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OMB APPROVAL |
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OMB Number:
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3235-0059 |
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Expires:
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January 31, 2008 |
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant þ |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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o 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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þ Definitive Proxy Statement |
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o Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
WINLAND ELECTRONICS, 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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þ 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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1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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1) Amount Previously Paid: |
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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SEC 1913 (02-02) |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information
contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid
OMB control number. |
WINLAND ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
to be held
May 8, 2007
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF WINLAND ELECTRONICS, INC.:
The 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Winland Electronics, Inc. will be held at
Technology Plus of Mankato, 1961 Premier Drive (intersection of Highways 22 and 14), Mankato,
Minnesota, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, for the following purposes:
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To set the number of members of the Board of Directors at four (4). |
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2. |
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To elect directors. |
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3. |
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To take action on any other business that may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof. |
Accompanying this Notice of Annual Meeting is a Proxy Statement and form of Proxy.
Only shareholders of record as shown on the books of Winland Electronics at the close of
business on March 12, 2007 will be entitled to vote at the 2007 Annual Meeting or any adjournment
thereof. Each shareholder is entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on at the
meeting.
You are cordially invited to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to
attend the 2007 Annual Meeting, please sign, date and mail the enclosed form of Proxy in the return
envelope provided. The Proxy is revocable and will not affect your right to vote in person in the
event you attend the meeting. The prompt return of proxies will help us avoid the unnecessary
expense of further requests for proxies.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Lorin E. Krueger
President and Chief Executive Officer
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Dated:
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April 2, 2007 |
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Mankato, Minnesota |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WINLAND ELECTRONICS, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
to be held
May 8, 2007
The accompanying Proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Winland Electronics, Inc. for
use at our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at the location
and for the purposes set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting, and at any adjournment thereof.
The cost of soliciting proxies, including the preparation, assembly and mailing of the proxies
and soliciting material, as well as the cost of forwarding such material to the beneficial owners
of stock, will be borne by us. Our directors, officers and employees may, without compensation
other than their regular remuneration, solicit proxies personally or by telephone.
You may vote your shares by mail as follows:
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Sign and date the enclosed proxy card. |
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Mail the proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. |
Any shareholder giving a Proxy may revoke it any time prior to its use at the 2007 Annual
Meeting by giving written notice of such revocation to the Secretary or any other officer of
Winland Electronics or by filing a later dated written Proxy with one of our officers. Personal
attendance at the 2007 Annual Meeting is not, by itself, sufficient to revoke a Proxy unless
written notice of the revocation or a later dated Proxy is delivered to an officer before the
revoked or superseded Proxy is used at the 2007 Annual Meeting. Proxies will be voted as directed
therein. Proxies which are signed by shareholders but which lack specific instruction with respect
to any proposal will be voted in favor of the number and slate of directors proposed by the Board
of Directors and listed herein.
The presence at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of our Common Stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. If a broker returns a non-vote proxy, indicating a lack of voting
instructions by the beneficial holder of the shares and a lack of discretionary authority on the
part of the broker to vote on a particular matter, then the shares covered by such non-vote shall
be deemed present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum but shall not be deemed to be
represented at the meeting for purposes of calculating the vote required for approval of such
matter. If a shareholder abstains from voting as to any matter, then the shares held by such
shareholder shall be deemed present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and for
purposes of calculating the vote with respect to such matter, but shall not be deemed to have been
voted in favor of such matter. An abstention as to any proposal will therefore have the same
effect as a vote against the proposal.
The mailing address of the principal executive office of Winland Electronics is 1950 Excel
Drive, Mankato, Minnesota 56001. We expect that this Proxy Statement, the related Proxy and Notice
of Meeting will first be mailed to shareholders on or about April 2, 2007.
OUTSTANDING SHARES AND VOTING RIGHTS
The Board of Directors has fixed March 12, 2007 as the record date for determining
shareholders entitled to vote at the 2007 Annual Meeting. Persons who were not shareholders on
such date will not be allowed to vote at the 2007 Annual Meeting. At the close of business on
March 12, 2007, there were 3,600,856 shares of our Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, issued
and outstanding. The Common Stock is our only outstanding class of capital stock. Each share of
Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the 2007 Annual Meeting.
Holders of Common Stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights.
1
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDINGS
The following table provides information as of March 12, 2007 concerning the beneficial
ownership of our Common Stock by (i) the persons known by us to own more than 5% of our outstanding
Common Stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) the named executive officers in the Summary
Compensation Table and (iv) all current executive officers and directors as a group. Except as
otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of Common Stock owned by them.
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Name (and Address of 5% |
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Number of Shares |
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Percent |
Owner) or Identity of Group |
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Beneficially Owned(1) |
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of Class (1) |
Lorin E. Krueger |
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232,656 |
(2) |
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6.4 |
% |
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Thomas J. de Petra |
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28,720 |
(3) |
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* |
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James L. Reissner |
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27,500 |
(4) |
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* |
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Richard T. Speckmann |
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29,200 |
(5) |
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* |
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Dale A. Nordquist |
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53,243 |
(6) |
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* |
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Gregory W. Burneske |
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12,151 |
(7) |
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* |
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FMR Corp. |
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356,100 |
(8) |
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9.9 |
% |
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All Executive Officers and
Directors as a Group (8 Individuals) |
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397,157 |
(9) |
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10.6 |
% |
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* |
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Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. |
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(1) |
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Under the rules of the SEC, shares not actually outstanding are deemed to be beneficially
owned by an individual if such individual has the right to acquire the shares within 60 days.
Pursuant to such SEC Rules, shares deemed beneficially owned by virtue of an individuals
right to acquire them are also treated as outstanding when calculating the percent of the
class owned by such individual and when determining the percent owned by any group in which
the individual is included. |
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(2) |
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Includes 880 shares held by Mr. Kruegers spouse and 22,000 shares which may be purchased by
Mr. Krueger upon exercise of currently exercisable options. Mr. Kruegers address is 1950
Excel Drive, Mankato, Minnesota 56001. |
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(3) |
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Includes 27,000 shares which may be purchased by Mr. de Petra upon exercise of currently
exercisable options. |
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(4) |
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Includes 27,000 shares which may be purchased by Mr. Reissner upon exercise of currently
exercisable options. |
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(5) |
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Includes 27,000 shares which may be purchased by Mr. Speckmann upon exercise of currently
exercisable options. |
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(6) |
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Includes 22,440 shares which may be purchased by Mr. Nordquist upon exercise of currently
exercisable options. |
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(7) |
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Includes 10,800 shares which may be purchased by Mr. Burneske upon exercise of currently
exercisable options. |
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(8) |
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According to a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14,
2007 by FMR Corp. (FMR) and Edward C. Johnson 3d, Chairman and principal shareholder of FMR, the shares are beneficially owned by Fidelity Management & Research Company (Fidelity |
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Research) as an investment adviser to various investment companies (the Funds), including
Fidelity Low Priced Stock Fund (Fidelity Fund), with Mr. Johnson, FMR and the Funds each
having the sole power to dispose of such shares and the Funds Boards of Trustees having the
sole power to vote or direct the vote of such shares. Fidelity Research and Fidelity Fund
are wholly-owned subsidiaries of FMR. The address for FMR is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109. |
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(9) |
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Includes 136,240 shares which may be purchased by executive officers and directors upon
exercise of currently exercisable options. |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our business affairs are conducted under the direction of the Board of Directors in accordance
with the Minnesota Business Corporation Act and our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Members
of the Board of Directors are informed of our business through discussions with management, by
reviewing materials provided to them and by participating in meetings of the Board of Directors and
its committees. The corporate governance practices that we follow are summarized below.
Independence
The Board has determined that a majority of its members are independent as defined by the
listing standards of the American Stock Exchange. Our independent directors are Thomas J. de
Petra, James L. Reissner and Richard T. Speckmann. In the last three years, there have been no
transactions, relationships or arrangements, other than in connection with service on our Board,
between the independent directors and Winland Electronics.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
The Board has approved a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that applies to all of our
employees, directors and officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial
officer, principal accounting officer and controller. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
addresses such topics as protection and proper use of our assets, compliance with applicable laws
and regulations, accuracy and preservation of records, accounting and financial reporting,
conflicts of interest and insider trading. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is available
free of charge to any shareholder who sends a request for a copy to Winland Electronics, Inc.,
Attn. Chief Financial Officer, 1950 Excel Drive, Mankato, Minnesota 56001, and it is also available
on our website at www.winland.com. We intend to disclose on our website any amendment to, or
waiver from, a provision of its Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer,
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller relating to any element of
the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-B. Late in 2003, we
contracted with an independent professional organization to provide anonymous hotline services that
permit our employees to communicate any concerns about behavior or practices of Winland
Electronics, its employees, officers or directors. This service began January 1, 2004 and was
established to assist the Board of Directors in effective internal control.
Meeting Attendance
Board and Committee Meetings. Directors are required to attend a minimum of 75% of Board and
committee meetings. During fiscal 2006, the Board held six (6) meetings. Each director attended
100% of the meetings of the Board and the committees on which such director served.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Directors are encouraged to attend our annual meetings of
shareholders; however, there is no formal policy regarding attendance at annual meetings. All of
our directors attended our 2006 annual meeting of shareholders.
Executive Sessions of the Board
An executive session of non-management directors is held at least once a year. In 2006, an
executive session was held three (3) times.
3
Committees of the Board
Our Board of Directors has three standing committees, the Audit Committee, the Compensation
Committee and the Nominating/Governance Committee. Each of the current members of these committees
is a non-employee independent director.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is comprised of James L. Reissner (Chairman), Thomas J.
de Petra and Richard T. Speckmann. Mr. Reissner is an audit committee financial expert as
defined by Item 401(e) of Regulation S-B under the Securities Act of 1933. Mr. Reissner has
degrees in finance and banking. He currently serves as President and Chief Operating officer of
Activar, Inc., a publicly traded company; and he previously served as Activars Chief Financial
Officer and Controller. We acknowledge that the designation of Mr. Reissner as the audit committee
financial expert does not impose on Mr. Reissner any duties, obligations or liability that are
greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on Mr. Reissner as a member of the audit
committee and the Board of Directors in the absence of such designation or identification. The
Audit Committee reviews the selection and work of our independent registered public accounting firm
and the adequacy of internal controls for compliance with corporate policies and directives. The
Audit Committees Report is included on page 11. During 2006, the Audit Committee met four (4)
times. Our independent registered public accounting firm was present at all of these meetings.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is comprised of Richard T. Speckmann
(Chairman), Thomas J. de Petra and James L. Reissner. This committee determines the compensation of
the Chief Executive Officer; and, taking into consideration any recommendations by the Chief
Executive Officer, it also determines the compensation for our other executive officers. The
committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to incentive compensation
plans. This committee is vested with the same authority as the Board of Directors with respect to
the administration of our equity plans. During 2006, the Compensation Committee met four (4)
times.
Nominating/Governance Committee. The Nominating/Governance Committee is comprised of Thomas
J. de Petra (Chairman), James L. Reissner and Richard T. Speckmann. This committee recommends to
the Board of Directors nominees for vacant positions on the Board, sets goals for the Board and
monitors the achievement of such goals. This committee will consider a candidate for director
proposed by a shareholder. Candidates must have broad training and experience in their chosen
fields and must have achieved distinction in their activities. The committee considers the
particular expertise of each nominee and strives to achieve an appropriate breadth of skills among
the Board members. A shareholder who wants to propose a candidate must comply with the provisions
of our Bylaws regarding nominations for the election of directors. The policies of the committee
are described more fully in the Nominating/Governance Committees Report on page 6. The
Nominating/Governance Committee met twice during 2006.
Communications with the Board
Shareholders may communicate directly with the Board of Directors. All communications, other
than shareholder proposals and director nominations which must comply with certain other
requirements as discussed under Shareholder Proposals and Nominations of Director Candidates on
page 12, should be directed to our Chief Financial Officer at the address below and should
prominently indicate on the outside of the envelope that it is intended for the Board of Directors
or for non-management directors. If no director is specified, the communication will be forwarded
to the entire Board. The communication will not be opened before being forwarded to the intended
recipient, but it will go through normal security procedures. Shareholder communications to the
Board should be sent to:
Glenn A. Kermes, Chief Financial Officer
Winland Electronics, Inc.
1950 Excel Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
4
Compensation to Non-Employee Directors
Cash Compensation. In addition to being reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with attendance at Board or Committee meetings, the non-employee directors receive the
following fees:
Retainer:
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$1,200 per month for service on the Board, with the Chairman
receiving an additional $22,000 per year. |
Meeting Fees:
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$1,200 for Board meeting attendance. |
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$1,200 for Audit Committee meeting attendance, with the Chairman
receiving an additional $1,200 per meeting. |
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$800 for Compensation Committee or Nominating/Governance
Committee meeting attendance, with the chairmen receiving an
additional $750 per meeting. |
From February to September 2006, James Reissner received an additional $1,000 monthly retainer
as Lead Director of Growth Strategy.
Equity Compensation. Our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan provides for automatic option grants to
each non-employee director. Each non-employee director who is elected for the first time as a
director is granted a nonqualified option to purchase 5,500 shares of Common Stock. Each
non-employee director who is re-elected as a director or whose term of office continues after a
meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected shall, as of the date of such re-election or
shareholder meeting, automatically be granted a five-year nonqualified option to purchase 5,500
shares of Common Stock. No director shall receive more than one option pursuant to the formula
plan in any one fiscal year. All options granted pursuant to these provisions are granted at a per
share exercise price equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
grant, and they are immediately exercisable. On May 9, 2006, each of our non-employee directors
received an option to purchase 5,500 shares at $4.48 per share.
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Fees Earned or Paid in |
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Option Awards |
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Total |
Name |
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Cash ($)(1) |
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($)(2) |
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($) |
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Thomas J. de Petra |
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$ |
44,833 |
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$ |
14,751 |
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$ |
59,584 |
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James L. Reissner |
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$ |
44,000 |
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$ |
18,732 |
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$ |
62,732 |
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Richard T. Speckmann |
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$ |
37,800 |
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$ |
19,064 |
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$ |
56,864 |
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S. Robert Dessalet (3) |
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$ |
43,367 |
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$ |
12,589 |
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$ |
55,956 |
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(1) |
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Except as described in note (3) below, the amounts consist of the cash fees paid to the
non-employee directors as described in Cash Compensation above. |
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(2) |
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The amounts reflect the amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with FAS 123R for stock option awards
automatically granted to non-employee directors in fiscal year 2006 pursuant to our 2005
Equity Incentive Plan. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in
footnote 7 to our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As of
December 31, 2006, each of the three current non-employee directors held options to purchase
an aggregate of 27,000 shares, and Mr. Dessalets estate held options to purchase 16,000
shares. |
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(3) |
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Mr. Dessalet served as a director and Chairman until his death on September 12, 2006. A
portion ($9,100) of the fees shown for Mr. Dessalet were paid to Mr. Dessalets wife as a
gift. |
5
NOMINATING/GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Nominating/Governance Committee is comprised of independent directors. In accordance with
its written charter, the Nominating/Governance Committee assists the Board of Directors with
fulfilling its responsibility regarding any matters relating to corporate governance including
selection of candidates for our Board of Directors. Its duties shall include oversight of the
principles of corporate governance by which Winland Electronics and the Board shall be governed;
the codes of ethical conduct and legal compliance by which Winland Electronics and its directors,
executive officers, employees and agents will be governed; policies for evaluation of the Board and
the chairperson; policies for election and reelection of Board members; and policies for succession
planning for the Chief Executive Officer, Board chairperson and other Board leaders. In addition,
the Committee is responsible for annually reviewing the composition of the Board, focusing on the
governance and business needs and requirements of Winland Electronics, nominating and screening of
Board member candidates, evaluating the performance of Board members and recommending the
reelection of Board members who are performing effectively and who continue to provide a competency
needed on the Board. When a directors principal occupation or business association changes
substantially, such director shall tender a letter of resignation to the Board through the
Nominating/Governance Committee, which resignation will be considered and acted upon in a manner
that is best for the Board and Winland Electronics.
The Nominating/Governance Committee will consider candidates for nomination as a director
recommended by shareholders. In evaluating director nominees, the Nominating/Governance Committee
requires certain minimum qualifications, including high moral character and mature judgment and the
ability to work collegially with others. In addition, factors such as the following shall be
considered:
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appropriate size and diversity of the Board; |
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needs of the Board with respect to particular talent and experience; |
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knowledge, skills and experience of nominee; |
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familiarity with our business and industry; |
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appreciation of the relationship of our business to the changing needs of society; and |
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desire to balance the benefit of continuity with the periodic injection of the
fresh perspective provided by a new member. |
Shareholders who wish to recommend one or more candidates for director to the
Nominating/Governance Committee must provide written recommendation to the Chief Financial Officer.
Notice of a recommendation must include the shareholders name, address and the number of shares
owned, along with information with respect to the person being recommended, i.e. name, age,
business address, residence address, current principal occupation, five-year employment history
with employer names and a description of the employers business, the number of shares beneficially
owned by the prospective nominee, whether such person can read and understand basic financial
statements and other board memberships, if any. The recommendation must be accompanied by a
written consent of the prospective nominee to stand for election if nominated by the Board of
Directors and to serve if elected by the shareholders. Winland Electronics may require any nominee
to furnish additional information that may be needed to determine the eligibility of the nominee.
In addition, the Bylaws permit shareholders to nominate directors for consideration at a meeting of
shareholders at which one or more directors are to be elected. For a description of the process
for nominating directors in accordance with the Bylaws, see Shareholder Proposals and Nominations
of Director Candidates on page 12.
A copy of the current Nominating/Governance Committee Charter is available on our website at
www.winland.com.
Members of the Nominating/Governance Committee
Thomas J. de Petra, Chairman
James L. Reissner
Richard T. Speckmann
6
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Proposals #1 and #2)
Our Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be the number set by the shareholders,
which shall be not less than one. The Nominating/Governance Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that the number of directors be set at four and that the persons currently serving on the
Board be nominated for election. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the number of
directors be set at four and that the four persons nominated be elected. Unless otherwise
instructed, the Proxies will be so voted.
Under applicable Minnesota law, approval of the proposal to set the number of directors at
four requires the affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of a majority of the voting power
of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting with authority to vote on
such matter, and the election of directors requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a
plurality of the voting power of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting
with authority to vote on such matter.
In the absence of other instruction, the Proxies will be voted for setting the number of
directors at four and for each of the individuals listed below. If elected, such individuals shall
serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors shall be duly
elected and shall qualify. All of the nominees are members of the present Board of Directors. If,
prior to the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, it should become known that any one of the
following individuals will be unable to serve as a director after the 2007 Annual Meeting by reason
of death, incapacity or other unexpected occurrence, the Proxies will be voted for such substitute
nominee(s) as is selected by the Nominating/Governance Committee. Alternatively, the Proxies may,
at the Boards discretion, be voted for such fewer number of nominees as results from such death,
incapacity or other unexpected occurrence. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that
any of the following nominees will be unable to serve.
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Name and Age of |
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Current Position With |
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Director |
Director/Nominee |
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Age |
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Winland Electronics, Inc. |
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Since |
Lorin E Krueger |
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51 |
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President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director |
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1978 |
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Thomas J. de Petra |
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60 |
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Director |
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1994 |
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James L. Reissner |
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67 |
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Director |
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2001 |
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Richard T. Speckmann |
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56 |
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Director |
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2002 |
Lorin E. Krueger has served as our Chief Executive Officer since June 1, 2001, and as our
President since January 1999. In addition, Mr. Krueger has served as Secretary since 1983. Mr.
Krueger served as our Chief Operating Officer from January 1999 until June 2001 and as its Senior
Vice President of Operations from March 1987 until January 1999. Mr. Krueger has been an employee
of Winland Electronics since 1976 and served as its Vice President from January 1977 to March 1987.
Thomas J. de Petra has been self-employed as a management consultant since June 1999,
currently providing services through Vantage Advisory Services LLC, of which he is the President
and founder. From August 1998 to June 1999, he served as Chief Operating Officer of International
Concept Development, Inc., a restaurant and hotel developer. From October 1997 to August 1998, Mr.
de Petra served as Chief Operating Officer of Illuminated Media Inc., an advertising company. From
February 1996 to June 1997, Mr. de Petra served as Chief Executive Officer of Nortech Forest
Technologies, Inc., continuing to provide services as a consultant until October 1997. Mr. de
Petra was a management consultant from June 1993 to February 1996, and he was Chief Information
Officer of IDC Holdings, Ltd. from June 1993 to November 1994. Mr. de Petra was President and
owner of de Petra & Associates, Inc., a financial communications firm, formerly known as First
Financial Investor Relations, Inc., from August 1986 to October 1993.
James L. Reissner has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Activar, Inc. since
January 1996, prior to which, he served as Activars Chief Financial Officer beginning in 1992.
From 2001 to 2004, Mr. Reissner served as an officer, most recently as Chief Executive Officer, of
MagStar
7
Technologies, Inc. Mr. Reissner acted in various management and financial management capacities
during the past twenty years, including Managing Director of the Minnesota Region of First Bank
Systems, Inc., until 1990. Mr. Reissner also serves as a director of Rimage Corporation
(Nasdaq:RIMG) and MagStar Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:MGST).
Richard (Rick) T. Speckmann has served as Chief Executive Officer and President of EmPerform,
Inc., since March 2004. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Outside the Box, Inc. from
November 2002 to March 2004. From April 2001 to November 2002, Mr. Speckmann served as President
of Amcon Construction Company, LLC. From January 1997 to March 2001, Mr. Speckmann, served as
President of Art Holdings Corporation. Prior to 1997, Mr. Speckmann served in various capacities
with several Twin Cities companies, including Andcor Companies, Inc., InforMark Resources, Inc.,
Ehlert Publishing Group and Signdesign, Inc.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation paid or accrued for
our last fiscal year to the Chief Executive Officer and the two highest paid executive officers
whose total compensation earned or accrued for fiscal year 2006 exceeded $100,000.
We have entered into employment agreements with each of the named executive officers, which
agreements are described below.
No bonus was paid to any named executive officer except as provided for pursuant to the 2006
Incentive Bonus Plan, a non-equity incentive plan.
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Option |
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Non-Equity Incentive |
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All Other |
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Name and Principal |
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Awards |
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Plan Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Position |
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Year |
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Salary ($) |
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($)(1) |
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($)(2) |
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($)(3) |
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Total ($) |
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Lorin E. Krueger
Chief Executive
Officer and President |
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2006 |
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$ |
165,000 |
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$ |
65,280 |
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$ |
3,334 |
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$ |
233,614 |
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Dale A. Nordquist
Senior VP of Sales
& Marketing |
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2006 |
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$ |
226,786 |
(4) |
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$ |
1,484 |
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$ |
1,346 |
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$ |
3,719 |
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$ |
233,335 |
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Gregory W. Burneske
VP of Engineering |
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2006 |
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$ |
103,000 |
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$ |
28,166 |
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$ |
16,289 |
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$ |
4,263 |
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$ |
151,718 |
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(1) |
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The amounts reflect the 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 our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan and represents amounts from options granted prior
to fiscal year 2006. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in
footnote 7 to our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
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(2) |
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The amounts represent cash incentive awards made pursuant to our 2006 Incentive Bonus Plan,
which provides for cash and other awards to employees, including the named executive officers.
The amount of the bonus pool is based on a percentage of net income before tax and before the
plan. Bonuses equal to 80% of the total plan amount are disbursed to employees, including the
named executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, based on certain criteria
determined in the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. The remaining 20% is available
for the Chief Executive Officer based on achievement of certain criteria established by the
Compensation Committee. |
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(3) |
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Other Annual compensation for fiscal year 2006 consists of contributions to our 401(k) plan
for the named executive officers benefit. |
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(4) |
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Includes commissions of $115,405. |
8
Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment Arrangements
Lorin E. Krueger. During 2006, Mr. Kruegers employment was pursuant to a January 1, 1999
employment agreement, as amended, which agreement provided for a base salary of $165,000 for 2006
and an annual bonus in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, which bonus is set forth
in the above Summary Compensation Table. Effective January 1, 2007, a new employment agreement
was entered into with Mr. Krueger, which provides for a base salary of $181,500 for 2007. Mr.
Krueger is eligible to receive an annual bonus consisting of stock options and/or a cash payment at
the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. If Mr. Kruegers employment is terminated by us
without cause or by Mr. Krueger for good reason, Mr. Krueger is entitled to his base salary for
twelve months and health care benefits for six months; provided, however, if such termination
occurs within two years after a change of control, Mr. Krueger will be entitled to an amount equal
to his salary and bonus payments for the two completed fiscal years immediately preceding
termination payable over the 24 months following the termination. During employment and for two
years following termination of such employment, Mr. Krueger has agreed that he will not compete
with us or solicit any of our employees, customers or contractors for employment or business
purposes.
Dale A. Nordquist. During 2006, Mr. Nordquists employment was pursuant to an employment
agreement effective January 1, 2003 with a base salary of $111,400, plus commissions for sales to
new customers. Effective January 1, 2007, a new employment agreement was entered into with Mr.
Nordquist, which provides for a base salary of $125,000 for 2007. In addition, Mr. Nordquist is
entitled to commissions on the sales of certain products. For 2007, Mr. Nordquist is eligible to
receive a bonus of up to $20,000 based on certain sales goals. If Mr. Nordquists employment is
terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Nordquist for good reason, Mr. Nordquist is entitled to
his base salary for six months and health care benefits for three months; provided, however, if
such termination occurs within two years after a change of control, Mr. Nordquist will be entitled
to an amount equal to his salary and bonus payments for the two completed fiscal years immediately
preceding termination payable over the 24 months following the termination. During employment and
for two years following termination of such employment, Mr. Nordquist has agreed that he will not
compete with us or solicit any of our employees, customers or contractors for employment or
business purposes.
Gregory W. Burneske. During 2006, Mr. Burneskes employment was pursuant to an employment
agreement effective May 17, 2004, as amended, which agreement provided for a base salary of
$103,000 for 2006. Effective January 1, 2007, a new employment agreement was entered into with Mr.
Burneske, which provides for a base salary of $120,000 for 2007. Mr. Burneske is eligible to
receive an annual bonus consisting of stock options and/or a cash payment at the sole discretion of
the Compensation Committee. If Mr. Burneskes employment is terminated by us without cause or by
Mr. Burneske for good reason, Mr. Burneske is entitled to his base salary for six months and health
care benefits for three months; provided, however, if such termination occurs within two years
after a change of control, Mr. Burneske will be entitled to an amount equal to his salary and bonus
payments for the two completed fiscal years immediately preceding termination payable over the 24
months following the termination. During employment and for two years following termination of
such employment, Mr. Burneske has agreed that he will not compete with us or solicit any of our
employees, customers or contractors for employment or business purposes.
9
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
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Number of |
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Number of |
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Securities |
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Securities |
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Underlying |
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Underlying |
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Unexercised |
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Unexercised |
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Options (#) |
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Options (#) |
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Option Exercise |
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Option Expiration |
Name |
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Exercisable |
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Unexercisable |
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Price ($) |
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Date |
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Lorin E. Krueger |
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11,000 |
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$ |
2.8727 |
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10/24/08 |
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11,000 |
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$ |
4.14 |
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01/03/10 |
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Dale A. Nordquist |
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15,840 |
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$ |
0.6818 |
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10/29/07 |
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6,600 |
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2,200 |
(1) |
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$ |
1.2727 |
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12/20/08 |
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Gregory W. Burneske |
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7,200 |
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10,800 |
(2) |
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$ |
3.00 |
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05/17/10 |
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18,000 |
(3) |
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$ |
3.35 |
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05/01/12 |
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(1) |
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The stock option was granted on December 20, 2002. The unvested portion vests on December
20, 2007. |
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(2) |
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The stock option was granted on May 17, 2004. The option vests to the extent of 3,600 shares
annually on the first five anniversary dates of the date of grant. |
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(3) |
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The stock option was granted on January 1, 2006. The option vests to the extent of 3,600
shares annually on the first five anniversary dates of the date of grant. |
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
During the two most recent fiscal years, we have not had any transactions in which any
director or executive officer, or any other member of their immediate family of any director or
executive officer, had a material direct or indirect interest reportable under applicable
Securities and Exchange Commission rules, and there are no such transactions proposed.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our executive officers and
directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity
securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC). Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are
required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based
solely on its review of the copies of such forms received, we believe that, during fiscal year
2006, all of our executive officers, directors and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners
complied with the applicable filing requirements, except that Tom de Petra reported two
transactions on a Form 4 that was not timely filed.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since
May 1998 and has been selected to act as such for the current year ending December 31, 2007.
Representatives of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will
be given an opportunity to make a statement regarding financial and accounting matters if they so
desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from our shareholders.
10
Audit Fees
We paid the following fees to McGladrey & Pullen, LLP or its affliated entity RSM McGladrey,
Inc. for fiscal years 2005 and 2006:
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2005 |
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2006 |
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Audit Fees |
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$ |
138,000 |
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$ |
195,000 |
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Audit-Related Fees |
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6,000 |
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0 |
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Tax Fees |
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5,000 |
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16,000 |
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All Other Fees |
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0 |
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0 |
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$ |
149,000 |
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$ |
211,000 |
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Audit fees are professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements
and review of financial statements included in our Forms 10-KSB and 10-QSB. Tax fees include fees
for services provided in connection with tax planning and tax compliance.
The Audit Committee has considered whether provision of the above non-audit services is
compatible with maintaining accountants independence and has determined that such services are
compatible with maintaining accountants independence.
Pre-Approval Policy
The Audit Committee has not formally adopted a policy for pre-approval of all audit and
non-audit services by its independent auditors, but it has routinely approved all audit and
permitted non-audit services to be performed for Winland Electronics by its independent auditors.
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors maintains an Audit Committee comprised of the three outside directors.
The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee believe that the Audit Committees current member
composition satisfies the Listing Standards of the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) that governs
audit committees, Section 121(B), including the requirement that audit committee members all be
independent directors as that term is defined by AMEX Listing Standards Section 121(A).
In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors (available on our
website), the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors with fulfilling its oversight
responsibility regarding the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial
reporting practices of Winland Electronics. In discharging its oversight responsibilities
regarding the audit process, the Audit Committee:
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(1) |
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reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management; |
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(2) |
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discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the material
required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended; and |
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(3) |
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reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered
public accounting firm required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No.1 and
discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm any relationships that
may impact their objectivity and independence. |
Based upon the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to
the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Members of the Audit Committee
James L. Reissner, Chairman
Thomas J. de Petra
Richard T. Speckmann
11
OTHER BUSINESS
Management knows of no other matters to be presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting. If any other
matter properly comes before the 2007 Annual Meeting, the appointees named in the proxies will vote
the proxies in accordance with their best judgment.
12
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
Under the SEC Rules, we are required to provide the following information to you based on the
assumption that the date for our annual meeting in 2008 will not deviate more than thirty (30) days
from the date for this Annual Meeting: Any appropriate proposal submitted by a shareholder of
Winland Electronics and intended to be presented at the 2008 Annual meeting of shareholders must be
received by us by December 4, 2007 to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and
related proxy for the 2008 annual meeting. Also, our Bylaws permit shareholders to make
nominations for the election of directors and propose business to be brought before any regular
meeting of shareholders, provided advance written notice of such nomination or proposal is received
by us after February 8, 2008, but on or before March 3, 2008. According to our Bylaws, a
shareholder nomination or proposal received outside of this time period will be considered untimely
and the chairman of the meeting shall refuse to acknowledge such untimely nomination or proposal.
We will inform you of any changes of the aforesaid dates in a timely manner and will provide
notice of the new dates in our earliest possible quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Any shareholder nomination or proposal must provide the information required by our Bylaws and
comply with any applicable laws and regulations. All submissions should be made to the Secretary
of Winland Electronics at our principal offices at 1950 Excel Drive, Mankato, Minnesota 56001.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of our Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006,
including financial statements, accompanies this Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement. No
portion of the Annual Report is incorporated herein or is to be considered proxy soliciting
material.
FORM 10-KSB
WE WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON WHOSE PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED, UPON WRITTEN
REQUEST OF ANY SUCH PERSON, A COPY OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2006, AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND A LIST OF EXHIBITS TO SUCH FORM 10-KSB. WE WILL FURNISH TO ANY SUCH PERSON ANY
EXHIBIT DESCRIBED IN THE LIST ACCOMPANYING THE FORM 10-KSB UPON THE ADVANCE PAYMENT OF REASONABLE
FEES. REQUESTS FOR A COPY OF THE FORM 10-KSB AND/OR ANY EXHIBIT(S) SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE CHIEF
FINANCIAL OFFICER OF WINLAND ELECTRONICS, INC., 1950 EXCEL DRIVE, MANKATO, MINNESOTA 56001. YOUR
REQUEST MUST CONTAIN A REPRESENTATION THAT, AS OF MARCH 12, 2007, YOU WERE A BENEFICIAL OWNER OF
SHARES ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE 2006 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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Lorin E. Krueger |
Dated: April 2, 2007
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
13
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PLEASE MARK
VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE |
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REVOCABLE
PROXY |
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WINLAND
ELECTRONICS,
INC. |
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For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
ANNUAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2007 |
1. |
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To set the number of members
of the Board of Directors at five (4). |
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The
2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Winland Electronics, Inc. will be held at Technology Plus of Mankato, 1961 Premier Drive
(intersection of
Highways 22 and 14), Mankato, Minnesota, at 10:00 a.m. on
Tuesday, May 8, 2007, for the following purposes: |
2. |
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To elect directors: |
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Lorin E. Krueger |
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With- |
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For All |
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Thomas J. de Petra |
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hold |
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Except |
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James L. Reissner |
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Richard T. Speckmann |
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INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee, mark For All Except and write that nominees name in the
space provided below. |
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3. |
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To take action on any other business that
may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
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Please be sure to sign and date
this Proxy in the box below. |
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Shareholder
sign above |
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Co-holder
(if any) sign above |
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Detach above
card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope
provided.
WINLAND ELECTRONICS, INC.
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Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon, date and return promptly. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. Executors,
administrators, trustees and other fiduciaries should indicate their capacity when signing.
The above signed acknowledges receipt from Winland Electronics, Inc. prior to the execution of this proxy, of a Notice of the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, a Proxy Statement and an Annual Report to Shareholders.
PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY
SIGN, DATE & MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY
IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE CORRECT THE ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW AND RETURN THIS PORTION WITH THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.