Central Federal Corporation DEF 14A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to
Section 240.14a-12 |
CENTRAL FEDERAL CORPORATION
(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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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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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
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
2923 Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333
(330) 666-7979
April 18, 2006
Fellow Shareholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of
shareholders of Central Federal Corporation which will be held
at Fairlawn Country Club located at 200 North Wheaton Road,
Fairlawn, Ohio, on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at
10:00 a.m., local time.
The attached notice of the Annual Meeting and proxy statement
describe the formal business to be transacted at the Meeting.
Directors and officers of the Company, as well as a
representative of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC, the
Companys independent auditors, will be present at the
Meeting to respond to any questions that shareholders may have
regarding the business to be transacted. In addition, the
Meeting will include managements report on the
Companys financial performance for 2005.
The Board of Directors of Central Federal Corporation has
determined that matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting
are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders,
and the Board unanimously recommends that you vote
FOR the nominees as directors specified under
Proposal 1 and FOR ratification of the
appointment of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC as independent
auditors of the Company for 2006 as specified under
Proposal 2.
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you expect to
attend, please read the enclosed proxy statement and then
complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card promptly in
the postage-paid envelope provided so that your shares will be
represented. If you attend the Meeting, you may vote in person
even if you have previously mailed a proxy card.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of the employees,
thank you for your continued interest and support.
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Sincerely yours, |
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Mark S. Allio
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2923 Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held on May 18, 2006
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of shareholders
of Central Federal Corporation will be held Thursday,
May 18, 2006 at the Fairlawn Country Club located at 200
North Wheaton Road, Fairlawn, Ohio at 10:00 a.m., local
time.
The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and vote upon the
following matters:
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The election of two Directors for terms of three years each, or
until their successors are elected and qualified; |
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The ratification of the appointment of Crowe Chizek and Company
LLC as independent auditors of the Company for the year ending
December 31, 2006; and |
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Such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting. The
Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come
before the Meeting. |
Record holders of the common stock of Central Federal
Corporation at the close of business on April 7, 2006 are
entitled to receive notice of the Meeting and to vote at the
Meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting. The
Meeting may be adjourned to permit the Company to solicit
additional proxies in the event that there are insufficient
votes for a quorum or to approve or ratify any of the
aforementioned proposals at the time of the Meeting. A list of
shareholders entitled to vote will be available at the Meeting
and for the ten days preceding the Meeting at CFBank, 2923 Smith
Road, Fairlawn, Ohio.
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By the Order of the Board of Directors |
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Eloise L. Mackus
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Corporate Secretary |
Fairlawn, Ohio
April 18, 2006
Important: The prompt return of proxies will save the company
the expense of further requests for proxies in order to ensure a
quorum. A self-addressed envelope is enclosed for your
convenience. No postage is required if mailed in the United
States.
PROXY STATEMENT
Information Concerning Solicitation and Voting
Your vote is very important. This proxy statement, proxy card
and 2005 Annual Report are being sent on or about April 18,
2006 to shareholders of Central Federal Corporation (the
Company) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
Meeting). The Board of Directors encourages you to read this
proxy statement thoroughly and to take this opportunity to vote
on the matters to be decided at the Meeting.
VOTING PROCEDURES
Who is Entitled to Vote?
You are entitled to vote your common stock if the Companys
records show that you held your shares as of the close of
business on April 7, 2006. As of the close of business on
that date, a total of 4,543,662 shares of common stock were
outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of common stock is
entitled to one vote on each matter presented at the Meeting,
except that, as provided in the Companys Certificate of
Incorporation, record holders of common stock who beneficially
own, either directly or indirectly, in excess of 10% of the
outstanding shares of common stock (the 10% limit) are not
entitled to any vote of their shares that are in excess of the
10% limit, and those shares are not treated as outstanding for
voting purposes.
A person or entity is deemed to beneficially own shares owned by
an affiliate of, as well as by persons acting in concert with,
such person or entity. The Companys Certificate of
Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors (i) to make
all determinations necessary to implement and apply the 10%
limit, including determining whether persons or entities are
acting in concert, and (ii) to demand that any person who
is reasonably believed to beneficially own stock in excess of
the 10% limit supply information to the Company to enable the
Board of Directors to implement and apply the 10% limit.
As of the record date, April 7, 2006, no person was known
to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Companys outstanding common stock, and thus no person was
subject to the 10% limit.
How Do I Vote?
Other than by attending the Meeting and voting in person,
shareholders are requested to vote by completing the enclosed
proxy card and returning it signed and dated in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope. If you hold your shares through a broker,
bank or other nominee (i.e. in street name), you
will receive separate instructions from the nominee describing
how to vote your shares.
What are the Matters to be Presented?
There are two proposals that will be presented for your
consideration at the Meeting:
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1) |
Election of two directors; and |
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Ratification of appointment of independent auditors for 2006. |
What are the Voting Recommendations of the Board of
Directors?
The Companys Board of Directors is sending you this proxy
statement for the purpose of requesting that you allow your
shares of Company common stock to be represented at the Meeting
by persons named in the enclosed proxy card. All shares of
Company common stock represented at the Meeting by properly
executed proxies will be voted according to the instructions
indicated on the proxy card. If you sign and return a proxy
card without giving voting instructions, your shares will be
voted as recommended by the Companys Board of Directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH
NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FOR
RATIFICATION OF CROWE CHIZEK AND COMPANY LLC AS INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS.
What Vote is Required for each Proposal?
In voting on the election of Directors (Proposal 1), you
may vote in favor of any or all of the nominees or withhold
authority to vote for the nominees. Directors are elected by a
plurality of the votes cast. This means that the nominees
receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. Votes
that are withheld and broker non-votes will have no effect on
the outcome of the election.
In voting on the ratification of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC as
independent auditors of the Company (Proposal 2) and all
other matters that may properly come before the Meeting, you may
vote in favor of the proposal, vote against the proposal or
abstain from voting. Under the Companys Bylaws and
Delaware law, an affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the votes cast at the Meeting on Proposal 2 is required
to constitute shareholder approval. Shares underlying broker
non-votes or in excess of the 10% limit will not be counted as
present and entitled to vote or as votes cast and will have no
effect on the vote. If there are not sufficient votes for a
quorum or to approve or ratify any proposal at the time of the
Meeting, the Meeting may be adjourned in order to permit the
further solicitation of proxies.
The Company is not aware of any other matters to be presented at
the Meeting. If any matters not described in this proxy
statement are properly presented at the Meeting, the persons
named in the proxy card will use their best judgment to
determine how to vote your shares. This includes a motion to
adjourn or postpone the Meeting in order to solicit additional
proxies. If the Meeting is postponed or adjourned, your Company
common stock may be voted by the persons named on the proxy card
on the new Meeting date as well, unless you have revoked your
proxy.
What Constitutes a Quorum for the Meeting?
The Meeting will be held if a quorum, consisting of a majority
of outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote (after
subtracting any shares in excess of the 10% limit) is
represented at the Meeting. If you return valid proxy
instructions or attend the Meeting in person, your shares will
be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a
quorum, even if you abstain from voting. Broker non-votes also
will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum. A broker
non-vote occurs when a broker, bank, or other nominee holding
shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular
proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting
power with respect to the item and has not received voting
instruction from the beneficial owner.
Can I Revoke or Change My Vote After I Submit My Proxy?
You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken
at the Meeting. To revoke your proxy, you must either advise the
Corporate Secretary of the Company in writing before your common
stock has been voted at the Meeting, deliver to the Company
another proxy that bears a later date, or attend the Meeting and
vote your shares in person. Attendance at the Meeting will not
in itself revoke your proxy. If your Company common stock is
held in street name and you wish to change your voting
instructions after you have returned your voting instruction
form to your broker or bank, you must contact your broker or
bank.
Who Will Count the Vote?
The Companys transfer agent, Registrar and Transfer
Company, will tally the vote, which will be certified by an
independent Inspector of Election. The Board of Directors has
designated Stanley L. Apple of Moore, Stephens, Apple to act as
the inspector of election. Mr. Apple is not otherwise
employed by or a
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director of the Company or any of its affiliates. After the
final adjournment of the Meeting, the proxies will be returned
to the Company.
Who Can Attend the Meeting?
If you are a shareholder of record as of the close of business
on April 7, 2006, you may attend the Meeting. However, if
you are a beneficial owner of Company common stock held by a
broker, bank or other nominee, you will need proof of ownership
to be admitted to the Meeting. A recent brokerage statement or
letter from a bank or broker would serve as proof of ownership.
If you want to vote your shares of Company common stock held in
street name in person at the Meeting, you will have to get a
written proxy in your name from the broker, bank, or other
nominee who holds your shares.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
General
The Company continues to review its corporate governance
policies and practices. This includes comparing its current
policies and practices to policies and practices suggested by
various groups or authorities active in corporate governance and
practices of other public companies. Based upon this review, the
Company expects to adopt any changes that the Board of Directors
believes are the best corporate governance policies and
practices for the Company. The Company will adopt changes, as
appropriate, to maintain compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 and any rule changes made by the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the
Nasdaq®
Stock Market, Inc.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Since the Companys inception in 1998, it has had a Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics (Code of Conduct). The Company
requires all directors, officers and other employees of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, CFBank, to adhere to
the Code of Conduct in addressing the legal and ethical issues
encountered in conducting their work. The Code of Conduct
requires that the Companys and CFBanks employees
avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all laws and other
legal requirements, conduct business in an honest and ethical
manner and otherwise act with integrity and in the
Companys and CFBanks best interest. All of the
Companys and CFBanks employees are required to
certify that they have reviewed and understand the Code of
Conduct. In addition, all officers and senior level executives
are required to certify as to any actual or potential conflicts
of interest involving them and the Company and CFBank. The
Company and CFBank also provide training for employees on the
Code of Conduct and their legal obligations. Although the
Companys Code of Conduct is applicable to all employees of
the Company and CFBank, including its principal executive
officer, principal financial officer and controller, and
generally meets the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 with respect to the obligations of such persons, in 2004,
the Company adopted a separate Financial Code of Ethics
specifically applicable to its principal executive officer,
principal financial officer and controller.
Employees are required to report any conduct that they believe
in good faith to be an actual or apparent violation of the Code
of Conduct. The Code of Conduct includes procedures to receive,
retain and treat complaints received regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls or auditing matters and to allow
for the confidential and anonymous submission by employees of
concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
The Companys Financial Code of Ethics, Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics and Procedure for Reporting Complaints are
available on the Companys website at www.CFBankonline.com
under the caption CF News and Links Investor
Relations Corporate Governance.
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PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The number of directors is fixed at seven. Two directors,
Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Allio, are to be elected to hold
office until the Annual Meeting in 2009. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, each director will serve until his successor is duly
qualified and elected. The nominees are listed below. Should any
nominee decline or be unable to accept such nomination or be
unable to serve, an event which management does not now expect,
the Board of Directors reserves the right in its discretion to
substitute another person as a nominee or to reduce the number
of nominees. In this event, the proxy holders may vote your
shares in their discretion for any substitute nominee proposed
by the Board of Directors unless you indicate otherwise.
Both nominees currently are directors of the Company. There are
no family relationships among any of the directors and executive
officers. No directors hold directorships in other reporting
companies. No person being nominated as a director is being
proposed for election pursuant to any agreement or understanding
between any such person and the Company. The following is
information regarding each nominee and each director continuing
in office. Unless otherwise stated, each individual has held his
current occupation for at least five years.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT.
Nominees
JEFFREY W. ALDRICH, retired, was President and Chief Executive
Officer of Sterling China Co., a dishware manufacturing company
in Wellsville, Ohio from November 1970 through 2005.
Age 63. Director since 1979.
MARK S. ALLIO has been the Chairman of the Company and CFBank
since January 1, 2006 and President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of CFBank
since February 1, 2005. He was the Vice-Chairman of the
Company and CFBank from February 1, 2005 thru
December 31, 2005. Mr. Allio was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Rock Bank, an affiliate of Quicken Loans,
Inc. in Livonia, Michigan from April 2003 to December 2004,
President of Third Federal Savings, MHC in Cleveland, Ohio from
January 2000 to December 2002, Chief Financial Officer of Third
Federal from 1988 through 1999, and has more than 29 years
of banking and banking-related experience. Age 51. Director
since 2003.
Continuing Directors
THOMAS P. ASH has been Director of Governmental Relations at the
Buckeye Association of School Administrators since August 2005.
Prior to that time, Mr. Ash was Superintendent of Schools,
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center in Mansfield, Ohio from
January 2000 through July 2005. Mr. Ash was the
Superintendent of Schools, East Liverpool City School District
in East Liverpool, Ohio from August 1984 to December 1999. As
Superintendent at Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center and East
Liverpool City School District, his experience included
financial reporting and analysis, supervision/direction of
financial staff members, GAAP reporting requirements and
development of internal controls. Age 56. Director since
1985. Current term as director expires on the date of the Annual
Meeting in 2007.
WILLIAM R. DOWNING has been President of R. H. Downing, Inc., an
automotive supply, sales and marketing agency in Akron, Ohio
since June 1973. He is also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of JohnDow Industries, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of
lubrication and fluid handling equipment which he founded in
1988. Age 60. Director since 2003. Current term as director
expires on the date of the Annual Meeting in 2008.
GERRY W. GRACE, retired, was President of Grace Services, Inc.,
a weed and pest control company located in Canfield, Ohio from
April 1980 through 2005. Mr. Grace also served as a Trustee
of Ellsworth Township, Ohio from 1976 through 2005. Age 66.
Director since 1986. Current term as director expires on the
date of the Annual Meeting in 2008.
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DAVID C. VERNON has been Vice-Chairman of the Company and CFBank
since January 1, 2006 when he retired as Chairman of the
Company and CFBank, a position he held from January 2003 through
December 2005. Mr. Vernon was Chief Executive Officer of
the Company and CFBank from January 2003 to January 2005 and
President of the Company from March 2003 to January 2005.
Mr. Vernon was Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Founders Capital Corporation in Akron, Ohio from
September 2002 to February 2003; a Strategic Planning Consultant
to Westfield Bank in Westfield, Ohio from May 2000 to July 2002;
a Consultant to Champaign National Bank in Urbana, Ohio from
July 1999 to April 2002 and a Consultant to First Place Bank in
Warren, Ohio from April 1999 to February 2001. While serving as
a Consultant to Champaign National Bank, Mr. Vernon also
served as a director and member of the Audit and Compensation
Committees of that banks parent company, Futura Banc Corp.
In February 1999, Mr. Vernon retired as Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer of Summit Bank, a community bank he
founded in January 1991. Age 65. Director since 2003.
Current term as director expires on the date of the Annual
Meeting in 2007.
JERRY F. WHITMER is Of Counsel to Brouse McDowell, LPA, a law
firm in Akron, Ohio, where he was a partner from 1971 through
2005. Age 70. Director since 2003. Current term as director
expires on the date of the Annual Meeting in 2007.
Independence of Directors
The Board of Directors has adopted Director Independence
Standards to assist in determining the independence of each
director. In order for a director to be considered independent,
the Board of Directors must affirmatively determine that the
director has no material relationship with the Company. In each
case, the Board of Directors broadly considers all relevant
facts and circumstances, including the directors
commercial, industrial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting,
charitable and familial relationships and such other criteria as
the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. These
Director Independence Standards are available on the
Companys website at www.CFBankonline.com under the caption
CF News and Links Investor
Relations Corporate Governance.
The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Aldrich,
Ash, Downing, Grace and Whitmer meet these standards and are
independent and, in addition, satisfy the independence
requirements of the
Nasdaq®
Stock Market, Inc.
Absent unusual circumstances, each director is expected to
attend all annual and special meetings of shareholders. All the
directors who were board members at the time of the 2005 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders attended that meeting.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company is responsible for
establishing broad corporate policies and for the overall
performance of the Company. Directors discharge their
responsibilities at Board meetings and committee meetings. The
members of the Board of Directors of the Company also serve as
members of the Board of Directors of the Bank. The Board of
Directors of the Company meets at least quarterly, and the Board
of Directors of the Bank meets on a monthly basis. Both Boards
may have additional meetings as needed. During the year ended
December 31, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company
held seven meetings, one of which was a special meeting, the
Independent Directors of the Company held two meetings, and the
Board of Directors of the Bank held 12 meetings.
Mr. Aldrich attended 71% of the number of meetings of the
Boards and Company committees on which he served. No other
director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of
Board meetings and meetings of committees on which he served.
The Board of Directors of the Company maintains committees, the
nature and composition of which are described below:
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee consists of
Messrs. Ash, Grace and Whitmer. Each member of the
Committee is independent as defined in the corporate governance
listing standards of the
Nasdaq®
Stock Market, Inc. and the Companys Director Independence
Standards. Mr. Ash is the Audit Committee financial expert
and is independent of management. The Audit Committee operates
under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The
Audit Committee Charter is available on the Companys
website at
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www.CFBankonline.com under the caption CF News and
Links Investor Relations Corporate
Governance. This committee is primarily responsible for
overseeing the engagement, independence and services of our
independent auditors and is also responsible for the review of
audit reports and managements actions regarding the
implementation of audit findings and review of compliance with
all relevant laws and regulations. The Audit Committee met nine
times during 2005.
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by
the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has determined
that each Audit Committee member is independent in accordance
with the listing standards of the
Nasdaq®
Stock Market, Inc.
The Companys management is responsible for the
Companys internal controls and financial reporting
process. The independent auditors are responsible for performing
an independent audit of the Companys consolidated
financial statements and issuing an opinion on the conformity of
those financial statements with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. The Audit Committee oversees the
Companys internal controls and financial reporting process
on behalf of the Board of Directors.
In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held
discussions with management and the independent auditors.
Management represented to the Audit Committee that the
Companys consolidated financial statements were prepared
in accordance with U.S. generally accounting principles, and the
Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated
financial statements with management and the independent
auditors. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent
auditors matters required to be discussed by Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication With Audit
Committees), including the quality, not just the acceptability,
of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant
judgments, and the clarity of the disclosures in the financial
statements.
In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written
disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors
required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1
(Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) and has
discussed with the independent auditors the auditors
independence from the Company and its management. In concluding
that the auditors are independent, the Audit Committee
considered, among other factors, whether the non-audit services
provided by the auditors were compatible with its independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Companys
independent auditors the overall scope of plans for their audit.
The Audit Committee meets with the independent auditors, with
and without management present, to discuss the results of their
examination, their evaluation of the Companys internal
controls, and the overall quality of the Companys
financial reporting.
In performing all of these functions, the Audit Committee acts
only in the oversight capacity. In its oversight role, the Audit
Committee relies on the work and assurances of the
Companys management, which has a primary responsibility
for financial statement and reports, and of the independent
auditors who, in their report, express an opinion on the
conformity of the Companys financial statements to U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit
Committees oversight does not provide it with an
independent basis to determine that management has maintained
appropriate accounting and financial procedures designed to
assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws
and regulations. Furthermore, the Audit Committees
considerations and discussions with management and the
independent auditors do not assure that the Companys
financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles, that the audit of the
Companys financial statements has been carried out in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or that
the Companys independent auditors are in fact
independent.
In reliance on the review and discussions referred to above, the
Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the
Board has approved, that the audited consolidated financial
statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 for
filing
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with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee
and the Board of Directors also have approved, subject to
stockholder ratification, the selection of the Companys
independent auditors.
Thomas P. Ash, Chairman, Gerry W. Grace and Jerry F. Whitmer
Compensation and Management Development Committee. The
Compensation and Management Development Committee consists
solely of Directors Ash, Downing and Whitmer. Each member of the
Committee is independent as defined in the corporate governance
listing standards of the
Nasdaq®
Stock Market, Inc. and the Companys Director Independence
Standards. The committee is responsible for establishing
compensation and benefits for the Chief Executive Officer and
for reviewing the incentive compensation programs when
necessary, in addition to reviewing matters regarding
compensation and fringe benefits for other officers and
employees of the Company and CFBank. The committee meets on an
as-needed basis. The Compensation and Management Development
Committee of the Company met two times in 2005. The Compensation
and Management Development Committee has a charter, which is
available on the Companys website at www.CFBankonline.com
under the caption CF News and Links Investor
Relations Corporate Governance.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee actively seeks
individuals to become Board members who have the highest
personal and professional character and integrity, who possess
appropriate characteristics, skills, experience and time to make
a significant contribution to the Board of Directors, the
Company and its shareholders, who have demonstrated exceptional
ability and judgment, and who will be most effective, in the
context of the whole Board of Directors and other nominees to
the Board of Directors, in perpetuating the success of the
Company and in representing shareholders interests. The
Committee may employ professional search firms, for which it
would pay a fee to assist it in identifying potential members of
the Board of Directors with the desired skills and disciplines.
The Committee will consider shareholder nominations for director
on the same basis and in the same manner as it considers
nominations for director from any other source. Any shareholder
may submit a nomination in writing to the Chair, Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee, c/o Corporate Secretary,
Central Federal Corporation, 2923 Smith Road, Fairlawn, Ohio
44333. The nominations must be accompanied by all the
information relating to the nominee required by the
Companys Bylaws and the Securities and Exchange
Commissions proxy rules. The Companys Bylaws provide
that, to be considered timely, any shareholder nomination for
director generally must be received in writing by the Corporate
Secretary at least 90 days before the date fixed for the
next Annual Meeting of shareholders; provided, however, under
certain unusual circumstances a nomination received as late as
the 10th day after the mailing of a notice of an Annual Meeting
of Shareholders may be considered. A copy of the full text of
the Bylaw provisions relating to shareholder nominations may be
obtained by writing to the Corporate Secretary at
2923 Smith Road, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333.
The Committee considers candidates for director nominees based
on factors it deems appropriate. These factors may include
judgment, character, background, skill, diversity, experience
with businesses and other organizations of comparable size, the
interplay of the candidates experience with the experience
of other Board members and the extent to which the candidate
would be a desirable addition to the Board and any committees of
the Board. In addition, because the Company is primarily a
community financial services company, board candidates must be
highly regarded members of the community in which the Company
provides financial services.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met two times
in 2005 and is currently composed of three directors:
Messrs. Aldrich, Grace and Whitmer. Each member of the
Committee is independent as defined in the corporate governance
listing standards of the
Nasdaq®
Stock Market, Inc. and the Companys Director Independence
Standards.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee charter is
available on the Companys website at www.CFBankonline.com
under the caption CF News and Links Investor
Relations Corporate Governance.
7
Committee Charters and Other Corporate Governance Documents.
The Audit Committee Charter, Compensation and Management
Development Committee Charter, Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee Charter, Corporate Governance Guidelines,
Director Independence Standards, Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics, Financial Code of Ethics and Procedures for Reporting
Complaints are available on the Companys website at
www.CFBankonline.com under the caption CF News and
Links Investor Relations Corporate
Governance. You also may receive copies without charge by
writing to: Corporate Secretary, Central Federal Corporation,
2923 Smith Road, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333.
Communications with Directors
The Board of Directors also has adopted a process by which
shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with
the Board, any individual director, any committee chair or the
non-management directors as a group by e-mail or regular mail.
Communications by e-mail should be sent to
EllyMackus@CFBankmail.com. Communications by regular mail should
be sent to the attention of the Board of Directors; any
individual director by name; Chair, Audit Committee; Chair,
Compensation and Management Development Committee; Chair,
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or to the
Non-Management Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Central
Federal Corporation, 2923 Smith Road, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333. All
communications will be reviewed by management to determine
whether the communication requires immediate action. Management
will pass on all communications received, or a summary of such
communications, to the appropriate director or directors.
Directors Compensation
Directors Fees. Each director is paid an annual
retainer in the amount of $15,000, which includes a retainer of
$3,000 for service as a director of the Company and a retainer
of $12,000 for service as a director of CFBank. The Chairman of
the Board receives an additional $9,500 per year.
1999 Stock-based Incentive Plan and Second Amended and
Restated 2003 Equity Compensation Plan. The Company
maintains the 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan and the Second
Amended and Restated 2003 Equity Compensation Plan for the
benefit of employees and outside directors of the Company and
CFBank. On May 19, 2005, the Board of Directors awarded
Messrs. Aldrich, Ash, Downing, Grace and Whitmer 1,000
shares of restricted Company common stock each that will vest
ratably over five years at the rate of 200 shares per year on
each May 31st commencing May 31, 2006 and ending
May 31, 2010. These stock awards all vest fully upon the
directors death, disability or a change in control of the
Company or CFBank. On May 19, 2005, the Board of Directors
awarded Mssrs. Aldrich, Ash, Downing, Grace and Whitmer 2,000
options to purchase Company common stock at $10.42 per share,
the market price of the stock on that date. These options vested
on December 31, 2005.
8
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table. The following table shows for
2005, 2004 and 2003, the cash compensation paid by the Company,
as well as certain other compensation paid or accrued for those
years, to the chief executive officer and the next four most
highly paid executive officers of the Company who received
salary and bonus in excess of $100,000 during 2005.
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long Term Compensation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation | |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Securities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Annual | |
|
Restricted | |
|
Underlying | |
|
LTIP | |
|
All Other | |
|
|
|
|
Salary | |
|
|
|
Compensation | |
|
Stock Awards | |
|
Options/SARs | |
|
Payouts | |
|
Compensation | |
Name and Position |
|
Year | |
|
($) (1) | |
|
Bonus ($) | |
|
($) (2) (11) | |
|
($) (3) | |
|
(#) (4) | |
|
($) (5) | |
|
($) (6) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
David C. Vernon(7), (11)
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,200 |
|
|
|
31,260 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
Chairman
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
126,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,200 |
|
|
|
37,800 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
109,716 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,000 |
|
|
|
176,944 |
|
|
|
39,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mark S. Allio
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
160,417 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,100 |
|
|
|
24,474 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
Vice-Chairman, President
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,975 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
Eloise L. Mackus(8)
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,840 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President,
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
105,128 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,900 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Counsel and Secretary
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
44,231 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,100 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond E. Heh(9)
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
115,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,260 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President and Chief
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
120,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,200 |
|
|
|
11,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Officer, CFBank
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
52,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,710 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Parker MacDonell (10)
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
105,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President, Columbus
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
105,128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,200 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Region, CFBank
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
61,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,000 |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to Summary Compensation Table:
|
|
(1) |
Salary includes amounts deferred pursuant to the Companys
401(k) plan. |
|
(2) |
There were no (a) perquisites over the lesser of $50,000 or
10% of the individuals total salary and bonus, except
Mr. Vernon, see (11) below, (b) above-market or
preferential earnings on restricted stock, options or deferred
compensation, (c) payments, or deferral of payments of
earnings with respect to long-term incentive plans, (d) tax
payment reimbursements or (e) preferential discounts on
stock. |
|
(3) |
On May 19, 2005, Mr. Vernon, Mr. Allio,
Ms. Mackus, and Mr. Heh were granted 3000, 5,000,
2,000 and 3,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively which
vest at a rate of 20% each year over 5 years beginning on
May 31, 2006. On April 15, 2004, Mr. Vernon,
Ms. Mackus, Mr. Heh and Mr. MacDonell were
granted 3000, 1,500, 2,000 and 2,000 shares of restricted stock,
respectively which vest on March 31, June 30, May 31
and March 31, 2007, respectively. On January 16, 2003,
Mr. Vernon was granted 3,875 shares of restricted stock
which vest at a rate of 20% each year over 5 years
beginning on January 16, 2004. On April 17, 2003,
Mr. Vernon and Mr. MacDonell were granted 12,000 and
6,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively, which vest at a
rate of one-third each year over 3 years beginning on
March 31, 2004. On June 9, and July 7, 2003,
Mr. Heh and Ms. Mackus were each granted 3,000 shares
of restricted stock which vest at a rate of one-third each year
over 3 years beginning on May 31, 2004 and
June 30, 2004, respectively. At December 31, 2005, the
value of unvested shares of restricted stock granted to
Mr. Vernon, Mr. Allio, Ms. Mackus, Mr. Heh
and Mr. MacDonell; 12,325, 5,500, 4,500, 6,000 and 4,000
shares, respectively, totaled $96,628, $43,120, $35,280 $47,040
and $31,360, respectively, based on the closing price of the
Companys stock at that date. Dividends on unvested shares
are paid to the grantees. |
|
(4) |
On May 19, 2005, Mr. Vernon, Mr. Allio,
Ms. Mackus, Mr. Heh and Mr. MacDonell were
granted 7,000, 24,474, 3,000, 7,000, and 5,000 options,
respectively, which vested on December 31, 2005. On
April 15, 2004, Mr. Vernon, Ms. Mackus,
Mr. Heh and Mr. MacDonell were granted 15,000, 7,500,
7,500 and 7,500 options, respectively, which vested at a rate of
one-third on March 31, 2005 and the remainder vested on
June 23, 2005. On March 18, 2004, Mr. Heh was
granted 3,632 options which vested at a rate of one-third on
March 31, 2005 and the remainder vested on June 23,
2005. On January 16, 2003, |
9
|
|
|
Mr. Vernon was granted 11,390 options which vested at a
rate of 20% each year on January 16, 2004 and 2005, and the
remainder vested on June 23, 2005. On April 17, 2003,
Mr. Vernon and Mr. MacDonell were granted 28,000 and
14,000 options, respectively, which vested at a rate of
one-third each year on March 31, 2004 and 2005 and the
remainder vested on June 23, 2005. On June 9, 2003,
Mr. Heh was granted 12,000 options which vested at a rate
of one-third each year on May 31, 2004 and 2005 and the
remainder vested on June 23, 2005. On July 7, 2003,
Ms. Mackus was granted 7,000 options which vested at a rate
of one-third on June 30, 2004 and the remainder vested on
June 23, 2005. |
|
(5) |
The Company had no long-term incentive plans in existence during
2005, 2004 and 2003. |
|
(6) |
Other compensation includes director fees paid to
Mr. Vernon and Mr. Allio. |
|
(7) |
Mr. Vernon was appointed Chief Executive Officer on
February 20, 2003 and President on April 23, 2003 and
served until February 1, 2005. Mr. Allio was named
Chief Executive Officer and President on February 1, 2005. |
|
(8) |
Ms. Mackus was appointed Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary in July 2003. |
|
(9) |
Mr. Heh was appointed President and Chief Operating
Officer, CFBank in June 2003. |
|
|
(10) |
Mr. MacDonell was appointed President, Columbus Region,
CFBank in May 2003. |
|
(11) |
Mr. Vernon receives $1,100 per month auto and country club
allowances per his employment contracts. |
Option/ SAR Grants Table. The following table shows stock
options granted to the named executive officers of the Company
in 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option/ SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year | |
(Individual Grants) | |
| |
|
|
Percent of | |
|
|
|
|
Number of | |
|
Total | |
|
|
|
|
Securities | |
|
Options/SARs | |
|
|
|
|
Underlying | |
|
Granted to | |
|
Exercise or | |
|
|
|
|
Options/SARs | |
|
Employees in | |
|
Base Price | |
|
Expiration | |
Name |
|
Granted (#)(1) | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
($/share) | |
|
Date | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
David C. Vernon
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
8.09 |
% |
|
$ |
10.42 |
|
|
|
5/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mark S. Allio
|
|
|
24,474 |
|
|
|
28.30 |
% |
|
$ |
10.42 |
|
|
|
5/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
Eloise L. Mackus
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
3.47 |
% |
|
$ |
10.42 |
|
|
|
5/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond E. Heh
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
8.09 |
% |
|
$ |
10.42 |
|
|
|
5/19/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
R. Parker MacDonell
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
5.78 |
% |
|
$ |
10.42 |
|
|
|
5/19/2015 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Options vested on December 31, 2005. |
Aggregate Option/ SAR Exercises And Year-End Option Value
Table. The following table shows information concerning the
number and value of stock options held by the named executive
officers at December 31, 2005, measured in terms of the
$7.84 closing price of the Companys common stock on
December 31, 2005. On June 23, 2005, the Board of
Directors approved the accelerated vesting of all unvested stock
options awarded prior to 2005 under the 1999 Stock Based
Incentive Plan and the 2003 Equity Compensation Plan. As a
result of the acceleration, unvested options granted in 2003 and
2004, which otherwise would have vested on various dates through
January 16, 2008, became immediately exercisable. All other
terms and conditions applicable to options granted under these
plans, including the exercise prices and the number of shares
subject to the accelerated options, are unchanged. The decision
to accelerate the vesting of these options was related to the
issuance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
No. 123 (revised 2004), Share Based Payment
(SFAS 123R). In accordance with the provisions of
SFAS 123R, the Company will adopt the pronouncement on
January 1, 2006 and believes the above-mentioned
acceleration of vesting will eliminate compensation expense
related to these options of approximately $115 and $33 in 2006
and 2007. The total expense is reflected in the pro forma
footnote disclosure in Note 1 of the Companys audited
financial statements, as permitted under the transition guidance
provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. As a
result of the acceleration of the vesting of these options, the
Company currently has no
10
options which are unvested at January 1, 2006. Future
option grants will be accounted for in accordance with
SFAS 123R.
Aggregated Option/ SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and
Year-End Option/ SAR Value Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of | |
|
Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised | |
|
In-the-Money |
|
|
Shares | |
|
|
|
Options/SARs at | |
|
Option/SARs |
|
|
Acquired | |
|
|
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
at December 31, 2005 (1) |
|
|
on | |
|
Value |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Exercise | |
|
Realized |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
Name |
|
(#) | |
|
($) |
|
(#) | |
|
(#) | |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
David C. Vernon
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
61,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark S. Allio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,474 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eloise L. Mackus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond E. Heh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Parker MacDonell
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The difference between the option exercise price and the fair
market value of the underlying shares at December 31, 2005. |
Employment Agreements. CFBank and the Company maintain
employment agreements with David C. Vernon, who was President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Executive
Officer of CFBank (the Executive) until January 31, 2005.
The original Employment Agreements provided for a three-year
term. In May 2004, the Board of Directors extended the
agreements for 2 years, until February 28, 2008.
Effective February 28, 2003, the base salary for
Mr. Vernon was $120,000. In addition to base salary, the
Employment Agreements provide for, among other things,
participation in various employee benefit plans and stock-based
compensation programs, as well as furnishing certain fringe
benefits available to similarly-situated executive personnel.
The Employment Agreements provide for termination by CFBank or
the Company for cause (as described in the agreement) at any
time. In the event CFBank or the Company choose to terminate the
Executives employment for reasons other than for cause, or
in the event of the Executives resignation from CFBank or
the Company upon: (i) failure to re-elect the Executive to
his current offices; (ii) a material change in the
Executives functions, duties or responsibilities;
(iii) a relocation of the Executives principal place
of employment by more than 25 miles; (iv) a material
reduction in the benefits and perquisites to the Executive;
(v) liquidation or dissolution of CFBank or the Company; or
(vi) a breach of the Employment Agreements by CFBank or the
Company, the Executive or, in the event of the Executives
death, the Executives beneficiary would be entitled to
receive an amount generally equal to the remaining base salary
and bonus payments that would have been paid to the Executive
during the remaining term of the Employment Agreements, plus all
benefits that would have been provided to the Executive during
the remaining term of the agreements.
Under the agreements, if involuntary or voluntary termination
(under certain circumstances) followed a change in control of
CFBank or the Company, the Executive or, in the event of the
Executives death, the Executives beneficiary is
entitled to a severance payment equal to the greater of
(i) the payments due for the remaining terms of the
agreements; or (ii) three times the average of the five
preceding taxable years annual compensation. CFBank and
the Company would also continue the Executives life,
health, and disability coverage for thirty-six months.
Notwithstanding that both Employment Agreements provided for a
severance payment in the event of a change in control, the
Executive would only be entitled to receive a severance payment
under one agreement.
The Employment Agreements were amended in December 2004 in
connection with a management succession plan whereby
Mark S. Allio was appointed President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of CFBank
effective February 1, 2005. The terms of the amended
Employment Agreements provide that effective February 1,
2005 and so long as Mr. Vernon continues to serve, if
elected, as a director, Mr. Vernon would be Chairman of the
Board of Directors through December 31, 2005 and,
thereafter, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors until his
expected retirement date in February 2008. At
11
that time Mr. Vernon will be named Chairman Emeritus and
remain a director, if elected, and will continue to serve as a
consultant or employee and be available to perform special
project services for and on behalf of the Company and CFBank at
a compensation level commensurate with his duties and
responsibilities, but in any event not less than $100 per month
until April 17, 2014.
Payments to the Executive under CFBanks Employment
Agreement are guaranteed by the Company in the event that
payments or benefits are not paid by CFBank. Payments under the
Companys Employment Agreement are to be made by the
Company. All reasonable costs and legal fees paid or incurred by
the Executive pursuant to any dispute or question of
interpretation relating to the Employment Agreements are to be
paid by CFBank or the Company, respectively, if the Executive is
successful on the merits pursuant to a legal judgment,
arbitration or settlement. The Employment Agreements also
provide that CFBank and the Company indemnify the Executive to
the fullest extent allowable under federal, Ohio and Delaware
law, respectively.
Salary Continuation Agreement. In 2004, CFBank initiated
a nonqualified Salary Continuation Agreement for
Mr. Vernon. Under the plan, CFBank pays him, or his
beneficiary, a retirement benefit of $25,000 annually for
20 years beginning the earlier of March 2008 or termination
of his employment.
Additional Information About Directors and Executive
Officers
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
requires the Companys executive officers and directors,
and persons who own more than 10% of any registered class of the
Companys equity securities to file reports of ownership
and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10%
shareholders are required by regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission to furnish the Company copies of all
Section 16(a) reports they file.
Based solely on a review of the copies of all such reports of
ownership furnished to the Company, or written representations
that no forms were necessary, we believe there were no known
failures to file a required Form. For the year ended
December 31, 2005, five reports were filed late for
Mr. Allio, which resulted in five transactions not reported
on a timely basis. These late transactions were subsequently
reported on Form 4s. For the year ended December 31,
2005, one report was filed late for Mr. Aldrich, which
resulted in one transaction not being reported on a timely
basis. The late transaction was subsequently reported on a
Form 4.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. Federal
regulations require that all loans or extensions of credit to
executive officers and directors of insured financial
institutions must be made on substantially the same terms,
including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at
the time for comparable transactions with the general public,
except for loans made pursuant to programs generally available
to all employees, and must not involve more than the normal risk
of repayment or present other unfavorable features. CFBank is
therefore prohibited from making any new loans or extensions of
credit to executive officers and directors at different rates or
terms than those offered to the general public, except for loans
made pursuant to programs generally available to all employees,
and has adopted policy to this effect. In addition, loans made
to a director or executive officer in an amount that, when
aggregated with the amount of all other loans to such person and
his or her related interests, are in excess of the greater of
$25,000 or 5% of CFBanks capital and surplus (up to a
maximum of $500,000) must be approved in advance by a majority
of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors.
In November 2005, a majority of the disinterested members of the
Board of Directors approved a line of credit for
$1.4 million to a company that is 100% owned by
Mr. Downing. The line of credit matures in December 2008,
bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.5% and is collateralized by
certain assets of the company. The loan was made on
substantially the same terms, including interest rate and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with the general public.
Richard J. ODonnell is the former President of Reserve
Mortgage Services, Inc. (Reserve), the mortgage banking
subsidiary that later merged into and became a division of
CFBank. Mr. ODonnell owns 100% of Reserve 1730
Limited, the company that owns and manages the office building at
12
1730 Akron-Peninsula
Road, Akron, Ohio 44313, where CFBanks main
residential mortgage origination office is located. Lease
agreements between CFBank and Reserve 1730 Limited include
monthly rental payments of approximately $7,000, increasing 3%
annually through the terms of the leases, which expire at
various times from May 2007 through December 2009. Rent paid by
CFBank to Reserve 1730 Limited in 2005 totaled $85,552. Rental
payments to be paid over the terms of the leases total
approximately $224,000.
On December 19, 2005, Mr. ODonnell filed a
request for arbitration in Akron, Ohio against CFBank. He
contends that CFBank owes him $600,000 for breaching an
employment agreement between him and CFBank by discharging him
without just cause. CFBank responded by denying that it breached
the employment agreement in that CFBank had just cause to
discharge him for flagrant misconduct and malfeasance, alleging
causes of action for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary
duty, and breach of duty of loyalty. The arbitration is in the
discovery stage and the outcome cannot be determined at this
time. Mr. ODonnell owned 5.5% of the Companys
outstanding shares at the time the dispute arose. In January
2006, the Company issued 2.3 million shares of its common
stock in a public stock offering and, as a result of the
increase in the number of outstanding shares,
Mr. ODonnells ownership has been reduced to
2.7%.
PROPOSAL 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has appointed Crowe Chizek and Company
LLC to be its auditors for 2006, subject to ratification by
shareholders. A representative of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC
will be present at the Meeting to respond to appropriate
questions from shareholders and will have the opportunity to
make a statement should he or she desire to do so.
If ratification of the appointment of the auditors is not
approved by a majority of the votes cast by shareholders at the
Meeting, other independent auditors will be considered by the
Board of Directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
FOR RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF CROWE CHIZEK
AND COMPANY LLC AS THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR
2006.
The following table sets forth the fees billed to the Company
for 2005 and 2004 by Crowe Chizek and Company LLC:
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2005 | |
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2004 | |
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Audit Fees
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$ |
48,000 |
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$ |
60,500 |
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Audit-Related Fees
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81,650 |
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|
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9,450 |
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Tax Fees
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|
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10,300 |
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|
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11,850 |
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All Other Fees
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4,900 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Total
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$ |
144,850 |
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$ |
81,800 |
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|
Audit-related fees were related to Crowe Chizek and Company
LLCs review of the Companys filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission during 2005 and 2004. Tax
fees were related to Crowe Chizek and Company LLCs
preparation of the Companys federal and state tax returns.
Other fees were related to implementation of Section 404 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and accounting treatment of
various transactions during 2005, including loan securitization
and redemption of FHLB stock.
The Companys Audit Committee must pre-approve all
engagements of the independent auditor by the Company and its
subsidiaries, including CFBank, as required by the Audit
Committees charter and the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year,
the Audit Committee will approve an annual estimate of fees for
engagements, taking into account whether the services are
permissible under applicable law and the possible impact of each
non-audit service on the independent auditors independence
from management. In addition, the Audit Committee will evaluate
known potential engagements of the independent auditor,
including the scope of the proposed work to be performed and the
proposed fees, and approve or reject each service. Management
may present additional services for approval at subsequent
committee meetings. The Audit Committee has delegated to the
Audit Committee Chairman the
13
authority to evaluate and approve engagements on behalf of the
Audit Committee in the event a need arises for pre-approval
between Committee meetings and in the event the engagement for
services was within the annual estimate but not specifically
approved. If the Chairman so approves any such engagements, he
will report that approval to the full Committee at the next
Committee meeting.
Since the effective date of the Securities and Exchange
Commissions rules regarding strengthening auditor
independence, all the audit, audit-related, tax and other
services provided by Crowe Chizek and Company LLC were
pre-approved in accordance with the Audit Committees
policies and procedures.
STOCK OWNERSHIP
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
As of March 15, 2006 there were no persons known by the
Company to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the
Companys outstanding common stock.
Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information as of March 15,
2006 with respect to the amount of shares of Company common
stock considered to be owned by each director or nominee for
director of the Company, by each executive officer named in the
Summary Compensation Table and by all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group. A person may be considered
to own any shares of common stock over which he or she has,
directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investment
power.
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Amount and Nature | |
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of Beneficial | |
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Ownership | |
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Shares | |
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Percent | |
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| |
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| |
Mark S. Allio, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer(1)
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|
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123,020 |
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2.7% |
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|
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David C. Vernon, Vice-Chairman of the Board(2)
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110,177 |
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2.4% |
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Jeffrey W. Aldrich, Director(3)
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36,790 |
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0.8% |
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|
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Thomas P. Ash, Director(4)
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36,672 |
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0.8% |
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William R. Downing, Director(5)
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35,692 |
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0.8% |
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Gerry W. Grace, Director(4)
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52,572 |
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|
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1.2% |
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|
|
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|
Jerry F. Whitmer, Director(6)
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|
|
9,500 |
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|
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0.2% |
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|
|
|
Eloise L. Mackus, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary(7)
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29,000 |
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|
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0.6% |
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|
|
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|
Raymond E. Heh, President and Chief Operating Officer, CFBank(8)
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39,132 |
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0.9% |
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|
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|
R. Parker MacDonell, President, Columbus Region, CFBank(9)
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|
|
92,171 |
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|
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2.0% |
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|
|
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)(10)
|
|
|
599,726 |
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|
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12.6% |
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|
|
|
|
(1) |
On January 1, 2006, Mr. Allio assumed the role of
Chairman, and Mr. Vernon, who had been serving as Chairman,
became Vice-Chairman. Includes 5,500 shares awarded to
Mr. Allio pursuant to the Companys equity
compensation plans which have not yet vested, but as to which he
may provide voting recommendations. Includes 24,474 shares
which may be acquired by exercising stock options within
60 days. |
|
|
(2) |
On January 1, 2006, Mr. Vernon, who had been serving
as Chairman, became Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Allio assumed
the role of Chairman. Includes 11,550 shares awarded to
Mr. Vernon pursuant to the Companys equity
compensation plans which have not yet vested, but as to which he
may provide voting recommendations. Includes 61,390 shares
which may be acquired by exercising stock options within
60 days. Also includes 412 shares owned by
M. Catherine Vernon, Mr. Vernons spouse. |
|
|
(3) |
Includes 1,000 shares awarded to Mr. Aldrich pursuant to
the Companys equity compensation plans which have not yet
vested, but as to which he may provide voting recommendations.
Includes |
14
|
|
|
|
|
11,694 shares which may be acquired by exercising stock
options within 60 days. Also includes 23,322 shares
owned by Jean Aldrich, Mr. Aldrichs spouse. |
|
|
(4) |
Includes 1,000 shares awarded to these outside directors
pursuant to the Companys equity compensation plans which
have not yet vested, but as to which they may provide voting
recommendations. Includes 11,694 shares which may be
acquired by exercising stock options within 60 days. |
|
|
(5) |
Includes 1,500 shares awarded to Mr. Downing pursuant
to the Companys equity compensation plans which have not
yet vested, but as to which he may provide voting
recommendations. Includes 2,000 shares which may be
acquired by exercising stock options within 60 days. Also
includes 16,192 shares owned by R.H. Downing, Inc., which
is 100% owned by Mr. Downing, and 10,000 shares owned
by Mary Downing Trust, of which Mr. Downing is trustee. |
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|
(6) |
Includes 1,500 shares awarded to Mr. Whitmer pursuant
to the Companys equity compensation plans which have not
yet vested, but as to which he may provide voting
recommendations. Includes 2,000 shares which may be
acquired by exercising stock options within 60 days. |
|
|
(7) |
Includes 4,500 shares awarded to Ms. Mackus pursuant
to the Companys equity compensation plans which have not
yet vested, but as to which she may provide voting
recommendations. Includes 17,500 shares which may be
acquired by exercising stock options within 60 days. |
|
|
(8) |
Includes 6,000 shares awarded to Mr. Heh pursuant to
the Companys equity compensation plans which have not yet
vested, but as to which he may provide voting recommendations.
Includes 30,132 shares which may be acquired by exercising
stock options within 60 days. |
|
|
(9) |
Includes 4,000 shares awarded to Mr. MacDonell
pursuant to the Companys equity compensation plans which
have not yet vested, but as to which he may provide voting
recommendations. Includes 26,500 shares which may be
acquired by exercising stock options within 60 days. Also
includes 15,000 shares owned by Columbus Tomorrow Fund,
which is 12.5% owned by Mr. MacDonell. |
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(10) |
Includes 43,050 shares awarded to all directors and
executive officers as a group pursuant to the Companys
equity compensation plans which have not yet vested, but as to
which they may provide voting recommendations. Includes
221,578 shares which may be acquired by exercising stock
options within 60 days. |
Miscellaneous
The Company will pay the cost of this proxy solicitation. The
Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by
them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of the
Companys common stock. Directors, officers and regular
employees of the Company may also solicit proxies personally or
by telephone and will not receive additional compensation for
these activities.
Shareholder Proposals
If a shareholder desires to have a proposal included in the
Companys proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2007
annual meeting of shareholders, the proposal must conform to the
requirements of Exchange Act
Rule 14a-8 and
other applicable proxy rules and interpretations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the submission and
content of proposals and must be received by the Company, at
2923 Smith Road, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333, prior to the
close of business on December 20, 2006. In order for a
shareholders proposal outside of
Rule 14a-8 under
the Exchange Act to be considered timely within the meaning of
Exchange Act
Rule 14a-4(c), the
proposal must be received by the Company at the same address not
later than March 5, 2007.
Shareholder nominations for director are discussed above under
the caption Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee.
15
A COPY OF THE
FORM 10-KSB
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS) FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, AS
FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WILL BE
FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD UPON WRITTEN
REQUEST TO THE CORPORATE SECRETARY, CENTRAL FEDERAL CORPORATION,
2923 SMITH ROAD, FAIRLAWN, OHIO 44333.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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Eloise L.
Mackus |
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Corporate Secretary |
Fairlawn, Ohio
April 18, 2006
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN
PERSON. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING,
YOU ARE REQUESTED TO SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE
ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID
ENVELOPE.
16
CENTRAL FEDERAL CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 18, 2006
10:00 A.M. LOCAL TIME
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints the official proxy committee of the Board of Directors of Central
Federal Corporation (the Company), each with full power of substitution, to act as proxy for the
undersigned, and to vote all shares of common stock of the Company which the undersigned is
entitled to vote only at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held at the Fairlawn Country
Club located at 200 North Wheaton Road, Fairlawn, Ohio on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, and at any and all adjournments thereof, with all of the powers the undersigned would
possess if personally present at such Meeting as follows:
(1) |
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The election as directors of all nominees listed (except as marked to the contrary below). |
Jeffrey W. Aldrich
Mark S. Allio
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FOR |
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VOTE WITHHELD |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT |
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INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD YOUR VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, MARK FOR ALL EXCEPT AND WRITE
THAT NOMINEES NAME ON THE LINE PROVIDED BELOW.
(2) |
|
The ratification of the appointment of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC as independent auditors
of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2006. |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE LISTED PROPOSALS
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
THIS PROXY IS REVOCABLE AND WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE
SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF THE PROPOSALS LISTED. IF ANY OTHER
BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, INCLUDING WHETHER OR NOT TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THE PROXIES IN THEIR BEST JUDGEMENT. AT THE PRESENT
TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL
MEETING.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company prior to the execution of this proxy
of a Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and of a Proxy Statement dated April 18, 2006
and of the Annual Report to Shareholders.
Please sign exactly as you name appears on this card. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title. If shares are held
jointly, each holder may sign but only one signature is required.
Dated:__________________________
__________________________________
SIGNATURE OF SHAREHOLDER
__________________________________
SIGNATURE OF SHAREHOLDER
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL THIS PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE
Dear CFBank Employees Savings & Profit Sharing Plan and Trust Participant:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am forwarding you the attached Vote
Authorization Form for the purpose of conveying your voting instructions to Bank of New
York (the Trustee) on the proposals to be presented at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of Central Federal Corporation (the Company) on May 18, 2006. Also enclosed is a Notice
and Proxy Statement for the Companys Annual Meeting of Shareholders and a copy of the
Companys Annual Report to Shareholders.
As a participant in the CFBank Employees Savings & Profit Sharing Plan and Trust, you
are entitled to direct the Trustee on how to vote the shares of Company common stock in
your account as of April 7, 2006, the Annual Meeting record date. These shares will be
voted as directed by you provided your instructions are received by the Trustee by May 11,
2006. Please note that if this voting instruction card is not property completed and
signed, or if it is not timely received by the designated tabulator, shares allocated to a
participants account will be voted in the same proportion as shares of Company common
stock for which directions have been received, unless The Bank of New York determines to
vote otherwise, consistent with its obligations under ERISA.
In order to direct the voting of shares of Company common stock in your account,
please complete and sign the enclosed Vote Authorization Form and return it in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope no later than May 11, 2006. Your vote will not be revealed, directly
or indirectly, to any employee or director of the Company or Bank.
Sincerely,
Mark S. Allio
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
VOTE AUTHORIZATION FORM
I understand that The Bank of New York, (the Trustee), is the holder of record and
custodian of all shares of Central Federal Corporation common stock allocated to me under
the CFBank Employees Savings & Profit Sharing Plan and Trust. Further, I understand that
my voting instructions are solicited on behalf of the Companys Board of Directors for the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 2006.
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Accordingly, vote my shares as follows: |
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(1) |
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The election as directors of all nominees listed (except as marked to the
contrary below). |
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Jeffrey W. Aldrich
Mark S. Allio |
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FOR |
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VOTE WITHHELD |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT |
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INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD YOUR VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, MARK FOR ALL EXCEPT AND
WRITE THAT NOMINEES NAME ON THE LINE PROVIDED BELOW.
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(2) |
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The ratification of the appointment of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC as
independent auditors of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2006. |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE LISTED PROPOSALS
The Trustee is hereby authorized to vote all shares in my account in its trust capacity as
indicated above.
Please date, sign and mail this form in the enclosed postage-paid envelope no later than May 11,
2006.
Dear Stock Award Recipient:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am forwarding you the Attached Vote Authorization
Form for the purpose of conveying your voting instruction to First Bankers Trust (the
Trustee) on the proposals to be presented at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Central Federal Corporation (the Company) on May 18, 2006. Also enclosed is Notice and
Proxy Statement for the Companys Annual Meeting of Shareholders and a copy of the
Companys Annual Report to Shareholders.
As a participant in the Central Federal Corporation 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan (the
Incentive Plan) you are entitled to vote all unvested shares of restricted stock awarded
to you under the Incentive Plan as of April 7, 2006. The Incentive Plan Trustee will vote
those shares of the Company stock in accordance with instructions it receives from you and
the other Stock Award recipients. Shares of restricted stock for which instructions are
not received by May 11, 2006, will not be voted by the Incentive Plan Trustee, as directed
by the Company.
At this time, in order to direct the voting of Company common stock awarded to you under
the Incentive Plan, you must complete and sign the enclosed Vote Authorization Form and
return it in the accompanying postage-paid envelope no later than May 11, 2006.
Sincerely,
Mark S. Allio
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
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Name
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INCENTIVE PLAN |
Shares |
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VOTE AUTHORIZATION FORM
I understand that First Bankers Trust (the Trustee), is the holder of record and custodian
of all shares of Central Federal Corporation (the Company) common stock held in trust for the
Central Federal Corporation 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan (Incentive Plan). Further, I
understand that my voting instructions are solicited on behalf of the Companys Board of Directors
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 2006.
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Accordingly, I vote my shares as follows: |
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(1) |
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The election as directors of all nominees listed (except as marked to the
contrary below). |
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Jeffrey W. Aldrich
Mark S. Allio |
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FOR |
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VOTE WITHHELD |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT |
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INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD YOUR VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, MARK FOR ALL EXCEPT AND
WRITE THAT NOMINEES NAME ON THE LINE PROVIDED BELOW.
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(2) |
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The ratification of the appointment of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC as
independent auditors of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2006. |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE LISTED PROPOSALS.
The Incentive Plan Trustee is hereby authorized to vote all unvested shares of Company
common stock awarded to me under the Incentive Plan in its trust capacity as indicated
above.
Please date, sign and mail this form in the enclosed postage-paid envelope no later than May 11,
2006.