SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. ___)
Filed by the Registrant [x]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ]Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ]Confidential, for Use of the
[x]Definitive Proxy Statement Commission Only (as permitted
[ ]Definitive Additional Materials by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ]Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12
COOPERATIVE BANKSHARES, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charger)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[x] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
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2. Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3. Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined):
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5. Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:___________________________
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1. Amount Previously Paid:
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4. Date Filed:
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March 20, 2001
Dear Stockholder:
We invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Cooperative Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company") to be held at the Four Points Hotel
by Sheraton, 5032 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, on Friday, April
27, 2001 at 11:00 a.m.
The attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the
formal business to be transacted at the meeting. During the meeting, we will
also report on the operations of the Company. Directors and officers of the
Company as well as representatives of KPMG LLP, the Company's independent
auditors, will be present to respond to any questions the stockholders may have.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WE URGE YOU TO SIGN, DATE AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE EVEN IF YOU CURRENTLY PLAN TO
ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. This will not prevent you from voting in person but
will assure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend the meeting.
Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares you own.
Sincerely,
Frederick Willetts, III
President and Chief
Executive Officer
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COOPERATIVE BANKSHARES, INC.
201 MARKET STREET
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28401
(910) 343-0181
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 27, 2001
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Cooperative Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at Four
Points Hotel by Sheraton, 5032 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, on
Friday, April 27, 2001 at 11:00 a.m.
A Proxy Card and a Proxy Statement for the Meeting are enclosed.
The Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:
1. The election of three directors of the Company for three year
terms; and
2. The transaction of such other matters as may properly come before
the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come before
the Meeting.
Any action may be taken on any of the foregoing proposals at the Meeting on
the date specified above or on any date or dates to which, by original or later
adjournment, the Meeting may be adjourned. Stockholders of record at the close
of business on March 7, 2001 are the stockholders entitled to vote at the
Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
You are requested to fill in and sign the enclosed form of proxy which is
solicited by the Board of Directors and to mail it promptly in the enclosed
envelope. The proxy will not be used if you attend and vote at the Meeting in
person.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Linda B. Garland
Vice President and Secretary
Wilmington, North Carolina
March 20, 2001
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IMPORTANT: THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE THE COMPANY THE EXPENSE OF
FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES IN ORDER TO ENSURE A QUORUM. A SELF-ADDRESSED
ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN
THE UNITED STATES.
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PROXY STATEMENT
OF
COOPERATIVE BANKSHARES, INC.
201 MARKET STREET
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28401
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 27, 2001
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GENERAL
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This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Cooperative Bankshares, Inc. (the
"Company"), holding company for Cooperative Bank for Savings, Inc., SSB
("Cooperative Bank") to be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company (the "Meeting") which will be held at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton,
5032 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, on Friday, April 27, 2001 at
11:00 a.m. The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and this Proxy Statement
are being first mailed to stockholders on or about March 21, 2001.
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VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
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Proxies solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company will be voted in
accordance with the directions given therein. WHERE NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE
INDICATED, PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS SET FORTH BELOW.
The Bylaws of the Company provide that in the absence of stockholder direction,
a stockholder's proxy shall be voted as determined by a majority of the Board of
Directors. The proxy confers discretionary authority on the persons named
therein to vote with respect to the election of any person as a director where
the nominee is unable to serve or for good cause will not serve, and matters
incident to the conduct of the Meeting.
Stockholders who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them at any
time. Unless so revoked, the shares represented by such proxies will be voted at
the Meeting and all adjournments thereof. Proxies may be revoked by written
notice to Linda B. Garland, Secretary of the Company, at the address shown
above, by filing of a later dated proxy prior to a vote being taken on a
particular proposal at the Meeting, or by attending the Meeting and voting in
person.
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VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
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The securities entitled to vote at the Meeting consist of the Company's
common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock"). Stockholders of
record as of the close of business on March 7, 2001 (the "Record Date") are
entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock then held. As of the Record
Date, the Company had 2,800,975 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least a majority of the total number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote will be necessary to
constitute a quorum at the Meeting.
Persons and groups owning in excess of 5% of the Common Stock are required
to file certain reports regarding such ownership pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"). The following table sets
forth, as of the Record Date, certain information as to the Common Stock
beneficially owned by persons owning in excess of 5% of the Common Stock, by
each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page
10, and by all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group.
Management knows of no person, except as listed below, who owned more than 5% of
the Company's outstanding shares of the Common Stock as of the Record Date.
AMOUNT AND PERCENT OF
NATURE OF SHARES OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL COMMON STOCK
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP (1) OUTSTANDING
- ------------------- ------------- ------------
Frederick Willetts, III
201 Market Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401 244,946 (2) 8.7%
O.C. Burrell, Jr.
201 Market Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401 42,295 (3) 1.5%
Edward E. Maready
201 Market Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401 58,291 (4) 2.1%
Jeffrey L. Gendell
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166 173,600 6.2%
All executive officers and directors
as a group (11 persons) 513,344 (5) 18.3%
<FN>
___________
(1) Includes stock held in joint tenancy; stock owned as tenants in common;
stock owned or held by a spouse or other member of the individual's
household; stock allocated through an employee benefit plan of the Company;
stock subject to options exercisable within 60 days; and stock owned by
businesses in which the officer or director is an officer or major
stockholder, or as a custodian or trustee, or by spouses as a custodian or
trustee, over which shares such officer or director effectively exercises
sole or shared voting and/or investment power, unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Includes 9,000 shares which Mr. Willetts has the right to purchase pursuant
to the exercise of stock options under the 1990 and 1998 Option Plans and
16,830 shares allocated to Mr. Willetts' account under the Cooperative Bank
for Savings, Inc., SSB Employee Stock Ownership - 401(k) Supplemental
Retirement Plan (the "401(k)"). Also includes shares of Common Stock owned
by Mr. Willetts' spouse and minor children, as well as shares held in
various family trusts of which Mr. Willetts serves as a trustee.
(3) Includes 19,019 shares which Mr. Burrell has the right to purchase pursuant
to the exercise of stock options under the 1990 and 1998 Option Plans and
8,006 shares allocated to Mr. Burrell's account under the 401(k).
(4) Includes 10,155 shares which Mr. Maready has the right to purchase pursuant
to the exercise of stock options under the 1990 and 1998 Option Plans and
11,500 shares allocated to Mr. Maready's account under the 401(k). Mr.
Maready retired effective December 31, 2000.
(5) Includes 107,791 shares which officers and directors as a group have the
right to purchase pursuant to the exercise of stock options under the 1990
and 1998 Option Plans and 36,153 shares allocated to executive officers
under the 401(k). Shares held by the 401(k) have been counted only once in
the computation of ownership by all officers and directors as a group.
Since Mr. Maready retired prior to the Record Date his share ownership is
not included in this figure.
</FN>
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PROPOSAL I -- ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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The Company's Board of Directors is currently composed of eight members.
Pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors is
divided into three classes which shall be as nearly equal in number as possible.
The terms of only one class of directors expires at each annual meeting. The
Company's Articles of Incorporation generally provide that directors are to be
elected for terms of three years and until their successors are elected and
qualified.
Three directors will be elected at the Meeting to serve for a three-year
period, and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified.
The Board of Directors has nominated to serve as directors James D.
2
Hundley, M.D., O. Richard Wright, Jr. and Russell M. Carter for three year
terms. Mr. Hundley and Mr. Wright are currently members of the Board. Mr. Carter
was appointed on February 15, 2001. It is intended that the persons named in the
proxies solicited by the Board will vote for the election of the named nominees.
If any nominee is unable to serve, the shares represented by all valid proxies
which have not been revoked will be voted for the election of such substitute as
the Board of Directors may recommend. At this time, the Board knows of no reason
why any nominee might be unavailable to serve.
Under the Company's Bylaws, directors shall be elected by a majority of
those votes cast by stockholders at the Meeting. Votes which are not cast at the
Meeting, either because of abstentions or broker non-votes, are not considered
in determining the number of votes which have been cast for or against the
election of a nominee.
The following table sets forth the names of the Board of Directors'
nominees for election as directors and of those directors who will continue to
serve as such after the Meeting. Also set forth is certain other information
with respect to each person's age, the year he first became a director of
Cooperative Bank, the expiration of his term as a director, and the number and
percentage of shares of the Common Stock beneficially owned. With the exception
of Mr. Rippy, who was appointed in 1997, and Mr. Carter, all of the individuals
were initially appointed as directors of the Company in connection with the
Company's incorporation in April 1994.
SHARES OF
YEAR FIRST COMMON STOCK
AGE AT ELECTED AS CURRENT BENEFICIALLY
DECEMBER 31, DIRECTOR OF TERM OWNED AT PERCENT
NAME 2000 COOPERATIVE BANK TO EXPIRE MARCH 7, 2001 (1) OF CLASS
---- -------- ---------------- --------- ----------------- --------
BOARD NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2004
James D. Hundley, M.D. 59 1990 2001 40,141 (2) 1.5%
O. Richard Wright, Jr. 56 1992 2001 64,400 (2) 2.3%
Russell M. Carter (3) 51 2001 2001 13,000 (2) .5%
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
Paul G. Burton 65 1992 2002 22,367 (2) .8%
H. Thompson King, III 58 1990 2002 23,239 (2) .8%
R. Allen Rippy 49 1997 2002 20,524 (2) .7%
Frederick Willetts, III 51 1976 2003 244,946 (4) 8.7%
F. Peter Fensel, Jr. 51 1990 2003 24,229 (2) .9%
<FN>
______________
(1) Includes stock held in joint tenancy; stock owned as tenants in common;
stock owned or held by a spouse or other member of the individual's
household; stock allocated through an employee benefit plan of the Company;
stock subject to options exercisable within 60 days; and stock owned by
businesses in which the director is an officer or major stockholder, or as
a custodian or trustee, or by spouses as a custodian or trustee, over which
shares the director effectively exercises sole or shared voting and/or
investment power, unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Includes 10,000, 11,424, 10,000, 11,424, 15,424, 10,000 and 10,000 shares
which Messrs. Hundley, Wright, Burton, King, Rippy, Fensel and Carter have
the right to purchase pursuant to the exercise of stock options under the
1990 and 1998 Option Plans.
(3) Mr. Carter was appointed a director of the Company and Cooperative Bank on
February 15, 2001. Under North Carolina law, directors appointed by the
Board of Directors to fill a vacancy must stand for election at the next
annual meeting of stockholders.
(4) Includes 9,000 shares which Mr. Willetts has the right to purchase pursuant
to the exercise of stock options under the 1990 Option Plan and 16,830
shares allocated to Mr. Willetts' account under the 401(k). Also includes
shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Willetts' spouse and minor children, as
well as shares held in various family trusts of which Mr. Willetts serves
as a trustee.
</FN>
The principal occupation of each director of the Company for the last five
years is set forth below.
3
JAMES D. HUNDLEY, M.D. is the President of the Wilmington Orthopaedic
Group; past president of the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association, the UNC
Medical Alumni Association, the New Hanover-Pender Medical Society, the Cape
Fear Academy Board of Trustees, and the Wilmington Rotary Club; past Chief of
Staff of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center; past chairman of the New
Hanover Public Library Advisory Board; and was Athletic Team Physician for the
University of North Carolina at Wilmington for over twenty years. He is the
director of the Rotary/Orthopaedic Crippled Children's Clinic, a member of the
National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Physician Assistants, and a
member of the N.C. Osteoporosis Prevention Task Force. He is Clinical Assistant
Professor in Orthopaedics at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and adjunct professor
at UNC-Wilmington. He received a Distinguished Service Award form the UNC
Medical Alumni Association in May of 2000 and was an invited Orthopaedic
Visiting Professor in January of 2001. Dr. Hundley was listed in the BEST
DOCTORS IN AMERICA, SOUTHEAST REGION 1996-1997 and again in 1998-1999.
H. THOMPSON KING, III was named President of Hanover Iron Works, Inc. in
1982. He joined the firm in 1973, representing a fourth generation succession of
the founders of the company. He holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from
North Carolina State University and a Masters Business Administration degree
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hanover Iron Works, Inc.
specializes in metal fabrication, roofing, heating and air conditioning. Mr.
King is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. He is a member of the Wilmington
Rotary Club. He has served as President of Carolina Roofing and Sheet Metal
Contractors Association, the New Hanover County Airport Authority and was Vice
President of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.
RUSSELL M. CARTER is President of Atlantic Corporation, a converter and
distributor of industrial paper and packaging materials, with facilities in
Tabor City, Wilmington, Greensboro, Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory, High Point,
and Greenville, South Carolina. He has managed Atlantic for the past 25 years as
the company has grown from 30 employees to 400. Mr. Carter has served on
numerous civic and community boards including United Carolina Bank Holding
Company and BB&T North Carolina Board. He served as President of Cape Fear
Academy and the Boy Scouts Executive Committee. He currently serves as Treasurer
of the Wilmington Industrial Development Committee (Committee of 100), is on the
Board of Visitors for UNC-Chapel Hill, and the Journalism School Board of
Visitors and is an Elder in First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington.
R. ALLEN RIPPY is managing partner of Rippy AutoPark Associates, LLC. He
joined the family business in 1973 after graduating from the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Rippy is a native of Wilmington. He has served on
the Board of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association for six years,
the Wilmington YMCA and the Cape Fear Academy. He has been very active with many
charitable organizations in the Wilmington area through his business' "Caring
and Sharing" Program which he founded. He has for many years been extremely
active with the youth programs of his church.
FREDERICK WILLETTS, III has been employed by the Bank since 1972 and has
served as the Chief Executive Officer and President since June 1, 1991. He was
named to the additional position of Chairman of the Board during 1998. Mr.
Willetts is past Chairman of the North Carolina Bankers Association and is on
the Board of Directors of America's Community Bankers. He has served on the
Thrift Institutions Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Board, as President
of the Southeastern Conference of the U.S. Savings and Loan League, the Greater
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of East
Carolina, Vice Chairman of the Foundation of the University of North Carolina at
Wilmington and as President of Wilmington Industrial Development (Committee of
100). He also currently serves on the Vestry of St. James Church. Mr. Willetts
was the recipient of the New Hanover Distinguished Service Award in 1987, the
"Five Outstanding Young North Carolinians" Award in 1988, the Glen Troop Award
for outstanding public service to the thrift industry in 1990 and the Wilmington
Good Citizenship Award in 1994.
O. RICHARD WRIGHT, JR. is the senior partner in the law firm of McGougan,
Wright, Worley, Harper and Bullard, established in Tabor City, North Carolina in
1932, and has been associated with the firm since 1971. Mr. Wright is the owner
of Flat Bay Farms and is co-owner of residential and commercial rental property
firms known as WSIC and FBIC. He and his wife, Jenny McKinnon Wright, also own
the River Inn located at 314 South Front Street in Wilmington. Mr. Wright served
in the North Carolina House of Representatives for seven terms during the
4
years 1974 to 1988. He serves on the Board of Directors of a number of civic and
community organizations including the Tabor City Committee of 100, the
Southeastern Community College Foundation, the Lewis A. Sikes Foundation, the
Olive Battle Wright Scholarship Foundation, the Columbus County Committee of
100, the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, the University of North
Carolina General Alumni Association and the Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts of
America. Mr. Wright has served as President of the Law Alumni Association of the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as President of the Tabor City
Civitan Club and as President of the Southeastern Genealogical Society. He is
now serving as President of the Southeastern Community College Foundation. In
January 2000 he was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Greater Tabor
City Chamber of Commerce
PAUL G. BURTON is President of Burton Steel Company of Wilmington, North
Carolina. He is a native of Wilmington and a graduate of North Carolina State
University. Mr. Burton is active in the National Society of Professional
Engineers. He is a past President of the North Carolina Azalea Festival. He has
served on the Governor's Board for Travel and Tourism, the Mayor's Task Force on
Economic Development, the North Carolina Ports Railway Commission and the
Wilmington Industrial Development Commission.
F. PETER FENSEL, JR. is President of F. P. Fensel Supply Company in
Wilmington, North Carolina. He has served as President of the North Carolina
Azalea Festival, the Cape Fear Sertoma Club, Wilmington Industrial Development
and the Brigade Boys Club. He was Vice President of the Greater Wilmington
Chamber of Commerce and has served as a board member of Plantation Village and
the Cape Fear Area United Way. He currently serves as a board member of the
Historic Wilmington Foundation and the Foundation of the University of North
Carolina at Wilmington.
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MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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The Board of Directors of the Company conducts business through meetings of
the Board and of its committees. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000,
the Board of Directors held 14 meetings. No director attended fewer than 75% of
the total meetings of the Board of Directors and committee meetings on which
such Board member served during this period.
The Company's Audit Committee consists of Directors Rippy, King and Fensel.
All members of the Audit Committee are deemed to be independent within the
meaning of Rule 4200(a)(15) of the National Association of Securities Dealers'
listing standards. This committee meets periodically on call by the Internal
Auditor for the purpose of reviewing the activities and findings of the Internal
Audit Department. The Audit Committee has adopted a written charter, a copy of
which is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. The Audit Committee met
8 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.
The Personnel Committee, composed of Directors Hundley, Wright and Burton
meets periodically for the purpose of reviewing compensation of all employees
and officers and met 3 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 for
this purpose.
The full Board of Directors selects nominees for election as directors. The
Company does not have a standing nominating committee.
5
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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BOARD PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
GENERAL. The function of administering the Company's executive
compensation policies is currently performed by the Personnel Committee of the
Board of Directors of Cooperative Bank (the "Committee"), which is composed
entirely of outside directors. The Committee is responsible for developing and
making recommendations to the Board concerning compensation paid to the Chief
Executive Officer and each of the other executive officers, and for
administering all aspects of the Company's executive compensation program,
including employee benefit plans.
The Committee makes its recommendations to the Board concerning executive
compensation on the basis of its annual review and evaluation of the Company and
Cooperative Bank's corporate performance and the compensation of its executive
officers as compared with other companies similar in size and market
capitalization.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM. The Company's executive compensation
program, which was developed with the objective of attracting and retaining
highly qualified and motivated executives, and recognizing and rewarding
outstanding performance, has the following components: (i) base salaries
(subject to the terms of existing employment agreements), (ii) stock options,
and (iii) miscellaneous other fringe benefits.
Base salary increases are determined on the basis of a combination of cost
of living and individual and corporate performance. During the year ended
December 31, 2000, base salaries of executive officers were determined by a
review of peer group compensation. The compensation survey results of the
America's Community Bankers, survey results of the North Carolina Bankers
Association and SNL Securities Executive Compensation Review were compared to
salaries of the Company's executive officers. Peer groups were compared to the
Company by asset range and geographic region. By comparison, salaries for the
Bank's executive officers were on the low to average end of the range for
comparable peer groups.
COMPENSATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The base salary of the Chief
Executive Officer is established by the terms of the employment agreement
entered into between Mr. Willetts and Cooperative Bank in 1991 (see "Employment
and Severance Agreements" below). The Chief Executive Officer's base salary
under the agreement was determined on the basis of the Committee's review and
evaluation of the compensation of chief executives of other thrift companies
similar in size and market capitalization to Cooperative Bank. The chief
executive officer's salary is compared to the same survey results as those of
the other executive officers. The geographic regions used for the surveys were
North Carolina financial institutions and the South Atlantic states financial
institutions. The survey asset range used by the America's Community Bankers was
$300 to $500 million and the asset range used by the North Carolina Bankers
Association was $200 million above. The asset range for the SNL Securities
Executive Compensation Review was $250 million to $500 million with 54
institutions reporting. The number of institutions reporting data for the
America's Community Bankers survey in the $300 to $500 million asset group was
75 and the number reporting for the South Atlantic region was 58. The number of
institutions reporting for the North Carolina Bankers Association by assets in
excess of $400 million was 9.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul G. Burton
James D. Hundley, M.D.
O. Richard Wright, Jr.
6
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE. The following table sets forth the cash and
noncash compensation for each of the last three fiscal years awarded to or
earned by the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers whose
salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 (each, a "Named Executive Officer"). Except
as set forth below, no other executive officer received salary and bonuses in
excess of $100,000 during the year ended December 31, 2000.
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION -----------------------
NAME AND PRINCIPAL ------------------------- SECURITIES ALL OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS UNDERLYING OPTIONS COMPENSATION
- ------------------ ---- ------ ----- ----------------------- ------------
Frederick Willetts, III 2000 $ 180,000 $ 35,000 -- $ 25,200 (1)
Chairman, President and 1999 180,000 35,000 9,000 25,200 (1)
Chief Executive Officer 1998 180,000 20,000 -- 20,200 (1)
O.C. Burrell, Jr. 2000 $ 125,000 $ 10,000 4,815 --
Chief Operating Officer 1999 125,000 25,000 -- --
1998 110,000 15,000 -- --
Edward E. Maready (2) 2000 $ 123,000 $ -- 10,155 --
Senior Vice President 1999 116,000 -- -- --
and Treasurer 1998 102,000 -- -- --
<FN>
__________
(1) Represents directors' fees.
(2) Retired December 31, 2000.
</FN>
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 2000. The following table contains information
concerning the grant of stock options during the year ended December 31, 2000 to
the Named Executive Officers.
PERCENT POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
OF TOTAL VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER OF OPTIONS ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
SECURITIES GRANTED TO PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES FOR OPTION TERM (1)
OPTIONS IN FISCAL EXERCISE EXPRIATION ---------------------
NAME GRANTED YEAR PRICE DATE 5% 10%
- ---- ------- ---------- ----- ---------- --------- --------
O.C. Burrell, Jr. 4,815 12.53% $11.00 01/01/10 $33,309 $84,413
Edward E. Maready (2) 5,100 13.28% 11.00 01/01/10 35,281 89,409
5,055 13.16% 9.75 12/31/01 2,464 4,929
<FN>
- -----------------
(1) Represents the difference between the aggregate exercise price of the
options and the aggregate value of the underlying Common Stock at the
expiration date assuming the indicated annual rate of appreciation in the
value of the Common Stock as of the respective date of grant.
(2) Mr. Maready retired effective December 31, 2000. Per the terms of the
Company's 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, upon retirement, options
must be exercised within 12 months.
</FN>
7
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES AND OPTION YEAR-END VALUE TABLE. The following
table sets forth information regarding the number and value of options held by
each of the Named Executive Officers at the end of 2000. Edward E. Maready
exercised 28,744 option shares during the year ended December 31, 2000.
NUMBER OF VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
ACQUIRED ON VALUE AT FISCAL YEAR-END AT FISCAL YEAR-END
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED (ALL IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE) (ALL IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE)(1)
- ---- -------- -------- ----------------------------- --------------------------------
Frederick Willetts, III -- -- 80,414 $558,817
O.C. Burrell, Jr. -- -- 19,019 --
Edward E. Maready 28,744 $214,861 10,155 --
<FN>
_____________
(1) Based on the difference between (i) the reported closing sale price per
share on the Nasdaq National Market at fiscal year-end ($9.75 per share)
and (ii) the option exercise price per share, as adjusted. For Mr. Burrell
and Mr. Maready, the option exercise price exceeded the closing price per
share at December 31, 2000.
</FN>
PENSION PLAN. The following table indicates the annual retirement benefit
that would be payable under the plan upon retirement at age 65 to a participant
electing to receive his retirement benefit in the standard form of benefit,
assuming various specified levels of plan compensation and various specified
years of credited service
HIGH-5
BENEFIT YEARS OF SERVICE
AVERAGE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALARY 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
$ 10,000 $ 800 $ 1,300 $ 1,900 $ 2,500 $ 3,100 $ 3,800 $ 4,400 $ 5,300
30,000 1,900 3,800 5,600 7,500 9,400 11,300 13,100 15,800
60,000 4,400 8,700 13,100 17,500 21,900 26,200 30,600 35,900
90,000 7,000 14,000 21,000 28,000 35,000 42,000 49,000 56,900
120,000 9,600 19,200 28,900 38,500 48,100 57,700 67,400 77,900
150,000 12,200 24,500 36,700 49,000 61,200 73,500 85,700 98,900
160,000 13,100 26,200 39,400 52,500 65,600 78,700 91,900 105,900
170,000 14,000 28,000 42,000 56,000 70,000 84,000 98,000 112,900
200,000 16,600 33,200 49,900 66,500 83,100 99,700 116,400 133,900
230,000 19,200 38,500 57,700 77,000 96,200 115,500 134,700 154,900
As of December 31, 2000, Messrs. Willetts, III, Burrell, Jr. and Maready
had 28, eight and 22 years, respectively, of service under the Pension Plan.
EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. Cooperative Bank maintains an
employment agreement with Frederick Willetts, III, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer. The agreement has a term of five years, and provides for a
current annual base salary of $180,000. The employment agreement provides for a
salary review by the Board of Directors not less often than annually with
increases to be made in the Board's sole discretion, and also provides for
inclusion in any customary fringe benefits and vacation and sick leave. The
agreement is terminable upon death, and is terminable by Cooperative Bank for
"just cause" as defined in the agreement. If Cooperative Bank terminates Mr.
Willetts' employment without just cause, he will be entitled to a continuation
of his salary and other benefits from the date of termination through the
remaining term of the agreement. Mr. Willetts is able to terminate his agreement
by providing written notice to the Board of Directors.
8
Mr. Willetts' employment agreement contains a provision stating that in the
event of the voluntary or involuntary termination of employment in connection
with, or within one year after, any change in control of the Company or
Cooperative Bank, Mr. Willetts will be paid a sum equal to 2.99 times the
average annual compensation he received during the five taxable years
immediately prior to the date of change in control. "Control" generally refers
to the ownership, holding or power to vote more than 25% of the Company's or
Cooperative Bank's voting stock, the control of the election of a majority of
directors or the exercise of a controlling influence over the management or
policies of the Company or Cooperative Bank by any person or group.
The Bank also maintains a severance agreement with O.C. Burrell, Jr., Chief
Operating Officer of the Bank. This agreement provides that in the event of the
involuntary termination of his employment with the Bank in connection with, or
within one year after, any change in control of the Bank, he shall be paid an
amount equal to 2.99 times the total cash compensation paid to him during the 12
month period preceding such termination. "Control" is defined in the same way as
under Mr. Willetts' employment agreement. Mr. Burrell may also be entitled to
receive the foregoing termination payment in the event of his voluntary
termination of his employment in connection with a change of control under the
following circumstances: (1) if he would be required to relocate outside the
metropolitan area of Wilmington, North Carolina, (2) if in the organizational
structure of the Bank he would be required to report to persons other than the
President, (3) if the Bank fails to maintain employee benefit plans at
pre-change in control levels, (4) if the officer would be assigned duties and
responsibilities other than those normally associated with his position as
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and (5) if the officer's
responsibilities or authority have in any way been diminished.
The aggregate payment to Messrs. Willetts and Burrell, assuming the
termination of employment or other triggering events under the foregoing
circumstances at December 31, 2000, would be approximately $603,980 and
$403,650, respectively. The Bank previously maintained a similar severance
agreement with Edward Maready. In connection with his retirement effective
December 31, 2000, this agreement with Mr. Maready was terminated.
The provisions of these agreements may have the effect of discouraging a
future takeover attempt in which stockholders of the Company otherwise might
receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Members of the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors
receive $1,100 per month. No additional fees are paid for committee membership
or meetings. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $1,000 per
month. New directors are eligible to receive stock options to purchase 10,000
shares under the 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. During the year ended
December 31, 2000 no options were granted to Directors.
9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The graph and table which follow show the cumulative total return on the
Common Stock of the Company for the five years ended December 31, 2000, compared
with the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Stock Market Index for U.S.
Companies and the NASDAQ Bank Stocks Index over the same period. Cumulative
total return on the stock or the index equals the total increase in value since
January 1, 1995 assuming reinvestment of all dividends paid into the stock or
the index, respectively.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER
RETURN* FOR THE COMPANY AND SELECTED INDICES
[Line graph appears here depicting the cumulative total shareholder return of
$100 invested in the Common Stock as compared to $100 invested in all companies
whose equity securities are traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market and banking
companies traded on the NASDAQ market. Line graph plots the cumulative total
return from December 1995 to December 2000. Plot points are provided below.]
* $100 INVESTED ON 12/31/95 in stock or index-including reinvestment of
dividends. Fiscal Year Ending December 31.
12/95 12/96 12/97 12/98 12/99 12/00
----------------------------------------------------
Cooperative Bankshares,
Inc. 100 98.78 239.02 115.85 107.32 97.73
NASDAQ Stock Market(U.S.) 100 123.04 150.69 212.51 394.92 237.62
NASDAQ Bank 100 132.04 221.06 219.64 211.14 241.08
Source: Research Data Group, Inc.
10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company with management and KPMG LLP, the Company's
independent auditors. In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed the matters
required to be discussed under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 ("SAS
61"). In addition, the Audit Committee has received from KPMG LLP the written
disclosures and the letter required to be delivered by KPMG LLP under
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 ("ISB Standard No. 1") addressing
all relationships between the auditors and the Company that might bear on the
auditors' independence. The Audit Committee has reviewed the materials received
from KPMG LLP and has met with representatives of KPMG LLP to discuss the
independence of the auditing firm.
The Audit Committee has reviewed the non-audit services currently provided
by the Company's independent auditor and has considered whether the provision of
such services is compatible with maintaining the independence of the Company's
independent auditors.
Based on the Audit Committee's review of the consolidated financial
statements, its discussion with KPMG LLP regarding SAS 61, and the written
materials provided by KPMG LLP under ISB Standard No. 1 and the related
discussion with KPMG LLP of their independence, the Audit Committee has
recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2000, for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
H. Allen Rippy
H. Thompson King, III
F. Peter Fensel, Jr.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On September 21, 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company dismissed
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as its independent accountants. The decision was
recommended by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and unanimously
approved by the Board. The firm of KPMG LLP, Raleigh, North Carolina, was
engaged to perform an audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000 and to provide other accounting
services.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 's audit reports on the Company's financial
statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, 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 two most recent fiscal years, and for the interim
period through September 21, 2000, there were no disagreements with
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 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 PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their audit report.
KPMG LLP served as the Company's independent certified public accountants
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. A representative of KPMG LLP is
expected to be present at the Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to
make a statement, if so desired.
11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUDIT AND OTHER FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUDIT FEES
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, the aggregate fees for
professional services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of the Company's annual
consolidated financial statements and the reviews of the condensed consolidated
financial statements included in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q
filed during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 were $50,000.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION FEES
The Company did not engage KPMG LLP to provide advice to the Company
regarding financial information systems design and implementation during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.
ALL OTHER FEES
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, the aggregate fees paid for
all other services rendered (other than audit services and financial information
systems design and implementation services) by KPMG LLP were $10,000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the normal course of its business the Company makes loans to its
directors and executive officers. Any such extension of credit must be made on
substantially the same terms as, and following credit underwriting procedures
that are not less stringent than, those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with non-affiliated parties. Cooperative Bank will make executive
officers extensions of credit with favorable features, such as reduced interest
rates and reduced or waived fees, if the loan program is widely available to all
other employees and does not give preference to executive officers over other
employees.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to regulations promulgated under the 1934 Act, the Company's
officers, directors and persons who own more than ten percent of the outstanding
Common Stock are required to file reports detailing their ownership and changes
of ownership in such Common Stock, and to furnish the Company with copies of all
such reports. Based solely on its review of the copies of such reports received
during or with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, the Company
believes that during the year ended December 31, 2000, all of its officers,
directors and stockholders owning in excess of ten percent of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock have complied with the reporting requirements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER MATTERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the
Meeting other than those matters described above in this Proxy Statement.
However, if any other matters should properly come before the Meeting, it is
intended that proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in respect thereof
in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons voting the proxies.
12
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISCELLANEOUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to
the solicitation of proxies by mail, Morrow & Co., a proxy soliciting firm, will
assist the Company in soliciting proxies for the meeting and will be paid a fee
of approximately $4,000, plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. Proxies
may also be solicited personally or by telephone or telegraph by directors,
officers and regular employees of the Company and the Bank, without additional
compensation therefor. The Company will also request persons, firms and
corporations holding shares in their names, or in the name of their nominees,
which are beneficially owned by others, to send proxy materials to and obtain
proxies from such beneficial owners, and will reimburse such holders for their
reasonable expenses in doing so.
The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31,
2000, including financial statements, is being mailed to all stockholders of
record as of the Record Date. Any stockholder who has not received a copy of
such Annual Report may obtain a copy by writing to the Secretary of the Company.
Such Annual Report is not to be treated as a part of the proxy solicitation
material nor as having been incorporated herein by reference.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials for
next year's Annual Meeting of Stockholders, any stockholder proposal to take
action at such meeting must be received at the Company's main office at 201
Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, no later than November 20,
2001. Any such proposal shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules
adopted under the 1934 Act.
Stockholder proposals to be considered at the Annual Meeting, other than
those submitted pursuant to the Exchange Act, must be stated in writing and
filed with the Secretary of the Company, not less than twenty days prior to the
date of the Annual Meeting.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Linda B. Garland
Vice President and Secretary
Wilmington, North Carolina
March 20, 2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AS OF THE RECORD DATE UPON
WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY, COOPERATIVE BANKSHARES, INC., P.O. BOX 600,
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13
Appendix A
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
COOPERATIVE BANKSHARES, INC.
I. PURPOSE
The Audit Committee will assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its
oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee will review the financial
reporting process, the system of internal controls, the audit process, and the
company's process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations. In
performing its duties, the Committee will maintain effective working
relationships with the Board of Directors, management and the internal and
external auditors.
II. STRUCTURE & MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The Audit Committee shall be comprised of three or more directors as determined
by the Board, each of who shall be independent directors, and free from any
relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the
exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the committee. All
members of the Committee shall have a working familiarity with basic finance and
accounting practices as interpreted by the Board. The members of the Committee
may designate a Chair by majority of the full Committee membership. The
Committee shall meet at least 4 times annually, or more frequently as
circumstances dictate.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Documents/Reports Review
1. Review the Bank's annual financial statements and any certification,
report, opinion or review rendered by the independent accountants.
2. A member of the Audit Committee will have quarterly communications with the
independent accountants and a representative of the Accounting Department
concerning matters of the types described in SAS No. 61 identified in
connection with interim reviews. This discussion should be prior to the
filing of the Form 10-Q or if that is not possible, the communication
should be made as soon as possible.
3. Review any amendments or adjustments including the cause, to any reports or
financial information submitted to any governmental body or the public.
4. Review the regular internal reports to management prepared by the internal
auditing department and management's response.
B. Independent Accountants
1. Recommend to the Board of Directors the selection of the independent
accountants, considering independence and effectiveness and approve the
fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent accountants. On
an annual basis, the Committee should review and discuss with the
accountants all significant relationships the accountants have with the
Bank to determine the accountants' independence.
2. Review the performance of the independent accountants and approve any
proposed discharge of the independent accountants when circumstances
warrant.
3. Periodically consult the independent accountants out of the presence of
management about internal controls and the fullness and accuracy of the
organization's financial statements.
C. Financial Reporting Processes
1. In consultation with the independent accountants and the internal auditors,
review the integrity of the organization's financial reporting processes,
both internal and external.
2. Consider the independent accountants' judgments about the quality and
appropriateness of the Bank's accounting principles and underlying
estimates as applied in its financial reporting.
3. Consider and approve, if appropriate, major changes to the Bank's auditing
and accounting principles and practices as suggested by the independent
accountants, management, or the internal auditing department.
D. Process Improvement
1. Establish regular and separate systems of reporting to the Audit Committee
by each of management, the independent accountants and the internal
auditors regarding any significant judgments made in management's
preparation of the financial statements and the view of each as to
appropriateness of such judgments.
2. Following completion of the annual audit, review separately with each of
management, the independent accountants and the internal auditing
department any significant difficulties encountered during the course of
the audit, including any restrictions of the scope of work or access to
required information.
3. Review any significant disagreement among management and the independent
accountants or the internal auditing department in connection with the
preparation of the financial statements.
4. Review with the independent accountants, the internal auditing department
and management the extent to which changes or improvements in financial or
accounting practices, as approved by the Audit Committee, have been
implemented.
E. Legal Compliance
1. Review activities, organizational structure, qualifications, salary
adjustments and performance evaluations of the internal audit department.
2. Review legal compliance matters including investment trading policies.
3. Review any legal matter that could have a significant impact on the
organization's financial statements.
4. Perform any other activities consistent with this Charter, the Bank's
By-laws and governing law, as the Committee or the Board deems necessary or
appropriate.
Review this charter annually.
2
REVOCABLE PROXY
COOPERATIVE BANKSHARES, INC.
Wilmington, North Carolina
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 27, 2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The undersigned hereby appoints Paul G. Burton, H. Thompson King and R.
Allen Rippy of Cooperative Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company") with full powers of
substitution, to act as proxies for the undersigned to vote all shares of the
Company's common stock, $1.00 par value, which the undersigned is entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Four Points Hotel
by Sheraton, 5032 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, on Friday, April
27, 2001 at 11:00 a.m., and at any and all adjournments thereof, as follows:
VOTE
FOR WITHHELD
--- --------
1. The election as directors of the
nominees listed below (except as
marked to the contrary below). [ ] [ ]
James D. Hundley, M.D.
O. Richard Wright, Jr.
Russell M. Carter
INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD YOUR VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, INSERT THAT NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE LINE
PROVIDED BELOW.
________________________________
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" nominees listed above.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS
PROXY SHALL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE. IF ANY OTHER
BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THOSE NAMED IN
THIS PROXY AS DETERMINED BY A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. AT THE PRESENT
TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
MEETING. THIS PROXY CONFERS DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY ON THE HOLDERS THEREOF TO
VOTE WITH RESPECT TO THE ELECTION OF ANY PERSON AS DIRECTOR WHERE THE NOMINEE IS
UNABLE TO SERVE OR FOR GOOD CAUSE WILL NOT SERVE AND MATTERS INCIDENT TO THE
CONDUCT OF THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Should the undersigned be present and elect to vote at the Meeting or at
any adjournment thereof and after notification to the Secretary of the Company
at the Meeting of the stockholder's decision to terminate this proxy, then the
power of said attorneys and proxies shall be deemed terminated and of no further
force and effect.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company prior to the
execution of this proxy of the Notice of Annual Meeting, the Proxy Statement,
and the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2000. The undersigned hereby revokes any and all proxies heretofore
given with respect to the undersigned's shares of the Company's Common Stock.
Dated: ________________________, 2001
- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
PRINT NAME OF STOCKHOLDER PRINT NAME OF STOCKHOLDER
- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER
Please sign exactly as your name appears on the envelope in which this card was
mailed. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give your full title. If shares are held jointly, each holder should
sign.
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE.