def14a
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
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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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 |
United
Bancorporation Of Alabama, 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)(4) 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. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNITED BANCORPORATION OF ALABAMA, INC.
200 East Nashville Avenue
Atmore, Alabama
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on May 3, 2006
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to call of its Board of Directors, the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the Meeting) of United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc. (the Corporation), Atmore,
Alabama, will be held at the corporate offices of United Bank, 200 East Nashville Avenue, Atmore,
Alabama, on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at 3:00 p.m., local time, for the purpose of considering and
voting upon the following matters:
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Election of three persons as directors, each of whom is nominated to serve
until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his successor is elected and
qualified. |
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2. |
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Transaction of such business as may come properly before the Meeting or any
adjournments thereof. |
You are cordially invited to attend the Meeting, and we hope you will attend.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING.
Stockholders of record on March 31, 2006 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the
Meeting.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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/s/ H. Leon Esneul |
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H. Leon Esneul |
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Chairman of the Board |
Atmore, Alabama
April 4, 2006
UNITED BANCORPORATION OF ALABAMA, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
for
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
to be held on
May 3, 2006
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the stockholders of United Bancorporation of Alabama,
Inc. (the Corporation) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Corporations Board
of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation to be held on May 3,
2006, at 3:00 p.m., local time, and at any adjournments thereof (the Meeting).
The matters to be considered at the Meeting include: (1) the election of three directors, each
of whom is nominated to serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, each to serve until
his or her successor is elected and qualified; and (2) the transaction of such other business as
may come properly before the Meeting.
The Corporations executive offices are located at 200 East Nashville Avenue, Atmore, Alabama
36502. This Proxy Statement is dated April 4, 2006 and, together with a copy of the Corporations
2005 Annual Report, is being mailed to stockholders of the Corporation on or about April 7, 2006.
VOTING SECURITIES
As of March 31, 2006, the Corporations only outstanding voting security was its Class A
Stock, of which 2,366,871 shares (excluding treasury shares) were issued, outstanding, and entitled
to vote. Those shares were held by approximately 701 stockholders of record. Stockholders of
record on March 31, 2006 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting.
Notwithstanding that date, the Corporations stock transfer books will not be closed, and
stock may be transferred after the record date, although only stockholders of record as of the
record date may vote at the Meeting.
The directors, nominees for election as directors, and executive officers of the Corporation as a
group number nine persons and, as of March 31, 2006, beneficially owned 317,558 shares of Class A
Stock, 13.42% of the total shares of such stock outstanding. See SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
2
VOTES REQUIRED
The representation in person or by proxy of at least a majority of the outstanding Class A
Stock entitled to vote at the Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Votes withheld from any nominee, abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as
present or represented for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the
Meeting. A non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on
a proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to the
proposal and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner.
The election of directors requires an affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares present in
person or represented by proxy at the Meeting. The nominees receiving the highest number of
affirmative votes of such shares will be elected as directors. Accordingly, abstentions and broker
non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote for directors. Although the Corporation
is not presently aware of any other matter to be acted upon at the Meeting, any other matters that
may be considered and acted upon by the stockholders at the Meeting would require approval by the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote and represented at the
Meeting either in person or by proxy. Abstentions would be treated as votes cast with respect to
any such matter and therefore will have the same effect as a vote against such matters. Broker
non-votes will not be counted as votes cast with respect to such matter and therefore would have no
effect on the outcome of the votes.
PROXIES
If the enclosed Proxy is executed and returned, it may be revoked at any time before it has
been exercised; if it is not revoked, the shares represented thereby will be voted by the persons
designated in such Proxy in accordance with the instructions therein. In the absence of
instructions, the Proxy will be voted FOR election of each of the director nominees described in
this Proxy Statement and with discretionary authority on all other matters that may come properly
before the Meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth the name of each nominee and each director of the Corporation
continuing in office after the Meeting, a description of his or her position and offices, if any,
with the Corporation and its subsidiaries, a brief description of his or her principal occupation
during at least the last five years, and certain other information, including his or her age. Each
such director and each nominee is a director of the Corporations wholly-owned subsidiary, United
Bank (United Bank or the Bank). Mr. H. Leon Esneul, a current member of the Board of
Directors, is retiring at the time of the 2006 annual meeting and is not standing for re-election.
3
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Director |
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Date Term As |
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Principal Occupation |
Name and Age |
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Since |
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Director Expires |
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During Past Five Years |
Michael R. Andreoli (44)
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2004 |
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May 2007
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Stockholder and Vice President, Robertson, Andreoli & Covington,
P.C., certified public accountants; General Partner, Alcon
Properties. |
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Dale M. Ash (46)
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2002 |
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May 2008
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Controller of Pepsi-Cola
Bottling Company of Atmore
and of South Alabama Vending
Company. |
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L. Walter Crim (60)
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1997 |
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May 2006*
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Owner, Central Farm Supply. |
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Robert R. Jones, III (54)
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1992 |
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May 2008
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President of the Corporation
since May, 1993; President
and Chief Executive Officer
of United Bank since July,
1992. |
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William J. Justice (66)
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1991 |
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May 2006*
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Vice Chairman of the Board
of the Corporation; Vice
Chairman of the Board of
United Bank; Pharmacist,
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Greenlawn Pharmacy. |
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David D. Swift (55)
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1995 |
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May 2007
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Secretary of the Board of the
Corporation; Chairman of the
Board of United Bank; Vice President, Swift Lumber, Inc;
President, Swift Supply, Inc.; Partner, Palustris Products,
Ltd. |
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J. Wayne Trawick (58)
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** |
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May 2009*
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President, Trawick Builders,
Inc. |
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nominee for election for a term expiring at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
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first-time nominee |
4
The Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. None of the other entities listed
under the column Principal Occupation During Past Five Years above is affiliated with the
Corporation.
Each director of the Corporation continuing in office after the Meeting attended at least 75%
of the meetings of the Corporations Board of Directors and its committees held during 2005 while
he or she served as a director. The Corporations Board of Directors held seven meetings in 2005.
The Corporation does not have a standing nominating committee, and all director nominations
are considered by the Board of Directors as a whole, with each director participating in
consideration of director nominees. The Board of Directors has not adopted a nominating committee
charter. Certain members of the Board are not independent directors as defined by NASD rules as
described under AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT below; as an employee of the Corporations subsidiary,
United Bank, Mr. Jones is also not an independent director. The other members of the Board of
Directors are independent directors as so defined.
The goal of the Board of Directors has been, and continues to be, to identify nominees for
service on the Board of Directors who will bring a variety of perspectives and skills from their
respective professional and business experiences, particularly in the communities served by the
Bank. Experience as a director of the Bank is generally considered a strong positive factor in
evaluating nominees. Depending upon the needs of the Board of Directors and the Corporation from
time to time, certain of the factors described below may be weighed more or less heavily in
evaluating potential nominees. There are no specific, minimum qualifications, qualities or skills
that must be met by potential nominees.
The Board of Directors identifies nominees by first considering on an informal basis the
current members of the Board of Directors. Current members of the Board of Directors are
considered for re-nomination, with strong consideration generally given to the value of continuity
of service by existing members of the Board of Directors. If a vacancy on the Board of Directors
occurs due to a directors decision not to stand for re-election or for any other reason, the Board
of Directors will then determine if there is a need to fill the vacancy or reduce the number of
directors serving on the Board of Directors, in accordance with the Corporations Bylaws and
Certificate of Incorporation. If the Board of Directors determines a need to fill a vacancy,
current members of the Board of Directors are polled for suggestions as to individuals meeting
desired criteria, and research may also be performed to identify qualified individuals. To date,
the Board of Directors has not formally engaged third parties to assist in identifying or
evaluating potential nominees, although the Board of Directors may do so in the future.
Historically, the Corporation has not had a formal policy concerning stockholder
recommendations for nominees, and the Board of Directors does not feel that such a formal policy is
warranted at this time based on what it believes to be satisfactory experience to date in
identifying director nominees without such a policy. However, a reasonable stockholder
recommendation will be considered, in light of the particular needs of the Corporation and using
the procedures set forth above if the Board is seeking to fill a vacancy. Except in extraordinary
circumstances, the Board of Directors does not anticipate increasing the number of directors to
5
allow nomination by the Board of Directors of a stockholder-recommended nominee. Any such
recommendation should be communicated to the Board of Directors as described below. Although it
does not presently anticipate doing so, the Board of Directors may reconsider adoption of a formal
policy for stockholder recommendations for director nominees at such time as it believes that the
Corporations circumstances warrant such consideration.
The Corporation has not instituted to date a formal process by which stockholders may
communicate directly with directors. However, informal processes exist by which communications sent
to the Board of Directors or in care of an officer or other representative of the Corporation are
forwarded to the President, who is also a director. The Board of Directors believes this process
has adequately served the needs of the Board of Directors and the Corporations stockholders. Until
some other procedure is disclosed to the Corporations stockholders, stockholders may direct
communications intended for the Board of Directors to the Stockholder Relations Department, at the
address set forth under ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K below. The envelope containing such
communication must contain a clear notation indicating that the enclosed letter is a
Stockholder-Board Communication or Stockholder-Director Communication or similar statement that
clearly indicates the communication is intended for the Board of Directors. All such communications
must clearly indicate that the author is a stockholder of the Corporation and state whether the
intended recipients are all members of the Board of Directors or certain specified directors.
Copies of such communications and will be circulated to the President and the appropriate director
or directors.
The Corporations Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee. See AUDIT COMMITTEE
REPORT below. In addition, the Board of Directors of United Bank has established audit and
compensation committees. The Corporations Board of Directors has also appointed four directors
who are not employees of the Corporation or the Bank to serve on the Stock Option Committee of the
Board, which committee acts as Administrator of the United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc. 1998
Stock Option Plan (the Stock Option Plan) and as Administrator of the 1999 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan of United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc.
It is intended that, unless Withhold Authority is noted, proxies in the accompanying form
will be voted at the Meeting for the election to the Board of Directors of L. Walter Crim, William
J. Justice and J. Wayne Trawick to serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until
their respective successors are elected and qualified. All of the nominees except Mr. Trawick are
currently members of the Board of Directors. If any nominee is not a candidate when the election
occurs (which is not anticipated to be the case), it is intended that the proxies may be voted,
unless authorization is withheld, for any substitute nominee or nominees
recommended by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that
any nominee will be unable to serve as a director if elected.
No fees are paid to directors of the Corporation for their services as such. Since all of the
Corporations directors also serve as directors of United Bank, they are primarily compensated for
their services to United Bank. See EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION below for information regarding
compensation paid to executive officers of the Corporation.
6
During 2005, all current directors of the Corporation and nominees for election as directors
also served as directors of United Bank. Each director of United Bank received a standard annual
fee for such service of $3,500 ($4,700 for United Bank Board Chairman David D. Swift); $100 for
each Board Meeting of United Bank attended; and $50 for each additional committee meeting attended,
with a maximum of $50 per day for additional meetings. In 2005, United Banks Board of Directors
held a total of 13 meetings.
In connection with the Corporations adoption of the Stock Option Plan in 1998, each director
of the Corporation was granted nonstatutory stock options to purchase 4,000 shares of Class A Stock
at an exercise price of $8 per share (the number of shares and exercise price having been adjusted
in accordance with the Stock Option Plan to account for the 2-for-1 splits of Class A Stock in May
1999 and June 2004), with two-fifths of such options being immediately exercisable and additional
one-fifth increments becoming exercisable in December of 1999 through 2001, respectively. In
connection with her election to the Board of the Corporation in December 2002, Mrs. Ash was granted
nonstatutory stock options to purchase 2,000 shares of Class A Stock at an exercise price of $15.75
per share (taking into account the June 2004 split), with one-fifth of such options being
immediately exercisable and additional one-fifth increments becoming exercisable in December of
2003 through 2006, respectively. In connection with his election to the Board of the Bank in May
2002, Mr. Andreoli was granted nonstatutory stock options to purchase 2,000 shares of Class A Stock
at an exercise price of $15.65 per share (taking into account the June 2004 split), with one-fifth
of such options being immediately exercisable and additional one-fifth increments becoming
exercisable in May of 2003 through 2006, respectively. In connection with his subsequent election
to the Board of the Corporation, Mr. Andreoli was granted nonstatutory stock options to purchase an
additional 2,000 shares of Class A Stock at an exercise price of $16.00 per share, with two-fifths
of such options being immediately exercisable and additional one-fifth increments becoming
exercisable in May of 2006 through 2008, respectively.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION RECOMMENDS
A VOTE FOR ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.
7
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
As of March 31, 2006, there were no persons who owned of record or, to the knowledge of the
Corporation, may be deemed to own beneficially, more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the
Corporations Class A Stock.
The table below sets forth, as of March 31, 2006, the number of shares of Class A Stock
beneficially owned by each director and nominee and by all executive officers and directors as a
group.
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Percentage |
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Amount and Nature of |
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of Outstanding |
Name |
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Beneficial Ownership |
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Class A Stock |
Michael R. Andreoli |
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7,635 |
(1) |
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* |
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Dale M. Ash |
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15,226 |
(2) |
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* |
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L. Walter Crim |
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12,948 |
(3) |
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* |
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H. Leon Esneul |
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102,456 |
(4) |
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4.33 |
% |
Robert R. Jones, III |
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96,942 |
(5) |
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4.10 |
% |
William J. Justice |
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30,517 |
(6) |
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1.29 |
% |
David D. Swift |
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37,571 |
(7) |
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1.59 |
% |
J. Wayne Trawick |
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4,263 |
(8) |
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* |
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All executive officers,
directors and nominee
as a group (9 persons) |
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317,558 |
(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8) |
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13.42 |
% |
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* |
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less than 1% |
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(1) |
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Includes 1,858 shares owned jointly with his wife; 156 shares owned jointly with
his children; 2,221 shares owned in his Individual Retirement Account; and 1,400 shares
which may be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of options. |
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(2) |
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Includes 2,352 shares owned jointly with her children; and 2,000 shares which
may be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of options. |
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(3) |
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Includes 3,910 shares owned jointly with his children. |
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(4) |
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Includes 98,456 shares owned by The Doris Company Limited Partnership. |
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(5) |
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Includes 8,895 shares owned jointly with his wife; 295 shares owned jointly with
his son; 3,493 shares owned by United Bank in his Individual Retirement Account; 2,364
shares owned by United Bank in an Individual Retirement Account for his wife; 295 shares
owned jointly by his wife and his daughter; and 39,168 shares which may be acquired within
60 days upon exercise of options. |
8
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(6) |
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Includes 15,169 shares owned jointly with his wife; 5,889 shares owned by his
wife, as to which shares Mr. Justice disclaims beneficial ownership; 878 shares owned by
Mr. Justice for his granddaughters, as to which shares Mr. Justice disclaims beneficial
ownership. |
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(7) |
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Includes 7,371 shares owned by his wife; 469 shares held by his wife as trustee,
as to all of which shares Mr. Swift disclaims beneficial ownership. |
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(8) |
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Includes 973 shares owned by his wife, as to which Mr. Trawick disclaims beneficial
ownership; and 1,200 shares which may be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of options. |
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table lists the executive officers of the Corporation and the respective
positions held by them in the Corporation. Each is a director of the Corporation, except for Jamie
M. Lipham, and information regarding their other business experience during the past five years and
certain other information is set forth under the caption ELECTION OF DIRECTORS above. Mr.
Lipham, age 39, has been Senior Vice President, Retail Banking and now is Executive Vice President,
of United Bank from March 2002 to present. Mr. Lipham served as Branch Administrator with a large
holding company bank from May 1995 to February 2000 and as Senior Commercial Lender for a Georgia
based community bank from February 2000 to February 2002.
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Name |
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Position |
Robert R. Jones, III
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President |
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H. Leon Esneul
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Chairman of the Board* |
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William J. Justice
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Vice Chairman of the Board |
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Jamie M. Lipham
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Vice President |
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David D. Swift
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Secretary |
The executive officers of the Corporation are elected annually at the organizational meeting of the
Board of Directors, which follows the annual meeting of stockholders, to serve until the
organizational meeting in the subsequent year. Except as described under Agreements with Mr. Jones
below, there are no known arrangements or understandings between any executive officers and any
other person pursuant to which any of the above-named persons was selected as an officer.
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* |
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Mr. Esneul is retiring from the Board of Directors at the time of the 2006 annual meeting |
9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Officers of the Corporation, and directors who also serve as directors or officers of United
Bank, are remunerated by United Bank. The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth certain
information concerning compensation to the executive officers of the Corporation who received total
annual salary and bonus for 2005 exceeding $100,000.
Summary Compensation Table
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Long Term |
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Compensation |
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Annual Compensation |
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Awards |
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Securities |
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All Other |
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Salary |
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Bonus |
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Underlying |
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Compen- |
Name and Principal Position |
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Year |
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($) |
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($) |
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Options (#) |
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sation ($) |
Robert R. Jones, III |
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2005 |
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200,000 |
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53,931 |
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-0- |
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119,191 |
(1) |
President of the Corporation |
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2004 |
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171,154 |
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91,223 |
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-0- |
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112,863 |
(1) |
President and Chief
Executive Officer of the
Bank |
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2003 |
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175,000 |
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24,173 |
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-0- |
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93,596 |
(1) |
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Jamie M. Lipham |
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2005 |
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122,850 |
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19,794 |
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-0- |
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1,775 |
(2) |
Vice President of the
Corporation |
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2004 |
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120,224 |
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18,549 |
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-0- |
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1,571 |
(2) |
Executive Vice President
of the Bank |
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2003 |
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112,445 |
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6,947 |
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10,000 |
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4,508 |
(2) |
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(1) |
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Includes $25,212 paid on a life insurance contract owned by Mr. Jones and
related tax benefits pursuant to the 1993 Agreement described below in 2003, and $27,082
paid in 2004 and $27,082 paid in 2005 for such purposes pursuant to the 2001 Agreement
described below; $608 premium reimbursed by United Bank on a long-term disability
insurance policy for Mr. Jones in each of 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively; $10,083,
$8,373 and $1,246 contributed by United Bank for the account of Mr. Jones pursuant to
United Banks 401(k) Employee Incentive Savings Plan (the 401(k) Plan) in 2005, 2004 and
2003, respectively; $4,850, $4,150 and $6,600 in fees for attendance at meetings of United
Banks Board of Directors in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively; $73,007 accrued in 2005,
$70,329 accrued in 2004 and $40,093 accrued in 2003 to provide for certain post-employment
benefits pursuant to the 2001 Agreement described below; and $3,561, $2,321 and $5,154 in
profit-sharing payments made in 2005, 2004 and 2003 for services in 2004, 2003 and 2002. |
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(2) |
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Includes $0, $0 and $1,484 contributed by United Bank for the account of Mr.
Lipham pursuant to the 401(k) Plan in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively; and $1,775,
$1,571 and $3,024 in profit-sharing payments made in 2005, 2004 and 2003 for services in
2004, 2003 and 2002. |
10
Agreements with Mr. Jones. The Bank and Mr. Jones entered into an Executive Compensation Agreement
as of May 28, 1993 (the 1993 Agreement) which provides for certain deferred compensation
benefits, amounts of which paid for 2005 are described under All Other Compensation in the
Summary Compensation Table above. The 1993 Agreement was replaced in 2001 by the Supplemental
Compensation and Amendment Agreement discussed below (the 2001 Agreement).
Following discussions in the latter part of 1997, the Bank entered into an Employee Agreement with
Mr. Jones dated as of January 1, 1998 (the Agreement). Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Jones has
agreed to provide full-time professional services to the Bank in the capacity of President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, to the exclusion of other businesses or activities. The
Agreement was for an initial term from January 1, 1998 through December 31, 2001, and unless
terminated will automatically renew on January 1 of each year for a three-year term. The Agreement
provides for a specified annual salary, together with performance-based cash incentive compensation
(Bonus) determined by the Board of the Bank at the time of its annual review of Mr. Jones
performance. The Bonus under the Agreement is calculated as a percentage of Mr. Jones salary,
ranging from zero to 45%, based on attainment of certain net income levels by the Bank (the bonus
paid in 2004 reflects payment for the amounts earned in 2004 and amounts earned in 2003 and paid in
2004). Salary and Bonus paid to Mr. Jones for 2005 are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table
above. The Agreement specifies that Bonus awards are intended to eventually be governed by an
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan applicable to certain officers of the Bank generally, as well
as to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. The Agreement also provides for Mr.
Jones to receive long-term incentives at the discretion of the Board; benefits provided to
employees of the Bank generally; reimbursement of reasonable and customary business expenses
incurred by him in connection with the performance of his duties; payment or reimbursement of
certain fees for professional and other organizations in the Banks market area; an automobile
allowance; and vacation time. As amended by the 2001 Agreement, the Agreement also provides for
supplemental compensation to be paid by the Bank to Mr. Jones upon retirement and in certain other
circumstances as set forth in the 2001 Agreement.
The Agreement also provides generally that, in the event of Mr. Jones death, the Bank will
pay to his estate one quarter of his then-current annual salary plus a prorata portion of the Bonus
otherwise payable to him; that, in the event of his disability, the Bank will pay his salary and a
prorata portion of Bonus until the earlier of twelve months after the date of disability or such
time as disability benefits commence under a Bank-provided disability insurance policy; and that
the Bank will pay Mr. Jones an amount equal to monthly salary, benefits and prorata Bonus for
twelve months after termination of his employment if such termination is not for cause or a result
of material change in Mr. Jones duties and responsibilities.
Under the Agreement, Mr. Jones has agreed that, during the term of his employment and for two
years thereafter, he will not engage in any business similar of that of the Bank or any of its
affiliates or solicit any employee of the Bank or any of its affiliates to leave their employment
with the Bank (the Noncompetition Agreements). The Agreement also provides generally that, if a
change of control of the Bank occurs and within 36 months thereafter his employment by the
11
Bank is terminated, the Bank will pay him a severance payment equal to two times the greater
of the total cash compensation paid to him for the fiscal year most recently completed before the
termination or his annual salary at the time of termination, and that, in such event, the
Noncompetition Agreements would no longer apply.
In a Supplemental Agreement with Mr. Jones dated as of March 9, 1999 (the Supplemental
Agreement), the Corporation and the Bank agreed that, subject to his continued employment by the
Bank at such times, in each year beginning in 1999 and ending in 2002, the Corporation would grant
an incentive stock option (ISO) covering 8,160 shares of stock (the number of shares having been
adjusted to account for the 2-for-1 splits of Class A Stock in May 1999 and June 2004) to Mr.
Jones, exercisable at the then-current fair market value of Class A Stock, with each such ISO being
exercisable in five equal installments, the first of which vested on the date of the grant. The
last grant of options pursuant to the Supplemental Agreement was made in 2002.
The 2001 Agreement, which became effective as of January 1, 2001, provides for annual payments
on a life insurance contract (Insurance Payments) in lieu of comparable payments previously
required under the 1993 Agreement. In addition to the benefits under the Agreement and in lieu of
post-employment payments previously specified in the 1993 Agreement, the 2001 Agreement provides
for a normal retirement benefit of $102,000 per year to be paid to Mr. Jones for 20 years if he
remains employed by the Bank until normal retirement age; lump sum payment to his beneficiary in
the event of his earlier death; and proration of the annual payment amount if his employment by the
Bank is terminated before normal retirement age for reasons other than his death, total and
permanent disability, cause, or his voluntary termination without required notice, with the
prorated annual payment amount increasing by 5% annual increments from 50% of the normal retirement
benefit in 2001 to 100% in 2011 and thereafter. The 2001 Agreement also provides that if Mr.
Jones employment by the Bank is terminated within 180 days after a change of control of the
Corporation, as defined in the Agreement, he will receive a lump sum payment equal to (a) the
discounted present value of the normal retirement benefit, plus (b) the discounted present value of
the Insurance Payments for the lesser of ten years or the number of years until he would reach the
age of 65.
BOARD REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Board of Directors of the Corporation has not appointed a separate committee for
determination of executive compensation generally. The Stock Option Administration Committee of the
Corporations Board of Directors has been appointed as administrator of the Stock Option Plan and
the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Each non-director executive officer of the Corporation is also an officer of the Bank, and
receives compensation for services to the Bank. Executive compensation decisions made by the Bank
are reviewed by the entire Board, with the exception of determinations made with respect to Mr.
Jones, in which he does not participate.
The Board of Directors of the Bank makes compensation determinations with respect to the
employees of the Bank, including those who are executive officers of the Corporation, based
12
on the recommendations of the Compensation Committee of the Banks Board of Directors (the
Compensation Committee). For executives other than the President, the Compensation Committee acts
on compensation recommendations made by the President, with the objective of providing compensation
competitive with that provided by comparable financial institutions.
At present, compensation for executive officers other than the President consists of annual
base salary and annual cash bonuses determined by the Compensation Committee, primarily on the
recommendation of the President. Base salary is determined at hiring and is reviewed annually for
increases based upon performance evaluations made by the President. Annual cash bonuses are
generally awarded as a percentage of base salary. The bonus is based on the individuals
compensation, salary grade and individual performance and the performance of the Bank.
The compensation of the President, Mr. Jones, is determined by the Compensation Committee in
accordance with the provision of Mr. Jonesemployment agreement. See Agreements with Mr. Jones
above. Mr. Jones compensation consists of a specified annual salary, performance-based annual cash
incentive compensation, long-term incentives in the form of stock options, and other benefits. The
Committee based its determination of Mr. Jonescompensation package as reflected in the Agreement
on the advice and recommendation of a compensation consultant specializing in the banking industry,
with the intent of providing a compensation package designed to retain Mr. Jones services and
motivate him to perform to the best of his abilities. Mr. Jones 2005 base salary reflects the
Boards determination of the salary level necessary to meet this objective. The Bonus paid to Mr.
Jones in 2004 was based primarily on attainment of predetermined net income levels by the Bank. As
described above, long-term incentives in the form of incentive stock options were granted to Mr.
Jones in accordance with the Agreement as supplemented in 1999.
This report is submitted by Michael R. Andreoli, Dale M. Ash, L. Walter Crim, H. Leon Esneul,
Robert R. Jones, III, William J. Justice, and David D. Swift, being all of the members of the Board
of Directors during the 2005 fiscal year.
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND 2005 FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table and notes provide information on options exercised during the last fiscal
year and the value at December 31, 2005 of unexercised options held by the executive officers
listed in the Summary Compensation Table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Value of Unexercised |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value |
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
In-the-Money Options |
|
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Realized |
|
Options at 12/31/05 (#) |
|
at 12/31/05 ($)(1) |
Name and Position |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable |
Robert R. Jones, III |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
39,168/1,632 |
|
|
$ |
103,877/$2,856 |
|
Jamie M. Lipham |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
8,000/2,000 |
|
|
$ |
14,000/$3,500 |
|
13
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The ultimate realization of value on the exercise of such options is dependent
upon the market price of Common Stock at the time of exercise. Calculations are based on
the $17.50 last sale price of Common Stock reported to the Corporation during the fiscal
year. |
The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2005 with respect to
the Corporations equity compensation plans that provide for the issuance of options, warrants or
rights to purchase the Corporations securities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Weighted Average |
|
for Future Issuance under |
|
|
to be issued upon Exercise |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
Equity Compensation |
|
|
of Outstanding Options, |
|
Outstanding Options |
|
Plan (excluding securities |
Plan Category |
|
Warrants and Rights |
|
Warrants and Rights |
|
reflected in the first column) |
Equity Compensation
Plans Approved by
Security Holders |
|
|
55,504 |
|
|
|
$13.93 |
|
|
|
164,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Compensation
Plans Not Approved
by Security Holders |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Some Corporation and United Bank directors, officers, and principal stockholders, and their
associates and immediate families were customers of, or had transactions with, subsidiaries of the
Corporation in the ordinary course of business during 2005. In addition, some Corporation and
United Bank directors are directors, officers, trustees, or principal security holders of
corporations or other organizations that were customers of, or had transactions with, the
Corporation or its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business during 2005. All outstanding
loans and other transactions with the Corporations, and its subsidiarys, directors, officers, and
principal stockholders, and their associates and immediate families, were made in the ordinary
course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as
those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and when made did not
involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. In
addition to banking and financial transactions, the Corporation and its subsidiaries may have had
additional transactions with, or may have used products or services of, various organizations of
which directors of the Corporation or its subsidiaries are directors, officers, or principal
stockholders. Such transactions were on terms comparable to those which would have been recorded
with unaffiliated parties, and the amounts involved in such noncredit transactions have in no case
been material in relation to the business of the Corporation and its subsidiaries or to such other
organizations.
14
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
In January 2003, the Corporation established an Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation composed of six directors. The members of the Audit Committee are Michael R.
Andreoli, Dale M. Ash, L. Walter Crim, H. Leon Esneul, William J. Justice and David D. Swift.
Although the Corporation is not subject to the listing standards of any stock exchange or the
National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), SEC regulations require disclosure of whether
Audit Committee members are independent as defined in the rules of some of those organizations.
Mrs. Ash, Mr. Crim and Mr. Andreoli are independent directors as defined in NASD Rule 4200(a)(15)
adopted by the NASD in December 2003, and Messrs. Esneul, Justice and Swift do not meet that
definition solely by virtue of their serving as officers of the Corporation, notwithstanding that
none is employed by the Corporation or its subsidiaries. Mrs. Ash and Mr. Andreoli are audit
committee financial experts as defined in SEC regulations.
The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the
Corporations independent auditors. The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve audit and
certain non-audit services performed by the independent auditors. The Committee also assists the
Board in providing oversight over the integrity of the Corporations financial statements, the
Corporations compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and the performance of
the Corporations internal audit function. The Committee also meets periodically with the
Corporations independent auditors and the Banks internal auditors outside of the presence of the
Corporations management, and possesses the authority to retain professionals to assist it with
meeting its responsibilities without consulting with management. The Committee is also
responsible for receiving and retaining complaints and concerns relating to
accounting and auditing matters. The Audit Committee met four times in 2005.
The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors in
January 2003, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A.
Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements and the integrity of the
reporting process, including the system of internal and disclosure controls. The independent
auditors are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial
statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The primary
responsibility of the Audit Committee is to oversee the Corporations financial reporting process
on behalf of the Board. In so doing the Audit Committee is entitled under its charter to rely on
reports and other information from sources it in good faith believes to be reliable, including the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Bank.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the
Corporation with management; has discussed with the independent auditor of the Corporation, Mauldin
and Jenkins, Certified Public Accountants, L.L.C. (Mauldin & Jenkins), the matters required to be
discussed by SAS 61 (Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, AU §380); and has received
the written disclosures and the letter from Mauldin & Jenkins required by Independence Standards
Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit
15
Committees) and discussed with Mauldin &
Jenkins their independence. Based on the review
and discussion described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors of the
Corporation that the audited financial statements should be included in the Corporations Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 for filing with the SEC.
|
|
|
|
|
Michael R. Andreoli
|
|
Dale M. Ash
|
|
L. Walter Crim |
H. Leon Esneul
|
|
William J. Justice
|
|
David D. Swift |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER INFORMATION
The SEC requires certain information to be provided under the foregoing caption. As reported above,
the Board of Directors has no compensation committee. Each member of the Board of Directors is a
member of the board of directors of the Bank, and two directors of the Corporation during fiscal
year 2005, Mr. Justice and Mr. Esneul are members of the Compensation Committee of the board of
directors of the Bank. The Board of Directors of the Corporation includes Messrs. Jones, Esneul,
Justice and Swift, each of whom may be deemed to be an executive officer of the Corporation. None
of Messrs. Esneul, Justice and Swift receives compensation from the Corporation for services as an
officer of the Corporation, and Mr. Jones does not participate in the Boards deliberations with
respect to his compensation.
REPORTS UNDER SECTION 16 OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) requires the
Corporations executive officers and directors, and any persons who own more than 10% of the Class
A Stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Security and Exchange
Commission (SEC). The Corporation believes that all requirements under Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act applicable to directors and executive officers of the Corporation were complied with
by such persons during the last fiscal year. In making this disclosure, the Corporation has relied
on written representations by or on behalf of its directors and executive officers and copies of
reports filed.
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
The cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form will be borne by the Corporation. In
addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by directors, officers, or other
employees of the Corporation or its subsidiaries personally, by telephone, or by telefacsimile. The
Corporation does not expect to pay any compensation for the solicitation of proxies, but will
reimburse brokers, custodians, or other persons holding stock in their names or in the names of
nominees, for their reasonable expenses in sending proxy materials to principals and obtaining
their instructions.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholders are entitled to submit proposals on matters appropriate for stockholder action
consistent with regulations of the SEC. In order to be included in the Corporations proxy
16
statement and form of proxy relating to its 2007 Annual Meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8
promulgated by the SEC (Rule 14a-8), proposals from stockholders to be presented at the 2007
Annual Meeting must be received by the Secretary of the Corporation no later than December 8, 2006.
The date after which notice of a shareholder proposal submitted outside of the processes of Rule
14a-8 will be considered untimely is February 21, 2007. If notice of such a shareholder proposal is
received by the Corporation after February 21, 2007, then the Corporations proxy for the 2007
Annual Meeting may confer discretionary authority to vote on such matter without discussion of such
matter in the proxy statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting.
AUDITORS
On May 26, 2004, KPMG LLP, the independent accountants previously engaged by the Corporation,
notified the Corporation that it was declining to submit a proposal to provide audit services as
the Corporations independent accountants, in response to a request for such a proposal made by the
Corporation to several firms, and that KPMG LLP was terminating its relationship as the
Corporations independent accountants. Accordingly, KPMG LLP declined to stand for reelection as
the Corporations independent accountants. The decision to request such proposals was approved by
the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation. KPMG LLP was not engaged to audit
the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for the Corporations
last two fiscal years and thus did not issue any reports containing an adverse opinion or a
disclaimer of opinion. During the interim period ended May 25, 2004, there were no disagreements
between the Corporation and KPMG LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the
satisfaction of KPMG LLP, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the
disagreement in connection with its reports.
Mauldin & Jenkins, Certified Public Accountants, L.L.C. (Mauldin & Jenkins), was selected as
the Corporations auditor on July 2, 2004 and has served as such through the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2005. Mauldin & Jenkins has been selected by the Audit Committee to continue to serve
in such capacity for the current fiscal year. A representative of Mauldin & Jenkins is expected to
be present at the Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he so desires. The
Mauldin & Jenkins representative also is expected to be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
Prior to the selection of Mauldin & Jenkins, KPMG LLP or its predecessor, Peat Marwick Main &
Co. (collectively, KPMG), independent certified public accountants, was the Corporations
auditor, serving as such from September 26, 1984 through the interim period ended May 25, 2004.
Audit Fees. Mauldin & Jenkins has billed the Corporation aggregate fees totaling $54,500 for
fiscal year 2004, and $65,500 for fiscal year 2005, for professional services rendered for the
audit of the Corporations annual financial statements and the reviews of the financial statements
included in the Corporations Forms 10-Q and 10-K for 2005 and for services that are normally
provided by Mauldin & Jenkins in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. KPMG billed the
Corporation aggregate fees totaling $59,069.00 for fiscal year 2004 for professional
17
services
rendered for reviews of the financial statements included in the Corporations Forms 10-
Q for 2004 and for services that are normally provided by KPMG in connection with statutory and
regulatory filings.
Audit-Related Fees. Mauldin & Jenkins billed the Corporation aggregate fees totaling $7,000 for
fiscal year 2005, and aggregate fees totaling $7,000 for fiscal year 2004, for assurance and
related services that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the employee
benefit plan financial statements.
Tax Fees. Crowe Chizek & Company LLC (Crowe Chizek) billed the Company aggregate fees totaling
$25,600 for fiscal year 2005, and aggregate fees totaling $1,600.00 for fiscal year 2004, for
professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, including
preparation of federal and state income tax returns and quarterly estimates.
All Other Fees. Crowe Chizek billed the Company aggregate fees totaling $21,329 for fiscal year
2005, and aggregate fees totaling $33,000 for fiscal year 2004, for services other than those
described in the three immediately preceding paragraphs. These fees were in association with
Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance and consulting for the June 30, 2005 Report of Condition (Call
Report).
Audit Committee Preapproval Policies. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has adopted
preapproval policies and procedures with respect to engagements of Mauldin & Jenkins in accordance
with the Audit Committee charter.
Independence. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered whether the provision
by Mauldin & Jenkins of the services covered by the fees other than the audit fees is compatible
with maintaining Mauldin & Jenkins independence and believes that it is compatible.
OTHER BUSINESS
Management currently knows of no other business to be brought before the Meeting. If other
business is brought properly before the Meeting, the accompanying Proxy will be voted in the
discretion of the persons designated in such Proxy, unless the Authority Withheld box has been
checked.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
The Corporation will furnish to any shareholder upon written request, without charge, a copy
of the Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and schedules
thereto, required to be filed with the SEC. Requests for the above information should be directed
to: Stockholder Relations Department, United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc., P. O. Box 8, Atmore,
Alabama 36504.
18
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires the Corporation to include in this
Proxy Statement a graph which compares the yearly percentage change in cumulative total shareholder
return on the Class A Stock with (i) the performance of a broad equity market indicator, and (ii)
the performance of a published industry index or peer group. Set forth below is a graph comparing
the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Class A Stock
against the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Bank Index for the
five-year period from December 31, 2000 to December 31, 2005. The Nasdaq Bank Index is a
broad-based capitalization-weighted index of domestic and foreign common stocks of banks that are
traded on the Nasdaq National Market System (Nasdaq/NMS) as well as the SmallCap Market. The Class
A Stock is not traded on a recognized market, and the price for the Class A Stock on the dates
represented in the graph are based on the most recent sales prices reported to the Corporation on
or prior to each such date.
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|
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|
Period Ending |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/31/2000 |
|
12/31/2001 |
|
12/31/2002 |
|
12/31/2003 |
|
12/31/2004 |
|
12/31/2005 |
United
Bancorporation of
Alabama, Inc. |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
153.00 |
|
|
|
166.06 |
|
|
|
167.37 |
|
|
|
161.61 |
|
|
|
191.78 |
|
S & P500 |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
86.96 |
|
|
|
66.64 |
|
|
|
84.27 |
|
|
|
91.79 |
|
|
|
94.55 |
|
Nasdaq Bank Index |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
110.08 |
|
|
|
115.05 |
|
|
|
149.48 |
|
|
|
165.92 |
|
|
|
158.73 |
|
19
APPENDIX A
UNITED BANCORPORATION OF ALABAMA, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
I. GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee) of United Bancorporation of
Alabama, Inc. (the Company) shall assist the Board of Directors in monitoring (1) the integrity
of the financial statements of the Company, (2) the independent auditors qualifications and
independence, (3) the performance of the Companys internal audit function and independent
auditors, and (4) compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements.
It is not the role of the Committee to duplicate the work of internal and independent
auditors; rather, its role is that of oversight. Management is responsible for preparing the
Companys financial statements and related disclosures and the Companys independent auditors are
responsible for auditing those financial statements. It is not the duty of the Committee to plan or
conduct audits or to determine that the Companys financial statements are complete and accurate
and in accordance with GAAP.
The Committee, and each member of the Committee in his or her capacity as such, shall be
entitled to rely, in good faith, on information, opinions, reports or statements prepared or
presented to them by (i) the audit committee of the Companys subsidiary, United Bank (the Bank),
(ii) officers and other employees of the Company or the Bank, whom such member believes to be
reliable and competent in the matters presented, and (iii) counsel, public accountants or others
persons as to matters which the member believes to be within the professional competence of such
person.
II. AUDIT COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
The Committee shall consist of the independent members of the Board of Directors of the
Company. In order to be considered independent, a member of the Committee may not, other than in
his or her capacity as a member of the Committee, the Board of Directors, or any other Board
committee (i) accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Company; (ii) be
an officer or employee of the Company or the Bank; or (iii) own five percent or more of the voting
securities of the Company or the Bank. The Board of Directors shall designate one member of the
Committee to be the Chairman of the Committee. All members of the Committee shall have sufficient
financial experience and ability to enable them to discharge their responsibilities.
A-1
III. MEETINGS
The Committee shall meet as often as it determines, but not less frequently than quarterly. Minutes
of each meeting will be compiled by the Companys Corporate Secretary who shall act as Secretary to
the Committee, or in the absence of the Corporate Secretary, by an Assistant Corporate Secretary of
the Company or any other person designated by the Committee.
IV. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Committee shall generally be responsible for the following:
A. Retention of Independent Auditor. The Committee shall be directly responsible for the
appointment, compensation, oversight, evaluation and termination of any independent auditor
employed by the Company (including resolving disagreements between management and the auditor
regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report and related
work. The Committee shall affirm an understanding with the independent auditor that they must
report directly to the Committee.
B. Preapproval of Services. All auditing services (which may entail providing comfort letters in
connection with securities underwritings) and all non-audit services provided to the Company by the
Companys auditors which are not prohibited by law shall be preapproved by the Committee pursuant
to such processes as are determined to be advisable. Preapproved shall include blanket preapproval
of non-prohibited services for limited dollar amounts which the Committee, in its business
judgment, does not believe possess the potential for abuse or conflict.
The preapproval requirement set forth above, shall not be applicable with respect to the provision
of non-audit services, if:
|
(i) |
|
the aggregate amount of all such non-audit services provided to the Company
constitutes not more than 5 percent of the total amount of revenues paid by the Company
to its auditor during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
such services were not recognized by the Company at the time of the engagement
to be non-audit services; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and
approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Committee or by one or more
members of the Committee to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated
by the Committee. |
The Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Committee the authority to
grant required preapprovals. The decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated under this
paragraph to preapprove an activity under this subsection shall be presented to the full Committee
at its next scheduled meetings.
A-2
C. Procedures for Complaints. The Committee shall establish procedures to facilitate:
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the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the Company
from third parties regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing
matters; and |
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the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns
regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. |
D. Financial Statement and Disclosure Matters. The Committee, to the extent it deems necessary or
appropriate, shall:
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Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor the annual
audited financial statements, including disclosures made in managements discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations, and recommend to the Board
whether the audited financial statements should be included in the Companys Form 10-K. |
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Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor the
Companys quarterly financial statements, including the disclosures made in
managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
prior to the filing of the Companys Form 10-Q, including the results of the
independent auditors reviews of the quarterly financial statements. |
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Discuss with management and the independent auditor significant financial
reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Companys
financial statements, including (i) any significant changes in the Companys selection
or application of accounting principles, (ii) any major issues as to the adequacy of
the Companys internal controls, (iii) the development, selection and disclosure of
critical accounting estimates, (iv) analyses of the effect of alternative assumptions,
estimates or GAAP methods on the Companys financial statements, (v) analyses and
disclosure of financial trends, and (vi) presentation of the financial statements and
notes thereto. |
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Discuss with management the Companys earnings press releases, including
the use of pro forma, adjusted or other non-GAAP information, as well as financial
information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies. |
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Discuss with management and the independent auditor the effect of
accounting initiatives as well as off-balance sheet structures on the Companys
financial statements. |
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Discuss with management and the internal auditors the effect of regulatory
initiatives on the Companys financial statements. |
A-3
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Discuss with management the Companys major financial risk exposures and
the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including the
Companys risk assessment and risk management policies. |
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Discuss with the independent auditor the matters required to be discussed
by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to the conduct of the audit
including (i) the adoption of, or changes to, the Companys significant auditing and
accounting principles and practices, (ii) the management letter provided by the
independent auditor and the Companys response to that letter, and (iii) any
difficulties encountered in the course of the audit work, including any restrictions on
the scope of activities or access to requested information, or personnel and any
significant disagreements with management. |
E. Oversight of the Companys Relationship with the Independent Auditor.
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Review the experience and qualifications of the senior members of the
independent auditor team. |
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Obtain and review a written report from the independent auditor at least
annually regarding (i) the auditors internal quality-control procedures, (ii) any
material issues raised by the most recent quality-control review, or peer review, of
the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional
authorities within the preceding five years concerning one or more independent audits
carried out by the firm, (iii) any steps taken to deal with any such issues, and (iv)
all relationships, both direct and indirect, between the independent auditor and the
Company. Evaluate the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent
auditor, including considering whether the auditors quality controls are adequate and
the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors
independence, and taking into account the opinions of management and the internal
auditor. The Committee shall present its conclusions to the Board and, if so determined
by the Committee, recommend that the Board take additional action to satisfy itself of
the qualifications, performance and independence of the auditor. |
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Consider whether, in order to assure continuing auditor independence, it is
appropriate to adopt a policy of rotating the lead audit partner or even the
independent auditing firm itself on a regular basis. |
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Recommend to the Board policies for the Companys hiring of employees or
former employees of the independent auditor who were engaged on the Companys account. |
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Discuss with the independent auditor issues on which the independent
auditor communicated with its national office regarding auditing or accounting issues. |
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Meet with the independent auditor prior to the audit to discuss the
planning and staffing of the audit. |
A-4
F. Oversight of the Companys Internal Audit Function.
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Review the appointment and replacement of the senior internal auditing
executive. |
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Review the significant reports to management prepared by the internal
auditing department and managements responses. |
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Discuss with the independent auditor the internal audit department
responsibilities, budget and staffing and any recommended changes in the planned scope
of the internal audit. |
G. Compliance Oversight.
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Obtain from the independent auditor such assurance as it deems adequate
that such auditor has fulfilled its responsibilities under Section 10A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
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Obtain reports from management and the Companys senior internal auditing
executive relating to the Companys conformity with applicable legal and regulatory
requirements. Review reports and disclosures of insider and affiliated party
transactions. |
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Review with management and the Companys internal auditors compliance with
laws and regulations. Advise the Board with respect to the Companys compliance with
applicable laws and regulations. |
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Review with the Companys counsel pending material litigation and
compliance matters. |
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The Committee will address and take any action, as it deems necessary or
appropriate, with respect to any issues relating to inquiries or investigations
regarding the quality of financial reports filed by the Company with the SEC or
otherwise distributed to the public. |
H. Miscellaneous Powers and Responsibilities.
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The Committee shall have the power to investigate any matter brought to its
attention within the scope of its duties, with the power to retain outside counsel for
this purpose if, in its judgment, that is appropriate. |
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The Committee shall have the responsibility to submit the minutes of all
meetings of the Committee to the Board of Directors. |
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The Committee shall have the responsibility of reviewing and assessing the
adequacy of this Charter at least annually. |
A-5
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The Committee shall be responsible for the oversight of the Companys Code
of Ethics; however, the Committee is not responsible for assuring compliance with the
Companys Code of Ethics. |
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The Committee shall have the responsibility to prepare the report required
to be included in the Companys annual proxy statement by the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. |
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The Committee shall have the power to access the Companys counsel without
the approval of management, as it determines necessary to carry out its duties. |
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The Committee shall also have the authority without the consent of
management or the Board, at the Companys expense, to the extent it deems necessary or
appropriate, to retain special independent legal, accounting or other consultants to
advise the Committee in connection with fulfilling its obligations hereunder. |
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The Committee shall have the responsibility of discussing with management
and the independent auditor any significant or material correspondence with regulators
or governmental agencies, including all examination reports received from the various
supervisory authorities, and any employee complaints or published reports that raise
material issues regarding the Companys financial statements or accounting policies and
review managements replies to such correspondence, complaints, or reports. |
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The Committee shall have the responsibility to discuss with the Companys
counsel legal matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements or
the Companys compliance policies. |
A-6
UNITED BANCORPORATION OF ALABAMA, INC.
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The undersigned stockholder of United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc.
(the Corporation), Atmore, Alabama, hereby constitutes and appoints Dale M. Ash,
L. Walter Crim, H. Leon Esneul, Michael R. Andreoli, Robert R. Jones, III, William
J. Justice, and David D. Swift and any of them, with full power of substitution,
proxies to vote the number of shares of Corporation common stock that the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at
the corporate offices of United Bank, 200 East Nashville, Atmore, Alabama, on May
3, 2006 at 3:00 p.m., local time, or at any adjournments thereof (the Meeting),
upon the proposal described in the Proxy Statement and Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, both dated April 4, 2006, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, in
the manner specified below.
Proposal. Election as director to serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified:
William J. Justice, L. Walter Crim and J. Wayne Trawick
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FOR all nominees listed (except as indicated below).
To withhold authority for any individual nominee, write that nominees
name in the space provided
o VOTE WITHHELD from all nominees.
In their sole discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may come properly before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
o AUTHORIZED o AUTHORITY WITHHELD
This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be
voted FOR election of the above-named nominees as directors and with discretionary
authority on all other matters that may come properly before the Meeting.
Please sign exactly as your name appears on your stock certificate and date.
Where shares are held jointly, each stockholder should sign. When signing as
executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
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Dated: , 2006 |
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Month Day
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Signature of Stockholder
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Signature of Other
Stockholder |
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(If held jointly ) |
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THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE CORPORATIONS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MAY
BE REVOKED BY THE S TOCKHOLDER(S) PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE.