UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Bank of Marin Bancorp
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Marin Showcase Theatre at the Marin Center
10 Avenue of the Flags
San Rafael, California
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 6:00 p.m.
To Our Shareholders:
Notice is hereby given of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Bank of Marin Bancorp. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the Marin Showcase Theatre at the Marin Center, San Rafael, California. To enable our employee owners to attend the meeting, the branches will close at 5:00 p.m. on May 13. A reception at the Marin Showcase Theatre will immediately follow the shareholders meeting.
At the Annual Meeting you will be asked (1) to elect fourteen directors of Bank of Marin Bancorp to serve for the coming year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, (2) to ratify the selection of independent auditors, and (3) to act on such other business as may properly come before the meeting. You are urged to read the accompanying Proxy Statement carefully. It contains a detailed explanation of all matters on which you will be asked to vote.
Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 18, 2008 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at this meeting.
It is very important that as many shares as possible be represented at the meeting, and we encourage all shareholders to attend the Annual Meeting in person. To assure your representation at the meeting, you are urged to mark, sign and date, and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in the postage-paid envelope enclosed for that purpose. If after signing and returning the proxy you come to the meeting, you may vote in person even though you have previously sent in a proxy.
Sincerely,
Joel Sklar, MD
Chairman of the Board
April 7, 2008
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1
PROXY STATEMENT
OF
BANK OF MARIN BANCORP
504 Redwood Boulevard, Suite 100
Novato, California 94947
These proxy materials are furnished in connection with the solicitation by management of Bank of Marin Bancorp (the Company), of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. at the Marin Showcase Theatre at the Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, California, and at any adjournment thereof.
The matters to be considered and voted upon at the meeting will be:
1. | Election of Directors. The election of fourteen directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. |
2. | Independent Auditors. The ratification of the selection of independent auditors. |
3. | Other Business. Transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments thereof. |
GENERAL PROXY STATEMENT INFORMATION
Bank of Marin Bancorp, a corporation existing and organized under the laws of the State of California, is authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of March 18, 2008, only one class of stock was issued consisting of shares of common stock. All of the shares are voting shares and are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only those shareholders of record as of March 18, 2008 (the Record Date) will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. On that date 5,131,298 shares of common stock were outstanding. The determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the number of votes to which they are entitled was made on the basis of the Companys records as of the Record Date. The presence in person or by proxy of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business at the meeting. Abstentions, shares as to which voting authority has been withheld from any nominee and broker non-votes (as defined below), will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum.
A broker or nominee holding shares for beneficial owners may vote on certain matters at the meeting pursuant to discretionary authority or instructions from the beneficial owners, but with respect to other matters for which the broker or nominee may not have received instructions from the beneficial owners and may not have discretionary voting power under the applicable rule of the New York Stock Exchange or other self-regulatory organizations to which the broker or nominee is a member, the shares held by the broker or nominee may not be voted. Such unvoted shares are called broker non-votes. The rules of the New York Stock Exchange and other self-regulatory organizations generally permit a broker or nominee, in the absence of instructions, to deliver a proxy to vote for directors in an uncontested election. Consequently, shares held by a broker or nominee will not constitute broker non-votes regarding that proposal.
A proxy for use at the meeting is enclosed. Any shareholder who executes and delivers such proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by filing with the Corporate Secretary of the Company an instrument revoking it or by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. In addition, the powers of the proxy
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holder will be revoked if the person executing the proxy is present at the meeting and elects to vote in person by advising the chairman of the meeting of such election. Subject to such revocation or suspension, all shares represented by a properly executed proxy received in time for the meeting will be voted by the proxy holders in accordance with the instructions on the proxy.
IF NO INSTRUCTION IS SPECIFIED WITH REGARD TO A MATTER TO BE ACTED UPON, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR LISTED HEREIN AND FOR RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
Person Making the Solicitation
This solicitation of proxies is being made by the Board of Directors of the Company. The expense of preparing, assembling, printing, and mailing this proxy statement and the material used in the solicitation of proxies for the meeting will be borne by the Company. It is contemplated that proxies will be solicited principally through the use of the mail, but officers, directors, and employees of the Company and Bank of Marin may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, without receiving special compensation therefor. Although there is no formal agreement to do so, the Company may reimburse banks, brokerage houses, and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for their reasonable expense in forwarding these proxy materials to their principals.
In connection with the election of directors, in accordance with California law, each shareholder entitled to vote may vote the shares owned by such shareholder as of the Record Date cumulatively if a shareholder present at the meeting has given notice at the meeting, prior to the voting, of his or her intention to vote cumulatively. If any shareholder has given such notice, then all shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors may cumulate their votes for candidates properly nominated. Under cumulative voting, each share carries as many votes as the number of directors to be elected, and the shareholder may cast all of such votes for a single nominee or may distribute them in any manner among as many nominees as desired. In the election of directors, the fourteen nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected.
On all other matters submitted to the vote of the shareholders, each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock owned on the books of the Company as of the Record Date.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
At the meeting fourteen (14) directors of the Company (the entire Board of Directors) are to be elected to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. All of the nominees are currently members of the Board of Directors. The Bylaws of the Company provide for not fewer than nine (9) or more than seventeen (17) directors. By resolution the Board of Directors has fixed the number of directors at fourteen (14). The following named persons are nominated by the Board of Directors and, unless the shareholder marks the proxy to withhold the vote, the enclosed proxy, if returned and not subsequently revoked, will be voted in favor of their election as directors. If for any reason any such nominee becomes unavailable for election, the proxy holders will vote for such substitute nominee as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The proxy holders reserve the right to cumulate votes for the election of directors and to cast all of such votes for any one or more of the nominees, to the exclusion of the others, and in such order of preference as the proxy holders may determine in their discretion if cumulative voting is involved as described above under Voting Rights.
The following table sets forth the names of, and certain information as of March 18, 2008 with respect to, the persons nominated by the Board of Directors for election as directors and is followed by brief summaries of the background and business experience of each nominee covering at least the last five years. For the year 2007, each of the persons nominated, except for Russell A. Colombo, was independent within the meaning of Nasdaqs listing standards.
Name and Relationship With Company |
Principal Occupation For Past Five Years | Age | Year First Elected or Appointed | |||
Judith OConnell Allen Director |
Former Chairman of the Board of Bank of Marin, 2003 to 2007. She currently devotes her time to serving on various community service boards. | 68 | 1989 | |||
Russell A. Colombo President, CEO and Director |
President and CEO of the Bank and Company since July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, respectively. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank from August 2005 until July 1, 2006. Executive Vice President and Branch Administrator of the Bank from March 2004 until July 2005. Prior thereto, he was Senior Vice President and Group Manager of the San Francisco office of Comerica Bank. | 55 | 2006 | |||
James E. Deitz Director |
Retired in 1994 as President of Heald Colleges in San Francisco. He currently devotes his time to serving on various community service boards. | 77 | 2000 | |||
Robert Heller Director |
Retired from Fair Isaac Corporation (NYSE:FIC) in 2002, where he was Executive Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Sonic Automotive, Inc (NYSE:SAH) as well as several private companies. | 68 | 2005 | |||
Norma J. Howard Director |
President of NOHOW Communications Consulting. Prior thereto, she was General Manager in the telecommunications industry for SBC. She currently serves on the boards of California State Automobile Association, and ACA Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of CSAA. | 58 | 1996 | |||
J. Patrick Hunt Director |
General partner in Hunt Investment Company, a commercial real estate and security investment company located in Corte Madera. Former Chairman of the Board of Bank of Marin, 1998 to 2003. | 73 | 1989 |
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Name and Relationship With Company |
Principal Occupation For Past Five Years | Age | Year First Elected or Appointed | |||
James D. Kirsner Director |
Retired in 2001 from Barra, Inc., an investment risk management services company, where he served as the Chief Financial Officer and head of Barra Ventures. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Cool Systems, Inc., and also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Advent Software (NASDAQ:ADVS) and of Fair Isaac Corporation (NYSE:FIC). | 64 | 2000 | |||
Stuart D. Lum Director |
President/CEO of Edgewood Pacific Inc., an investment company engaged in mortgage lending, real estate and business development in Hawaii and California. Prior thereto, he was vice president and founder of Veracast Communications, an internet communications company. | 56 | 1999 | |||
Joseph D. Martino Director | Retired in 1997 from a major California bank, where he served as manager of the banks branch system in Marin and the Redwood Empire. He currently devotes his time to serving on various community service boards. | 75 | 2000 | |||
William H. McDevitt, Jr. Director | President of McDevitt & McDevitt Construction Corp. Through McDevitt & McDevitt, he also develops leased commercial buildings and commercial condominiums. | 54 | 2007 | |||
Joel Sklar, MD Chairman of the Board |
Managing partner of Cardiovascular Associates of Marin & San Francisco. He serves as Chief of the Cardiology Division at Marin General Hospital and Medical Director of the Marin Heart Institute. He is a director of Marin Hospitalist Medical Group and Marin Medical Practice Concepts and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California at San Francisco. He became Chairman of the Board of the Company in July 2007. | 58 | 1989 | |||
Brian M. Sobel Director |
Principal consultant of Sobel Communications of Petaluma, a media relations firm. | 53 | 2001 | |||
J. Dietrich Stroeh Director |
Partner in the consulting civil engineering firm of CSW/Stuber-Stroeh. Currently a director of the Golden Gate Bridge and Transportation District. | 71 | 1997 | |||
Jan I. Yanehiro Director |
President of Jan Yanehiro, Inc., a media and marketing strategic planning firm. | 60 | 2004 |
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The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall affairs of the Company. To assist it in carrying out this responsibility, the Board has delegated certain authority to several committees, the duties of which and membership at the end of 2007 were as follows:
Name of Director | Executive | Compensation | Audit | Nominating and Governance | ||||
Judith OConnell Allen |
X | X | X | |||||
Russell A. Colombo |
X | X | ||||||
Robert Heller |
X | |||||||
Norma J. Howard |
C | |||||||
J. Patrick Hunt |
X | X | X | |||||
James D. Kirsner |
X | |||||||
Stuart D. Lum |
X | C | X | |||||
Joseph D. Martino |
X | |||||||
William H. McDevitt, Jr. |
X | |||||||
Joel Sklar, MD |
C | X | C | |||||
Brian M. Sobel |
X |
C = Chairman X = Committee Member
The Executive Committee, subject to the provisions of law and certain limits imposed by the Board of Directors, may exercise any of the powers and perform any of the duties of the Board of Directors. The Committee met five (5) times in 2007.
The Compensation Committee has primary responsibility for ensuring that compensation and benefits policies and programs for senior management and the Board of Directors comply with applicable law and stock listing requirements, and are devised and maintained to provide and retain a high level of executive management and corporate governance competence. The Committee met six (6) times in 2007.
The Audit Committee, consisting of four independent members as defined in Nasdaq listing standards and Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, selects and recommends appointment of independent auditors, reviews and approves professional services performed by them and reviews the reports of their work together with regulatory agency examination reports. The Committee also reviews and approves the programs, work plan and reports of the Banks risk manager and internal auditor. Director James D. Kirsner serves as the Companys Audit Committee financial expert. This Committee met seven (7) times in 2007.
The Nominating and Governance Committee assists the Board in carrying out its duties and functions regarding corporate governance oversight and Board membership nominations. Subject to the standards required by applicable Nasdaq listing standards, the Committee is composed of no fewer than four independent directors. The Committee will consider suggestions or recommendations for Board membership received from shareholders. Shareholders who wish to make such suggestions or recommendations should forward their written suggestions to the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee addressed to Bank of Marin Bancorp, Attn: Corporate Secretary, 504 Redwood Boulevard, Suite 100, Novato, CA 94947. Whether a person is recommended for Board membership by a shareholder or by a director of the Company, the standards and qualifications to be considered for Board membership include local community involvement, sound reputation, and business or educational experience that will be beneficial to the Company. This Committee met three (3) times in 2007.
The Executive, Compensation, Audit, and Nominating and Governance Committee charters are available on the Companys website at www.bankofmarin.com under the Investor Relations tab.
There were nine (9) meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company during 2007. Each director standing for reelection to the Board attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he/she served except William H. McDevitt, Jr., whose attendance was 73% and J. Dietrich Stroeh, whose attendance was 67%.
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Each current and nominated Board member is encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All members of the Board attended the 2007 Annual Meeting.
The Board has designated the following officers as executive officers of the Company and/or Bank of Marin: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Branch Executive, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Information Officer and Corporate Secretary. At December 31, 2007 the incumbents to those offices were: Russell A. Colombo, Christina J. Cook, Peter Pelham, Kevin K. Coonan, Michael E. Besselievre and Nancy R. Boatright, respectively. Following is information regarding the Banks executive officers except for Mr. Colombo, who is a director nominee and whose information has been previously presented.
Christina J. Cook, 42, joined Bank of Marin in August 2004 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. She began her financial career in 1986 with Coopers & Lybrand, San Francisco. Mrs. Cook has eighteen years of banking experience. Before joining Bank of Marin, she served as vice president and director of financial reporting for Citibank. Prior to her time with Citibank, she served as vice president, corporate planning and financial reporting for BankAmerica Corporation. Mrs. Cook is a Certified Public Accountant.
Peter Pelham, 51, joined Bank of Marin in 1994 as Manager of the Banks first branch in Novato. In 2005 he was named Senior Vice President and Branch Administrator and in April 2006 he was named Executive Vice President and Branch Executive. Prior to joining Bank of Marin, Mr. Pelham had sixteen years of banking experience, twelve of which were with Novato National Bank and Westamerica Bank in Marin County.
Kevin K. Coonan, 59, joined Bank of Marin in November 2005 as Senior Vice President and Team Leader in the Banks credit management group. In March 2006 he was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. Mr. Coonan has twenty years of banking experience including the positions of commercial lender and credit examination officer with Bank of America and senior credit officer with Comerica Bank. Immediately prior to joining Bank of Marin, he served as Senior Credit Administrator for California Bank and Trust covering northern California.
Michael E. Besselievre, 38, joined Bank of Marin in May 2006 as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. He has thirteen years of information technology experience, ten of which have been in the banking industry. Prior to joining the Bank, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Kitsap Bank in Washington and previously held the same position for Pacific Northwest Bank before its acquisition by Wells Fargo Bank.
Nancy Rinaldi Boatright, 60, joined Bank of Marin in March 2002 as Vice President and Assistant Corporate Secretary. In July 2002 she was appointed Corporate Secretary and in August of 2007 was named Senior Vice President. She has over 37 years of community banking experience, and has served as a corporate secretary and human resources director during her career. Prior to joining Bank of Marin, she worked for Business Bank of California and Westamerica Bank in Marin County.
Security Ownership of Management
As of December 31, 2007 The Banc Funds Co. LLC reported holding 355,552 shares, which represented 6.9% of Bank of Marin Bancorp shares then outstanding. As of March 18, 2008, the Bank of Marin Employee Stock Ownership and Savings Plan (the ESOP) held 264,893 shares, which represented 5.2% of shares then outstanding. The foregoing were the only two persons known to the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the Companys common stock.
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The following table sets forth, as of March 18, 2008, the number of shares of the Companys common stock which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by (i) each of the directors, (ii) each executive officer as previously defined, and (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group, and the percentage of the outstanding common stock beneficially owned by such persons.
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | |||||||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner | Sole Voting & Investment Power |
Shared Voting & Investment Power |
Option to acquire within sixty days of March 18, 2008 |
Total | Percent of Common Stock |
||||||||
Judith OConnell Allen |
46,125 | (1) | 0 | 0 | 46,125 | 0.90 | % | ||||||
Russell A. Colombo |
769 | 2,339 | (2) | 36,299 | 39,407 | 0.77 | % | ||||||
James E. Deitz |
0 | 57,073 | (3) | 0 | 57,073 | 1.11 | % | ||||||
Robert Heller |
1,213 | 1,704 | (4) | 4,020 | 6,937 | 0.14 | % | ||||||
Norma J. Howard |
0 | 15,604 | (5) | 0 | 15,604 | 0.30 | % | ||||||
J. Patrick Hunt |
72,283 | (6) | 40,923 | (7) | 0 | 113,206 | 2.21 | % | |||||
James D. Kirsner |
0 | 22,948 | (8) | 10,051 | 32,999 | 0.64 | % | ||||||
Stuart D. Lum |
0 | 21,900 | (9) | 0 | 21,900 | 0.43 | % | ||||||
Joseph D. Martino |
0 | 7,490 | (10) | 10,051 | 17,541 | 0.34 | % | ||||||
William H. McDevitt, Jr. |
2,360 | (11) | 0 | 0 | 2,360 | 0.05 | % | ||||||
Joel Sklar, MD |
0 | 51,287 | (12) | 0 | 51,287 | 1.00 | % | ||||||
Brian M. Sobel |
5,386 | 0 | 2,011 | 7,397 | 0.14 | % | |||||||
J. Dietrich Stroeh |
0 | 16,909 | (13) | 0 | 16,909 | 0.33 | % | ||||||
Jan I. Yanehiro |
3,510 | (14) | 0 | 4,020 | 7,530 | 0.15 | % | ||||||
Michael E. Besselievre |
27 | 600 | (2) | 2,600 | 3,227 | 0.06 | % | ||||||
Nancy R. Boatright |
0 | 1,647 | (2) | 2,288 | 3,935 | 0.08 | % | ||||||
Christina J. Cook |
146 | (15) | 1,747 | (2) | 8,256 | 10,149 | 0.20 | % | |||||
Kevin K. Coonan |
404 | 881 | (2) | 7,100 | 8,385 | 0.16 | % | ||||||
Peter Pelham |
3,535 | 5,361 | (2) | 10,655 | 19,551 | 0.38 | % | ||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group (19 persons) |
481,552 | 9.38 | % |
(1) | Includes 36,077 shares held in a trust as to which Ms. Allen is trustee and 10,048 shares held in trust under the California Uniform Gift to Minors Act for which Ms. Allen is custodian. |
(2) | Shares held in Employee Stock Ownership & Profit Sharing Plan. |
(3) | Includes 57,073 shares held in a trust as to which Dr. Deitz is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power. |
(4) | Includes 1,704 shares held in a trust as to which Dr. Heller is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power. |
(5) | Includes 15,604 shares held in a trust as to which Ms. Howard is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power. |
(6) | Includes 50,249 shares held in a trust as to which Mr. Hunt is trustee and 22,034 shares held in trust as to which Mr. Hunt is trustee but disclaims beneficial ownership. |
(7) | Includes 40,923 shares held in a trust as to which Mr. Hunt is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power but disclaims beneficial ownership. |
(8) | Includes 22,948 shares held in a trust as to which Mr. Kirsner is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power. |
(9) | Includes 21,900 shares held in a trust as to which Mr. Lum is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power. |
(10) | Includes 7,490 shares held in a trust as to which Mr. Martino is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power. |
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(11) | Includes 2,000 shares held in Mr. McDevitts IRA. |
(12) | Includes 51,287 shares held in a trust as to which Dr. Sklar is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power. |
(13) | Includes 16,909 shares held in a trust as to which Mr. Stroeh is co-trustee with shared voting and investment power. |
(14) | Includes 3,167 shares held in a trust as to which Ms. Yanehiro is trustee and 343 shares held in a trust under the California Uniform Gift to Minors Act for which Ms. Yanehiro is custodian. |
(15) | Includes 146 shares held in trust under the California Uniform Gift to Minors Act for which Ms. Cook is custodian. |
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of the Companys common stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock of the Company. Directors, officers, and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the Companys knowledge, based on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its directors, officers, and 10% shareholders have been met on a timely basis.
9
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This section addresses the compensation programs, philosophy and objectives, of Bank of Marin Bancorp and its banking subsidiary, Bank of Marin (collectively, the Company), including the process for making compensation decisions, the role of management in the design of such programs, and its 2007 executive compensation components. The factors most relevant to understanding the Companys compensation programs, which are designed to reward, are addressed including the essential elements of compensation, the reasons for determining payment of each element of compensation, and how each compensation element fits into the Companys overall compensation objectives and affects decisions regarding other compensation elements.
Philosophy
The Companys executive compensation programs are designed to attract and retain high quality executive officers that are critical to its long-term success. The Companys Board of Directors and management believe that the most effective executive compensation program is one that is designed to reward the achievement of specific annual, long-term and strategic goals, which aligns executives interests with those of the shareholders by rewarding performance above established goals, with the ultimate goal of improving shareholder value. To that end, the Committee engaged a national human resources consulting firm to conduct a review of the Banks total compensation program for key executives. Each element of total compensation was compared against a regional peer group, identified by such consulting firm, of 20 publicly traded financial institutions that are similar to the Bank in asset size and performance.
The Committees compensation philosophy is to target base salaries at or above the median (50th percentile) and target total compensation (including annual incentives, long-term incentives, and benefits) between the 50th and 75th percentiles of the regional peer group. The Bank believes targeting total compensation between the 50th and 75th percentile for above-average performance is critical for attracting and retaining the qualified executives it needs to achieve its business objectives. Overall, compensation paid to Bank executives is believed to be competitive with market practices.
Base compensation levels for executive officers are established based on the officers roles and responsibilities, compensation of executives who perform similar duties, and prior year compensation. Bonus and equity compensation are based on both corporate and individual performance objectives, which include asset and revenue growth, identification of strategic opportunities, and core earnings performance.
Process for Making Compensation Decisions
Role of the Executive Officers
Shortly following the conclusion of each calendar year, the Companys Chief Executive Officer (the CEO), assisted by the Director of Human Resources, conducts an annual performance evaluation process for all named executive officers, other than for himself. As part of each annual performance evaluation, the CEO considers, among other key factors, i) financial performance, ii) the executives contribution to meeting the Companys overall goals, iii) the executives performance of job responsibilities and achievement of individual and/or departmental objectives and iv) management and leadership skills, including effective communication, problem solving, business development and community involvement.
Based on this evaluation, the CEO determines, for each of the named executive officers (other than himself), recommendations for salary adjustments, including merit increases, and annual incentive award amounts to be made to the Compensation Committee for its approval. The named executive officers incentive payment is determined by the Companys financial performance relative to that years financial performance goal and individual performance goals. The Compensation Committee reviews the CEOs recommendations and can modify a recommended amount in its discretion. In addition, recommendations by management for the grant of stock awards to named executive officers under the Companys equity compensation plan are submitted to the Compensation Committee for approval to assure the Committee considers the other elements of proposed compensation.
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Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee has responsibility for establishing, implementing and continually monitoring adherence with the Companys compensation philosophy. The Compensation Committee ensures that the total compensation paid to senior management is fair, reasonable and competitive. Generally, the types of compensation and benefits provided to the named executive officers are similar to other executive officers. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for the review and approval of corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation, including the incentive award, of the Companys CEO, to evaluate the performance of the CEO in light of the goals and objectives and to determine and approve the CEOs compensation levels based on this evaluation. Additionally, the Compensation Committee reviews compensation levels for members of the Companys executive management group including the approval of the CEOs recommendations on annual bonuses and salary increases for named executive officers.
The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the compensation levels of the Board of Directors. In its review, the Compensation Committee looks to ensure that the compensation is fair, reasonably competitive and commensurate to the amount of work required both from the individual directors as well as from the Board in the aggregate.
To achieve these goals and objectives, the Compensation Committee expects to maintain compensation plans that create an executive compensation program that is set at competitive levels of comparable public financial services institutions with comparable performance.
The Compensation Committee has followed certain fundamental objectives to ensure the effectiveness of the Companys compensation strategy. These objectives include the following:
1. | Internal and external fairness. The Compensation Committee recognizes the importance of perceived fairness both internally and externally of compensation practices. The Compensation Committee has evaluated the overall economic impact of the Companys compensation practices and, when deemed necessary, has consulted with independent outside advisors in the evaluation of contractual obligations and compensation levels. |
2. | Performance-based incentives. The Company has established financial incentives for senior management who meet certain objectives, which thereby assist the Company in meeting its long-term growth and financial goals. |
3. | Shareholder value and long-term incentives. The Compensation Committee believes that the long-term success of the Company and its ability to consistently increase shareholder value is dependent on its ability to attract and retain skilled executives. The Companys compensation strategy encourages equity-based compensation to align the interests of management and shareholders. |
4. | Full disclosure. The Compensation Committee seeks to provide full disclosure to the independent members of the Board of Directors of the Company of the compensation practices and issues to ensure that all directors understand the implications of the Committees decisions. The Compensation Committee has reviewed the compensation practices of peers and considered managements individual efforts for the benefit of the Company, as well as reviewed various subjective measures in determining the adequacy and appropriateness of the compensation of executives. The Compensation Committee takes into account the performance of the executives as well as their longevity with the Company and recognizes that the competition among financial institutions for attracting and retaining senior management executives has become more intense in the past few years. The Compensation Committee takes such market considerations into account to ensure that the Company is providing appropriate long-term incentives to enable it to continue to attract new senior management executives and to retain the ones it already employs. General economic conditions and the past practice of the Company are also factors that are considered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has established various processes to assist in ensuring that the Companys compensation program is achieving its objectives. Among these are: |
| Assessment of Company Performance. The Compensation Committee uses company performance measures in two ways. In establishing total compensation ranges, the Committee considers various |
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measures of Company and industry performance, asset growth, earnings per share, return on assets, return on equity and the effective execution of the Companys growth strategy. |
| Assessment of Individual Performance. Individual performance has a strong impact on the compensation of all employees, including the CEO and the other executive officers. For the named executive officers, the Committee receives a performance assessment and compensation recommendation from the CEO, other than for himself, and also exercises its judgment based on the Boards interactions with its executive officers. As with the CEO, the performance evaluation of these executives is based on his or her contribution to the Companys performance, and other leadership accomplishments. |
| Total Compensation Review. The Compensation Committee reviews each executives base pay, bonus and equity incentives annually. In addition to these primary compensation elements, the Committee reviews the perquisites and other compensation and payments that would be required under various severance and change-in-control scenarios. Following the 2007 review, the Committee determined that these elements of compensation were reasonable in the aggregate. |
Executive Compensation Components
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the principal components of compensation for named executive officers were i) base salary, ii) performance-based bonuses, iii) equity incentives and iv) perquisites and other benefits. The Companys policies and practices for each of the principal compensation components are explained in the following paragraphs.
Base Salary
Base salary is established based on market data and is adjusted based on individual performance and experience. The Committee targets total cash compensation to be within 15% of the median for peer companies.
Performance-Based Bonuses
Cash bonuses are based on the overall performance of the Company and on individual goals specific to the executives area of responsibility. The overall Company performance goals are based on deposits, loans, net income, non-interest income and the efficiency ratio. The cash bonus potential ranges from 30% 50% of salary depending on the level and responsibilities of the executive.
Equity Incentives
Award levels are based upon market and the executives level of responsibility and influence on the performance of the Company. Executives are granted stock options or restricted stock upon hire and annually thereafter, based on performance. The option price is based on the fair market value on the effective date of the grant. Grants are made at regularly scheduled Committee meetings.
In 2007, shareholders approved an Equity Plan. The Equity Plan allows the Company to offer multiple equity vehicles as incentives, including options, unrestricted stock, restricted stock, and stock appreciation rights. Executives may be awarded a blend of equity incentives in the future.
Perquisites and Other Benefits
Consistent with the Companys compensation objectives, named executive officers are provided perquisites and other benefits that management believes are reasonable and consistent with the Companys overall compensation program and which keep the Company competitive in the marketplace. The Company periodically reviews the level of perquisites and other benefits provided to the named executive officers for suitability with the program objectives.
The Company is competitive with market practices by providing medical, dental, vision and life insurance, a 401(k) employer matching contribution up to $4,000, an ESOP, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP), and a deferred compensation plan for its executives.
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Annually, the Company may make discretionary contributions of shares of common stock to the 401k/ESOP retirement plan. The decision normally is based on the Companys financial performance and condition. The purposes of the ESOP are to include all eligible employees in the ownership of the Company, to provide them with compensation that is free from current income tax and to accumulate benefits for retirement. Stock is awarded as a percentage of eligible salary. Executives receive the same percentage as all other employees, up to the IRS limits.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company also sponsors an unsecured non-qualified plan known as the Deferred Compensation Plan, which allows named executive officers and certain other highly compensated employees to defer all or a portion of their base salary and/or bonus. Balances in the plan receive earnings all of which are described on page 16 of this Proxy Statement. Other than earnings accruals, all credits to the Deferred Compensation Plan represent a named executive officers compensation previously earned and deferred; the Company does not provide any matching or similar credits. The plan was designed to allow named executive officers to defer some of their current income to help them with tax planning, and to assist the Company in attracting and retaining top executives by providing retirement benefits that are competitive within the Companys peer group.
Employment and Change in Control Agreements
The Company provides named executive officers with agreements that provide for certain specified benefits upon a change in control of the Company. These agreements are very useful tools that help the Company retain its key employees, including the named executive officers. Such agreements are particularly necessary in an industry, such as ours, where there has been considerable consolidation over the last ten years. Detailed information about these agreements, including a description of payout amounts under a hypothetical change in control of the Company as of the last business day of 2007 is included in this Proxy Statement beginning on page 16.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement. Based on our Committee review of and the discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board:
Brian M. Sobel, Chair
Judith OConnell Allen
Robert Heller
Norma J. Howard
J. Patrick Hunt
William H. McDevitt, Jr.
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The following table sets forth summary compensation information for the year ended December 31, 2007 for the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and each of the other three most highly compensated executive officers as of the end of the last fiscal year. Bonus amounts were earned in the year shown and paid in the first quarter of the following year.
Name | Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Awards ($)(1) |
Other ($)(2) |
Total ($) | ||||||
Russell A. Colombo |
2007 | 264,678 | 122,783 | 45,467 | 83,896 | 516,824 | ||||||
President & CEO |
2006 | 223,020 | 102,000 | 139,970 | 19,000 | 483,990 | ||||||
2005 | 202,000 | 80,500 | 80,167 | 25,128 | 387,795 | |||||||
Christina J. Cook |
2007 | 164,295 | 48,000 | 22,734 | 21,415 | 256,444 | ||||||
EVP & CFO |
2006 | 159,510 | 36,000 | 12,917 | 4,264 | 212,691 | ||||||
2005 | 156,000 | 40,000 | 66,812 | 22,249 | 285,061 | |||||||
Peter Pelham |
2007 | 137,916 | 45,000 | 30,312 | 23,551 | 236,779 | ||||||
EVP & Branch Executive |
2006 | 126,250 | 35,000 | 43,056 | 34,000 | 238,306 | ||||||
2005 | 103,878 | 5,747 | 0 | 20,124 | 129,749 | |||||||
Kevin K. Coonan |
2007 | 160,110 | 55,000 | 30,312 | 22,661 | 268,083 | ||||||
EVP & CCO |
2006 | 156,000 | 40,000 | 0 | 4,000 | 200,000 | ||||||
2005 | 13,600 | 0 | 95,969 | 45,000 | 154,569 | |||||||
Michael E. Besselievre |
2007 | 152,807 | 38,000 | 22,734 | 14,789 | 228,330 | ||||||
EVP & CIO |
2006 | 92,115 | 20,500 | 75,573 | 83,951 | 272,139 | ||||||
2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
(1) | The Black-Scholes pricing model was used to derive the fair value of the option awards. The assumptions used in valuing the grants in 2007 are presented following the table Grants of Plan Based Awards. |
(2) | Each of the above named executive officers received less than $10,000 of aggregate perquisites and personal benefits, except Mr. Colombo who received a car allowance of $7,200, and $6,388 annual country club membership dues. All Other also includes matching and profit sharing contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership & Profit Sharing Plan, imputed income on life insurance paid by the Bank, and interest paid on the Deferred Compensation Plan. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2007 with respect to equity compensation plans. All plans have been approved by the shareholders.
(A) | (B) | (C) | ||||||
Shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options |
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options |
Shares available for future issuance (Excluding shares in column A) | ||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders |
481,975 | (1) | $ | 23.64 | 485,910 |
(1) | Represents shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the Bank of Marin 1989 Stock Option Plan, the Bank of Marin 1999 Stock Option Plan, and the 2007 Equity Plan. |
The Bank of Marin 1999 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Banks shareholders in 1999, and subsequently adopted by Bank of Marin Bancorp in 2007. The following three tables set forth certain information regarding options granted under that plan to individuals who were named executive officers of the Company at December 31, 2007. No options have been granted under the 2007 Equity Plan to individuals who were named executive officers of the Company at December 31, 2007.
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Grants of Plan-Based Awards
Name | Option Grant Date |
Option (#) |
Exercise ($) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards ($)(1) | |||||
Russell A. Colombo |
5/01/2007 | 6,000 | 35.18 | $ | 45,467 | ||||
Michael E. Besselievre |
5/01/2007 | 3,000 | 35.18 | $ | 22,734 | ||||
Christina J. Cook |
5/01/2007 | 3,000 | 35.18 | $ | 22,734 | ||||
Kevin K. Coonan |
5/01/2007 | 4,000 | 35.18 | $ | 30,312 | ||||
Peter Pelham |
5/01/2007 | 4,000 | 35.18 | $ | 30,312 |
(1) | The Black-Scholes pricing model was used to derive the fair value of the option awards. The per share option value of $7.58 was derived for awards granted on May 1, 2007 using the assumptions of 4.64% for risk-free rate of return, 1.36% for dividend yield, 12.29% for volatility and 6.6 years for expected life. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End December 31, 2007
Name | Option Grant Date |
Securities (#) |
Securities (#) |
Option ($) |
Option Expiration Date | ||||||
Russell A. Colombo |
3/23/2004 | 19,845 | 4,962 | (1) | 26.0923 | 3/23/2014 | |||||
4/01/2005 | 3,969 | 2,646 | (1) | 33.3333 | 4/01/2015 | ||||||
5/01/2006 | 1,500 | 6,000 | (2) | 34.5000 | 5/01/2016 | ||||||
7/13/2006 | 2,000 | 8,000 | (2) | 33.2000 | 7/13/2016 | ||||||
5/01/2007 | 0 | 6,000 | (2) | 35.1800 | 5/01/2017 | ||||||
Michael E. Besselievre |
5/22/2006 | 2,000 | 8,000 | (1) | 32.3400 | 5/22/2016 | |||||
5/1/2007 | 0 | 3,000 | (2) | 35.1800 | 5/01/2017 | ||||||
Christina J. Cook |
8/11/2004 | 2,646 | 2,646 | (1) | 28.3810 | 8/11/2014 | |||||
4/01/2005 | 3,308 | 2,205 | (1) | 33.3333 | 4/01/2015 | ||||||
5/01/2006 | 300 | 1,200 | (2) | 34.5000 | 5/01/2016 | ||||||
5/01/2007 | 0 | 3,000 | (2) | 35.1800 | 5/01/2017 | ||||||
Kevin K. Coonan |
12/13/2005 | 6,300 | 4,200 | (1) | 32.2381 | 12/13/2015 | |||||
5/01/2007 | 0 | 4,000 | (2) | 35.1800 | 5/01/2017 | ||||||
Peter Pelham |
3/12/1998 | 1,184 | 0 | 11.7783 | 3/12/2008 | ||||||
3/11/1999 | 6,032 | 0 | 11.8565 | 3/11/2009 | |||||||
3/14/2001 | 1,729 | 0 | 12.2752 | 3/14/2011 | |||||||
4/01/2002 | 2,735 | 0 | 14.4522 | 4/01/2012 | |||||||
4/01/2003 | 1,737 | 0 | 17.2019 | 4/01/2013 | |||||||
4/01/2004 | 1,323 | 331 | (1) | 25.3848 | 4/01/2014 | ||||||
5/01/2006 | 1,000 | 4,000 | (2) | 34.5000 | 5/01/2016 | ||||||
5/01/2007 | 0 | 4,000 | (2) | 35.1800 | 5/01/2017 |
(1) | The stock option award vests 20% per year beginning on the grant date. |
(2) | The stock option award vests 20% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. |
Option Exercises
Name | Option Grant Date |
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized ($) | |||
Christina J. Cook |
8/11/2004 | 7,938 | 77,705 |
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Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2007
Name | Executive Contributions in Last FY ($)(1) |
Registrants ($) |
Aggregate Earnings in Last FY ($)(1) |
Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($) |
Aggregate Balance at Last FYE ($) | |||||
Russell A. Colombo |
95,168 | | 47,108 | | 632,205 | |||||
Michael E. Besselievre |
| | | | | |||||
Christina J. Cook |
| | | | | |||||
Kevin K. Coonan |
| | | | | |||||
Peter Pelham |
31,292 | | 4,795 | | 70,702 |
(1) | These amounts reflect a portion of each executives 2007 compensation, which is fully disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 14. |
This plan is intended for a select group of employees of the Company who are in the highest salary band. Employees can defer up to 80% of base salary and up to 100% of bonus compensation into the plan. These are considered irrevocable elections and stay in place for the entire calendar year. The Company does not make any employer contributions to this plan, and employees are always 100% vested in their contributions.
Named executive officers also make an election for distributions from the plan at termination.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Set forth below is a description of the plans and agreements that could result in potential payments to the named executive officers in the case of their termination of employment and/or a change in control.
Each named executive officer has signed a Change in Control Agreement. The circumstances that would trigger payment(s) or the provision of other benefits, including perquisites and health care benefits under the Change in Control Agreement are: i) a Change in Control (defined in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code) followed by, ii) the occurrence within one year after the Change in Control of a subsequent Good Reason, including:
| Without the executives express written consent, an adverse change in executives position or title, the assignment to the executive of any duties or responsibilities inconsistent with the executives position or removal of the executive from or any failure to re-elect the executive to any of such positions; |
| A reduction of the executives base salary; |
| A 20% or greater reduction in non-salary benefits; |
| Failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of the change in control agreement by any successor; or |
| Requirement by the Company that the executive be based anywhere other than within 40 miles of the current location in Novato, California. |
In the event of a change in control, unvested options immediately vest, and the Company shall pay to executive as severance pay (and without regard to the provisions of any benefit plan) in a lump sum on the fifth day following the date of termination, the average salary of the executive for the last three full years of service multiplied by executives Seniority Factor (CEO 2.25 times; EVP 1.50 times); the executives annual bonus for the previous year; and, the executives health premiums under COBRA for 18 months and Dental/Vision premiums under COBRA for 12 months.
The table below quantifies the estimated payments and benefits that would be provided to the named executive officers in connection with the termination of his or her employment under the provisions of the Change in Control Agreements.
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In all cases, the information assumes that the triggering event occurred on the last day of fiscal 2007, and the price per share of the Companys common stock is the closing market price as of that date (which was $29.25).
Named Executive | Value of Salary Component ($) |
Value of Bonus Component ($) |
Value of ($) |
Incremental Market Value of Option Awards ($) | ||||
Russell A. Colombo |
515,930 | 122,783 | 17,701 | 78,333 | ||||
Michael E. Besselievre |
226,154 | 38,000 | 9,138 | 0 | ||||
Christina J. Cook |
239,153 | 48,000 | 9,607 | 4,599 | ||||
Kevin K. Coonan |
236,355 | 55,000 | 24,447 | 0 | ||||
Peter Pelham |
184,022 | 45,000 | 9,138 | 97,142 |
Termination/Retirement/Disability/Death
| Termination - Vested options may be exercised within 90 days of termination. Deferred compensation account balances will be distributed six months after separation, following the executives distribution elections. |
| Retirement - Vested options may be exercised within 90 days of separation. Deferred compensation account balances will be distributed six months after separation, following the executives distribution elections. |
| Disability - Vested options shall remain exercisable for a 12-month period, commencing with the date of such cessation of employment status. Deferred compensation account balances will be distributed six months after separation, following executives distribution elections. |
| Death - Vested options shall remain exercisable upon the earlier of (a) expiration of the 12-month period measured from the date of executives death or (b) the expiration date of the option term. Deferred compensation account balances will be distributed six months after executives death, following the executives distribution elections. Benefits of 1.5 times executives salary (at the time of death) will be payable to the beneficiary of record. |
Employee Stock Ownership & Profit Sharing Plan
In October 1995 the Board of Directors authorized the amendments to and restatement of the Bank of Marin 401(k) Plan to the Bank of Marin Employee Stock Ownership and Savings Plan, which was subsequently adopted by Bank of Marin Bancorp, effective July 1, 2007. An employee becomes a participant in the plan as of the first day of the quarter following the date on which he/she attains age 18 and has completed three full months of service. A participant may elect to defer a portion of his/her salary, not to exceed limitations set by the IRS, into the plan. As determined by the Board of Directors, the Company may make discretionary matching and/or profit sharing contributions to the plan. In 2007 and 2006 the Company made matching contributions to the plan of $383 thousand and $409 thousand, respectively. The Companys profit sharing contributions to the plan of $854 thousand in 2007 and $900 thousand in 2006 were used to purchase shares of Company stock for the plan. Distributions from the plan are not permitted before age 59 1/2 except in the event of death, termination of employment or proven financial hardship.
Bank of Marin has discretionary bonus programs for the Banks executive officers, and for the non-executive officers and staff. Contributions by the Bank to both programs are based upon the Banks achievement of specified levels of financial performance as determined by the Board of Directors. In 2007 the Bank expensed $1,105,442 for these programs, and bonus payments were made in the first quarter of 2008.
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The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation earned by or awarded to each director who served on the Board of Directors in 2007.
Name | Fees earned ($)(1) |
Stock Awards ($)(1) |
Option Awards ($)(2) |
All Other |
Total ($) | ||||||||
Judith OConnell Allen |
19,513 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 39,500 | ||||||||
James E. Deitz |
10,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 30,000 | ||||||||
Robert Heller |
11,013 | 19,987 | 71,039 | (3) | 0 | 102,039 | |||||||
Norma J. Howard |
14,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 34,000 | ||||||||
J. Patrick Hunt |
10,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 30,000 | ||||||||
H. C. Jackson |
10,667 | (4) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10,667 | |||||||
James D. Kirsner |
10,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 30,000 | ||||||||
Stuart D. Lum |
14,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 34,000 | ||||||||
Joseph D. Martino |
14,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 34,000 | ||||||||
William H. McDevitt, Jr. |
5,854 | 10,813 | (5) | 0 | 0 | 16,667 | |||||||
Joel Sklar, MD |
17,513 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 37,500 | ||||||||
Brian M. Sobel |
10,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 30,000 | ||||||||
J. Dietrich Stroeh |
10,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 30,000 | ||||||||
Jan I. Yanehiro |
10,013 | 19,987 | 0 | 0 | 30,000 |
(1) | During 2007, each member of the Board who is not also an officer or employee of the Company received a director fee of $30,000; $20,000 in Company stock and $10,000 cash. Compensation for service for incumbent directors is paid semi-annually in arrears in July and January. The $20,000 stock based compensation to each director for service in 2007 was paid in Bank of Marin Bancorp common stock having that market value at time of issue, with fractional shares being paid in cash. The Chairs of the Audit and Compensation Committees receive an additional annual cash payment of $4,000, and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual cash payment of $15,000. If a director retires from the Board before earned director compensation is paid, that individual receives payment in cash rather than in stock. |
(2) | Each member of the Board who is not also an officer or employee of the Company is eligible for a one-time grant of a Non-Qualified Stock Option, as of the date of their next election to the Board of Directors after they have served as a director for not less than 12 months. The exercise price of all such options is equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Companys common shares on the date of the grant. |
(3) | An option was granted to Director Heller on May 9, 2007. The fair value of the grant was determined at the time of the grant using the Black-Scholes valuation method. As of March 18, 2008, Dr. Heller had 10,051 options outstanding, of which 2,010 were exercisable. |
(4) | Mr. Jackson retired from the Board of Directors effective May 2007, and was not granted any awards in fiscal 2007. |
(5) | Reflects prorated payment of director compensation based upon Director McDevitts appointment to the Board as of June 2007. |
Indebtedness and Other Transactions with Directors and Executive Officers
In accordance with the Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, the Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing and acting upon all related party transactions required to be disclosed by Item 404 of Regulation S-K for potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the Companys Code of Ethical Conduct provides rules that restrict transactions with affiliated persons.
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Prior to engaging in any related party transaction, a completed questionnaire describing the nature and structure of the transaction, along with any necessary supporting documentation, is submitted to the Nominating and Governance Committee. In determining whether to approve a related party transaction, the Nominating and Governance Committee will consider, among other things, the following:
| Whether the terms of the transaction are fair to the Company; |
| Whether the transaction is material to the Company; |
| The importance of the related person to the transaction; |
| The role the related person has played in arranging the transaction; |
| The structure of the transaction; and, |
| The interests of all related persons in the transaction. |
The Company will only enter into a related party transaction if the Nominating and Governance Committee determines that the transaction is beneficial to the Company, and the terms of the transaction are fair to the Company.
In March 2008, the Nominating and Governance Committee approved a related party transaction between Bank of Marin and McDevitt & McDevitt Construction Corp to perform tenant improvements, under the direction of Bank management, for the Banks new Mill Valley branch. The transaction will involve approximately $590,000 in construction related costs and overhead. The Companys director, William H. McDevitt, Jr., is a 50% owner of McDevitt & McDevitt Construction Corp and will realize revenue related to this construction project. Mr. McDevitt was only involved in the initial consultation regarding this project, and an alternate representative from McDevitt & McDevitt Construction Corp has and will continue to be the Banks direct liaison on the project. The Committee determined that the transaction is beneficial to the Company, and the terms of the transaction are fair to the Company. No waiver of the Companys Code of Ethical Conduct was required in approving the transaction.
Additionally, the Companys subsidiary, Bank of Marin, has had and expects to have banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with many of the directors and executive officers of the Bank (and their associates), on substantially the same terms (including interest rates, collateral and repayment terms) as those prevailing for comparable transactions with others. During 2007 no loan to any director or executive officer of the Company (or their associates) has involved more than normal risk of collectibility or presented other unfavorable features. All loans to directors or executive officers would be subject to the limitations prescribed by California Financial Code Section 3370, et seq. and by the Financial Institutions Regulatory and Interest Rate Control Act of 1978. With respect to transactions other than loans, the Company has had and expects to have such transactions in the ordinary course of business with its directors and executive officers (and their associates), but all such transactions have been and will be on substantially the same terms as those prevailing for comparable transactions with others.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The firm of Moss Adams LLP, independent auditors, has been selected by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to perform audit services for the Company and its subsidiary, Bank of Marin, for 2008 and such selection has been approved by resolution of the Board of Directors. The shareholders are hereby asked to ratify the selection of Moss Adams LLP. It is anticipated that a member of that firm will be present at the Annual Meeting. That representative is not expected to make a statement but will be available to answer any questions.
During the two most recent fiscal years there were no disagreements between the Company and its principal accountants on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the principal accountants satisfaction, would have caused the principal accountant to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its reports.
The audit reports on the financial statements of Bank of Marin Bancorp and subsidiary as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were issued by Moss Adams LLP and did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
Following are disclosures regarding the fees billed by Moss Adams LLP during 2006 and 2007. It is the policy of the Audit Committee that all engagements for auditing services, and non-audit services be preapproved by the Audit Committee. The preapproval includes a review of the services to be undertaken and the estimated fees that will be incurred. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by Moss Adams LLP is compatible with maintaining auditor independence.
The aggregate fee billed for professional services in the fiscal year 2007 and 2006 by Moss Adams LLP for the audit of the annual financial statements, review of the quarterly financial statements and work related to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 were $258,489 and $263,631, respectively.
There were $9,700 in audit-related fees in 2007 related to consents provided by Moss Adams LLP for the use of the 2006 audit report in various 8-K filings. There were no audit-related fees billed by or paid to Moss Adams LLP during 2006.
The Company does not engage its principal accountant, Moss Adams LLP, to perform tax-related services.
There were no other fees billed by the Companys principal accountant in 2007 or 2006.
Preapproval of Services by Principal Accountant
The Audit Committee will consider annually and, if appropriate, approve audit services by its principal accountant. In addition, the Audit Committee will consider and, if appropriate, preapprove certain defined audit and non-audit services. The Audit Committee will also consider on a case-by-case basis and, if appropriate, approve specific engagements.
The Audit Committee currently consists of four members of the Board of Directors, each of whom is independent under the Nasdaq listing standards, SEC rules and regulations applicable to audit committees. The Board of Directors has adopted, and annually reviews, an Audit Committee charter. The charter specifies the scope of the
20
Audit Committees responsibilities and how it carries out those responsibilities. In performing its functions, the Audit Committee acts only in an oversight capacity and necessarily relies on the work and assurances of the Companys management, which has the primary responsibility for financial statements and reports, and of the independent accountants, who, in their report, express an opinion on the conformity of the Companys annual financial statements to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and on the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Companys December 31, 2007 audited financial statements with management and with Moss Adams LLP, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also has discussed with Moss Adams LLP the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 114 (Communication with Audit Committees), that supersedes Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 of the same name.
The Audit Committee also has received from Moss Adams LLP the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) and has discussed with Moss Adams LLP their independence from the Company. Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the December 31, 2007 audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board:
Stuart D. Lum, Chair
James D. Kirsner
Joseph D. Martino
Joel Sklar, MD
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If any other matters come before the meeting, not referred to in the enclosed proxy, including matters incident to the conduct of the meeting, the proxy holders will vote the shares represented by the proxies in accordance with their best judgment. Management is not aware of any other business to come before the meeting, and as of the date of the preparation of this proxy statement, no shareholder has submitted to management any proposal to be acted upon at the meeting.
If a shareholder intends to present any proposal for consideration at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and wishes for that proposal to be included in the proxy and proxy statement to be prepared by the Company, the proposal must be received by the Company at its corporate office not later than December 9, 2008.
Any shareholder may communicate directly to Board members, or to any individual Board member, by sending correspondence or communication addressed to the particular member or members addressed in care of Bank of Marin Bancorp, Attn: Corporate Secretary, 504 Redwood Blvd., Suite 100, Novato, CA 94947.
THE COMPANYS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2007 ON FORM 10-K, WHICH IS REQUIRED TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC, IS AVAILABLE TO ANY SHAREHOLDER WITHOUT CHARGE. THE REPORT MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITTEN REQUEST TO CORPORATE SECRETARY, BANK OF MARIN BANCORP, 504 REDWOOD BLVD., SUITE 100, NOVATO, CA 94947. It is available in the Investor Relations section of the Companys website at www.bankofmarin.com. The Companys Annual Report serves as the BANKS annual disclosure statement under Part 350 of FDIC rules.
By order of the Board of Directors
Nancy Rinaldi Boatright
Corporate Secretary
April 7, 2008
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x | PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE |
REVOCABLE PROXY BANK OF MARIN BANCORP |
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For | With- hold |
For All Except | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
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1. | ELECTION OF DIRECTORS | ¨ | ¨ | ¨ | |||||||||||||||||||||
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF
The undersigned hereby appoints each of Russell A. Colombo, James E. Deitz and J. Patrick Hunt as Proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, and hereby authorizes any of them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all of the shares of the Common Stock of Bank of Marin Bancorp held of record by the undersigned on March 18, 2008, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Bank of Marin Bancorp to be held on May 13, 2008, or at any adjournment thereof.
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Judith OConnell Allen Robert Heller James D. Kirsner William H. McDevitt, Jr. J. Dietrich Stroeh |
Russell A. Colombo Norma J. Howard Stuart D. Lum Joel Sklar, MD Jan I. Yanehiro |
James E. Deitz J. Patrick Hunt Joseph D. Martino Brian M. Sobel | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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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For | Against | Abstain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. | RATIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS | ¨ | ¨ | ¨ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of the fourteen director nominees listed above, and votes FOR item 2. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as specified therein. If no specification, this proxy will be voted FOR all nominees for director and FOR item 2. In the event of cumulative voting, the Proxies are authorized to allocate the votes among the nominees listed above in their discretion. The Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
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Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy in the box below. |
Date | If shares are held by an entity such as a trust, a corporation or a partnership, the proxy should be completed by a person authorized to vote the shares. Print name of the entity and the title of the person who voted the shares. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholder sign above | Co-holder (if any) sign above | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.
BANK OF MARIN BANCORP |
PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE YOUR PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED
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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.
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x | PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE |
REVOCABLE PROXY BANK OF MARIN BANCORP |
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For | With- hold |
For All Except | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
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E
S
O
P
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1. | ELECTION OF DIRECTORS | ¨ | ¨ | ¨ | ||||||||||||||||||||
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF
The undersigned hereby appoints each of Russell A. Colombo, James E. Deitz and J. Patrick Hunt as Proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, and hereby authorizes any of them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all of the shares of the Common Stock of Bank of Marin Bancorp held of record by the undersigned on March 18, 2008, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Bank of Marin Bancorp to be held on May 13, 2008, or at any adjournment thereof.
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Judith OConnell Allen Robert Heller James D. Kirsner William H. McDevitt, Jr. J. Dietrich Stroeh |
Russell A. Colombo Norma J. Howard Stuart D. Lum Joel Sklar, MD Jan I. Yanehiro |
James E. Deitz J. Patrick Hunt Joseph D. Martino Brian M. Sobel | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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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For | Against | Abstain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. | RATIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS | ¨ | ¨ | ¨ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of the fourteen director nominees listed above, and votes FOR item 2. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as specified therein. If no specification, this proxy will be voted FOR all nominees for director and FOR item 2. In the event of cumulative voting, the Proxies are authorized to allocate the votes among the nominees listed above in their discretion. The Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy in the box below. |
Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholder sign above | Co-holder (if any) sign above | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
+ | + |
¿ | ¿ | |||
Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.
BANK OF MARIN BANCORP |
Additional Voting Instructions for shares held in the BANK OF MARIN BANCORP EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN
Please be advised that each Participant will be entitled to vote those shares allocated to his or her Account. Unallocated shares will be voted in direct proportion to the released shares voted by Participants to the extent permitted by ERISA. For all allocated shares, if this voting instruction card is not properly completed and signed, or if it is not timely received by the designated tabulator, shares allocated to a participants account will NOT be voted.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE YOUR PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED
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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.
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