SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant (X)
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ( )
Check the appropriate box:
( ) Preliminary Proxy Statement ( ) Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
(X) Definitive Proxy Statement
( ) Definitive Additional Materials
( ) Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
(X) No fee required
( ) Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5) Total fee paid:
( ) Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
( ) Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
2) Form, Schedule, or Registration Statement No.:
3) Filing Party:
4) Date Filed:
<PAGE>
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
109 N. COMMERCE STREET
PO BOX 400
CENTREVILLE, MARYLAND 21617
(410) 758-1600
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Shore
Bancshares, Inc. will be held at The Centreville National Bank of Maryland, 109
North Commerce Street, Centreville, Maryland. The meeting will convene at 6:15
p.m., local time, with a social beginning at 5:30 p.m., local time, on Tuesday,
April 20, 1999, for the following purposes:
1. To elect four Class I Directors to Bancshares' Board of
Directors to serve until the 2000 Annual Meeting.
2. To elect four Class II Directors to Bancshares' Board of
Directors to serve until the 2001 Annual Meeting.
3. To elect four Class III Directors to Bancshares' Board of
Directors to serve until the 2002 Annual Meeting.
4. To ratify the appointment of Stegman & Company as independent
certified public accountants of Shore Bancshares, Inc. for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 1999.
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before
the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 1999, will be
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. All stockholders are cordially
invited to attend the meeting in person. Those who cannot attend are urged to
promptly sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy in the envelope provided for
that purpose. A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock must be
represented at the meeting, either in person or by proxy, in order to transact
business. WHETHER YOU OWN A FEW OR MANY SHARES, YOUR PROXY IS IMPORTANT IN
FULFILLING THIS REQUIREMENT. Returning your proxy does not deprive you of your
right to attend the meeting and to vote your shares in person.
By order of the Board of Directors
Mary Catherine Quimby
Secretary to the Board of Directors
March 22, 1999
<PAGE>
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE>
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
109 NORTH COMMERCE STREET
PO BOX 400
CENTREVILLE, MARYLAND 21617
(410) 758-1600
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by Shore
Bancshares, Inc. ("Bancshares") of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on April 20, 1999, at 6:15 p.m., local time, with a
social beginning at 5:30 p.m., local time, at The Centreville National Bank of
Maryland (the "Bank"), 109 North Commerce Street, Centreville, Maryland, and at
any adjournment thereof. The expense of preparing, printing, and mailing the
proxies and solicitation materials will be borne by Bancshares. In addition to
solicitations by mail, Bancshares may solicit proxies in person or by telephone,
and arrange for brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries
to send proxies and proxy material to their principals at the expense of
Bancshares. The approximate date on which this proxy statement and attached form
of proxy will be mailed to stockholders is March 22, 1999.
Holders of record at the close of business on March 8, 1999 (the "Record Date")
of outstanding shares of Bancshares Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
("Common Stock") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. As of
February 22, 1999, the number of shares of outstanding Common Stock entitled to
vote is 1,913,516 shares. In addition to the number of shares outstanding,
options underlying 1,523 shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan were
granted and are immediately exercisable subject to certain conditions. Each
share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote. There is no cumulative voting.
Shares represented by any proxy properly executed and received pursuant to this
solicitation will be voted in accordance with the directions of the stockholder;
if no direction is given, the proxy will be voted for proposals 1 through 4 and
in the discretion of management as to any other matters that may properly come
before the meeting.
The proxy may be revoked by a stockholder at any time prior to its use by
execution of another proxy bearing a later date, by written notice to any of the
persons named in the proxy, at Bancshares' address, or by oral or written
statement at the meeting.
Holders of Common Stock will be asked (1) to elect four Class I Directors to
Bancshares' Board of Directors to serve until the 2000 Annual meeting; (2) elect
four Class II Directors to Bancshares' Board of Directors to serve until the
2001 Annual Meeting; (3) elect four Class III Directors to Bancshares' Board of
Directors to serve until the 2002 Annual Meeting, and (4) to ratify the
appointment of Stegman & Company as independent certified public accountants of
Bancshares and the Bank for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table reflects the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by
directors, executive officers and by shareholders known to management to own
beneficially 5% or more Common Stock as of February 22, 1999, and includes all
shares of Common Stock that may be acquired by such persons within 60 days of
the Record Date. The address of each of the persons named below is the address
of Bancshares.
Page 1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF
SHARES CLASS
TITLE OF CLASS NAME BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY
OWNED OWNED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Par Value $0.01 J. Robert Barton 13,232 (1) 0.69
Common Stock Paul M. Bowman 3,575 (2) 0.19
David C. Bryan 6,208 (3) 0.32
Daniel T. Cannon 3,415 (4) 0.18
B. Vance Carmean, Jr. 18,024 (5) 0.94
Mark M. Freestate 5,160 (6) 0.27
Thomas K. Helfenbein 150 (7) 0.01
Neil R. LeCompte 536 0.03
Susanne K. Nuttle 500 0.03
Jerry F. Pierson 4,503 (8) 0.23
William Maurice Sanger 10,868 (9) 0.57
Walter E. Schmidt 6,652 (10) 0.35
ALL DIRECTORS 72,823 3.81
====== ====
ALL DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE 73,281 3.83
====== ====
OFFICERS AS A GROUP (13 PERSONS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1. Includes 13,032 Shares held by Louise L. Barton as an individual.
2. Includes 120 Shares held by David A. Bowman as individual; 484 Shares held
by Elaine M. Bowman as an individual; 120 Shares held by Erin Reynolds
Bowman as an individual; 120 Shares held by Jeffrey P. Bowman as an
individual; 606 Shares held by Paul M. Bowman, Trustee of the Harry Price
Phillips Trust; 975 Shares held jointly by Thelma B. Gaines and Paul M.
Bowman; 300 Shares held by Paul M. Bowman under an Individual Retirement
Account arrangement; and 300 Shares held by Elaine M. Bowman under an
Individual Retirement Account arrangement.
3. Includes 1,776 Shares held by Barbara C. Bryan as an individual.
4. Includes 1,815 Shares held as Tenants by the Entireties by Daniel T. Cannon
and Sandra F. Cannon.
5. Includes 9,000 Shares held by Kathleen H. Carmean as an individual.
6. Includes 80 Shares held jointly by Mark M. Freestate and John Stuart
Freestate; 80 Shares held jointly by Mark M. Freestate and William M.
Freestate, II; and 400 Shares held by W. M. Freestate & Son, Inc.
7. Includes 115 Shares held as Tenants by the Entireties by Thomas K.
Helfenbein and Barbara A. Helfenbein.
8. Includes 1,008 Shares held as Tenants by the Entireties by Jerry F. Pierson
and Bonnie K. Pierson.
9. Includes 1,300 Shares held as Tenants by the Entireties by Wm. Maurice
Sanger and Ellen S. Sanger; and 9,568 Shares held as Tenants in Common by
Wm. Maurice Sanger and Ellen S. Sanger.
10. Includes 2,500 Shares held by Nancy R. Schmidt as an individual.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
By resolution of a majority of the entire Board of Directors, the number of
Directors constituting the Board is fixed pursuant to the Articles of
Incorporation of Bancshares, as amended and restated on April 21, 1998.
Directors have been divided into three classes, equal in number, with respect to
the time for which the Directors may hold office. Directors of
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<PAGE>
Class I will hold office for one year or until the first annual election
following their election. Directors of Class II will hold office for two years
or until the second annual election following their election. Directors of Class
III will hold office for three years or until the third annual election
following their election. In each case, Directors are elected until their
successors are duly elected and qualify. At each future annual meeting, the
successors of the class of Directors whose term expires at that time will be
elected to hold office for a term of three years, so that the term of office of
one class of Director will expire in each year. All 12 Directors are, therefore,
up for election at this Annual Meeting.
The names of the nominees, their ages as of April 20, 1999, their principal
occupations and business experience for the past five years, and certain other
information are set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================
NOMINEES TO CLASS I
TERM EXPIRES 2000
(PROPOSAL 1)
===================================================================================================================
NAME AGE INFORMATION REGARDING NOMINEES
- ---- --- ------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Thomas K. Helfenbein 54 Mr. Helfenbein has served as a Bank Director and as a Bancshares
Director since January 1999. He is owner of Tom Helfenbein Funeral
Homes, P.A.; principal of Fleegle - Helfenbein Funeral Home, P.A.;
member of Eastern Shore Genesis, LLC; and president of F.H. & N.
Insurance Agency, a final expense insurance agency.
Susanne K. Nuttle 66 Mrs. Nuttle has served as a Bank Director continuously since 1997, and
as a Bancshares Director since 1998. She was President and Director of
the Kent Savings & Loan Association when the Bank acquired the
financial institution on April 1, 1997. Mrs. Nuttle served as Vice
President of the Bank from April 1, 1997 until she retired on
December 31, 1997.
Wm. Maurice Sanger 54 Mr. Sanger has served as a Bank Director continuously since
1992, and as a Bancshares Director since its formation in
1996. He is president of F.W., Inc., T/A Western Auto, a
retail business; a sales agent for Champion Realty, a real
estate company; president of Cloverbay Development
Corporation, a real estate development and residential
construction corporation.
Walter E. Schmidt 69 Mr. Schmidt has served as a Bank Director continuously since
1987, and as a Bancshares Director since its formation in
1996. He is currently vice president of Schmidt Ventures,
Inc., a farming enterprise. He previously served the same
company in the capacity of president until he retired in
September 1995.
===================================================================================================================
NOMINEES TO CLASS II
TERM EXPIRES 2001
(PROPOSAL 2)
===================================================================================================================
NAME AGE INFORMATION REGARDING NOMINEES
- ---- --- ------------------------------
J. Robert Barton 68 Mr. Barton has served as a Bank Director continuously
since 1981, and as a Bancshares Director since its formation
in 1996. He served as a Senior Vice President of the Bank
from 1979 until July 1, 1992 when he was appointed as
President. He served as President and CEO from July 1, 1992
until June 30, 1995 when he retired.
Page 3
<PAGE>
Paul M. Bowman 51 Mr. Bowman has served as a Bank Director continuously
since 1997, and as a Bancshares Director since 1998. He
served as a Director of the Kent Savings & Loan Association
until the Bank acquired the financial institution on April
1, 1997. He is an attorney in the Law Office of Paul M.
Bowman.
Daniel T. Cannon 49 Mr. Cannon has served as Bank Director continuously since
1986, and as a Bancshares Director since its formation in
1996. He was appointed Comptroller of the Bank in 1978,
served as Cashier and Comptroller of the Bank from 1980
until his appointment as Executive Vice President July 1,
1992. He served as Executive Vice President until July 1,
1995 when he was appointed President, his current position.
Mr. Cannon also serves as President of Bancshares.
Mark M. Freestate 46 Mr. Freestate has served as a Bank Director continuously
since 1982, and as a Bancshares Director since its formation
in 1996. He is the president of W.M. Freestate & Son, Inc.,
an insurance agency located in Centreville, Maryland.
===================================================================================================================
NOMINEES TO CLASS III
TERM EXPIRES 2002
(PROPOSAL 3)
===================================================================================================================
NAME AGE INFORMATION REGARDING NOMINEES
- ---- --- ------------------------------
David C. Bryan 64 Mr. Bryan has served as a Bank Director continuously since
1986, and as a Bancshares Director since its formation in
1996. He is a member in the Law Offices of Fountain, Bryan
and Ritter LLC.
B. Vance Carmean, Jr. 58 Mr. Carmean has served as a Bank Director continuously since
1992, and as a Bancshares Director since its formation in
1996. He is president of Carmean Grain, Inc., a grain
company. He previously served the same company in the
capacity of vice president.
Neil R. LeCompte 58 Mr. LeCompte has served as a Bank Director continuously since 1995,
and as a Bancshares Director since its formation in 1996.
He is a certified public accountant in the accounting office
of Neil R. LeCompte.
Jerry F. Pierson 58 Mr. Pierson has served as a Bank Director continuously since
1980, and as a Bancshares Director since its formation in
1996. He is the president of Jerry F. Pierson, Inc., a
plumbing and heating contracting company.
</TABLE>
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares
of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting
at which a quorum is present. For purposes of the election of directors,
abstentions and broker non-votes do not affect the plurality vote.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ELECTION OF DIRECTORS,
PROPOSALS 1, 2, AND 3.
The Bank, as Bancshares subsidiary, has had in the past, and expects to have in
the future, banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with
directors and executive officers on substantially the same terms, including
interest rates and collateral on loans, as those prevailing at the same time for
comparable transactions with other unaffiliated persons and, in the opinion of
management, these transactions do not and will not involve more than the normal
risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.
Page 4
<PAGE>
Bancshares has the following committees as of December 31, 1998, with the
members listed and the number of meetings held last year indicated:
The Executive Committee, which met 8 times in 1998, consists of B. Vance
Carmean, Jr., as Chairman, Daniel T. Cannon, Jerry F. Pierson, J. Robert Barton,
David C. Bryan, and Walter E. Schmidt. The Executive Committee acts on matters
concerning facilities planning and maintenance of an efficient service delivery
system by investigating and recommending possible expansion activities. The
committee also nominates potential new directors. Pursuant to Article II,
Section 4 of Bancshares' Bylaws, nominations by stockholders may be made by
written request to the Chairman of the Board or the President of Bancshares not
less than 120 days or more than 180 days prior to the date of the meeting. As
described further in Bancshares' Bylaws, the notice must set forth (i) all
information relating to such proposed nominee that is required to be disclosed
in solicitation in Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (including the nominee's written consent); and (ii) certain other
information provided by the stockholder, including the name and address and the
class and number of shares of Banchares' stock that is beneficially owned the
stockholder.
The Audit Committee, which met 4 times in 1998, consists of David C. Bryan, as
Chairman, Neil R. LeCompte, Mark M. Freestate, and Paul M. Bowman. The Audit
Committee reviews the audit policy and program, recommends changes to the Board
of Directors, and recommends the independent certified public accountant to the
Board for Stockholder approval. The committee meets with the internal and
external auditors and reports to the Board on the findings and oversees the
internal control structure of the Bank. The Committee also monitors regulatory
compliance and reporting and makes recommendations to the Board to maintain or
improve the Bank's performance in that area.
The total number of meetings of Bancshares' Board of Directors, including
regularly scheduled and special meetings, which were held during the last full
fiscal year was 9.
The Bank has the following committees as of December 31, 1998, with the members
listed and the number of meetings held last year indicated:
The Bank's Executive Committee, which met 11 times in 1998, consists of Jerry F.
Pierson, as Chairman, Paul M. Bowman, Mark M. Freestate, Neil R. LeCompte, and
William Maurice Sanger. The function of the Bank's Executive Committee is to
direct and transact any business which may properly come before the Board of
Directors, except for such business that the Board only, by law, is authorized
to perform. This committee also reviews and approves loan requests in excess of
lending officers' authorities, reviews charge-offs and additions to the
allowance for loan losses, and reviews the loan policy and other policies
pertinent to the loan function. The committee acts on matters concerning
facilities planning and equipment needs, and maintenance of an efficient service
delivery system. It reviews and recommends salaries, benefit plans, the
personnel policy, and other personnel questions or problems to the Board of
Directors.
The Bank's Asset Liability Committee (ALCO), which met 8 times in 1998, consists
of J. Robert Barton, as Chairman, David C. Bryan, Susanne K. Nuttle, and Walter
Schmidt. Carol I. Brownawell, as CFO, serves on the committee as a non-voting
member. The function of the Bank's ALCO Committee is to monitor the Bank's
exposure to interest rate risk and review deposit and loan pricing. The
committee reviews and recommends earnings' goals for the Bank's approval. The
committee administers the Investment and Asset Liability Management policies and
reviews and recommends policy changes to the Board.
The total number of meetings of the Bank's Board of Directors, including
regularly scheduled and special meetings, which were held during the last full
fiscal year was 18.
No Director during the last full fiscal year attended fewer than 75% of the
aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors of the
Bank and Bancshares (held during the period for which that person has been
Director) and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the
Board on which that person served (during the period served). Outside Directors
receive a fee of $50 for each meeting attended plus an annual retainer
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<PAGE>
of $10,000. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $1,000 and
each Committee Chairman receives an additional fee of $500. Directors receive no
additional compensation for attendance at Bancshares meetings.
Under a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, the Bank permits directors to
defer part of their compensation and fees by investing the deferred income in
insurance policies on the director's life, with the Bank as owner and
beneficiary. The death benefit of such policies will be used by the Bank to fund
the payments to the directors. If the director lives to age 65, the retirement
age defined in the plan, the Bank will begin to pay him / her an amount which
will be calculated at that time in 15 annual payments, based upon the value of
the life insurance policy and existing market conditions. If the director lives
to age 65, but dies before receiving all of the 15 annual payments, the
remaining annual payments will be paid to the director's beneficiary. If a
director retires prior to or after age 65, the annual payments will be
discounted or increased, as the case may be, based on the value of the life
insurance policy. Finally, if the director dies prior to age 65, the annual
payments will be calculated based on the value of the life insurance policy
death benefit and paid in 15 annual payments to the director's beneficiary. No
director deferred any compensation under a non-qualified deferred compensation
plan for the year ended December 31, 1998.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and the
rules promulgated thereunder, Bancshares' executive officers and directors are
required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of their
ownership of Common Stock. Based solely on a review of copies of such reports
furnished to Bancshares, or written representations that no reports were
required, Bancshares believes that during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998, all executive officers and directors complied with the Section 16(a)
requirements except Director Sanger who filed one late Form 4 regarding one
transaction.
BANK'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS' EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The fundamental philosophy of the Bank's compensation program is to offer
competitive compensation opportunities for all executive officers which are
based on both the individual's contribution and company's performance. The
compensation paid is designed to attract, retain and reward executive officers
who are capable of leading the Bank and Bancshares in achieving its business
objectives in an industry characterized by complexity, competitiveness and
constant change. The compensation of the Bank's key executives is reviewed and
approved annually by the Board of Directors, which acts as the Bank's
Compensation Committee. There are no compensated employees of Bancshares.
In its consideration of whether to increase salaries from year to year, and the
amounts of increases, the Board of Directors reviews the overall financial
performance of the Bank during the past year and the expectations for the
current year. Specifically, the Board looks to whether total return on assets is
satisfactory and compares total assets and earnings levels with prior years.
Special factors that are considered are whether loan delinquencies are
consistent with expectations, and whether there have been any significant
acquisitions or sales of assets or other extraordinary events. While no specific
financial targets are set, the Board will generally recommend increases to
executives, including the chief executive officer, if the Bank continues to
experience anticipated levels of financial growth.
Salaries are also based on merit, which involves an evaluation by the Board of
how ably an executive performed the duties entailed in his or her position.
Employees' performances are generally reviewed by management, while executive
officers have their performance evaluated by the Board.
All or most executives, including the chief executive officer, receive
approximately the same percentage increase in any given year. Similarly, so long
as Bank is meeting its budget's expectations, each executive receives a bonus of
Page 6
<PAGE>
a percentage of salary, with most executives receiving approximately the same
percentage amount. In 1998, most bonuses were in the range of 3%.
The foregoing report has been approved by the Board of Directors.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Daniel T. Cannon, 49, has served as President of Bancshares since its formation
in 1996, and as President and CEO of the Bank since July 1995. He served as
Executive Vice President from July 1992 until July 1995, and as Cashier and
Comptroller of the Bank from 1980 until July 1992, and as Comptroller of the
Bank from 1978 until 1980.
Carol I. Brownawell, 33, has served as Treasurer of Bancshares since its
formation in 1996, and as Executive Vice President and CFO of the Bank since
January 1997, Vice President of Finance from November 1994 until January 1997,
Comptroller and Compliance Officer from July 1993 until November 1994, and
Finance and Compliance Officer from March 1993 until July 1993.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the annual compensation for both Bancshares'
President and for the Bank's most highly compensated executive officer, whose
annual cash compensation exceeded $100,000, in any of the three previous fiscal
years.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION OTHER
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL ALL OTHER
NAME POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION (1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Daniel T. Cannon President 1996 $100,383 $5,000 $10,245
President 1997 $105,000 $4,200 9,828
President 1998 $118,077 $3,600 10,951
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
(1) Compensation equals amounts contributed by the Bank pursuant to a 401(k)
Profit Sharing Plan and Trust that covers substantially all employees. Each
year, the Bank contributes a matching contribution equal to 50% of the
participant's deferral, up to 6% of the employee's salary, and a discretionary
amount determined each year by the Board of Directors. For 1998, the
discretionary amount was established at 6% of compensation. In 1998, the Bank
made matching contributions to the plan on behalf of Mr. Cannon of $3,650.
====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
STOCK OPTION PLANS
1998 Stock Option Plan. The 1998 Stock Option Plan was approved by the
Bancshares' Board of Directors and stockholders, and will continue in effect
until March 3, 2008, unless earlier terminated. The total number of shares of
Common Stock that may be issued under the plan cannot exceed 80,000 shares, as
adjusted for stock splits. Unless the Board provides otherwise, no more than
16,000 shares may be granted under the Stock Option Plan in any calendar year.
Both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options may be granted.
Options granted under the Incentive Plan generally expire on the 10th
anniversary of the date the option was granted. No directors, officers, or other
employees received options under the 1998 Stock Option Plan in 1998, and 23
directors, officers and employees were granted an aggregate of 6,520 options in
1999.
1998 Stock Purchase Plan. The 1998 Stock Purchase Plan was approved by the
Bancshares' Board of Directors and stockholders, and will continue in effect
until March 3, 2008, unless earlier terminated. The total number of shares of
Common Stock that may be issued under the plan cannot exceed 20,000 shares, as
adjusted for stock splits. Unless the Board provides otherwise, no more than
4,000 shares may be granted under the Stock Purchase Plan in any calendar year.
The number of options to purchase shares are granted to each employee at an
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<PAGE>
established rate each year which is based on each employee's salary at the time
of the grant. The purchase price of the shares under each option granted
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan is 85% of the fair market value of the stock
on the date the option is granted. Each option granted under the Stock Purchase
Plan generally expires 27 months from the date the option was granted. No
employees received options to purchase shares in 1998, and 56 employees were
granted an aggregate of 1,523 options in 1999.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The full Board serves as Bank's Compensation Committee. Daniel T. Cannon, a
member of the Board since Bancshares' formation in 1996, also serves as
President of Bancshares and as President and CEO of the Bank. While Mr. Cannon
specifically excluded himself from any Board discussion concerning his
compensation, he did participate in Board discussions concerning other key
executives' compensation. J. Robert Barton and Susanne K. Nuttle, both of whom
serve on the Bancshares and Bank Boards, also served as officers of the Bank,
until 1995 and 1997, respectively.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The performance graph shown below compares the cumulative total return to
Bancshares' stockholders over the most recent 5-year period with both the NASDAQ
Combined Composite Index (reflecting overall stock market performance) and the
NASDAQ Combined Bank Index (reflecting changes in banking industry stocks).
Returns are shown on a total return basis, assuming the reinvestment of
dividends based on a $100 investment beginning December 31, 1993. The NASDAQ
Combined Bank Index reflects performance on a straight appreciation basis, as
annual dividend data was not yet available for this index.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.,
NASDAQ COMBINED COMPOSITE INDEX &
NASDAQ COMBINED BANK INDEX
(The Performance Graph appears here. See the table below for plot points.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shore Bancshares, Inc.* $100.00 $110.08 $117.63 $179.86 $272.33 $417.96
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NASDAQ Comb. Composite $100.00 $96.80 $135.44 $166.19 $202.15 $282.26
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NASDAQ Comb. Bank Index $100.00 $101.11 $146.42 $184.71 $302.17 $266.60
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Restated for 100% Stock Dividend in 1994, a 2 for 1 conversion to Bancshares in
1996 and 100% Stock Dividend in 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
(PROPOSAL 4)
The Board of Directors of Bancshares, upon recommendation of Bancshares' Audit
Committee, proposes and recommends the election of Stegman & Company as
independent certified public accountants to make an examination of the accounts
of Bancshares and the Bank for the year ending December 31, 1999.
Stegman and Company served as Bancshares' and the Bank's independent public
auditor for 1998. Representatives of Stegman & Company are expected to be
present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement
if they desire. They will be available to respond to appropriate questions
regarding Bancshares consolidated financial statements for 1998.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" RATIFYING THE SELECTION OF
STEGMAN AND COMPANY AS BANCSHARES INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR 1999.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A copy of Bancshares' annual report containing audited financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 1998, accompanies this Proxy Statement. A COPY OF
FORM 10-K, AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, MAY BE OBTAINED
WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO PAMELA C. SATCHELL, VICE PRESIDENT, THE
CENTREVILLE NATIONAL BANK, 109 N. COMMERCE STREET, PO BOX 400, CENTREVILLE,
MARYLAND 21617.
DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholders' proposals for the 2000 Annual Meeting, pursuant to Rule14a-8 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, must be received at Bancshares' principal
executive offices not later than November 24, 1999. The procedures for
nominations of Directors by stockholders are set forth in Bancshares' Bylaws and
are described under the heading "Election of Directors." All other stockholder
proposals must be received by Bancshares no later than February 6, 2000.
OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this proxy statement, management does not know of any other
matters that will be brought before the meeting requiring action of the
stockholders. However, if any other matters requiring the vote of the
stockholders properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the
persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote in accordance with the best
judgment of management.
By order of the Board of Directors
Mary Catherine Quimby, Secretary
March 22, 1999
Page 9
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APPENDIX
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The undersigned hereby appoints Royden N. Powell, Jr. and Robert C. Schleiger,
or either of them, acting singly or jointly, as proxies, each with the power of
substitution, to act and vote for the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on April 20, 1999, or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BELOW.
IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, IT WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3, AND 4.
1. ELECTION OF CLASS I DIRECTORS
Class I Nominees (to hold office until the 2000 Annual Meeting):
Thomas K. Helfenbein, Susanne K. Nuttle, Wm. Maurice Sanger,
Walter E. Schmidt
[ ] FOR the Nominees [ ] AGAINST the Nominees
2. ELECTION OF CLASS II DIRECTORS
Class II Nominees (to hold office until the 2001 Annual Meeting):
J. Robert Barton, Paul M. Bowman, Daniel T. Cannon, Mark M. Freestate
[ ] FOR the Nominees [ ] AGAINST the Nominees
3. ELECTION OF CLASS III DIRECTORS
Class III Nominees (to hold office until the 2002 Annual Meeting):
David C. Bryan, B. Vance Carmean, Jr., Neil R. LeCompte,
Jerry F. Pierson
[ ] FOR the Nominees [ ] AGAINST the Nominees
(TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL IN PROPOSALS 1, 2, OR 3,
STRIKE OUT THE NOMINEE'S NAME.)
4. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF STEGMAN & COMPANY, P.A. AS INDEPENDENT
certified public accountants of Shore Bancshares, Inc. for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1999.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
5. IN THEIR DISCRETION, TO TRANSACT SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME
BEFORE THE MEETING.
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, all should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Dated: _________________________________, 1999
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SIGNATURE
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SIGNATURE (IF HELD JOINTLY)
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SIGNATURE (IF HELD JOINTLY)
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING
THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
