits from Awards granted to Participants employed in such countries or jurisdictions, meet the requirements that permit the Plan to operate in a qualified or tax-efficient manner, comply with applicable foreign laws or regulations and meet the objectives of the Plan.

18.7No Trust or Fund

The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan. Nothing contained herein shall require the Company to segregate any monies or other property, or shares of Common Stock, or to create any trusts, or to make any special deposits for any immediate or deferred amounts payable to any Participant, and no Participant shall have any rights that are greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.

18.8Successors

All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all the business and/or assets of the Company.

18.9Severability

If any provision of the Plan or any (d)“    Award is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any person, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or, if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the Committee’s determination, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.

18.10Choice of Law and Venue

The Plan, all Awards granted thereunder and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. Participants irrevocably consent to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the State of Washington.

18.11Legal Requirements

The granting of Awards and the issuance of shares of Common Stock under the Plan are subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

SECTION19.EFFECTIVE DATE

The effective date (the “Effective Date”) is the date on which the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company. If the shareholders of the Company do not approve the Plan within 12 months after the Board’s adoption of the Plan, any Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan will be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options.

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APPENDIXA

DEFINITIONS

As used in the Plan,

“Acquired Entity” means any entity acquired by the Company or a Related Company or with which the Company or a Related Company merges or combines.

“Award” means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Stock Award, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit Performance Share, Performance Unit, cash-based award or other incentive payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock as may be designated byOther Stock-Based Award granted under the Committee from time to time.Plan.

 

(e)Award Agreement” means any written notice, agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award, including through electronic medium, which shall contain such terms and conditions with respect to an Award as the Administrator shall determine, consistent with the Plan.

(f)“    Beneficial Owner” (or any variant thereof) has the meaning defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

(g)“    Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(h)Cause,Bylawsunless otherwise definedmean the bylaws of the Company, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

(i)“    Cause” has the meaning assigned to such term in the instrument evidencing anany individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement betweenAgreement with the Participant and the Company or, a Related Company,if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Cause,” then “Cause” means dishonesty, fraud, misconduct, unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information, trade secrets or intellectual property, or conviction or confession (including a plea of no contest) of a crime punishable by law (except minor violations), or conduct that adversely affects the Company’s business or reputation, in each case as determined by the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, in the case of directors and executive officers, the Compensation and Governance Committee, each of whose determination as to whether an action constitutes Cause shall be conclusive and binding. Any voluntary termination of employment or service by the Participant in anticipation of an involuntary termination of the Participant’s employment or service, as applicable, for Cause shall be deemed to be a termination for Cause.


(j)“    Change in Capitalization” unless the Committee determines otherwise with respect to an Award at the time the Award is granted or unless otherwise defined for purposes of an Award in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means consummation of: (1) a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other company; (2) a statutory share exchange pursuant to which the Company’s outstanding shares are acquired or a sale in one transaction or a series of transactions undertaken with a common purpose of at least 50% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities; or (3) a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions undertaken with a common purpose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Capitalization shall exclude, in each case described in (1) through (3) of the preceding sentence, a transaction pursuant to which (A) the beneficial owners of the Company’s Outstanding Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Change in Capitalization will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the outstanding shares of common stock, and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the successor company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Change in Capitalization, of the Company’s Outstanding Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities; (B) no Person (other than the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company, a Related Company or a successor company) will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 33% or more of, respectively, the outstanding shares of common stock of the successor company or the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the successor company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors unless such ownership resulted solely from ownership of securities of the Company prior to the Company Transaction; and (C) individuals who were members of the incumbent board will immediately after the consummation of the Change in Capitalization constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the successor company. Where a series of transactions undertaken with a common purpose is deemed to be a Change in Capitalization, the date of such Change in Capitalization shall be the date on which the last of such transactions is consummated.

 

(k)Change ofin Control,unlessUnless the Committee determines otherwise with respect to an Award at the time the Award is granted or unless otherwise defined for purposes of an Award in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)(1)    an acquisition by any EntityPerson of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (1)(x) the number of then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (2)(y) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”), provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change ofin Control: (i)(A) any acquisition directly from the Company, other than an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege where the security being so converted was not acquired directly from the Company by the party exercising the conversion privilege, (ii)(B) any acquisition by the Company, (iii)(C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Related Company, or (iv)(D) an acquisition by any EntityPerson pursuant to a transaction that meets the conditions of clauses (i)(1), (ii)(2) and (iii)(3) set forth in the definition of Company Transaction;

 

(b)(2)    a change in the composition of the Board during any 24-month period such that the individuals who, as of the beginning of such 24-month period, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that for purposes of this definition, any individual who becomes a member of the Board subsequent to the beginning of the 24-month period, whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of those individuals who are members of the Board and who were also members of the Incumbent Board (or deemed to be such pursuant to this proviso) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, however, that any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of or in connection with an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of an Entitya Person other than the Board shall not be considered a member of the Incumbent Board; or

 

(c)(3)    consummation of a Company Transaction.Change in Capitalization.

 


(l)Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.time, or any successor thereto.

 

(m)Committee” means the Compensation and Governance Committee or any committee or subcommittee the Board may appoint to administer the Plan. Subject to the discretion of the Board, the Committee shall be composed entirely of individuals who meet the qualifications of a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and any other qualifications required by the applicable stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded.

(n)“    Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001.

(o)“    Company” means Jones Soda Co., a Washington corporation (or any successor company, except as the term “Company” is used in the definition of “Change in Control” above).

(p)“    Consultant” means an individual consultant or an employee, executive officer or director of a consultant entity who spends a significant amount of time and attention on the affairs and business of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, other than a Participant that is an employee, who:

(1)    is engaged to provide services on a bona fide basis to the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, other than services provided in relation to a distribution of securities of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company;

(2)    provides the services under a written contract with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company; and

(3)    spends or will spend a significant amount of time and attention on the affairs and business of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company;

(q)“    CSE” means the Canadian Securities Exchange.

(r)“    Disability” has the meaning assigned to such term in any individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement with the Participant or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Disability,” then “Disability” means that a Participant, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, (1) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (2) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company or an Affiliate thereof.

(s)“    Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

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“Common Stock” means the common stock, no par value per share, of the Company.18 hereof.

 

(t)CompanyEligible Recipient” means Jones Soda Co., a Washington corporation.

an employee, executive officer, director or Consultant of the Company Transaction,” unless the Committee determines otherwise with respect to an Award at the time the Award is granted or unless otherwise defined for purposesany Affiliate of an Award in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, or a RelatedPermitted Assign thereof, who has been selected as an eligible participant by the Administrator and whose participation in the distribution is voluntary; provided, however, to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, an Eligible Recipient of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right means an employee, non-employee director or Consultant of the Company means consummation of:

(a) a merger or consolidationany Affiliate of the Company with respect to whom the Company is an “eligible issuer of service recipient stock” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Participation in a distribution is considered “voluntary” if:


(1)    in the case of an employee or into any other company;the employee’s Permitted Assign, the employee or the employee’s Permitted Assign is not induced to participate in the distribution by expectation of employment or continued employment of the employee with the Company or Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(b) a statutory share exchange pursuant(2)    in the case of an executive officer or the executive officer’s Permitted Assign, the executive officer or the executive officer’s Permitted Assign is not induced to whichparticipate in the Company’s outstanding shares are acquireddistribution by expectation of appointment, employment, continued appointment or a sale in one transaction or a series of transactions undertaken with a common purpose of at least 50%continued employment of the Company’s outstanding voting securities; or

(c) a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions undertakenexecutive officer with a common purpose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets;

excluding, however, in each case, a transaction pursuant to which

(i) the Entities who are the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Company Transaction will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the outstanding shares of common stock, and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Successor Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Company Transaction, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities;

(ii) no Entity (other than the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company, a Related Company or a Successor Company) will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 33% or more of, respectively, the outstanding shares of common stockSubsidiary of the Successor CompanyCompany;

(3)    in the case of a Consultant or the combined voting powerConsultant’s Permitted Assign, the Consultant or the Consultant’s Permitted Assign is not induced to participate in the distribution by expectation of engagement of the outstanding voting securitiesConsultant to provide services or continued engagement of the Successor Company entitledConsultant to vote generally in the election of directors unless such ownership resulted solely from ownership of securities of the Company priorprovide services to the Company Transaction; and

(iii) individuals who were members of the Incumbent Board will immediately after the consummation of the Company Transaction constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Successor Company.

Where a series of transactions undertaken with a common purpose is deemed to be a Company Transaction, the date of such Company Transaction shall be the date on which the last of such transactions is consummated.

“Compensation and Governance Committee” means the Compensation and Governance Committee of the Board.

“Covered Employee” means a “covered employee” as that term is defined for purposes of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code or any successor provision.

“Disability,” unless otherwise defined by the Committee for purposes of the Plan in the instrument evidencing an Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means a mental or physical impairmentSubsidiary of the Participant that is expected to result in death or that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or moreCompany; and that causes the Participant to be unable to perform his or her material duties for the Company or a Related Company and to be engaged in any substantial gainful activity, in each case as determined by the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or,

(4)    in the case of directors and executive officers,an employee of a Consultant, the Compensation and Governance Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and binding.individual is not induced by the Company, a Subsidiary of the Company, or the Consultant to participate in the distribution by expectation of employment or continued employment with the Consultant.

 

(u)Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 19.

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“Eligible Person” means any person eligible to receive an Award as set forth in Section 5.

“Entity” means any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act).

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

(v)Exempt Award” shall mean the following:

(1)    An Award granted in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by a corporation or other entity acquired by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or with which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries combines by merger or otherwise. The terms and conditions of any such Awards may vary from the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan to the extent the Administrator at the time of grant may deem appropriate, subject to Applicable Laws.

(2)    An award that an Eligible Recipient purchases at Fair Market Value (including awards that an Eligible Recipient elects to receive in lieu of fully vested compensation that is otherwise due) whether or not the Shares are delivered immediately or on a deferred basis.

(w)“    Exercise Price” means, (1) with respect to any Option, the closingper share price forat which a holder of such Option may purchase Shares issuable upon exercise of such Award, and (2) with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right, the base price per share of such Stock Appreciation Right.

(x)“    Fair Market Value” of a share of Common Stock on any givenor another security as of a particular date during regular trading, or if not trading on that date, suchshall mean the price on the last preceding date on which the Common Stock was traded, unless determined otherwise by the Committee using such methods or procedures as it may establish.

“Grant Date” meansestablish; provided, however, that the later of (a)Fair Market Value on the date on which the Committee completes the corporate action authorizing theof grant of an Award or such later date specified byshall not be lower than the Committee and (b)greater of the closing market price of the Common Stock on the CSE on (1) the trading day prior to the date on which all conditions precedent to an Award have been satisfied, provided that conditions toof the exercisability or vestinggrant, and (2) the date of Awards shall not defer the Grant Date.grant.

 

(y)Incentive Stock Option” means an Option granted with the intention that it qualify as an “incentive stock option” as that term is defined for purposes of Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.

“Incumbent Board” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Change of Control.”

“Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option other than an Incentive Stock Option.

“Option” means a right to purchase Common Stock granted under Section 7.

“Option Expiration Date” means the last day of the maximum term of an Option.

“Outstanding Company Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Change of Control.”

“Outstanding Company Voting Securities” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Change of Control.”

“Parent Company” means a company or other entity which as a result of a Company Transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries.

“Participant” means any Eligible Person to whom an Award is granted.

“Performance Award” means an Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units granted under Section 11.

“Performance CriteriaFree Standing Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1.8.

 

(z)Performance ShareGood Reason” has the meaning assigned to such term in any individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement with the Participant or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Good Reason,” “Good Reason” and any provision of this Plan that refers to “Good Reason” shall not be applicable to such Participant.

(aa)“    Incentive Compensation” means annual cash bonus and any Award.

(bb)“    ISO” means an AwardOption intended to be and designated as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of units denominated inSection 422 of the Code.


(cc)“    Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an Option that is not designated as an ISO.

(dd)“    Option” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted underpursuant to Section 11.1.7 hereof. The term “Option” as used in the Plan includes the terms “Nonqualified Stock Option” and “ISO.”

 

(ee)Performance UnitOther Stock-Based Award” means an Award of unitsa right or other interest granted pursuant to Section 10 hereof that may be denominated or payable in, cashvalued in whole or property other than shares ofin part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Common Stock, grantedincluding, but not limited to, unrestricted Shares, dividend equivalents or performance units, each of which may be subject to the attainment of performance goals or a period of continued provision of service or employment or other terms or conditions as permitted under Section 11.2.the Plan.

 

(ff)Participant” means any Eligible Recipient selected by the Administrator, pursuant to the Administrator’s authority provided for in Section 3 below, to receive grants of Awards, and, upon his or her death, his or her successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be.

(gg)“    Permitted Assign” means, for a person that is an employee, executive officer, director or Consultant of the Company an issuer or of a Subsidiary of the Company: (1) a trustee, custodian, or administrator acting on behalf of, or for the benefit of the person; (2) a holding entity of the person; (3) a RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA of the person; (4) a spouse of the person; (5) a trustee, custodian, or administrator acting on behalf of, or for the benefit of the spouse of the person; (6) a holding entity of the spouse of the person; or (7) a RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA of the spouse of the person.

(hh)“    Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof.

(ii)“    Plan” means this 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

(jj)“    Prior Plan” means the Jones Soda Co.Company’s 2011 Incentive Plan, as in effect immediately prior to the same may be amended from time to time.Effective Date.

 

(kk)Prior PlanRelated Person” means, for the Company:

(1)    a director or executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company;

(2)    an associate of a director or executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company; or

(3)    a Permitted Assign of a director or executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

(ll)“    Related Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b)8.

(mm)“    Restricted Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.

(nn)“    Restricted Stock” means a Share granted pursuant to Section 9 below subject to certain restrictions that lapse at the end of a specified period (or periods) of time and/or upon attainment of specified performance objectives.

(oo)“    Restricted Stock Unit” means the right granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof to receive a Share at the end of a specified restricted period (or periods) of time and/or upon attainment of specified performance objectives.

(pp)“    Rule 16b-3” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.

(qq)“    Section 16 Officer” means any officer of the Company whom the Board has determined is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, whether or not such individual is a Section 16 Officer at the time the determination to recoup compensation is made.


(rr)“    Shares” means Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, as adjusted pursuant to the Plan, and any successor (pursuant to a merger, consolidation or other reorganization) security.

(ss)“    Stock Appreciation Right” means a right granted pursuant to Section 8 hereof to receive an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the aggregate Fair Market Value, as of the date such Award or portion thereof is surrendered, of the Shares covered by such Award or such portion thereof, over (2) the aggregate Exercise Price of such Award or such portion thereof.

(tt)“    Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such first Person owns or otherwise controls, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting shares or other similar interests or a sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such other Person.

(uu)“    Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.

Section 3.    Administration.

(a)    The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator and shall be administered, to the extent applicable, in accordance with Applicable Laws, including Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (“Rule 16b-3”).

 

“Related Company” means(b)    Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Administrator, subject, in the case of any entityCommittee, to any restrictions on the authority delegated to it by the Board, shall have the power and authority, without limitation:

(1)    to select those Eligible Recipients who shall be Participants;

(2)    to determine whether and to what extent Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Other Stock-Based Awards or a combination of any of the foregoing, are to be granted hereunder to Participants;

(3)    to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

(4)    to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of each Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, (A) the restrictions applicable to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and the conditions under which restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, (B) the performance goals and periods applicable to Awards, (C) the Exercise Price of each Option and each Stock Appreciation Right or the purchase price of any other Award, (D) the vesting schedule and terms applicable to each Award, (E) the number of Shares or amount of cash or other property subject to each Award and (F) subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (to the extent applicable) any amendments to the terms and conditions of outstanding Awards, including, but not limited to, extending the exercise period of such Awards and accelerating the payment schedules of such Awards and/or, to the extent specifically permitted under the Plan, accelerating the vesting schedules of such Awards);

(5)    to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, which shall govern all written instruments evidencing Awards;

(6)    to determine the Fair Market Value in accordance with the terms of the Plan;

(7)    to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absence which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of the Participant’s service or employment for purposes of Awards granted under the Plan provided that the effect on the vesting of an Award of a Company-approved leave of absence or a Participant’s reduction in hours of employment or service shall be determined by the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, with respect to directors or executive officers, by the Compensation and Governance Committee, whose determination shall be final;


(8)    to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, regulations, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall from time to time deem advisable;

(9)    to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of, and supply or correct omissions in, the Plan and any Award issued under the Plan (and any Award Agreement relating thereto), and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan and to exercise all powers and authorities either specifically granted under the Plan or necessary and advisable in the administration of the Plan; and

(10)    to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable non-United States laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable non-United States laws, which rules and regulations may be set forth in an appendix or appendixes to the Plan.

(c)    In no event, however, shall the Committee have the right, without shareholder approval, to (1) lower the exercise or grant price of an Option or SAR after it is granted, except in connection with adjustments provided in Section 5; (2) cancel an Option or SAR at a time when its exercise or grant price exceeds the fair market value of the underlying stock, or exchange an option or SAR for cash, another option or stock appreciation right, restricted stock or other equity award, unless the cancellation and exchange occur in connection with a merger, acquisition, spin-off or other similar corporate transaction; or (3) take any other action that is directly or indirectly controlled by, in control of ortreated as a repricing under common control with the Company.generally accepted accounting principles.

 

“Restricted(d)    All decisions made by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Persons, including the Company and the Participants.

(e)    The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company and its Affiliates.

(f)    If at any time or to any extent the Board shall not administer the Plan, then the functions of the Administrator specified in the Plan shall be exercised by the Committee. Members of any committee shall serve for such term as the Board may determine, subject to removal by the Board at any time. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Board may authorize one or more senior executive officers of the Company to grant Awards to designated classes of Eligible Recipients, within limits specifically prescribed by the Board; provided, however, that no such officer shall have or obtain authority to grant Awards to himself or herself or to any person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, any action of the Committee with respect to the administration of the Plan shall be taken by a majority vote at a meeting at which a quorum is duly constituted or unanimous written consent of the Committee’s members.

Section 4.    Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the Plan.

(a)    Subject to the Company receiving securityholder approval obtained in accordance with Applicable Laws and any other qualifications required by the applicable stock exchange on which the Common Stock” means an Award is traded, and further subject to Section 5 hereof, the number of shares of Common Stock that are reserved and available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be equal to the sum of (1) 10,000,000 shares, plus (2) the number of shares of Common Stock reserved, but unissued under the Prior Plan; plus (3) the number of shares of Common Stock underlying forfeited awards under the Prior Plan; and plus (4) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning with the first January 1 following the Effective Date and ending with the last January 1 during the initial ten-year term of the Plan, equal to the lesser of (A) four percent (4%) of the Shares outstanding (which shall include Shares issuable upon the exercise or conversion of all outstanding securities or rights convertible into or exercisable for Shares, including without limitation, preferred stock, warrants and employee options to purchase any Shares) on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (B) such lesser number of Shares as determined by the Board; provided, that, shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan with respect to an Exempt Award shall not count against such share limit. Following the Effective Date, no further awards shall be issued under the Prior Plan, but all awards under the Prior Plan which are outstanding as of the Effective Date shall continue to be governed by the terms, conditions and procedures set forth in the Prior Plan and any applicable Award Agreement.


(b)    Shares issued under the Plan may, in whole or in part, be authorized but unissued Shares or Shares that shall have been or may be reacquired by the Company in the open market, in private transactions or otherwise. If an Award entitles the Participant to receive or purchase Shares, the number of Shares covered by such Award or to which such Award relates shall be counted on the date of grant of such Award against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan. If any Shares subject to an Award are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or if an Award otherwise terminates or expires without a distribution of Shares to the Participant, the Shares with respect to such Award shall, to the extent of any such forfeiture, cancellation, exchange, surrender, termination or expiration, again be available for granting Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) any Shares reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of Options; and (2) Shares surrendered or withheld as payment of either the Exercise Price of an Award (including Shares otherwise underlying a Stock Appreciation Right that are retained by the Company to account for the Exercise Price of such Stock Appreciation Right) and/or withholding taxes in respect of an Award shall no longer be available for grant under the Plan. In addition, (x) to the extent an Award is denominated in shares of Common Stock, but paid or settled in cash, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such payment or settlement is made shall again be available for grants of Awards pursuant to the Plan and (y) shares of Common Stock underlying Awards that can only be settled in cash shall not be counted against the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for Awards under the Plan. Upon the exercise of any Award granted in tandem with any other Awards, such related Awards shall be cancelled to the extent of the number of Shares as to which the Award is exercised and, notwithstanding the foregoing, such number of Shares shall no longer be available for grant under the Plan. The number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall not be reduced to reflect any dividends or dividend equivalents that are reinvested into additional shares of Common Stock or credited as additional shares of Common Stock subject or paid with respect to an Award.

(c)    The aggregate number of Shares available under Section 10,4(a), subject to adjustment under Section 5, may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs.

(d)    Director Compensation Limits. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, the sum of the grant date Fair Market Value of equity-based Awards (determined as of the grant date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor thereto) plus any cash fees paid by the Company for serving as a non-employee director of the Board during any calendar year shall not exceed $200,000, increased to $250,000 in the calendar year of his or her initial service as a non-employee director.

(e)    The Committee shall also, without limitation, have the authority to grant Awards as an alternative to or as the form of payment for grants or rights earned or due under other compensation plans or arrangements of the Company.

Section 5.    Equitable Adjustments.

In the event that, at any time or from time to time, a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, distribution to shareholders other than a normal cash dividend, or other change in the Company’s corporate or capital structure results in (a) the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any securities exchanged therefor or received in their place, being exchanged for a different number or kind of securities of the Company or (b) new, different or additional securities of the Company or any other company being received by the holders of shares of Common Stock, then the Committee shall make proportional adjustments in (1) the maximum number and kind of securities available for issuance under the Plan; (2) the maximum number and kind of securities issuable as ISOs as set forth in Section 4; (3) the maximum number and kind of securities issuable pursuant to Awards as set forth in Section 4; (4) the maximum numbers and kind of securities set forth in Section 4; and (5) the number and kind of securities that are subject to any outstanding Award and the per share price of such securities, without any change in the aggregate price to be paid therefor. The determination by the Committee as to the terms of any of the foregoing adjustments shall be conclusive and binding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for labor or services rendered, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, outstanding Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent not previously exercised or settled, and unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, Awards shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company and, to the extent a vesting condition, forfeiture provision or repurchase right applicable to an Award has not been waived by the Committee, the Award shall be forfeited immediately prior to the consummation of the dissolution or liquidation. The treatment of any Shares in connection with a Change in Control shall not be governed by this Section 5 but shall be governed by Section 12.


Section 6.    Eligibility.

The Participants in the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, from those individuals that qualify as Eligible Recipients.

Section 7.    Options.

(a)    General. Options granted under the Plan shall be designated as Nonqualified Stock Options or ISOs. Each Participant who is granted an Option shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the Exercise Price of the Option, the term of the Option and provisions regarding exercisability of the Option, and whether the Option is intended to be an ISO or a Nonqualified Stock Option (and in the event the Award Agreement has no such designation, the Option shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option). The provisions of each Option need not be the same with respect to each Participant. More than one Option may be granted to the same Participant and be outstanding concurrently hereunder. Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 7 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

(b)    Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of Shares purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of grant, but in no event shall the exercise price of an Option be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.

(c)    Option Term. The maximum term of each Option shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Option shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such Option is granted. Each Option’s term is subject to earlier expiration pursuant to the applicable provisions in the Plan and the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 4(d) of the Plan, the Administrator shall have the authority to accelerate the exercisability of any outstanding Option at such time and under such circumstances as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

(d)    Exercisability. Each Option shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions, including the attainment of performance goals, as shall be determined by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement. The Administrator may also provide that any Option shall be exercisable only in installments, and the Administrator may waive such installment exercise provisions at any time, in whole or in part, based on such factors as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion.

(e)    Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised in whole or in part by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of whole Shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price of the Shares so purchased in cash or its equivalent, as determined by the Administrator. As determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, with respect to any Option or category of Options, payment in whole or in part may also be made (1) by means of consideration received under any cashless exercise procedure approved by the Administrator (including the withholding of Shares otherwise issuable upon exercise), (2) in the form of unrestricted Shares already owned by the Participant which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (3) any other form of consideration approved by the Administrator and permitted by Applicable Laws or (4) any combination of the foregoing.


(f)    ISOs. The terms and conditions of ISOs granted hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 422 of the Code and the terms, conditions, limitations and administrative procedures established by the Administrator from time to time in accordance with the Plan. At the discretion of the Administrator, ISOs may be granted only to an employee of the Company, its “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or a Subsidiary of the Company.

(1)    ISO Grants to 10% Stockholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, if an ISO is granted to a Participant who owns shares representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company at the time of grant, its “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or a Subsidiary of the Company, the term of the ISO shall not exceed five (5) years from the time of grant of such ISO and the Exercise Price shall be at least one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant.

(2)    $100,000 Per Year Limitation For ISOs. To the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined on the date of grant) of the Shares for which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by any Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company) exceeds $100,000, such excess ISOs shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options.

(3)    Disqualifying Dispositions. Each Participant awarded an ISO under the Plan shall notify the Company in writing immediately after the date the Participant makes a “disqualifying disposition” of any Share acquired pursuant to the exercise of such ISO. A “disqualifying disposition” is any disposition (including any sale) of such Shares before the later of (A) two years after the date of grant of the ISO and (B) one year after the date the Participant acquired the Shares by exercising the ISO. The Company may, if determined by the Administrator and in accordance with procedures established by it, retain possession of any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO as agent for the applicable Participant until the end of the period described in the preceding sentence, subject to complying with any instructions from such Participant as to the sale of such Shares.

(g)    Rights as Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights to dividends, dividend equivalents or distributions or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares subject to an Option until the Participant has given written notice of the exercise thereof, and has paid in full for such Shares and has satisfied the requirements of Section 16 hereof.

(h)    Termination of Employment or Service. Treatment of an Option upon termination of employment of a Participant shall be provided for by the Administrator in the Award Agreement.


(i)    Other Change in Employment or Service Status. An Option shall be affected, both with regard to vesting schedule and termination, by leaves of absence, including unpaid and un-protected leaves of absence, changes from full-time to part-time employment, partial Disability or other changes in the employment status or service status of a Participant, in the discretion of the Administrator.

Section 8.    Stock Appreciation Rights.

(a)    General. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted either alone (“Free Standing Rights”) or in conjunction with all or part of any Option granted under the Plan (“Related Rights”). Related Rights may be granted either at or after the time of the grant of such Option. The Administrator shall determine the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Stock Appreciation Rights shall be made. Each Participant who is granted a Stock Appreciation Right shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of Shares to be awarded, the Exercise Price per Share, and all other conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Related Right may be granted for more Shares than are subject to the Option to which it relates. The provisions of Stock Appreciation Rights need not be the same with respect to each Participant. Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions set forth in this Section 8 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

(b)    Awards; Rights as Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights to dividends or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of Common Stock, if any, subject to a Stock Appreciation Right until the Participant has given written notice of the exercise thereof and has satisfied the requirements of Section 16 hereof.

(c)    Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of Shares purchasable under a Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of grant, but in no event shall the exercise price of a Stock Appreciation Right be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.

(d)    Exercisability.

(1)    Stock Appreciation Rights that are Free Standing Rights shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement.

(2)    Stock Appreciation Rights that are Related Rights shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent that the Options to which they relate shall be exercisable in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereof and this Section 8 of the Plan.

(e)    Payment Upon Exercise.

(1)    Upon the exercise of a Free Standing Right, the Participant shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, that number of Shares equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise over the Exercise Price per share specified in the Free Standing Right multiplied by the number of Shares in respect of which the Free Standing Right is being exercised.

(2)    A Related Right may be exercised by a Participant by surrendering the applicable portion of the related Option. Upon such exercise and surrender, the Participant shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, that number of Shares equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise over the Exercise Price specified in the related Option multiplied by the number of Shares in respect of which the Related Right is being exercised. Options which have been so surrendered, in whole or in part, shall no longer be exercisable to the extent the Related Rights have been so exercised.

(3)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may determine to settle the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right in cash (or in any combination of Shares and cash).

(f)    Termination of Employment or Service. Treatment of a Stock Appreciation Right upon termination of employment of a Participant shall be provided for by the Administrator in the Award Agreement.

(g)    Term.

(1)    The term of each Free Standing Right shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Free Standing Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such right is granted.

(2)    The term of each Related Right shall be the term of the Option to which it relates, but no Related Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such right is granted.

(h)    Other Change in Employment or Service Status. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be affected, both with regard to vesting schedule and termination, by leaves of absence, including unpaid and un-protected leaves of absence, changes from full-time to part-time employment, partial Disability or other changes in the employment or service status of a Participant, in the discretion of the Administrator.


Section 9.    Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.

(a)    General. Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units may be issued under the Plan. The Administrator shall determine the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall be made. Each Participant who is granted Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of Shares to be awarded; the price, if any, to be paid by the Participant for the acquisition of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units; the period of time restrictions, performance goals or other conditions that apply to Transferability, delivery or vesting of such Awards (the “Restricted Period”); and all other conditions applicable to the Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. If the restrictions, performance goals or conditions established by the Administrator are not attained, a Participant shall forfeit his or her Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, in accordance with the terms of the grant. The provisions of the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

(b)    Awards and Certificates. Except as otherwise provided below in Section 9(c), (1) each Participant who is granted an Award of Restricted Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be issued a share certificate in respect of such Restricted Stock; and (2) any such certificate so issued shall be registered in the name of the Participant, and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any such Award. The Company may require that the share certificates, if any, evidencing Restricted Stock granted hereunder be held in the custody of the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any Award of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have delivered a share transfer form, endorsed in blank, relating to the Shares covered by such Award. Certificates for shares of unrestricted Common Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant only after the Restricted Period has expired without forfeiture in such Restricted Stock Award. With respect to Restricted Stock Units to be settled in Shares, at the expiration of the Restricted Period, share certificates in respect of the shares of Common Stock underlying such Restricted Stock Units may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant, or his or her legal representative, in a number equal to the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Restricted Stock Units Award. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units to be settled in Shares (at the expiration of the Restricted Period, and whether before or after any vesting conditions have been satisfied) may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be issued in uncertificated form. Further, notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, with respect to Restricted Stock Units, at the expiration of the Restricted Period, Shares, or cash, as applicable, shall promptly be issued (either in certificated or uncertificated form) to the Participant, unless otherwise deferred in accordance with procedures established by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, and such issuance or payment shall in any event be made within such period as is required to avoid the imposition of a tax under Section 409A of the Code.

(c)    Restrictions and Conditions. The Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Section 9 shall be subject to the following restrictions and conditions and any additional restrictions or conditions as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant or, subject to Section 409A of the Code where applicable, thereafter:

(1)    The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part based on such factors and such circumstances as the Administrator may determine, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to, the attainment of certain performance goals, the Participant’s termination of employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate thereof, or the Participant’s death or Disability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, the outstanding Awards shall be subject to Section 12 hereof.

(2)    Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Participant shall generally have the rights of ownershipa stockholder of which arethe Company with respect to Restricted Stock during the Restricted Period; provided, however, that dividends declared during the Restricted Period with respect to an Award, shall only become payable if (and to the extent) the underlying Restricted Stock vests. Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Participant shall generally not have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to restrictions prescribedRestricted Stock Units during the Restricted Period; provided, however, that, subject to Section 409A of the Code, an amount equal to dividends declared during the Restricted Period with respect to the number of Shares covered by Restricted Stock Units shall, unless otherwise set forth in an Award Agreement, be paid to the Participant at the time (and to the extent) Shares in respect of the related Restricted Stock Units are delivered to the Participant. Certificates for Shares of unrestricted Common Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant only after the Restricted Period has expired without forfeiture in respect of such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, except as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall otherwise determine.

(3)    The rights of Participants granted Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units upon termination of employment or service as a director or Consultant to the Company or to any Affiliate thereof terminates for any reason during the Restricted Period shall be set forth in the Award Agreement.

(d)    Form of Settlement. The Administrator reserves the right in its sole discretion to provide (either at or after the grant thereof) that any Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive the amount of cash per unit that is determined by the Committee.

“Restricted Stock Unit” means a Stock Unit subject to restrictions prescribed byAdministrator in connection with the Committee.

Award.

 

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“RetirementSection 10.    Other Stock-Based Awards.

Other Stock-Based Awards may be issued under the Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator shall have sole and complete authority to determine the individuals to whom and the time or times at which such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be granted. Each Participant who is granted an Other Stock-Based Award shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of shares of Common Stock to be granted pursuant to such Other Stock-Based Awards, or the manner in which such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be settled (e.g., in shares of Common Stock, cash or other property), or the conditions to the vesting and/or payment or settlement of such Other Stock-Based Awards (which may include, but not be limited to, achievement of performance criteria) and all other terms and conditions of such Other Stock-Based Awards. In the event that the Administrator grants a bonus in the form of Shares, the Shares constituting such bonus shall, as determined by the Administrator, be evidenced in uncertificated form or by a book entry record or a certificate issued in the name of the Participant to whom such grant was made and delivered to such Participant as soon as practicable after the date on which such bonus is payable. Notwithstanding anything set forth in the Plan to the contrary, any dividend or dividend equivalent Award issued hereunder shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as apply to the underlying Award.

Section 11.    Limits on Award Grants

Unless securityholder approval is obtained in accordance with Applicable Laws and any other qualifications required by the applicable stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded, the following limitations shall apply to the Plan and all Awards:

(a)    the number of securities, calculated on a fully diluted basis, reserved for issuance under the Awards granted to: (1) Related Persons, shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding securities of the Company, or (2) a Related Person, shall not exceed 5% of the outstanding securities of the Company; and

(b)    the number of securities, calculated on a fully diluted basis, issued within 12 months, to: (1) Related Persons, shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding securities of the Company, or (2) a Related Person, shall not exceed 5% of the outstanding securities of the Company.

Section 12.    Change in Control.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, unless the Committee shall determine otherwise defined in the instrument evidencing the Award or in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means “Retirement” as definedin the event of a Change in Control: 

(a)    All outstanding Awards, other than performance-based vesting Awards, shall become fully vested and exercisable or payable, and all applicable restrictions or forfeiture provisions shall lapse, immediately prior to the Change in Control and such Awards shall terminate at the effective time of the Change in Control; provided, however, that with respect to a Change in Control that is a Change in capitalization in which such Awards could be converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the successor company, such Awards shall become fully vested and exercisable or payable, and all applicable restrictions or forfeiture provisions shall lapse, only if and to the extent such Awards are not converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the successor company. If and to the extent that the successor company converts, assumes, substitutes for or replaces an Award, the vesting restrictions and/or forfeiture provisions applicable to such Award shall not be accelerated or lapse, and all such vesting restrictions and/or forfeiture provisions shall continue with respect to any shares of the successor company or other consideration that may be received with respect to such Award.


For the purposes of this Section 12(a), an Award shall be considered converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the Plansuccessor company if following the Change in Capitalization the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each share of Common Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Capitalization, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the Change in Capitalization by holders of Common Stock for each share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Capitalization is not solely common stock of the successor company, the Committee may, with the consent of the successor company, provide for the consideration to be received pursuant to the Award, for each share of Common Stock subject thereto, to be solely common stock of the successor company substantially equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Capitalization. The determination of such substantial equality of value of consideration shall be made by the Committee, or the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, if not so defined, means Terminationand its determination shall be conclusive and binding. 

(b)    All Awards subject to performance-based vesting outstanding as of Service on or after the date the Change in Control is determined to have occurred and for which the payout level has been determined shall be payable in full in accordance with the payout schedule pursuant to the instrument evidencing the Award. Any such remaining outstanding Awards (including any applicable performance period) for which the payout level has not been determined shall be prorated at the target payout level up to and including the date of such Change in Control and shall be payable accordance with the payout schedule pursuant to the instrument evidencing the Award. Any existing deferrals or other restrictions not waived by the Committee in its sole discretion shall remain in effect. 

(c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may instead provide in the event of a Change in Control that is a Change in Capitalization that a Participant’s outstanding Awards shall terminate upon or immediately prior to such Change in Capitalization and that such Participant reaches “normal retirement age,” as that term is definedshall receive, in Section 411(a)(8)exchange therefor, a cash payment equal to the amount (if any) by which (1) the value of the Code.

“Securities Act” meansper share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

“Section409A” means Section 409ACompany Transaction, or, in the event the Change in Capitalization is one of the Code.

transactions listed under clause (3) in the definition of Change in Capitalization or otherwise does not result in direct receipt of consideration by holders of Common Stock, Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right granted under Section 9.1 to receive the excessvalue of the Fair Market Value of a specifieddeemed per share consideration received, in each case as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock oversubject to such outstanding Awards (to the extent then vested and exercisable or whether or not then vested and exercisable, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) exceeds (2) if applicable, the respective aggregate exercise price or grant price for such Awards. 

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 12 requires all outstanding Awards to be treated similarly. 

Section 13.    Amendment and Termination.

The Board may amend, alter or terminate the Plan at any time, but no amendment, alteration or termination shall be made that would impair the rights of a Participant under any Award theretofore granted without such Participant’s consent, unless such amendment, alteration or termination is required in order to ensure an Award is in compliance with Section 409A of the Code. The Board shall obtain approval of the Company’s stockholders for any amendment that would require such approval in order to satisfy the requirements of any rules of the stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded or other Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything else in the Plan, the terms of an Award may not be amended once issued or granted. If an Award is cancelled prior to its expiry date, the Company shall not grant new Awards to the same Person until 30 days have elapsed from the date of cancellation.


Section 14.    Unfunded Status of Plan.

The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.

Section 15.    Withholding Taxes.

Each Participant shall, no later than the date as of which the value of an Award first becomes includible in the gross income of such Participant for purposes of applicable taxes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator regarding payment of an amount up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the Participant’s applicable jurisdiction with respect to the Award, as determined by the Company. The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional on the making of such payments or arrangements, and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to such Participant. Whenever cash is to be paid pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to deduct therefrom an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable withholding tax requirements related thereto. Whenever Shares or property other than cash are to be delivered pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy any related taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations; provided, that, with the approval of the Administrator, a Participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by either (a) electing to have the Company withhold from delivery of Shares or other property, as applicable, or (b) delivering already owned unrestricted shares of Common Stock, in each case, having a value not exceeding the applicable taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations. Such already owned and unrestricted shares of Common Stock shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date on which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined and any fractional share amounts resulting therefrom shall be settled in cash. Such an election may be made with respect to all or any portion of the Shares to be delivered pursuant to an award. The Company may also use any other method of obtaining the necessary payment or proceeds, as permitted by Applicable Laws, to satisfy its withholding obligation with respect to any Award.

Section 16.    Transfer of Awards.

Until such time as the Awards are fully vested and/or exercisable in accordance with the Plan or an Award Agreement, no purported sale, assignment, mortgage, hypothecation, transfer, charge, pledge, encumbrance, gift, transfer in trust (voting or other) or other disposition of, or creation of a security interest in or lien on, any Award or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing (each, a “Transfer”) by any holder thereof in violation of the provisions of the Plan, an Award Agreement or Applicable Laws will be valid, except with the prior written consent of the Administrator, which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the Administrator. Any purported Transfer of an Award or any economic benefit or interest therein in violation of the Plan or an Award Agreement shall be null and void ab initio and shall not create any obligation or liability of the Company, and any Person purportedly acquiring any Award or any economic benefit or interest therein transferred in violation of the Plan or an Award Agreement shall not be entitled to be recognized as a holder of such Shares or other property underlying such Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant or, during any period during which the Participant is under a legal Disability, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

Section 17.    Continued Employment or Service.

Neither the adoption of the Plan nor the grant price.of an Award shall confer upon any Eligible Recipient any right to continued employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate thereof, as the case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate thereof to terminate the employment or service of any of its Eligible Recipients at any time.


Section 18.    Effective Date.

 

The Plan was approved by the Board on March 15, 2022 and shall be adopted and become effective on the date that it is approved by the Company’s stockholders (the Stock AwardEffective Date means).

Section 19.    Electronic Signature.

Participant’s electronic signature of an Award Agreement shall have the same validity and effect as a signature affixed by hand.

Section 20.    Term of Plan.

No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.

Section 21.    Securities Matters and Regulations.

(a)    Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the obligation of the Company to sell or deliver Shares with respect to any Award granted under the Plan shall be subject to all Applicable Laws, rules and regulations, including all applicable federal, state, provincial and territorial securities laws, and the obtaining of all such approvals by governmental agencies or stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the administrator. The Administrator may require, as a condition of the issuance and delivery of certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms hereof, that the recipient of such shares make such agreements and representations, and that such certificates bear such legends, as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable.

(b)    Each Award is subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Administrator determines that the listing, registration or qualification of Shares is required by any securities exchange or under any federal, state, provincial or territorial law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the grant of an Award or the issuance of Shares, no such Award shall be granted or payment made or Shares issued, in whole or in part, unless listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval has been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Administrator.

(c)    In the event that the disposition of Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan is not covered by a then current registration statement under Applicable Laws, including the Securities Act and is not otherwise exempt from such registration or prospectus filing requirements, such Shares shall be restricted against transfer to the extent required by Applicable Laws, including the Securities Act or regulations thereunder, and the Administrator may require a Participant receiving Common Stock pursuant to the Plan, as a condition precedent to receipt of such Common Stock, to represent to the Company in writing that the Common Stock acquired by such Participant is acquired for investment only and not with a view to distribution and to provide any other representations that the Company may require, acting reasonably.

Section 22.    Section 409A of the Code.

The Plan as well as payments and benefits under the Plan are intended to be exempt from, or to the extent subject thereto, to comply with Section 409A of the Code, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan shall be interpreted in accordance therewith. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Participant shall not be considered to have terminated employment or service with the Company for purposes of the Plan and no payment shall be due to the Participant under the Plan or any Award until the Participant would be considered to have incurred a “separation from service” from the Company and its Affiliates within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any payments described in the Plan that are due within the “short term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless Applicable Law requires otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent that any Awards (or any other amounts payable under any plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any of its Affiliates) are payable upon a separation from service and such payment would result in the imposition of any individual tax and penalty interest charges imposed under Section 409A of the Code, the settlement and payment of such awards (or other amounts) shall instead be made on the first business day after the date that is six (6) months following such separation from service (or death, if earlier). Each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided under this Plan shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. The Company makes no representation that any or all of the payments or benefits described in this Plan will be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A of the Code from applying to any such payment. The Participant shall be solely responsible for the payment of any taxes and penalties incurred under Section 409A.


Section 23.    Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code.

If any Participant shall, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Common Stock grantedunder the Plan, make the election permitted under Section 10,83(b) of the rightsCode, such Participant shall notify the Company of ownershipsuch election within ten (10) days after filing notice of which are not subject to restrictions prescribed by the Committee.election with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

“Stock Unit,” including Restricted Stock Unit, means an Award denominated in units of Common Stock granted under Section 10.24.    No Fractional Shares.

 

“Substitute Awards” means Awards granted orNo fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Administrator shall determine whether cash, other Awards, or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

Section 25.    Beneficiary.

A Participant may file with the Administrator a written designation of a beneficiary on such form as may be prescribed by the Company in substitutionAdministrator and may, from time to time, amend or exchange for awards previously granted by an Acquired Entity.revoke such designation. If no designated beneficiary survives the Participant, the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate shall be deemed to be the Participant’s beneficiary.

 

“Successor Company” means the surviving company, the successor company or Parent Company, as applicable, in connection with a Company Transaction.Section 26.    Paperless Administration.

 

“Termination of Service” means a termination of employment or service relationship withIn the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a Related Company for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, including by reason of death, Disability or Retirement. Any question as to whether and when there has been a Termination of Servicethird party, an automated system for the purposesdocumentation, granting or exercise of Awards, such as a system using an Award andinternet website or interactive voice response, then the causepaperless documentation, granting or exercise of Awards by a Participant may be permitted through the use of such Terminationan automated system.

Section 27.    Severability.

If any provision of Servicethe Plan is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of the Plan shall not be affected but shall be applied as if the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included in the Plan.

Section 28.    Clawback.

(a)    If the Company is required to prepare a financial restatement due to the material non-compliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement, then the Committee may require any Section 16 Officer to repay or forfeit to the Company, and each Section 16 Officer agrees to so repay or forfeit, that part of the Incentive Compensation received by that Section 16 Officer during the three-year period preceding the publication of the restated financial statement that the Committee determines was in excess of the amount that such Section 16 Officer would have received had such Incentive Compensation been calculated based on the financial results reported in the restated financial statement. The Committee may take into account any factors it deems reasonable in determining whether to seek recoupment of previously paid Incentive Compensation and how much Incentive Compensation to recoup from each Section 16 Officer (which need not be the same amount or proportion for each Section 16 Officer), including any determination by the Committee that a Section 16 Officer engaged in fraud, willful misconduct or committed grossly negligent acts or omissions which materially contributed to the events that led to the financial restatement. The amount and form of the Incentive Compensation to be recouped shall be determined by the Company’s chief human resourcesCommittee in its sole and absolute discretion, and recoupment of Incentive Compensation may be made, in the Committee’s sole and absolute discretion, through the cancellation of vested or unvested Awards, cash repayment or both.

(b)    Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, any Award which is subject to recovery under any Applicable Laws, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such Applicable Law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).


Section 29.    Governing Law.

The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Washington, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law of such state.

Section 30.    Indemnification.

To the extent allowable pursuant to applicable law, each member of the Board and the Administrator and any officer or other person performing that function or, with respectemployee to directorswhom authority to administer any component of the Plan is designated shall be indemnified and executive officers,held harmless by the CompensationCompany from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act pursuant to the Plan and Governance Committee, whose determination shall be conclusiveagainst and binding. Transferfrom any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of a Participant’s employmentjudgment in such action, suit, or service relationship betweenproceeding against him or her; provided, however, that he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and any Related Companydefend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be consideredexclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such individuals may be entitled pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a Terminationmatter of Servicelaw, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

Section 31.    Titles and Headings, References to Sections of the Code or Exchange Act.

The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for purposesconvenience of an Award. Unlessreference only and, in the Compensation and Governance Committee determines otherwise, a Terminationevent of Serviceany conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control. References to sections of the Code or the Exchange Act shall include any amendment or successor thereto.

Section 32.    Successors.

The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be deemed to occur ifbinding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the Participant’s employmentmerger, consolidation or service relationship is with an entity that has ceased to be a Related Company. A Participant’s change in status from an employeeother reorganization of the Company, or a Related Companyupon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to a nonemployee director, consultant, advisor,substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.

Section 33.    Relationship to other Benefits.

No payment pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare, or independent contractorother benefit plan of the Company or a Related Company or a changeany Affiliate except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in status from a nonemployee director, consultant, advisor or independent contractor of the Company or a Related Company to an employee of the Company or a Related Company, shall not be considered a Termination of Service.

“Vesting Commencement Date” means the Grant Date orwriting in such other date selected by the Committee as the date from whichplan or an Award begins to vest.agreement thereunder.

 

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