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
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, INC.
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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/ $125 per Exchange Act Rule 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(j)(2).
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:(1)
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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(1) Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 15, 1997
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TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Western
Staff Services, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, will be held on
April 15, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the Lafayette Park Hotel, located at
3287 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California, for the following purposes, as
more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice:
1. To elect two Class I directors to serve for three-year terms and until
their successors are elected;
2. To ratify the appointment of Price Waterhouse LLP as independent
accountants of the Company for the fiscal year ending November 1, 1997;
and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on February 7, 1997 are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The stock transfer
books will not be closed between the record date and the date of the meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person.
Whether or not you plan to attend, please sign and return the enclosed Proxy as
promptly as possible in the envelope enclosed for your convenience. Should you
receive more than one proxy because your shares are registered in different
names and addresses, each proxy should be signed and returned to assure that all
your shares will be voted. You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the
time it is voted at the Annual Meeting. If you attend the Annual Meeting and
vote by ballot, your proxy will be revoked automatically and only your vote at
the Annual Meeting will be counted.
Sincerely,
/s/ W. ROBERT STOVER
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W. Robert Stover
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
March 28, 1997
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN. PLEASE
READ THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT CAREFULLY, AND COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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PROXY STATEMENT............................................................................................ 1.
MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT ANNUAL MEETING................................................................. 3.
PROPOSAL ONE--ELECTION OF CLASS I DIRECTORS.............................................................. 3.
PROPOSAL TWO--RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.................................................... 6.
OTHER MATTERS............................................................................................ 6.
OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES.................................................................................... 7.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION REPORT.............................................................................. 8.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION..................................................................................... 11.
COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RETURN........................................................................... 16.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934....................................... 17.
ANNUAL REPORT.............................................................................................. 17.
FORM 10-K.................................................................................................. 17.
WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, INC.
301 LENNON LANE
WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA 94598-2453
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PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 15, 1997
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The enclosed proxy ("Proxy") is solicited on behalf of the Board of
Directors of Western Staff Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April
15, 1997 (the "Annual Meeting"). The Annual Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m.
local time, at the Lafayette Park Hotel located at 3287 Mt. Diablo Boulevard,
Lafayette, California. These proxy solicitation materials were mailed on or
about March 31, 1997, to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting.
VOTING
The specific proposals to be considered and acted upon at the Annual Meeting
are summarized in the accompanying Notice and are described in more detail in
this Proxy Statement. On February 7, 1997, the record date for determination of
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, 10,334,698
shares of the Company's common stock, $0.01 par value ("Common Stock"), were
issued and outstanding. No shares of the Company's preferred stock were
outstanding. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for the
purpose of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction
of business. Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of Common
Stock held by such stockholder on February 7, 1997. Directors are elected by a
plurality vote. Since votes are cast in favor of or withheld from each nominee,
abstentions and broker non-votes will therefore have no effect on the outcome of
Proposal One. Proposal Two requires an affirmative vote of a majority of shares
present in person or represented by proxy at the 1997 Annual Meeting and
entitled to vote on such matter. Abstentions will have the same effect as
negative votes, while broker non-votes are not included in the total number of
votes cast on that proposal and therefore will not be counted for purposes of
determining whether it has been approved. All votes will be tabulated by the
inspector of elections appointed for the meeting, who will separately tabulate
affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
You may revoke or change your Proxy at any time before it is voted at the
Annual Meeting by filing with the Secretary of the Company at the Company's
principal executive offices, a notice of revocation or another signed Proxy with
a later date. You may also revoke your Proxy by attending the Annual Meeting and
voting in person.
SOLICITATION
The Company will bear the entire cost of solicitation, including the
preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this Proxy Statement, the Proxy
and any additional solicitation materials furnished to stockholders. Copies of
solicitation materials will be furnished to brokerage houses, fiduciaries, and
custodians holding shares in their names that are beneficially owned by others
so that they may forward this solicitation material to such beneficial owners.
In addition, the Company may reimburse such persons for their costs in
forwarding the solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. The original
solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by a solicitation by
telephone, telegram, or other means by directors, officers or employees. No
additional compensation will be paid to these individuals for any such services.
Except as described above, the Company does not presently intend to solicit
proxies other than by mail.
1
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of stockholders of the Company that are intended to be presented
by such stockholders at the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting must be received no
later than November 27, 1997, in order that they may be included in the proxy
statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.
2
MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT ANNUAL MEETING
PROPOSAL ONE--ELECTION OF CLASS I DIRECTORS
GENERAL
The Board of Directors has selected two nominees, both of whom are currently
serving as Class I directors of the Company. The nominees for director are Jack
D. Samuelson and Gilbert L. Sheffield. Both Mr. Samuleson and Mr. Sheffield were
directors of the Company as of February 7, 1997. Each person nominated for
election has agreed to serve if elected, and management has no reason to believe
that any nominee will be unavailable to serve. In the event any nominee is
unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the
proxies will be voted for any nominee who may be designated by the present Board
of Directors to fill the vacancy. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders
will vote the proxies received by them FOR the nominees named below. The two
candidates receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of the shares
represented and voting on this particular matter at the Annual Meeting will be
elected Class I directors of the Company, to serve their respective three-year
terms and until their successors have been elected and qualified.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OF DIRECTORS
JACK D. SAMUELSON has been a director of the Company since March 1995. Mr.
Samuelson co-founded Samuelson Brothers in 1957 to engage in general
construction and commercial real estate development. Mr. Samuelson has been
President and Chairman of the Board of Samuelson Brothers from incorporation to
the present. Samuelson Brothers sold its construction business in 1979 and since
then has continued to develop industrial and commercial real estate, with
headquarters in Los Angeles and partnerships in a number of cities.
GILBERT L. SHEFFIELD has been a director of the Company since March 1995.
He has served in a number of capacities in the telecommunications industry, most
recently as the President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of PacTel
Communications Companies from 1987 to 1990. Mr. Sheffield began his career in
1953 with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, where he was employed until 1969,
when he was appointed the first Director of the California Department of Human
Resources Development. In 1971, Mr. Sheffield returned to Pacific Telephone and
Telegraph, from which he retired in 1984 as Executive Vice President of
Operations. Following two years in the real estate investment business, he
returned to Pacific Telesis in 1986 as Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of PacTel Corporation. Mr. Sheffield is now retired.
The Company's bylaws authorize the Board of Directors to fix the number of
directors by resolution. The number is currently fixed at six. The Company's
Board of Directors is divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II
and Class III, with each class having a three-year term. Following the Company's
Initial Public Offering, on April 30, 1996 (the "Offering"), Mr. Samuelson and
Mr. Sheffield were appointed to serve in Class I, Michael K. Phippen and Paul A.
Norberg were appointed to serve in Class II and W. Robert Stover and Harvey L.
Maslin were appointed to serve in Class III. The initial directors in each class
are to hold office for terms of one year, two years and three years,
respectively. Thereafter each class will serve a three-year term. Officers are
appointed to serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There are no
family relationships among executive officers or directors of the Company.
BOARD COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS
During fiscal 1996, the Board of Directors held four meetings and acted by
unanimous written consent on twelve occasions. The Board of Directors has an
Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Strategic Planning Committee.
Each of the directors attended all (i) meetings of the Board and (ii) all
meetings held by committees on which he served during fiscal 1996.
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The Audit Committee currently consists of three directors, W. Robert Stover,
Gilbert L. Sheffield and Jack D. Samuelson, and Mr. Samuelson is its Chairman.
The Committee's duties include reviewing internal financial information,
monitoring cash flow, budget variances and credit arrangements, reviewing the
audit program of the Company, reviewing with the Company's independent
accountants the results of all audits upon their completion, annually selecting
and recommending independent accountants, overseeing the quarterly unaudited
reporting process and taking such other action as may be necessary to assure the
adequacy and integrity of all financial information distributed by the Company.
The Audit Committee held two meetings during fiscal 1996.
The Compensation Committee currently consists of three directors, W. Robert
Stover, Gilbert L. Sheffield and Jack D. Samuelson. Mr Sheffield is its
Chairman. The Compensation Committee has the exclusive authority to administer
the Company's 1996 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan, the Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and the International Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In addition, the
Compensation Committee is responsible for providing recommendations to the Board
of Directors concerning compensation levels for the Company's senior management
and working with senior management on benefit and compensation programs for
Company employees, including matters related to participation in profit sharing,
bonus plans and stock option plans and preparing reports to the extent necessary
to comply with applicable disclosure requirements established by the Securities
and Exchange Commission or other regulatory bodies. The Compensation Committee
held four meetings during fiscal 1996.
The Strategic Planning Committee currently consists of three directors, W.
Robert Stover, Gilbert L. Sheffield and Jack D. Samuelson. Mr. Stover is its
Chairman. The Committee is responsible for evaluating the Company's business
plans and future business including, but not limited to, the evaluation of
potential acquisitions and new business opportunities. The Strategic Planning
Committee held no meetings during fiscal 1996. However, all committee members
participated with the entire Board of Directors in discussions of a strategic
plan at four Board meetings as well as in discussions of acquisition strategy at
two Board meetings during fiscal 1996.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Non-employee Board members each received remuneration for services on the
Board of Directors during the fiscal year ended November 2, 1996, in the amount
of $6,000 and a fee of 1,000 for each meeting attended. Non-employee Board
members were also reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in
connection with attending Board meetings. In addition, non-employee Board
members are eligible to receive periodic option grants under the Automatic
Option Grant Program in effect under the Company's 1996 Stock Option/Stock
Issuance Plan. Accordingly, Messrs. Sheffield and Samuelson, the two individuals
serving as non-employee Board members at the time of the Offering, each received
an option grant for 1,000 shares with an exercise price per share equal to the
$14.00 per share price at which the common stock was sold in the Offering. Each
individual who subsequently joins the Board as a non-employee director will
receive at that time an option grant for 1,000 shares with an exercise price
equal to the fair market value of the shares on the grant date, provided such
individual has not previously been in the Company's employ. In addition, at each
annual stockholders' meeting, beginning with the 1997 Annual Meeting, each
individual who continues to serve as a non-employee Board member will receive an
option grant for 1,000 shares with an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of the option shares on the grant date, provided such individual has
served on the Board for at least six months.
Each automatic option grant will have a maximum term of ten (10) years
measured from the grant date, subject to earlier termination following the
optionee's cessation of Board service. The option will become exercisable for
all the option shares upon the optionee's completion of one year of Board
service measured from the grant date. However, the option will become
immediately exercisable for all the option shares should the optionee cease
Board service by reason of death or disability or should the Company be acquired
by merger or asset sale during the period of the optionee's service on the
Board.
In addition to their April 1996 automatic option grants, Messrs. Sheffield
and Samuelson were each granted special options on November 1, 1996 to purchase
1,500 shares at $14.25 per share, the closing
4
selling price of the Company's common stock on that date. Each of these options
has a maximum term of ten (10) years measured from the grant date, subject to
earlier termination following the optionee's cessation of Board service. The
option will become exercisable for all the option shares upon the optionee's
completion of one year of Board service measured from the grant date. However,
the option will become immediately exercisable for all the option shares should
the optionee cease Board service by reason of death or disability or should the
Company be acquired by merger or asset sale during the period of the optionee's
service on the Board.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
ELECTION OF MR. SHEFFIELD AND MR. SAMUELSON AS CLASS I DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.
5
PROPOSAL TWO--RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors has appointed the firm of Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent public accountants for the Company during fiscal 1996 to serve in
the same capacity for fiscal 1997, and is asking the stockholders to ratify this
appointment. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented and
voting at the Annual Meeting is required to ratify the selection of Price
Waterhouse LLP.
In the event the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Board of
Directors will reconsider its selection. Even if the selection is ratified, the
Board of Directors in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different
independent accounting firm at any time during the year if the Board of
Directors believes that such a change would be in the best interests of the
Company and its stockholders.
A representative of Price Waterhouse LLP is expected to be present at the
Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she
desires to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP TO SERVE AS THE COMPANY'S
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS FOR FISCAL 1997.
OTHER MATTERS
The Company knows of no other matters that will be presented for
consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before
the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed
form of Proxy to vote the shares they represent as the Board of Directors may
recommend. Discretionary authority with respect to such other matters is granted
by the execution of the enclosed Proxy.
6
OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of February 28, 1997 for (i) all
persons who are beneficial owners of five percent (5%) or more of the
outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock, (ii) each director and nominee
of the Company, (iii) the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the four other
most highly paid executive officers as of the fiscal year ended November 2,
1996, and (iv) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned, subject to
community property laws, where applicable.
NAME NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT
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W. Robert Stover(1)................................................................... 5,873,718 56.8%
Joan C. Stover(1)..................................................................... 5,873,718 56.8%
Amy J. Stover(2)...................................................................... 474,288 4.6%
Stephen R. Stover(3).................................................................. 473,268 4.6%
Susan J. Stover(4).................................................................... 473,269 4.6%
Michael K. Phippen.................................................................... 13,750 *
Harvey L. Maslin(5)................................................................... 5,834 *
Paul A. Norberg(6).................................................................... 5,705 *
Michael J. Nicholson.................................................................. 500 *
Jack D. Samuelson..................................................................... 6,000 *
Gilbert L. Sheffield.................................................................. 2,000 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (13 persons)(7)....................... 5,910,485 57.2%
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* Less than one percent
(1) Includes 5,873,718 shares of Common Stock held by W. Robert Stover and Joan
C. Stover as Co-Trustees of the Stover Revocable Trust dated 11/16/88, as
amended, the beneficial ownership of which may be attributable to Mr. Stover
and Mrs. Stover. Does not include 60,000 shares of Common Stock owned by the
Stover Foundation (the "Old Foundation") and 25,433 shares of Common Stock
owned by the Stover Foundation, a California nonprofit religious corporation
(the "New Foundation") as to which Mr. Stover has shared voting power. Does
not include 749,160 shares of Common Stock contributed to the Stover
Charitable Lead Annuity Trust as to which Mr. Stover has no voting power.
(2) Includes 90,979 shares of Common Stock held by the Amy J. Stover Trust dated
11/16/88, the beneficial ownership of which may be attributable to Ms. Amy
J. Stover Newton. Includes 1,020 shares of Common Stock held by the Newton
Family Trust dated 11/12/96, as amended, the beneficial ownership of which
may be attributable to Ms. Amy J. Stover Newton.
(3) Includes 90,979 shares of Common Stock held by the Stephen R. Stover Trust
dated 11/16/88, the beneficial ownership of which may be attributable to Mr.
Stephen R. Stover.
(4) Includes 90,979 shares of Common Stock held by the Susan J. Stover Trust
dated 11/16/88, the beneficial ownership of which may be attributable to Ms.
Susan J. Stover.
(5) Includes options to purchase 3,084 shares of Common Stock held by Mr.
Maslin, which are immediately exercisable.
(6) Includes options to purchase 3,084 shares of Common Stock held by Mr.
Norberg, which are immediately exercisable.
(7) Includes options to purchase 6,168 shares of Common Stock held by all
executive officers and directors, which are immediately exercisable.
7
WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, INC.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION REPORT
The Compensation Committee was formed on March 9, 1995 in anticipation of
the Company's initial public offering. It consists of three Board members,
namely, W. Robert Stover, Gilbert L. Sheffield and Jack D. Samuelson. Mr. Stover
is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Messrs.
Sheffield and Samuelson are not officers or employees of the Company. Mr.
Sheffield is presently the Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
It is the duty of the Compensation Committee to review and establish the
compensation of executive officers of the Company, including base salary,
participation in profit sharing, bonus and other cash incentive plans, subject
to ratification by the Board. During fiscal 1996, the Compensation Committee
also had the exclusive authority to administer the Company's 1996 Stock
Option/Stock Issuance Plan under which grants may be made to such officers.
In October 1996, the Compensation Committee engaged Strategic Compensation
Associates ("SCA") to make a comprehensive review and competitive assessment of
existing executive compensation packages in total and by component, including
salary, annual bonus, stock options and major benefits. SCA made specific
recommendations to the Compensation Committee pertaining to each of these
topics.
GENERAL COMPENSATION POLICY
The fundamental policy of the Compensation Committee in compensation matters
is to offer the Company's executive officers competitive compensation
opportunities based upon their personal performance and their contribution to
the financial success of the Company. To achieve this policy, a substantial
portion of each executive officer's total annual compensation is made contingent
upon the achievement of designated financial and performance goals. Accordingly,
each executive officer's compensation package is comprised of three elements:
(i) base salary which is designed primarily to be competitive with base salary
levels in effect both at companies within the temporary staffing industry which
are of comparable size to the Company and at companies outside of such industry
with which the Company competes for executive talent, (ii) annual bonuses
payable in cash and tied to the Company's attainment of financial milestones
based on criteria established by the Compensation Committee, and (iii) long-term
stock-based incentive awards which strengthen the mutuality of interests between
the executive officers and the Company's stockholders. As an employee's level of
responsibility and accountability within the Company increases over time, a
greater portion of his or her total compensation is intended to be dependent
upon the Company's performance, and stock price appreciation rather than upon
base salary.
FACTORS. The principal factors considered by the Compensation Committee in
establishing the components of each executive officer's compensation package for
fiscal 1996 are summarized below. However, the Compensation Committee may in its
discretion apply entirely different factors, particularly different measures of
financial performance, in setting executive compensation for future fiscal
years.
* BASE SALARY. The base salary for each executive officer is determined on
the basis of internal comparability considerations and the base salary levels in
effect for comparable positions at the Company's principal competitors, both
within and outside the temporary staffing industry. The base salary level for
executive officers is generally at a level determined for such individuals on
the basis of the external salary data of temporary staffing service companies
within the same geographic area and with small to medium market capitalization.
This group of companies is less inclusive than the temporary staffing index in
the performance graph included in this proxy statement for purposes of comparing
the stock price performance of the Company's common stock. However, the Company
believes this smaller group of companies gives a more accurate indication of the
market for executive services in which the Company competes.
8
Salaries are reviewed on an annual basis, and adjustments to each executive
officer's base salary are based
upon individual performance and salary increases paid by the Company's
competitors.
* ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. An annual bonus may be earned by selected
executive officers except the Chief Executive Officer based upon their
participating interest in a bonus pool tied to Company performance. Each
officer's participating interest is determined by the Compensation Committee at
the start of the fiscal year and may vary from year to year. The bonus pool for
fiscal 1996 was set at ten percent (10%) of the increase in net income of fiscal
1996 over fiscal 1995. For such purpose, net income was defined as the Company's
consolidated income before taxes less a provision for income taxes equal to
thirty-nine percent (39%) of pre-tax income. The Chief Executive Officer's
bonus, if any, is at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and the Board.
For fiscal 1996, no specific personal performance goals were established for the
executive officers as a condition to their participation in the bonus pool;
however, no bonus payout was to be made to any officer unless his or her
performance for the fiscal year was considered to be at a satisfactory level.
Accordingly, the Compensation Committee reviewed the performance of the Chief
Executive Officer, and the Chief Executive Officer reviewed the performances of
the other senior executive officers, namely, the President and Chief Operating
Officer, the Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Administrative Officer, and
the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and made his
recommendations to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has
delegated to those senior executive officers the authority to review the
performances of the other officers and key employees who report to them
directly. For fiscal 1996, the executive bonuses ranged from 13.52% to 24.82% of
total compensation.
For each subsequent fiscal year, the Compensation Committee will determine
whether or not to continue or modify the executive bonus program for that year
and, specifically, will designate the executive officers eligible to participate
in the program, specify what percentage of the bonus pool each of the
participants may earn, and determine the eligibility criteria for participation.
* LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. Option grants are intended to align the
interests of each executive officer with those of the Company's stockholders and
to provide each individual with a significant incentive to manage the Company
from the perspective of an owner with an equity stake in the business. The
Compensation Committee determines the size of the option grant according to each
executive's position within the Company and sets a level it considers
appropriate to create a meaningful opportunity for stock ownership. In addition,
the Compensation Committee takes into account an individual's recent
performance, his or her potential for future responsibility and promotion,
comparable awards made to individuals in similar positions within the industry,
and the number of unvested options held by each individual at the time of the
new grant. The relative weight given to each of these factors varies among
individuals at the Compensation Committee's discretion.
Each option grant allows the officer to acquire shares of the Company's
common stock at a fixed price per share (the market price on the grant date)
over a specified period of time (up to 10 years). The options generally vest in
equal installments over a four-year period, contingent upon the executive
officer's continued employment with the Company. Accordingly, the option will
provide a return to the executive officer only if the executive officer remains
employed by the Company for one or more years during which the option vests, and
then only if the market price of the underlying shares appreciates over the
option term.
TAX LIMITATION. As a result of federal tax legislation enacted in 1993, a
publicly-held company such as Western Staff Services, Inc. will not be allowed a
federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to the executive officers
named in the Summary Compensation Table, to the extent that compensation exceeds
one million dollars per officer. The compensation paid to the Company's
executive officers for fiscal 1996 did not exceed the one million dollar limit
per officer, nor is the compensation to be paid to the Company's executive
officers for fiscal 1997 expected to reach that level. Because it is very
unlikely that the compensation payable to any of the Company's executive
officers in the foreseeable future will approach the one million dollar
limitation, the Compensation Committee has decided not to take any action at
this time to limit or restructure the elements of compensation payable to the
Company's executive officers. The
9
Committee will reconsider this decision should the individual compensation of
any executive officer ever approach the one million dollar level.
COMPENSATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
In setting the compensation payable to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer, Mr. Stover, the Compensation Committee has sought to establish a
competitive rate of base salary, realizing that a significant percentage of his
overall compensation package is directly tied to Company performance and stock
price appreciation because of his position as a principal shareholder.
Mr. Stover's base salary is established through an evaluation of salaries
paid to similarly situated chief executive officers both at companies in the
industry which are of comparable size to the Company and at companies in other
industries with which the Company competes for executive personnel. In setting
Mr. Stover's base salary, it is the intent of the Compensation Committee to
provide him with a level of stability and certainty each year and not have this
particular component of compensation affected to any significant degree by
Company performance factors. In fiscal 1996, the Compensation Committee
conducted its annual review of Mr. Stover's base salary level and increased his
base salary from $215,000 to $250,000 for fiscal 1996.
On the basis of the Company's economic circumstances, the Compensation
Committee did not award a cash bonus to Mr. Stover for fiscal 1996, despite his
efforts and contributions in the successful completion of the Offering and
otherwise throughout fiscal 1996. The Committee granted no option shares to Mr.
Stover during fiscal 1996 since he is a principal shareholder of the Company.
Compensation Committee
Gilbert L. Sheffield, Chairman of
Compensation Committee
Jack D. Samuelson
Member of Compensation Committee
W. Robert Stover
Member of Compensation Committee
10
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth the compensation earned, by the Company's
Chief Executive Officer and the four other highest-paid executive officers whose
salary and bonus for fiscal 1996 was in excess of $100,000, for services
rendered in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries for each of the
last two fiscal years. No executive officer who would have otherwise been
includable in such table on the basis of salary and bonus earned for fiscal 1996
has been excluded by reason of his or her termination of employment or change in
executive status during that fiscal year. The individuals included in the table
will be collectively referred to as the "Named Officers."
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
-------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION SECURITIES
------------------------------- UNDERLYING
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS(#)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- -------------
W. Robert Stover ..................................................... 1996 244,616 -- --
Chairman of the Board of Directors 1995 215,000 -- --
and Chief Executive Officer
Michael K. Phippen ................................................... 1996 177,826 37,527 100,000
President, Chief Operating Officer 1995 6,731(1) -- --
and Director
Harvey L. Maslin ..................................................... 1996 189,423 46,909 60,000
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors 1995 185,000 35,410 --
and Chief Administrative
Officer
Paul A. Norberg ...................................................... 1996 180,000 28,145 60,000
Executive Vice President, Chief 1995 180,000 32,910 --
Financial Officer and Director
Michael J. Nicholson ................................................. 1996 109,519 36,166 7,500
President, Western Medical Services Division 1995 85,000 52,266 --
- ------------------------
(1) Mr. Phippen joined the Company in October 1995. The salary reported above
represents the actual compensation earned by Mr. Phippen for the fiscal year
ended October 28, 1995.
11
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table provides information with respect to the stock option
grants made during fiscal 1996 under the Company's 1996 Stock Option/Stock
Issuance Plan to the Named Officers. No stock appreciation rights were granted
to the Named Officers during such fiscal year.
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS IN FISCAL 1996 POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER OF PERCENTAGE OF ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE FOR OPTION TERM
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE PER EXPIRATION ------------------------
NAME GRANTED(1) FISCAL 1996 SHARE(2) DATE 5%(3) 10%(3)
- ------------------------------------ ----------- --------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------
W. Robert Stover.................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Michael K. Phippen.................. 100,000 23.6% $ 14.00 4/29/2006 $ 880,148 $ 2,230,291
Harvey L. Maslin.................... 60,000 14.1% $ 14.00 4/29/2006 $ 528,089 $ 1,338,175
Paul A. Norberg..................... 60,000 14.1% $ 14.00 4/29/2006 $ 528,089 $ 1,338,175
Michael J. Nicholson................ 7,500 1.8% $ 14.00 4/29/2006 $ 66,011 $ 167,272
- ------------------------
(1) The options were granted on April 30, 1996 and have a maximum term of 10
years measured from the grant date, subject to earlier termination in the
event of the optionee's cessation of service with the Company. Each option
will become exercisable for 25% of the option shares upon the completion of
one year of service measured from the grant date and will become exercisable
for the remaining shares in equal monthly installments over the next 36
months of service thereafter. However, the option will immediately become
exercisable for all of the option shares in the event the Company is
acquired by a merger or asset sale, unless the options are assumed by the
acquiring entity.
(2) The exercise price may be paid in cash, in shares of the Company's common
stock valued at fair market value on the exercise date or through a cashless
exercise procedure involving the same day sale of the purchased shares. The
Company may also finance the option exercise by loaning the optionee
sufficient funds to pay the exercise price for the purchased shares and the
federal and state tax liability incurred in connection with such exercise.
(3) There is no assurance provided to any executive officer or any other holder
of the Company's securities that the actual stock price appreciation over
the 10-year option term will be at the assumed 5% and 10% annual rates of
compounded stock price appreciation or at any other defined level. Unless
the market price of the Company's common stock appreciates over the option
term, no value will be realized from the option grants made to the Named
Officers.
12
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR END VALUES
The table below sets forth information with respect to the Named Officers
concerning their exercise of options during fiscal 1996 and the unexercised
options held by them as of the end of such fiscal year. No stock options for
stock appreciation rights were exercised during such fiscal year, and no stock
appreciation rights were outstanding at the end of such fiscal year.
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED "IN-THE-MONEY" OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT FISCAL AT FISCAL YEAR
YEAR END(#) END($)(1)(2)
---------------------------- --------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------- -------------
W. Robert Stover.......................................... -- -- -- --
Michael K. Phippen........................................ -- 100,000 -- $ 25,000
Harvey L. Maslin.......................................... 3,084 60,000 $ 14,341 $ 15,000
Paul A. Norberg........................................... 3,084 60,000 $ 14,341 $ 15,000
Michael J. Nicholson...................................... -- 7,500 -- $ 1,875
- ------------------------
(1) Options are "in-the-money" if the fair market value of the underlying
securities exceeds the exercise price of the option.
(2) Calculated by determining the difference between the fair market value of
the securities underlying the in-the-money options at November 2, 1996
(based on the closing price of $14.25 for the Company's Common Stock on the
Nasdaq National Stock Market for November 1, 1996, the trading day
immediately preceding the end of fiscal 1996) and the exercise price of the
options.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND CHANGE IN
CONTROL AGREEMENTS
The Company entered into an employment agreement with W. Robert Stover on
September 29, 1994 which provides his continuing employment until he chooses to
retire or until his death. In addition to base annual compensation of $250,000
for fiscal 1996, subject to adjustment with the mutual agreement of the parties,
the agreement provides that Mr. Stover may be paid bonuses based on the
Company's economic circumstances and his extraordinary efforts and
contributions. The agreement was amended as of November 2, 1996 to eliminate the
death benefits otherwise payable to Mr. Stover's widow or estate upon his death
during the employment term and to maintain Mr. Stover's base salary at $250,000
for fiscal 1997.
The Company does not have employment agreements with any other Named
Officers, and their employment with the Company may be terminated at any time at
the discretion of the Board of Directors. However, the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors has authority as Plan Administrator of the 1996 Stock
Option Plan/Stock Issuance to provide for the accelerated vesting of the shares
of Common Stock subject to outstanding options held by the Chief Executive
Officer and the Company's other executive officers, whether granted under that
plan or any predecessor plan, in the event their employment were to be
terminated (whether involuntarily or through a forced resignation) following:
(i) an acquisition of the Company by merger or asset sale, or (ii) a hostile
takeover of the Company effected through a successful tender offer for more than
50% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock or through a change in the
majority of the Board as a result of one or more contested elections for Board
membership.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Board of Directors established a Compensation Committee in March 1995.
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Stover, Sheffield and
Samuelson. Except for Mr. Stover, no member of such Committee was at any time
during fiscal 1996 or at any other time an officer or employee of the Company.
No executive officer of the Company served on the board of directors or
compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers
serving as a member of the Company's Board of Directors or Compensation
Committee.
For a description of transactions between the Company and members of the
Compensation Committee or their affiliates, see the "Certain Transactions"
section immediately below.
13
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
CONTRIBUTION OF MINORITY INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES AND NORWEGIAN
BRANCH. Prior to the Offering, Mr. Stover owned minority interests in certain
of the Company's foreign subsidiaries and in the Company's principal domestic
subsidiary, Western Staff Services (USA), Inc. In addition, in 1989,
Kontorservice, Inc., a corporation controlled by Mr. Stover, acquired a group of
Norwegian temporary services businesses (collectively, the "Norwegian Branch")
for approximately $2.8 million. After the acquisition, Mr. Stover invested
approximately $800,000 to fund the ongoing operations of the Norwegian Branch.
Upon consummation of the Offering, Mr. Stover contributed all of the shares of
capital stock owned by him in the Company's foreign and domestic subsidiaries as
well as the capital stock of the Norwegian Branch to the Company in return for
202,857 shares of Common Stock of the Company valued at approximately $2.8
million. The $2.8 million value was determined based upon the results of an
independent appraisal commissioned by the Company. The Company believes that
this valuation reflected a valuation that was no less favorable to the Company
than would otherwise have been received in a similar transaction with an
unaffiliated third party.
SALE OF WESTERN VIDEO IMAGES. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 1994, the
Company sold the common stock of, and certain intercompany receivables due from,
Western Video Images ("WVI"), a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, to Mr.
Stover, the principal stockholder of the Company, for an aggregate purchase
price of $3.0 million. The $3.0 million purchase price reflected the valuation
of WVI determined through an independent appraisal commissioned by the Company.
The Company believes that this valuation reflected a valuation that was no less
favorable to the Company than would otherwise have been received in a similar
transaction with an unaffiliated third party. WVI provides video post-production
services including digital visual effects and graphic production operations and
is in an industry unrelated to the Company's principal business. Furthermore,
WVI has historically operated independent of the Company, and there are no
significant shared costs.
The Company has previously provided services to WVI for a management fee
based upon the gross sales of WVI. Management fees charged to WVI for fiscal
1996, fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994 were $197,000, $226,000 and $211,000,
respectively. The Company and WVI have renegotiated a management services
contract under which the Company will continue to provide accounting, legal,
administrative and management support and services to WVI for a fee based upon
the gross sales of WVI. The fee will be paid monthly in arrears for actual
services rendered. The Company believes that the terms of the new management
services contract are commercially reasonable. WVI will arrange separate
financing for itself as required by its operations and will not receive any
future financing from the Company.
In addition, the Company is the lessee of the principal facilities in which
WVI operates. WVI is charged for all costs of the lease for these facilities.
The Company will remain the lessee and has subleased the facilities to WVI until
October 31, 2000, the termination date of the lease obligation. The Company has
entered into an arrangement with WVI, whereby WVI will indemnify the Company
against any and all liability arising out of the Company's continuing
obligations under the lease.
As of November 2, 1996, the Company guaranteed approximately $1.9 million
worth of WVI's debt. As of December 1996, the Company no longer guarantees WVI's
debt.
OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Between November 1990 and December
1995, the Company made distributions to its stockholders totaling approximately
$14.7 million. As required by the Company's covenants under its credit
agreements, stockholders are required to loan back to the Company any
distributions received in excess of their actual tax liabilities. Such sums were
loaned back to the Company in the form of promissory notes due on demand.
Between December 7, 1992 and October 28, 1995, the following loans by
stockholders were made to the Company: W. Robert Stover loaned the Company an
aggregate of approximately $1.3 million; Stephen R. Stover loaned the Company an
aggregate of approximately $212,114; Susan J. Stover loaned the Company an
aggregate of approximately $477,159; and Amy J. Stover loaned the Company an
aggregate of approximately $229,747. All such loans were made on commercially
reasonable terms, bore variable interest rates equal to the lowest short-term
rate charged the Company by Bank of America NT & SA, adjusted on the first day
of each fiscal quarter, and, pursuant to
14
an amendment and a waiver to the credit agreement, all were fully repaid as of
October 28, 1995. There were no such loans from stockholders to the Company in
fiscal 1996, and there are none presently.
On the date of the closing of the Offering, the Company and all of its
current stockholders entered into a Tax Indemnification Agreement relating to
their respective income tax liabilities. Because the Company became fully
subject to corporate income taxation after the termination of the Company's S
corporation status ("Effective Termination Date"), the reallocation of income
and deductions between the period during which the Company was treated as an S
corporation and the period during which the Company became subject to corporate
income taxation may increase the taxable income of one party while decreasing
that of another party. The Tax Indemnification Agreement was intended to assure
that taxes would be borne by the Company on the one hand and by the current
stockholders on the other, only to the extent that such parties were treated as
receiving the related income for income tax purposes. Subject to certain
limitations, the Tax Indemnification Agreement generally provides that the
current stockholders will be indemnified by the Company with respect to federal
and state income taxes shifted from a Company taxable year subsequent to the
Effective Termination Date to a taxable year in which the Company was an S
corporation, and the Company will be indemnified by the current stockholders
with respect to federal and state income taxes shifted from an S corporation
taxable year to a Company taxable year subsequent to the Effective Termination
Date. The Tax Indemnification Agreement also provides that the current
stockholders will pay or reimburse the Company for any and all taxes of the
Company which was formerly taxed as an S corporation for any period ending on or
prior to the Effective Termination Date (other than certain taxes reflected in
the Company's fiscal 1995 Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, the
Tax Indemnification Agreement provides that the amount of the S corporation
distribution to current stockholders will not exceed $5.0 million. Any payment
made by the Company to the current stockholders pursuant to the Tax
Indemnification Agreement may be considered by the Internal Revenue Service or
state taxing authorities to be non-deductible by the Company for income tax
purposes.
In April 1996, prior to the Offering, the Company executed a Promissory Note
in the principal amount of $3,888,393 payable to the Stover Revocable Trust
dated 11/16/88, as amended. The Company likewise executed Promissory Notes
payable to Stephen R. Stover, Susan J. Stover and Amy J. Stover in the principal
amounts of $317,857 each and Promissory Notes payable to the Stephen R. Stover
Irrevocable Trust dated 11/16/88, the Susan J. Stover Irrevocable Trust dated
11/16/88 and the Amy J. Stover Irrevocable Trust dated 11/16/88 in the principal
amounts of $52,679 each. The principal amounts of these non-interest bearing
notes were calculated based on the $5.0 million limitation of the S corporation
distribution to current stockholders. The repayment schedules under these notes
include four consecutive quarterly installments equal to one-quarter of the
principal amounts on July 15, 1996, October 15, 1996, January 15, 1997 and April
15, 1997. The Company has paid to date in aggregate a total of $3.75 million
under these notes, and it intends to pay the final installments of $1.25 million
in the aggregate on or before April 15, 1997.
During October 1995, the Company purchased the operations of one of its
franchise agents, Michael K. Phippen, now President and Chief Operating Officer
of the Company, for a total price of $5.9 million. The Company paid $1.5 million
in cash and agreed to make installment payments for the balance at an interest
rate of 6.50%. An additional $1.5 million was paid in fiscal 1996 and three
additional installments will be paid in fiscal 1997, fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1999
in the amounts of $973,000, $973,000 and $972,000, respectively.
Any future transactions between the Company and its officers, directors, and
affiliates will be on terms no less favorable to the Company than can be
obtained from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions with such persons
will be subject to approval by a majority of the Company's outside directors or
will be consistent with policies approved by such outside directors.
15
COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RETURN(1)
The graph depicted below reflects a comparison of the cumulative total
return (change in stock price plus reinvestment dividends) of the Company's
Common Stock with the cumulative total returns of the Standard and Poor's 500
Index and peer issuers in the temporary staffing industry.(2) The graph covers
the period from April 30, 1996, the date of the Company's Offering, through the
fiscal year ended November 2, 1996.
The graph assumes that $100 was invested on April 30, 1996 in the Company's
Common Stock and in each index and that all dividends were reinvested. No cash
dividends have been declared on the Company's Common Stock.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG
WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, S & P 500 INDEX AND PEER GROUP INDEX
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
WESTERN STAFF
SERVICES S&P 500 PEER GROUP
4/30/96 100 100 100
11/1/96 89.76 107.58 88.39
The Company's stock was first traded publicly on April 30, 1996. The graph
depicts cumulative returns calculated on an annual basis on $100 invested in
Western stock, the S&P 500 Index and Peer Group Index comparing Kelly Services
Inc., Interim Services Inc., Manpower Inc., Olsten Corporation and Personnel
Group of America Inc.
- ------------------------
Notes
(1) The performance graph and all of the material in the Compensation Committee
Report is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
is not incorporated by reference to any filing of the Company under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
whether made before or after the date of this Proxy Statement and
irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
(2) Stockholder returns over the indicated period should not be considered
indicative of future stockholder returns.
16
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of
the Company's Common Stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such
persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of
all Section 16(a) forms filed by such persons.
Based solely on the Company's review of such forms furnished to the Company
and written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes
that all executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders
complied with all filing requirements applicable to them with respect to
transactions during fiscal 1996, except as noted below.
W. Robert Stover, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, did not
file his initial Form 3 report of beneficial ownership on the April 30, 1996 due
date, but did file that report on June 10, 1996.
Each of the following individuals made open market purchases on April 30,
1996 of the number of shares indicated, and failed to file a timely Form 4
report, but filed a late Form 4 on June 9, 1997, except where otherwise noted:
Michael K. Phippen, 10,000 shares; Harvey L. Maslin, 1,000 shares; Paul A.
Norberg, 1,000 shares; Michael J. Nicholson, 500 shares; A. Terry Slocum, 1,000
shares; Gilbert L. Sheffield, 1,000 shares; and Jack D. Samuelson, 3,000 shares,
whose late Form 4 was filed on July 10, 1997.
Each of the following individuals failed to file a timely Form 5 for the
special option grant he received on November 1, 1996 for the number of shares
indicated, but did report such grant on a late Form 4 filed as follows: Jack D.
Samuelson, 1,500 shares, filed on December 31, 1996, and Gilbert L. Sheffield,
1,500 shares, filed on January 10, 1997.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of the Annual Report of the Company for fiscal 1996 has been mailed
concurrently with this Proxy Statement to all stockholders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Report is not incorporated into
this Proxy Statement and is not considered proxy solicitation material.
FORM 10-K
The Company filed an Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC on January 31,
1997 and an Amendment No. One thereto on Form 10-K/A on March 3, 1997. The Form
10-K/A contains additional information concerning the Company's Executive
Officers. Stockholders may obtain a copy of these reports, without charge, by
writing to Paul A. Norberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, at the Company's executive offices at P.O. Box 9280, 301 Lennon Lane,
Walnut Creek, California 94598-2453.
Dated: March 28, 1997
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, INC.
17
WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, INC.
PROXY
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies relating to these shares,
hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice and Proxy Statement dated March 28,
1997 in connection with the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at
10:00 a.m. April 15, 1997 at the Lafayette Park Hotel, located at 3287 Mt.
Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California and hereby appoints W. Robert Stover
and Robin A Herman, and each of them, (with full power to act alone), the
attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with power of substitution to each
to vote all shares of the Common Stock of WESTERN STAFF SERVICES, INC.
registered in the name provided herein which the undersigned is entitled to
vote at the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and at any adjournment or
adjournments thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would have if
personally present. Without limiting the general authorization hereby given,
said proxies are, and each of them is, instructed to vote or act as follows
on the proposals set forth in said Proxy Statement.
Election of two Directors (or if either nominee is not available for
election, such substitution as the Board of Directors may designate).
Nominees:
Jack D. Samuelson and Gilbert L. Sheffield
SEE REVERSE SIDE. IF YOU WISH TO VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATION, JUST SIGN ON THE REVERSE SIDE. YOU NEED NOT MARK
ANY BOXES.
SEE REVERSE SIDE
A /X/ Please mark your
votes as in this
example
FOR THE NOMINEES WITHHOLD
LISTED AT RIGHT AUTHORITY
(EXCEPT AS MARKED TO THE TO VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES
CONTRARY BELOW: LISTED AT RIGHT
1. Election of / / / / NOMINEES: Jack D. Samuelson
Directors Gilbert L. Sheffield
(see reverse)
For the nominees except as noted below:
_____________________________________________
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. Ratification of independent accountants / / / / / /
THIS PROXY WHEN EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO
DIRECTION IS MADE THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND
FOR THE RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2
MARK HERE
FOR ADDRESS
CHANGE AND / /
NOTE AT LEFT
Signature _______________ Date: _______ Signature _______________ Date: _______
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each
sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such.