DEF 14A
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. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
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)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Community Bank System, 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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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
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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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
5790 Widewaters Parkway
DeWitt, New York 13214-1883
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
April 12, 2007
To the Shareholders of Community Bank System, Inc.:
At the direction of the Board of Directors of Community Bank System, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the Company), NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the
Company (the Meeting) will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at Clarkson University,
Cheel Campus Center in Potsdam, New York for the purpose of considering and voting upon the
following matters:
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1. |
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The election of three directors to hold office for a
term of three years and until their successors have been duly
elected. |
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2. |
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To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for
the 2007 fiscal year; and |
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3. |
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The transaction of any other business which may
properly be brought before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
By Order of the Board of Directors
Donna J. Drengel
Secretary
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. YOU ARE THEREFORE REQUESTED TO SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD
AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, EVEN IF YOU EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING. YOU MAY WITHDRAW YOUR
PROXY AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE MEETING, OR IF YOU DO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY WITHDRAW YOUR
PROXY AT THAT TIME AND VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU WISH.
COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC.
5790 Widewaters Parkway
DeWitt, New York 13214-1883
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, MAY 15, 2007
This Proxy Statement is furnished as part of the solicitation of proxies by the Board of
Directors (the Board) of Community Bank System, Inc. (the Company), the holding company for
Community Bank, N.A. (the Bank), for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company
(the Meeting) to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at Clarkson University, Cheel
Campus Center in Potsdam, New York. This Proxy Statement and the form of Proxy are first being
sent to Shareholders on approximately April 12, 2007.
At the Meeting, the Shareholders will be asked to vote for the election of directors and the
ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm for the 2007 fiscal year. Three of the total of ten directors who currently serve
on the Companys Board (excluding the current director whose term will not continue after the
Meeting) will stand for re-election to the Board at the Meeting. Director Harold S. Kaplans term
will expire at the Meeting and the Board will be reduced to nine members. Voting will also be
conducted on any other matters which are properly brought before the Meeting.
VOTING RIGHTS AND PROXIES
The Board has fixed the close of business on March 29, 2007 as the record date for determining
which Shareholders are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. At the close of business
on the record date, 30,096,155 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, were outstanding and
entitled to vote at the Meeting. This is the Companys only class of voting stock outstanding.
Each share of outstanding common stock is entitled to one vote with respect to each item to come
before the Meeting. There will be no cumulative voting of shares for any matter voted upon at the
Meeting. The Bylaws of the Company provide that one-third of the outstanding shares of the
Company, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a Shareholder meeting.
If the enclosed form of Proxy is properly executed and returned to the Company prior to or at
the Meeting, and if the Proxy is not revoked prior to its exercise, all shares represented thereby
will be voted at the Meeting and, where instructions have been given by a Shareholder, will be
voted in accordance with such instructions.
Any Shareholder executing a Proxy which is solicited hereby has the power to revoke it at any
time prior to its exercise. A Proxy may be revoked by giving written notice to the Secretary of
the Company at the Companys address set forth above, by attending the Meeting and voting the
shares of stock in person, or by executing and delivering to the Secretary a later-dated Proxy.
The Company will bear all costs of soliciting Proxies. The solicitation of Proxies will be by
mail, but Proxies may also be solicited by telephone, telegram, or in person by directors,
officers, and other regular employees of the Company or of the Bank. Should the Company, in order
to solicit Proxies, request the assistance of other financial institutions, brokerage houses, or
other custodians, nominees, or fiduciaries, the Company will reimburse such persons for their
reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy materials to Shareholders and obtaining their Proxies.
The Annual Report of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, incorporating
the Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is being sent to
Shareholders with this Proxy Statement.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table provides information concerning all persons known by the Company to
beneficially own 5% or more of the Companys outstanding stock.
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Number of Shares |
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Name and Address |
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of Common Stock |
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of Beneficial Owner |
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Beneficially Owned |
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Percent of Class |
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
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2,452,752 |
(1) |
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8.19 |
% |
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Barclays Global Investors, NA/ Barclays
Global Fund Advisors/ Barclays Global
Investors, Ltd.
45 Freemont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
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2,263,519 |
(2) |
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7.56 |
% |
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(1) |
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Based solely on information contained in Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on February 9, 2007, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (Dimensional) has
sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to all shares listed.
Dimensional is an investment advisor that furnishes investment advice to four investment
companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves as investment
manager to certain other commingled group trusts and separate accounts (collectively, the
Funds). In its role as investment advisor or manager, Dimensional possesses investment
and/or voting power over the Companys securities that are owned by the Funds, and may be
deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares held by the Funds. However, all securities
reported in the Schedule 13G/A are owned by the Funds. Dimensional disclaims beneficial
ownership of such securities. |
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(2) |
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Based solely on information contained in Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on January 23, 2007, Barclays Global Investors, NA, Barclays Global
Fund Advisors, and Barclays Global Investors, Ltd. collectively have sole voting power with
respect to 2,156,856 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all shares
listed. |
ITEM ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND INFORMATION WITH
RESPECT TO DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The first item to be acted upon at the Meeting is the election of three directors, each to
hold office for three years and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Directors Nicholas A. DiCerbo, James A. Gabriel and Charles E. Parente, whose terms are scheduled
to expire as of the date of the Meeting, will stand for re-election. Director Harold S. Kaplan,
whose term of office expires as of the date of the Meeting, will not stand for re-election at the
Meeting. The nominees receiving a plurality of the votes represented in person or by proxy at the
Meeting will be elected directors.
All Proxies in proper form which are received by the Board prior to the election of directors
at the Meeting will be voted FOR the nominees listed below, unless authority is withheld in the
space provided on the enclosed Proxy. Each nominee is presently a director of the Company, and
each director of the Company is also a director of the Bank. In the event any nominee declines or
is unable to serve, it is intended that the Proxies will be voted for a successor nominee
designated by the Board. All nominees have indicated a willingness to serve, and the Board knows
of no reason to believe that any nominee will decline or be unable to serve if elected. The nine
members of the Board whose terms will continue beyond the Meeting (including the nominees for
election at the Meeting, if elected) are expected to continue to serve on the Board until their
respective terms expire or until attainment of mandatory retirement age in accordance with the
Companys bylaws.
The information set forth below is furnished for each nominee for director to be elected at
the Meeting and each director of the Company whose term of office continues after the Meeting. The
share ownership numbers for certain directors include shares that would be issuable upon exercise
of Offset Options granted to these directors in order to reduce the Companys liability under its
Stock Balance Plan. The purpose of the Offset Options is explained on page 13. See footnote (e)
on page 7 for the number of currently exercisable stock options (including, without limitation,
Offset Options) held by specific directors.
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
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Shares of Company Common |
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Director of |
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Business |
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Stock Beneficially Owned (c) |
Name and |
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the Company |
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Experience During |
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as of March 29, 2007 (d) |
Age (a) |
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Since |
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Past Five Years (b) |
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Number(e) |
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Percent |
Nominees (for terms to expire at Annual Meeting in 2010): |
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Nicholas A. DiCerbo
Age 60
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1984 |
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Partner, law firm of
DiCerbo and Palumbo,
Olean, New York.
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295,538 |
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.98 |
% |
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James A. Gabriel
Age 59
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1984 |
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Owner, law firm of
Franklin & Gabriel,
Ovid, New York.
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169,331 |
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.56 |
% |
3
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Shares of Company Common |
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Director of |
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Business |
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Stock Beneficially Owned (c) |
Name and |
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the Company |
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Experience During |
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as of March 29, 2007 (d) |
Age (a) |
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Since |
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Past Five Years (b) |
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Number(e) |
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Percent |
Charles E. Parente (f)
Age 66
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2004 |
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Chief Executive Officer
of Pagnotti Enterprises,
Inc., a diversified
holding company whose
primary business includes
workers compensation
insurance, real estate,
anthracite coal mining
preparation and sales,
and cable television.
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266,699 |
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.89 |
% |
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Directors Continuing in Office: |
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Terms expiring at Annual Meeting in 2008: |
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Brian R. Ace (g)
Age 52
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2003 |
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Owner, Laceyville
Hardware, Laceyville,
Pennsylvania.
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69,043 |
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.23 |
% |
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Paul M. Cantwell, Jr.
Age 65
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2001 |
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Owner, law firm of
Cantwell & Cantwell,
Malone, New York. Prior
to January 2001, Chairman
and President, The
Citizens National Bank of
Malone.
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150,290 |
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.50 |
% |
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William M. Dempsey
Age 68
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1984 |
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Retired. Prior to 2001,
Assistant to the
President, Rochester
Institute of Technology,
Rochester, New York;
President/ Dean, American
College
of Management and
Technology (RIT),
Dubrovnik, Croatia
(August 1997 July
1999); prior to August
1997, Vice President
of Finance and
Administration, RIT.
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119,392 |
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.40 |
% |
4
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Shares of Company Common |
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Director of |
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Business |
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Stock Beneficially Owned (c) |
Name and |
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the Company |
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Experience During |
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as of March 29, 2007 (d) |
Age (a) |
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Since |
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Past Five Years (b) |
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Number(e) |
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Percent |
Terms expiring at Annual Meeting in 2009: |
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David C. Patterson
Age 65
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1991 |
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President and owner of
Wight and Patterson,
Inc., manufacturer and
seller of livestock feed
located in Canton, New
York.
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131,245 |
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.43 |
% |
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Sally A. Steele (g)
Age 51
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2003 |
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Attorney, self-employed
as general practitioner
with concentration in
real
estate and elder law,
Tunkhannock,
Pennsylvania.
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68,842 |
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.23 |
% |
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Mark E. Tryniski
Age 46
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2006 |
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President and Chief
Executive Officer of the
Company. From August
2004 through July 31,
2006, Executive Vice
President and Chief
Operating Officer of the
Company. From March 2004
through July 2004,
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer
and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company.
From July 2003 through
February 2004, Executive
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the
Company. Prior to 2003,
a partner at the
accounting firm of
PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP in Syracuse, New
York.
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41,108 |
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.14 |
% |
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Director Not Continuing in Office: |
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Harold S. Kaplan (h)
Age 73
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2001 |
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Co-owner, M.C.F., Inc.,
and Partner, D&T Real
Estate, Scranton,
Pennsylvania. Prior to
April 2003, Co-Owner,
Montage Foods, Inc.,
Scranton, Pennsylvania.
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301,067 |
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1.0 |
% |
5
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Shares of Company Common |
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Director of |
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Business |
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Stock Beneficially Owned (c) |
Name and |
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the Company |
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Experience During |
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as of March 29, 2007 (d) |
Age (a) |
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Since |
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Past Five Years (b) |
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Number(e) |
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Percent |
In addition to the information provided above, the following summarizes
the security ownership of the highest paid executive officers during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 who are not also directors
continuing in office or nominees: |
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Scott A. Kingsley
Age 42
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Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer.
Prior to August 2004,
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of
Carlisle Engineered
Products, Inc.
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16,632 |
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.06 |
% |
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Brian D. Donahue
Age 51
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Executive Vice President
and Chief Banking Officer
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70,797 |
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.23 |
% |
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Thomas A. McCullough
Age 60
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President, Pennsylvania
Banking. Prior to
November 2003, President
and Chief Executive
Officer of Grange
National Banc Corp.
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8,142 |
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.03 |
% |
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J. David Clark
Age 53
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Senior Vice President and
Chief Credit Officer
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57,756 |
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.19 |
% |
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Sanford A. Belden
Age 64
Michael A. Patton
Age 61
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Retired; former Director,
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Retired; former
President, Financial
Services
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77,279
117,544 |
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.26
.39 |
%
% |
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Number of shares of Company common stock beneficially owned by all directors, persons chosen to become
directors and executive officers of the Company as a group (16 persons) |
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1,960,705 |
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6.33 |
% |
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(a) |
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No family relationships exist between any of the aforementioned directors or executive
officers of the Company. |
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(b) |
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No nominee for director or continuing director of the Company holds a directorship with any
company (other than the Company) which is registered pursuant to Section 12 or subject to the
requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or with any company
which is a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. |
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(c) |
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Represents all shares as to which named individual possessed sole or shared voting or
investment power as of March 29, 2007. None of the shares are pledged as security. Includes
shares held by, in the name of, or in trust for, spouse and dependent children of named
individual and other relatives living in the same household, even if beneficial ownership has
been disclaimed as to any of these shares by the nominee or director. |
6
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(d) |
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The listed amounts include shares as to which certain directors and named executive
officers are beneficial owners but not the sole beneficial owners as follows: Mr. Ace holds
3,828 shares jointly with his wife, his wife holds 117 shares, and 15,475 shares are held in
the name of Laceyville Hardware, of which Mr. Ace is owner; Mr. Cantwells wife holds 10,200
shares; Mr. Clark holds 3,300 shares with his wife and is the beneficial owner of 8,634
shares held by the Companys 401(k) Plan; Mr. DiCerbo holds 63,930 shares jointly with his
wife, 94,223 shares are held in the name of the law partnership of DiCerbo and Palumbo, and
his wife holds 1,793 shares; 12,587 shares are held by a charitable foundation of which Mr.
Kaplan serves as President, Treasurer, and Director; Mr. Donahue is the beneficial owner of
3,548 shares held by the Companys 401(k) Plan; Mr. Kingsley is the beneficial owner of 593
shares held by the Companys 401(k) Plan; Mr. McCullough holds 108 shares jointly with his
wife, 630 shares jointly with his mother, and is the beneficial owner of 1,723 shares held by
the Companys 401(k) Plan; Mr. Parente holds 16,000 shares as Trustee of the C.E. Parente
Trust U/A, his wife holds 3,000 shares, and 222,858 shares are held by a partnership
controlled by Mr. Parente; Mr. Patterson holds 4,760 shares jointly with his wife and 5,502
shares as Trustee for the Wight and Patterson Retirement Plan; Mr. Pattons wife holds 2,800
shares; Ms. Steele holds 38,122 shares jointly with her husband; and Mr. Tryniski is the
beneficial owner of 740 shares held by the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
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(e) |
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Includes shares that the following individuals currently have the right to acquire, or will
have the right to acquire within 60 days of March 29, 2007, through exercise of stock options
issued by the Company: Mr. Ace, 35,120 shares; Mr. Belden, 76,279 shares; Mr. Cantwell,
38,345 shares; Mr. Clark, 37,802 shares; Mr. Dempsey, 115,611 shares; Mr. DiCerbo, 118,047
shares; Mr. Donahue, 54,469 shares; Mr. Gabriel, 98,417 shares; Mr. Kaplan, 15,239; Mr.
Kingsley, 12,543 shares; Mr. McCullough, 4,769 shares; Mr. Parente, 23,004 shares; Mr.
Patterson, 103,551 shares; Mr. Patton, 64,830 shares; Ms. Steele, 30,720 shares; and Mr.
Tryniski, 25,920 shares. These shares are included in the total number of shares outstanding
for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of the foregoing individuals and of
the group as a whole, but not for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of
other individuals listed in the foregoing table. |
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(f) |
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Pursuant to the terms of a Merger Agreement dated as of March 11, 2004 providing for the
merger of First Heritage Bank with and into the Bank (which merger was consummated in May
2004), the Company agreed to appoint one of First Heritage Banks former shareholders,
Charles E. Parente, to serve as a member of the Companys Board of Directors for a term
expiring at the 2007 Annual Shareholders Meeting. The Merger Agreement further provided
that, subject to the exercise of the Boards fiduciary duty, Mr. Parente would be nominated
for at least one additional three-year term upon expiration of his initial term, and that the
Board would recommend that the Companys Shareholders vote in favor of his re-election. Mr.
Parentes nomination this year satisfied the Companys obligation with respect to nominating
Mr. Parente to the Board pursuant to the Merger Agreement. |
|
(g) |
|
Pursuant to the terms of a Merger Agreement dated as of June 7, 2003 providing for the
merger of Grange National Banc Corp. (Grange) with and into the Company (which merger was
consummated in November 2003), the Company agreed to appoint two of Granges former
directors, Brian R. Ace and Sally A. Steele, to serve as members of the Companys Board of
Directors for terms expiring at the 2005 and 2006 annual Shareholders meetings, respectively.
The Merger Agreement further provided that, subject to the exercise of the Boards fiduciary
duty, Mr. Ace and Ms. Steele would be nominated for at least one additional three-year term
upon expiration of these initial terms, and that the Board would recommend that the Companys
Shareholders vote in favor of their re-election. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Mr. Ace
and Ms. Steele were elected as members of its Board of Directors for additional terms
expiring at the 2008 and 2009 Annual Shareholders Meetings, respectively. |
|
(h) |
|
Pursuant to the terms of a Merger Agreement dated as of November 29, 2000 providing for the
merger of First Liberty Bank Corp. (First Liberty) with and into the Company (which merger
was consummated in May 2001), the Company agreed to appoint three of First Libertys former
directors, Saul Kaplan, Peter A. Sabia, and Harold S. Kaplan, to serve as members of its
Board of Directors for terms expiring at the 2002, 2003, and 2004 annual Shareholders
meetings, respectively. The Merger Agreement further provided that, subject to the exercise
of the Boards fiduciary duty, Messrs. Kaplan, Sabia, and Kaplan would be |
7
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nominated for at least one additional three-year term upon expiration of these initial
terms, and that the Board would recommend that the Companys Shareholders vote in favor of
their re-election. Saul Kaplans term of office expired as of the date of the 2005 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders, and he did not stand for re-election. Peter A. Sabias term of
office expired as of the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and he did not
stand for re-election. Harold S. Kaplans current term of office will expire as of the date
of the Meeting, and he will not stand for re-election. |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company maintains a corporate governance section on its website which contains our
principal governance documents including the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, Codes of
Conduct applicable to directors, executive officers and employees, the Companys Whistleblower
Policy, and the Committee Charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. These corporate governance documents are available
on our website at www.communitybankna.com under the heading Corporate Information
Corporate Governance, and a copy will be provided to any shareholder who requests a copy from the
Company.
Director Independence
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing standards and the Companys Corporate Guidelines
require the Board of Directors to be comprised of at least a majority of independent directors.
The Board has determined that 7 of the 9 directors nominated to serve on the Board or continuing in
office after the Meeting are independent under the NYSE standards and the Companys Corporate
Governance Guidelines.
For a director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the director does
not have any direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. To assist it in
determining director independence, the Board uses categorical standards which conform to, or are
more exacting than, the independence requirements in the NYSE listing standards. Under these
standards, absent other material relationships, transactions or interests, a director will be
deemed to be independent unless within the preceding three years: (i) the director was employed by
the Company or received more than $100,000 per year in direct compensation from the Company, other
than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation payments for
prior service, (ii) the director was a partner of or employed by the Companys independent auditor,
(iii) the director is part of an interlocking directorate in which an executive officer of the
Company serves on the Compensation Committee of another company that employs the director, (iv) the
director is an executive officer or employee of another company that makes payments to, or receives
payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any fiscal year, exceeds
the greater of one million dollars or 2% of the other companys consolidated gross revenues, or (v)
the director had an immediate family member in any of the categories in (i) (iv). In determining
whether a director is independent, the Board relies on the stated categorical standards but also
considers whether a director has any direct or indirect material relationships, transactions or
interests with the Company that might be viewed as interfering with the exercise of his or her
independent judgment.
Based on these independence standards, the Board of Directors determined that the following
individuals who served as directors during all or part of the last fiscal year were independent
directors during their service on the Board during such year: Brian R. Ace, John M. Burgess, Paul
M. Cantwell, Jr., William M. Dempsey, James A. Gabriel, Lee T. Hirschey, Harold S. Kaplan, Charles
E. Parente, David C. Patterson, Peter A. Sabia and Sally A. Steele.
8
In reviewing the independence of Paul M. Cantwell, Jr., James A. Gabriel and Sally A. Steele,
the Board considered the transactions described in the section entitled Transactions with Related
Parties on pages 13-14, including the legal services provided by law firms in which the directors
have a direct or indirect material interest and determined that the relationships disclosed would
not interfere with the exercise of the directors independent judgment.
Pursuant to the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, the independent directors meet in
executive session at least quarterly, without the Companys management and non-independent
directors present. The director who presides over these executive sessions is determined by the
Board on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Board Committees
Among its standing committees, the Board of the Bank has an Audit/Compliance/Risk Management
Committee which also serves as the Companys Audit Committee. As described more fully on page 39,
the Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee reviews internal and external audits of the Company
and the Bank and the adequacy of the Companys and the Banks accounting, financial, and compliance
controls, and investigates and makes recommendations to the Companys Board and the Banks Board
regarding the appointment of independent auditors. The Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee
held eight meetings during 2006, and its present members are Directors William M. Dempsey (Chair),
Brian R. Ace, and Charles E. Parente.
The Banks Board also has a Compensation Committee which reviews and makes recommendations to
the Banks Board regarding compensation adjustments and employee benefits to be instituted, and
which also serves as the Companys Compensation Committee. As described more fully on page 15, the
Compensation Committee reviews the compensation of nonofficer employees in the aggregate, and the
salaries and performance of executive officers are reviewed individually. The Compensation
Committee held seven meetings in 2006, and its present members are Directors Brian R. Ace (Chair),
Charles E. Parente, David C. Patterson, and Sally A. Steele.
The Company has a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee which makes recommendations to
the Board for nominees to serve as directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
held seven meetings in 2006, and its present members are Directors Sally A. Steele (Chair), Brian
R. Ace, William M. Dempsey, James A. Gabriel, and David C. Patterson. The Board has determined
that each of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees members is independent as
defined by the NYSE Rules.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider written recommendations from
Shareholders for nominees to serve on the Board that are sent to the Secretary of the Company at
the Companys main office. In considering candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee and the Board consider the entirety of each candidates credentials and do not
have any specific minimum qualifications that must be met by a nominee. Factors considered
include, but are not necessarily limited to, outstanding achievement in a candidates personal
career; broad experience; wisdom; integrity; ability to make independent, analytical inquiries;
understanding of the business environment; and willingness to devote adequate time to Board duties.
The Board believes that each director should have a basic understanding of (i) the principal
operational and financial objectives and plans and strategies of the Company, (ii) the results of
operations and financial condition of the Company and of any significant subsidiaries or business
segments, and (iii) the relative standing of the Company and its business segments in relation to
its competitors. Prior to nominating an existing director for re-election to the Board, the Board
and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider and review, among other relevant
factors, the existing directors meeting attendance and performance, length
9
of Board service, ability to meet regulatory independence requirements, and the experience,
skills, and contributions that the director brings to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee has adopted a written charter setting forth its composition and
responsibilities, a copy of which is available at the Companys website at
www.communitybankna.com and in print to any Shareholder who requests it.
Mr. Cantwell, as Chair of the Board, serves as a member of all Board Committees. The
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company serves as a non-voting ex officio member of
all Board committees except the Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee, the Compensation
Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and receives no compensation for
serving in this capacity.
Communication with Directors
Shareholders and any interested parties may communicate directly with the Board of the Company
by sending correspondence to the address shown below. The receipt of any such correspondence
addressed to the Board and the nature of its content will be reported at the next Board meeting and
appropriate action, if any, will be taken. If a Shareholder or an interested party desires to
communicate with a specific director, the correspondence should be addressed to that director.
Correspondence addressed to a specific director will be delivered to the director promptly after
receipt by the Company. The director will review the correspondence received and, if appropriate,
report the receipt of the correspondence and the nature of its content to the Board at its next
meeting, so that the appropriate action, if any, may be taken.
Correspondence should be addressed to:
Community Bank System, Inc.
Attention: [Board of Directors or Specific Director]
5790 Widewaters Parkway
DeWitt, New York 13214-1883
Compensation of Directors
As directors of both the Company and the Bank, Board members receive an annual retainer of
$10,000, $750 for each Board meeting they attend, and $500 for each committee meeting they attend.
The executive officer serving on the Board does not receive an annual retainer or compensation for
attending Board and committee meetings. The Chair of the Board receives an all inclusive $55,000
retainer for serving in that capacity. The Chair of the Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee
receives an annual retainer of $5,000; the Chairs of the Loan/ALCO Committee, the Compensation
Committee, and the Strategic/Executive Committee each receive an annual retainer of $3,500; and the
Chairs of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Trust Committee each receive
an annual retainer of $1,000. The Company pays the travel expenses incurred by each director in
attending meetings of the Board.
10
The Company does not make payments (or have any outstanding commitments to make payments) to
director legacy programs or similar charitable award programs. The following table summarizes the
annual compensation paid to each non-employee director for his or her service to the Board and its
committees in 2006.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
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Change in Pension Value |
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and Nonqualified Deferred |
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Fees Earned or |
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Option Awards |
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Compensation |
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Name (1) |
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Paid in Cash |
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($) (2) |
|
Earnings (3) |
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Total($) |
Brian R. Ace |
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$43,250 |
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$20,198 |
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$11,630 |
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$75,078 |
John M. Burgess (4) |
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$41,000 |
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$20,198 |
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$24,668 |
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$85,866 |
Paul M. Cantwell |
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$43,000 |
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$20,198 |
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$13,495 |
|
$76,693 |
William M. Dempsey |
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$39,500 |
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$20,198 |
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$28,076 |
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$87,774 |
Nicholas A. DiCerbo |
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$45,250 |
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$20,198 |
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$26,031 |
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$91,479 |
James A. Gabriel |
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$45,000 |
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$20,198 |
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$28,076 |
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$93,274 |
Lee T. Hirschey (4) |
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$36,500 |
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$20,198 |
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$24,668 |
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$81,366 |
Harold S. Kaplan (4) |
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$28,500 |
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$20,198 |
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$12,855 |
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$61,553 |
Charles E. Parente |
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$47,000 |
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$20,198 |
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$11,630 |
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$78,828 |
David C. Patterson |
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$47,500 |
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$20,198 |
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$26,031 |
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$93,729 |
Peter A. Sabia (4) |
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$21,667 |
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$20,198 |
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$ 0 |
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$41,865 |
Sally A. Steele |
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$43,500 |
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$20,198 |
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$11,630 |
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$75,328 |
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(1) |
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Mark E. Tryniski, President and Chief Executive Officer, does not receive any
compensation for his service as a director. Mr. Tryniskis compensation is set forth in
the Summary Compensation Table on page 24. Sanford A. Belden, the retired President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, did not receive any compensation for
his service as a director. Mr. Beldens compensation is set forth in the Summary
Compensation Table. |
|
(2) |
|
The amounts in this column reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement
reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, in accordance with FAS
123R of stock option awards granted in 2006 pursuant to the Companys 2004 Long-Term
Incentive Compensation Program. The options vest immediately upon grant and the exercise
price is $23.74. As of December 31, 2006, each Director has the following number of
options outstanding: Mr. Ace 40,297; Mr. Burgess 26,836; Mr. Cantwell 34,528; Mr. Dempsey
111,794; Mr. DiCerbo 114,230; Mr. Gabriel 106,218; Mr. Hirschey 17,022; Mr. Kaplan 11,422;
Mr. Parente 19,187; Mr. Patterson 99,734; Mr. Sabia 6,902; and Ms. Steele 26,903. |
|
(3) |
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The amounts in this column represent the aggregate change in the actuarial present value
of the Directors Stock Balance Plan, a nonqualified plan. No earnings are deemed
above-market or preferential on compensation deferred under the Deferred Compensation Plan
for the Directors. Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, a director may choose to have
his or her retainer and committee fees deferred until his or her membership on the Board
ends. Contributions are deemed to be invested in the Companys common stock which is
deemed to earn dividends at the same rate as the Company pays actual dividends on actual
shares. |
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(4) |
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Effective as of the 2006 Annual Meeting held on May 16, 2006, Messrs. Belden and Sabia
retired from the Board. Effective December 31, 2006, Messrs. Burgess and Hirschey retired
from the Board pursuant to the Companys mandatory retirement policy for directors.
Pursuant to the Companys Bylaws, a director is required to retire from the Board on
December 31st of the year in which he or she attains the age of 70. As more fully
described in footnote (h) on pages 7-8, Mr. Kaplan will retire from the Board effective as
of the 2007 Annual Meeting. |
11
Directors may elect to defer all or a portion of their director fees pursuant to a
deferred compensation plan for Directors. Directors who elect to participate in the plan designate
the percentage of their director fees which they wish to defer (the deferred fees) and the date
to which they wish to defer payment of benefits under the plan (the distribution date). The plan
administrator establishes an account for each participating director and credits to such account
(i) on the date a participating director would have otherwise received payment of his or her
deferred fees, the number of deferred shares of Company common stock which could have been
purchased with the deferred fees, and (ii) from time to time such additional number of deferred
shares which could have been purchased with any dividends which would have been received had shares
equal to the number of shares credited to the account actually been issued and outstanding. On the
distribution date, the participating director shall be entitled to receive shares of Company common
stock equal to the number of deferred shares credited to the directors account either in a lump
sum or in annual installments over a three, five or ten year period. The effect of the plan is to
permit directors to invest deferred director fees in stock of the Company, having the benefit of
any stock price appreciation and dividends as well as the risk of any decrease in the stock price.
To the extent that directors participate in the plan, the interests of participating directors will
be more closely associated with the interests of Shareholders in achieving growth in the Companys
stock price.
Consistent with aligning director compensation with the long-term interests of Shareholders,
the Companys 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program (the 2004 Incentive Plan) allows for
the issuance of Non-Statutory Stock Options to nonemployee directors. In particular, when
directors receive equity-based compensation such as stock options, their overall compensation is
enhanced when the market price of the Companys common stock increases and is adversely affected
when the market price of the Companys common stock decreases. The Board believes that providing
Non-Statutory Stock Options to nonemployee directors is consistent with the Companys overall
compensation philosophy by more closely aligning the interests of individual directors with the
long-term interests of the Companys Shareholders, and enabling the Company to continue to attract
qualified individuals to serve on the Board.
Under the 2004 Incentive Plan, each eligible nonemployee director is entitled to receive an
option to purchase shares of common stock on or about January 1st of his or her first year as a
director, and an option to purchase shares on or about the date of the January Board meeting each
year thereafter. Each option granted to a nonemployee director is granted at an option price per
share equal to the market value per share of the Companys common stock on the date of grant, and
is fully exercisable on its date of grant, provided that shares of common stock acquired pursuant
to the exercise of such options may not be sold or otherwise transferred by a director within six
months of the grant. Each option remains exercisable after the grant date until the earlier of (i)
ten years from the date of grant, or (ii) termination of the optionees service on the Board for
cause (as defined in the 2004 Incentive Plan). Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that
the Committee appointed by the Board to administer the 2004 Incentive Plan determines that grants
may be exempt from Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the
Non-Statutory Stock Options granted to eligible nonemployee directors shall relate to a number of
shares of common stock to be determined based upon the financial performance of the Company. Such
financial performance shall be determined based upon factors including (but not limited to) the
Companys growth in earnings per share, asset quality, return on equity, and CAMELS rating (a
measurement of capital, assets, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity utilized by the
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Banks primary regulator). Pursuant to the 2004
Incentive Plan, each eligible nonemployee director received an option to purchase 3,298 shares
effective January 18, 2006.
In addition, in keeping with the objective of aligning director compensation with the
long-term interests of Shareholders, effective January 1, 1996, the Board adopted a Stock Balance
Plan for nonemployee directors of the Company who have completed at least six months of service as
director. The plan establishes an account for each eligible director. Amounts credited to those
accounts reflect the
12
value of 400 shares of the Companys common stock for each year of service between 1981 and
1995 at the December 31, 1995 market value, plus an annual amount equal to 400 additional shares of
common stock beginning in 1996, plus an annual earnings credit equal to the most recent years
total return on the Companys common stock. The crediting of additional units beginning in 1996 is
subject to an adjustment factor which reflects the Companys asset quality, return on equity, and
CAMELS rating. Each directors account balance is vested after six years of service and is payable
in the form of a lifetime annuity or, at the election of the director, monthly installment payments
over a three, five, or ten year period following the later of age 55 or disassociation from the
Board and is forfeitable in the event of termination from the Board for cause.
The 2004 Incentive Plan allows the grant of Offset Options to directors. The effect of
these Offset Options is to permit the Company to reduce the grantees Stock Balance Plan account
balance by an amount equal to the growth in value of the Offset Options (i.e., the amount by which
the aggregate fair market value of the common stock underlying the Offset Options exceeds the
aggregate exercise price of the Offset Options) as of the date on which the directors account is
valued, provided that a directors account may not be reduced below zero. As such, the Offset
Options are not intended to materially change the level of compensation to participating directors
under the Stock Balance Plan, but are intended to reduce the cost of director compensation to the
Company. In the event that the growth in value of a directors Offset Options is less than the
value of the directors Stock Balance Plan account, the shortfall will be paid to the director in
cash. In the event that the growth in value of a directors Offset Options exceeds the value of
the directors Stock Balance Plan account, no payment will be made.
Transactions With Related Parties
Various directors, executive officers and other related parties of the Company and the Bank
(and members of their immediate families and corporations, trusts, and other entities with which
these individuals are associated) are indebted to the Bank through business and consumer loans
offered in the ordinary course of business by the Bank. All such loans were made in the ordinary
course of business, were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the
Bank, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable
features. The Company expects that the Bank will continue to have banking transactions in the
ordinary course of business with its directors, executive officers and other related parties on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those then prevailing for
comparable transactions with others.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, the law firm of Franklin & Gabriel, owned by director
James A. Gabriel, provided legal services to the Banks operations in its Finger Lakes markets; the
law firm of DiCerbo and Palumbo, of which director Nicholas A. DiCerbo is a partner, provided legal
services to the Banks operations in its Southern Region markets; the law firm of Cantwell &
Cantwell, owned by Director Paul M. Cantwell, Jr., provided legal services to the Banks operations
in its Northern Region markets; and director Sally Steele provided legal services and related
residential loan closing services through her law firm and related entities to the Banks
operations in its Pennsylvania markets. All of these relationships and transactions relate to the
provision of legal services in connection with, and in support of, the Banks lending business in
local and regional markets where the law firms are established and well-recognized in the
communities. For services rendered during 2006 and for related out-of-pocket disbursements, the
law firm of DiCerbo & Palumbo received approximately $296,977 for transactional and specialized
commercial legal services performed for the Bank and related loan closings with customers of the
Bank, and Sally A. Steele received approximately $116,400 for legal services performed for the Bank
and related loan closings handled by her law firm and entities with which she is affiliated
(approximately $29,950 relates to payments to Ms. Steeles law firm and approximately $88,450
relates to entities with which she is affiliated). During 2006, the firms of Franklin & Gabriel
and Cantwell &
13
Cantwell received less than $100,000 for services performed for the Bank and related to loan
closings in the relevant market area. These relationships are expected to continue in 2007 subject
to review of such relationships in accordance with the Companys policies. Pursuant to the terms
of its written charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving related
party transactions involving the Company or the Bank.
The Board of Directors has recently adopted a written policy, to be administered by the Audit
Committee, which provides procedures for the review of related party transactions involving
directors, executive officers, director nominees, and other related parties. In deciding whether
to approve such related party transactions, the Audit Committee will consider, among other factors
it deems appropriate, whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those generally available
to nonaffiliated parties and is consistent with the best interests of the Company. For purposes of
this policy, a related party transaction is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship or series
of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which (i) the Company or one of its
subsidiaries is involved, (ii) the amount involved exceeds $100,000 in any calendar year, and (iii)
a related party has a direct or indirect material interest. Related parties include executive
officers, directors, director nominees, beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Companys stock,
immediate family members of any of the forgoing persons, and any firm, corporation or other entity
in which any of the forgoing persons has a direct or indirect material interest.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Brian R. Ace, Lee T. Hirschey (retired), Charles E. Parente, David C. Patterson and Sally A.
Steele served on the Compensation Committee during 2006. There were no Compensation Committee
interlocks or insider (employee) participation during 2006.
Director Meeting Attendance
The Board of Directors held 12 regularly scheduled meetings and four special meetings during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. During this period, each director of the Company attended
at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and the total number of
meetings held by committees of the Board on which he or she served.
The Company encourages all directors to attend each Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All of
the then 12 incumbent directors attended the Companys last Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on
May 16, 2006.
Code Of Ethics
The Company has a Code of Ethics for its directors, officers and employees. The Code of
Ethics requires that individuals avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all laws and other legal
requirements, conduct business in an honest and ethical manner, and otherwise act with integrity
and in the best interests of the Company. In addition, the Code of Ethics requires individuals to
report illegal or unethical behavior they observe.
The Company also has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Executive Officers that applies to
its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and other senior officers performing similar
functions. This Code of Ethics is intended to promote honest and ethical conduct, full and
accurate reporting, and compliance with laws and regulations.
14
The text of each Code is posted on the Companys website at www.communitybankna.com
and is available in print to any Shareholder who requests it. The Company intends to report and
post on its website any amendment to or waiver from any provision in the Code of Ethics for Senior
Executive Officers as required by SEC rules.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Introduction
The executive officer compensation information in this section is presented in a new format
this year. The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted new executive compensation disclosure
rules which require the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) section to explain
the Companys compensation policy, the material elements of the total compensation paid to the
Companys executive officers under such policy, and how the Company determines the amounts paid to
such officers.
The Role of the Compensation Committee
The Board has established the Compensation Committee to address matters relating to
employment, compensation and management performance. The Compensation Committee reviews and
administers the Companys compensation policies and practices for the Named Executives (as defined
below). The Compensation Committee consists of four members of the Board, each of whom is: (a)
considered independent under the independence requirements of the New York Stock Exchange listing
standards and any other applicable laws, rules and regulations governing independence; (b)
qualified as a non-employee director, as defined under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended; and (c) qualified as an outside director under Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
The Compensation Committee has authority to set the level of executive compensation. After
extensive discussion and analysis, the Committee presents its recommendations to the Board for its
approval. The Compensation Committee does not delegate its duties to any other person; however, it
does work with management to structure the Named Executives performance goals. The Companys
Chief Human Resources Officer and the Human Resources staff supports the Compensation Committees
work by providing information reports to the Compensation Committee. Prior to the beginning of
each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee discusses the Companys performance and sets future
performance goals with the President and Chief Executive Officer.
In addition to working with Human Resources, the Compensation Committee has engaged the
Banking Practice Group of Clark Consulting to assist the Compensation Committee with:
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designing a long-term incentive program for its executive officers; |
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updating peer group data that the Compensation Committee uses to analyze executive
officer compensation; and |
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making recommendations to better correlate pay and performance and to improve the
competitiveness of executive officer compensation. |
The Compensation Committee has adopted a written Charter, a copy of which is available at the
Companys website www.communitybankna.com and in print to any person who requests a copy.
15
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following compensation discussion and analysis contains statements regarding future
performance targets and goals for the Companys executives. These targets and goals are disclosed
in the limited context of the Companys compensation program and should not be understood to be
statements of managements expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. The Company
specifically cautions investors not to apply these statements to any other context.
Philosophy and Objectives
The Companys ability to hire and retain employees and executives with the requisite skills
and experience to develop, expand and execute business opportunities is essential to its success
and the success of its Shareholders. The Company recognizes that its employees have a choice
regarding where they pursue their careers and therefore strives to provide a rewarding work
environment. The Company seeks to deliver fair and competitive
compensation to its employees by structuring
compensation principally around two general goals. First, compensation is targeted to
be near the median of the market. Second, employees are rewarded for satisfying goals designed to
achieve growth in the Companys earnings. As a result, selected elements of its compensation
program are tied to the achievement of individual and/or Company performance goals.
The Compensation Committee structures the elements of the total compensation program to
achieve the objectives set forth above. In addition, and upon the recommendation of management,
the Compensation Committee structures the annual cash incentive and equity-based elements of the
compensation program to promote the achievement of the Companys long-term growth goals, including
targeted earnings per share (EPS) each year. EPS is generally defined as the Companys net
income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during that period. EPS
reflects the best measurement of the Companys performance and progress towards continuously
increasing Shareholder value.
The Companys compensation program seeks to:
1. Attract, retain and motivate highly qualified executives through both short-term and
long-term incentives that reward individual and Company performance;
2. Provide incentives to increase Shareholder value by:
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structuring compensation contingent on performance measures intended to
reward performance the Company believes creates Shareholder value, and |
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utilizing equity-based compensation to more closely align the interests of
executives with those of the Companys Shareholders; |
3. Manage fixed compensation costs through the use of performance and equity-based
compensation; and
4. Reward continuity of service to the Company.
16
Policies and Procedures
To achieve the compensation programs objectives, the Company utilizes the following policies
and procedures.
The Company provides competitive compensation. The Company regularly compares its
cash, equity and benefits-based compensation practices with those of other companies of similar
size and operating in similar geographic market areas, many of which are represented in the stock
performance graph included on page 10 of the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2007. The Company establishes its own total compensation parameters based
(in part) on that review.
Comparisons to Similar Bank Holding Companies. In 2006, the Company utilized
compensation information from the Companys Regional Peer Bank Index, the ABA Executive
Compensation Standard Report, the NYBA Compensation Standard Report, and the World at Work
Compensation Standard Report. The Companys Regional Peer Bank Index consists of performance,
compensation and other reported/public data from eight New York banks and eight Pennsylvania banks.
In 2006, the Company primarily relied upon these broad databases, and other publicly available
information, to determine appropriate levels and types of compensation. The Company believes that
its executive compensation practices are consistent with the compensation philosophy of providing
competitive compensation with appropriate incentive and equity-based components.
The Company encourages teamwork. The Company recognizes that its long-term success
results from the coordinated efforts of employees, working towards common, well-established
objectives. While individual accomplishments are encouraged and rewarded, the performance of the
Company as a whole is a determining factor in total compensation opportunities.
The Company strives for fairness in the administration of compensation. The Company
strives to ensure that compensation levels accurately reflect the level of responsibility that each
individual has within the Company. Executives are informed of individual and Company-wide
objectives. Decisions regarding individual performance (which affects an individuals
compensation) are based upon valid assessments of performance.
Performance assessment involves the following:
1. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the Companys President and Chief Executive
Officer establishes and distributes written performance goals, which are pre-approved by the full
Board. Performance goals include specific financial and operational objectives for the Company.
2. All performance goals are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the Company is
responding to changes in the marketplace and economic climate, and that accomplishment of attained
goals is realistic.
3. At the end of the fiscal year, Company and individual performance is evaluated against the
established goals. These evaluations, as well as consideration of an individuals position
responsibilities, affect decisions on the individuals salary, cash incentive, and equity-based
compensation.
Overview of the Companys Compensation Program
The Company defines itself as a super-community bank which provides products of a more
comprehensive and advanced nature than those offered by smaller institutions, while simultaneously
17
providing a level of service which exceeds the service quality delivered by larger regional
and money center organizations. The delivery of those products and services, in ways that enhance
Shareholder value, requires that the Company attract key people, promote teamwork, and reward
results. In furtherance of those requirements, the Company maintains the following compensation
programs.
Cash-Based Compensation
Salary. The Company sets base salaries for employees by reviewing the total cash
compensation opportunities for comparable positions in the market.
Management Incentive Plan. In order to more closely align the employees compensation
to the Companys performance, an annual incentive plan is maintained in which 37 percent of the
Companys employees participated in 2006. Under the incentive plan in effect for 2005, the
Companys achievement of specified earnings performance criteria, among other criteria, triggered
the payment (in 2006) of cash awards for all employees in this group as determined by the
Compensation Committee. Incentive award levels, expressed as a percentage of salary, are
established for different organizational levels within the Company. For the Named Executives,
their respective award opportunities reflect the Companys performance relative to the financial
targets and their own performance with respect to other quantitative and qualitative goals specific
to their respective areas of responsibility.
Equity-Based Compensation.
The Company believes that the use of equity-based compensation, such as stock options and
restricted stock, is important because it aligns the interests of key personnel with those of the
Shareholders. In particular, when personnel receive equity-based compensation, their overall
compensation is enhanced when the market price of the Companys common stock increases and is
adversely affected when the market price of the Companys common stock decreases.
The Board typically awards equity-based compensation on an annual basis. Equity awards are
generally based on a percentage of salary; and various percentages have been established for
different organizational levels within the Company. Equity awards may consist of a combination of
restricted stock and stock options. Stock options can also serve as an effective tool in
recruiting key individuals to work for the Company and vesting requirements encourage those
individuals to continue in the employ of the Company. The Company has, on occasion, issued limited
amounts of restricted stock to individuals to support a variety of specific business objectives,
including rewarding performance in start-up and turnaround assignments, and recognizing
extraordinary service in consummating acquisitions.
Benefits
All salaried employees participate in a variety of retirement, health and welfare, and paid
time-off benefits designed to enable the Company to attract and retain a talented workforce in a
competitive marketplace. Health and welfare and paid time-off benefits help ensure that the
Company has a productive and focused workforce. The Company utilizes pension and 401(k) savings
plans to enable employees to plan and save for retirement.
The Companys tax-qualified 401(k) employee stock ownership plan (the 401(k) Plan) allows
employees to contribute up to 90 percent of their base salaries to the 401(k) Plan on a pre-tax or
after-tax basis, subject to various limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company
provides a matching contribution up to 3 percent of the contributing participants salary.
18
The 401(k) Plan also includes a discretionary profit sharing feature, pursuant to which the
Company may make an annual contribution based on the Companys net income. For the past three
years, the Company has made profit sharing contributions. Profit sharing contributions (if any)
are allocated to the plan accounts of participants (other than the Named Executives described on
page 22), who complete at least 1,000 hours of service during the year. Allocations are made on a
pro rata basis to all eligible participants based upon their base salaries.
Compensation of the Named Executives
The compensation program for senior executives is built around the philosophy of targeting
market-median compensation with incentive components that reflect positive, as well as negative,
Company and individual performance. The Companys compensation program consists of three key
elements:
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base salary; |
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annual bonus pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan (MIP); and |
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equity-based and other long-term incentives. |
Consistent with the Companys goal to emphasize at risk compensation, approximately 52
percent of Messrs. Tryniskis, Kingsleys, Donahues, McCulloughs and Clarks 2006 compensation
(base salary, annual bonus, and equity award) is attributable to base salary and approximately 48
percent is attributable to at-risk performance-based incentive compensation (consisting of annual
bonus and equity awards).
It is not the Companys practice to compensate any Named Executive in excess of the Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits. Section 162(m) generally limits the Companys tax
deductions relating to the compensation paid to Named Executives, unless the compensation is
performance-based and the material terms of the applicable performance goals are disclosed to and
approved by the Companys Shareholders. The Companys equity-based compensation plan has received
stockholder approval and, to the extent applicable, was prepared with the intention that the
incentive compensation would qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).
Base Salary
The Company uses the base salary element of total compensation to provide the foundation of a
fair and competitive compensation opportunity for each individual Named Executive. Each year, the
Company reviews base salaries and targets salary compensation at or near the median base salary
practices of the market, but maintains flexibility to deviate from market-median practices for
individual circumstances. Generally, the Compensation Committee starts the total compensation
review for executives at the last committee meeting of each calendar year by reviewing compensation
trends identified by the Company. At the beginning of the ensuing year, the Companys President
and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Human Resources Officer present the Compensation
Committee with an analysis of market-median total compensation and recommendations with respect to
the base salary of each Named Executive. The determination of base salaries is generally
independent of the decisions regarding other elements of compensation, but the other elements of
total compensation are dependent on the determination of base salary, to the extent they are
expressed as percentages of base salary (e.g., the cash incentive under the MIP is a
percentage of the executives base salary).
In January 2006, Mr. Tryniski received a base salary increase of $25,000, based upon his
individual performance in 2005. In August 2006, Mr. Tryniskis base salary was increased by
$75,000 to $400,000, upon his assumption of the duties as President and Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Tryniskis base salary of $400,000 as the Companys President and Chief
Executive Officer is well supported by (i) competitive
19
wage survey data, (ii) his succession as the President and Chief Executive Officer, and
(iii) the Companys strategic accomplishments and financial performance during the 2005-2006
evaluation period.
In January 2006, the Compensation Committee approved base salary increases for Messrs. Belden,
Kingsley, Donahue, McCullough, and Clark in the range of 3-4 percent, based on the Committees
evaluation of the following factors: (i) competitive wage survey data, (ii) realization of the
Companys strategic accomplishments during the 2005 evaluation period, (iii) satisfaction of
individual performance goals, and (iv) the Named Executives responsibilities and duties.
Effective as of December 31, 2005, Mr. Patton retired from the Company. Mr. Pattons early
retirement payment of $515,797 was paid to him in January 2006 under the terms of his Separation
Agreement. The payment in January 2006 resulted in Mr. Patton being listed in the Summary
Compensation Table, even though he was no longer serving as an executive officer at the end of
2006.
Please see the Summary Compensation Table presented in this Proxy Statement and the
accompanying narrative disclosures for more information regarding the base salaries of the Named
Executives.
Annual Bonus Pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan
For plan year 2005, the Companys senior management and the Board approved minimum, target,
and maximum goals for EPS. If the minimum performance goals were not satisfied, there would be no
payment under the MIP. The EPS target goal for 2005 as determined by the Compensation Committee
was achieved. Accordingly, during 2006, Mr. Belden received 50 percent of his base salary as a
cash incentive pursuant to the MIP; Messrs. Tryniski, Kingsley, Donahue and Patton received 30
percent of their base salaries as cash incentives pursuant to the MIP; and Messrs. Clark and
McCullough received approximately 25 percent of their base salaries as cash incentives pursuant to
the MIP. The dollar amounts of each award are set forth under the column entitled Nonequity
Incentive Plan Compensation of the Summary Compensation Table.
In 2006, the Compensation Committee approved the use of a Report Card, which contains seven
specific measures weighted in accordance with their impact on the Companys growth and
profitability, as a means to determine cash incentives under the MIP. The Companys achievement of
the target performance for all measures would yield a score of 100% and the payment of the cash
incentive awards. This payment can be modified at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and
the Board. In addition to the seven metrics, the Named Executives ultimate MIP awards also take
into account qualitative factors, such as individual responsibilities and accomplishments. The
following categories were included in the Report Card: EPS; expense reduction initiatives, growth
of loans, deposits and banking non-interest income; earnings of wealth management and benefit
businesses; regional operating performance; new marketing initiatives; and asset quality metrics.
Please see the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table presented in this Proxy Statement and the
accompanying narrative disclosure for more information regarding the amount received by each of the
Named Executives under the MIP.
Equity-Based and Other Long-Term Incentive Compensation
The Compensation Committee believes that the interests of the Companys Shareholders are best
served when a significant percentage of its officers compensation is comprised of equity-based and
other long-term incentives that appreciate in value contingent upon increases in the share price of
the Companys stock and other indicators that reflect improvements in business fundamentals.
Therefore, it is the Compensation Committees intention to make annual grants of equity-based
awards to the Named
20
Executives and other key employees at such times and in such amounts as may be required to
accomplish the objectives of the Companys compensation program.
Each year senior management and the Board establishes objectives for use in the determination
of equity-based awards under the Companys 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program. For plan
year 2005, the established objectives included, among other factors, EPS targets. If EPS was
either above or below the target amount, the grant would increase or decrease accordingly. If
the minimum performance goals were not satisfied, the Named Executives would receive no incentive
grants under the Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program. The 2005 EPS target goal as determined
by the Compensation Committee was achieved. Therefore, in February 2006, grants were made under
the Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program at the target level. The FAS 123R fair values are set
forth under the column entitled Option Awards of the Summary Compensation Table.
For the 2006 plan year which was awarded in 2007, the Company introduced a new equity program
pursuant to which the Named Executives will receive 66 percent of their total available equity
compensation only if specified annual objectives are achieved. Half of this at-risk compensation
will be in the form of appreciation shares (incentive stock options) and half will be in the form
of full value shares (restricted stock). The remaining 34 percent of available equity compensation
will be granted in the form of appreciation shares (nonqualified stock options) which have a
three-year vesting schedule tied to the satisfaction of long-term goals. The long-term performance
goals emphasize EPS growth, asset growth and total Shareholder return and include comparisons to a
regional peer group of financial institutions.
The Compensation Committee recognizes that no set of performance goals can anticipate every
eventuality. Therefore, the Compensation Committee reserves the right to adjust or waive the
achievement of some or all of the performance goals (and allow equity compensation to vest), if
extraordinary circumstances significantly influence the Companys actual results.
The Company does not backdate options or grant options retrospectively. In addition, the
Company does not plan to coordinate grants of options so that they are made before announcements of
favorable information, or after announcement of unfavorable information. The Companys options are
granted at fair market value on a fixed date with all required approvals obtained in advance of or
on the actual grant date. All grants to executive officers require the approval of the
Compensation Committee. The Companys general practice is to grant options only on the annual
grant date, although there are occasions when grants have been made on other dates, such as the
employment of new employees and such grants are made as of the date of hire. The exercise price of
the stock options is determined as the closing price of a share of the Companys common stock on
the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant.
Please see the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table presented
in this Proxy Statement and the accompanying narrative disclosure for more information regarding
the number and value of the stock option awards received by each of the Named Executives.
Perquisites
Although perquisites are not a key element of the Companys compensation program, the
Companys Named Executives, along with certain other senior level executives, are provided a
limited number of perquisites whose purpose is to support those executives in their business
functions. The Company provides the following perquisites to some, but not all, of the Named
Executives, all of which are quantified in the Summary Compensation Table on page 24.
21
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Named Executives receive memberships to local country and social clubs to enable
them to interact and foster relationships with customers and local business people.
Memberships do not exceed $7,500 for each Named Executive; |
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Named Executives who require a vehicle to manage the geographic territory of the
Company (which spans from Northeastern Pennsylvania to the Canadian border) are
provided with Company-owned vehicles. A Named Executive who uses a Company-owned
vehicle for personal use is subject to tax on such use; and |
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Named Executives receive term life insurance coverage in excess of $300,000
under a plan not available to all full-time employees. |
As part of the merger with Grange in November 2003, the Company assumed the split dollar
insurance arrangement between Grange and Mr. McCullough. Under the arrangement, the Company owns a
life insurance policy on Mr. McCulloughs life. Upon Mr. McCulloughs death, the Company will
receive from the death benefit proceeds payable pursuant to the underlying policy the greater of
(i) all of the premium payments made on the policy, (ii) the cash surrender value of the policy, or
(iii) the amount of the death benefit proceeds that exceeds two times Mr. McCulloughs base annual
salary. Mr. McCulloughs beneficiaries would receive the remainder of any death benefit proceeds.
Please see the Summary Compensation Table and accompanying narrative disclosures presented in
this Proxy Statement for more information on perquisites and other personal benefits the Company
provides to the Named Executives.
Retirement and Other Benefits
The Company provides retirement benefits through a combination of the Pension Plan and the
401(k) Plan for most of its regular employees, including the Named Executives. The 401(k) Plan and
the Pension Plan are more fully described under the section entitled Retirement Plan Benefits on
page 29. The Pension Plan is available to all of the Companys employees after one year of service
and the entire cost of such benefits is paid by the Company.
Certain Named Executives are also covered by an individual supplemental retirement agreement
that generally provides for non-qualified retirement benefits that cannot be provided to the Named
Executives under the Pension Plan due to Internal Revenue Code limitations. The Companys
retirement plans are more fully described under the section entitled Pension Benefits on page 30.
The Company offers the Named Executives and certain other senior level executives the
opportunity to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Executive Employees of
Community Bank System, Inc. (the Deferred Compensation Plan). The Named Executives may elect to
defer cash awards payable under the MIP and base salary into the Deferred Compensation Plan
described under the section entitled Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan on page 33. The
Company also makes contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan on behalf of the Named
Executives equal to the amount of the profit sharing contribution that would have been allocated to
the Named Executives under the 401(k) Plan, but for the 401(k) Plan provision that excludes Named
Executives from profit sharing allocations under the 401(k) Plan.
The Company has entered into an employment agreement with each of the Named Executives. These
individual agreements generally provide for severance or other benefits following the termination,
retirement, death or disability of the Named Executives. The agreements, which also include change
in control provisions, are more fully described on pages 35-38. Such change in control provisions
contain a
22
double trigger, providing benefits only upon an involuntary termination or constructive
termination of the Named Executive within two years following a change in control.
The Company currently has a succession plan to help assure a smooth transition with
respect to any changes that may occur in senior management. In the event of such changes, the
Compensation Committee will consider appropriate transition agreements with key officers of the
Company consistent with the purposes of the succession plan. The terms and conditions of any such
transition agreements will be recommended by management and approved by the Compensation Committee.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the CD&A with management. Based upon
its review and discussion with management, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board
of Directors that the CD&A be included in this Proxy Statement and the Companys annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Brian R. Ace, Chair
Charles E. Parente
David C. Patterson
Sally A. Steele
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE TABLES
The following table summarizes the compensation of the Named Executive Officers (the Named
Executives) for the fiscal year end December 31, 2006. The Named Executives are the Companys
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and the three other most highly compensated
executive officers ranked by their total compensation in the table below (reduced by the amount set
forth in the column entitled Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Earnings). In addition, two additional officers whose employment ended prior to December 31, 2006
are included because their compensation in 2006 exceeds that of other Named Executives. The
material terms of the employment, consulting and separation agreements with the Named Executives
are set forth on pages 35-38.
23
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
for
Fiscal Year End December 31, 2006
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Change in |
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Pension Value |
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and |
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Non-Equity |
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Nonqualified |
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Option |
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Incentive Plan |
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Deferred |
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All Other |
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Name and |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Principal Position |
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Year |
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Salary ($) |
|
($)(1) |
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(2) |
|
Earnings (3) |
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($)(4) |
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Total ($) |
Mark E. Tryniski
President,
Chief Executive
Officer and
Director |
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2006 |
|
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$ |
356,731 |
|
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$ |
67,791 |
|
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$ |
90,000 |
|
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$ |
64,397 |
|
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$ |
37,217 |
|
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$ |
616,136 |
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Scott A. Kingsley
Executive Vice
President and Chief
Financial Officer |
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2006 |
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$ |
265,377 |
|
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$ |
44,924 |
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$ |
73,500 |
|
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$ |
29,051 |
|
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$ |
26,319 |
|
|
$ |
439,171 |
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Brian D. Donahue
Executive Vice
President and Chief
Banking Officer |
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2006 |
|
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$ |
238,049 |
|
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$ |
52,494 |
|
|
$ |
69,000 |
|
|
$ |
65,577 |
|
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$ |
24,708 |
|
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$ |
449,828 |
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Thomas A. McCullough
President,
Pennsylvania
Banking |
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2006 |
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$ |
204,719 |
|
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$ |
19,629 |
|
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$ |
44,720 |
|
|
$ |
543,150 |
|
|
$ |
27,279 |
|
|
$ |
839,497 |
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J. David Clark
Senior Vice
President and Chief
Credit Officer |
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2006 |
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$ |
186,095 |
|
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$ |
38,698 |
|
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$ |
45,500 |
|
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$ |
42,287 |
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$ |
24,248 |
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$ |
336,828 |
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Sanford A. Belden
Retired, former
President and Chief
Executive Officer,
and Director |
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2006 |
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$ |
341,100 |
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$ |
0 |
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$ |
431,932 |
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$ |
833,614 |
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$ |
74,668 |
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$ |
1,681,314 |
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Michael A. Patton
Retired, former
President,
Financial Services |
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2006 |
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$ |
515,797 |
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$ |
0 |
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$ |
70,697 |
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$ |
0 |
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$ |
257 |
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$ |
586,751 |
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(1) |
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The amounts in this column reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement
reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, in accordance with FAS
123R, of stock option awards pursuant to the Companys 2004 Long-Term Incentive
Compensation Program. These amounts are based on the expense recognized by the Company in
2006 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which may not be reflective of the
current intrinsic value of the options. The options become exercisable over the course of
five years, with one-fifth of the options becoming exercisable on January 18, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, and 2011. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in
footnote L to the Companys audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006 included in the |
24
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Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 15, 2007. |
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(2) |
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For all Named Executives, except for Mr. Belden, the amounts shown in this column reflect
payments received in 2006 for performance in 2005 under the Companys Management Incentive
Plan, an annual cash award plan based on performance and designed to provide incentives
for employees. For Mr. Belden, $269,817 represented performance for 2005 and $162,115
represented performance for 2006 under the MIP. |
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(3) |
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The amounts shown in this column include the aggregate change in the actuarial present
value of the Named Executives accumulated benefit under the Companys Pension Plan and
the Named Executives individual supplemental executive retirement agreement. Mr. Beldens
change in actuarial present value includes an additional 1.5 years of credited service
(through December 31, 2007) received upon his retirement in accordance with his
established employment agreement. No earnings are deemed above-market or preferential on
compensation deferred under the Companys non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. All
contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan are invested in investment options
selected by the Named Executive from the same array of options predetermined by the
Company. The change in the actuarial present value under the individual supplemental
retirement agreements amounts to $42,826 for Mr. Tryniski; $13,949 for Mr. Kingsley;
$63,511 for Mr. Donahue; $409,670 for Mr. McCullough; and $833,614 for Mr. Belden in 2006.
The change in the actuarial present value under the Companys Pension Plan amounts to
$21,571 for Mr. Tryniski; $15,102 for Mr. Kingsley; $2,066 for Mr. Donahue; $133,480 for
Mr. McCullough; and $42,287 for Mr. Clark in 2006. |
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(4) |
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The amounts in this column include: (a) the reportable value of the personal use of
Company-owned vehicles amounting to $6,200 for Mr. Tryniski; $1,906 for Mr. Donahue;
$3,189 for Mr. McCullough; $4,479 for Mr. Clark; and $25,263 for Mr. Belden (this amount
includes the reportable value of the personal use of the Company-owned vehicle ($4,148)
and the value of the ownership interest in the Company-owned vehicle transferred to Mr.
Belden ($21,115)); (b) the value of group term life insurance benefits in excess of
$50,000 under a plan available to all full-time employees for which Messrs. Tryniski,
Kingsley, Donahue, McCullough, Clark, Belden and Patton received $595, $300, $690, $1,980,
$690, $2,513 and $257 in 2006, respectively; (c) the Companys contributions to the 401(k)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan, a defined contribution plan, amounting to $6,750 for Mr.
Tryniski, $7,500 for Mr. Kingsley , $6,696 for Mr. Donahue, $6,205 for Mr. McCullough,
$5,733 for Mr. Clark, and $9,454 for Mr. Belden in 2006; (d) the Companys contributions
under the Companys Deferred Compensation Plan, amounting to $16,406 for Mr. Tryniski;
$11,253 for Mr. Kingsley; $12,510 for Mr. Donahue; $10,801 for Mr. McCullough; $9678 for
Mr. Clark; and $30,172 for Mr. Belden in 2006; and (e) the Companys payment for country
and/or social club memberships amounting to $7,266 for Mr. Tryniski; $7,266 for Mr.
Kingsley; $2,906 for Mr. Donahue; $5,104 for Mr. McCullough; $3,668 for Mr. Clark; and
$7,266 for Mr. Belden in 2006. With the exception of Mr. McCullough, the Company does
not maintain any split-dollar arrangements for the named executive officers. Mr.
McCulloughs policy was purchased by Grange prior to its acquisition by the Company. |
25
The Company has provided the following Grants of Plan-Based Awards table to provide
information about stock and option awards and equity and non-equity incentive plan awards granted
to the Named Executives during the year ended December 31, 2006. All stock option grants were made
under the terms of the Companys 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program. The MIP awards and
the equity awards that are subject to the satisfaction of 2006 performance objectives will be paid
in 2007.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential Estimated |
|
Potential Estimated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future Payouts |
|
Future Payouts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under Non-Equity |
|
Under Equity |
|
Exercise or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Base Price of |
|
Grant Date Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards (1) |
|
Awards |
|
Option |
|
Value of Stock |
|
|
Grant |
|
Target |
|
Target |
|
Awards |
|
and Option |
Name |
|
Date |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($/Sh) |
|
Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark E. |
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,111 |
(2) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
68,505 |
|
Tryniski |
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,333 |
(3) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
205,515 |
|
|
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,849 |
(4) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
65,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
83,940 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scott A. |
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,663 |
(2) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
28,750 |
|
Kingsley |
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,990 |
(3) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
86,255 |
|
|
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,196 |
(4) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
27,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
71,414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brian D. |
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,967 |
(2) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
24,459 |
|
Donahue |
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,902 |
(3) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
73,382 |
|
|
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,017 |
(4) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
23,330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
51,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas A. |
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,843 |
(2) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
17,529 |
|
McCullough |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,530 |
(3) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
52,592 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
729 |
(4) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
16,723 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
46,523 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. David |
|
|
1/17/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,585 |
(2) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
15,938 |
|
Clark |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,754 |
(3) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
47,807 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
663 |
(4) |
|
$ |
22.94 |
|
|
$ |
15,209 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts in this column represent target awards under the MIP, which equal a specified
percentage of base salary as in effect on December 31 of the year before payment is made.
Awards paid pursuant to the MIP (if any) are not subject to minimum or maximum amounts.
The MIP awards could be increased based upon extraordinary performance and reduced for
less than adequate performance based upon the Report |
26
|
|
|
|
|
Card described on page 20. The actual awards for the 2006 plan year (paid in 2007) were 80%
of the target. |
|
|
|
The MIP awards paid to the Named Executives in 2006 are set forth in the Summary
Compensation Table under the column entitled Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.
These amounts were determined based upon the satisfaction of the 2005 MIP performance
objectives. |
|
(2) |
|
The stock options are granted pursuant to the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Program. There are no performance-based conditions that must be satisfied for the options
to vest and are subject to time only vesting requirements. Upon the Named Executives
termination, the Named Executive generally has three months to exercise any vested
options. Except for employees retiring in good standing, all unvested options at the date
of termination are forfeited. For employees who retire in good standing, all unvested
options will become vested as of the retirement date. Such retirees may exercise the
options before the expiration date. |
|
(3) |
|
Performance options vest over time in an amount depending upon performance criteria. The
amount of actual options that will vest for the grant issued in 2007 depends upon the
Companys achievement of EPS growth, asset growth and total Shareholder return over a
three-year period. There can be no assurance that these performance options will vest. |
|
(4) |
|
The shares of restricted stock are granted pursuant to the 2004 Long-Term Incentive
Compensation Program. The restricted stock vests ratably over five years. During the
vesting period, the Named Executive has all of the rights of a Shareholder including the
right to vote such shares at any meeting of the Shareholders and the right to receive all
dividends. Nonvested shares may not be sold, exchanged or otherwise transferred. |
The Company has provided the following table to summarize the equity awards the Company
has made to the Named Executives which are outstanding as of December 31, 2006.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
Option Exercise Price |
|
Option |
Name |
|
Exercisable (1) and (2) |
|
Unexercisable |
|
($) |
|
Expiration Date |
Mark E. Tryniski |
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
$ |
18.95 |
|
|
|
6/2/2013 |
|
|
|
|
5,870 |
|
|
|
8,806 |
|
|
|
24.15 |
|
|
|
1/21/2014 |
|
|
|
|
2,534 |
|
|
|
10,140 |
|
|
|
24.84 |
|
|
|
1/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
15,238 |
|
|
|
23.74 |
|
|
|
1/18/2016 |
|
|
Scott A. Kingsley |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
$ |
22.53 |
|
|
|
8/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
2,027 |
|
|
|
8,112 |
|
|
$ |
24.84 |
|
|
|
1/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
12,444 |
|
|
$ |
23.74 |
|
|
|
1/18/2016 |
|
|
Brian D. Donahue |
|
|
5,340 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
15.66 |
|
|
|
1/1/2008 |
|
|
|
|
5,900 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
14.66 |
|
|
|
1/1/2009 |
|
|
|
|
4,356 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
11.56 |
|
|
|
1/1/2010 |
|
|
|
|
9,844 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
12.38 |
|
|
|
1/1/2011 |
|
|
|
|
7,163 |
|
|
|
1,791 |
|
|
$ |
13.10 |
|
|
|
1/1/2012 |
|
|
|
|
6,178 |
|
|
|
4,120 |
|
|
$ |
15.68 |
|
|
|
1/1/2013 |
|
|
|
|
3,630 |
|
|
|
5,448 |
|
|
$ |
24.15 |
|
|
|
1/21/2014 |
|
|
|
|
2,027 |
|
|
|
8,112 |
|
|
$ |
24.84 |
|
|
|
1/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
11,682 |
|
|
$ |
23.74 |
|
|
|
1/18/2016 |
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
Option Exercise Price |
|
Option |
Name |
|
Exercisable (1) and (2) |
|
Unexercisable |
|
($) |
|
Expiration Date |
Thomas A. |
|
|
1543 |
|
|
|
6175 |
|
|
$ |
24.84 |
|
|
|
1/19/2015 |
|
McCullough |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
8,413 |
|
|
$ |
23.74 |
|
|
|
1/18/2016 |
|
|
J. David Clark |
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
15.66 |
|
|
|
1/1/2008 |
|
|
|
|
4,100 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
14.66 |
|
|
|
1/1/2009 |
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
11.56 |
|
|
|
1/1/2010 |
|
|
|
|
5,514 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
12.38 |
|
|
|
1/1/2011 |
|
|
|
|
6,056 |
|
|
|
1,514 |
|
|
$ |
13.10 |
|
|
|
1/1/2012 |
|
|
|
|
5,116 |
|
|
|
3,412 |
|
|
$ |
15.68 |
|
|
|
1/1/2013 |
|
|
|
|
3,006 |
|
|
|
4,510 |
|
|
$ |
24.15 |
|
|
|
1/21/2014 |
|
|
|
|
1,274 |
|
|
|
5,097 |
|
|
$ |
24.84 |
|
|
|
1/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
7,704 |
|
|
$ |
23.74 |
|
|
|
1/18/2016 |
|
|
Sanford A. |
|
|
43,158 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
24.15 |
|
|
|
1/21/2014 |
|
Belden |
|
|
33,121 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
24.84 |
|
|
|
1/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
34,238 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
23.04 |
|
|
|
12/21/2015 |
|
|
Michael A. |
|
|
3,392 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
12.38 |
|
|
|
1/1/2011 |
|
Patton |
|
|
6,116 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
13.10 |
|
|
|
1/1/2012 |
|
|
|
|
800 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
13.18 |
|
|
|
2/20/2012 |
|
|
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
14.53 |
|
|
|
2/20/2012 |
|
|
|
|
15,114 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
15.68 |
|
|
|
1/1/2013 |
|
|
|
|
14,676 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
24.15 |
|
|
|
1/21/2014 |
|
|
|
|
11,571 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
24.84 |
|
|
|
1/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
11,961 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
23.04 |
|
|
|
12/21/2015 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Stock options and restricted stock are not transferable. |
|
(2) |
|
Employee stock options generally vest in five equal installments on the anniversary of
the grant date over a five year period. For each grant listed above, the vesting date for
the final portion of the stock options is the fifth anniversary of the grant date and the
expiration date is the tenth anniversary of the grant date (i.e., for the options expiring
on January 1, 2008, the final portion of the award vested on January 1, 2003). |
28
The Company has provided the following Option Exercises and Stock Vested table to provide
additional information about the value realized to the Named Executives on option awards exercised
and stock awards vested during the year ended December 31, 2006.
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized on |
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value Realized on |
|
|
Exercise |
|
Exercise |
|
Acquired on Vesting |
|
Vesting |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) (1) |
|
(#) |
|
($) (2) |
Mark E. Tryniski |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Scott Kingsley |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Brian D. Donahue |
|
|
6,900 |
|
|
$ |
91,259 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
$ |
4,510 |
|
Thomas A. McCullough |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
$ |
2,255 |
|
J. David Clark |
|
|
4,192 |
|
|
$ |
48,572 |
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
$ |
6,765 |
|
Sanford A. Belden |
|
|
65,246 |
|
|
$ |
565,039 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The value realized equals the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise
less the exercise price. |
|
(2) |
|
The value realized on the restricted stock is the fair market value on the date of
vesting. |
RETIREMENT PLAN BENEFITS
The table below shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to the Named Executives,
including the number of years of service credited to each Named Executive, under the Pension Plan
and Named Executives individual supplemental retirement agreements. Such amounts were determined
by using the interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the
Companys financial statements.
29
PENSION BENEFITS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years |
|
Present Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credited |
|
Accumulated |
|
Payments During |
|
|
|
|
Service |
|
Benefit |
|
Last Fiscal Year |
Name |
|
Plan Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Mark E. Tryniski |
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Pension Plan |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
148,845 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Executive
Retirement
Agreement |
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
51,905 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scott A. Kingsley |
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Pension Plan |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
57,790 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Executive
Retirement
Agreement |
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
14,456 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brian D. Donahue |
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Pension Plan |
|
|
15 |
|
|
$ |
240,083 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Executive
Retirement
Agreement |
|
|
15 |
|
|
$ |
88,255 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas A. McCullough (1) |
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Pension Plan |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
466,959 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Grange Supplemental
Executive
Retirement
Agreement |
|
|
11 |
|
|
$ |
1,522,333 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. David Clark |
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Pension Plan |
|
|
14 |
|
|
$ |
234,382 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sanford A. Belden (2) |
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Pension Plan |
|
|
14 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
2,175,816 |
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Executive
Retirement
Agreement |
|
|
14 |
|
|
$ |
2,909,413 |
|
|
$ |
146,235 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael A. Patton (3) |
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Pension Plan |
|
|
34 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Executive
Retirement
Agreement |
|
|
34 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. McCulloughs supplemental executive retirement agreement was originally executed
while he was an officer of Grange. The Company is obligated to honor Granges obligations
under such plan as Granges successor by merger. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Belden received a complete distribution of his benefits from the Companys Pension
Plan during fiscal year 2006. |
|
(3) |
|
Mr. Patton received a complete distribution of his benefits under the Companys Pension
Plan during fiscal year 2005. |
30
Pension Plan
The Named Executives participate in the Companys Pension Plan, as do the other salaried
employees. The Pension Plan is a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. Under the
traditional formula, eligible participants generally accrue benefits based on the participants
service and the participants average annual compensation for the highest consecutive five years of
plan participation. Pension benefits earned under the traditional formula may be distributed as a
lump sum or as an annuity.
Under the cash balance formula, benefits are expressed in the form of a hypothetical account
balance. Each year a participants cash balance account is increased by (i) service credits based
on the participants covered compensation and compensation in excess of the Social Security taxable
wage base for that year, and (ii) interest credits based on the participants account balance as of
the end of the prior year. Service credits accrue at a rate between 5 percent and 6.10 percent,
based on the participants age and date of participation. Pension benefits earned under the cash
balance formula may be distributed as a lump sum or as an annuity.
Supplemental Retirement Agreements
In addition to the Pension Plan, certain Named Executives are covered by an individual
supplemental retirement agreement (SERP) that generally provides for non-qualified retirement
benefits that cannot be provided to the Named Executives under the Pension Plan due to Internal
Revenue Code limitations. Messrs. Tryniski, Kingsley, and Donahue have entered into SERP
agreements providing such post-retirement benefits. Mr. McCulloughs SERP was originally executed
while he was an officer of Grange and the Company is obligated to honor Granges obligations under
such plan as Granges successor by merger.
Mark E. Tryniski, Scott A. Kingsley, and Brian D. Donahue. Under the SERP agreements
for Messrs. Tryniski, Kingsley, and Donahue, the Company shall pay the employee an annual
supplemental retirement benefit generally equal to the excess (if any) of (i) the annual benefit
that he would have earned pursuant to the Companys Pension Plan if (a) 100% of his annual
compensation that is disregarded for Pension Plan purposes solely because of the limit imposed by
Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17) is added to the amount of his annual compensation actually
taken into account pursuant to the Pension Plan and (b) Internal Revenue Code Section 415 is
disregarded, minus (ii) the annual benefit actually payable to him pursuant to the Pension Plan.
The SERP benefit is payable beginning on the first day of the seventh month that follows the later
of the employees cessation of employment with the Company or his attainment of age 55. The
benefit is payable in the form of an actuarially reduced joint and 50% survivor benefit. The
agreements do not contain a change in control provision.
Thomas A. McCullough. Under Mr. McCulloughs SERP agreement, which was assumed by the
Company upon consummation of the merger between the Company and Grange, if Mr. McCullough retires
on or after December 31, 2007, the Company must provide him with an annual supplemental retirement
benefit equal to 85% of his average compensation during the last five years of his employment
reduced by the benefit payable under the Companys Pension Plan, 50% of his Social Security
benefit, and Company contributions on Mr. McCulloughs behalf and earnings attributable thereto
under the Companys 401(k) Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Executive Employees.
The supplemental retirement benefit is payable over the course of 180 months following Mr.
McCulloughs termination of employment with the Company which is expected to be December 31, 2007.
If Mr. McCulloughs employment is terminated before December 31, 2007, the Company must provide him
with an early retirement benefit equal to the liability accrued on the Companys books for its
obligations for the normal retirement benefit described above. This amount shall be amortized and
paid over a 180 month period following Mr. McCulloughs termination.
31
Change in Control Provision. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Mr. McCulloughs employment is
terminated for reasons other than cause, death, disability, or after December 31, 2007, in each
case following a change in control, the Company must provide him with a change in control payment
equal to 85% of his average compensation during the last five years of his employment reduced by
the benefit payable under the Companys Pension Plan, 50% of his Social Security benefit, and
Company contributions on Mr. McCulloughs behalf and earnings attributable thereto under the
Companys 401(k) Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Executive Employees. However, if
this change in control payment would cause the sum of other payments to Mr. McCullough from the
Company and the change in control benefits to constitute a parachute payment as defined by the
Internal Revenue Code, the Company shall pay a change in control benefit equal to the liability
accrued on the Companys books for its obligations for the normal retirement benefit described
above, amortized over 180 months. If Mr. McCullough dies while an active employee of the Company,
the Company must pay his beneficiaries as follows: For the first year following death, 100% of his
total compensation, for each of the second through fifth years following death, 75% of his total
compensation, and for each of the sixth through fifteenth years following death, 50% of his total
compensation.
Sanford A. Belden. Under Mr. Beldens SERP agreement, the Company agreed to provide
Mr. Belden with an annual SERP benefit equal to the product of (i) 5% times Mr. Beldens number of
years of service, considering only the first ten years of service, plus 2% times Mr. Beldens
number of years of service in excess of ten years, times (ii) his final average salary and cash
incentive payment. Unless Mr. Belden voluntarily terminated his employment prior to July 1, 2006,
the amount of Mr. Beldens annual supplemental retirement benefits would not be less than what
would be calculated if he remained employed pursuant to his employment agreement through December
31, 2007 and received the base salary, including increases, and the MIP payments (assuming a
minimum incentive payment equal to 50% of base salary under the Companys MIP) contemplated by the
employment agreement. The supplemental retirement benefit is reduced by the benefit payable under
the Companys Pension Plan, 50% of Mr. Beldens Social Security benefit, and Company contributions
on Mr. Beldens behalf and earnings attributable thereto under the Companys 401(k) Plan and
Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Executive Employees. As of August 1, 2006, the SERP benefit
became payable in the form of an actuarially reduced joint and 100% survivor benefit.
32
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
The following table shows the executive contribution, the Companys contributions, earnings and
account balances for the Named Executives in the Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Executive
Employees of Community Bank System, Inc.
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
Registrant |
|
Earnings |
|
Aggregate |
|
Balance |
|
|
|
|
Contributions |
|
Contributions |
|
in Last |
|
Withdrawals/ |
|
at Last |
|
|
|
|
in Last FY |
|
in Last FY |
|
FY |
|
Distributions |
|
FYE |
Name |
|
Plan Name |
|
($) (1) |
|
($) (2) |
|
($) (3) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Mark E. Tryniski
|
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Deferred
Compensation Plan
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
16,406 |
|
|
$ |
8,083 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
31,406 |
|
Scott A. Kingsley
|
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Deferred
Compensation Plan
|
|
$ |
31,025 |
|
|
$ |
11,253 |
|
|
$ |
9,739 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
56,613 |
|
Brian D. Donahue
|
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Deferred
Compensation Plan
|
|
$ |
9,375 |
|
|
$ |
12,510 |
|
|
$ |
2,946 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
29,406 |
|
Thomas A.
McCullough
|
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Deferred
Compensation Plan
|
|
$ |
10,707 |
|
|
$ |
10,801 |
|
|
$ |
5,397 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
63,467 |
|
J. David Clark
|
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Deferred
Compensation Plan
|
|
$ |
8,275 |
|
|
$ |
9,678 |
|
|
$ |
7,521 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
28,337 |
|
Sanford A. Belden
|
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Deferred
Compensation Plan
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
30,172 |
|
|
$ |
46,253 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
374,930 |
|
Michael Patton
|
|
Community Bank
System, Inc.
Deferred
Compensation Plan
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
11,045 |
|
|
$ |
334,832 |
|
|
$ |
15,966 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amount in this column was also reported as Salary in the Summary Compensation Table on
page 24. |
|
(2) |
|
The amount in this column was also report in the column entitled All Other Compensation in
the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(3) |
|
The amount in this column was also report in the column entitled Change in Pension Value and
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings in the Summary Compensation Table. |
Potential Payment on Termination or Change in Control
The Company has entered into employment agreements that provide severance benefits to the
Named Executives. Under the terms of the respective Named Executives agreement, the executives
are entitled to post-termination payments in the event that they are no longer employed by the
Company because of death, disability, involuntary retirement or a change in control. The triggers
for post-termination payments under the respective employment agreements are set forth in the
descriptions of such agreements on pages 35-38. Payments under the employment agreement may be
made in a lump sum or in installments. In addition to the employment agreements, the SERP
agreements provide for post-termination
33
benefits (notwithstanding the retirement benefits intended to be conferred in the
SERP agreements) in the event of death, disability and a change in control. The triggers for the
change in control payments are set forth in the descriptions of the SERP agreements on pages 31-32.
The following table describes the potential payments and benefits under the Companys
compensation and benefit plans and arrangements to which the Named Executives would be entitled
upon termination of employment, assuming a December 31, 2006 termination date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incremental |
|
|
|
|
|
Acceleration and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pension |
|
Continuation of |
|
Continuation of |
|
|
|
|
Expected Post- |
|
benefit |
|
Medical/Welfare |
|
Equity Awards |
|
|
|
|
Termination |
|
(present value) |
|
Benefits |
|
(unamortized |
|
Total Termination |
|
|
Payments |
|
(1) |
|
(present value) |
|
of 12/31/06) |
|
Benefits (2) |
Mark E. Tryniski |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death |
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
2,207 |
|
|
$ |
178,129 |
|
|
$ |
280,336 |
|
Disability |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,413 |
|
|
|
178,129 |
|
|
|
382,542 |
|
Involuntary
termination without
cause |
|
|
1,408,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
178,129 |
|
|
|
1,586,129 |
|
Involuntary
or good reason
termination after
CIC |
|
|
1,470,000 |
|
|
|
57,156 |
|
|
|
28,523 |
|
|
|
178,129 |
|
|
|
1,733,808 |
|
Scott A. Kingsley |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death |
|
$ |
69,950 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
2,113 |
|
|
$ |
146,451 |
|
|
$ |
218,514 |
|
Disability |
|
|
139,900 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,225 |
|
|
|
146,451 |
|
|
|
290,576 |
|
Involuntary
termination without
cause |
|
|
445,452 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
146,451 |
|
|
|
591,903 |
|
Involuntary
or good reason
termination after
CIC |
|
|
1,059,900 |
|
|
|
50,288 |
|
|
|
27,465 |
|
|
|
146,451 |
|
|
|
1,284,104 |
|
Brian D. Donahue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death |
|
$ |
59,512 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
1,986 |
|
|
$ |
128,628 |
|
|
$ |
190,126 |
|
Disability |
|
|
119,024 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
128,628 |
|
|
|
251,624 |
|
Involuntary
termination without
cause |
|
|
1,018,092 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
128,628 |
|
|
|
1,146,720 |
|
Involuntary
or good reason
termination after
CIC |
|
|
921,144 |
|
|
|
70,179 |
|
|
|
25,827 |
|
|
|
128,628 |
|
|
|
1,145,778 |
|
Thomas A. McCullough |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death |
|
$ |
51,180 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
2,375 |
|
|
$ |
71,743 |
|
|
$ |
125,298 |
|
Disability |
|
|
102,360 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,751 |
|
|
|
71,743 |
|
|
|
178,854 |
|
Involuntary
termination without
cause |
|
|
305,355 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
71,743 |
|
|
|
377,098 |
|
Involuntary
or good reason
termination after
CIC |
|
|
748,317 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
30,974 |
|
|
|
71,743 |
|
|
|
851,034 |
|
J. David Clark |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death |
|
$ |
46,524 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
1,960 |
|
|
$ |
88,872 |
|
|
$ |
137,356 |
|
Disability |
|
|
93,048 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,920 |
|
|
|
88,872 |
|
|
|
185,840 |
|
Involuntary
Termination without
cause |
|
|
764,280 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
88,872 |
|
|
|
853,152 |
|
Involuntary
or good reason
termination after
CIC |
|
|
694,785 |
|
|
|
103,694 |
|
|
|
25,513 |
|
|
|
88,872 |
|
|
|
912,864 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts set forth in this column reflect the present value of an additional three years
of accumulated benefits under the Companys Pension Plan. There would be no additional
benefits accrued under the individual supplemental executive retirement agreements. |
34
|
|
|
(2) |
|
The amounts reflected in this column do not include any excise tax gross-up amounts. As more
fully described on pages 35-38 below, an excise tax gross-up would be paid only if the Company
(or its successor) elects, in its sole discretion, to pay change in control benefits in a
lump-sum. |
The amounts shown in the table above do not include payments and benefits to the extent
they are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis to salaried employees generally upon termination of
employment. These include:
|
|
|
Accrued salary and vacation pay; |
|
|
|
|
Regular pension benefits under the Companys Pension Plan; |
|
|
|
|
Distribution of plan balances under the Companys 401(k)
Plan. |
Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into Employment Agreements with each of the Named Executives. The
Employment Agreements provide for payments upon the termination in the event such executive is
terminated prior to the expiration of the employee agreement. The quantitative payout amounts are
set forth in the chart above.
Mark E. Tryniski. The Company has an employment agreement with Mr. Tryniski providing
for his continued employment until December 31, 2008. The agreement provides that the Company
shall pay Mr. Tryniski a base salary at an annual rate of at least $400,000, with his base salary
for calendar years after 2006 to be adjusted in accordance with the Companys regular payroll
practices for executive employees. The agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause at any
time, and shall terminate upon Mr. Tryniskis death or disability. The agreement provides for
severance pay in the event of a termination for reasons other than cause, death, or disability,
equal to the greater of (i) 200% of the sum of Mr. Tryniskis annual base salary at the time of
termination and the most recent payment to him under the Companys MIP, or (ii) amounts of base
salary and expected MIP payments payable to Mr. Tryniski through the unexpired term of his
employment agreement. In addition, if the Company elects not to renew the agreement at the end of
its term for reasons other than cause, Mr. Tryniski is entitled to severance pay equal to 200% of
the sum of his then current base salary plus the most recent payment to him under the MIP.
Change in Control Provision. If Mr. Tryniskis employment is terminated for reasons other
than cause, death, or disability within two years following a change in control or if Mr. Tryniski
voluntarily resigns during this period based upon an involuntary and material adverse change in his
title, duties, responsibilities, working conditions, total remuneration, or the geographic location
of his assignment, the Company will retain him as a consultant for three years at an annual
consulting fee equal to his then current base salary plus the award to Mr. Tryniski under the MIP
for the year immediately preceding the change in control, will provide full fringe benefits, will
permit him to dispose of any restricted stock previously granted to him, and all of his stock
options will become fully exercisable. As an alternative, the Board may elect, in its sole
discretion, to pay all benefits due to Mr. Tryniski in a single lump sum payment within 90 days
following the change in control and Mr. Tryniskis termination of employment. In such event, the
amount of the lump sum payment will be increased to hold Mr. Tryniski harmless from all income and
excise tax liability attributable to the lump sum payment.
Scott A. Kingsley. The Company has an employment agreement with Mr. Kingsley
providing for his continued employment until December 31, 2007. The agreement provides that during
the period from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2007, the Company shall pay Mr. Kingsley a base
salary at an annual rate of at least $235,000, with his base salary for calendar years after 2004
to be adjusted in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices for executive employees.
The agreement may
35
be terminated by the Company for cause at any time, and shall terminate upon Mr. Kingsleys
death or disability. The agreement provides for severance pay, in the event of a termination for
reasons other than cause, death, or disability, equal to the greater of (i) the sum of Mr.
Kingsleys annual base salary at the time of termination and the most recent payment to him under
the Companys MIP, or (ii) amounts of base salary and expected MIP payments payable to Mr. Kingsley
through the unexpired term of his employment. In addition, if the Company elects not to renew the
agreement at the end of its term for reasons other than cause, Mr. Kingsley is entitled to
severance pay equal to 175% of the sum of his then current base salary plus the most recent payment
to him under the MIP.
Change in Control Provision. If Mr. Kingsleys employment is terminated for reasons other
than cause, death, or disability within two years following a change in control, or if Mr. Kingsley
voluntarily resigns during this period based upon an involuntary and material adverse change in his
title, duties, responsibilities, working conditions, total remuneration, or the geographic location
of his assignment, the Company will retain him as a consultant for three years at an annual
consulting fee equal to his then current base salary plus the award to Mr. Kingsley under the MIP
for the year immediately preceding the change in control, will provide full fringe benefits, will
permit him to dispose of any restricted stock previously granted to him, and all of his stock
options will become fully exercisable. As an alternative, the Board may elect, in its sole
discretion, to pay all benefits due to Mr. Kingsley in a single lump sum payment within 90 days
following the change in control and Mr. Kingsleys termination of employment. In such event, the
amount of the lump sum payment will be increased to hold Mr. Kingsley harmless from all income and
excise tax liability attributable to the lump sum payment.
Brian D. Donahue. The Company has an employment agreement with Mr. Donahue providing
for his continued employment until December 31, 2009. The agreement provides that during the
period from August 1, 2004 through December 31, 2009, the Company shall pay Mr. Donahue a base
salary at an annual rate of at least $230,000, with his base salary for calendar years after 2004
to be adjusted in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices for executive employees.
The agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause at any time, and shall terminate upon Mr.
Donahues death or disability. The agreement provides for severance pay, in the event of a
termination for reasons other than cause, death, or disability, equal to the greater of (i) the sum
of Mr. Donahues annual base salary at the time of termination and the most recent payment to him
under the Companys MIP, or (ii) amounts of base salary and expected MIP payments payable to Mr.
Donahue through the unexpired term of his employment. In addition, if the Company elects not to
renew the agreement at the end of its term for reasons other than cause, Mr. Donahue is entitled to
severance pay equal to 175% of the sum of his then current base salary plus the most recent payment
to him under the MIP.
Change in Control Provision. If Mr. Donahues employment is terminated for reasons other than
cause, death, or disability within two years following a change in control, or if Mr. Donahue
voluntarily resigns during this period based upon an involuntary and material adverse change in his
title, duties, responsibilities, working conditions, total remuneration, or the geographic location
of his assignment, the Company will retain him as a consultant for three years at an annual
consulting fee equal to his then current base salary plus the award to Mr. Donahue under the MIP
for the year immediately preceding the change in control, will provide full fringe benefits, will
permit him to dispose of any restricted stock previously granted to him, will pay him the
difference between 94% of the market value of his residence and the proceeds of the sale of such
residence (if he elects to relocate), and all of his stock options will become fully exercisable.
As an alternative, the Board may elect, in its sole discretion, to pay all benefits due to Mr.
Donahue in a single lump sum payment within 90 days following the change in control and Mr.
Donahues termination of employment. In such event, the amount of the lump sum payment will be
increased to hold Mr. Donahue harmless from all income and excise tax liability attributable to the
lump sum payment.
36
Thomas A. McCullough. The Company has an agreement with Mr. McCullough providing for
his employment as President, Pennsylvania Banking for the Company until December 31, 2007. The
agreement provides that during the period from November 21, 2003 through December 31, 2007, the
Company shall pay Mr. McCullough a base salary at an annual rate of at least $185,000, with his
base salary for calendar years after 2004 to be adjusted in accordance with the Companys regular
payroll practices for executive employees.
The agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause at any time, and shall terminate upon
Mr. McCulloughs death or disability. If Mr. McCulloughs employment is terminated by the Company
prior to December 31, 2007 for reasons other than cause, death, or disability, or if Mr. McCullough
is involuntarily replaced as President, Pennsylvania Banking prior to such date for reasons other
than cause, Mr. McCullough will be entitled to severance pay equal to the greater of (i) the sum of
his annual base salary at the time of termination and the most recent payment to him under the
Companys MIP or (ii) amounts of base salary and expected MIP payments that otherwise would have
been payable to him through the unexpired term of his employment agreement (provided that in the
event that Mr. McCulloughs involuntary termination without cause occurs under circumstances
entitling him to the change in control benefits described in the following paragraph, the foregoing
severance pay shall be reduced by the consulting fee payments to be made to Mr. McCullough as
described below). In addition, Mr. McCullough will be entitled to dispose of any restricted stock
previously granted to him, all of his stock options will become fully exercisable, and the Company
will cover Mr. McCullough and his eligible dependents under all benefit plans and programs
available to its retired employees. In the event the Company elects not to renew or extend the
agreement at the end of its term for reasons other than cause, Mr. McCullough is entitled to a
severance benefit equal to 175% of his annual base salary in effect at the time of expiration of
the agreement, plus the most recent payment to him under the MIP.
Change in Control Provision. If Mr. McCulloughs employment is terminated for reasons other
than cause, death, or disability within two years following a change in control, or if Mr.
McCullough voluntarily resigns during this period based upon an involuntary and material adverse
change in his title, duties, responsibilities, working conditions, total remuneration, or the
geographic location of his assignment, the Company will retain him as a consultant for three years
at an annual consulting fee equal to his base salary plus the award to Mr. McCullough under the MIP
for the year immediately preceding the change in control, will provide full fringe benefits, will
permit him to dispose of any restricted stock previously granted to him, and all of his stock
options will become fully exercisable. Mr. McCullough may waive a portion of the foregoing
amounts/benefits to eliminate the potential excises taxes that might apply. As an alternative, the
Board may elect, in its sole discretion, to pay all benefits due to Mr. McCullough in a single lump
sum payment within 90 days following the change in control and Mr. McCulloughs termination of
employment. In such event, the amount of the lump sum payment will be increased to hold Mr.
McCullough harmless from all income and excise tax liability attributable to the lump sum payment.
J. David Clark. The Company has an employment agreement with Mr. Clark providing for
his continued employment until December 31, 2009. The agreement provides that during the period
from October 1, 2004 to December 31, 2009, the Company shall pay Mr. Clark a base salary at an
annual rate of at least $175,000, with his base salary for calendar years after 2004 to be adjusted
in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices for executive employees. The agreement
may be terminated by the Company for cause at any time, and shall terminate upon Mr. Clarks death
or disability. The agreement provides for severance pay, in the event of a termination for reasons
other than cause, death, or disability, equal to the greater of (i) the sum of Mr. Clarks annual
base salary at the time of termination and the most recent payment to him under the Companys MIP,
or (ii) amounts of base salary and expected MIP payments payable to Mr. Clark through the unexpired
term of his employment. In addition, if the Company elects not to renew the agreement at the end
of its term for reasons other than cause,
37
Mr. Clark is entitled to severance pay equal to 175% of the sum of his then current base salary
plus the most recent payment to him under the MIP.
Change in Control Provision. If Mr. Clarks employment is terminated for reasons other than
cause, death, or disability within two years following a change in control, or if Mr. Clark
voluntarily resigns during this period based upon an involuntary and material adverse change in his
title, duties, responsibilities, working conditions, total remuneration, or the geographic location
of his assignment, the Company will retain him as a consultant for three years at an annual
consulting fee equal to his then current base salary plus the award to Mr. Clark under the MIP for
the year immediately preceding the change in control, will provide full fringe benefits, will
permit him to dispose of any restricted stock previously granted to him, and all of his stock
options will become fully exercisable. As an alternative, the Board may elect, in its sole
discretion, to pay all benefits due to Mr. Clark in a single lump sum payment within 90 days
following the change in control and Mr. Clarks termination of employment. In such event, the
amount of the lump sum payment will be increased to hold Mr. Clark harmless from all income and
excise tax liability attributable to the lump sum payment.
Sanford A. Belden. Mr. Belden retired from the Company on July 31, 2006. The Company
entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Belden that provides for Mr. Belden to be retained as
an independent contractor consultant for a three-year period ending on July 31, 2009. The sole
compensation payable to Mr. Belden under this agreement is a monthly retainer of $4,000. In
consideration of his voluntary early retirement in furtherance of the Companys succession plan,
the Company agreed to (a) treat Mr. Belden as having retired in good standing (and, as such, to
treat all of his stock options as fully vested); (b) pay an amount determined by the Company to
provide Mr. Belden with sufficient funds (after taxes) to purchase coverage for himself and his
spouse under the applicable retiree provisions of the Companys group health plan for the
twelve-month period following his retirement; (c) grant the pro-rata portion (based on Mr. Beldens
completed months of active employment in 2006) the cash incentive compensation that is payable with
respect to 2006 at the target level of achievement under the MIP (50% of base salary); and (d)
transfer to Mr. Belden ownership of the Company-owned vehicle used by him.
Michael A. Patton. The Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Patton
effective as of his retirement on December 31, 2005. Mr. Pattons prior employment agreement with
the Company had provided for his employment until December 31, 2007. In consideration of his
voluntary early retirement in furtherance of the Companys succession plan, the Company agreed to
pay Mr. Patton a lump sum payment of $511,265. The Company also agreed to (a) amend the basic
formula for Mr. Pattons supplemental retirement benefit to provide that Mr. Patton will be deemed
to have retired on December 31, 2007 for purposes of determining supplemental retirement benefits;
(b) grant Mr. Patton options that would have been granted to him in 2006 under the 2004 Long-Term
Incentive Compensation Plan as if he had been employed through February 2006; (c) treat Mr. Patton
as having retired in good standing (and, as such, to treat all of his stock options as fully
vested); and (d) transfer to Mr. Patton ownership of the Company-owned vehicle used by him.
38
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, a copy of which
is available at the Companys website at www.communitybankna.com and in print to any
Shareholder who requests it, the Banks Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee (which also
serves as the Companys Audit Committee) assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for
oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing, and financial reporting
practices of the Company and the Bank. The Committee reviews internal and external audits of the
Company and the Bank and the adequacy of the Companys and the Banks accounting, financial, and
compliance controls, and investigates and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the
appointment of independent auditors.
The Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee is comprised of three directors, each of whom
the Board has determined to be independent as defined by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the NYSE
Rules. Committee members may not serve simultaneously on the audit committees of more than two
other public companies without approval of the full Board. To date, no such approval has been
granted. Each of the Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee members are financially literate
as that qualification has been interpreted by the Board and the Board has determined that Charles
E. Parente, who serves on the Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee, qualifies as an audit
committee financial expert as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
In discharging its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Audit/Compliance/Risk
Management Committee obtained from the Companys independent auditors a formal written statement
describing all relationships between the auditors and the Company that might bear on the auditors
independence consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions
with Audit Committees, discussed with the auditors any relationships that may impact their
objectivity and independence and satisfied itself as to the auditors independence. The Committee
also discussed with management and the independent auditors the quality and adequacy of the
Companys internal controls. The Committee reviewed with the independent auditors their audit
plans, audit scope, and identification of audit risks.
The Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent auditors all communications required
by generally accepted auditing standards, including those described in Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 61, as amended, Communication with Audit Committees, and, with and without
management present, discussed and reviewed the results of the independent auditors examination of
the financial statements. The Committee also reviewed with management and the independent auditors
the audited financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2006.
Based on the above-mentioned reviews and discussions with management and the independent
auditors, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Companys audited financial
statements be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2006, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
William M. Dempsey (Chair)
Brian R. Ace
Charles E. Parente
39
ITEM TWO: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm, was retained by the Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors to perform the annual examination of the consolidated financial statements of
the Company and its subsidiaries. The Audit Committee also retained PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to
advise the Company in connection with various other matters as described below.
The Audit Committee has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has acted in such capacity since its appointment in fiscal year 1991.
Shareholder ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm is not required by the Companys bylaws or otherwise.
However, the Board of Directors is submitting the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the
Shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the Shareholders fail to
ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even
if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in their discretion may appoint a different firm
at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of
the Company.
Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the Meeting and will be given
the opportunity to make a statement, if the representatives desire, and will be available to
respond to appropriate questions from Shareholders.
Vote Required and Recommendation
Ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Meeting.
The Board of Directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR this Proposal. Proxies
solicited by the Board of Directors will be voted in favor of the Proposal unless Shareholders
specify otherwise.
40
FEES PAID TO PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to the Company by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December
31, 2006 and 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
363,131 |
|
|
$ |
343,500 |
|
Audit Related Fees (1)(2) |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
39,100 |
|
Tax Fees (2) |
|
|
103,400 |
|
|
|
145,275 |
|
All Other Fees (3)(4) |
|
|
7,452 |
|
|
|
7,334 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
For 2005, includes fees incurred in connection with the audit of
the Companys Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan and Community Investment
Services, Inc. |
|
(2) |
|
In addition to the services included in this table,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP directly billed the Pension Plan and the
401(k) Plan, which are employee benefit plans sponsored by the
Company, a total of $21,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006
primarily for audits of the Plans financial statements. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes tax preparation and compliance fees of $51,000
and $90,250 for 2006 and 2005, respectively, and fees incurred in
connection with tax consultation related to acquisitions, tax
planning, and other matters of $52,400 and $55,025 for 2006 and
2005, respectively. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents subscription fees to Comperio, a
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP trademarked product. |
Pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter, the Company is required to obtain pre-approval
by the Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee for all audit and permissible non-audit services
obtained from its independent auditors to the extent required by applicable law. In accordance
with this pre-approval policy, the Audit/Compliance/Risk Management Committee pre-approved 100% of
the Audit Fees, 100% of the Audit Related Fees, 100% of the Tax Consulting Fees, and 100% of the
All Other Fees for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys directors,
executive officers and holders of more than 10% of the Companys common stock (collectively,
Reporting Persons) to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership of the common stock. Such persons are required by
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission to furnish the Company with copies of all
such filings. Based solely on its review of the copies of such filings received by it and written
representations of Reporting Persons with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the
Company believes that all Reporting Persons complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements in
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 except as follows: Director Cantwell filed one late report
on Form 4 reflecting an award of the Companys stock under the Directors Stock Balance Plan;
Director Dempsey filed one late report on Form 4 reflecting an award of the Companys stock under
the Directors Stock Balance Plan; Director Hirschey (retired) filed one late report on Form 4
reflecting a single sale transaction; Director Parente filed one late report on
41
Form 4 reflecting two purchase transactions executed on the same date; Director Patterson
filed two late reports on Form 4, one reflecting a single purchase transaction and one reflecting
an award of the Companys stock under the Directors Stock Balance Plan; Director Steele filed on
late report on Form 4 reflecting a single purchase transaction.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
If Shareholder proposals are to be considered by the Company for inclusion in a proxy
statement for a future meeting of the Companys Shareholders, such proposals must be submitted on a
timely basis and must meet the requirements established by the Securities and Exchange Commission
for Shareholder proposals. Shareholder proposals for the Companys 2008 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders will not be deemed to be timely submitted unless they are received by the Company at
its principal executive offices by December 13, 2007. Such Shareholder proposals, together with
any supporting statements, should be directed to the Secretary of the Company. Shareholders
submitting proposals are urged to submit their proposals by certified mail, return receipt
requested.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors of the Company is not aware of any other matters that may come before
the Meeting. However, the Proxies may be voted with discretionary authority with respect to any
other matters that may properly come before the Meeting.
Date: April 12, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
Donna J. Drengel |
|
|
Secretary |
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC. May 15, 2007 Please date, sign
and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible. Please detach along
perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. 20330000000000001000 8 051507 THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE FOR BOTH PROPOSITIONS LISTED BELOW. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x FOR
AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF PWC as the Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm of NOMINEES: FOR ALL NOMINEES O Nicholas A. DiCerbo the Company O
James A. Gabriel WITHHOLD AUTHORITY O Charles E. Parente FOR ALL NOMINEES FOR ALL EXCEPT (See
instructions below) In their discretion, such attorneys-in-fact and proxies are authorized to vote
upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. This Proxy, when properly
executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned. INSTRUCTION: To withhold
authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the circle next
to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR BOTH PROPOSITION # 1 AND # 2. Please check here if you plan to attend the meeeting. To
change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in
the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not
be submitted via this method. Signature of Shareholder Date: Signature of Shareholder Date: Note:
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each
holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by
duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person. |
The Directors and Officers of COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC. extend a cordial invitation for you to
join them for refreshments in the Barben Room CHEEL CAMPUS CENTER CLARKSON UNIVERSITY Potsdam, New
York at 12:00 Noon immediately prior to the ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Paul M. Cantwell Mark E. Tryniski Chairman President & CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 PROXY
COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC. 5790 Widewaters Parkway Dewitt, New York 13214-1883 THIS PROXY IS
SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned hereby appoints Charles M. Ertel and
Donna J. Drengel, proxies, with power to act without the other and with power of substitution, and
hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as designated on the other side, all the shares of
stock of Community Bank System, Inc. standing in the name of the undersigned with all powers which
the undersigned would possess if present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be
held May 15, 2007 or any adjournment thereof. (Continued, and to be marked, signed and dated on the
reverse side) 14475 |
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM, INC. May 15, 2007 PROXY VOTING
INSTRUCTIONS MAIL Date, sign and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as
possible. - OR TELEPHONE Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES COMPANY NUMBER (1-800-776-9437) from any
touch-tone telephone and follow the instructions. Have your proxy card ACCOUNT NUMBER available
when you call. - OR INTERNET Access www.voteproxy.com and follow the on-screen instructions.
Have your proxy card available when you access the web page. You may enter your voting instructions
at 1-800-PROXIES or www.voteproxy.com up until 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day before the cut-off or
meeting date. Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you
are not voting via telephone or the Internet. 20330000000000001000 8 051507 THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE FOR BOTH PROPOSITIONS LISTED BELOW. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x FOR
AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF PWC as the Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm of NOMINEES: FOR ALL NOMINEES O Nicholas A. DiCerbo the Company O
James A. Gabriel WITHHOLD AUTHORITY O Charles E. Parente FOR ALL NOMINEES FOR ALL EXCEPT (See
instructions below) In their discretion, such attorneys-in-fact and proxies are authorized to vote
upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. This Proxy, when properly
executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned. INSTRUCTION: To withhold
authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the circle next
to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR BOTH PROPOSITION # 1 AND # 2. JOHN SMITH 1234 MAIN STREET APT. 203 NEW YORK, NY 10038
Please check here if you plan to attend the meeeting. To change the address on your account, please
check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that
changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. Signature of
Shareholder Date: Signature of Shareholder Date: Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names
appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as
executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the
signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full
title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |