Table of Contents
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a party other than the Registrant ☐
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 under Rule14a-12
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AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required.
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
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March 13, 2023
Dear Shareholder:
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You are cordially invited to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ames National Corporation (“Company”) to be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., local time, at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd. Ames, Iowa. To facilitate attendance of our shareholders, the Annual Meeting will also be available through a virtual meeting format. To participate virtually, we ask that you visit the Ames National Corporation website shortly before the meeting at www.amesnational.com. Shareholders are encouraged to attend the meeting in person or virtually and to vote their shares in advance by proxy, as on-line voting will not be available through the virtual format.
In connection with the Annual Meeting, we have prepared a Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a Proxy Statement and our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. On or about March 13, 2023, we began mailing to our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access these materials online at the Company’s website.
Four proposals will be voted upon at the Annual Meeting, consisting of (i) the election of directors, (ii) an advisory vote approving the compensation of the Company’s executive officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement, (iii) an advisory vote on the frequency of future shareholder advisory votes for approval of executive compensation, and (iv) the ratification of the appointment of FORVIS, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2023.
The Board of Directors of the Company presently consists of twelve directors. Three of the current directors, whose terms of service will expire at the Annual Meeting, have been nominated by the Board of Directors to stand for re-election to a three-year term. One director will not stand for re-election as he has reached mandatory retirement age for directors established by Company policy. Consequently, you will be asked to vote on the election of three members of the Board of Directors.
The Annual Meeting will also provide management with the opportunity to report on the operations and activities of the Company and will give shareholders time to ask questions. Those participating virtually will also have the ability to submit questions.
Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own. The Board of Directors encourages you to submit your proxy via the Internet or to mark, sign and return the proxy card if you have requested to receive printed proxy materials that the Company will be mailing on or around March 13, 2023. If you submit your proxy via the Internet, the web address is www.amesnational.com and you should use the identification numbers indicated on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. Submitting your proxy via the Internet or returning the proxy card will not prevent you from voting at the Annual Meeting if you elect to attend in person.
On behalf of the Boards of Directors, officers and staff of Ames National Corporation, Boone Bank & Trust Co., First National Bank, Iowa State Savings Bank, Reliance State Bank, State Bank & Trust Co. and United Bank & Trust Co. we thank you for your continued support.
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Sincerely,
Patrick G. Hagan
Chairman
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5th & Burnett • PO Box 846 • Ames, IA 50010
Tel 515.232.6251 • Fax 515.663.3033
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION
405 5th Street
Ames, Iowa 50010
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
April 26, 2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ames National Corporation, an Iowa corporation (the “Company”), will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., local time, at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd., Ames, Iowa, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “Meeting”), for the following purposes:
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To elect three members of the Board of Directors.
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To hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement.
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To hold an advisory vote on the frequency of future shareholder advisory votes for approval of executive compensation.
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To ratify the appointment of FORVIS, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2023.
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To consider such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting.
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To facilitate attendance of our shareholders, the Annual Meeting will also be available through a virtual meeting format. To participate virtually, please visit the Ames National Corporation website shortly before the Meeting at www.amesnational.com. Shareholders are encouraged to attend in person or virtually and to vote their shares in advance by proxy, as on-line voting will not be available through the virtual format. Shareholders participating through the virtual format will not be deemed to be “present” for purposes of constituting a quorum at the Meeting, unless they have previously submitted a proxy to vote their shares.
Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of
Proxy Materials for the Meeting to be held on April 26, 2023
The Company is mailing to its shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice of Availability”), rather than mailing a paper copy of the proxy materials. The Notice of Availability contains instructions on how to access the proxy materials on the Internet, as well as instructions for obtaining a paper copy. Any shareholder who requests to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials will receive a full set of paper proxy materials without charge by U.S. mail. Internet availability of proxy materials will reduce the Company’s costs to print and distribute its proxy materials.
You may vote at the Meeting if you are a shareholder of record on February 28, 2023. It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Meeting. The Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares in the manner described in the Proxy Statement. Please vote in one of the following ways:
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VISIT WWW.AMESNATIONAL.COM TO VIEW THE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTE VIA THE INTERNET, using the identification numbers indicated on the Notice of Availability or proxy card mailed to you;
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MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE PROXY CARD BY MAIL if you have requested to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials; or
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VOTE BY WRITTEN BALLOT if you choose to attend the Meeting in person.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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March 13, 2023
Ames, Iowa
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John L. Pierschbacher |
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Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION
405 5th Street
Ames, Iowa 50010
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on April 26, 2023
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the shareholders of Ames National Corporation, an Iowa corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., local time, at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd., Ames, Iowa, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “Meeting”). The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice of Availability”) and the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders are being mailed to the shareholders on or about March 13, 2023. If you have requested to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, those materials (including a proxy card and return envelope) will also be mailed on or about March 13, 2023.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
Why is the Company making these materials available to me?
The Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Meeting because you were a shareholder of record of the Company at the close of business on February 28, 2023 (the “Record Date”). As a shareholder of record on the Record Date, you are entitled to vote at the Meeting. You are invited to attend the Meeting and vote your shares on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement, including the election of directors to the Board. You may also choose to participate in the Meeting through a virtual format by visiting the Company’s website shortly before the meeting at www.amesnational.com. However, online voting will not be available through the virtual format, so you are encouraged to vote your shares in advance by proxy so that your shares will be represented at the Meeting.
What is included in these materials?
The materials made available to you by the Company include (i) this Proxy Statement containing information about the Meeting, (ii) the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which includes the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, and (iii) a proxy card (if you have requested a paper copy of the proxy materials) that can be completed and returned to the Company by mail to vote your shares. As described below, you may choose to submit your vote through the Internet instead of returning the proxy card by mail.
Where do I obtain these materials?
The Company has elected to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rule that allows it to furnish proxy materials to you online at its Internet website. The Company believes electronic delivery will expedite shareholders’ receipt of materials and lower costs by reducing printing and mailing of paper copies of the materials. On or about March 13, 2023, the Company mailed to its shareholders a Notice of Availability containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials online. You will not receive a paper copy of the proxy materials unless you previously requested the Company to provide you with paper copies of the proxy materials or you specifically request a paper copy for this Meeting by following the instructions in the Notice of Availability.
How do I receive a paper or electronic copy of the materials?
If you previously requested the Company to provide you with paper copies of its proxy materials, a paper copy of the proxy materials (including a proxy card) will automatically be mailed to you on or about March 13, 2023. If you have not previously requested paper copies of proxy materials, you can obtain a paper copy of the proxy materials for this Meeting by following the instructions in the Notice of Availability on how to receive a paper copy of the materials through the U.S. mail. You can also request that an electronic copy of the proxy materials be sent to you by email by following the instructions in the Notice of Availability. There is no charge to you for requesting a paper or electronic copy of the proxy materials.
What information is contained in this Proxy Statement?
The information included in this Proxy Statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the Meeting, the voting process, the Company’s corporate governance, the compensation of directors and executive officers and certain other required information.
What am I being requested to vote on at the Meeting?
There are four proposals to be voted on at the Meeting:
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Proposal 1 - To elect three directors to the Board, with each director to serve for a three-year term. The nominees for a three-year term are Jeffery C. Baker, Betty A. Baudler Horras and Patrick G. Hagan, each of whom is currently serving as a director of the Company and is standing for re-election to the Board.
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Proposal 2 – To hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement under the heading “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.”
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Proposal 3 – To hold an advisory vote on whether future advisory votes for approval of executive compensation should be held every one, two or three years.
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Proposal 4 - To ratify the appointment of FORVIS, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2023. FORVIS, LLP was appointed by the Audit Committee of the Board, and the Board is requesting that the shareholders ratify this appointment.
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What are my choices when voting?
Depending on the proposal, you have a choice when voting as follows:
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Proposal 1 - With respect to the election of directors, your vote may be cast “FOR” one or more of the nominees or your vote may be “VOTE WITHHELD” with respect to one or more of the nominees.
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Proposals 2 and 4 – With respect to these proposals, your vote may be cast “FOR” or “AGAINST” either such proposal, or you may choose to “ABSTAIN” from voting on the proposal.
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Proposal 3 – With respect to the frequency of future shareholder advisory votes to approve executive compensation, you may select “1 YEAR,” “2 YEARS,” OR “3 YEARS,” or you may choose to “ABSTAIN” from voting on the proposal.
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Does the Board have a recommendation for voting?
The Board unanimously recommends you vote your shares as follows:
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Proposal 1 - “FOR” each of the persons nominated for election to the Board.
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Proposal 2 – “FOR” approval of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
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Proposal 3 – “3 YEARS” as the frequency of future shareholder advisory votes to approve executive compensation.
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Proposal 4 - “FOR” ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
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What are the voting requirements for the proposals at the Meeting?
The vote required to approve each of the proposals to be acted on at the Meeting is set forth below for each proposal under the heading “PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON AT MEETING.”
What is the quorum requirement for the Meeting?
A majority of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”), present at the Meeting in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the Meeting. On the Record Date there were 8,992,167 shares of Common Stock outstanding, all of which will be entitled to vote at the Meeting. Shares represented at the Meeting which abstain from voting on any proposal will be counted toward determining the presence of a quorum. Proxies containing broker non-votes will also be counted toward determining the presence of a quorum (see “What is the effect of broker non-votes?” below).
If you choose to participate in the Meeting through the virtual format being made available by the Company, you will not be deemed to be “present” for purposes of determining a quorum at the Meeting, unless you have previously submitted a proxy to vote your shares. Accordingly, any shareholder choosing to participate through the virtual format is encouraged to submit a proxy in advance so that their shares will be represented at the Meeting and counted toward the quorum requirement.
What shares can I vote?
You are entitled to cast one vote for each share of Common Stock you owned on the Record Date. These include shares held directly in your name as a shareholder of record and shares held for you as a beneficial owner through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee.
What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
Many shareholders of the Company hold their shares through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As described below, there are some differences between shares held of record and shares beneficially owned when determining how to vote your shares at the Meeting.
Shareholder of Record
If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, you are considered to be the “shareholder of record” with respect to those shares, and these proxy materials are being made available directly to you by the Company. As the shareholder of record, you have the right to vote in person at the Meeting or to grant your voting proxy directly to the persons named in the proxy card (who will vote your shares on your behalf at the Meeting). You can vote your shares by submitting your proxy via the Internet or, if you have requested a paper copy of the proxy materials, by completing and returning the proxy card as described below under “How can I vote my shares without attending the Meeting?”
Beneficial Owner
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered to be the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” and these proxy materials are being made available to you by your stockbroker, bank or other nominee who is treated as the shareholder of record with respect to those shares. Your stockbroker, bank or other nominee has enclosed a voting instruction card for you to use in directing it how to vote your shares and you should complete and return that card as directed by your stockbroker, bank or other nominee. Alternatively, the voting instruction card provided by your stockbroker, bank or other nominee may include instructions on how you can submit your voting instructions via an Internet website or by telephone. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your stockbroker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares at the Meeting. As beneficial owner, you are also invited to attend the Meeting. However, since you are not the shareholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the Meeting unless you obtain a proxy signed by your stockbroker, bank or other nominee.
How can I vote my shares in person at the Meeting?
Shares held directly in your name as the shareholder of record may be voted by you if you choose to attend the Meeting in person. Even if you plan to attend the Meeting in person, the Company recommends you vote your shares in advance by proxy, as described below, so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Meeting. Shares held in “street name,” of which you are the beneficial owner, may be voted by you in person only if you obtain a signed proxy from the stockbroker, bank or other nominee that is treated as the shareholder of record giving you the right to vote the shares at the Meeting.
Can I vote my shares online if I participate in the Meeting through the virtual format?
No – you will not be able to vote your shares online if you choose to participate in the Meeting through the virtual format. Consequently, if you choose to participate through the virtual format, you are encouraged to vote your shares by submitting a proxy in advance of the Meeting so that your shares will be represented at the Meeting.
How can I vote my shares without attending the Meeting in person?
Shareholder of Record
If you are the shareholder of record with respect to your shares, you can vote your shares without attending the Meeting in person by submitting your proxy through either of the following methods:
● By Internet – You can vote via the Internet at www.amesnational.com. Your identification numbers for Internet voting are on the Notice of Availability, and voting is available 24 hours a day. Those numbers can also be found on your proxy card if you requested a paper copy of the proxy materials. Voting via the Internet will be available until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on April 25, 2023.
● By Mail – Complete, sign and date the proxy card that will be mailed to you if you have requested a paper copy of the proxy materials. Return it to the Company in the postage prepaid envelope that will be included in the mailing. Proxies returned by mail must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on April 25, 2023 to be counted.
If your proxy is submitted via the Internet or mail (and your proxy is not later revoked), your shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions as indicated in the proxy. If, however, you do not indicate the manner in which your shares should be voted in your proxy, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board as set forth above under “Does the Board have a recommendation for voting?”
Beneficial Owner
If you are the beneficial owner of your shares, you can vote your shares without attending the Meeting by following the directions contained in the voting instruction card sent to you by your stockbroker, bank or other nominee. Typically, voting instruction cards allow you to direct the voting of your shares by returning the voting instruction card by mail or by submitting your directions via the Internet or by telephone. Your stockbroker, bank or other nominee is required to vote your shares according to the directions you have given.
Participation Through Virtual Format
If you choose to participate in the Meeting through the virtual format, you may vote your shares by submitting a proxy or voting instruction card in advance of the Meeting by following the instructions immediately set forth above depending upon whether you are a shareholder of record or a beneficial owner of your shares.
Can I revoke my proxy or change my vote?
Shareholder of Record
If you are the shareholder of record of your shares, you may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the vote at the Meeting. Your proxy may be revoked through any of the following methods:
● By sending a written revocation of your proxy to the attention of the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal executive office located at P.O. Box 846, 405 5th Street, Ames, IA 50010, Attn: Secretary.
● By submitting to the Company by mail a signed proxy card bearing a later date.
● By submitting a new proxy via the Internet.
● By attending the Meeting in person, requesting your proxy be withdrawn and voting your shares in person. Attendance at the Meeting without voting in person, however, will not serve as a revocation of a proxy.
Beneficial Owner
If you are the beneficial owner of your shares, you may revoke or change your voting instructions prior to the Meeting. To do so, you should contact your stockbroker, bank or other nominee who is the shareholder of record of your shares and obtain directions as to how you can revoke or change the voting instructions you have previously given.
Participation Through Virtual Format.
If you choose to participate in the Meeting through the virtual format, you will not be able to revoke a previously submitted proxy and vote your shares online. Consequently, if you plan to participate through the virtual format, you will need to follow one of the methods set forth above to revoke your proxy.
What is the effect of “broker non-votes”?
If your broker holds your shares in its name and you have not provided voting instructions for your shares, your broker may choose to either leave your shares unvoted or vote your shares on certain “routine” matters on which the broker is deemed to have discretionary voting authority. Of the matters to be voted on at the Meeting, only Proposal 4 (ratifying the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm) is considered a “routine” matter on which your broker would have discretionary voting authority. Proposal 1 (election of directors), Proposal 2 (approval of executive compensation) and Proposal 3 (frequency of future shareholder votes to approve executive compensation), are considered “non-routine” matters, and without your instructions, your broker cannot vote your shares on this proposal. If your broker returns a proxy card but does not have discretionary authority to vote your shares, this results in a so-called “broker non-vote” with respect to the “non-routine matters”. Broker non-votes will be counted as present for the purpose of determining a quorum at the Meeting. However, because brokers do not have discretionary authority to vote on Proposal 1 (election of directors), Proposal 2 (approval of executive compensation) and Proposal 3 (frequency of future shareholder votes to approve executive compensation), broker non-votes will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes cast on Proposal 1, Proposal 2 and Proposal 3 and will not affect the outcome of the vote on this proposal. Because Proposal 4 (ratification of the appointment of the independent public accounting firm) is considered a “routine” matter, your broker can vote your shares on this proposal even though you have not provided voting instructions for your shares. Since brokers have discretionary authority to vote on Proposal 4, shares voted in this manner will be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes cast on this proposal and will affect the outcome of this vote.
Who will count the votes?
The Board has appointed an inspector of election who will be responsible for tabulating the votes by proxy, counting the votes cast in person at the Meeting and announcing the results of voting at the Meeting.
Who will pay the expenses of soliciting proxies for the Meeting and how will proxies be solicited?
The Company will pay all expenses associated with soliciting proxies for the Meeting. In addition to making these proxy materials available on-line and mailing a paper copy or emailing an electronic copy of the materials to those shareholders who request them, proxies may be solicited by officers, directors and regular employees of the Company, without extra compensation, by telephone, facsimile, personal contact or electronic means. To assist the Company in limiting its expenses in connection with the Meeting, you are requested to promptly submit your proxy via the Internet or return a signed proxy card by mail, even if you plan to attend the Meeting.
How can I obtain directions to attend the Meeting or get help participating through the virtual format?
The meeting will be held at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd. in Ames, Iowa, with a virtual participation option offered. To obtain directions to this location or for assistance in participating through the virtual format, please contact Lori Hill at (515) 663-3059.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
The Board currently consists of twelve directors separated into three classes elected on a staggered basis, with each director generally serving a term of three years. Each director (with the exception of John P. Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; John L. Pierschbacher, Chief Financial Officer of the Company; Patrick G. Hagan, Chairman of Board; and Thomas H. Pohlman, former Chairman of the Board) also serves on one or more of the three standing committees (Audit, Personnel and Nominating) established by the Board. The following table lists each director currently serving on the Board, the director’s term of service and the committee(s) to which the director is currently appointed, if any.
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Name of Director
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Term(1)
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Audit
Committee
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Personnel
Committee
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Nominating
Committee
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Jeffery C. Baker
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2023
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X
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Betty A. Baudler Horras
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2023
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X
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David W. Benson
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2025
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X
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X
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Michelle R. Cassabaum
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2025
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X
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Lisa M. Eslinger
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2024
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X
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X
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Steven D. Forth
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2024
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X
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X
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Patrick G. Hagan
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2023
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James R. Larson II
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2024
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X
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X
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John P. Nelson
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2025
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John L. Pierschbacher
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2024
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Thomas H. Pohlman
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2023
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Kevin L. Swartz
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2025
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X
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X
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Note: (1)
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A director’s term of service expires at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in the year indicated for each director.
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Director Independence
The Common Stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The corporate governance rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market require that a majority of the Board consist of directors who are "independent" of the Company. The Board has determined each of the directors and the nominees for director qualify as "independent" under the NASDAQ standards for determining independence, with the exception of Mr. Nelson and Mr. Pierschbacher who do not qualify as independent directors as a result of their employment relationships with the Company.
Meetings
The Board holds regular quarterly meetings and held four such meetings during 2022. The Board also held one special meeting during 2022. During 2022, each director of the Company attended at least 75% of all meetings of the Board and meetings of committees to which such director was appointed.
Board Committees
The Board has established an Audit Committee, a Personnel Committee and a Nominating Committee as standing committees of the Board. Additional information is set forth below concerning each of the committees and the directors serving thereon.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for oversight of the Company’s auditing, accounting, financial reporting and internal control functions and for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the Company’s independent registered public accountants. Additionally, the Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the quality of the Company’s accounting policies and financial reporting as well as the independence of the Company’s independent accountants. The Audit Committee is also required to preapprove any audit or permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent accountants and to review and approve any transaction constituting a “related party transaction” under rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, a copy of which may be accessed on the Company’s website at www.amesnational.com. A report of the Audit Committee appears in this Proxy Statement. The Audit Committee currently consists of Mr. Larson, who acts as chair, Mr. Baker, Ms. Cassabaum, Ms. Eslinger, and Mr. Swartz, each of whom qualify as an independent director. Ms. Eslinger has been designated by the Board to serve in the capacity as the “financial expert” for the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met on four occasions during 2022.
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee, previously known as the Compensation Committee, determines and makes recommendations to the Board on all elements of compensation for the executive officers of the Company and certain executive officers of the Company’s subsidiary banks (the “Banks”). The Personnel Committee also assists the Board in establishing fees to be paid to the directors of the Company and in determining appropriate employee benefit programs to be provided to eligible employees of the Company and the Banks. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Personnel Committee, a copy of which can be accessed on the Company’s website at www.amesnational.com. The Personnel Committee currently consists of Mr. Benson, who acts as chair, Ms. Eslinger, Mr. Forth, and Mr. Larson,, each of whom qualify as an independent director. The Personnel Committee met on two occasions during 2022.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is responsible for evaluating and recommending to the Board the names of nominees for election as directors. The Nominating Committee also reviews and recommends to the Board the desired characteristics of the composition of the Board, including the number of directors, age, experience and other appropriate attributes. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Nominating Committee, a copy of which may be accessed on the Company’s website at www.amesnational.com. The Nominating Committee currently consists of Ms. Baudler Horras, who acts as chair, Mr. Benson, Mr. Forth, and Mr. Swartz, each of whom qualify as an independent director. The Nominating Committee met twice during 2022.
Nominations for Directors
The Nominating Committee evaluates and recommends to the Board the names of nominees for election as directors. The Nominating Committee will consider, as part of its nomination process, any nominee submitted by a shareholder of the Company, provided the shareholder has complied with the procedure set forth in the Company’s bylaws (the “Bylaws”) for the submission of nominees. In order to submit the name of a nominee, a shareholder must provide written notice of such nominee, accompanied by other information concerning the nominee as specified in Section 3.1(c) of the Bylaws, to the Secretary of the Company no less than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement distributed by the Company in connection with the prior year’s annual meeting of shareholders. A nomination with respect to the election of directors at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2024 would need to be submitted no later than November 13, 2023. A copy of the relevant provisions of the Bylaws pertaining to nominations may be obtained by contacting the Secretary of the Company or by accessing the Bylaws on the Company’s website at www.amesnational.com. A shareholder who has complied with the procedure set forth in the Bylaws for submitting the name of a nominee may nominate such individual at an annual meeting notwithstanding that such individual has not been nominated for election by the Board.
On an annual basis, the Board compiles a list of candidates for submission to the Nominating Committee for its evaluation. As noted above, the list of candidates will include any person nominated by a shareholder in compliance with the nomination procedures set forth in the Bylaws. The Nominating Committee may also identify and evaluate any other person that may come to the attention of the Nominating Committee as a candidate for nomination. The Nominating Committee evaluates each candidate utilizing the minimum qualifications specified in the Nominating Committee Charter and taking into account any other information deemed by the Nominating Committee to be relevant to the evaluation process. The evaluation process for director and shareholder-nominated candidates is applied on a uniform basis. The Nominating Committee may, to the extent it deems appropriate, contact other directors not serving on the Nominating Committee, directors and officers of the Banks and any shareholder nominating an individual, to ensure the necessary information is obtained to properly evaluate the desirability of each candidate. Upon completion of the evaluation process, the Nominating Committee will make its recommendations to the Board based upon the desired composition of the Board, review of minimum qualifications, ascertainable strengths and weaknesses of each candidate and other information deemed by the Nominating Committee to be relevant.
The Nominating Committee Charter identifies the following minimum qualifications under which a candidate will be evaluated: (i) the ability to understand financial affairs and complexities of business organizations; (ii) business experience and community involvement in the market areas in which the Banks conduct their business; (iii) although not required, the prior experience of a candidate as a director of one of the Banks; (iv) reputation for high moral and ethical business standards that will add to the stature of the Board; and (v) compliance with the requirements of the Company’s age limitation policies. The age limitation policy provides that a newly-nominated director must be under age 60 (unless the nominee also serves as an executive officer of the Company or a Bank or as a director of a Bank) and that a current director will be eligible for re-election only if such director will not be more than 75 years of age at the end of the term for which the director would be re-elected.
The Board has not adopted a formal policy with respect to the consideration of diversity in identifying or selecting nominees for election as directors. The Nominating Committee Charter does, however, include the concept of diversity as being a factor the Nominating Committee may wish to consider in making recommendations to the Board with respect to the composition of the Board, although no specific recommendation regarding diversity has been made.
With respect to the nominees for election as directors at the Meeting, Mr. Baker, Ms. Baudler Horras, and Mr. Hagan currently serve as directors of the Company and are standing for re-election. Mr. Pohlman will not stand for re-election as he has reached mandatory retirement age for directors established by Company policy.
Leadership Structure
During 2022, the leadership structure of the Company was divided between John P. Nelson, who served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Thomas H. Pohlman, who served as Chairman of the Board of the Company until May 11, 2022, and Patrick G. Hagan, who served as Chairman of the Board of the Company through the remainder of the year. The Board believes that separating the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and appointing different individuals to those offices is a sound corporate governance practice.
Risk Oversight
Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success. The Company faces a number of risks, including general economic risks, credit risks, regulatory risks, audit risks, cybersecurity risks, reputational risks and others, such as interest rate risk or the impact of competition. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks the Company faces, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In its risk oversight role, the Board has the responsibility to satisfy itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed.
While the full Board is charged with ultimate oversight responsibility for risk management, various committees of the Board and members of management also have responsibilities with respect to the Company’s risk oversight. In particular, the Audit Committee plays a large role in monitoring and assessing the Company’s financial, legal and organizational risks, and receives quarterly reports from the Chief Financial Officer regarding organizational risk as well as particular areas of concern. The Personnel Committee monitors and assesses the various risks associated with compensation policies and oversees incentive plans to ensure a reasonable and manageable level of risk-taking consistent with the Company’s overall strategy. Additionally, the Directors and Officers Loan Committees at the Bank level are directly responsible for overseeing the Banks’ credit risk.
The Board believes that establishing the right “tone at the top” and providing for full and open communication between management and the Board are essential for effective risk management and oversight. Members of the Company’s executive management team meet regularly with other senior officers to discuss strategy and risks facing the Company. Senior officers attend many of the Board meetings or, if not in attendance, are available to address any questions or concerns raised by the Board on risk management-related and any other matters.
Shareholder Communications
The Board has adopted a process whereby a shareholder may direct written communications to the Board. A shareholder desiring to communicate with the Board may send a written communication addressed to the Board and directed, if by e-mail, to info@amesnational.com with Attention: “Board of Directors” in the subject line or, if sent by regular mail, addressed to Ames National Corporation, P.O. Box 846, 405 5th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010, Attention: Board of Directors. Upon receipt of a written communication from a shareholder addressed to the Board in a manner described above, the communication will be reviewed by the Chairman and President of the Company for purposes of determining whether the communication raises an issue of appropriate concern to the Board. Communications raising issues of appropriate concern will be forwarded to each member of the Board for consideration by the Board as a whole. All written communications directed to the Board and submitted in the manner prescribed by the process will, regardless of whether such communication is ultimately submitted to the Board, receive a written response from the Chairman of the Company.
Director Attendance at Annual Meetings
The Board has adopted a policy providing that each member of the Board shall use his or her reasonable efforts to attend each annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, giving appropriate consideration to the business and travel schedule of the director. Each person who was serving as a director of the Company at the time of the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders attended such meeting, in person or through virtual means.
Director Compensation for 2022
Compensation paid to the non-employee directors of the Company is determined on an annual basis by the Board upon recommendation of the Personnel Committee. Each year, the President of the Company develops a recommendation to the Personnel Committee with respect to fees to be paid to the non-employee directors of the Company for attendance at meetings of the Board and of committees of the Board and fees to be paid to members of the boards of directors of the Banks for board and committee meetings. The recommendation is provided to the Personnel Committee which, in turn, reviews and makes its recommendation to the Board with respect to director fees to be paid for the year.
The following table provides information concerning all compensation paid to each director during 2022 for services as a member of the Board and, to the extent applicable, for services as a member of the board of directors of one of the Banks.
|
Name
|
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash(1)
|
All Other
Compensation(2)
|
Total (3)
|
|
Jeffery C. Baker
|
$24.070
|
$2,405
|
$26,475
|
|
Betty A. Baudler Horras
|
$31,080
|
$2,405
|
$33,485
|
|
David W. Benson
|
$20,125
|
$2,405
|
$22,530
|
|
Michelle R. Cassabaum
|
$27,710
|
$2,405
|
$30,115
|
|
Lisa M. Eslinger
|
$31,880
|
$2,405
|
$34,285
|
|
Steven D. Forth
|
$27,090
|
$2,405
|
$29,495
|
|
Patrick G. Hagan
|
$28,210
|
$2,405
|
$30,615
|
|
James R. Larson II
|
$32,060
|
$2,405
|
$34,465
|
|
John P. Nelson
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
|
John L. Pierschbacher
|
None
|
(4)
|
(4)
|
|
Thomas H. Pohlman
|
$30,250
|
$2,405
|
$32,655
|
|
Kevin L. Swartz
|
$28,485
|
$2,405
|
$30,890
|
Notes:
| |
(1)
|
Consists of cash payments of director fees determined as follows: (i) $2,300 for each regular meeting of the Board attended by a director during 2022, with an extra $1,000 per meeting for the Chairman of the Board, (ii) an annual retainer of $8,600 for each director; and (iii) $500 for members and $640 for the committee chair for each meeting of a committee of the Board attended by a director during 2022. In addition, ten (10) directors also received cash payments of director fees for service as a member of the board of directors of one of the Banks determined as follows: (i) fees ranging from $630 to $880 for Bank board meetings attended by a director during 2022; and (ii) fees ranging from $275 to $580 for meetings of Bank board committees attended by a director during 2022. No other form of compensation was paid to any director during 2022, except as described in Note 2 below.
|
| |
(2)
|
Each director, except John P. Nelson, also received a cash payment of $2,405 during 2022 as a part of the Director Stock Incentive Plan adopted by each of the Banks in 2022 (the “Stock Plan”). The purpose of the Stock Plan is to provide directors of the Banks with an incentive to invest in Common Stock of the Company and to motivate prudential oversight of the Banks’ businesses as contributors to the success of the Company. Under the terms of the Stock Plan, eligible directors of each Bank receive a cash award (the “Award”) on or about May 15 of each year, with the Award being equal to the market value of 100 shares of the Common Stock and with the market value being established at the average closing price of the Common Stock on the ten (10) trading days preceding and including April 30. Bank directors receiving the Awards are encouraged, but are not required, to use the cash from the Award, together with their own funds, to purchase a minimum of 200 shares of Common Stock through open market transactions initiated by the director. The purchase, if made, must occur prior to December 15 of each year, but all terms of the purchase (including the timing of the purchase and purchase price to be paid) are to be determined in the sole discretion of the director. Once purchased, the director is expected to hold the Common Stock for a period of at least five (5) years. A director who elects not to use the Award towards the purchase of a minimum 200 shares of the Common Stock, or to observe the holding period, may be subject to exclusion from future participation under the Stock Plan. During 2022, each of the directors of the Company, with the exception of John P. Nelson, also served as a director of one of the Banks and, consequently, received an Award of $2,405 under the Stock Plan.
|
| |
(3)
|
Amounts reported in this column consist of total payments made to each director during 2022, calculated by adding the figures appearing the Fees Earned or Paid in Cash column and the All Other Compensation column for each director.
|
| |
(4)
|
The Award of $2,405 received by Mr. Pierschbacher under the Stock Plan for 2022 is reported under the Summary Compensation Table set forth under the Executive Compensation section of the Proxy Statement.
|
Director Diversity Information
Set forth below is information concerning the gender and demographic background of each of the current directors of the Company, as self-identified and reported by each director. This information is being provided in accordance with the corporate governance rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market.
|
Board Diversity Matrix (As of February 28, 2023)
|
|
Total Number of Directors
|
12
|
| |
Female
|
Male
|
Non-Binary
|
Did Not
Disclose
Gender
|
|
Part I: Gender Identity
|
|
Directors
|
3
|
9
|
0
|
0
|
|
Part II: Demographic Background
|
|
African American or Black
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Alaskan Native or Native American
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Asian
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Hispanic or Latinx
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
White
|
3
|
9
|
0
|
0
|
|
Two or More Races or Ethnicities
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
LGBTQ+
|
0
|
|
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background
|
0
|
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON AT MEETING
Proposal 1 – Election of Directors
The Board of the Company currently consists of twelve directors, divided into three classes of four directors each for the purpose of electing and defining the terms of service of such directors. The terms of four directors will expire at the Meeting, all of whom, except Mr. Pohlman who is retiring as a director, have been nominated for re-election to the Board, to serve a three-year term to expire at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2026. Upon conclusion of Mr. Pohlman’s term of service at the Meeting, the size of the Board will be reduced to eleven directors, and no replacement for Mr. Pohlman will be elected.
Each director elected at the Meeting will serve until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. The Board has no reason to believe that any nominee named in this Proxy Statement will be unable to serve as a director, if elected. However, in case any nominee should become unavailable for election, the proxy will be voted for such substitute, if any, as the Board may designate.
Set forth below are the names of the three persons nominated by the Board for election as directors at the Meeting, along with certain information concerning such persons.
|
Nominees for Three-Year
Terms Expiring in 2026
|
|
|
Jeffery C. Baker
Age 66
|
Mr. Baker has served as a director of the Company since 2022. In 2020 Mr. Baker retired from the accounting and consulting firm RSM US LLP where he specialized in banking, other financial services entities and public companies. In addition to his role as an audit partner, he was the Firm’s national director of banking services. Mr. Baker has served as a director of First National Bank since 2021.
|
| |
|
|
Betty A. Baudler Horras
Age 69
|
Ms. Baudler Horras has served as a director of the Company since 2000. She is the President of Baudler Enterprises, Inc., dba Sign Pro, a sign and graphics business located in Ames, Iowa, and the former owner and General Manager of radio stations KASI and KCCQ located in Ames, Iowa, and KIKD located in Carroll, Iowa. She has served on the board of directors of First National Bank since 1991.
|
| |
|
|
Patrick G. Hagan
Age 66
|
Mr. Hagan has served as a director of the Company since 2017 and on May 12, 2022 was elected as Chairman of the Board. He retired in 2019 last serving as the Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Fareway Stores, Inc., a privately owned company operating grocery stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska. Prior to joining Fareway, he was an Executive Vice President and director of Citizens National Bank in Boone, Iowa for five years. Mr. Hagan has served on the board of directors of Boone Bank & Trust Co. since 2015.
|
Board Recommendation
The Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the election of each of the foregoing nominees to the Board.
Required Vote
The three nominees who receive the greatest number of votes “FOR” their election will be elected to the Board, regardless of whether any individual nominee receives votes from a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting. Brokers or other nominees who hold shares in “street name”, and who have not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares, will have no discretionary authority to vote on the election of directors.
Directors Continuing in Office
Set forth below is certain information with respect to directors of the Company who will continue to serve subsequent to the Meeting and who are not nominees for election at the Meeting.
| Terms Expiring in 2024 |
|
| |
|
|
Lisa M. Eslinger
Age 60
|
Ms. Eslinger has served as a director of the Company since 2015. She serves as the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Iowa State University Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation as Controller in 1998, she was a senior manager with the international public accounting firm KPMG LLP, providing audit and consulting services to governmental and not-for-profit entities. She has served on the board of directors of First National Bank since 2011.
|
| |
|
|
Steven D. Forth
Age 72
|
Mr. Forth has served as a director of the Company since 2007. He owns and operates a large row crop farm in western Story County, Iowa. He has served on the board of directors of Reliance State Bank since 1999.
|
| |
|
|
James R. Larson II
Age 71
|
Mr. Larson has served as a director of the Company since 2000. He is President of Larson Development Corporation, a real estate development and property management company located in Ames, Iowa. He retired in 2004 from ACI Mechanical, Inc., a commercial and industrial mechanical contracting and engineering company of which he served as President. He has served on the board of directors of First National Bank since 1994.
|
| |
|
|
John L. Pierschbacher
Age 63
|
Mr. Pierschbacher has served as a director of the Company since 2018. He was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company in 2018 after having served as Controller since 2008. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pierschbacher served as a director with RSM, US LLP, and as Chief Financial Officer of a publicly traded bank holding company in Iowa. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Boone Bank & Trust Co and Reliance State Bank.
|
| Terms Expiring in 2025 |
|
| |
|
|
David W. Benson
Age 71
|
Mr. Benson has served as a director of the Company since 2011. He retired in 2022 from Nyemaster Goode, P.C, a law firm in Ames, Iowa, of which he served as an attorney assisting clients in real estate, estate planning, estate and trust settlement, tax planning and charitable giving matters. He retired from the board of directors of First National Bank in 2022 after having served as a director since 2008.
|
|
Michelle R. Cassabaum
Age 55
|
Ms. Cassabaum has served as a director of the Company since 2019. She is the Chief Operating and Financial Officer and is a cofounder of 21st Century Rehab P.C., a provider of physical therapy services with offices predominately located in central Iowa. She has served on the board of directors of State Bank & Trust Co. since 2004.
|
| |
|
|
John P. Nelson
Age 56
|
Mr. Nelson has served as a director of the Company since 2013. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 2018 after having served as the Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company since 1999. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of State Bank & Trust Co., and United Bank & Trust Co. Mr. Nelson also serves on the board of directors of First National Bank and Iowa State Savings Bank.
|
| |
|
|
Kevin L. Swartz
Age 63
|
Mr. Swartz has served as a director of the Company since 2016. He retired in 2020, last serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Wolfe Clinic PC, a medical clinic headquartered in Marshalltown, Iowa that specializes in treating eye conditions. Mr. Swartz continues as a special project consultant for Wolfe Clinic, PC. Mr. Swartz has served on the board of directors of United Bank & Trust Co. since 2003. |
None of the directors or nominees currently serves, or has served in the past five years, as a director of another company whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or a company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. There are no family relationships among the Company’s directors, nominees for director and executive officers.
Director Qualifications
Under rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company is required to describe the experience and qualifications of those persons serving as directors or nominated for election as directors. The Nominating Committee, which is charged with the responsibility of evaluating nominees for director, has historically sought individuals with prior experience in business, professional practice or government, a commitment to community involvement and, perhaps most importantly, prior service as a member of the board of directors of one of the Banks. Experience gained through these pursuits is viewed by the Nominating Committee as a strong indication that individuals nominated for election as directors will possess the attributes for successful service as a member of the Board.
● Mmes. Baudler Horras and Cassabaum and Messrs. Forth, Hagan, Larson and Swartz all have substantial business experience as the owner and/or a senior executive officer of a small or medium-sized business enterprise through which they have obtained, to varying degrees, knowledge with respect to financial and accounting matters, operational matters, risk management issues, marketing issues and human resources issues. Ms. Eslinger and Mr. Baker each possess a high level of qualification with respect to financial and accounting matters based, respectively, on her experience as the senior financial officer of the Iowa State University Foundation and as a former senior manager of a public accounting firm and his experience as an audit partner with RSM US LLP specializing in the banking and financial services industries. Mr. Benson has practiced business, real estate and trust and estate law for over 44 years and contributes his legal and business knowledge to the Board. Mr. Nelson was a commissioned bank examiner for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation prior to joining the Company as Auditor in 1993 and brings a high level of qualification with respect to banking, accounting and regulatory matters, as well as his many years of service as the Company’s senior financial officer. Mr. Pierschbacher also brings a high level of qualification with respect to banking, accounting and regulatory matters as he has considerable experience as a senior bank officer of publicly traded bank holding companies and as a director of a public accounting firm.
● Each of the directors and nominees has demonstrated active involvement in the community in which he or she resides, all of which are included in the trade areas in which the Banks conduct their business operations. This demonstrated commitment to community involvement is important to the Company as the directors are viewed as key links to clients and prospective clients, as well as furthering the reputation of the Banks in those communities.
● Each of the directors and nominees, with the exception of Mr. Pierschbacher, has served on the board of directors of one of the Banks prior to his or her election to the Board of the Company. This prior experience is highly desired for members of the Board, as it enables the individual to become familiar with the Company’s practices and business philosophy, as well as the financial and operational aspects of a financial institution, before accepting a position on the Board of the Company. Prior service on the board of a Bank has also enabled the Nominating Committee to assess the performance of the individual as a director of a Bank and to determine that such performance merits elevation to the Board of the Company.
Proposal 2 – Advisory Vote on Compensation of Named Executive Officers
The Company is requesting shareholder approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers for 2022 as listed in the Summary Compensation Table (appearing in this Proxy Statement). The Board and the Personnel Committee have developed and administer an executive compensation program that is described more fully under the “Executive Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement, including the Summary Compensation Table and related narrative discussion. This proposal, commonly known as a “say on pay” proposal, gives shareholders the opportunity, on a non-binding advisory basis, to approve, reject or abstain from voting with respect to the Company’s executive compensation program and the compensation paid to the named executive officers during 2022.
As described in the “Narrative Discussion of Summary Compensation Table” section of this Proxy Statement, the primary objective of the Company’s executive compensation program is to provide a fair and competitive compensation package that will enable the Company to compete for and retain talented executives who will enhance the Company’s ability to continue its history of steady growth and financial stability, thereby increasing shareholder value over the long-term. The Board and the Personnel Committee believe that the executive compensation program promotes a performance-based culture and aligns the interests of the named executive officers with those of the shareholders by linking a substantial portion of their compensation to the Company’s performance. The advisory vote will serve as an additional tool to guide the Board and the Personnel Committee in aligning the executive compensation program with the interests of the Company and its shareholders and is consistent with the Board’s commitment to the observance of high standards of corporate governance. The Company is accordingly requesting the vote of the shareholders on the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Ames National Corporation approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of its named executive officers for 2022 as disclosed in this Proxy Statement (which disclosure includes the Summary Compensation Table and the related narrative discussion contained in this Proxy Statement).
Because the vote on this proposal is advisory in nature, it will not affect any compensation already paid or awarded to any named executive officer and will not be binding on or overrule any decision by the Board; nor will it create or imply any additional fiduciary duty on the part of the Board. The Board and the Personnel Committee value the opinions of the shareholders and will take into account the outcome of the advisory vote when considering future compensation arrangements for the named executive officers.
Board Recommendation
The Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers for 2022 as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
Required Vote
The “say on pay” proposal will be approved if the number of votes cast “FOR” the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast “AGAINST” the proposal. Shares which abstain from voting on this proposal, as well as broker non-votes, will not be counted as votes cast and will not affect the outcome.
Proposal 3 – Advisory Vote on Frequency of Future Shareholder Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation
The Company is requesting shareholder approval, on an advisory basis, as to whether the Company should conduct future shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held every year, every second year or every third year. This proposal, commonly known as a “say on frequency” proposal, gives shareholders the opportunity, on a non-binding advisory basis, to vote on the frequency with which the Company should conduct an advisory vote on executive compensation by selecting the vote to be held every year, every second year, every third year or by abstaining from voting on this proposal.
After careful consideration of the alternatives, the Board has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years, or a triennial vote, is the best approach for the Company based upon a number of considerations, including the following:
| |
●
|
The Company’s executive compensation program is based on a “pay for performance” philosophy, with a significant portion of each named executive officer’s total compensation dependent on the Company’s results of operations for the year. The Board believes that the compensation results for the named executive officers should be judged based on longer-term operating results of the Company, and not simply on an annual basis, and a triennial advisory vote is consistent with this view.
|
| |
●
|
The executive compensation program has resulted in levels of compensation that are relatively modest in comparison to compensation paid by other public companies in the financial services industry and the Board believes that a triennial vote will provide the shareholders with a sufficient voice in the Company’s executive compensation practices.
|
| |
●
|
A triennial vote gives the Board and the Personnel Committee sufficient time to thoughtfully respond to shareholder views as expressed through previous advisory votes and to implement any necessary changes to its executive compensation program.
|
| |
●
|
The Board is available to engage with shareholders on matters of executive compensation in between the recommended triennial advisory votes. As noted elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, shareholders may communicate directly with the Board, including on issues of executive compensation.
|
As an advisory vote, this proposal will not be binding on the Company and will not create or imply any additional fiduciary duty on the part of the Board. The Board, however, values the opinions expressed by the shareholders through their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making a determination as the frequency of future shareholder advisory votes for approval of executive compensation.
Board Recommendation
The Board unanimously recommends a vote of “THREE YEARS” with respect to the frequency of future shareholder advisory votes for approval of executive compensation.
Required Vote
The advisory vote regarding the frequency of future shareholder votes for approval of executive compensation will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast. Shares which abstain from voting on this proposal, as well as broker non-votes, will not be counted as votes cast and will not affect the outcome.
Proposal 4 – Ratification of Appointment of Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee of the Board has appointed FORVIS, LLP (“FORVIS”) to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit its consolidated financial statements for 2023. During 2022, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (“CLA”) served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and also provided certain tax and other non-audit services. However, CLA informed the Company during 2022 that CLA would cease providing certain audit services upon completion of the 2022 audit cycle, resulting in the Audit Committee’s appointment of FORVIS, as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm commencing with the 2023 audit cycle. Although the Company is not required to seek shareholder approval of this appointment, the Board believes it to be sound corporate governance to do so. If the appointment is not ratified, the Audit Committee will investigate the reasons for shareholder rejection and will reconsider the appointment. A representatives of FORVIS is expected to attend the Meeting, where they will be able to respond to questions and, if they desire, make a statement.
Board Recommendation
The Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” ratification of the appointment of FORVIS as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2023.
Required Vote
The proposal to ratify the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm will be approved if the number of votes cast “FOR” the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast “AGAINST” the proposal. Shares which abstain from voting on this proposal will not be counted as votes cast and will not affect the outcome. Brokers or other nominees who hold shares in “street name”, and who do not receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares, will have discretionary voting authority on this proposal and shares voted by such brokers or nominees will be counted in determining the outcome of this matter.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Directors and Named Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of February 28, 2023, by each director of the Company, each nominee for director, each executive officer of the Company or the Banks named in the Summary Compensation Table included herein (the “named executive officers”) and by all directors and executive officers (including the named executive officers) as a group.
|
Name
|
|
Shares Beneficially
Owned (1)(2)
|
|
Percent of Total
Shares Outstanding
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffery C. Baker(5)
|
|
1,417
|
|
*
|
|
Betty A. Baudler Horras(3)
|
|
24,850
|
|
*
|
|
Scott T. Bauer(4) (5)
|
|
278,102
|
|
3.09%
|
|
David W. Benson(6)
|
|
15,401
|
|
*
|
|
Michelle R. Cassabaum
|
|
3,883
|
|
*
|
|
Lisa M. Eslinger
|
|
2,653
|
|
*
|
|
Steven D. Forth(5)
|
|
2,920
|
|
*
|
|
Patrick G. Hagan(7)
|
|
12,300
|
|
*
|
|
James R. Larson II (8)
|
|
42,300
|
|
*
|
|
John P. Nelson (9)
|
|
280,470
|
|
3.12%
|
|
John L. Pierschbacher(10)
|
|
6,900
|
|
*
|
|
Thomas H. Pohlman (11)
|
|
17,334
|
|
*
|
|
Kevin L. Swartz(5)
|
|
4,080
|
|
*
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (12)
|
|
477,110
|
|
5.31%
|
Notes:
|
*
|
Indicates ownership of less than 1% of outstanding shares.
|
| |
(1)
|
Shares “beneficially owned” includes, in addition to shares directly owned by the named individual, shares owned by or for the benefit of, among others, the spouse and/or minor children of the named individual and any other relative who has the same home as such individual, as well as other shares with respect to which the named individual has sole investment or voting power or shares investment or voting power. Beneficial ownership may be disclaimed as to certain of the shares.
|
| |
(2)
|
Except as otherwise indicated in the following notes, each named individual owns his or her shares directly and has sole investment and voting power with respect to such shares.
|
| |
(3)
|
Includes 3,200 shares held in her spouse’s name over which she has shared investment and voting power.
|
| |
(4)
|
Includes: (i) 7,128 shares held by the Ames National Corporation 401(k) Plan (the “Company 401(k) Plan”) for the benefit of Mr. Bauer over which he has sole investment and voting power in his personal capacity; and (ii) shares over which Mr. Bauer has sole or shared investment and/or voting power in his capacity as trust officer of First National Bank for various trust clients, as follows:
|
|
Shares Held By:
|
Investment Power
|
Voting Power
|
|
Various First National Bank Trust Clients
|
256,140
|
(sole) |
584
|
(sole) |
|
Various First National Bank Trust Clients
|
7,470
|
(shared) |
3,891
|
(shared) |
Mr. Bauer disclaims any pecuniary interest in shares reported in the preceding table. Beneficial ownership of shares over which Mr. Bauer has sole or shared investment and/or voting power in his capacity as a trust officer have also been reported below under the holdings of Mr. Nelson who also acts in a trust officer capacity for First National Bank.
| |
(5)
|
Consists of, or includes, shares held jointly with his or her spouse over which he or she has shared investment and voting power.
|
| |
(6)
|
Includes: (i) 7,700 shares held in an individual retirement account (IRA) (ii) 1,000 shares held by his spouse’s IRA over which he has shared investment and voting power and (iii) 6,701 shares held in the name of David and Susan Benson Revocable Trust over which he has shared investment and voting power .
|
| |
(7)
|
Includes; (i) 5,635 shares held through individual retirement accounts (IRA) over which Mr. Hagan has sole or shared investment and voting power (ii) 50 shares held by his spouse’s IRA over which he has shared investment and voting power (iii) 6,500 shares held jointly with his spouse over which he has shared investment and voting power and (iv) 115 shares held in an IRA over which he has shared investment and voting power.
|
| |
(8)
|
Consists of: (i) 31,800 shares held in the name of James R. & Teresa B. Larson Revocable Trust dated November 28, 1990, James R. & Teresa B. Larson Trustees over which he has shared investment and voting power and (ii) 10,500 shares held through individual retirement accounts (IRA) over which Mr. Larson has sole investment and voting power.
|
| |
(9)
|
Includes: (i) 12,385 shares held by the Company 401(k) Plan for the benefit of Mr. Nelson over which he has sole investment and voting power in his personal capacity; and (ii) shares over which Mr. Nelson has sole or shared investment and/or voting power in his capacity as trust officer of First National Bank for various trust clients, as follows:
|
|
Shares Held By:
|
Investment Power
|
Voting Power
|
|
Various First National Bank Trust Clients
|
256,140
|
(sole) |
584
|
(sole) |
|
Various First National Bank Trust Clients
|
7,470
|
(shared) |
3,891
|
(shared) |
Mr. Nelson disclaims any pecuniary interest in shares reported in the preceding table. Beneficial ownership of shares over which Mr. Nelson has sole or shared investment and/or voting power in his capacity as a trust officer have also been reported under the holdings of Mr. Bauer who also acts in a trust officer capacity for First National Bank.
| |
(10)
|
Consists of shares held through an individual retirement account (IRA) over which Mr. Pierschbacher has sole investment and voting power.
|
| |
(11)
|
Includes: (i) 3,299 shares held by the Company 401(k) Plan for the benefit of Mr. Pohlman over which he has sole investment and voting power (ii) 1,000 shares held through an individual retirement account (IRA) over which Mr. Pohlman has sole investment and voting power and (iii) 13,035 shares held jointly with his spouse over which he has shared investment and voting power.
|
| |
(12)
|
Includes, in addition to shares beneficially owned by the directors and named executive officers, a total of 17,157 shares beneficially owned by six other executive officers of the Company or the Banks for whom disclosure of individual share ownership is not required, including 8,557 shares held by the Company 401(k) Plan for their benefit over which they have sole investment and voting power. An additional 35,409 shares owned by trust clients of State Bank & Trust Co. are also included in this total, as one of the executive officers exercises shared investment and voting power in his capacity as trust officer of State Bank & Trust Co. which serves as trustee of the trusts.
|
Other Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth certain information on each person who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner, as of February 28, 2023, of more than five percent of the Common Stock.
|
Name and Address
|
|
Shares
Beneficially Owned
|
|
Percent of Total
Shares Outstanding
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Fourthstone LLC(1)
575 Maryville Centre Drive, Suite 110
St. Louis, MO 63141
|
|
719,162
|
|
8.0%
|
Note:
| |
(1)
|
This information is based solely on the contents of a Schedule 13G filed by Fourthstone LLC and its affiliated investment funds on February 14, 2023, indicating beneficial ownership of 719,162 shares, with shared voting and dispositive power over all such shares.
|
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the directors and executive officers of the Company and the holders of more than ten percent of the Common Stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports regarding their ownership and changes in ownership of the Common Stock. The Company believes that during 2022 its directors and executive officers complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements. In making the foregoing statement, the Company has relied upon an examination of the copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 provided to the Company and on the written representations of its directors and executive officers. The Company, to its knowledge, does not have any holder of more than ten percent of the Common Stock.
Policy on Hedging Transactions
The Company’s insider trading policy prohibits all directors and employees of the Company, including the Company’s executive officers, and their family members from engaging in short sales of the Company’s securities (including its Common Stock) or trading in any interest or position that relates to the future price of Company securities, including instruments that are designed to hedge against or offset price declines of Company securities, such as prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, exchange funds or put or call options on Company securities.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company qualifies as a “smaller reporting company” under rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the Company is providing executive compensation disclosure that satisfies the requirements applicable to the Company in its status as a smaller reporting company. The Company’s named executive officers for 2022 are:
| |
●
|
John P. Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
|
| |
●
|
John L. Pierschbacher, Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
|
| |
●
|
Scott T. Bauer, President of First National Bank.
|
Messrs. Nelson and Pierschbacher are employed by the Company and are sometimes referred to below as a "Company Executive", while Mr. Bauer is employed by First National Bank and is sometimes referred to below as a "Bank Executive." Together, the three executives are referred to below as the “Executive Officers.”
Summary Compensation Table for 2022
The following table sets forth information concerning all forms of compensation paid to or earned by the following Executive Officers during 2022 and 2021.
|
Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary(1)
($)
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(2)
($)
|
All Other
Compensation(3)
($)
|
Total (4)
($)
|
|
John P. Nelson
President of the Company
|
2022
2021
|
$369,460
$355,160
|
$60,760
$94,563
|
$18,300
$17,400
|
$448,520
$467,123
|
|
John L. Pierschbacher
Chief Financial Officer of the Company
|
2022
2021
|
$235,040
$220,090
|
$45,571
$70,921
|
$13,815
$19,933
|
$294,426
$310,944
|
|
Scott T. Bauer
President of First National Bank
|
2022
2021
|
$254,020
$242,060
|
$41,677
$67,370
|
$20,291
$19,933
|
$315,988
$329,363
|
Notes:
| |
1)
|
Amounts reported in this column represent the base salary paid to each Executive Officer during 2022 and 2021.
|
| |
2)
|
Amounts reported in this column represent the total amount of incentive compensation paid to each Executive Officer during 2022 and 2021, consisting of deferred salary and, if applicable, performance awards under the Company’s management incentive compensation plan (discussed on the following pages). During 2022, Mr. Nelson earned deferred salary of $34,649 and performance awards of $26,111 for total incentive compensation of $60,760; Mr. Pierschbacher earned deferred salary of $25,987 and performance awards of $19,584 for total incentive compensation of $45,571; and Mr. Bauer earned deferred salary of $26,920 and performance awards of $14,757 for total incentive compensation of $41,677. During 2021, Mr. Nelson earned deferred salary of $36,656 and performance awards of $57,907 for total incentive compensation of $94,563; Mr. Pierschbacher earned deferred salary of $27,492 and performance awards of $43,429 for total incentive compensation of $70,921; and Mr. Bauer earned deferred salary of $24,594 and performance awards of $42,776 for total incentive compensation of $67,370.
|
| |
3)
|
Amounts reported in this column for 2022 represent employer contributions of $18,300, $11,410 and $17,886 to the Company 401(k) Plan paid for Mr. Nelson, Mr. Pierschbacher and Mr. Bauer, respectively. In addition, Mr. Pierschbacher and Mr. Bauer each received a cash payment of $2,405 under the applicable Bank Director Stock Incentive Plan (discussed in Note 2 to the Director Compensation Table.) Amounts reported in this column for 2021 represent employer contributions to the Company 401(k) Plan for each Executive Officer and for Mr. Pierschbacher and Mr. Bauer a cash payment of $2,533 under the applicable Bank Director Stock Incentive Plan.
|
| |
4)
|
Amounts reported in this column consist of total compensation paid to each Executive Officer during 2022 and 2021, calculated by adding the figures appearing in the Salary column, the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column and the All Other Compensation column for each Executive Officer.
|
Narrative Discussion of Summary Compensation Table
General
The Company compensates its Executive Officers through a combination of base salary, deferred salary, cash performance awards, and other benefits. Each of the Executive Officers has substantial responsibilities in connection with the day-to-day operations of the Company or a Bank.
Compensation Philosophy
The Company’s focus is on sound, profitable growth through engaging its employees and customers to create shareholder value. The Company’s executive compensation program contributes to this focus by rewarding the Executive Officers for the achievement of profitability goals. The Company’s objective is to provide compensation that is fair to the Executive Officers, focused on performance, and aligned with the long-term best interests of its shareholders and customers.
Components of the Compensation Program
The executive compensation program, as administered through the Management Incentive Compensation (MIC) Plan, consists of total salary (with total salary being divided between base salary and deferred salary) and performance awards. Deferred salary and performance awards are considered to be forms of incentive compensation as they are dependent upon performance as measured against a pre-determined performance target. The components of the MIC Plan are described in greater detail as follows:
● Base salary - This is the portion of total salary not contingent upon performance. Base salary is paid to the Executive Officer in equal bi-weekly installments.
● Deferred salary - This is the portion of total salary that is contingent, in that it is "deferred" until earned through performance by a Bank in the case of a Bank Executive and performance by all the Banks in the case of a Company Executive. The right to receive deferred salary is reviewed on a semi-annual basis (based on performance during the previous two calendar quarters) and, if earned, is paid in June and December of each year. If the review indicates the performance target has been achieved for the semi-annual period, the Executive Officer will receive all the deferred salary for which he was eligible during the period. If, on the other hand, the review indicates the performance target was not satisfied, the amount of deferred salary to be paid will be reduced in accordance with a formula contained in the MIC Plan and could be forfeited entirely in the event actual performance trails targeted performance by an amount which results in an elimination of the deferred salary for the period. Any deferred salary not earned during the particular semi-annual period for which it was established will be forfeited and not carried over to the following period. The deferred salary component can, in essence, be viewed as placing a portion of total salary "at risk" in that the Executive Officer must work with his management team to achieve a level of performance that is adequate, based on the performance target, to earn all deferred salary for which he is eligible.
● Performance awards - Performance awards are additional incentive compensation an Executive Officer is eligible to earn (over and above deferred salary) upon exceeding the performance target for a Bank in the case of a Bank Executive or, in the case of a Company Executive, exceeding the performance targets of one or more of the Banks. The right to receive a performance award is also reviewed on a semi-annual basis (based on performance during the previous two calendar quarters) and, if earned, is paid in June and December of each year. If the review determines actual performance has exceeded the performance target (which is established at the same level as used for purposes of determining entitlement to deferred salary), the Executive Officer will receive a performance award, the amount of which is calculated in accordance with a formula contained in the MIC Plan and is dependent upon the amount by which actual performance has exceeded targeted performance. As with deferred salary, any performance award not earned during the particular semi-annual period for which it was established will be forfeited and not carried over to the following period.
There are two additional components of the Company’s compensation program, neither of which are encompassed within the scope of the MIC Plan and both of which provide for broad-based participation by eligible employees of the Company and the Banks, as follows:
● 401(k) Plan - The Ames National Corporation 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “Company 401(k) Plan”) is a defined contribution plan in which participating employees (including the Executive Officers) are eligible to receive a matching employer contribution of up to 6% of total compensation (assuming an employee contribution of at least 3%).
● Bank Awards - The “Bank Award” program is an incentive arrangement covering most Company and Bank employees eligible to participate in the Company 401(k) Plan. Under this program, participating employees are eligible to receive additional cash compensation based on the profitability of their employer (with profitability being determined in accordance with the formula contained in the MIC Plan, including the use of the same performance target). The Executive Officers do not participate in this program.
Compensation Process and Decisions for 2022
In determining compensation on an annual basis, the Board, based on recommendation of the Personnel Committee, must establish the parameters required under the terms of the MIC Plan to implement the three components of executive compensation discussed above. These parameters consist of: (i) performance criteria for each Bank which are used to determine entitlement to deferred salary and performance awards; (ii) an allocation percentage for each Executive Officer which is also used in determining entitlement to deferred salary and performance awards; and (iii) total salary for each Executive Officer which, as noted above, is divided between base salary and deferred salary. The following is a description of the process by which these parameters are established and the manner in which the three components of compensation under the MIC Plan interact in determining compensation for the Executive Officers:
● Performance criteria - Performance criteria are established by the Personnel Committee for each Bank to define the performance target (also known as the "earnings threshold"), as well as a performance "floor" and a performance "cap." Each of these criteria is defined by reference to an appropriate "return on assets” ratio selected by the Personnel Committee. The return on assets ratio is an industry-accepted measure of profitability for which substantial information is available (through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) in the form of Uniform Bank Performance Reports) to enable the Personnel Committee to evaluate the profitability of the Banks as compared to other financial institutions of similar size and characteristics. The performance target is defined by selecting a specific return on assets target that the Personnel Committee views as representing an acceptable level of Bank profitability, such that the Executive Officer will receive all deferred salary to which he was entitled and, in addition, become eligible to receive performance awards based on the amount by which actual performance exceeds the performance target. In establishing the performance target, the Personnel Committee reviews and relies primarily on historical earnings of the Bank and on national and state peer group return on asset ratios of financial institutions of similar size and characteristics as reported by the FDIC. Although the MIC Plan provides that the Banks are generally expected to achieve profitability results above the peer group average, the MIC Plan does not include specific methodology for establishing the performance target (or the margin by which the target should exceed the peer group average, if any) and, ultimately, selection of the appropriate target is a subjective decision of the Personnel Committee. The MIC Plan also requires the Personnel Committee to establish a performance "floor" and a "cap," both of which are also expressed in terms of specific return on asset ratios. Generally, the "floor" and the "cap" are established at equal intervals under and over the performance target selected for each Bank. The "floor" represents a level of profitability sufficiently below the performance target that the Executive Officer should not be entitled to receive any portion of his deferred salary for the year. The "cap," on the other hand, establishes an upper limit on the receipt of additional compensation in the form of performance awards in situations in which the level of Bank profitability has exceeded the performance target.
The Personnel Committee recommended, and the Board approved, the following performance criteria for each Bank for the first and second semi-annual evaluation periods during 2022 (with such criteria being expressed in terms of designated “return on assets” earnings ratios):
| |
Floor
|
|
Target
|
|
Cap
|
|
First Six Months of 2022
|
0.97%
|
|
1.07%
|
|
1.52%
|
|
Second Six Months of 2022
|
0.94%
|
|
1.04%
|
|
1.49%
|
The foregoing performance criteria were established by setting the “target” return on assets ratio for each Bank at the peer group average for the relevant period. An additional margin was not added in 2022 to maintain a competitive total compensation level for the Executive Officers with other financial institutions in the state of Iowa.
Entitlement to deferred salary and performance awards in 2022 was determined by comparing the earnings of each Bank against the performance target. The earnings of each Bank were based on net income of the Bank as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), subject to an addition to net income for the loan loss provision of each Bank (to reverse the effect of the loan loss provision deducted in calculating net income on a GAAP basis) and a deduction in the amount of the net charge-offs for the loan portfolio of each Bank.
● Allocation percentage - An allocation percentage for each Executive Officer is determined by the Personnel Committee for purposes of dividing the "performance award pool" between the executive management team of each Bank and, in the case of the Company Executives, the "performance award pool" of the Company. The performance award pool provides the source for payment of performance awards to an executive management team when the profitability of a Bank has exceeded its performance target, thus resulting in the right to receive performance awards. The performance award pool is an amount equal to 10% of the amount by which the actual earnings exceed the performance target. Each member of the management team is assigned an allocation percentage which, in turn, defines the portion of the performance award pool to which the executive will be entitled as a performance award. Allocation percentages are generally determined based on the level of responsibility within the Bank, with higher allocation percentages being awarded to the president of a Bank and lower allocation percentages being awarded to lower-level executive officers. Allocation percentages typically remain static over time but may be altered as a result of additions or departures to or from the executive management team or to reflect performance.
● Total salary - Total salary (consisting of base salary and deferred salary) of an Executive Officer is established on an annual basis by the Board upon recommendation of the Personnel Committee. In establishing total salary, the Personnel Committee reviews individual performance, Bank performance in the case of a Bank Executive and Company performance (including performance of all the Banks) in the case of a Company Executive (primarily in terms of profitability ratios) as compared to peer groups both on a national and state basis. Also reviewed is a compensation survey prepared by the Iowa Bankers Association providing state-wide peer group compensation data by position for similarly sized institutions and for institutions located in communities with similar populations. No specific weight is accorded to the various factors considered, and the total salary established is ultimately a subjective decision of the Board based upon recommendation of the Personnel Committee. The Personnel Committee does not maintain any policy or practice with respect to the level within the range of peer group salaries at which an Executive Officer will be compensated. Although the allocation of total salary between base salary and deferred salary is accomplished through use of a formula outlined in the MIC Plan, the Personnel Committee takes the proposed allocation into account when establishing total salary. Under the MIC Plan, deferred salary is determined according to a formula based on the average assets of the particular Bank (as calculated for the two quarters ended September 30 of the year prior to the year for which compensation is being determined). For 2022, the formula provided that deferred salary would be an amount equal to $100 for each $1 million of average assets of the Bank multiplied by the allocation percentage assigned to the Executive Officer. By way of example, if the average assets of a Bank for the previous two quarters were $350 million and the Executive Officer's allocation percentage was 20%, the portion of that Executive Officer's total salary deferred would be equal to $100 x 350 x .20 or $7,000.
Under the MIC Plan, the entitlement to deferred salary and performance awards are reviewed and determined on a semi-annual basis, with such review comparing the actual performance during the two prior calendar quarters against the performance target established under the MIC Plan. The first semi-annual review occurs in May of each year and is based upon results for the fourth quarter of the previous year and the first quarter of the current year. A second semi-annual review occurs in November of each year and is based on results during the second and third quarters of the current year. If the review determines actual performance is below the target, the Executive Officer will receive only a portion of the deferred salary (or no deferred salary at all if actual performance is below the "floor") and no performance award. The reduction in deferred salary is determined by multiplying the Executive Officer's assigned allocation percentage times 10% of the shortfall between the performance target and actual performance for the two quarters. If the review determines actual performance has exceeded the target, the Executive Officer will receive all deferred salary to which he was eligible. In addition, the Executive Officer will receive his allocation percentage of the performance award pool established under the MIC Plan, with such pool being an amount equal to 10% of the amount by which the actual performance exceeded the performance target for the two quarters, subject to the "cap" established by the Personnel Committee over and above which additional performance awards will not be earned.
The determination of whether an Executive Officer is entitled to deferred salary and performance award depends on whether the Executive Officer is a Bank Executive or a Company Executive. For Bank Executives, deferred salary and performance awards are determined solely with respect to the actual performance of the Bank by which the Bank Executive is employed based on a comparison of actual performance to the performance target as described above. In the case of a Company Executive, however, the performance of each Bank is analyzed on an individual basis and the Company Executive will earn or forfeit deferred salary and become entitled to additional performance awards based on a comparison of the actual performance of each Bank to its target performance. Under this approach, a Company Executive could forfeit a portion of his deferred salary and earn no performance award with respect to the performance of one Bank, while earning all deferred salary and additional performance awards based on the performance of another Bank.
Pay Versus Performance
Under newly-adopted rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the following tabular disclosure is required to illustrate the relationship between compensation actually paid to the Company’s principal executive officer (“PEO”) and other named executive officers (“Other NEOs”) and the Company’s performance as measured by total shareholder return and net income.
|
Year
|
Summary
Compensation on
Table Total for
PEO(1)
|
Compensation
on Actually Paid
to PEO(2)
|
Average
Summary on
Table Total for
Non-PEO
Other NEOs(3)
|
Average
Compensation
on Actually Paid
to Non-PEO
Other NEOs(4)
|
Value of Initial
Fixed $100
Investment
Based On:
Total
Shareholder
Return(5)
|
Company
Net Income(6)
|
|
2022
|
$448,520
|
$448,520
|
$305,207
|
$305,207
|
$88.25
|
$19,293,000
|
|
2021
|
$467,123
|
$467,123
|
$320,154
|
$320,154
|
$95.21
|
$23,913,000
|
|
2020
|
$459,139
|
$459,139
|
$299,626
|
$299,626
|
$96.38
|
$18,850,000
|
Notes:
| |
(1)
|
The figures in this column represent the total compensation paid to John P. Nelson, the PEO, for each year as reported in the Summary Compensation Table.
|
| |
(2)
|
The figures in this column represent the compensation actually paid to the PEO for each year. Under SEC rules governing the “pay versus performance” disclosure, total compensation for the PEO as reported in the Summary Compensation Table and as actually paid to the PEO is identical, as no adjustment to these figures in the Summary Compensation Table is required to reflect compensation actually paid to the PEO.
|
| |
(3)
|
The figures in this column represent the average of the total compensation paid to John L. Pierschbacher and Scott T. Bauer, the other NEOs, for each year as reported in the Summary Compensation Table.
|
| |
(4)
|
The figures in this column represent the compensation actually paid to the Other NEOs for each year. Under SEC rules governing the “pay versus performance” disclosure, compensation for the Other NEOs as reported in the Summary Compensation Table and as actually paid to the Other NEOs is also identical, as no adjustment to these figures in the Summary Compensation Table is required to reflect average compensation actually paid to the Other NEOs.
|
| |
(5)
|
The figures in this column represent the cumulative total shareholder return of the Company’ Common Stock as of the end of each year, assuming the investment of $100 in the Common Stock on December 31, 2019. Total shareholder return is calculated based on the change in value for the period designated, assuming the reinvestment of all dividends paid during the period.
|
| |
(6)
|
The figures in this column represent the net income of the Company as reported in its consolidated financial statements for each year.
|
As discussed above in the EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION section of this Proxy Statement, the compensation payable to the PEO and Other NEOs consists primarily of base salary and incentive compensation in the form of deferred salary and performance awards as determined under the MIC Plan. As that discussion also explains, the primary factor in determining the amount of incentive compensation payable to the PEO and Other NEOs is the performance of each Bank relative to the “return on assets” target ratio designated for the Banks under the MIC Plan at the outset of each year. Under the MIC Plan, neither total shareholder return nor net income is a factor in determining entitlement to either form of incentive compensation. As such, there is no direct relationship between compensation actually paid to the PEO or to average compensation actually paid to the Other NEOs, on the one hand, and total shareholder return or net income, on the other hand. However, as demonstrated by the figures in the table above, there is a general degree of correlation between compensation actually paid and these performance measures during the three-year period, in that:
| |
●
|
Compensation actually paid to the PEO declined from $459,139 in 2020 to $448,520 in 2022, and average compensation actually paid to the Other NEOs increased only marginally (by approximately $5,600) from 2020 to 2022, generally reflecting the negative total shareholder return that the Company experienced during the three-year period.
|
| |
●
|
Compensation actually paid to the PEO increased from $459,139 in 2020 to $467,123 in 2021, and average compensation actually paid to the Other NEOs also increased from $299,626 in 2020 to $320,154 in 2021, generally reflecting the increase in net income from $18.8 million in 2020 to $23.9 million in 2021. Conversely, when net income declined from $23.9 million in 2021 to $19.2 million in 2022, compensation actually paid similarly declined, with the PEO’s compensation actually paid decreasing from $467,123 in 2021 to $448,520 in 2022, and average compensation actually paid to the Other NEOs declining from $320,154 in 2021 to $305,207 in 2022.
|
LOANS TO DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Certain directors, nominees for director and executive officers of the Company, their associates or members of their families, were customers of, and have had transactions with, the Banks from time to time in the ordinary course of business, and additional transactions may be expected to take place in the ordinary course of business in the future. All loans and commitments included in such transactions have been made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons. In the opinion of management of the Company, such loan transactions do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving any transaction involving the Company or a Bank which constitutes a “related party transaction” except that any loan made by any of the Banks in the ordinary course of business which would otherwise constitute a related party transaction is not subject to Audit Committee review if the loan is made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-related parties and the loan otherwise meets the requirements of Regulation O of the Federal Reserve System. Approval of a transaction constituting a related party transaction requires a determination by the Audit Committee that the transaction is “fair and reasonable” to the Company, or the Bank involved in the transaction. The requirement for review and approval of related party transactions is set forth in the Audit Committee Charter.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee assists the Board in carrying out its oversight responsibilities for the Company’s financial reporting process, audit process and its internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee also reviews the audited financial statements and recommends to the Board whether the financial statements should be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee is comprised solely of independent directors.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 with management and CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has also discussed with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from CliftonLarsonAllen LLP required by the applicable standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and discussed with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP its independence with respect to the Company. Based on the review and discussions with management and CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2022, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The undersigned members of the Audit Committee have submitted this report.
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James R. Larson, II, Chair
Jeffery C. Baker
Michelle R. Cassabaum
Lisa M. Eslinger
Kevin L. Swartz
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RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (“CLA”), an independent registered public accounting firm, provided professional services to the Company during the year ended December 31, 2022. A representative of CLA is expected to be present at the Meeting. This representative will have the opportunity to make a statement at the Meeting and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
On August 8, 2022, CLA informed the Company that it would decline to stand for re-appointment as the Company’s independent auditor after completion of the audit report for the year ended December 31, 2022 as a result of its determination to cease providing certain audit services upon completion of the 2022 audit cycle. CLA’s audit reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or auditing principles. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no (a) disagreements with CLA on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to CLA’s satisfaction, would have caused CLA to make reference to the subject matter thereof in connection with its reports for such periods, or (b) any “reportable events” required to be disclosed by the Company. In accordance with SEC requirements, the Company provided CLA with a copy of the foregoing disclosures and requested from CLA a letter addressed to the SEC indicating whether it agreed with such disclosures. By letter dated August 12, 2022, CLA acknowledged its agreement with such disclosures.
In light of CLA’s determination to cease providing audit services to the Company, the Audit Committee initiated a process to select a new accounting firm to serve as the Company’s independent public accountant commencing with the 2023 audit cycle and this process culminated in the selection of FORVIS LLP (“FORVIS”) to act in this capacity on November 7, 2022. Prior to retaining FORVIS, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with FORVIS with respect to (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, (ii) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, (iii) any written report or oral advice provided to the Company that FORVIS concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue, or (iv) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” or a “reportable event” as those terms are defined under SEC regulations.
The following table presents professional fees for services rendered by CLA for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
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|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees(1)
|
|
$ |
219,250 |
|
|
$ |
188,000 |
|
|
Audit-Related Fees(2)
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
19,800 |
|
|
Tax Fees (3)
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
22,000 |
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
261,750 |
|
|
$ |
229,800 |
|
Notes:
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(1)
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Audit fees consist of fees for professional services for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and a review of the Company’s quarterly financial reports on Form 10-Q in 2022 and 2021.
|
| |
(2)
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Audit-related fees consist of fees for professional services for an audit of financial statements of the Company 401(k) Plan.
|
| |
(3)
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Tax fees consist of fees for tax consultation and tax compliance services for the Company and its employee benefit plans.
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The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approved all such services provided in 2022. The non-audit services include audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all services and fees for up to one-year, which approval includes the appropriate detail with regard to each particular service and its related fees. In addition, the Audit Committee can be convened on a case-by-case basis to pre-approve any services not anticipated or services whose costs exceed the previously pre-approved amounts.
PROPOSALS BY SHAREHOLDERS
In order for any proposals of shareholders pursuant to the procedures prescribed in Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to be presented as an item of business at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2024, the proposal must be received at the Company’s principal executive offices no later than November 13, 2023. Such proposals will need to comply with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in the Company’s proxy materials. Any shareholder proposal submitted outside the procedures prescribed in Rule 14a-8 shall be considered untimely under the Bylaws unless received at the Company’s principal executive offices no later than November 13, 2023, and unless such proposal contains the information required by the Bylaws. Proposals should be submitted to the Company at its principal executive offices at P.O. Box 846, 405 5th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010, Attention: Secretary. A copy of the Bylaws may be obtained by contacting John L. Pierschbacher, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, at the Company’s principal executive offices or by accessing the Company’s website at www.amesnational.com.
AVAILABILITY OF FORM 10-K REPORT
Copies of the Company’s Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (Form 10-K) including the financial statements and schedules thereto for the year ended December 31, 2022 (except for exhibits), will be mailed when available without charge to a holder of shares of the Common Stock upon written request directed to John L. Pierschbacher, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Ames National Corporation, P.O. Box 846, 405 5th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010.
OTHER MATTERS
Management of the Company knows of no matters which will be presented for consideration at the Meeting other than those stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting which is part of this Proxy Statement, nor does management intend itself to present any other business. If any other matters do properly come before the Meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote thereon in accordance with their judgment. The persons named in the proxy will also have the power to vote for the adjournment of the Meeting from time to time.
At the annual meeting of shareholders held in 2017, the shareholders of the Company voted, on an advisory basis, to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation every three (3) years. The Board, based on the results of the shareholder advisory vote, approved the frequency of an advisory vote on executive compensation every three (3) years. The most recent advisory vote on executive compensation occurred at the annual meeting of shareholders held in 2020. Consistent with the three-year schedule, shareholders are being asked to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation at the Meeting, as well as an advisory vote on the frequency of future shareholder advisory votes for approval of executive compensation.
A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, has been posted on the Company’s website at www.amesnational.com, together with a copy of this Proxy Statement. Such report is not incorporated in this Proxy Statement and is not to be considered a part of the proxy soliciting material.
The Report of the Audit Committee (including the reference to the independence of the Audit Committee members) and the Pay versus Performance Table contained herein are not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any prior or future filings made by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such information by reference.
Grafico Azioni Ames National (NASDAQ:ATLO)
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Da Mag 2024 a Giu 2024
Grafico Azioni Ames National (NASDAQ:ATLO)
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Da Giu 2023 a Giu 2024
