UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

 

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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  o

 

Check the appropriate box:

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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

ý

Definitive Proxy Statement

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Definitive Additional Materials

o

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

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

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

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(2)

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(3)

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Total fee paid:

 

 

 

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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1)

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Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.

 



 

 

April 4, 2005

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc.:

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to invite you to attend our Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. to be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at the main office of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, 18512. At the annual meeting, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and to make comments.  Enclosed are your notice of meeting, proxy statement, proxy card and the Company’s 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders.

 

The principal business of the meeting is to elect three Class B Directors, ratify the selection of independent registered public accounting firm and to transact any other business that is properly presented at the annual meeting.  The notice of meeting and proxy statement accompanying this letter describe the specific business to be acted upon in more detail.

 

We are delighted you have chosen to invest in the Company. We look forward to you joining us. Whether or not you expect to attend the annual meeting in person, we hope that you will vote as soon as possible by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy in the envelope provided.  The prompt return of your proxy will save the Company expenses involved in further communications.  Your vote is important.  Voting by written proxy will ensure your representation at the annual meeting, if you do not attend in person.

 

We look forward to seeing you on May 3, 2005.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

/s/ Patrick J. Dempsey

 

 

Patrick J. Dempsey

 

Chairman of the Board

 

Blakely & Drinker Streets

Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512

(570) 342-8281 1-800-388-4380

fax: (570) 346-5724

www.bankatfidelity.com

e-mail: fidelity@fddbank.com

 



 

FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.

 

Blakely and Drinker Streets

Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512

(570) 342-8281

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD MAY 3, 2005

 

 

The Board of Directors is distributing this proxy statement to shareholders

on or about April 4, 2005

 

OTC Bulletin Board trading symbol: FDBC

 

www.the-fidelity.com

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

 

PROXY AND VOTING PROCEDURES

 

 

 

GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY

 

 

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (PROPOSAL NO. 1)

 

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

 

 

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK BY

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

 

 

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

 

 

CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT.

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

 

 

HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDER PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

 

 

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

 

ACCOUNTING FIRM (PROPOSAL NO. 2)

 

 

 

OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

 



 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MAY 3, 2005

 

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.:

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at the main office of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, 18512, to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

(1)                                  Election of three Class B Directors to serve for a three-year term and until their successors are properly elected and qualified;

 

(2)                                  To ratify the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2005; and

 

(3)                                  To transact any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

 

Shareholders, as of the close of business on March 11, 2005, are entitled to notice of the meeting and may vote at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy.

 

Management welcomes your attendance at the annual meeting.  Whether or not you expect to attend the annual meeting in person, we ask you to complete, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy in the accompanying postage-paid envelope.  The prompt return of your proxy will save expenses involved in further communications. Even if you return a proxy, you may vote in person if you give written notice to the Secretary of the Company and attend the annual meeting.  Promptly returning your completed proxy will ensure that your shares are voted in accordance with your wishes and will guarantee the presence of a quorum.

 

The Board of Directors is distributing this proxy statement, form of proxy, and Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc.’s 2004 Annual Report on or about April 4, 2005.

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

 

/s/ Paul A. Barrett

 

 

Paul A. Barrett

 

Secretary

 

Dunmore, Pennsylvania

April 4, 2005

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.

PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD.

 

1



 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

Date, Time and Place of the Annual Meeting

 

Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is furnishing this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company.  The annual meeting will be held at the main office of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, 18512, on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.  The telephone number for the Company is (570) 342-8281.  Please direct all inquiries to Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

 

Description of the Company

 

Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and registered bank holding company, was organized in 1999 and became the holding company for The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank (the “Bank”) on June 30, 2000.   The Bank, the Company’s wholly-owned, sole subsidiary, was established in 1902 as a commercial banking institution under the laws of Pennsylvania.  In 1997, the Bank acquired trust powers.  The Bank offers a full range of traditional banking and trust services and alternative financial products.

 

The Board of Directors encloses a copy of the annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, with this proxy statement.  You may obtain additional copies of the Company’s annual report for the 2004 fiscal year at no cost by contacting Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512, telephone (570) 342-8281.

 

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information.  You should rely only on the information contained in this document or in documents to which we refer you.  Although we believe we have provided you with all the information you will need to make your decision to vote, events may occur at the Company subsequent to printing this proxy statement that might affect your decision or value of your stock.

 

PROXY AND VOTING PROCEDURES

 

Solicitation and Voting of Proxies

 

The Board of Directors is sending this proxy statement and proxy to shareholders on or about April 4, 2005.  The Board of Directors of the Company solicits this proxy for use at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company.  The directors, officers and other employees of the Company or the Bank may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, facsimile, or other electronic means. The Company will pay the cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and soliciting proxies and any additional material that the Company sends to shareholders.  The Company will make arrangements with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of stock held by these persons.  The Company will reimburse these persons for their reasonable forwarding expenses.

 

2



 

Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on Friday, March 11, 2005, the voting record date, may vote at the annual meeting.  On all matters to come before the annual meeting, shareholders may cast one vote for each share held.  Cumulative voting rights do not exist with respect to the election of directors.

 

By properly completing a proxy card, the shareholder appoints the proxy holders named on the proxy card to vote his or her shares as specified on the proxy card.  Any signed proxy card, which does not specify how the shares are to be voted, will be voted FOR:

 

                  Election of Samuel C. Cali, Mary E. McDonald and David L. Tressler, Sr., as Class B Directors of the Company each for three-year terms expiring in 2008; and

 

                  Ratification of the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2005.

 

If a shareholder is a participant in the Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment Plan, the enclosed proxy will also serve as a proxy for the shares held in the plan.  The Register and Transfer Company, as the administrator of the plan, will not provide plan participants with separate proxies covering the shares held in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.  Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy, for each whole share of common stock held as of the record date.  If your proxy is signed but does not indicate your voting preferences, the proxy holders will vote your shares in favor of the proposals and for all nominees.  If you do not return a proxy, your shares will not be voted.

 

Quorum and Vote For Approval

 

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock.  At the close of business on March 11, 2005, the Company had issued and outstanding 1,843,997 shares of common stock, without par value.  The Company’s Articles of Incorporation also authorize the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock.  The Company has not issued any preferred stock.

 

To hold the annual meeting, a “quorum” of shareholders must be present.  Under Pennsylvania law and the bylaws of the Company, the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting.  Votes withheld and abstentions will be counted in determining the presence of a quorum for the particular matter.  The Company will not count broker non-votes in determining the presence of a quorum.  A broker non-vote occurs when a broker nominee, holding shares for a beneficial owner, does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item, and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner.  Those shareholders present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another time and place if a quorum is lacking.

 

Assuming the presence of a quorum, the nominees in each class of directors receiving the highest number of votes, cast by shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors, shall be elected.  Votes withheld from a nominee and broker non-votes will not be cast for a nominee.  The Company’s Articles of Incorporation do not permit cumulative voting in the election of directors.

 

3



 

Revocability of Proxy

 

Shareholders who sign and return proxies to the Company may revoke them at any time before they are voted by:

 

                  Delivering written notice of revocation to Paul A. Barrett, Secretary of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512; or

 

                  Delivering a properly executed proxy bearing a later date to Paul A. Barrett, Secretary of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512; or

 

                  Attending the meeting and voting in person, after giving written notice to Paul A. Barrett, Secretary of the Company.

 

You have the right to vote and, if desired, to revoke your proxy any time before the annual meeting.  Should you have any questions, please call Paul A. Barrett, Secretary, at (570) 342-8281.

 

Methods of Voting

 

Voting by Proxy

 

                  Mark your selections.

 

                  Date your proxy and sign your name exactly as it appears on your proxy.

 

                  Mail in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope.

 

Voting in Person

 

                  Attend the annual meeting and show proof of eligibility to vote.

 

                  Obtain a ballot.

 

                  Mark your selections.

 

                  Date your ballot and sign your name exactly as it appears in the transfer books of the Company.

 

GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY

 

Our Board of Directors believes that the purpose of corporate governance is to ensure that we maximize shareholder value in a manner consistent with legal requirements and the highest standards of integrity. The Board has adopted and adheres to corporate governance practices which the Board and senior management believe promote this purpose, are sound and represent best practices. We continually review these governance practices, Pennsylvania law (the state in which we are incorporated), the rules and listing standards of Nasdaq, and SEC regulations, as well as best practices suggested by recognized governance authorities.

 

Currently, our Board of Directors has eight members. Under the Nasdaq standards for independence, Samuel C. Cali, Michael J. McDonald, David L. Tressler, Sr., Patrick J. Dempsey and Mary E. McDonald, meet the Nasdaq standards for independence. This constitutes more than a majority of our Board of Directors. Only independent directors serve on our Audit Committee.

 

4



 

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

 

During 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors maintained three standing committees, and the Bank’s Board of Directors maintained eight standing committees.  The Board of Directors of the Company has a standing Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Employee Stock Incentive Committee.  In addition, the full Board of Directors of the Company performs the functions of a Nominating Committee.  The Board of Directors of the Bank has an Asset/Liability Committee, Audit and Compliance Committee, Credit Administration Committee, Executive Committee, Human Resource and Compensation Committee, Loan Application Committee, Trust/401(k)/Investment Committee, and a Building Committee.

 

Executive Committee.  Members of the Company’s Executive Committee, during 2004, were Patrick J. Dempsey, Chairman, Michael J. McDonald, and Brian J. Cali.  The principal duties of the Executive Committee are to act on behalf of the Board between meetings to take action on loan approvals, and to evaluate governance issues and strategic plans.  The committee did not formally meet in 2004.

 

Audit Committee.  Members of the Company’s Audit Committee, during 2004, were Michael J. McDonald, Chairman, Samuel C. Cali, Mary E. McDonald and David L. Tressler, Sr.  The Board of Directors has determined that David L. Tressler, Sr. is an “audit committee financial expert” and “independent” as defined under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules.  The principal duties of the Audit Committee, as set forth in its charter, which is available on our website, include reviewing significant audit and accounting principles, policies and practices, reviewing performance of internal auditing procedures, reviewing reports of examination received from regulatory authorities and recommending annually, to the Board of Directors, the engagement of an independent registered public accounting firm.  The Audit Committee met six times during 2004.

 

Employee Stock Incentive Committee.  Members of the Company’s Employee Stock Incentive Committee, during 2004, were Patrick J. Dempsey, Chairman, Samuel C. Cali, John T. Cognetti and Michael J. McDonald. This committee determines which key employees are eligible for participation in the Company’s Incentive Stock Option Plan.  This committee also administers the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Committee did not meet in 2004.

 

Nominating Committee.  The entire Board of Directors, each of whom is a non-employee director, desires to participate on and performs the functions of a Nominating Committee.  Because of full Director participation, the Board of Directors believes there is no need to have a separate standing committee to perform similar functions. The principal duties of a Nominating Committee include developing and recommending the criteria for selecting qualified director candidates, identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, evaluating and selecting or recommending director nominees for each election of directors, considering committee member qualifications, appointment and removal, recommending codes of conduct and codes of ethics applicable to the Company and providing oversight in the evaluation of the Board and each committee.  Because of the rare occurrence of  shareholder recommendations, the Board of Directors have not developed a formal policy to consider potential director candidates recommended by shareholders, but will give due consideration to any and all such candidates.  If a shareholder wishes to recommend a potential director candidate, the shareholder should mail the information regarding the candidate as required by bylaw provision 9.1 to the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s offices at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, PA 18512.

 

5



 

Human Resource and Compensation Committee.  Members of the Bank’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee, during 2004, were David L. Tressler, Chairman, Patrick J. Dempsey, Samuel C. Cali, and Mary E. McDonald.  The principal duties of the Human Resource and Compensation Committee include the establishment of policies dealing with various compensation plans for the Company and Bank.  In addition, the committee makes recommendations to the Board with respect to compensation paid to senior executives.  The Human Resource and Compensation Committee met twice during 2004.

 

Composition Table of the Company and Bank Committees

 

 

 

 

AUDIT*

 

ALCO

 

CREDIT
ADM.

 

EMPLOYEE
STOCK
INCENTIVE

 

EXEC.*

 

HUMAN
RESCS.

 

LOAN

 

NOM*

 

TRUST/
401K/
INVEST.

 

BUILDING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul A. Barrett

 

 

 

ý

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

Samuel C. Cali

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

Brian J. Cali

 

 

 

 

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

John T. Cognetti

 

 

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

Patrick J. Dempsey

 

 

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

Mary E. McDonald

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

Michael J. McDonald

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

 

 

David L. Tressler, Sr.

 

ý

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ý

 

ý

 

ý

 

 

 

ý

 

Meetings held in 2004

 

6

 

4

 

4

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

24

 

1

 

4

 

3

 

 


*Committee jointly serves both the Company and Bank.

 

The Board of Directors of the Company met 24 times during 2004.  There were a total of 48 meetings of the various committees of the Board of Directors in 2004.  All directors attended at least 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the various committees on which they served. All of our Directors attended the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and plan to attend the 2005 meeting.

 

Shareholder Communications

 

The Board of Directors has not adopted a formal process for shareholders to send communications to the Board.  Due to the infrequency of shareholder communications to the Board of Directors, the Board does not believe that a formal process is necessary.  Written communications received by the Company from shareholders are shared with the full Board no later than the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.

 

Nomination of Directors

 

Under the Company’s by-laws, nominations for director may be made by the Board of Directors or by a shareholder of record entitled to vote. In order for a shareholder to make a nomination, the shareholder must provide a notice along with the additional information and materials required by the by-laws to the Company’s Secretary not less than 60 days prior to the date of any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors. For our annual meeting in the year 2006, we must receive this notice on or before March 3, 2006. You can obtain a copy of the full text of the by-law provision by writing to Paul A. Barrett, Secretary, Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, PA. A copy of our by-laws has been

 

6



 

filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-90273 on Form S-4, filed with the SEC on November 3, 1999 and as amended on April 6, 2000.

 

Submission of Shareholder Proposals

 

Any shareholder who, in accordance with the proxy rules of the SEC, wishes to submit a proposal for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must deliver such proposal in writing to the Secretary of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. at its principal executive office, Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512, not later than December 6, 2005.

 

A shareholder may have other business brought before the 2006 Annual Meeting by submitting the proposal to the Company’s Secretary, in accordance with our by-laws. The proposal must be delivered to our executive offices at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, PA 18512, to the attention of the Company’s Secretary. We are not required to include any proposal received after December 6, 2005 in our proxy materials for the 2006 annual meeting.

 

Employee Code of Ethics

 

Since 1993, the Bank has had a Code of Ethics.  As required by law and regulation, the Board of Directors amended the Code of Ethics as of March 16, 2004, so that our Code of Ethics is applicable to both the Company’s and the Bank’s directors, officers and employees.

 

The Code of Ethics encourages individuals to report any conduct that they believe in good faith to be an actual or apparent violation of the code of ethics. The Board periodically receives reports on our compliance program.  The Code of Ethics is posted on our website at www.the-fidelity.com. We have also filed a copy of the Code of Ethics with the SEC as Exhibit 14 to our December 31, 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

(PROPOSAL NO. 1)

 

Qualification and Nomination of Directors

 

The Company’s by-laws provide that the Board of Directors consist of at least three directors and be classified into three classes.  Each class is elected for a term of three years.  Accordingly, the terms of the classes expire at successive annual meetings.  The Board may fix the number of directors and their respective classifications within the foregoing limits.  A majority of the Board may also fill vacancies on the Board, and the person appointed to fill the vacancy serves, until the expiration of the term of office of the class of directors to which he or she was appointed.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO ELECT THE THREE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW AS CLASS B DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.

 

Currently, Class A consists of three directors, Class B consists of three directors, and Class C consists of two directors.  Shareholders will elect three Class B directors at the annual meeting to serve for a three year term that expires at the Company’s annual meeting in the year 2008.

 

7



 

The proxy holders will vote the proxies for the election of each of the nominees named below, unless you indicate that your vote should be withheld from any or all of them.  Each nominee elected as a director will continue in office until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until his or her death, resignation or retirement.

 

The Board of Directors is proposing the following nominees for election as Class B Directors at the annual meeting:

 

                  Samuel C. Cali

                  Mary E. McDonald

                  David L. Tressler, Sr.

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of the above named nominees for directors.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Information as to Directors and Nominees

 

The following biographies contain selected information with respect to the directors of the Company.  The information includes each person’s age as of March 11, 2005, and principal occupation for at least the past five years.

 

Current Class A Directors (to serve until 2006)

 

Paul A. Barrett, Esquire

 

Mr. Barrett, age 71, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. Mr. Barrett has served as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since 1988.  Mr. Barrett is a principal shareholder with the law firm of O’Malley, Harris, Durkin and Perry, P.C., in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

 

John T. Cognetti

 

Mr. Cognetti, age 55, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. He has served as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since 1988.   Mr. Cognetti is President of The Hinerfeld Realty Co., in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

 

Michael J. McDonald, Esquire

 

Mr. McDonald, age 50, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. Mr. McDonald has served as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since 1994. He is a partner with the law firm of Foley, McLane, Foley, McDonald and MacGregor, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

 

8



 

Current Class B Directors (to serve until 2005) and Nominees (to serve until 2008, if re-elected)

 

Samuel C. Cali

 

Mr. Cali, age 88, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. Mr. Cali previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company from 1999 to October of 2001.  He has been a Director of the Bank since 1958 and served as Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Directors from June 1986 to October 2001. Mr. Cali is the retired proprietor of S.C. Cali Agency, an insurance agency located in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

 

Mary E. McDonald

 

Mrs. McDonald, age 71, has been a Director of the Company since 2000.  She has been a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since 2000.  Mrs. McDonald is a retired educator.

 

David L. Tressler, Sr.

 

Mr. Tressler, age 68, has been a Director of the Company since 1999.  Mr. Tressler has been a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since 1998.  He is a consultant for The Quandel Group, Inc., in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

 

Current Class C Directors (to serve until 2007)

 

Brian J. Cali, Esquire

 

Mr. Cali, age 52, has been a Director of the Company since February of 2001.  Mr. Cali has served as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since February of 2001.  He is a self-employed attorney practicing in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

 

Patrick J. Dempsey

 

Mr. Dempsey, age 71, has been a Director of the Company since 1999. Mr. Dempsey has also served as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since 1985.  He is the Chief Executive Officer of Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply, Inc., in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

 

Family Relationships

 

Director Mary E. McDonald is the aunt of Director Michael J. McDonald.  Director Brian J. Cali is the son of Samuel C. Cali, Chairman Emeritus.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

Directors receive no remuneration for attendance at the Company’s Board of Directors meetings.  However, the Bank pays each non-employee member of its Board a regular quarterly fee.  During 2004, the Bank paid a quarterly retainer of $7,000 to each non-employee Bank director for his or her services.  The Bank does not compensate employee directors for attendance at Board of Directors meetings or committee meetings.  Directors must attend at least two out of three meetings per month of regularly scheduled Board or committee meetings.  In the aggregate, the Bank paid its directors $224,000 for all services rendered in 2004.

 

9



 

In addition, under the 2000 Independent Directors Stock Option Plan, non-employee directors of the Company were eligible to receive stock option awards during 2004. However, no options were granted to non-employee directors in 2004.

 

Executive Officers of the Company and Bank

 

Steven C. Ackmann, 53, has served as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2004.  Mr. Ackmann served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since July 2004.  Prior to that date, Mr. Ackmann was an officer of FNB Corporation, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

 

Daniel J. Santaniello, 39, has served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since May 2004.  Mr. Santaniello has been employed by the Bank since July 2001 and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that date, Mr. Santaniello was Senior Vice President of Retail Sales and Administration at Pennstar Bank, in Scranton, Pennsylvania and has had previous operational experience in a mid-size community bank.

 

Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., CPA, 35, has served as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 2003.  Mr. DeFrancesco has been employed by the Bank since January 2003 and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that date, Mr. DeFrancesco was Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Landmark Community Bank, in Pittston, Pennsylvania and has had previous financial experience in a mid-size community bank as well as public accounting experience.

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of directors who meet the NASDAQ standards for independence.  The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which was reviewed and revised in March 2004 and is available on our website.

 

The Audit Committee met with management periodically during the year to consider the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and the objectivity of its financial reporting. The Audit Committee discussed these matters with the Company’s independent registered accountants and with appropriate Company financial personnel and internal auditors. The Audit Committee also discussed with the Company’s senior management and independent registered accountants the process used for certifications by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer which are required for certain of the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The Audit Committee met privately at its regular meeting with both the independent registered accountants and the internal auditors, as well as with the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Executive Officer on a number of occasions, each of whom has unrestricted access to the Audit Committee.

 

The Audit Committee has outsourced the internal audit function to the local certified public accounting firm of McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates.  The main responsibility of this firm was to complete the internal audits necessary to meet the monitoring component of the Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Other responsibilities included the identifying, re-testing and reporting all significant findings to the Audit Committee.

 

10



 

The commitment of the Audit Committee, internal audit, and management, resulted in the completion of the scheduled internal audits. Management, in response to findings,  had taken corrective action and internal audit re-testing was performed as required.  The combined efforts were successful in meeting the internal control components of risk assessment and monitoring required by year end.  The internal audit outsource arrangement, audit schedule and the commitment to maintain an effective system of internal controls, required under regulation, caused the Audit Committee to meet six times in 2004.

 

The Audit Committee selected Parente Randolph, LLC as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company in 2005 after reviewing the firm’s performance and independence from management.

 

Management has primary responsibility for the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the overall reporting process, including the Company’s system of internal controls.

 

The independent registered accountants audited the annual consolidated financial statements prepared by management, expressed an opinion as to whether those consolidated financial statements fairly present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and discussed with the Audit Committee any issues they believed should have been raised with the Audit Committee.

 

The Audit Committee reviewed with management and Parente Randolph, LLC the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and met separately with both management and Parente Randolph, LLC to discuss and review those consolidated financial statements and reports prior to issuance. Management has represented, and Parente Randolph, LLC has confirmed, to the Audit Committee, that the consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The Audit Committee received from Parente Randolph, LLC the written disclosure and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1. (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). The Audit Committee first discussed with Parente Randolph, LLC the items related to the firm’s independence from the Company. The Audit Committee also discussed with Parente Randolph, LLC matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61. (Communication with Audit Committees) of the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to the extent applicable. As such, the Audit Committee implemented a procedure to monitor auditor independence, reviewed audit and non-audit services performed by Parente Randolph, LLC and discussed with the auditors their independence.

 

In reliance on these reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Committee and the Board have also recommended, subject to shareholder ratification, the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2005.

 

Members of the Audit Committee

 

Michael J. McDonald, Chairman

Samuel C. Cali

David L. Tressler, Sr.

Mary E. McDonald

 

11



 

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK BY
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

As of March 11, 2005, we know of no shareholder who owned more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, either on the Company’s records or indirectly as a “beneficial” owner.

 

The following table provides information, as of March 11, 2005, with respect to the following beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock:

 

                                          Each Director of the Company

                                          All Company executive officers and directors as a group.

 

We determined beneficial ownership by applying the General Rules and Regulations of the SEC, which state that a person may be credited with the ownership of common stock:

 

                                          Owned by or for the person’s spouse, minor children or any other relative sharing the person’s home;

                                          Of which the person shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the stock; and

                                          Of which the person has investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the stock.

 

Also, a person who has the right to acquire shares within 60 days after March 11, 2005, will be considered to own the shares.  As of March 11, 2005 the number of common stock issued and outstanding was approximately 1,843,997.  The calculation of percentages is based upon this number, plus 18,700 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options for a total of 1,862,697 shares.

 

 

Name of Individual and
Position with Company

 

Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership of
Company’s Common
Stock(1)

 

Percentage of
Company’s Common
Stock Beneficially
Owned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul A. Barrett

 

38,518

(2)

2.07

%

Secretary & Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samuel C. Cali

 

56,172

(3)

3.02

%

Chairman Emeritus, Director and Nominee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian J. Cali

 

67,951

(4)

3.65

%

Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John T. Cognetti

 

9,159

(5)

*

 

Assistant Secretary & Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patrick J. Dempsey

 

41,907

(6)

2.25

%

Chairman of the Board & Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

12



 

Name of Individual and
Position with Company

 

Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership of
Company’s Common
Stock(1)

 

Percentage of
Company’s Common
Stock Beneficially
Owned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary E. McDonald

 

78,977

(7)

4.24

%

Director and Nominee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. McDonald

 

58,303

(8)

3.13

%

Vice Chairman & Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David L. Tressler, Sr.

 

10,366

(9)

*

 

Director and Nominee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Officers and Directors as a Group
(8 Directors, 3 Officers, 11 persons in total)

 

364,963

 

19.59

%

 


*              Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the Company’s common stock.

 

(1)           Information furnished by the directors and the Company.

 

(2)                                  Figure includes 976 shares held solely by Mr. Barrett, 9,639 shares held solely for Mr. Barrett in an IRA, 2,005 shares held jointly by Mr. Barrett and his spouse, 2,202 shares held by Mr. Barrett’s spouse, 21,696 shares held as Trustee and co-beneficiary of the Estate of Mildred Barrett and 2,000 exercisable stock options.

 

(3)                                  Figure includes 17,072 shares held in the S.C. Cali Revocable Trust, 300 shares held solely by Mr. Cali, 36,800 shares held in Jane Cali’s Revocable Trust and 2,000 exercisable stock options.

 

(4)                                  Figure includes 51,091 shares held solely by Mr. Cali, 8,870 held for Mr. Cali in a self-employed retirement trust, 3,703 shares held jointly by Mr. Cali and his children, 3,787 shares held by Mr. Cali’s children and 500 exercisable stock options.

 

(5)                                  Figure includes 200 shares held solely for Mr. Cognetti in an IRA, 3,507 shares held jointly by Mr. Cognetti and his spouse, 1,306 shares held by Mr. Cognetti’s spouse, 2,146 shares held by Mr. Cognetti’s spouse and children and 2,000 exercisable stock options.

 

(6)                                  Figure includes 4,000 shares held solely by Mr. Dempsey, 23,496 shares held by Mr. Dempsey’s spouse, 12,411 shares held by Mr. Dempsey’s children and 2,000 exercisable stock options.

 

(7)                                  Figure includes 77,977 shares held solely by Mrs. McDonald and 1,000 exercisable stock options.

 

(8)                                  Figure includes 45,039 shares held solely by Mr. McDonald, 9,281 shares held by Mr. McDonald’s spouse, 888 shares held by Mr. McDonald’s spouse and children, 1,095 shares held by Mr. McDonald’s children and 2,000 exercisable stock options.

 

(9)                                  Figure includes 2,611 shares held solely by Mr. Tressler, 524 shares held jointly by Mr. Tressler and his spouse, 1,006 shares held in trust for Mr. Tressler’s spouse and child, 3,821 shares held jointly for Mr. Tressler in trust with his son, 295 shares held jointly by Mr. Tressler and his daughter, 109 shares held jointly by Mr. Tressler and his grandchildren and 2,000 exercisable stock options.

 

13



 

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 require the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all filed Section 16(a) forms.  The Board of Directors knows of no persons who own greater than 10% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

 

Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that during the period from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2004, all officers and directors were in compliance with all filing requirements applicable to them.

 

CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS

WITH MANAGEMENT

 

Except as described below, the Company has not entered into and does not intend to enter into any material transactions with any director or executive officer of the Company and/or the Bank or their associates.

 

Some of our directors and officers and the companies with which they are associated had banking transactions with the Bank in the ordinary course of its business during 2004, and the Bank expects to continue such banking transactions in the future.

 

Total loans outstanding from the Bank at December 31, 2004, to the Company’s/Bank’s officers and directors as a group, members of their immediate families and companies in which they had an ownership interest of 5% or more, amounted to $10,748,949 or approximately 23.37% of the total shareholder’s equity of the Bank.  The Bank made these loans in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and they did not involve more than the normal risk of collection or present other unfavorable features.

 

The largest total amount of indebtedness outstanding during 2004 to the above described group was approximately $14,444,313.  The aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding as of the latest practicable date, February 28, 2005, to the above group was approximately $10,454,718.

 

During 2004, the Bank paid, in its ordinary course of business, for legal services performed by Brian J. Cali, Esquire, the law firm of O’Malley, Harris, Durkin and Perry, P.C., of which Paul A. Barrett is a partner, and the law firm of Ufberg, Tressler & Sileo, L.L.P., of which James M. Tressler, son of David L. Tressler, Sr., is a partner.  Further, in 2004, the Bank paid to Dempsey Uniform & Supply, Inc., of which Patrick J. Dempsey is Chief Executive Officer, for linen services, Hinerfeld Realty Co., of which John T. Cognetti is President, for real estate agency services and Guy Cali and Associates, of which Guy Cali, son of Samuel C. Cali, is owner for photography services and creative projects.  All of these products and services were sold or provided according to the customary price or fee schedule of the seller or service provider.

 

14



 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table provides the annual compensation for services in all capacities to the Company and the Bank for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, for those persons who were at December 31, 2004,

 

                                          The President and Chief Executive Officer, and

                                          The other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company to the extent such person’s total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000:

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

 

 

Long-Term Compensation

 

Annual Compensation

 

Awards

 

Payouts

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

(e)

 

(f)

 

(g)

 

(h)

 

(i)

 

Name and Prinicipal
Position

 

Year

 

Salary
($)

 

Bonus
($)

 

Other
Annual
Compen-
sation($)

 

Restricted
Stock
Award(s)
($)

 

Securities
Underlying
Options/
SARs
(#)

 

LTIP
Payouts
($)

 

All other
Compen-
sation
($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven C. Ackmann

 

2004

 

96,154

 

 

1,006

(1)

 

 

 

1,052

(2)

President & Chief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel J. Santaniello

 

2004

 

99,475

 

7,500

 

 

 

 

 

6,596

(3)

Vice President &

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Operating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael F. Marranca

 

2004

 

119,154

 

 

 

 

 

 

492,840

(4)

Former Chairman

 

2003

 

204,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,626

(4)

and President(7)

 

2002

 

202,000

 

15,000

 

 

 

700

 

 

34,928

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph J. Earyes

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

138,619

(5)

Former Executive

 

2003

 

175,000

 

 

2,588

(1)

 

 

 

26,522

(5)

Vice President and

 

2002

 

175,000

 

30,000

(6)

2,588

(1)

 

700

 

 

25,593

(5)

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officer(8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)           Figure represents the personal use value of a company-leased automobile.

 

 

15



 

(2)           Figure represents country club membership dues paid on behalf of Mr. Ackmann in 2004.

 

(3)                                  Figure includes the Bank’s contributions to the 401(k) and profit sharing plan of approximately $3,606 in 2004.  It also includes an Insurance cash option of $962 and membership dues of $2,028 paid on behalf of Mr. Santaniello in 2004.

 

(4)                                  Figure includes the accrued obligation of $475,849 under the terms of a termination agreement, the Bank’s contributions to the 401(k) and profit sharing plan of approximately $8,214, $12,978, and $12,913, on behalf of Mr. Marranca for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.  It also includes country club membership dues of $8,777, $11,302 and $11,698 paid on behalf of Mr. Marranca in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.

 

(5)                                  Figure includes the paid obligation of $138,619 under the terms of a termination agreement, the Bank’s contributions to the 401(k) and profit sharing plan of approximately $9,089 and $8,846 in 2003 and 2002, respectively. It also includes country club membership dues of $5,403 and $5,306, paid on behalf of Mr. Earyes in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

(6)                                  $10,000 of this amount was for the additional bonus payout contracted for in 2001.

 

(7)                                  Mr. Marranca resigned as an officer of the Company effective January 21, 2004.

 

(8)                                  Mr. Earyes resigned as an officer of the Company effective January 2, 2004.

 

Option Grants and Stock Appreciation Rights in Fiscal Year 2004

 

There were no options granted to the named executives during 2004.

 

Exercises of Stock Options in Fiscal Year 2004 and Fiscal Year-End Option Values

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to stock options held by the executives named in the “Summary Compensation Table.”  As noted below, no named executive exercised his stock options in 2004.

 

Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year

and Fiscal Year-end Option/SAR Values (1)

 

Name

 

Shares
Acquired
on Exercise (#)

 

Value Realized ($)

 

Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options/SARs at
FY-End (#)
Exercisable/Unexercisable
(2)

 

Value of Unexercised in-the-
Money Options/SARs at FY-End
($)
Exercisable/Unexercisable (3)

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

(e)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven C. Ackmann,

 

 

 

 

 

President and Chief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel J. Santaniello

 

 

 

500 / —

 

$

— / —

 

Vice President and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)  A “SAR” is a stock appreciation right.  The Company has not granted any SARs.

 

(2)  Options were granted on January 2, 2002 under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, and became exercisable after July 2, 2002.

 

(3)  The exercise price for the options granted in 2002 was $37.50 per share. The OTCBB market closing price of the Company’s stock as of December 31, 2004 was $33.90 per share.

 

16



 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table summarizes our equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2004.  Information is included for both equity compensation plans approved by Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. shareholders and equity compensation plans not approved by Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. shareholders.

 

 

Plan Category

 

Number of shares
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

 

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

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000 Independent Director
Stock Option Plan

 

13,500

 

$ 35.52

 

36,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000 Stock Incentive Plan

 

5,200

 

$ 35.52

 

44,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan

 

1,031

 

$ 30.71

 

96,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. shareholders:

 

-0-

 

$ 0.00

 

-0-

 

Totals

 

19,731

 

$ 35.27

 

177,370

 

 

2000 Independent Directors Stock Option Plan

 

The Company maintains an independent director stock option plan that was approved by the shareholders at the 2001 Annual Meeting.  The purpose of this plan is to advance the development, growth, and financial condition of the Company by providing an incentive, through participation in the appreciation of the common stock of the Company, in order to secure, retain, and motivate members of the Company’s Board of Directors who are not officers or employees of the Company or the Bank.  Pursuant to the plan, each independent director who is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors on the first business day of January is entitled to an annual award of 500 stock options.  However, no options were granted to Directors in 2004.  The purchase price of the option is the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  As of March 11, 2005, 13,500 outstanding options have been granted under this plan.

 

17



 

2000 Stock Incentive Plan

 

The Company maintains a stock incentive plan that was approved by the shareholders at the 2001 Annual Meeting.  The purpose of this plan is to advance the development, growth, and financial condition of the Company by providing incentives through participation in the appreciation of the common stock of the Company in order to secure, retain, and motivate personnel responsible for the operation and management of the Company and the Bank.  As of March 11, 2005, 5,200 outstanding options have been granted to key personnel under this plan.

 

2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

The Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan that was approved by the shareholders at the 2002 Annual Meeting.  The purpose of this plan is to provide Company and Bank employees the opportunity to acquire ownership interests in the Company and to motivate the employees to improve job performance and enhance the financial results of the Company.  Under the plan, each eligible employee may purchase a limited number of shares of the Company’s common stock on each January 1 at a purchase price per share equal to 90% of the lower of fair market values of the Company’s common stock on December 31st or January 1st of the pervious year.  The subsequent sale or transfer of the purchased shares under the plan is restricted for one year from the purchase date.

 

Employment Agreement with Steven C. Ackmann

 

The Company and the Bank entered into a three-year employment agreement with Steven C. Ackmann, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Bank, on June 21, 2004.  The agreement became effective on July 6, 2004.  The agreement reflects Mr. Ackmann’s position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank.

 

Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Ackmann received an annual base salary of $200,000 and a guaranteed bonus of $20,000 in 2004.  The Board of Directors may increase his salary in future years and may grant bonuses.  Mr. Ackmann also receives the following benefits: twenty days of annual vacation; a company automobile; a country club membership; and participation in the Bank’s employee benefit plans as allowed by the terms and conditions of the plans.

 

The agreement provides for its termination upon occurrence of various termination events, each as defined in the agreement and discussed below.  Each termination event has a different effect.  If the agreement terminates because of Mr. Ackmann’s death, the agreement automatically terminates.  If the agreement terminates because of Mr. Ackmann’s disability, Mr. Ackmann’s employment is terminated with cause, or Mr. Ackmann terminates his employment due to health reasons, Mr. Ackmann shall receive his current annual salary through the date of his termination.  If the agreement terminates because Mr. Ackmann’s employment is terminated without cause or Mr. Ackmann terminates his employment for good reason, he shall receive the following:

 

                  If Mr. Ackmann has been employed less than twelve (12) months, he shall receive an amount equal to 0.5 times his then current annual salary; or

                  If Mr. Ackmann has been employed more than twelve (12) months, he shall receive an amount equal to his full current annual salary from the date of termination through the last day of the agreement or his then current annual salary, whichever is less.

 

18



 

If a change in control, as defined in the agreement, shall occur, Mr. Ackmann may resign effective upon the change in control and receive an amount equal to 1.5 times his then current annual salary and benefits for one (1) year.  However, the Bank has the right to extend his employment for an additional six (6) months following a change in control.  Between the execution of an agreement to effect a change in control and the actual change in control, Mr. Ackmann’s employment can only be terminated for cause.  If Mr. Ackmann is terminated during that period for any reason other than cause, he will receive an amount equal to 1.5 times his current annual salary and receive benefits for one (1) year.

 

The agreement contains non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions that benefit the Bank.  The agreement also provides for arbitration of disputes arising under the agreement.

 

HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee has acted, and continues to act as a compensation committee for the Bank and the Company because the Company does not have any employees (Named Executive Officers of the Company are employed and compensated by the Bank).  The Board of Directors of The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank governs the Bank.  In fulfilling its fiduciary duties, the Board of Directors acts in the best interests of the Bank’s customers and the communities served by the Bank, as well as the Company’s shareholders.  To accomplish the strategic goals and objectives of the Bank, the Board of Directors engages competent persons who undertake to accomplish these objectives with integrity and in a cost-effective manner.  The compensation of these individuals is part of the Board of Directors’ fulfillment of its duties to accomplish the Bank’s strategic mission.

 

The fundamental philosophy of the Bank’s compensation program is to offer competitive compensation opportunities for all employees, based on the individual’s contribution and personal performance.  The Human Resources and Compensation Committee, comprised of four Bank directors, administers the Bank’s compensation program. The committee seeks to establish a fair compensation policy governing executive officers’ base salaries and bonuses and to attract and motivate competent, dedicated, and ambitious managers, whose efforts will enhance the products and services of the Bank, thereby improving profitability, increasing dividends to our shareholders and, subsequently, raising the market value of our shares.

 

The committee reviews and approves the top executives’ compensation annually, including the compensation for the Chief Executive Officer.  As a guideline for determining base salaries, the committee uses information composed of a Pennsylvania bank peer group in the L. R. Webber Salary Survey, as well as data collected by the Bank from proxy statements and annual reports of Pennsylvania-based banks.

 

Chief Executive Officer Compensation

 

The committee had determined that the Chief Executive Officer’s 2004 total compensation of approximately $118,212 including salary, bonuses, and benefits, was appropriate in light of the Bank’s performance.  This determination included a review of the Bank’s return on assets, return on equity, net income, and asset growth, as well as market-based compensation levels for similar positions.  However, no direct correlation exists between the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation and any specific performance criteria, or does the committee give any specific weight to individual performance criteria.

 

19



 

Executive Officer Compensation

 

The committee establishes the compensation of the Bank’s executive officers including increases in compensation based on its subjective analysis of the individual’s contribution to the Bank’s strategic goals and objectives.  In determining whether strategic goals have been achieved, the committee considers, among numerous factors, the Bank’s performance as measured by earnings, revenues, return on assets, return on equity, market share, total assets, and balance of non-performing loans.  Although the performance and increases in compensation were measured in light of these factors, no direct correlation exists between any specific criteria and an executive officer’s compensation, or does the committee attribute any specific weight to any criteria in the analysis.  After review of all information, including the above, the committee makes a subjective determination.

 

In addition to base salary, executive officers of the Bank may participate in the Bank’s 401(k) plan, which is available to all employees, subject to certain conditions.  The committee also awards annual bonuses at the end of the year, at its discretion. In addition to base salary, executive officers of the Bank are eligible to receive stock option awards under the Company’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan.  During 2004, there were no stock options awarded.

 

                General labor market conditions, the specific responsibilities of the individual, and the individual’s contributions to the Bank’s success influence total compensation opportunities available to the employees of the Bank.  Employee performance is reviewed annually.  The Bank strives to offer compensation that is competitive with that offered by employers of comparable size in our industry.  Through these compensation policies, the Bank believes it can meet its strategic goals and objectives for its constituencies and provide compensation that is fair and meaningful to its employees.

 

The Human Resources/Compensation Committee

 

David L. Tressler, Sr., Chairman

Mary E. McDonald

Patrick J. Dempsey

Samuel C. Cali

 

Human Resources and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee members had any interlocks on insider participation with the Company during 2004.

 

20



 

SHAREHOLDER PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

The following graph and table compare the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s common stock against the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite and SNL index of greater than $500 million in asset Banks traded on OTC-BB and Pink Sheets for the period of five fiscal years commencing January 1, 1999, and ending December 31, 2004.  The graph shows the cumulative investment return to shareholders, based on the assumption that a $100 investment was made on December 31, 1998, in each of the Company’s capital stock, NASDAQ  Composite and SNL >$500M OTC-BB and Pink Banks Index.  All cumulative total returns are computed assuming the reinvestment of dividends into the applicable securities.  The shareholder return shown on the graph and table below is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

 

Total Return Performance

 

 

 

 

Period Ending

 

Index

 

12/31/99

 

12/31/00

 

12/31/01

 

12/31/02

 

12/31/03

 

12/31/04

 

Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc.

 

100.00

 

108.63

 

111.35

 

116.15

 

115.07

 

108.10

 

NASDAQ Composite

 

100.00

 

60.82

 

48.16

 

33.11

 

49.93

 

54.49

 

SNL >$500M OTC-BB and Pink Banks

 

100.00

 

86.44

 

81.07

 

104.77

 

146.01

 

170.79

 

 

Source : SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA

 

(434) 977-1600

© 2005

 

21



 

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

(PROPOSAL NO. 2)

 

The Board of Directors has selected Parente Randolph, LLC as independent registered public accounting firm for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2005.  The Board of Directors of the Company and the Audit Committee believe that Parente Randolph, LLC’s knowledge of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. and The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank is invaluable.  Parente Randolph, LLC advised the Company that none of its members has any financial interest in the Company or the Bank.  Parente Randolph, LLC served as the Company’s independent registered accountants for the 2004 year.  They assisted the Company and the Bank with the preparation of their federal and state tax returns and provided assistance in connection with regulatory matters, charging for such services at its customary hourly billing rates.  The Company’s and the Bank’s Boards of Directors approved these non-audit services after due consideration of the accountants’ objectivity and after finding them to be wholly independent.

 

Aggregate fees billed to the Company by Parente Randolph, LLC for services rendered are presented below:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Audit fees

 

$

94,939

 

$

64,293

 

Audit related fees

 

23,724

 

51,647

 

Tax fees

 

3,343

 

3,670

 

All other fees

 

 

11,103

 

 

Audit fees included fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of annual financial statement and fees billed for the review of consolidated financial statements included in Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc.’s Forms 10-Q or services that are normally provided by Parente Randolph, LLC in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

 

Audit related fees included fees billed for assurance and related services by Parente Randolph, LLC that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and/or systems of internal control and are not reported under the audit fees section of the table above.  These services included expressing an opinion on management’s assertion of maintaining an effective internal control over financial reporting, by obtaining an understanding of the internal control over financial reporting, testing, and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of the internal control, and performing such other procedures considered necessary.

 

Tax fees include fees billed for professional services rendered by Parente Randolph, LLC for tax compliance or advice.  These services included the preparation of the Company’s 2003 Consolidated Federal Corporate Income Tax Return, Pennsylvania Corporate Tax Reports and the 2004 Bank Share Tax Return.

 

22



 

All other fees included fees billed for products and services provided by Parente Randolph, LLC, other than the services reported under the audit fees, audit related fees, or tax fees sections of the table above.  These included time for providing accounting research materials or review of the accounting treatment on certain transactions.

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Accountants

 

The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered accountants.  These services may include audit services, audit related services, tax services, and other services.  The Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of services provided by the independent registered accountants.  Under the policy, pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget.  In addition, the Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.  For each proposed service, the independent registered accountant is required to provide detailed back-up documentation at the time of approval.

 

In the event that the shareholders do not ratify the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC as the independent registered public accounting firm for the 2005 fiscal year, the Board of Directors may choose another accounting firm to provide independent registered public accountant/audit services for the 2005 fiscal year.

 

Representatives of Parente Randolph, LLC are expected to attend the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire, and will be available to answer questions.

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of Parente Randolph, LLC, as the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

The Board of Directors knows of no matters other than those referred to in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders that properly may come before the annual meeting.  However, if any other matter should be properly presented for consideration and voting at the annual meeting or any adjournments of the meeting, the persons named as proxy holders will vote the proxies in what they determine to be the best interest of the Company on the recommendation of the Board of Directors.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The Company encloses a copy of the annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, with this proxy statement.  In addition, upon request, any shareholder may obtain, without charge, a copy of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, including the consolidated financial statements and the schedules thereto, required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, from Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr., Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc., Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512 or by calling (570) 342-8281.

 

23



 

ý

 

PLEASE MARK VOTES
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

REVOCABLE PROXY
FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.

 

 

 

 

For

With-
hold

For All
Except

FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO
BE HELD ON MAY 3, 2005

 

 

1. Election of three Class B Directors to serve for a three-year term:

o

o

o

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

 

 

Samuel C. Cali       Mary E. McDonald             David L. Tressler, Sr.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees.

The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Paul A. Barrett, John T. Cognetti and Michael J. McDonald and each or any of them, proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution to vote all of the shares of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. that the undersigned shareholder may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at Blakely and Drinker Streets, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, 18512, on Tuesday, May 3, 2005, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting as follows:

 

 


INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark “For All Except” and write that nominee’s name in the space provided below.

 

 

For

Against

Abstain

 

 

2. Ratification of the selection of Parente Randolph, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2005; and

o

o

o

 

 

 

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.

 

 

 

 

 

3. In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

 

 

 

 

THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY SIGNED AND DATED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER(S). IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES AND FOR PROPOSAL 2 LISTED ABOVE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE CHECK BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND      —>
THE MEETING OR                                                      
CALL 1-800-388-4380.

o


Please be sure to sign and date
this Proxy in the box below.

Date


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholder sign above____________ Co-holder (if any) sign above

 

 

 

+

 

+

 

Ù Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided. Ù

 

FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.

 

This proxy must be dated, signed by the shareholder and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title. If more than one trustee, all should sign.

If stock is held jointly, each owner should sign.

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY
PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE

 

IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE CORRECT THE ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW AND RETURN THIS PORTION WITH THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.