FIRST NATIONAL COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
PROXY
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD
MAY 17, 2000
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FIRST NATIONAL
COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints Dr. Charles Bannon and Leonard A. Verrastro
and each or any of them, proxies of the undersigned with full power of
substitution to vote all of the shares of First National Community Bancorp, Inc.
that the undersigned may be entitled to vote at First National Community
Bancorp, Inc.'s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held at the company's
Exeter Office, 1625 Wyoming Avenue, Exeter, Pennsylvania 18643, on Wednesday,
May 17, 2000, at 9:00 a.m., prevailing time, and at any adjournment or
postponement of the meeting as follows:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: To elect four Class B Directors to serve
for a three year term and until their successors are elected and
qualified.
NOMINEES:
Michael G. Cestone
Martin F. Gibbons
J. David Lombardi
John R. Thomas
_________ FOR all nominees (except as indicated to the contrary below)
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee, write that nominee's name in the following space.
_________ AGAINST all nominees
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THESE NOMINEES.
<PAGE>
2. Proposal to Approve and Adopt the Amendment to Article Fifth of First
National Community Bancorp, Inc.'s Articles of Incorporation to
increase the company's number of authorized shares of common stock from
5,000,000 shares to 20,000,000 shares.
______ FOR ______ AGAINST ______ ABSTAIN
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL.
3. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business properly presented at the annual meeting and any adjournment
or other postponement of the meeting.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY SIGNED AND DATED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDERS. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE AND FOR PROPOSAL 2.
Dated: ______________________2000
Signed:__________________________
THIS PROXY MUST BE DATED, SIGNED BY THE SHAREHOLDER (S) AND RETURNED PROMPTLY TO
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER COMPANY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. WHEN SIGNING AS
ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE FULL TITLE.
IF MORE THAN ONE TRUSTEE, ALL SHOULD SIGN. IF STOCK IS HELD JOINTLY, EACH OWNER
SHOULD SIGN.
I (We) do _____ do not _____ expect to attend the Meeting.
<PAGE>
FIRST NATIONAL COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
102 East Drinker Street
Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to its Bylaws and the call of its
Board of Directors, the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of First National
Community Bancorp, Inc. will be held at the company's Exeter Office, 1625
Wyoming Avenue, Exeter, Pennsylvania 18643, on Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 9:00
a.m., prevailing time, to consider and vote upon the following matters:
1. To elect four Class B Directors to serve for a three-year term and until
their successors are elected and qualified;
2. To approve and adopt a proposed amendment to Article Fifth of the company's
Articles of Incorporation to increase the company's number of authorized
shares of common stock, par value $1.25 per share, from 5,000,000 shares to
20,000,000 shares;
3. To transact any other business properly presented at the annual meeting and
any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
The Board of Directors fixed the close of business on March 31, 2000,
as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the meeting.
Please refer to the attached proxy statement and the 1999 Annual Report
to Shareholders. You may obtain a copy of the Annual Report to Shareholders for
the 1999 fiscal year at no cost by contacting William S. Lance, Treasurer, 102
East Drinker Street, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512. Copies of the company's first
quarter 2000 financial information, as required to be filed on Form 10-Q, will
also be available from William S. Lance on or after May 15, 2000.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED SELF-ADDRESSED,
STAMPED ENVELOPE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. IF
YOU DO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
J. David Lombardi, President and Chief Executive Officer
Dunmore, Pennsylvania
April 17, 2000
<PAGE>
FIRST NATIONAL COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
102 EAST DRINKER STREET
DUNMORE, PENNSYLVANIA 18512
OTC BB TRADING SYMBOL: FNCB
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE
2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Mailed to Shareholders on or about April 17, 2000
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers 1
General Information 3
Date, Time and Place of the Annual Meeting 3
Purpose of the Annual Meeting 3
Record Date, Quorum, Voting Rights 3
Solicitation of Proxies 4
Voting and Revocation of Proxies 5
Principal Beneficial Owners Of The Company's Common Stock 6
Principal Owners 6
Beneficial Ownership by Directors, Principal Officers and Nominees 7
PROPOSAL 1. Election Of Directors 8
Information as to Nominees, Directors and Executive Officers 9
The Boards of Directors 11
Board of Director Interlocks and Insider Participation 11
Executive Compensation 12
Summary Compensation Table 12
Compensation of Directors 13
Employment Agreement 13
Profit Sharing Plan 15
PROPOSAL 2. Proposed Amendment to Article Fifth of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation 16
Stock Performance Graph And Table 17
Certain Relationships And Related Transactions 19
Principal Officers of the Company 19
Principal Officers of the Bank 20
Independent Auditors 21
Legal Proceedings 21
Shareholder Proposals 22
Other Matters 22
Additional Information 22
<PAGE>
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
A: Shareholders as of the close of business on March 31, 2000 (the record
date). Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote.
Q: HOW DO I VOTE?
A: There are two methods. You may vote by completing and mailing your proxy or
by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. (See page 2 of the
proxy statement for more details).
Q: HOW DOES DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY APPLY?
A: If you sign your proxy but do not make any selections, you give authority
to Dr. Charles Bannon and Leonard A. Verrastro, as proxy holders, to vote
on the two proposals and any other matter that may arise at the meeting.
Q: IS MY VOTE CONFIDENTIAL?
A: Yes. Only the Judges of Election and the proxy holders will have access to
your proxy. All comments will remain confidential unless you ask that your
name be disclosed.
Q: WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTES?
A: Frank Caputo and Paul Latzanich will tabulate the votes and act as Judges
of Election.
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I GET MORE THAN ONE PROXY?
A: Your shares are probably registered differently or are in more than one
account. Sign and return all proxies to ensure that all your shares are
voted.
1
<PAGE>
Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
A: As of March 31, 2000, 2,500,110 shares of common stock were issued and
outstanding. A majority of the outstanding shares, present or represented
by proxy, constitutes a quorum. If you vote by proxy or in person, you will
be considered part of the quorum.
Q: WHAT PERCENTAGE OF STOCK DO THE DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OWN?
A: Approximately 25% of our common stock as of March 31, 2000. (See page 4 of
the proxy statement for more details).
Q: WHAT ARE THE SOLICITATION EXPENSES?
A: First National Community Bancorp, Inc., has retained Registrar and Transfer
Company of Cranford, New Jersey as its transfer agent. In its capacity as
transfer agent, Registrar and Transfer will assist in the distribution of
proxy materials and solicitation of votes for a stated fee of $300 plus
out-of-pocket expenses.
Q: WHO ARE THE LARGEST PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS?
A: Louis A. DeNaples, as of March 31, 2000
Dominick L. DeNaples, as of March 31, 2000
(See page 3 of the proxy statement for more details).
Q: WHEN ARE THE 2001 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS DUE?
A: As a shareholder, you must submit your proposal in writing by December 16,
2000, to Michael J. Cestone, Jr., Secretary, First National Community
Bancorp, Inc. at 102 East Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA 18512.
2
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
FIRST NATIONAL COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
TO BE HELD ON MAY 17, 2000
GENERAL INFORMATION
Date, Time and Place of Annual Meeting
This proxy statement is being furnished for the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of First National Community Bancorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania
business corporation and registered bank holding company, of proxies to be voted
at the company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the company's
Exeter Office, 1625 Wyoming Avenue, Exeter, Pennsylvania 18643 on Wednesday, May
17, 2000, at 9:00 a.m., prevailing time. All inquiries regarding the annual
meeting should be directed to William S. Lance, Treasurer. This proxy statement
and the enclosed form of proxy are first being sent to shareholders of the
company on or about April 17, 2000.
Purpose of the Annual Meeting
At the annual meeting, shareholders will be requested:
o to elect four Class B Directors to serve for a three-year term and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified
o to approve and adopt a proposed amendment to Article Fifth of the company's
Articles of Incorporation to increase the company's number of authorized
shares of common stock, par value $1.25 per share, from 5,000,000 shares to
20,000,000 shares
o to transact any other business as may properly come before the annual
meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information about the
corporation; therefore, you should rely only on the information contained in
this document or on documents to which we refer you. Although we believe we have
provided you with all the information helpful to you in your decision to vote,
events may occur at First National Community Bancorp, Inc. subsequent to
printing this proxy statement that might affect your decision or the value of
your stock.
Record Date, Quorum, Voting Rights
The company's Board of Directors fixed the close of business on March
31, 2000 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to
notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. On the record date, the company had
2,500,110 outstanding shares of common stock, par value $1.25 per share, the
only authorized class of stock, which was held by approximately 1,000
shareholders.
3
<PAGE>
Under Pennsylvania law and the company's By-laws, the presence of a
quorum, in person or by proxy, is required for each matter to be acted upon at
the annual meeting. The presence of a quorum, in person or by proxy, of
shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes which all
shareholders are entitled to cast, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of
business at the annual meeting. Votes withheld and abstentions will be counted
in determining the presence of a quorum. Broker non-votes will not be counted in
determining the presence of a quorum for the particular matter as to which the
broker withheld authority.
Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote, in person or by
proxy, for each share of common stock held in his or her name in the company's
books as of the record date. Assuming the presence of a quorum, the four
nominees for director receiving the highest number of votes will be elected.
Assuming the presence of a quorum, the affirmative vote of at least a
majority of the votes that all shareholders are entitled to cast (a majority of
the outstanding number of shares on the record date) is required to approve and
adopt the amendment to Article Fifth of the company's Articles of Incorporation.
Abstentions and broker non-votes do not constitute "votes cast" and, therefore,
do not count either FOR or AGAINST the proposal. However, abstentions and broker
non-votes have the practical effect of reducing the number of affirmative votes
required to achieve a majority for the matter by reducing the total number of
shares voted from which the required majority is calculated.
Solicitation of Proxies
The cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and soliciting
proxies, and any additional material that the company sends to its shareholders
in connection with the annual meeting, will be paid by the company. In addition
to solicitation by mail, directors, officers and employees of the company may
solicit proxies from shareholders personally or by telephone, telegram or
facsimile. Arrangements will be made with brokerage firms and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to the
beneficial owners of the common stock held of record by these persons, and upon
their request, the company will reimburse them for their reasonable forwarding
expenses.
If your shares are registered directly in your name with First National
Community Bancorp, Inc.'s transfer agent, Registrar and Transfer Company, you
are considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record, and
these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by the company. As the
shareholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to
the proxy holders or to vote in person at the meeting. The company has enclosed
a proxy card for your use.
4
<PAGE>
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or
other nominee, you are considered the "beneficial owner" of the shares held in
street name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker
or nominee which is considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of
record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker how to
vote and are also invited to attend the meeting. However, since you are not the
shareholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the meeting.
Your broker or nominee has enclosed a voting instruction card for you to use in
directing the broker or nominee how to vote your shares.
Voting and Revocation of Proxies
Shares represented by proxies properly signed, executed and returned,
unless subsequently revoked, will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance
with the instructions made thereon by the shareholders. If a proxy is signed,
executed and returned without indicating any voting instructions, the shares
represented by the proxy will be voted FOR the election of all nominees and for
the approval and adoption of the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.
Execution and return of the enclosed proxy will not affect your right to attend
the annual meeting and vote in person, after giving notice to Michael J.
Cestone, Jr., Secretary of the Company.
A shareholder of the company who returns a proxy may revoke the proxy
prior to the time it is voted in any one of the following ways:
o by giving written notice of revocation to Michael J. Cestone, Jr.,
Secretary of First National Community Bancorp, Inc., 102 East Drinker
Street, Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512-2491
o by executing a later-dated proxy and giving written notice thereof to the
Secretary of the Company
o by voting in person after giving written notice to the Secretary of the
Company.
Attendance by a shareholder at the annual meeting will not itself
constitute a revocation of the proxy.
5
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK
Principal Owners
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2000, the name and
address of each person who owns of record or who is known by the Board of
Directors to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the company's
outstanding common stock, the number of shares beneficially owned by such person
and the percentage of the company's outstanding common stock so owned. The
footnote to the following table is set forth on page 4 under the section
entitled "Beneficial Ownership by Directors and Principal Officers."
Percent of Outstanding
Common Stock
Name and Address Shares Beneficially Owned (1) Beneficially Owned
- ---------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------
Louis A. DeNaples 179,984 7.20%
400 Mill Street
Dunmore, PA 18512
Dominick L. DeNaples 166,901 6.67%
400 Mill Street
Dunmore, PA 18512
6
<PAGE>
Beneficial Ownership by Directors, Principal Officers and Nominees
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2000, the amount and
percentage of the company's common stock beneficially owned by each director,
each nominee and all principal officers and directors of the company as a group.
This information has been furnished by the reporting persons.
Name of Individual Amount and Nature of Percent
or Identity of Group Beneficial Ownership (1) of Class
------------------------ ------------------------ ---------
Michael G. Cestone 10,408(2) .42%
Michael J. Cestone, Jr. 36,392(3) 1.45%
Joseph Coccia 17,248 .69%
William P. Conaboy 1,925 .08%
Dominick L. DeNaples 166,901(4) 6.67%
Louis A. DeNaples 179,984(5) 7.20%
Joseph J. Gentile 104,591(6) 4.18%
Martin F. Gibbons 12,481 .50%
Joseph O. Haggerty 3,959 .16%
George N. Juba 14,644 .59%
William S. Lance 933 .04%
J. David Lombardi 28,343(7) 1.13%
John P. Moses 2,801 .11%
John R. Thomas 38,686(8) 1.55%
All Directors and Principal
Officers as a Group (14) 619,296 24.77%
As used throughout the proxy statement, the term "Principal Officers" refers to
the company's Executive Officers including President and Treasurer.
(1) The securities "beneficially owned" by an individual are determined in
accordance with the definitions of "beneficial ownership" set forth in the
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and may include
securities owned by or for the individual's spouse and minor children and
any other relative who has the same home, as well as securities that the
individual has or shares voting or investment power or has the right to
acquire beneficial ownership within sixty (60) days after March 31, 2000.
Beneficial ownership may be disclaimed as to certain of the securities.
Unless otherwise indicated, all shares are beneficially owned by the
reporting person individually or jointly with his spouse. All numbers here
have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
(2) Includes 200 shares held jointly with his children.
(3) Includes 8,090 shares held individually by his spouse.
(4) Includes 12,270 shares held jointly with his children.
(5) Includes 2,301 shares held individually by his spouse and 8,333 shares held
jointly with his children.
(6) Includes 22,073 shares held individually by his spouse.
(7) Includes 14,098 shares held individually by his spouse and 147 shares held
by his children.
(8) Includes 5,500 shares held individually by his spouse.
7
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
In accordance with Section 9.2 of the company's By Laws, the company
has a classified Board of Directors with staggered three-year terms of office.
In a classified board, the directors are generally divided into separate classes
of equal number. The terms of the separate classes expire in successive years.
Thus, at each annual meeting of shareholders, successors to the class of
directors whose term then expires are elected to hold office for a term of three
years. Therefore, the term of office of one class of directors expires in each
year. The Board of Directors is authorized to increase the number of directors
that constitutes the whole Board of Directors; provided that the total number of
directors in each class remains relatively proportionate to the others.
Pursuant to Section 9.1 of the company's By-Laws, nominations for
election to the Board of Directors may be made by the Board of Directors or any
shareholder entitled to vote for the election of directors. Any shareholder who
intends to nominate a candidate for election to the Board of Directors (other
than a candidate proposed by the company's then existing Board of Directors)
must notify the company's Secretary in writing not less than 60 days prior to
the date of any shareholder meeting called for the election of directors. The
notification must contain the following information to the extent known by the
notifying shareholder:
a) the name and address of each proposed nominee;
b) the age of each proposed nominee;
c) the principal occupation of each proposed nominee;
d) the number of shares of the company's common stock owned by each proposed
nominee;
e) the total number of shares that, to the knowledge of the notifying
shareholder, will be voted for each proposed nominee;
f) the name and residential address of the notifying shareholder; and
g) the number of shares of the company's common stock owned by the notifying
shareholder.
Any nomination for director not made in accordance with Section 9.1
will be disregarded by the presiding officer of the annual meeting, and votes
cast for each such nominee will be disregarded by the judges of election. In the
event that the same person is nominated by more than one shareholder, if at
least one nomination for such person complies with this Section 9.1, the
nomination will be honored and all votes cast for the nominee will be counted.
8
<PAGE>
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies
received for the election of the four nominees for Class B Director named below.
If any nominee should become unavailable to serve for any reason, proxies will
be voted in favor of a substitute nominee as designated by the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that the nominees
named will be unable to serve, if elected. Any vacancy on the Board of
Directors, including vacancies resulting from an increase in the number of
directors, will be filled by a majority of the remaining members of the Board of
Directors and each person so appointed shall be a director until the expiration
of the term of office of the class to which he or she was appointed. Election of
a director requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common
stock represented at the annual meeting.
Cumulative voting rights do not exist with respect to the election of
directors. Except as may otherwise be provided by statute or by the Articles of
Incorporation, at every shareholders meeting, each shareholder entitled to vote
shall have the right to one vote for each common share owned on the record date
fixed for the meeting. For example, if a shareholder owns 100 shares of common
stock, he or she may cast up to 100 votes for each of the nominees for director
in the class to be elected.
Information As To Nominees and Directors
The following table contains certain information with respect to the
nominees and the directors whose terms of office expire in 2000, 2001 and 2002,
respectively.
Age as of Principal Occupation Director Since
Name March 31, 2000 For Past Five Years Company/Bank
- ------------------- -------------- -------------------- ------------
CLASS B DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2000 AND NOMINEES FOR CLASS B DIRECTOR
WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2003
Michael G. Cestone (1) 37 President, S.G. Mastriani 1998/1988
Company (General Contractor)
Martin F. Gibbons 84 Partner, Gibbons Ford 1998/1979
J. David Lombardi 51 President and Chief Executive 1998/1986
Officer of the Company since
1998 and of the Bank since
1988
John R. Thomas 82 Chairman of the Board, Wesel 1998/1967
Manufacturing Company (design
and manufacturing of precision
machinery)
9
<PAGE>
Age as of Principal Occupation Director Since
Name March 31, 2000 For Past Five Years Company/Bank
- ------------------ -------------- -------------------- --------------
CLASS C DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2001
Joseph Coccia 45 President, Coccia 1998/1998
Ford, Inc;
President, Coccia
Lincoln Mercury, Inc.
William P. Conaboy 41 Vice President,
General Counsel, 1998/1998
Allied Services
Dominick L. DeNaples (2) 62 Vice President,
F&L Realty Corp.; 1998/1987
Vice President,
DeNaples Auto Parts Inc.;
Vice President, Keystone
Landfill, Inc.
George N. Juba 73 Consultant to the Bank 1998/1973
CLASS A DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2002
Michael J. Cestone, Jr.(1) 68 President, M.R. Company 1998/1969
(Real Estate Corporation);
CEO, S.G. Mastriani Co.;
Secretary of the Board of
the Bank since 1971
Louis A. DeNaples (2) 59 President, DeNaples Auto 1998/1972
Parts, Inc.; President,
Keystone Landfill Inc.;
President, F&L Realty Corp;
Chairman of the Board of the
Company since 1998
and of the Bank since 1988
Joseph J. Gentile 69 President, 1998/1989
Dunmore Oil Co., Inc
Joseph O. Haggerty 60 Retired Superintendent, 1998/1987
Dunmore School District
John P. Moses 53 Partner, Moses & 1999/1999
Gelso, L.L.P.
(Attorneys at Law)
(1) Michael G. Cestone is the son of Michael J. Cestone, Jr.
(2) Messrs. Louis A. DeNaples and Dominick L. DeNaples are brothers.
10
<PAGE>
The Boards Of Directors
During 1999, the company's Board of Directors held five meetings. Directors
received no remuneration for attendance at these meetings.
During 1999, the bank's Board of Directors held 23 meetings. Each of the
directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the bank's Board of Directors
for which they were scheduled, with the exception of Mr. George N. Juba and Mr.
John R. Thomas.
The company's directors generally function as a full board. In lieu of a
nominating committee, the full board nominates the slate for the election of the
Board of Directors. In lieu of a compensation committee, the full board appoints
and sets compensation of officers and directors. In lieu of an audit committee,
the full board appoints the independent outside accountants to conduct external
audits of the company's books, records and procedures and meets with the outside
accountants to discuss the results of their audits. To assure maximum
independence and candor in the internal audit function, management director
Lombardi, who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, does not
participate in the board's deliberations when the board receives reports from
its internal auditor. During 1999, the board held four meetings of this type.
All non-management members attended at least 75% of the meetings for which they
were scheduled except Mr. George N. Juba.
In 1993, the bank's Board of Directors established a Senior Loan Committee
to meet on alternating weeks as deemed necessary. Membership on this committee
consists of the bank's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(permanent members), and other members of the Board of Directors (appointed on a
rotating basis quarterly, with no more than three members appointed from this
group at any one time). In 1999, this committee held 9 meetings. Each appointed
director was present for more than 75% of the meetings for which they were
scheduled except Mr. George N. Juba.
Board of Directors Interlocks and Insider Participation
J. David Lombardi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company and
the bank, is a member of both Boards of Directors. Mr. Lombardi makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding employee compensation. Mr.
Lombardi does not participate in conducting his own review. The entire Board of
Directors votes to establish and approve the company's compensation policies.
11
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Shown below is information concerning the annual compensation for
services in all capacities to the company and the bank for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 of those persons who were, at December
31, 1999,
o the Chief Executive Officer
o the four other most highly compensated executive officers of the company,
to the extent such persons' total annual salary and bonus exceeded
$100,000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Summary Compensation Table
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Awards Payouts
------------------- -------------------------
Name and Other Restricted All
Principal Annual Stock Option/ LTIP Other
Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation Awards SARs Payouts Compensation
($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) ($) (#) ($) ($)(4)
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i)
- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------------- --------- ------------ -------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. David 1999 $179,000 $250,000 - - - - $25,604
Lombardi, 1998 179,000 250,000 - - - - 25,979
President and 1997 169,000 200,000 - - - - 25,402
Chief
Executive
Officer of the
Company and
the Bank
Thomas P. 1999 92,000 50,000 - - - - 14,164
Tulaney, 1998 87,135 40,000 - - - - 12,538
Executive Vice 1997 81,000 32,000 - - - - 10,651
President
Of the Bank
Gerard A.
Champi, 1999 84,500 50,000 - - - - 13,359
Executive Vice 1998 79,634 40,000 - - - - 11,496
President of 1997 72,492 32,000 - - - - 9,645
the Bank
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
(1) Includes directors' fees of $24,000 in each of 1999, 1998 and 1997, for Mr.
Lombardi.
(2) Cash bonuses are awarded at the conclusion of a fiscal year based upon the
Board of Directors' subjective assessment of the bank's performance as
compared to both budget and prior fiscal year performance, and the
individual contributions of the officers involved.
(3) The named executive officers did not receive perquisites or other personal
benefits during 1999 which, in the aggregate, cost the bank more than
$50,000 or 10% of the named executive officers' salary and bonus earned
during the year. Perquisites and other personal benefits which were
received by the named executives were valued based on their cost to the
bank.
(4) For Mr. Lombardi, includes $16,096, $16,471 and $15,894 contributed by the
bank pursuant to the Employees' Profit Sharing Plan for 1999, 1998, and
1997, respectively and includes director's bonus of $7,500, in each of
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Also includes $2,008 in premiums paid to
purchase additional life insurance in each of the years 1999, 1998, and
1997. For Mr. Tulaney and Mr. Champi, represents the amounts contributed by
the bank to the Employees' Profit Sharing Plan in the years shown.
Compensation of Directors
Members of the bank's Board of Directors are compensated at the rate of
$1,000 per board meeting, including four compensated absences at full
compensation, after which members are not paid for any unexcused absence, except
for Mr. George N. Juba who is compensated for unlimited absences. Excused
absences are limited to non-attendance due to other bank business. The aggregate
amount of fees paid in 1999 was $321,000. In 1999, Michael J. Cestone, Jr.,
George N. Juba and John R. Thomas were compensated $31,500, in the aggregate,
for special services (respectively Secretary, Special Consultant and Investment
Advisor) rendered to the bank. All bank directors also received a bonus of
$7,500 in 1999. During 1999, the company's Board of Directors held five
meetings. Directors received no remuneration for attendance at these board
meetings. Members of the bank's Senior Loan Committee do not receive a fee for
attendance at Senior Loan Committee meetings.
Employment Agreement
The bank entered into an employment agreement with Mr. J. David
Lombardi, President and Chief Executive Officer effective on January 1, 1990,
and as amended on September 28, 1994. On July 8, 1998 the company's Board of
Directors approved and adopted an amendment to the employment agreement which
added the company as a party to the agreement. This agreement is designed to
assist the company and the bank in retaining a highly qualified executive and to
help ensure that if the company is faced with an unsolicited tender offer
proposal, Mr. Lombardi will continue to manage the company without being unduly
distracted by the uncertainties of his personal affairs and thereby will be
better able to assist in evaluating such a proposal in an objective manner.
13
<PAGE>
The agreement provides for a base annual salary of $175,000 in 2000.
Additional compensation by way of salary increases, bonuses or fringe benefits
may be established from time to time by appropriate board action. The agreement
does not preclude Mr. Lombardi from serving as a director of the company and the
bank or from receiving related fees.
The agreement may be terminated by the company with or without "just
cause" (as defined in the agreement), or upon death, permanent disability, or
normal retirement of Mr. Lombardi, or upon the termination of Mr. Lombardi's
employment by resignation or otherwise. In the event employment is terminated
with "just cause," Mr. Lombardi shall receive salary payments at his then
effective base salary, as if his employment had not been terminated, for a
period of three months, excluding bonuses or fringe or supplemental payments
previously authorized by the Board of Directors. In the event that the
employment termination is occasioned by the company without "just cause," Mr.
Lombardi shall continue to receive each month, for a period of two years from
the effective date of termination;
o his monthly base salary payments from the bank at the rate in effect on the
date of the termination
o his monthly Board of Directors fees
o one twelfth of the average of the bonuses paid to him over the preceding
three years, all computed as if his employment had not been terminated.
If a "change in control" (as defined in the agreement), occurs and as a
result thereof, Mr. Lombardi's employment is terminated or his duties or
authority are substantially diminished or he is removed from the office of Chief
Executive Officer of the reorganized employer, Mr. Lombardi may terminate his
employment by giving notice to the company within sixty days of the occurrence
of the "change in control." Upon such termination, the company is obligated to
pay Mr. Lombardi the total sum of the following:
o three times his then annual base salary which was in effect as of the date
of the change in control
o three times his then annual Board of Director's fee
o three times the average of his bonuses for the prior three years.
Subsequent to termination, Mr. Lombardi may not accept employment in
any office or branch of any financial institution or subsidiary in Lackawanna
County, Pennsylvania for a period of three years, unless such severance was made
by the company without "just cause".
14
<PAGE>
Profit Sharing Plan
In 1969, the bank adopted a Profit Sharing Plan which was subsequently
amended to comply with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and
the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982. Under the plan, any
employee who has attained the age of twenty-one is eligible to become a plan
participant on the earlier of the first day of the seventh month or the first
day of the plan year coinciding with or following the date on which he/she has
met the eligibility requirement. In no event shall participation commence later
than six (6) months after the date an employee satisfies the service
requirements. The plan provides for progressive vesting of an employee's
interest in the amount accrued to his/her respective account calculated by the
percentage portion of the value of the account which is nonforfeitable based
upon years of service. The vesting schedule is as follows:
Years of Service Nonforfeitable Percentage
---------------- -------------------------
less than 3 0%
3 but less than 4 20%
4 but less than 5 40%
5 but less than 6 60%
6 but less than 7 80%
7 years and at Normal Retirement 100%
Upon normal retirement, death prior to retirement, or permanent
disability, the employee is entitled to 100% of the amount credited to his/her
account, except that, in the event of voluntary termination or termination for
cause prior to the end of three years of continuous employment, the amount
credited to the employee's account is forfeited. The maximum amount of the
bank's annual contribution is 15% of the aggregate salaries of all participants
under the plan, or such other amount as determined by the bank's Board of
Directors considering net profits for the year. In no event may such
contribution exceed the amount deductible by the company for federal income tax
purposes. During the year ended December 31, 1999, the bank contributed $275,000
to this plan for all participants. The following amount was contributed on
behalf of the individuals named in the summary compensation table: Mr. Lombardi,
$16,096, Mr. Tulaney, $14,128 and Mr. Champi, $13,325. Directors who are not
also bank officers or employees are not eligible to participate in this plan.
15
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 2:
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE FIFTH OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FIRST
NATIONAL COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
On April 11, 2000, the Board of Directors unanimously approved and
adopted resolutions, subject to shareholder approval, to amend Article Fifth of
the company's Articles of Incorporation to increase the company's number of
authorized shares of common stock, par value $1.25 per share, from 5,000,000
shares to 20,000,000 shares.
The Board believes that the proposed increase in the number of
authorized shares of common stock will provide the company with as much
flexibility as possible to issue additional shares of common stock for proper
corporate purposes, including financing, capital enhancement, acquisitions,
stock splits, stock dividends, employee incentive plans, dividend reinvestment
plans and other similar purposes.
Pursuant to the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors, the
Board directed and ordered the following resolutions be presented and acted upon
at the annual meeting of shareholders:
RESOLVED, that the proposal to approve and adopt an amendment to
Article Fifth of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company to increase the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock of the Company from 5,000,000 shares
to 20,000,000 shares, is hereby approved, adopted, ratified and confirmed by the
shareholders of First National Community Bancorp, Inc.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Article Fifth of the Articles of
Incorporation of First National Community Bancorp, Inc. is amended and restated
to read in full and its entirety as follows:
"5. The aggregate number of shares that the Corporation shall have
authority to issue is twenty million (20,000,000) shares of
Common Stock having a par value of One Dollar and Twenty-five
Cents ($1.25) per share."
If the shareholders approve and adopt the proposed amendment to Article
Fifth of the Articles of Incorporation, the company will have approximately
17,499,890 shares of authorized and unissued common stock. Future issuance of
these shares is not subject to shareholder approval.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the company's issued and
outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting is
required to approve and adopt this amendment to Article Fifth of the company's
Articles of Incorporation.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND
ARTICLE FIFTH OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FIRST NATIONAL COMMUNITY
BANCORP, INC.
16
<PAGE>
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH AND TABLE
The following graph and table compare the cumulative total shareholder
return on the company's common stock during the period December 31, 1994,
through and including December 31, 1999, with
o the cumulative total return for all stocks traded on the S&P 500 index
o the cumulative total return on all bank stocks traded on the NASDAQ Stock
Market
o the cumulative total return on the SNL Securities Corporate Performance
Index for banks with assets between $500 million and $1 billion.
The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 1994, in the
company's common stock and in each of the below indices and assumes further the
reinvestment of dividends into the applicable securities. The shareholder return
shown on the graph and table below is not necessarily indicative of future
performance.
17
<PAGE>
First National Community Bancorp, Inc.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Return Performance
Period Ending
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEX 12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98 12/31/99
-------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
First National Community Bancorp 100.00 135.68 192.00 244.74 346.75 527.04
S&P 500 100.00 137.58 169.03 225.44 289.79 350.78
NASDAQ Bank Index* 100.00 149.00 196.73 329.39 327.11 314.42
SNL $500-$1B Bank Index 100.00 132.76 165.97 269.80 265.28 245.56
(*) SNL Securities is a research and publishing firm specializing in the
collection and dissemination of data on the banking, thrift and
financial services industries.
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
There have been no material transactions between the company or the
bank, nor any material transactions proposed, with any director or executive
officer of the company or the bank, or any associate of the foregoing persons.
The company and the bank have engaged in and intend to continue to engage in
banking and financial transactions in the ordinary course of business with
directors and officers of the company and the bank and their associates on
comparable terms and with similar interest rates as those prevailing from time
to time for other bank customers. Total loans outstanding from the bank at
December 31, 1999, to the company's officers and directors as a group and
members of their immediate families and companies in which they had an ownership
interest of 10% or more were $15,349,000 or 41.6% of the bank's total equity
capital. Loans to these persons were made in the ordinary course of business,
were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with
other persons, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability
or present other unfavorable features. The aggregate amount of indebtedness
outstanding as of the latest practicable date, March 31, 2000, to the above
described group was $ 15,349,000 .
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following table sets forth selected information about the principal
officers of the company, each of whom is elected by the Board of Directors and
each of whom holds office at the Board's discretion.
Number of
Office and Shares Age as of
Position with Beneficially March 31,
Name the Company Held Since Owned (1) 2000
- ----------------- ------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
Louis A. DeNaples Chairman of 1998 179,070 59
the Board
J. David Lombardi President and 1998 28,197 51
Chief Executive
Officer
Michael J. Cestone, Jr. Secretary 1998 36,392 68
William S. Lance Treasurer 1998 928 40
(1) All shares are owned individually or jointly with a spouse unless otherwise
indicated. For additional details on the shares beneficially owned, see
"Beneficial Ownership by Directors and Principal Officers" on page 4.
19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE BANK
The following table sets forth selected information about the principal
officers of the bank, each of whom is elected by the Board of Directors and each
of whom holds office at the Board's discretion.
Number of
Office and Bank Shares Age as of
Position with Employee Beneficially March 31,
Name the Bank Held Since Since Owned (1) 2000
- --------------------- ------------- ---------- -------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Louis A. DeNaples (1) Chairman of 1988 (2) 179,984 59
the Board
J. David Lombardi (1) President and 1988 1981 28,343 51
Chief Executive
Officer
Gerard A. Champi Executive 1998 1991 1,927 39
(3)(4) Vice President
Thomas P. Tulaney Executive 1998 1994 1,437 40
(5)(6) Vice President
Stephen J. Kavulich First Senior 1998 1991 6,785 54
(7)(8) Vice President
William S. Lance First Senior 1999 1991 933 40
(1)(9) Vice President
</TABLE>
(1) All shares are owned individually or jointly with a spouse unless otherwise
indicated. For additional details on the shares beneficially owned, see
"Beneficial Ownership by Directors and Principal Officers" on page 7.
(2) Mr. Louis A. DeNaples is a non-employee member of the Board of Directors of
the Bank.
(3) Mr. Champi is the Retail Sales and Operations Division Manager.
(4) Includes 1,682 shares held in street name and 245 shares as custodian for
his minor children.
(5) Mr. Tulaney is the Commercial Sales Division Manager.
(6) Includes 1,210 shares held in street name.
(7) Mr. Kavulich is the Loan Administration/Compliance and Bank Operations
Division Manager.
(8) Includes 2,376 shares held individually by his spouse and 1,898 shares held
as custodian for his minor children.
(9) Mr. Lance is the Finance Control Division Manager.
20
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Demetrius & Company, L.L.C., Certified Public Accountants, of Wayne,
New Jersey, has been appointed as the company's independent auditor for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. Services for 2000 will include an audit
and opinion on the company's consolidated financial statements as well as a
review of the schedules to be included in the company's Form 10-K filing with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. All professional services rendered by
Demetrius & Company will be furnished at customary rates and terms after Board
approval. Demetrius & Company served as the company's independent auditors for
the 1999 fiscal year.
Robert Rossi & Co. has been retained as assistant auditor and as such
will perform all audit procedures necessary for the purpose of assisting the
lead auditor in their expression of an opinion on the company's financial
statements. In addition to performing customary audit services, Robert Rossi &
Co. will assist the company with the preparation of its federal and state tax
returns, and will provide assistance in connection with regulatory matters,
charging the company for such services at its customary hourly billing rates.
Robert Rossi & Co. was retained in the same capacity during 1999. These
non-audit services are approved by the company's and the bank's Boards of
Directors after the Boards review the nature and expense associated with such
services and their conclusion that there is no effect on the independence of the
accountants.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The nature of the company's and the bank's business generates a certain
amount of litigation involving matters arising in the ordinary course of
business. However, in the opinion of management of the company and the bank,
there are no proceedings pending to which the company and the bank is a party or
to which their property is subject, which, if determined adversely to the
company and the bank, would be material in relation to the company's and the
bank's undivided profits or financial condition, nor are there any proceedings
pending other than ordinary routine litigation incident to the business of the
company and the bank. In addition, no material proceedings are pending or are
known to be threatened or contemplated against the company and the bank by
government authorities or others.
21
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any shareholder who wishes to submit a proposal for inclusion in the
company's proxy statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must
deliver such proposal in writing to Michael J. Cestone, Jr., Secretary, First
National Community Bancorp, Inc. at 102 East Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA 18512,
not later than December 16, 2000.
Also, if a shareholder proposal is submitted to the company after December
16, 2000, it is considered untimely; and, although the proposal may be
considered at the annual meeting, it will not be included in the company's 2001
proxy statement. Such proposals should be addressed to Michael J. Cestone, Jr.,
Secretary. In addition, under the company's by laws, shareholders must deliver a
notice of any nomination for director to the Secretary, no later than 60 days in
advance of the meeting. See page 8 for more information on nomination
procedures.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other business which will be presented
for consideration at the meeting other than as stated in the Notice of Meeting.
However, if other matters properly come before the meeting, the matters will be
voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors, and
authority to do so is included in the proxy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the company's annual report to shareholders for its fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999, was mailed on March 31, 2000. A representative of the
accounting firm which examined the financial statements contained in the annual
report will attend the annual meeting. This representative will have the
opportunity to make a statement, if he or she desires to do so, and will be
available to respond to any appropriate questions presented by shareholders at
the annual meeting.
22
