2006 proxy and proxy card
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
Filed
by the Registrant ý
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Filed
by a Party other than the Registrant o
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Check
the appropriate box:
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Preliminary
Proxy Statement
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Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive
Proxy Statement
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Definitive
Additional Materials
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Soliciting
Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
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CITIZENS
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
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(Name
of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name
of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the
Registrant)
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Payment
of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No
fee required.
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Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11.
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(1)
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Title
of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2)
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Aggregate
number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3)
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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 how it was determined):
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(4)
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Proposed
maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5)
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Total
fee paid:
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Fee
paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check
box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
filing.
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(1)
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Amount
Previously Paid:
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(2)
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Form,
Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3)
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Filing
Party:
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(4)
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Date
Filed:
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CITIZENS
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
15
South Main Street
Mansfield,
Pennsylvania 16933-1590
March 15,
2006
Fellow
Shareholders:
You
are
cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Citizens
Financial Services, Inc. The meeting will be held at the Tioga County
Fairgrounds Main Building, 2258 Charleston Road, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
16901,
on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 12:00 p.m., local time.
The
attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the formal
business to be transacted at the meeting. During the meeting, we will report
on
the operations of the Company. Directors and officers of the Company, as
well as
representatives of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public Accountants, Citizens
Financial Services, Inc.’s independent auditor, will be present at the annual
meeting to respond to appropriate questions of our shareholders.
The
Board
of Directors of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. has determined that matters
to
be considered at the annual meeting are in the best interest of Citizens
Financial Services, Inc. and its shareholders. It is important that your
shares
are represented at this meeting, whether or not you attend in person. Therefore,
to make sure that your shares are represented, please sign and return the
enclosed proxy card promptly. 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 of Citizens Financial
Services, Inc. and First Citizens National Bank, I thank you for your continued
interest and support.
Sincerely
yours,
Randall
E. Black
Chief
Executive Officer and President
CITIZENS
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
15
South Main Street
Mansfield,
Pennsylvania 16933-1590
NOTICE
OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO
BE HELD ON APRIL 18, 2006
NOTICE
IS
HEREBY GIVEN
that the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (the
“Company”) will be held at 12:00 p.m., local time, on Tuesday, April 18,
2006 at the Tioga County Fairgrounds Main Building, 2258 Charleston Road,
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, 16901, for the following purposes:
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1.
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To
elect four Class 3 directors and one Class 1 director to serve
for
three-year terms and a two-year term, respectively, and until their
successors are duly elected and
qualified;
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2.
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To
approve the Citizens Financial Services, Inc. 2006 Restricted Stock
Plan;
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3.
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To
ratify the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public
Accountants, as independent auditor for the Company for the fiscal
year
ending December 31, 2006; and
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4.
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To
transact such other business as may properly come before the annual
meeting or any adjournment or postponement
thereof.
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NOTE:
The
Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come before the
meeting.
Record
holders of the common stock of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. at the close
of
business on March 1, 2006 are entitled to receive notice of the annual
meeting and to vote at the meeting and any adjournment or postponement of
the
meeting. The annual meeting may be adjourned to permit the Company to solicit
proxies in the event that there are insufficient votes for a quorum or to
approve any of the proposals at the time of the meeting. A list of shareholders
entitled to vote at the annual meeting will be available at Citizens Financial
Services, Inc., 15 South Main Street, Mansfield, PA 16933-1590, for a period
of
ten days prior to the annual meeting and will also be available at the annual
meeting itself.
BY
ORDER
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Randall
E. Black
Chief
Executive Officer and President
March 15,
2006
Mansfield,
Pennsylvania
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
OF
CITIZENS
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
This
Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by
the Board of Directors of Citizens Financial Services, Inc., (the “Company”), a
Pennsylvania business corporation headquartered at 15 South Main Street,
Mansfield, Pennsylvania 16933-1590, to be used at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Tioga County Fairgrounds
Main Building, 2258 Charleston Road, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901 on Tuesday,
April 18, 2006 at 12:00 p.m., local time. This Proxy Statement and the
enclosed proxy card are being first mailed on or about March 15, 2006 to
shareholders of record as of March 1, 2006.
GENERAL
INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING
Who
Can Vote at the Meeting
You
are
entitled to vote your Citizens Financial Services, Inc. common stock only
if the
records of the Company show that you held your shares as of the close of
business on March 1, 2006. As of the close of business on March 1,
2006, a total of 2,839,542 shares of common stock were outstanding. Each
share
of common stock has one vote.
Attending
the Meeting
If
you
are the beneficial owner of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. common stock
held
by a broker, bank or other nominee (i.e., in “street name”), you will need proof
of your ownership of such stock to be admitted to the meeting. A recent
brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof
of
ownership. If you want to vote your shares of common stock held in street
name
in person at the meeting, you must obtain a written proxy in your name from
the
broker, bank or other nominee who is the record holder of your
shares.
Quorum
and Vote Required
General.
The
annual meeting will be held only if there is a quorum. A quorum exists if
a
majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote 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 the existence of 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 that item and has not
received voting instructions from the beneficial owner.
Election
of Directors. The
Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of ten
members. However, there is one vacancy on the Board that will be filled at
this
year’s annual meeting. At the meeting, shareholders will elect four directors
to
serve three-year terms and one director to serve a two-year term, giving
the
Board eleven members. In voting for the election of directors, you may vote
in
favor of all nominees, withhold votes as to all nominees or withhold votes
as to
specific nominees. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.
Directors must be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the annual
meeting. The term “plurality” means that the four nominees for Class 3 director
receiving the largest number of votes cast will be elected as Class 3 directors,
and the nominee for Class 1 director receiving the largest number of votes
cast
will be elected as a Class 1 director. Votes that are withheld and broker
non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election.
Approval
of 2006 Restricted Stock Plan.
In
voting for the Citizens Financial Services, Inc. 2006 Restricted Stock Plan,
you
may vote in favor of the proposal, against the proposal or abstain from voting.
This proposal will be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
votes
cast at the annual meeting by all shareholders entitled to vote thereon,
assuming a quorum is present. On this matter, abstentions and broker non-votes
will have no effect on the voting.
Ratification
of Independent Auditor.
In
voting for the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.,
Certified Public Accountants, as independent auditors, you may vote in favor
of
the proposal, against the proposal or abstain from voting. This proposal
will be
decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual
meeting by all shareholders entitled to vote, assuming a quorum is present.
On
this matter, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the
voting.
Voting
By Proxy
The
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
annual meeting by the persons named in the enclosed proxy card. All shares
of
common stock represented at the annual meeting by properly executed and dated
proxy cards will be voted according to the instructions indicated on the
proxy
card. If you sign, date and return a proxy card without giving voting
instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Company’s Board of
Directors.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE:
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“FOR”
THE ELECTION OF
FOUR CLASS 3 DIRECTORS AND ONE CLASS 1 DIRECTOR TO SERVE FOR THREE-YEAR
TERMS AND A TWO-YEAR TERM, RESPECTIVELY, AND UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS
ARE
DULY ELECTED AND QUALIFIED;
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“FOR”
APPROVAL OF THE CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. 2006 RESTRICTED
STOCK
PLAN; AND
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“FOR”
RATIFICATION OF S.R. SNODGRASS, A.C., CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS,
AS
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR.
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If
any
matter not described in this Proxy Statement is properly presented at the
annual
meeting, the persons named on the proxy card will use their own best judgment
to
determine how to vote your shares. The Company does not know of any other
matters to be presented at the annual meeting.
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 Secretary of the Company in writing
before
your common stock has been voted at the annual meeting, deliver a later dated
proxy, or attend the meeting and vote your shares in person. Attendance at
the
annual meeting will not in itself constitute revocation of your
proxy.
If
your
common stock is held in “street name,” you will receive instructions from your
broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow in order to have your
shares
voted. Your broker, bank or other nominee may allow you to deliver your voting
instructions via the telephone or the Internet. Please see the instruction
form
provided by your broker, bank or other nominee that accompanies this Proxy
Statement.
IF
YOU
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT VOTING, PLEASE CONTACT OUR JUDGE OF ELECTION, MATTHEW
M. LUNDGREN, AT 800-326-9486.
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
General
Citizens
Financial Services, Inc. periodically reviews and revises its corporate
governance policies and procedures to ensure that the Company meets the highest
standards of ethical conduct, reports results with accuracy and transparency
and
maintains full compliance with the laws, rules and regulations that govern
the
Company’s operations.
Corporate
Governance Guidelines
The
Company has adopted corporate governance guidelines to govern certain
activities, including:
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1.
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the duties and responsibilities of each
director;
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2. |
the composition, responsibilities and operation
of
the Board of Directors, to include director qualifications,
director independence standards, director compensation, and director
orientation and continuing
education;
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3. |
the establishment and operation of board
committees;
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4. |
succession planning;
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5. |
appointing an independent lead director and
convening executive sessions of independent directors;
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6. |
the Board of Directors’ interaction with
management and third parties; and
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7. |
the evaluation of the performance
of
the Board of Directors and of the chief executive
officer. |
Employee
Code of Ethics
The
Company and the Bank have adopted a Code of Ethics that is designed to ensure
that the Company’s and Bank’s directors, executive officers and employees meet
the highest standards of ethical conduct. The Code of Ethics requires that
the
Company’s and Bank’s directors, executive officers and 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
Company’s and Bank’s best interest. Under the terms of the Code of Ethics,
directors, executive officers and employees are required to report any conduct
that they believe in good faith to be an actual or apparent violation of
the
Code.
As
a
mechanism to encourage compliance with the Code of Ethics, the Company has
established a Whistleblower Policy to receive, retain and treat complaints
received regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters.
This policy ensures that individuals may submit concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters in a confidential and anonymous manner. The
Whistleblower Policy also prohibits the Company from retaliating against
any
director, executive officer or employee who reports actual or apparent
violations of the Code.
Governance
and Nominating Committee Procedures
It
is the
policy of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors
of
the Company to consider director candidates recommended by shareholders who
appear to be qualified to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. The
Governance and Nominating Committee may choose not to consider an unsolicited
recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board of Directors and the Governance
and Nominating Committee does not perceive a need to increase the size of
the
Board of Directors. In order to avoid the unnecessary use of the Governance
and
Nominating Committee’s resources, the Governance and Nominating Committee will
consider only those director candidates recommended in accordance with the
procedures set forth below.
Procedures
to be Followed by Shareholders
To
submit
a recommendation of a director candidate to the Governance and Nominating
Committee, a shareholder should submit the following information in writing,
addressed to the Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee in care
of
the Chief Executive Officer and President, at the main office of the Company:
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1.
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The
name and address of the person recommended as a director
candidate;
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2.
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All
information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed
in
solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to
Regulation
14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended;
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3.
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The
written consent of the person being recommended as a director candidate
to
be named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serve as a
director if
elected;
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4.
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As
to the person making the recommendation, the name and address,
as they
appear on the Company’s books, of such person; provided, however, that if
the person is not a registered holder of the Company’s common stock, the
person should submit his or her name and address along with a current
written statement from the record holder of the shares that reflects
the
recommending person’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock;
and
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5.
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A
statement disclosing whether the person making the recommendation
is
acting with or on behalf of any other person and, if applicable,
the
identity of such person.
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In
order
for a director candidate to be considered for nomination at the Company’s Annual
Meeting of Shareholders, the recommendation must be received by the Governance
and Nominating Committee at least 120 calendar days prior to the date the
Company’s proxy statement was released to shareholders in connection with the
previous year’s annual meeting, advanced by one year.
Minimum
Qualifications
The
Governance and Nominating Committee has adopted a set of criteria that it
considers when it selects individuals to be nominated for election to the
Board
of Directors. First a candidate must meet the eligibility requirements set
forth
in the Company’s Bylaws. A candidate also must meet any qualification
requirements set forth in any Board or committee governing
documents.
The
Governance and Nominating Committee will consider the following criteria
in
selecting nominees: financial, regulatory and business experience; familiarity
with and participation in the local community; integrity, honesty and
reputation; dedication to the Company and its shareholders; independence;
and
any other factors the Governance and Nominating Committee deems relevant,
including age, diversity, geographies, size of the Board of Directors and
regulatory disclosure obligations.
In
addition, prior to nominating an existing director for re-election to the
Board
of Directors, the Governance and Nominating Committee will consider and review
an existing director’s Board and committee attendance and performance; length of
Board service; experience; skills and contributions that the existing director
brings to the Board; and independence.
Process
for Identifying and Evaluating Nominees
The
process the Governance and Nominating Committee follows when it identifies
and
evaluates individuals to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors
is
as follows:
Identification.
For
purposes of identifying nominees for the Board of Directors, the Governance
and
Nominating Committee relies on personal contacts of the committee and other
members of the Board of Directors as well as its knowledge of members of
the
Bank’s local communities. The Governance and Nominating Committee will also
consider director candidates recommended by shareholders in accordance with
the
policy and procedures set forth above. The Governance and Nominating Committee
has not previously used an independent search firm in identifying
nominees.
Evaluation.
In
evaluating potential nominees, the Governance and Nominating Committee
determines whether the candidate is eligible and qualified for service on
the
Board of Directors by evaluating the candidate under the selection criteria
set
forth above. In addition, the Governance and Nominating Committee will conduct
a
check of the individual’s background and may interview the
candidate.
STOCK
OWNERSHIP
The
following table sets forth, as of March 1, 2006, the name and address of
each person who owns of record or who is known by the Board of Directors
to be
the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock,
the number of shares beneficially owned by such person and the percentage
of the
Company’s outstanding common stock so owned.
Name
and Address
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Number
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned
(1)
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Percent
of Outstanding
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned(2)
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R.
Lowell Coolidge
Post
Office Box 41
Wellsboro,
Pennsylvania 16901
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162,045
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5.7%
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(1)
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The
securities “beneficially owned” by an individual are determined in
accordance with the definitions of “beneficial ownership” set forth in the
general rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and may include securities owned by or for the individual’s spouse and
minor children and any other relative who has the same home, as
well as,
securities to which the individual has or shares voting or investment
power or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60
days
after March 1, 2006. Beneficial ownership may be disclaimed as to
certain of the securities.
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(2)
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Mr. Coolidge
beneficially owns 128,244 shares individually, and his remaining
33,801
shares are held by his spouse.
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The
following table sets forth the information concerning the number of shares
of
Citizens Financial Services, Inc. common stock beneficially owned, as of
March 1, 2006, by each present director, nominee for director, executive
officer named in the compensation table set forth elsewhere herein and by
all
directors and executive officers as a group.
Name
of Beneficial Owner(1)
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Amount
and Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
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Percent
of Class
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Randall
E. Black(2)
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1,909
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*
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Kathleen
M. Campbell
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163
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*
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Larry
J. Croft(3)
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28,619
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1.0%
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R.
Lowell Coolidge(4)
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162,045
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5.7%
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Mark
L. Dalton
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1,020
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*
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Roger
C. Graham, Jr.
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14,363
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*
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Mickey
L. Jones
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200
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*
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E.
Gene Kosa(5)
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1,117
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*
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R.
Joseph Landy(6)
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7,827
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*
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Thomas
C. Lyman(7)
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417
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*
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Alexander
D. Nadalini (8)
(9)
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29
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*
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John
E. Novak(10)
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3,641
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*
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Terry
B. Osborne(11)
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1,395
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*
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Carol
J. Tama(12)
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76,741
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2.8%
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Rudolph
J. van der Hiel(13)
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17,982
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*
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Robert
W. Chappell(14)
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1,125
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*
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Rinaldo
A. DePaola(15)
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493
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*
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Executive
Officers, Directors and Nominees for Director as a Group (17
persons)
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319,086
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11.2%
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*
Less
than 1%.
(1) |
The
securities “beneficially owned” by an individual are determined in
accordance with the definitions of “beneficial ownership” set forth in the
general rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and may include securities owned by or for the individual’s spouse and
minor children and any other relative who has the same home, as
well as,
securities to which the individual has or shares voting or investment
power or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60
days
after March 1, 2006. Beneficial ownership may be disclaimed as to
certain of the securities.
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(2) |
Mr.
Black beneficially owns 280 shares individually, 1,379 shares jointly
with
his spouse, and his remaining 250 shares are held by his
spouse.
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(3) |
Mr.
Croft beneficially owns 18,107 shares individually, 9,948 shares
jointly
with his spouse, and his remaining 564 shares are held by his
spouse
|
(4) |
Mr. Coolidge
beneficially owns 128,244 shares individually, and his remaining
33,801
shares are held by his spouse.
|
(5) |
Mr.
Kosa beneficially owns 1,040 shares jointly with his spouse, 57
shares in
an investor club, and his remaining 20 shares are held by his
spouse.
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(6) |
Mr.
Landy beneficially owns 4,429 shares individually, 2,730 jointly
with his
spouse, 334 shares are held as custodian for a child, and his remaining
334 shares are held by a daughter living at the same
address.
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(7) |
Mr.
Lyman beneficially owns 265 shares jointly with his spouse, and
his
remaining 152 shares are held by his
spouse.
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(8) |
Mr.
Nadalini retired effective February 3,
2006.
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(9) |
Mr.
Nadalini beneficially owns 29 shares jointly with his
spouse.
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(10) |
Mr.
Novak beneficially owns 3,453 shares individually, and his remaining
188
shares are held by his spouse.
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(11) |
Mr.
Osborne beneficially owns 48 shares individually, 1,207 shares
jointly
with his spouse, and his remaining 140 shares are held by his
spouse.
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(12) |
Mrs.
Tama beneficially owns 75,322 shares individually, and her remaining
1,419
shares are held in a partnership.
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(13) |
Mr.
van der Hiel beneficially owns 16,403 shares individually, 22 shares
jointly with his spouse, and his remaining 1,557 shares are held
by his
spouse.
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(14) |
Mr.
Chappell beneficially owns 376 shares individually, 122 shares
jointly
with a friend, and his remaining 627 shares are held by his mother
living
at the same address.
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(15) |
Mr.
DePaola beneficially owns 362 shares jointly with his spouse, and
his
remaining 131 shares are held by his spouse as custodian for their
son.
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PROPOSAL
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The
Company’s Board of Directors consists of ten members, all of whom are
independent under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”),
except for Directors Coolidge and Black. However, there is one vacancy on
the
Board that will be filled at this year’s annual meeting, giving the Board eleven
members. The Board is divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number
as
possible, and known as Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. The Class 3 directors
elected at this annual meeting will serve for three-year terms. The Class 1
director elected at this annual meeting will serve for a two-year term. The
Class 2 and remaining Class 1 directors will continue to serve for one and
two
years, respectively, in order to complete their three-year terms.
The
Board
of Directors fixed the number of directors in Class 3 at four and has nominated
E. Gene Kosa, R. Joseph Landy, Roger C. Graham, Jr. and Robert W. Chappell
for
election as Class 3 directors to hold office for three-year terms to expire
at
the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or when their successors are duly
elected and qualified. The Board of Directors has nominated Rinaldo A. DePaola
for election as a Class 1 director to hold office for a two-year term to
expire
at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or when his successor is duly
elected
and qualified. All of these individuals are currently directors of the Company
except for Mr. Chappell and Mr. DePaola. Class 3 director James A. Wagner
passed
away on May 12, 2005, and Class 1 director Larry J. Croft reached the Company’s
mandatory retirement age of 70.
Unless
you indicate on your proxy card that your shares should not be voted for
certain
nominees, the Board of Directors intends that the proxies solicited by it
will
be voted for the election of all of the Board’s nominees. If any nominee is
unable to serve, the persons named on the proxy card would vote your shares
to
approve the election of any substitute proposed by the Board of Directors.
At
this time, the Board of Directors knows of no reason why any nominees might
be
unable to serve.
The
Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of its
nominees.
Information
regarding the Board of Directors’ nominees and the directors continuing in
office is provided below.
Nominees
for Election As Class 3 Directors - Terms Expire in 2009
Name
|
|
Age
as of
March 1,
2006
|
|
Principal
Occupation
for
Past Five Years
|
|
Director
Since
Company
(Bank)
|
|
Directorship
of Other Public Companies
|
E.
Gene Kosa
|
|
59
|
|
Partner
in EDKO Farms, an agricultural production and service business,
located in
Ulysses, PA and since November 2004 has been operating a restaurant
located in Ulysses, PA
|
|
2001
(2001)
|
|
None
|
R.
Joseph Landy
|
|
51
|
|
Attorney-at-Law with
the firm of Landy & Landy, located in Sayre, PA
|
|
2001
(2001)
|
|
None
|
Roger
C. Graham, Jr.
|
|
50
|
|
Retired
Owner of Graham Excavating
|
|
2001
(2001)
|
|
None
|
Robert
W. Chappell
|
|
39
|
|
Attorney-at-Law
with the firm of van der Hiel, Chappell & Loomis, located in
Mansfield, PA
|
|
N/A
|
|
None
|
Nominee
for Election As Class 1 Director - Term Expires in 2008
Name
|
|
Age
as of
March 1,
2006
|
|
Principal
Occupation
for
Past Five Years
|
|
Director
Since
Company
(Bank)
|
|
Directorship
of Other Public Companies
|
Rinaldo
A. DePaola
|
|
50
|
|
Attorney-at-Law
with the firm of Griffin, Dawsey, DePaola & Jones, located in Towanda,
PA
|
|
N/A
|
|
None
|
Continuing
Class 2 Directors - Terms Expire in 2007
Name
|
|
Age
as of
March 1,
2006
|
|
Principal
Occupation
for
Past Five Years
|
|
Director
Since
Company
(Bank)
|
|
Directorship
of Other Public Companies
|
John
E. Novak
|
|
69
|
|
Retired
School Administrator with Southern Tioga School District; retired
from
supervising student teachers at Elmira College, located in Elmira,
NY
|
|
1984
(1976)
|
|
None
|
Rudolph
J. van der Hiel
|
|
66
|
|
As
of August 2005 is in an “of Counsel” capacity for the Law Offices of van
der Hiel, Chappell & Loomis located in Mansfield, PA. Part time Priest
for various churches. Retired Attorney-at-Law with the Law Offices
of van
der Hiel & Chappell, located in Mansfield, PA; Retired Priest at St.
James Episcopal Church, Mansfield, PA; and Trinity Episcopal Church,
Antrim, PA
|
|
1984
(1975)
|
|
None
|
Mark
L. Dalton
|
|
51
|
|
Since
November 2003 has been an Agent/Broker with Gannon Associates,
an
insurance company, located in Mansfield, PA. Prior to November
2003 was
Owner of Robert E. Dalton General Insurance, located in Blossburg,
PA
|
|
1998
(1997)
|
|
None
|
Continuing
Class 1 Directors - Terms Expire in 2008
Name
|
|
Age
as of
March 1,
2006
|
|
Principal
Occupation
for
Past Five Years
|
|
Director
Since
Company
(Bank)
|
|
Directorship
of Other Public Companies
|
Carol
J. Tama
|
|
65
|
|
Retired
President of Monaghan Transportation Company
|
|
1986
(1984)
|
|
None
|
R.
Lowell Coolidge
|
|
65
|
|
Attorney-at-Law
with the firm of Walrath and Coolidge, located in Wellsboro,
PA
|
|
1984
(1984)
|
|
None
|
Randall
E. Black
|
|
39
|
|
Since
April 2004 has been Chief Executive Officer and President of
the Company
and First Citizens National Bank (the “Bank”). Prior to April 2004, was
Chief Financial Officer for the Bank.
|
|
2004
(2004)
|
|
None
|
Executive
Officers Who Are Not Directors
Name
|
|
Age
as of
March 1,
2006
|
|
Principal
Occupation
for
Past Five Years
|
Kathleen
M. Campbell
|
|
45
|
|
Senior
Vice President, Marketing and Training Manager for the Bank
|
Mickey
L. Jones
|
|
45
|
|
Since
June 2004 has been Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and
Treasurer of the Company and Bank. Previously was Director of Finance
and
Claims for Keystone Health Plan Central, Inc.
|
Thomas
C. Lyman
|
|
60
|
|
Vice
President and Assistant Treasurer of the Company and Bank
|
Terry
B. Osborne
|
|
52
|
|
Executive
Vice President and Secretary of the Company and
Bank
|
Directors’
Compensation
Fees.
Directors
of the Company, except for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board, and
the
Chief Executive Officer and President, receive a fee of $200 per meeting.
Directors of the Bank, except for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board,
and the Chief Executive Officer and President receive a $12,000 annual retainer
and fees of $125 per meeting for attendance at any committee meeting. A fee
of
$100 is paid for Board conference calls. Additionally, committee chairpersons
receive a $500 retainer. Director Dalton receives a $3,000 retainer for
building/property guidance, and Director Kosa receives a fee of $200 for
attendance at any Sarbanes-Oxley committee meeting. Mr. Coolidge, who
serves as the Company’s and the Bank’s Chairman, and Mrs. Tama, who serves as
the Company’s and Bank’s Vice Chairman received a fixed annual sum of $32,499.96
and $20,541.69 respectively in lieu of all director’s fees in 2005.
Deferred
Compensation Plan. Directors
are permitted to defer their fees subject to provisions of the director’s
deferred compensation plan. The plan provides for the Bank to distribute
funds
to a director whenever they are no longer a member of the Board. In 2005,
the
Company amended the Deferred Compensation Plan in certain respects to comply
with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
Life
Insurance. In
addition to these fees, each director is provided a $100,000 (increased from
$50,000 June 2005) life insurance benefit. Once a director retires, insurance
coverage continues but the benefit declines upon retirement as the age of
the
retired director increases.
Total
Compensation. In
the
aggregate, the Board of Directors received $203,841.65 for all Board of
Directors meetings of the Company, of the Bank and various committee meetings
attended in 2005. Total premiums paid, in 2005, for life insurance on behalf
of
the current and retired directors was $2,047.15.
Meetings
of the Board of Directors
The
Board
of Directors oversees all of the Company’s business, property and affairs. The
Chairman of the Board and the executive officers keep the members of the
Board
informed of the Company’s business through discussions at Board meetings and by
providing them reports and other materials. During 2005, the Company’s Board of
Directors held ten regular meetings. Each of the directors attended at least
90%
of aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and the total number
of meetings held by all committees of the board on which he or she served.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
Audit
and Examination Committee. The
Audit
and Examination Committee, consisting of Directors Kosa, Tama, Novak and
Graham
meets periodically with the independent auditors, management and the internal
auditors to review accounting, auditing, internal control structure and
financial reporting matters. This committee met seven times during the year
ended December 31, 2005. Each member of the Audit and Examination Committee
is independent in accordance with the listing standards of NASDAQ. The Audit
and
Examination Committee acts under a written charter adopted by the Board of
Directors. A copy of the Audit Committee charter is posted on the Company’s
website at www.firstcitizensbank.com. The report of the Audit and Examination
Committee required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission
is
included in this Proxy Statement. See “PROPOSAL 3-RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT
AUDITOR-REPORT OF AUDIT AND EXAMINATION COMMITTEE.”
Compensation/Human
Resource Committee.
The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee, consisting of Directors Novak, van
der
Hiel, Dalton, Landy and Croft, is responsible for all matters regarding the
Company’s and Bank’s employee compensation and benefit programs. The Company’s
Compensation/Human Resource Committee met eleven times during the year ended
December 31, 2005. Each member of the Compensation/Human Resource Committee
is
independent in accordance with the listing standards of NASDAQ. The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee acts under a written charter adopted
by
the Board of Directors. A copy of the Compensation/Human Resource Committee
charter is posted on the Company’s website at www.firstcitizensbank.com. The
report of the Compensation/Human Resource committee required by the rules
of the
Securities and Exchange Commission is included in this Proxy Statement. See
“COMPENSATION/HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION.”
Governance
and Nominating Committee.
The
Governance and Nominating Committee, consisting of Directors Dalton, Coolidge,
Tama, Black, and Croft, takes a leadership role in shaping governance policies
and practices, including recommending to the Board of Directors the corporate
governance policies and guidelines that should be adopted by the Company
and
monitoring compliance with these policies and guidelines. In addition, the
Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying individuals
qualified to become Board members, considering the candidates recommended
by
shareholders for Board membership, and recommending to the Board the director
nominees for election at the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders. It manages
the
Board’s annual review of its performance and recommends director candidates for
each committee for appointment by the Board. This committee met fives
times during
the year ended December 31, 2005. Each member of the Governance and Nominating
Committee is independent in accordance with the listing standards of NASDAQ,
except for Directors Coolidge and Black. The Governance and Nominating Committee
acts under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of
the
Governance and Nominating Committee charter is posted on the Company’s website
at www.firstcitizensbank.com. The procedures of the Governance and Nominating
Committee required to be disclosed by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission are included in this Proxy Statement. See “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.”
Attendance
at the Annual Meeting
All
directors of the Company attended the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
and
all are expected to attend the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
PROPOSAL
2. APPROVAL OF THE CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
2006
RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN
The
shareholders are asked to vote to approve the Citizens Financial Services,
Inc.
2006 Restricted Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”), which will provide stock
compensation to selected employees and non-employee directors of the Company
and
its subsidiaries, based on the Company’s performance and other factors. The
following summary of major features of the 2006 Plan is subject to the specific
provisions in the full text of the 2006 Plan set forth as Exhibit “A” to
this Proxy Statement.
The
approval of the proposed 2006 Plan will help the Compensation/Human Resource
Committee and the Company’s management to achieve the following intended
outcomes:
· |
Assist
the Company in attracting, retaining, and motivating employees
and
non-employee directors to make substantial contributions to the
success of
the Company and the Company’s
subsidiaries.
|
· |
Increase
emphasis on the use of equity as a principal component of the Company’s
compensation policy.
|
The
Company’s management and the Board of Directors believe strongly that in order
for it to be successful, the Company requires a performance-oriented culture,
and the Company will create greater shareholder value if stock ownership
levels
are provided at all
levels
of the Company. Therefore, the approval of the proposed 2006 Plan is vital
to
the Company’s ability to achieve its future goals.
Purpose
of 2006 Plan
The
2006
Plan will permit the Company, under the supervision of the Compensation/Human
Resource Committee and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors,
to
make restricted stock awards to employees and non-employee directors. The
purpose of these stock awards is to attract and retain competitively superior
people, further align employees and non-employee directors with shareholder
interests, closely link employee and non-employee compensation with the
Company’s performance, and maintain high levels of executive and non-employee
director stock ownership. The 2006 Plan also provides a component of the
total
compensation package offered to employees and reflects the importance placed
on
motivating and rewarding superior results with long-term
incentives.
Key
Terms
The
2006
Plan is designed to reflect prevailing corporate governance and executive
and
director compensation best practices. The following is a summary of the 2006
Plan’s key provisions:
Plan
Effective Date:
|
April
18, 2006
|
Term
of Plan:
|
Ten
years (expires April 18, 2016)
|
Eligible
Participants:
|
All
employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its
subsidiaries
|
Shares
Authorized:
|
100,000 shares,
to be awarded in the form of restricted stock
|
Shares
Authorized as a Percent of Outstanding Common Stock:
|
Approximately
3.52 percent
|
Vesting:
|
Determined
by Compensation/Human Resource Committee
|
Performance
Criteria:
|
Determined
by Compensation/Human Resource Committee
|
Not
Permitted to Amend Plan Without Shareholder Approval:
|
· To
increase number of shares authorized under Plan;
· To
change the class of eligible participants
· To
make any changes that would, by law, require shareholder
approval
|
|
|
Eligibility
Only
employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries
are
eligible to receive awards of restricted stock under the 2006 Plan. The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee will determine which employees and
directors will be eligible to receive awards under the 2006 Plan.
Awards
Awards
under the 2006 Plan will be in the form of restricted stock. Shares issued
as
restricted stock under the 2006 Plan will be the Company’s common stock and will
be made available, in the Board’s discretion, either from authorized but
unissued share or from shares acquired by the Company (including shares
purchased on the open market). Subject to certain limits set forth in the
2006
Plan, the Compensation/Human Resource Committee has the discretionary authority
to determine the size of a restricted stock award and any vesting or
performance-based requirements. The size of the awards made under the 2006
Plan
will be directly related to the Company’s performance.
In
general, restricted stock awards under the 2006 Plan will never become 100%
vested until after the participant has completed at least one year of employment
or service. The Compensation/Human Resource Committee, at the time of award,
may
provide for a later date or dates in which an award will become 100% vested,
including a date that may be tied to the satisfaction of one or more performance
goals. In the discretion of a majority of the disinterested members of the
Board
of Directors, however, an award of restricted stock may be made to a
non-employee director without a continuous service requirement.
Adjustments
In
the
event of a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reorganization,
merger, spin-off, repurchase, or exchange of the Company’s common stock, or
similar event affecting the Company’s common stock, the number and kind of
shares authorized for award under the 2006 Plan and the number and kind of
shares subject to restricted stock awards will be automatically
adjusted.
Vesting
of Restricted Stock Awards
Awards
of
restricted stock lose their restrictions (i.e., the restrictions lapse) at
the
conclusion of a specified period of continuous employment or service with
the
Company and/or the achievement of performance goals.
Transferability
A
participant may not transfer, assign, pledge, or otherwise encumber or dispose
the participant’s rights to common stock subject to a restricted stock award
until any applicable restrictions lapse.
Acceleration
of Vesting
Unless
otherwise provided in an agreement evidencing the award of restricted stock
to a
participant, restricted stock awarded under the 2006 Plan to such participant
will become exercisable/fully vested upon the occurrence of a “change in
control” or upon the participant’s death, being “disabled,” or “retirement” (as
such terms are defined in the 2006 Plan). In addition, if it deems it equitable
under the circumstances, the Compensation/Human Resource Committee may
accelerate or waive any service requirement in the event that a participant
terminates employment before such service requirement has been satisfied.
In
general, the Compensation/Human Resource Committee cannot accelerate or waive
performance goals.
Termination
of Employment
A
participant will forfeit any unvested restricted stock awards if such
participant is terminated “for cause” (as defined in the 2006 Plan) or
voluntarily terminates employment with the Company, unless the
Compensation/Human Resource Committee exercises its discretion as described
in
“Acceleration of Vesting,” above.
Administration
of the 2006 Plan
The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee will administer the 2006 Plan subject
to
the review and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee will select the employees and non-employee
directors of the Company and its subsidiaries who will receive awards, determine
the number of shares covered thereby, and establish the terms, conditions,
and
other provisions of the grants. Subject to the review and approval of the
Company’s Board of Directors, the Compensation/Human Resource Committee has the
authority to interpret the 2006 Plan and establish, amend, and rescind any
rules
relating to the 2006 Plan.
Termination
and Amendment
The
2006
Plan will terminate by its terms on April 18, 2016, the 10th anniversary
of its
approval by shareholders.
Subject
to the review and approval of the Board of Directors where required, the
Compensation/Human Resource Committee may terminate, amend, or suspend the
2006
Plan in its discretion at any time, but no action may be taken by the
Compensation/Human Resource Committee or the Board of Directors (except those
described earlier in the section entitled “Adjustments”) without the approval of
the shareholders to:
· |
increase
the number of shares that may be issued under the 2006 Plan;
or
|
· |
change
the class of eligible participants.
|
Tax
Consequences
The
following discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), and applicable regulations thereunder in effect on the date of
this Proxy Statement. Any subsequent changes in the Code or such regulations
may
affect the accuracy of this discussion. This discussion does not consider
any
state, local, or foreign tax consequences or any circumstances that are unique
to a particular participant that may affect the accuracy or applicability
of
this discussion.
Unless
a
Code Section 83(b) election is made, as described in the following paragraph,
a
participant will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of restricted
stock
because the restricted stock will be nontransferable and subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture within the meaning of Code Section 83(b).
A
participant will recognize ordinary income when the transfer or forfeiture
restrictions lapse. The amount recognized will be equal to the fair market
value
of the shares at the time the restrictions lapse. If a Code Section 83(b)
election has not been made, any dividends received with respect to the common
stock subject to the restrictions will be treated as additional compensation
income and not as dividend income.
A
participant may elect, pursuant to Code Section 83(b), to recognize as ordinary
income the fair market value of the restricted stock upon the date of grant
rather than when the transfer or forfeiture restrictions lapse. A Section
83(b)
election must be made within 30 days of the date of grant. The Code Section
83(b) election is irrevocable. If a participant makes a Code Section 83(b)
election and the participant subsequently forfeits the restricted stock,
the
participant may not deduct as a loss the amount previously recognized as
ordinary income.
A
participant’s tax basis in shares of restricted stock received will be equal to
the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant upon the lapse
of
the transfer or forfeiture restrictions or because of making a Code Section
83(b) election, as applicable. The participant’s holding period for the shares
for purposes of determining gain or loss on a subsequent sale will begin
on the
date the restrictions on the shares lapse or, if the participant makes a
Code
Section 83(b) election, just after the date of grant. In general, the Company
will be entitled to a deduction at the same time, and in an amount equal
to, the
ordinary income recognized by a participant with respect to shares of restricted
stock. If, subsequent to the lapse of the restrictions on the shares, the
participant sells the shares, the difference, if any, between the amount
realized from the sale and the participant’s tax basis in the shares will be
taxed as a capital gain or loss.
Under
Code Section 162(m), the Company may not deduct compensation in excess of
$1
million paid during a calendar year to the Company’s chief executive officer and
certain other officers. However, certain performance-based compensation,
as
defined in Code Section 162(m) and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
is
not subject to such limitation. The Company may make restricted stock awards
in
accordance with the requirements for such performance-based compensation
so as
to make such award deductible, but the Plan does not obligate it to do
so.
New
Plan Benefits
Because
benefits under the 2006 Plan depend on the Compensation/Human Resource
Committee’s future actions, it is not possible to determine the benefits that
employees and non-employee directors will receive under the 2006 Plan. No
restricted stock awards have been awarded under the 2006 Plan as of the date
hereof.
Other
Information
If
shareholders approve the 2006 Plan, the Company anticipates that the shares
subject to the 2006 Plan will be registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and with any applicable state securities commission where
registration is required. The cost of such registration will be borne by
the
Company.
As
provided above, only employees and non-employee directors of the Company
and its
subsidiaries will be eligible to receive restricted stock awards under the
2006
Plan. This includes the executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation
Table including under the section entitled “Executive Compensation” in this
proxy statement.
For
a
discussion of the Company’s executive compensation policy, refer to the
“COMPENSATION/HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” on
page 21.
Incorporation
by Reference
The
foregoing is only a summary of the 2006 Plan and is qualified in its entirety
to
the full text of the 2006 Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit
“A”.
The
Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the Citizens
Financial Services, Inc. 2006 Restricted Stock Plan.
PROPOSAL
3. RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
The
Audit
and Examination Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed S.R.
Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public Accountants, to be the Company’s independent
auditor for the 2006 fiscal year. A representative of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.,
Certified Public Accountants, will be present at the annual 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 auditor is not approved by a majority
of
the votes cast by shareholders at the annual meeting, other independent auditors
will be considered by the Audit and Examination Committee of the Board of
Directors.
The
Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” ratification of the
appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public Accountants, as the
Company’s independent auditor for fiscal year 2006.
Audit
Fees
The
following table sets forth the fees billed to the Company for the fiscal
years
ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively by S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.,
Certified Public Accountants:
|
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
Audit
Fees (1)
|
$75,215
|
|
$70,508
|
Audit-Related
Fees
|
$0
|
|
$0
|
Tax
Fees (2)
|
$6,600
|
|
$7,550
|
All
Other Fees (3)
|
$33,314
|
|
$45,009
|
TOTAL
|
$115,129
|
|
$123,067
|
(1)
|
Audit
fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the
audit of
the Company’s financial statements and review of financial statements
included in the Company’s quarterly reports and services normally provided
by the independent auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings or engagements.
|
(2)
|
Tax
fees consist of compliance fees for the preparation of original
tax
returns. Tax service fees also include fees relating to other tax
advice,
tax consulting and planning.
|
(3)
|
Other
services consisted primarily of consulting services for the facilitating
of strategic planning meetings, loan servicing quality control
review and
regulatory compliance review
|
Policy
on Audit and Examination Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible
Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditing Firm
The
Audit
and Examination Committee is responsible for appointing, and overseeing the
work
of the independent auditing firm. In accordance with its charter, the Audit
and
Examination Committee approves, in advance, all audit and permissible non-audit
services to be performed by the independent auditing firm. Such approval
process
ensures that the external auditor does not provide any non-audit services
to the
Company that are prohibited by law or regulation.
In
addition, the Audit and Examination Committee has established a policy regarding
pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the
independent auditing firm. Management’s requests that particular services by the
independent auditing firm be pre-approved under the auditor services policy
must
be specific as to the particular services to be provided.
The
request may be made with respect to either specific services or a type of
service for predictable or recurring services.
During
the year ended December 31, 2005, all audit and non-audit services were
approved, in advance, by the Audit and Examination Committee in compliance
with
these procedures.
Report
of Audit and Examination Committee
The
Audit
and Examination Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised solely of
directors who meet the NASDAQ independence standards. The Audit and Examination
Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors.
A
copy of the Audit and Examination Committee charter is posted on the Company’s
website at www.firstcitizensbank.com. The Audit and Examination Committee
met
seven times in 2005.
The
Audit
and Examination Committee met with management periodically during the year
to
consider the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and the objectivity of
its financial reporting. The Audit and Examination Committee discussed these
matters with the Company’s independent auditing firm and with appropriate
Company financial personnel and internal auditors. The Audit and Examination
Committee also discussed with the Company’s senior management and independent
auditor the process used for certifications by the Company’s Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer which are required for certain Company
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The
Audit
and Examination Committee meets with the independent auditing firm, the internal
auditors, the Chief Financial Officer, the Risk Manager and the Investments
and
Strategic Planning Officer on a number of occasions, each of whom has
unrestricted access to the Audit and Examination Committee.
The
Audit
and Examination Committee appointed S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public
Accountants, as the independent auditor for the Company after reviewing the
firm’s performance and independence.
Management
has primary responsibility for the Company’s financial statements and the
overall reporting process, including the Company’s system of internal
controls.
The
independent auditing firm audited the annual financial statements prepared
by
management, expressed an opinion as to whether those financial statements
fairly
present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the
Company in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
and
discussed with the Audit and Examination Committee any issues the independent
auditing firm believed should be raised with the Audit and Examination
Committee.
The
Audit
and Examination Committee reviewed with management and S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.,
Certified Public Accountants, the Company’s independent auditing firm, the
Company’s audited financial statements and met separately with both management
and S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public Accountants, to discuss and review
those financial statements and reports prior to issuance. Management has
represented, and S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public Accountants, has
confirmed, to the Audit and Examination Committee, that the financial statements
were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles.
The
Audit
and Examination Committee received from and discussed with S.R. Snodgrass,
A.C.,
Certified Public Accountants the written disclosure and the letter required
by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1. (Independence Discussions with
Audit Committees). These items relate to that firm’s independence from the
Company. The Audit and Examination Committee also discussed with S.R. Snodgrass,
A.C., Certified Public Accountants matters required to be discussed by the
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees)
of
the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants to the extent applicable. The Audit and Examination Committee
implemented a procedure to monitor auditor independence, reviewed audit and
non-audit services performed by S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public
Accountants and discussed with the auditors their independence.
In
reliance on these reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit and
Examination Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s
audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit and Examination Committee and
the
Board have also recommended the selection of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified
Public Accountants, as the Company’s independent auditing firm for the year
ending December 31, 2006.
The
Audit
and Examination Committee has considered whether, and determined that, the
non-audit services provided by S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public
Accountants, are compatible with maintaining such firm’s
independence.
The
Audit
and Examination Committee does not have an “audit committee financial expert.”
The Audit and Examination Committee believes that the cost to retain a financial
expert at this time is prohibitive. However, the Board of Directors believes
that each Audit and Examination Committee member has sufficient knowledge
in
financial and auditing matters to serve on the committee. The committee has
the
authority to engage legal counsel or other experts or consultants as it deems
appropriate to carry out its responsibilities.
The
Audit
and Examination Committee
of
Citizens Financial Services, Inc. and First Citizens National Bank
E.
Gene
Kosa (Chairman)
Carol
J.
Tama
John
E.
Novak
Roger
C.
Graham, Jr.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
Summary
Compensation Table
The
following information is furnished for the Chief Executive Officer and the
highest paid executive officers of the Company who received salary and bonus
of
$100,000 or more during the year ended December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
Annual
Compensation
|
|
|
Name
and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
($)
|
|
Bonus
($)
|
|
Other
Annual
Compensation
($)
|
|
All
Other
Compensation
($)
|
Randall
E. Black
CEO
& President of the Company and Bank
|
|
2005
2004
2003
|
|
$150,000
$104,600
$100,600
|
|
$25,500
$9,847
$12,090
|
|
$32,969(1)
─
─
|
|
$13,621
(2)
$4,806
(2)
$3,099
(2)
|
Terry
B. Osborne
Executive
Vice
President
& Secretary of the
Company
and Bank
|
|
2005
2004
2003
|
|
$133,200
$125,214
$117,431
|
|
$23,158
$10,908
$16,545
|
|
$5,050
(3)
$4,560
(3)
$4,455
(3)
|
|
$5,674
(4)
$5,073
(4)
$3,990
(4)
|
Alexander
D. Nadalini
Senior
Vice President/
Senior
Credit Officer of the Bank(10)
|
|
2005
2004
2003
|
|
$105,000
$103,750
$96,154
|
|
$18,447
$9,961
$5,937
|
|
─
─
─
|
|
$6,167
(5)
$4,696
(5)
$803
(5)
|
Mickey
L. Jones
Senior
Vice President, CFO & Treasurer of the Company and Bank
|
|
2005
2004
2003
|
|
$100,000
─
─
|
|
$9,365
─
─
|
|
$550
(6)
─
─
|
|
$5,400
(7)
─
─
|
Thomas
C. Lyman
Vice
President & Asst. Treasurer of the Company and Bank
|
|
2005
2004
2003
|
|
$92,598
─
─
|
|
$17,988
─
─
|
|
─
─
─
|
|
$5,129
(8)
─
─
|
Kathleen
M. Campbell
Senior
Vice President and
Marketing
& Training Manager
|
|
2005
2004
2003
|
|
$92,100
─
─
|
|
$18,515
─
─
|
|
─
─
─
|
|
$3,584
(9)
─
─
|
(1) In
2005,
this amount includes a lump sum payment of $31,119 for 2004 salary adjustment
for Mr. Black.
(2)
|
In
2005, this amount includes $6,217 for Safe Harbor 401(k) contribution
for
Mr. Black, and $4,607 for automobile use. In 2004, this amount
included approximately $3,442 for tax deferred profit sharing for
Mr. Black. In 2003, this amount included approximately $2,830 for tax
deferred profit sharing for Mr. Black.
|
(3)
|
In
2005, this amount includes $4,500 in fees paid to Mr. Osborne as
Secretary of the Corporation. In 2004, this amount included $4,560
in fees
paid to Mr. Osborne as Secretary of the Corporation. In 2003, this
amount included $4,455 in fees paid to Mr. Osborne as Secretary of
the Corporation..
|
(4)
|
In
2005, this amount includes $4,826 for Safe Harbor 401(k) contribution
for
Mr. Osborne. In 2004, this amount included approximately $4,245 for
tax deferred profit sharing for Mr. Osborne. In 2003, this amount
included approximately $3,461 for tax deferred profit sharing for
Mr. Osborne.
|
(5)
|
In
2005, this amount includes $3,703 for Safe Harbor 401(k) contribution
for
Mr. Nadalini and $2,464 for imputed income for life insurance. In
2004, this amount included approximately $3,449 for tax deferred
profit
sharing for Mr. Nadalini and $1,247 for imputed income for life
insurance. In 2003, this amount included $803 for imputed income
for life
insurance.
|
(6)
|
In
2005, this amount includes $550 in cell phone reimbursement for
business
purposes for Mr. Jones.
|
(7)
|
In
2005, this amount includes $3,281 for Safe Harbor 401(k) contribution
for
Mr. Jones, and $1,365 for spousal related expenses paid to a banker’s
convention.
|
(8) |
In
2005, this amount includes $3,317 for Safe Harbor 401(k) contribution
for
Mr. Lyman and $1,812 for imputed income for life insurance.
|
(9) |
In
2005, this amount includes $3,319 for Safe Harbor 401(k) contribution
for
Ms. Campbell.
|
(10) |
Mr.
Nadalini retired effective February 3,
2006.
|
Employment
Agreement
On
December 16, 2005, the Company and the Bank entered into an employment
agreement with Randall E. Black, Chief Executive Officer and President of
the
Company and the Bank. The employment agreement provides for a three-year
term,
which automatically renews on June 1st of each year to maintain a
three-year term, unless either party notifies in writing the other party
at
least 90 days prior to June 1st of such party’s intent not to renew the
agreement beyond the existing term, or the agreement is terminated by the
Company or the Bank for cause, death or disability or if the agreement is
terminated by Mr. Black. The employment agreement provides that
Mr. Black’s base salary shall be $150,000. In addition to base salary, the
employment agreement provides for, among other things, participation in various
employee benefit plans as well as furnishing certain fringe benefits available
to similarly-situated executive personnel.
The
employment agreement provides for termination by the Company or the Bank
for
cause (as described in the agreement) at any time, death or disability. If
Mr. Black is terminated for cause, the Company shall pay Mr. Black his
full annual base salary through the date of termination at the rate in effect
at
the time of termination and the Company and Bank shall have no further
obligation to Mr. Black under the agreement. If Mr. Black is terminated due
to a disability, Mr. Black shall be entitled to receive a seventy-percent
annual
direct salary benefit pursuant to an individual disability policy maintained
by
the Company for Mr. Black. Upon Mr. Black’s death, the employment agreement
terminates automatically. In the event that the Company or the Bank chooses
to
terminate Mr. Black’s employment for reasons other than for cause or, in
the event of Mr. Black’s resignation from the Company or the Bank for good
reason, the Company shall pay Mr. Black a lump sum amount equal to and no
greater than two times Mr. Black’s base salary minus applicable taxes and
withholdings. In addition, for a period of one year from the date of
termination, Mr. Black shall receive a continuation of health care, life
and disability insurance in effect during the one year prior to his termination.
Under
the
agreement, if Mr. Black delivers a notice of termination following a change
in control (as defined in the agreement), Mr. Black shall be entitled to
receive compensation and benefits as follows: (1) for less than twelve months
of
continuous service, a lump sum amount equal to and no greater than two times
Mr. Black’s base salary minus applicable taxes and withholdings; (2) for
more than twelve months of continuous service, a lump sum amount equal to
2.5
times Mr. Black’s base salary; or (3) for more than twenty-four months of
continuous service, a lump sum amount equal to 2.99 times Mr. Black’s base
salary. In addition, for a period of one year from the date of termination
or
until Mr. Black secures substantially similar benefits through other employment,
whichever shall occur first, Mr. Black shall receive a continuation of
health care, life and disability insurance in effect during the one year
prior
to his termination.
The
employment agreement provides for non-competition and non-solicitation (as
described in the agreement) during the term of Mr. Black’s employment or at the
date of termination, as well as a restrictive covenant period (as described
in
the agreement), with the exception being Mr. Black may engage in the practice
of
public accounting.
Retirement
Plans
The
bank
has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for all employees meeting
certain age and length of service requirements. Benefits are based primarily
on
years of service and the average annual compensation during the highest five
consecutive years within the final ten years of employment. The Bank’s funding
policy is consistent with the funding requirements of federal law and
regulations. The First Citizens National Bank Division of Investment and
Trust
Services is the trustee of the pension plan.
The
following table sets forth the estimated annual benefits payable on retirement
at age 65 by a participating employee, assuming final average earnings as
shown.
This table reflects the benefit available through the pension plan exclusive
of
social security. For 2005, a minimum contribution of $336,779 was required.
Average
Annual
Earnings
|
|
Annual
Pension Benefits Upon Retirement
with
Years of Service Indicated
|
|
|
15
|
|
20
|
|
25
|
|
30
|
|
35
|
$20,000
|
|
3,900
|
|
5,200
|
|
6,500
|
|
7,800
|
|
7,800
|
$40,000
|
|
7,800
|
|
10,400
|
|
13,000
|
|
15,600
|
|
15,600
|
$60,000
|
|
12,887
|
|
17,183
|
|
21,478
|
|
25,774
|
|
25,774
|
$80,000
|
|
18,887
|
|
25,183
|
|
31,478
|
|
37,774
|
|
37,774
|
$100,000
|
|
24,887
|
|
33,183
|
|
41,478
|
|
49,774
|
|
49,774
|
$120,000
|
|
30,887
|
|
41,183
|
|
51,478
|
|
61,774
|
|
61,774
|
$140,000
|
|
36,887
|
|
49,183
|
|
61,478
|
|
73,774
|
|
73,774
|
$160,000
|
|
42,887
|
|
57,183
|
|
71,478
|
|
85,774
|
|
85,774
|
$180,000
|
|
48,887
|
|
65,183
|
|
81,478
|
|
97,774
|
|
97,774
|
$200,000
|
|
54,887
|
|
73,183
|
|
91,478
|
|
109,774
|
|
109,774
|
$220,000
|
|
57,887
|
|
77,183
|
|
96,478
|
|
115,774
|
|
115,774
|
$240,000
|
|
57,887
|
|
77,183
|
|
96,478
|
|
115,774
|
|
115,774
|
Randall
E. Black, Chief Executive Officer and President has 13 years of credited
service
to the Bank. His average salary upon which his benefits would be calculated
at
December 31, 2005 is $121,671. Terry B. Osborne, Executive Vice President
and Secretary of the Company and Bank, has 30 years of credited service to
the
Company and Bank. His average salary upon which his benefits would be calculated
at December 31, 2005 is $139,119. Alex Nadalini, Senior Vice
President/Senior Credit Officer has 3 years of credited service to the
Bank. His average salary upon which his benefits would be calculated at
December 31, 2005 is $114,603. Mickey Jones, Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of the Company and Bank, has 2 years of credited service to the
Bank.
His average salary upon which his benefits would be calculated at
December 31, 2005 is $79,503. Thomas Lyman, Vice President and Assistant
Treasurer of the Company and Bank, has 17 years of credited service to the
Bank.
His average salary upon which his benefits would be calculated at
December 31, 2005 is $96,944. Kathleen Campbell, Senior Vice President,
Marketing and Training Manager has 5 years of credited service to the Bank.
Her
average salary upon which her benefits would be calculated at December 31,
2005 is $94,394.
COMPENSATION/HUMAN
RESOURCE COMMITTEE
REPORT
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The
following is a joint report of the Compensation/Human Resource Committee
of the
Board of Directors of the Company and the Bank regarding executive compensation.
The Compensation/Human Resource Committee determines compensation on a calendar
year basis.
Compensation
Policies
The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee bases its executive compensation policy
on
the same principles that guide the Company in establishing all of its
compensation programs. The Company designs programs to attract, retain and
motivate highly talented individuals at all levels of the organization. The
Company emphasizes using a competitive base salary, performance-based cash
compensation (going forward, the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan, if approved)
and
retirement benefits as a means of attracting and retaining
employees.
The
Company’s Compensation/Human Resource Committee has adopted a Compensation/Human
Resource Committee Charter. This charter sets forth in writing the policies
of
the committee such as oversight of executive and staff compensation programs,
benefit programs and incentive compensation plans. A copy of the
Compensation/Human Resource Committee charter is posted on the Company’s website
at www.firstcitizensbank.com.
Components
of Executive Compensation
The
compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and President, the Executive
Vice
President, and Chief Financial Officer is reviewed and approved in December
of
each year by the Bank’s Board of Directors. As a basis for determining
compensation, the Board of Directors examines information from a peer group
of
banks relative to performance and compensation. The peer group for overall
bank
performance analysis consists primarily of those contained within the Uniform
Bank Performance Report prepared by the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency (banks with assets of $500 million to less than a billion
throughout the United States). The peer group for analysis of compensation
paid
to other bank holding company and banking institution executives is obtained
primarily from L. R. Webber Associates, Inc. (such paper data is compiled
on
both a regional and asset size basis). These peer groups are different from
the
peer group utilized in the performance graph appearing on
page 23.
The
Board
of Directors does not deem Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code to
be applicable to the Company or the Bank at this time. The Board of Directors
intends to monitor the future application of section 162(m) of the IRC to
the compensation paid to its executive officers and in the event that this
section does become applicable, the Board of Directors would amend the Company’s
and the Bank’s compensation plans to preserve the deductibility of the
compensation payable under such plans should such amendment become necessary.
Compensation
for executive officers is also composed of bonus and participation in various
employee benefit plans, such as the 401(k) plan. The benefits provided under
the
401(k) plan are determined based on the executive’s compensation.
Chief
Executive Officer Compensation
Mr. Black’s
base salary is fixed under the terms of his employment agreement. The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee determined to pay Mr. Black a
discretionary cash bonus in a manner consistent with the bonus guidelines
for
executive officers of the Company and the Bank. Specifically, the Board of
Directors considered the Company’s financial performance, shareholder return,
peer group financial performance and compensation survey data (survey compiled
by L. R. Webber Associates, Inc.). In addition, the Board of Directors
considered Mr. Black’s leadership of and contribution to the success of the
Company and his years of service to the Board of Directors. The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee did not assign weights or rankings
to any
single performance factor but instead made subjective determinations based
on a
consideration of all the factors in the Company’s business performance. In
recognition of these considerations, the Compensation/Human Resource Committee
determined to pay Mr. Black a discretionary cash bonus of $5,000 paid in
2006 for 2005 performance.
Mr. Black
also participates in the Company’s employee benefit plans, including the 401(k)
plan. In addition, the Company supplies Mr. Black with an annual $4,607
automobile allowance. This allowance is added to Mr. Black’s income for tax
purposes.
The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee Report on Executive Compensation shall
not
be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating
by
reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of
1933,
as amended, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except
to
the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by
reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed “filed” under such
Acts.
The
Compensation/Human Resource Committee
of
Citizens Financial Services, Inc. and First Citizens National Bank
John
E.
Novak (Chairman)
Rudolph
J. van der Hiel
Mark
L.
Dalton
R.
Joseph
Landy
Larry
J.
Croft
COMPENSATION/HUMAN
RESOURCE COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
AND
INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The
members of the Compensation/Human Resource Committee are Directors Novak,
van
der Hiel, Dalton, Landy and Croft. No member of the Compensation/Human Resource
Committee was a current or former officer or employee of the Company or any
of
its subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2005. In addition, no
member
of the Compensation/Human Resource Committee has, directly or indirectly,
engaged in any transaction or series of transactions during fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005 or fiscal year ending December 31, 2006 with the Company
or
any of its subsidiaries, in which the amount exceeds $60,000.
No
executive officer of the Company or the Bank serves or has served as a member
of
the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers
serves on the Compensation/Human Resource Committee of the Company or the
Bank.
No executive officer of the Company or the Bank serves or has served as a
director of another entity, one of whose executive officers serves on the
Compensation/Human Resource Committee of the Company or the Bank. No executive
officer of the Company or the Bank serves or has served as a member of a
compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers
served
as a director of the Company.
STOCK
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The
Stock
Price Performance Graph below shall not be deemed incorporated by reference
by
any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into
any
filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Company
specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise
be deemed “filed” under such Acts.
The
graph
compares the Company’s stock performance from December 31, 2000 through
December 31, 2005, against the performance of the S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ
Composite and Mid-Atlantic Custom Peer Group for the same period. The graph
shows the cumulative investment return to shareholders, based on the assumption
that a $100 investment was made on December 31, 2000, in each of the
Company’s common stock, the S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ Composite, and the
Mid-Atlantic Custom Peer Group, and that all dividends were reinvested in
such
securities over the past five fiscal years. Shareholder return shown on the
graph below is not necessarily indicative of future performance.
|
|
Period
Ending
|
|
Index
|
12/31/00
|
12/31/01
|
12/31/02
|
12/31/03
|
12/31/04
|
12/31/05
|
Citizens
Financial Services, Inc.
|
100.00
|
125.08
|
206.27
|
233.45
|
243.39
|
223.81
|
S&P
500*
|
100.00
|
88.11
|
68.64
|
88.33
|
97.94
|
102.74
|
NASDAQ
Composite
|
100.00
|
79.18
|
54.44
|
82.09
|
89.59
|
91.54
|
Mid-Atlantic
Custom Peer Group**
|
100.00
|
118.58
|
149.09
|
200.81
|
225.74
|
222.32
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE:
The Mid-Atlantic Custom Peer Group consists of Mid-Atlantic commercial
banks with assets less than $1 billion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source:
SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville,
VA
|
OTHER
INFORMATION RELATING TO DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Section
16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section
16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s
officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the Company’s
common stock, to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with
the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Executive officers, directors and greater
than 10% shareholders are required by regulation to furnish the Company with
copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
Based
solely on the Company’s review of the copies of the reports it has received and
written representations provided to it from the individuals required to file
the
reports, the Company believes that each of its executive officers and directors
has complied with applicable reporting requirements for transactions in the
Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2005, except for
Director Tama who did not file a Form 4 timely due to an administrative error.
Transactions
with Management
Loans
and Extensions of Credit. The
Sarbanes-Oxley Act generally prohibits loans by the Bank to its executive
officers and directors. However, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act contains a specific
exemption from such prohibition for loans by the Bank to its executive officers
and directors in compliance with federal banking regulations. Federal
regulations require that all loans or extensions of credit to executive officers
and directors of insured institutions must be made on substantially the same
terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the
time
for comparable transactions with other persons and must not involve more
than
the normal risk or repayment or present other unfavorable features. The Bank
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. Notwithstanding this rule, federal regulations permit
the
Bank to make loans to executive officers and directors at reduced interest
rates
if the loan is made under a benefit program generally available to all other
employees and does not give preference to any executive officer or director
over
any other employee.
In
addition, any loan to a director that would cause his/her aggregate loan
relationship to exceed $200,000 must be approved in advance by a majority
of the
disinterested members of the Board of Directors. Any loan to an executive
officer in the aggregate greater than $100,000 will be approved in advance
by a
majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Other
Transactions. During
2005, the law firm of which Director R. Lowell Coolidge was an officer and/or
partner, rendered services or sold products to the Company and/or the Bank
in
the normal course of business. The law firm of Walrath and Coolidge received
$68,093.30 for legal services rendered to the Company and/or Bank in 2005.
Total
loans outstanding from the Company and the Bank at December 31, 2005, to
the Company’s and the Bank’s officers, directors and nominees as a group and
members of their immediate families and companies in which they had an ownership
interest of 10% or more was $2,792,044.79, or approximately 6.7% of the total
equity capital of the Bank. Loans to such persons were made in the ordinary
course of business, were made on substantially the same terms, including
interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with other persons, and did not involve more than the normal
risk
of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. The aggregate amount
of
indebtedness outstanding as of the latest practicable date, February 28,
2006, to the above described group was $2,989,903.00.
SUBMISSION
OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS
Shareholder
Proposals. The
Company must receive proposals that shareholders seek to include in the Proxy
Statement for the Company’s next annual meeting no later than November 8,
2006. If next year’s annual meeting is held on a date more than 30 calendar days
from April 17, 2007, a shareholder proposal must be received by a
reasonable time before the Company begins to print and mail its proxy
solicitation for such annual meeting. Any shareholder proposals will be subject
to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Shareholder
Nominations. The
Company’s Bylaws provide that in order for a shareholder to make nominations for
the election of directors, a shareholder must deliver notice of such nominations
and/or proposals to the Secretary not less than 90 days and not more than
120
days prior to the date of the annual meeting. A copy of the Bylaws may be
obtained from the Company.
SHAREHOLDER
COMMUNICATIONS
The
Company encourages shareholder communications to the Board of Directors and/or
individual directors. Communications regarding financial or accounting policies
may be made to the Chairman of the Audit and Examination Committee, E. Gene
Kosa, at First Citizens National Bank, 15 South Main Street, Mansfield,
Pennsylvania 16933. Other communications to the Board of Directors may be
made
to the Chairman of the Governance and Nominations Committee, Mark L. Dalton,
at
First Citizens National Bank, 15 South Main Street, Mansfield, Pennsylvania
16933. Communications to individual directors may be made to such director
at
the principal office at 15 South Main Street, Mansfield, Pennsylvania
16933.
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
Company common stock. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, directors,
officers and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally,
by
email or by telephone without receiving additional compensation.
The
Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders has been mailed to persons who were
shareholders as of the close of business on March 1, 2006. Any shareholder
who
has not received a copy of the Annual Report may obtain a copy by writing
to the
Treasurer of the Company. The Annual Report is not to be treated as part
of the
proxy solicitation material or as having been incorporated in this Proxy
Statement by reference.
A
COPY OF
THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, WITHOUT EXHIBITS, FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2005, AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO PERSONS WHO WERE SHAREHOLDERS AS OF THE
CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON MARCH 1, 2006 UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO MICKEY L. JONES,
TREASURER, CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., 15 SOUTH MAIN STREET,
MANSFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA 16933-1590.
If
you
and others who share your address own shares in street name, your broker
or
other holder of record may be sending only one Annual Report and Proxy Statement
to your address. This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce
our printing and postage costs. However, if a shareholder residing at such
an
address wishes to receive a separate Annual Report or Proxy Statement in
the
future, he or she should contact the broker or other holder of record. If
you
own your shares in street name and are receiving multiple copies of our Annual
Report and Proxy Statement, you can request householding by contacting your
broker or other holder of record.
Whether
or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please vote by marking, signing,
dating and promptly returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed
envelope.
BY
ORDER
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randall
E. Black
CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT
Mansfield,
Pennsylvania
March 15,
2006
EXHIBIT
A
CITIZENS
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
2006 RESTRICTED
STOCK PLAN
CITIZENS
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
2006 RESTRICTED
STOCK PLAN
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE |
PAGE
|
|
|
ARTICLE 1.
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN; TYPES OF AWARDS |
1
|
|
|
ARTICLE 2.DEFINITIONS |
1
|
|
|
ARTICLE 3.
ADMINISTRATION |
4
|
|
|
ARTICLE 4.
COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN |
5
|
|
|
ARTICLE 5.
ELIGIBILITY |
5
|
|
|
ARTICLE 6.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS |
5
|
|
|
ARTICLE 7.
ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS |
6
|
|
|
ARTICLE 8.
GENERAL PROVISIONS |
7
|
ARTICLE
1. PURPOSE
OF THE PLAN; TYPES OF AWARDS
1.1
Purpose.
The
Citizens Financial Services, Inc. 2006 Restricted Stock Plan is intended to
provide selected Employees and Non-Employee Directors of Citizens Financial
Services, Inc. and its Subsidiaries with an opportunity to acquire Common Stock
of the Corporation. The Plan is designed to help the Corporation attract, retain
and motivate Employees and Non-Employee Directors to make substantial
contributions to the success of the Corporation’s business and the businesses of
its Subsidiaries. Awards will be granted under the Plan based, among other
things, on a participant’s level of responsibility and performance.
1.2
Authorized
Plan Awards.
The
Corporation may grant Restricted Stock Awards within the limitations of the
Plan
herein described.
ARTICLE
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1
“Agreement.”
A written or electronic agreement between the Corporation and a Participant
evidencing the grant of a Restricted Stock Award. A Participant may be issued
one or more Agreements from time to time, reflecting one or more Restricted
Stock Awards.
2.2
“Board.”
The Board of Directors of the Corporation.
2.3
“Change
in Control.” Except
as
otherwise provided in an Agreement, the first to occur of any of the following
events:
(a)
any
“Person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange
Act), except for any of the Corporation’s employee benefit plans, or any entity
holding the Corporation’s voting securities for, or pursuant to, the terms of
any such plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) (the “Benefit Plan(s)”), is
or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of the Corporation’s
securities representing 19.9% or more of the combined voting power of the
Corporation’s then outstanding securities other than pursuant to a transaction
excepted in Clause (d);
(b)
there
occurs a contested proxy solicitation of the Corporation’s shareholders that
results in the contesting party obtaining the ability to vote securities
representing 19.9% or more of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s
then outstanding securities;
(c)
a
binding
written agreement is executed providing for a sale, exchange, transfer or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation to
another entity, except to an entity controlled directly or indirectly by the
Corporation;
(d)
the
shareholders of the Corporation approve a merger, consolidation, or other
reorganization of the Corporation, unless:
(i)
under
the
terms of the agreement providing for such merger, consolidation or
reorganization, the shareholders of the Corporation immediately before such
merger, consolidation or reorganization, will own, directly or indirectly
immediately following such merger, consolidation or reorganization, at least
51%
of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the
Corporation resulting from such merger, consolidation or reorganization (the
“Surviving Corporation”) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership
of the voting securities immediately before such merger, consolidation or
reorganization;
(ii)
under
the
terms of the agreement providing for such merger, consolidation or
reorganization, the individuals who were members of the Board immediately prior
to the execution of such agreement will constitute at least 51% of the members
of the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation after such merger,
consolidation or reorganization; and
(iii)
based
on
the terms of the agreement providing for such merger, consolidation or
reorganization, no Person (other than (A) the Corporation or any Subsidiary
of the Corporation, (B) any Benefit Plan, (C) the Surviving
Corporation or any Subsidiary of the Surviving Corporation, or (D) any
Person who, immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization
had beneficial ownership of 19.9% or more of the then outstanding voting
securities) will have beneficial ownership of 19.9% or more of the combined
voting power of the Surviving Corporation’s then outstanding voting
securities;
(e)
a
plan of
liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation, other than pursuant to bankruptcy
or insolvency laws, is adopted; or
(f)
during
any period of two consecutive years, individuals, who at the beginning of such
period, constituted the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority of the Board unless the election, or the nomination for election by
the
Corporation’s shareholders, of each new director was approved by a vote of at
least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at
the
beginning of the period.
Notwithstanding
Clause (a), a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred if a
Person becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of the
Corporation’s securities representing 19.9% or more of the combined voting power
of the Corporation’s then outstanding securities solely as a result of an
acquisition by the Corporation of its voting securities which, by reducing
the
number of shares outstanding, increases the proportionate number of shares
beneficially owned by such Person to 19.9% or more of the combined voting power
of the Corporation’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that if a
Person becomes a beneficial owner of 19.9% or more of the combined voting power
of the Corporation’s then outstanding securities by reason of share purchases by
the Corporation and shall, after such share purchases by the Corporation, become
the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of any additional voting
securities of the Corporation (other than as a result of a stock split, stock
dividend or similar transaction), then a Change in Control of the Corporation
shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to such Person under
Clause (a). In no event shall a Change in Control of the Corporation be
deemed to occur under Clause (a) with respect to Benefit
Plans.
2.4
“Code.”
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.5
“Code
of
Conduct.” The policies and procedures related to employment of employees by the
Corporation or a Subsidiary set forth in the Corporation’s employee handbook.
The Code of Conduct may be amended and updated at any time. The term “Code of
Conduct” shall also include any other policy or procedure that may be adopted by
the Corporation or a Subsidiary and communicated to Employees and Non-Employee
Directors of the Corporation or a Subsidiary.
2.6
“Committee.”
The Compensation/Human Resource Committee of the Board.
2.7
“Common
Stock.” The common stock of the Corporation (par value $1.00 per share) as
described in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, or such other stock as
shall be substituted therefore.
2.8
“Corporation.”
Citizens Financial Services, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation.
2.9
“Employee.”
Any common law employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary. An Employee does
not
include any individual who: (i) does not receive payment for services
directly from the Corporation’s or a Subsidiary’s payroll; (ii) is employed
by an employment agency that is not a Subsidiary; or (iii) who renders
services pursuant to a written arrangement that expressly provides that the
service provider is not eligible for participation in the Plan, regardless
if
such person is later determined by the Internal Revenue Service or a court
of
law to be a common law employee.
2.10
“Exchange
Act.” The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
2.11
“Participant.”
An Employee or Non-Employee Director to whom a Restricted Stock Award has been
awarded and remains outstanding.
2.12
“Performance
Criteria.” Any objective determination based on one or more of the following
areas of performance of the Corporation, a Subsidiary, or any division,
department or group of either which includes, but is not limited to:
(a) earnings, (b) cash flow, (c) revenue, (d) financial
ratios, (e) market performance, (f) shareholder return,
(g) operating profits (including earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization), (h) earnings per share, (i) return on
assets, (j) return on equity, (k) return on investment, (l) stock
price, (m) asset quality, (n) expense reduction, (o) systems
conversion, (p) special projects as determined by the Committee, and
(q) acquisition integration initiatives. Performance Criteria shall be
established by the Committee prior to the issuance of a Performance
Grant.
2.13
“Performance
Goal.” One or more goals established by the Committee, with respect to a
Restricted Stock Award intended to constitute a Performance Grant, that relate
to one or more Performance Criteria. A Performance Goal shall relate to such
period of time, not less than one year (unless coupled with a vesting schedule
of at least one year) or more than five years, as may be specified by the
Committee at the time of the awarding of a Performance Grant.
2.14
“Performance
Grant.” A Restricted Stock Award, the vesting or receipt without restriction of
which, is conditioned on the satisfaction of one or more Performance
Goals.
2.15
“Plan.”
The Citizens Financial Services, Inc. 2006 Restricted Stock
Plan.
2.16
“Restricted
Stock Award.” An award of Common Stock pursuant to the provisions of the Plan,
which award is subject to such restrictions and other conditions, including
achievement of one or more performance goals, as may be specified by the
Committee at the time of such award.
2.17
“Retirement.”
The termination of a Participant’s employment or service as a Non-Employee
Director following the first day of the month coincident with or next following
attainment of age 70,
or
attainment of age 55 and the completion of five (5) years
service.
2.18
“Securities
Act.” The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
2.19
“Subsidiary.”
A subsidiary corporation, as defined in Code Section 424(f), that is a
subsidiary of the Corporation.
2.20
“Termination
or Dismissal For Cause.” Termination of an Employee by the Corporation or a
Subsidiary or dismissal of a Non-Employee Director from the Board
after:
(a)
any
government regulatory agency recommends or orders in writing that the
Corporation or a Subsidiary terminate the employment of such Employee or service
as a Non-Employee Director or relieve him or her of his or her
duties;
(b)
such
Employee or Non-Employee Director is convicted of or enters a plea of guilty
or
nolo contendere to a felony, a crime of falsehood, or a crime involving fraud
or
moral turpitude, or the actual incarceration of the Employee or Non-Employee
Director for a period of 45 consecutive days;
(c)
a
determination by the Committee that such Employee willfully failed to follow
the
lawful instructions of the Board or any officer of the Corporation or a
Subsidiary after such Employee’s receipt of written notice of such instructions,
other than a failure resulting from the Employee’s incapacity because of
physical or mental illness;
(d)
a
determination by the Committee that the willful or continued failure by such
Employee or Non-Employee Director to substantially and satisfactorily perform
his or her duties with the Corporation or a Subsidiary (other than any such
failure resulting from the Employee or Non-Employee Director being “disabled”
(as defined in the Corporation’s group long term disability policy) or as a
result of physical or mental illness), within a reasonable period of time after
a demand for substantial performance or notice of lack of substantial or
satisfactory performance is delivered to the Employee or Non-Employee Director,
which demand identifies the manner in which the Employee or Non-Employee
Director has not substantially or satisfactorily performed his or her duties;
or
(e)
a
determination by the Committee that such Employee or Non-Employee Director
has
failed to conform to the Corporation’s Code of Conduct.
For
purposes of the Plan, no act, or failure to act, on a Employee’s or Non-Employee
Director’s part shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by
such Employee or Non-Employee Director not in good faith and without reasonable
belief that such Employee’s or Non-Employee Director’s action or omission was in
the best interest of the Corporation or a Subsidiary.
ARTICLE
3. ADMINISTRATION
3.1
The
Committee.
The
Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which Committee shall be composed
of two or more members of the Board, all of whom are (a) “Non-Employee
Directors” as such term is defined under the rules and regulations adopted from
time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, and (b) “Outside Directors” within
the meaning of Code Section 162(m). The Board may from time to time remove
members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee,
however caused, shall be filled by the Board.
3.2
Powers
of the Committee.
(a)
The
Committee shall be vested with full authority to make such rules and regulations
as it deems necessary or desirable to administer the Plan and to interpret
the
provisions of the Plan, subject to the review and approval by a majority of
the
disinterested members of the Board. Any determination, decision, or action
of
the Committee in connection with the construction, interpretation,
administration, or application of the Plan shall be final, conclusive, and
binding upon all Participants and any person claiming under or through a
Participant, subject to the review and approval by a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board.
(b)
Subject
to the terms, provisions, and conditions of the Plan and subject to review
and
approval by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board, the Committee
shall have exclusive jurisdiction to:
(i)
determine
and select the Employees and Non-Employee Directors to be granted Restricted
Stock Awards (it being understood that more than one Restricted Stock Award
may
be granted to the same person);
(ii)
determine
the number of shares subject to each Restricted Stock Award;
(iii)
determine
the date or dates when the Restricted Stock Awards will be granted;
(iv)
determine
the Performance Criteria and establish Performance Goals with respect thereto,
to be applied to a Restricted Stock Award; and
(v)
prescribe
the form, which shall be consistent with the Plan document, of the Agreement
evidencing any Restricted Stock Awards granted under the Plan.
3.3
Liability.
No
member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action or
determination made in good faith by the Board or the Committee with respect
to
this Plan or any Restricted Stock Awards granted under this Plan.
3.4
Establishment
and Certification of Performance Goals.
The
Committee shall establish, prior to grant, Performance Goals with respect to
each Restricted Stock Award intended to constitute a Performance Grant. Except
as may otherwise be provided in Article 6 hereof, no share of Common Stock
subject to a Restricted Stock Award that is intended to constitute a Performance
Grant shall be released to a Participant until the Performance Goal or Goals
applicable thereto is or are satisfied.
3.5
No
Waiver of Performance Goals.
The
Committee or the Board shall not waive any Performance Goal or Goals with
respect to the grant of any Restricted Stock Award hereunder.
3.6
Performance
Grants Not Mandatory.
Nothing
herein shall be construed as requiring that any Restricted Stock Award be made
a
Performance Grant.
ARTICLE
4. COMMON
STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
4.1
Common
Stock Authorized.
The
initial total aggregate number of shares of Common Stock subject to Restricted
Stock Awards shall not exceed 100,000. The limitation established by the
preceding sentence shall be subject to adjustment as provided in
Article 7.
4.2
Shares
Available.
The
Common Stock to be issued under the Plan shall be the Corporation’s Common Stock
which shall be made available at the discretion of the Board, either from
authorized but unissued Common Stock or from Common Stock acquired by the
Corporation, including shares purchased in the open market. In the event that
any outstanding Restricted Stock Award under the Plan for any reason expires,
terminates, or is forfeited, the shares of Common Stock allocable to such
expiration, termination, or forfeiture may thereafter again be made subject
to a
Restricted Stock Award under the Plan.
ARTICLE
5. ELIGIBILITY
5.1
Participation.
Restricted Stock Awards shall be granted by the Committee only to persons who
are Employees and Non-Employee Directors.
ARTICLE
6. TERMS
AND
CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
6.1
In
General.
Each
Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may
be
specified in the Agreement issued to a Participant to evidence the grant of
such
Restricted Stock Award. Subject to Section 3.6, a Restricted Stock Award
shall be subject to a vesting schedule or Performance Goals, or
both.
6.2
Minimum
Vesting Period for Certain Restricted Stock Awards.
Each
Restricted Stock Award granted to a Participant shall be fully exercisable
(i.e., become 100% vested) only after the earlier of the date on which
(i) the Participant has completed one year of continuous employment with,
or service with respect to, the Corporation or a Subsidiary immediately
following the date of the Restricted Stock Award (or such later date as may
be
specified in an Agreement, including a date that may be tied to the satisfaction
of one or more Performance Goals), provided, however, that Restricted Stock
Awards may be made, in the discretion of a majority of the disinterested members
of the Board, to a Non-Employee Director without any such continuous service
requirement; (ii) unless otherwise provided in an Agreement, a Change in
Control occurs; or (iii) unless otherwise provided in an Agreement, the
Participant’s death, being “disabled” (as defined in the Corporation’s group
long term disability policy), or Retirement.
6.3
Waiver
of Vesting Period for Certain Restricted Stock Awards.
In the
event that a Participant’s employment or service as a Non-Employee Director is
terminated and the Committee deems it equitable to do so, the Committee may,
in
its discretion and subject to the approval of a majority of the disinterested
members of the Board, waive any minimum vesting period (but
not
any Performance Goal or Goals) with respect to a Restricted Stock Award held
by
such Participant. Any such waiver may be made with retroactive effect, provided
it is made within 60 days following such Participant’s termination of
employment or service as a Non-Employee Director.
6.4
Issuance
and Retention of Share Certificates By Corporation.
One or
more share certificates shall be issued upon the grant of a Restricted Stock
Award; but until such time as the shares of Common Stock subject to such
Restricted Stock Award shall vest or otherwise become distributable by reason
of
satisfaction of one or more Performance Goals, the Corporation shall retain
such
share certificates.
6.5
Stock
Powers.
At the
time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Award, the Participant to whom the
grant
is made shall deliver such stock powers, endorsed in blank, as may be requested
by the Corporation.
6.6
Release
of Shares.
Within
30 days following the date on which a Participant becomes entitled under an
Agreement to receive shares of Common Stock, the Corporation shall deliver
to
him or her a certificate evidencing the ownership of such shares, together
with
an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the dividends that have been
paid
on such shares with respect to record dates occurring on and after the date
of
the related Restricted Stock Award.
6.7
Forfeiture
of Restricted Stock Awards.
In the
event of the forfeiture of a Restricted Stock Award, by reason of a
Participant’s termination of employment or termination of service as a
Non-Employee Director prior to vesting, the failure to achieve a Performance
Goal or otherwise, the Corporation shall take such steps as may be necessary
to
cancel the affected shares and return the same to its treasury.
6.8
Assignment,
Transfer, Etc. of Restricted Stock Rights.
The
potential rights of a Participant to shares of Common Stock subject to a
Restricted Stock Award may not be assigned, transferred, sold, pledged,
hypothecated, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of until such time as
unrestricted certificates for such shares are received by him or
her.
ARTICLE
7. ADJUSTMENT
PROVISIONS
7.1
Share
Adjustments.
(a)
In
the
event that the shares of Common Stock of the Corporation, as presently
constituted, shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind
of shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation, or if the number
of
such shares of Common Stock shall be changed through the payment of a stock
dividend, stock split, or reverse stock split, then (i) the shares of
Common Stock authorized hereunder to be made the subject of Restricted Stock
Awards, (ii) the shares of Common Stock then subject to outstanding
Restricted Stock Awards, (iii) the nature and terms of the shares of stock
or securities subject to Restricted Stock Awards hereunder shall be increased,
decreased, or otherwise changed to such extent and in such manner as may be
necessary or appropriate to reflect any of the foregoing events.
(b)
If
there
shall be any other change in the number or kind of the outstanding shares of
the
Common Stock of the Corporation, or of any stock or other securities into which
such Common Stock shall have been changed, or for which it shall have been
exchanged, and if a majority of the disinterested members of the Board shall,
in
its sole discretion, determine that such change equitably requires an adjustment
in any Restricted Stock Award which was theretofore granted or which may
thereafter be granted under the Plan, then such adjustment shall be made in
accordance with such determination.
(c)
The
grant
of a Restricted Stock Award pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way
the
right or power of the Corporation to make adjustments, reclassifications,
reorganizations, or changes of its capital or business structure, to merge,
to
consolidate, to dissolve, to liquidate, or to sell or transfer all or any part
of its business or assets.
7.2
Corporate
Changes.
A
liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation, a merger or consolidation in
which the Corporation is not the surviving Corporation or a sale of all or
substantially all of the Corporation’s assets, shall cause each outstanding
Restricted Stock Award to terminate, except to the extent that another
corporation may and does, in the transaction, assume and continue the Restricted
Stock Award or substitute its own awards.
7.3
Fractional
Shares.
Fractional shares resulting from any adjustment in Restricted Stock Awards
pursuant to this Article may be settled as the Committee shall
determine.
7.4
Binding
Determination.
To the
extent that the foregoing adjustments relate to stock or securities of the
Corporation, such adjustments shall be made by a majority of the disinterested
members of the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final,
binding and conclusive. Notice of any adjustment shall be given by the
Corporation to each holder of a Restricted Stock Award which shall have been
so
adjusted.
ARTICLE
8. GENERAL
PROVISIONS
8.1
Effective
Date.
The
Plan shall become effective upon the approval of the Plan by the shareholders
of
the Corporation within 12 months of adoption by the Board.
8.2
Termination
of the Plan.
Unless
previously terminated by the Board, the Plan shall terminate on, and no
Restricted Stock Award shall be granted after, the day immediately preceding
the
tenth anniversary of its adoption by the Board.
8.3
Limitation
on Termination, Amendment or Modification.
(a)
The
Board
may at any time terminate, amend, modify or suspend the Plan, provided that,
without the approval of the shareholders of the Corporation, no amendment or
modification shall be made solely by the Board which:
(i)
increases
the maximum number of shares of Common Stock as to which Restricted Stock Awards
may be granted under the Plan (except as provided in
Section 7.1);
(ii)
changes
the class of eligible Participants; or
(iii)
otherwise
requires the approval of shareholders under applicable state law or under
applicable federal law to avoid potential liability or adverse consequences
to
the Corporation or a Participant.
(b)
No
amendment, modification, suspension or termination of the Plan shall in any
manner affect any Restricted Stock Award theretofore granted under the Plan
without the consent of the Participant or any person validly claiming under
or
through the Participant.
8.4
No
Right to Grant of Award or Continued Employment or Service.
Nothing
contained in this Plan or otherwise shall be construed to (a) require the
grant of a Restricted Stock Award to an individual who qualifies as an Employee
or Non-Employee Director, or (b) confer upon a Participant any right to
continue in the employ or service of the Corporation or any Subsidiary or limit
in any respect the right of the Corporation or of any Subsidiary to terminate
the Participant’s employment or service at any time and for any
reason.
8.5
No
Obligation.
No
exercise of discretion under this Plan with respect to an event or person shall
create an obligation to exercise such discretion in any similar or same
circumstance, except as otherwise provided or required by law.
8.6
Withholding
Taxes.
(a)
Subject
to the provisions of Subsection (b), the Corporation will require, where
sufficient funds are not otherwise available, that a Participant who is an
Employee pay or reimburse to it any withholding taxes at such time as
withholding is required by law.
(b)
With
the
permission of the Committee, a Participant who is an Employee may satisfy the
withholding obligation described in Subsection (a), in whole or in part, by
electing to have the Corporation withhold shares of Common Stock (otherwise
issuable to him or her) having a fair market value equal to the amount required
to be withheld. An election by a Participant who is an Employee to have shares
withheld for this purpose shall be subject to such conditions as may then be
imposed thereon by any applicable securities law.
8.7
Listing
and Registration of Shares.
(a)
No
Common
Stock share certificate shall be delivered, if at any relevant time the
Committee determines in its discretion that the listing, registration or
qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award
on any securities exchange or under any applicable law, or the consent or
approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as
a
condition of, or in connection with, such Restricted Stock Award, until such
listing, registration, qualification, consent, or approval shall have been
effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the
Committee.
(b)
If
a
registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares
issuable under the Plan is not in effect at any relevant time, as a condition
of
the issuance of the shares, a Participant (or any person claiming through a
Participant) shall give the Committee a written or electronic statement,
satisfactory in form and substance to the Committee, that he or she is acquiring
the shares for his or her own account for investment and not with a view to
their distribution. The Corporation may place upon any stock certificate for
shares issued under the Plan the following legend or such other legend as the
Committee may prescribe to prevent disposition of the shares in violation of
the
Securities Act or other applicable law:
‘THE
SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (“ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED
OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED OR OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THEM UNDER THE ACT OR A WRITTEN OPINION
OF COUNSEL FOR THE CORPORATION THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.’
8.8
Disinterested
Director.
For
purposes of this Plan, a director shall be deemed “disinterested” if such person
could qualify as a member of the Committee under Section 3.1.
8.9
Gender;
Number.
Words
of one gender, wherever used herein, shall be construed to include each other
gender, as the context requires. Words used herein in the singular form shall
include the plural form, as the context requires, and vice versa.
8.10
Applicable
Law.
Except
to the extent preempted by federal law, this Plan document, and the Agreements
issued pursuant hereto, shall be construed, administered, and enforced in
accordance with the domestic internal law of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
8.11
Headings.
The
headings of the several articles and sections of this Plan document have been
inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be used in the
construction of the same.
Annex
A
REVOCABLE
PROXY
CITIZENS
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
THIS
PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The
shareholder signing this proxy card appoints Terry B. Osborne and Thomas
C.
Lyman, or either of them acting in the absence of the other, as proxyholders,
each with the power to appoint his substitute, and authorizes them to represent
and to vote, as designated below, all of the shares of the common stock,
$1.00
par value per share, of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. that the shareholder
holds of record on March 1, 2006, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Citizens Financial Services, Inc. to be held on April 18, 2006, and at any
adjournment thereof.
THIS
PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY SIGNED BY YOU, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER YOU DIRECT
ON
THIS CARD. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
THE
LISTED NOMINEES IN THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, FOR
THE
OTHER TWO LISTED PROPOSALS, AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXYHOLDERS NAMED
IN
THIS PROXY UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL
MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT.
THIS
PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY YOU AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED AT THE ANNUAL
MEETING.
(THIS
PROXY CARD MUST BE VOTED, SIGNED AND DATED
ON
THE OTHER SIDE)
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR”
ALL
OF THE MATTERS BELOW.
1. (a)
Election of Class 3 Directors:
NOMINEES:
|
01 - E. Gene Kosa; 02 - R. Joseph Landy; 03 - Roger C. Graham,
Jr.; 04 -
Robert W. Chappell
|
[ ]
|
FOR all nominees listed (except as marked to the contrary
below)
|
|
|
[ ]
|
WITHHOLD authority to vote for all nominees listed
|
|
|
|
(INSTRUCTION:
To withhold authority to vote for one or more individual nominees,
write
the nominees’ names or numbers on the line below.)
|
(b)
Election of Class 1 Director:
NOMINEE:
|
Rinaldo A. DePaola
|
|
|
[ ]
|
FOR the nominee listed
|
|
|
[ ]
|
WITHHOLD
authority to vote for the nominee
listed
|
2. |
Proposal
to approve the Citizens Financial Services, Inc. 2006 Restricted
Stock
Plan.
|
[ ]
|
For
|
[ ]
|
Against
|
[ ]
|
Abstain
|
3. |
Proposal
to ratify the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C., Certified Public
Accountants, as independent auditor for the Company for the fiscal
year
ending December 31, 2006.
|
[ ]
|
For
|
[ ]
|
Against
|
[ ]
|
Abstain
|
I/We
hereby acknowledge the receipt, prior to the signing of this Proxy, of a
Notice
of Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. called
for April 18, 2006, an attached Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting and
a 2005 Annual Report.
DATE:
_________________, 2006 _____________________________
Signature
_____________________________
Signature
Please
sign exactly as your name appears on the other side and print the date on
which
you sign the proxy in the spaces provided above. If signed on behalf of a
corporation, please sign in corporate name by an authorized officer. If signing
as a representative, please give full title as such. For joint accounts,
only
one owner is required to sign.
Luncheon
Reservation
ཬ
I will attend the luncheon, please include my reservation for
person(s)
ཬ
I will be unable to attend the luncheon