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SCHEDULE 14A - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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
Heritage Financial Corporation
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(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):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] 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:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed: March 14, 2000
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[LOGO OF HERITAGE FINANCIAL]
___________________________________________________________
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
___________________________________________________________
To be held May 1, 2000
___________________________________________________________
To Our Stockholders:
You are invited to attend the 2000 annual meeting of stockholders of Heritage
Financial Corporation to be held at Cavanaugh's at Capitol Lake, 2300 Evergreen
Park Drive, Olympia, Washington, on May 1, 2000 at 10:30 a.m., Pacific Time. At
the annual meeting, you will be asked to:
1. Elect three (3) persons to serve on the Board of Directors of Heritage
until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2003 and elect one (1) person
to serve on the Board of Directors of Heritage until the annual meeting of
stockholders in 2001.
2. Consider whatever other business that may properly be brought before the
annual meeting or any adjournment of the annual meeting.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2000 are entitled
to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment of the annual meeting.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
/s/ Wendy K. Gauksheim
Wendy K. Gauksheim
Secretary
Olympia, Washington
March 22, 2000
We urge you to complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as
possible, whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting in person. If you
do attend the annual meeting, you then may withdraw your proxy and vote in
person. The proxy may be withdrawn at any time prior to voting.
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[LOGO OF HERITAGE FINANCIAL APPEARS HERE]
201 5/th/ AVENUE S.W.
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98501
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PROXY STATEMENT
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Heritage is sending this proxy statement to you for the solicitation of proxies
by the Board of Directors of Heritage to be voted at the annual meeting. This
proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card are being mailed to stockholders on
or about March 22, 2000.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING
When and Where is the Annual Meeting?
The annual meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m., Pacific Time, on Monday, May 1,
2000 at Cavanaugh's at Capitol Lake, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive, Olympia,
Washington.
What Matters will be Voted on at the Annual Meeting?
At the annual meeting, you will be asked to:
. Elect three (3) persons to serve on the Board of Directors of Heritage until
the annual meeting of stockholders in 2003 and elect one (1) person to serve
on the Board of Directors of Heritage until the annual meeting of
stockholders in 2001; and
. Consider whatever other business that may properly come before the annual
meeting.
Who is Entitled to Vote?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date, March
10, 2000, are entitled to receive notice of the annual meeting and to vote at
the annual meeting. On March 10, 2000, there were 9,606,139 shares of Heritage
common stock outstanding, held by approximately 1,540 holders of record. Each
share of Heritage common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter considered
at the meeting, including one vote for each director to be elected. Stockholders
are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.
What Constitutes a Quorum?
The presence at the annual meeting, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the
outstanding shares eligible to vote at the annual meeting is required for a
quorum to exist at the annual meeting. For this purpose, abstentions and broker
non-votes are counted in determining the shares present at the annual meeting.
What Vote is Required to Elect the Directors?
The four nominees for election as directors who receive the greatest number of
votes will be elected directors. Votes may be cast in favor of some or all of
the nominees for election to the Board of Directors or withheld as to some or
all of the nominees.
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How Do I Vote?
If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return it to
Heritage, it will be voted as you direct. If you give no directions on your
proxy, the shares represented by your proxy will be voted FOR the nominees for
directors listed in this proxy statement. If any other matters are properly
presented at the annual meeting for consideration, the persons named in the
proxy will have discretion to vote on those matters according to their best
judgment. "Street name" stockholders who wish to vote at the annual meeting
will need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that holds their shares.
Can I Change My Vote After I Return My Proxy Card?
Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy, your proxy may be withdrawn at
any time before it is voted by
. delivering written notice to Wendy K. Gauksheim, Heritage's Secretary,
at 201 5/th/ Avenue S.W., Olympia, Washington 98501, on or before the
taking of the vote at the annual meeting, or
--
. completing a later dated proxy, or
--
. attending the annual meeting and voting in person.
Who Pays the Costs of Soliciting Proxies?
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Heritage. Heritage
will bear the costs of soliciting proxies for the annual meeting. In addition
to soliciting proxies by mail, Heritage's directors, officers and employees may
solicit proxies personally or by telephone or fax. No director, officer or
employee of Heritage who solicits proxies will receive any compensation for
their solicitation other than their regular compensation for the positions they
hold. Heritage does not intend to pay any compensation to any other persons for
the solicitation of proxies. However, it will reimburse brokerage houses and
other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses to mail proxy
materials for beneficial owners.
STOCK OWNERSHIP
Who are the Largest Owners of Heritage Stock?
Heritage knows of no single person or group that is the beneficial owner of more
than 5% of Heritage's common stock.
How Much Stock Do Heritage's Directors and Executive Officers Own?
The following table shows the beneficial ownership of Heritage common stock as
of March 10, 2000 by:
. Each director and director nominee;
. The chief executive officer and those persons who served as executive
officers in 1999 and received salaries and bonuses in excess of
$100,000 during 1999; and
. All directors and executive officers as a group.
For purposes of this table and according to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, a person is the beneficial owner of any shares if he or
she has voting and/or investment power over those shares. The table includes
shares owned by spouses, other immediate family members in trust, shares held in
retirement accounts or funds for the benefit of the named individuals, and other
forms of ownership, over which shares the persons named in the table possess
voting and/or investment power.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Beneficially
Owned at March 10, 2000
-----------------------
Percent of Outstanding
Name Number Common Stock
- ---- ------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
D. Michael Broadhead (1)................................. 41,739*
Lynn M. Brunton (2)...................................... 119,579 1.20%
John A. Clees (3)........................................ 89,600 1.00%
Peter Fluetsch........................................... 10,000*
Daryl D. Jensen (4)...................................... 157,195 1.50%
Melvin R. Lewis (5)...................................... 46,028*
H. Edward Odegard (6).................................... 104,399 1.10%
Donald V. Rhodes (7)..................................... 358,975 3.70%
James P. Senna (8)....................................... 76,153 1.00%
Brian L. Vance (9)....................................... 84,790 1.00%
Philip S. Weigand (10)................................... 109,447 1.00%
Directors and executive officers
as a group (14 persons) (11)............................. 1,235,826 12.90%
</TABLE>
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* Represents less than 1.0% of Heritage's outstanding common stock.
(1) Includes 2,300 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are
exercisable at $9.00 per share.
(2) Includes 2,288 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are
exercisable at $3.58 per share.
(3) Includes 6,863 shares issuable upon exercise of options which were
exercisable at $3.58 per share.
(4) Includes 6,863 shares issuable upon exercise of options which are
exercisable at $3.58 per share, and 100 shares which are exercisable at
$9.00 per share.
(5) Includes 100 shares issuable upon the exercise of options which are
exercisable at $9.00 per share.
(6) Includes 2,288 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are
exercisable at $3.58 per share.
(7) Includes 34,328 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are
exercisable at $3.58 per share, and 6,800 shares which are exercisable at
$11.13 per share. Includes 1,441 shares owned as a joint tenant with his
son, for which Mr. Rhodes disclaims beneficial ownership.
(8) Includes 6,863 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are
exercisable at $3.58 per share.
(9) Includes 25,746 shares issuable upon exercise of options which are
exercisable at $3.11 per share, and 25,746 shares which are exercisable at
$3.58 per share, and 3,600 shares which are exercisable at $11.13 per
share.
(10) Includes 6,863 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are
exercisable at $3.58 per share.
(11) Includes 138,471 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table provides information about the executive officers of
Heritage. All officers are appointed by the Board of Directors and serve at the
pleasure of the Board for an unspecified term.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Has Served Heritage,
Heritage Bank or Central
Name Age Position Valley Bank Since
- ---- --- -------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Donald V. Rhodes (1) 64 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 1986
of Heritage; Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Heritage Bank; Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Central Valley Bank
Brian L. Vance (2) 45 Senior Vice President of Heritage and President 1996
and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank
Gregory D. Patjens (3) 50 Executive Vice President of Administration, 1999
Heritage Bank
Edward Cameron (4) 59 Vice President and Treasurer of Heritage and 1999
Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Heritage
Bank
D. Michael Broadhead (5) 55 President - Central Valley Bank, N.A. 1986
Wendy K. Gauksheim (6) 39 Vice President and Secretary of Heritage and 1987
Senior Vice President/Corporate Services Officer
of Heritage Bank
</TABLE>
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(1) For background information on Mr. Rhodes, see page 5 of the proxy
statement.
(2) Mr. Vance has been employed by Heritage Bank since 1996. Prior to joining
Heritage Bank, Mr. Vance was employed for over 20 years with West One Bank,
a bank with offices in Idaho and Washington. Prior to leaving West One, he
was Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Banking Operations for
the south Puget Sound region. On August 17, 1998, the Board of Directors
of Heritage Bank approved the appointment of Mr. Vance as President and
Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank to be effective as of October 1,
1998. Subsequent to that, Mr. Vance was named Executive Vice President of
Heritage.
(3) Mr. Patjens joined Heritage Bank on March 16, 1999. Mr. Patjens was
employed for over 25 years with Key Bank and its predecessor, Puget Sound
National Bank in positions with responsibilities for a variety of
administrative and bank operations functions. Prior to leaving Key Bank,
Mr. Patjens was Senior Vice President for Key Services, National Client
Services.
(4) Mr. Cameron became the Vice President and Treasurer of Heritage and the
Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Heritage Bank in August, 1999.
Prior to that since April, 1999, Mr. Cameron was Vice President, Investment
Manager at Heritage Bank. Prior to that, he had over 25 years of banking
experience, most recently as Senior Vice President, Investment Manager at
Security Pacific Bank.
(5) Mr. Broadhead joined Central Valley Bank in 1986 and has been President of
Central Valley Bank since 1990. Heritage acquired Central Valley Bank in
March, 1999.
(6) Ms. Gauksheim has been employed by Heritage Bank since 1987 and currently
serves as Senior Vice President/Corporate Services Officer of Heritage Bank
and Vice President and Secretary of Heritage.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Heritage's Articles of Incorporation call for the Board of Directors to fix the
exact number of directors from time to time within a range of no fewer than 5
nor more than 25 persons. The Board of Directors has fixed the number of
directors at 10 persons.
Directors are divided into three classes with each class having three year terms
that expire in successive years. Approximately one third of the members of the
Board of Directors are elected by the stockholders annually. The directors
whose terms will expire at the 2000 annual meeting are Lynn M. Brunton, Peter
Fluetsch, Melvin R. Lewis
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and Philip S. Weigand, all of whom have been nominated by the Board of Directors
for reelection at the 2000 annual meeting. If elected, directors Brunton, Lewis
and Weigand will hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders in the
year 2003. Mr. Fluetsch, if elected, will hold office until the annual meeting
of stockholders in 2001.
Each nominee has indicated that he or she is able and willing to serve on the
Board of Directors. If any nominee becomes unable to serve, the shares
represented by all properly completed proxies will be voted for the election of
the substitute recommended by the Board of Directors. At this time, the Board
of Directors knows of no reason why any nominee might be unavailable to serve.
Information about the nominees for election at the annual meeting as well as
information about those directors continuing in office after the annual meeting
is as follows:
Nominees for Election at this Annual Meeting for Terms Expiring in 2003
Lynn M. Brunton, Director Since 1990. Ms. Brunton, 62, is presently a community
volunteer and serves as a member of the St. Peter Hospital Community Board and
is actively involved in several local community organizations. Ms. Brunton is
also a director of Panorana City Corporation, a large retirement community
located in Lacey, Washington.
Melvin R. Lewis, Director Since 1999. Mr. Lewis, 68, is a Broker and former
President of the firm Terril, Lewis, Wilke Insurance. Since 1993, Mr. Lewis has
served as a director of Central Valley Bank and, until March 5, 1999 was a
director of Washington Independent Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for
Central Valley Bank. On March 5, 1999, Heritage acquired Washington Independent
Bancshares, Inc., and Central Valley bank then became a subsidiary of Heritage.
Mr. Lewis became a director of Heritage on March 25, 1999 to fulfill the
requirements of the acquisition agreement between Heritage and Washington
Independent.
Philip S. Weigand, Director Since 1985. Mr. Weigand, 62, is a retired Lieutenant
Colonel of the U.S. Marine Corps with 20 years of active service. Since 1988,
Mr. Weigand has been a real estate agent with Virgil Adams Real Estate, located
in Olympia, Washington.
Nominee for Election at this Annual Meeting for a Term Expiring in 2001
Peter Fluetsch. Mr. Fluetsch, 62, is the President and Chief Executive Officer
of Sunset Air, Inc. in Lacey, Washington, a heating and air conditioning
contractor which he founded in 1976. Mr. Fluetsch became a board member of
Heritage on December 16, 1999.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of Ms. Brunton and
Messrs. Fluetsch, Lewis and Weigand.
Incumbent Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2001
John A. Clees, Director Since 1990. Mr. Clees, 52, has been the President of
Clees Miles CPA Group, Olympia, Washington since October 1995. Prior to that
time, he was a principal of Gattis, Clees and Company, an accounting firm with
offices in Seattle and Olympia, Washington.
James P. Senna, Director Since 1976. Mr. Senna, 65, retired at the end of 1998
as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Shee Atika, Inc. (an Alaska
Native Corporation), Sitka, Alaska where he served in those capacities since
1987.
Incumbent Directors whose terms expire in 2002
Donald V. Rhodes, Director Since 1989. Mr. Rhodes, 64, currently serves as
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage; Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Heritage Bank; and since 1986, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Central Valley Bank, a subsidiary of Heritage that was acquired on
March 5, 1999. Mr. Rhodes joined Heritage Bank in 1989 as President and Chief
Executive Officer and was elected Chairman in 1990.
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<PAGE>
Daryl D. Jensen, Director Since 1985. Mr. Jensen, 61, was the President of
Sunset Life Insurance Company of America from 1973 until his retirement in 1999.
He continues to serve as a director of Sunset Life Insurance Company and Sunset
Financial Services, a NASD registered broker-dealer. Mr. Jensen is also a
director of Panorama City Corporation, a large retirement community located in
Lacey, Washington. Mr. Jensen also has served as a director of Central Valley
Bank since 1989.
H. Edward Odegard, Director Since 1987. Mr. Odegard, 68, has been a private
investor since 1993. Prior to that time, he was the co-owner and manager of the
Valley Athletic Club, Tumwater, Washington.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
How Often Did the Board Meet During 1999?
During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Board of Directors of Heritage held
12 meetings. No director of Heritage attended fewer than 75% of the total
meetings of the Board and committees on which a director served during this
period, except for former Heritage director Peter Wallerich. Mr. Wallerich
resigned from the Heritage board in February, 2000.
What Committees Has the Board Established?
The Board of Directors of Heritage has an Audit and Finance Committee and a
Personnel and Compensation Committee. In February, 2000, Heritage established a
Nominating Committee.
Audit and Finance Committee. The Audit and Finance Committee:
. Reviews and approves the services of Heritage's independent auditors;
. Reviews the plan, scope and audit results of the internal auditors and
the independent auditors;
. Reviews the reports of bank regulatory authorities; and
. Reviews the annual and other reports to the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the annual report to Heritage's stockholders.
The Audit and Finance Committee consists of directors Clees (chairman of the
committee), Weigand, Odegard and Brunton. None of the members of the Audit and
Finance Committee are officers or employees of Heritage or any Heritage
subsidiary. There were four meetings of the Audit and Finance Committee during
the year ended December 31, 1999.
Personnel and Compensation Committee. The Personnel and Compensation Committee
reviews and recommends compensation arrangements for senior management. The
members of the Personnel and Compensation Committee are directors Jensen
(Chairman of the committee), Clees and Brunton. None of the members of the
Committee are officers or employees of Heritage or any subsidiary of Heritage.
There were three meetings of the Personnel and Compensation Committee during the
year ended December 31, 1999.
How are Directors Compensated?
During the year ended December 31, 1999, Heritage's non-officer directors
received a monthly retainer of $500 and a monthly fee of $500 for each Board
meeting attended. Non-officer directors also received $100 for each committee
meeting attended with the Chairman of the committee receiving $150 per meeting
attended. Directors who are officers or employees of Heritage or its
subsidiaries receive no additional compensation for service as directors or
members of Board committees.
Under Heritage's 1994 Stock Option Plan, directors Brunton, Clees, Jensen,
Odegard, Senna and Weigand each were granted a non-qualified stock option in
January 1994 to purchase 10,298 shares of Heritage common stock at an exercise
price of $1.94 per share (as adjusted for the mutual holding company
conversion). Under Heritage's 1997 stock option plan, directors Brunton, Clees,
Jensen, Odegard, Senna and Weigand each were granted a non-qualified stock
option in January 1997 to purchase 6,863 shares of Heritage common stock at an
exercise price of $3.58 per share
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(as adjusted for the mutual holding company conversion). Under Heritage's 1997
stock option plan, directors Brunton, Clees, Jensen, Odegard, Senna and Weigand
each were granted a non-qualified stock option in January 1997 to purchase 6,863
shares of Heritage common stock at an exercise price of $3.58 per share (as
adjusted for the mutual holding company conversion). Under Heritage's 1998 Stock
Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan, in April, 1999, directors Brunton,
Clees, Odegard, Senna, Wallerich (who was a director at the time) and Weigand
were granted a non-qualified stock option to purchase 1,200 shares each of
Heritage common stock at an exercise price of $8.50 per share. Also, in 1999,
directors Jensen and Lewis were granted a non-qualified stock option to purchase
1,500 shares each of Heritage common stock: 1,200 in April, 1999 at an exercise
price of $8.50 per share as directors of Heritage and 300 in March, 1999 at an
exercise price of $9.00 per share as directors of Central Valley Bank. All
director options vest and become exercisable in annual one-third increments
beginning one year after the date of grant. The options are exercisable for a
period of five years after they vest.
How Can a Stockholder Nominate Someone for the Board?
According to Heritage's Articles of Incorporation, any stockholder nominations
of candidates for election to the Board of Directors at the 2000 annual meeting
must be made in writing to Heritage's chairman not fewer than 14 days nor more
than 50 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. If fewer than 21 days
notice of the annual meeting is given to stockholders, stockholder nominations
must be mailed or delivered to Heritage's chairman by the close of business on
the seventh day after the day the notice of the annual meeting is mailed.
Stockholder nominations must contain the following information if known to the
nominating stockholder:
. The name and address of each proposed nominee;
. The principal occupation of each proposed nominee;
. The total number of shares of Heritage common stock that will be voted
for each proposed nominee;
. The name and address of the nominating stockholder; and
. The number of shares of Heritage common stock owned by the nominating
stockholder.
The chairman of the annual meeting, in his discretion, may disregard any
nominations that do not comply with the above-listed requirements. Upon the
chairman's instructions, the vote teller may disregard all votes cast for a
nominee if the nomination does not comply with the above-listed requirements.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Report of the Personnel and Compensation Committee
This report of Heritage's Personnel and Compensation Committee describes in
general terms the process the committee undertakes and the factors it considers
to determine the appropriate compensation for Heritage's executive officers.
What Are The Responsibilities of the Personnel and Compensation Committee?
The committee establishes and monitors compensation programs for executive
officers of Heritage and its subsidiaries. The committee:
. reviews and approves individual executive officer salaries, bonus plan
allocations, and stock option grants and other equity-based awards; and
. establishes the compensation and evaluates the performance of the chief
executive officer, while the chief executive officer evaluates the performance
of the other executive officers and recommends individual compensation levels
for approval by the committee.
None of the members of the committee are officers or employees of Heritage or
any Heritage subsidiary.
What is Heritage's Philosophy of Executive Officer Compensation?
The committee's compensation philosophy is intended to reflect and support the
goals and strategies that Heritage has established. Currently, Heritage's
growth strategy is to broaden its products and services from traditional thrift
products and services to those more closely related to commercial banking. The
key elements of this strategy are geographic and product expansion, loan
portfolio diversification, development of relationship banking and maintenance
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<PAGE>
of asset quality. The committee believes these goals, which are intended to
create long-term stockholder value, must be supported by a compensation program
that:
. attracts and retains highly qualified executives;
. provides levels of compensation that are competitive with those offered
by other financial institutions;
. motivates executives to enhance long-term stockholder value by helping
them to build their own ownership in Heritage; and
. integrates Heritage's long-term strategic planning and measurement
processes.
Heritage's compensation program includes competitive salary and benefits,
opportunities for employee ownership of Heritage stock through participation in
an employee stock ownership plan and, for certain employees, an annual incentive
cash bonus based upon attainment of company and individual performance goals and
opportunities for stock ownership of Heritage stock through stock option and
restricted stock programs.
To determine compensation packages for individual executives, the committee
considers various subjective and objective factors, including:
. individual job responsibilities and experience;.
. individual performance in terms of both qualitative and quantitative
goals;
. Heritage's overall performance, as measured by attainment of strategic
and budgeted financial goals and prior performance; and
. industry surveys, prepared by an independent consulting firm, of
compensation for comparable positions with similar institutions in the
State of Washington, the Pacific Northwest and the United States.
The components of Heritage's compensation program are the following:
Base Salary. Salary levels of executive officers are designed to be competitive
- -----------
within the banking industry. To set competitive salary ranges, the committee
periodically evaluates current salary levels of other financial institutions
with size, lines of business, geographic dispersion and market place position
similar to Heritage's. Base salaries for Heritage's executive officers other
than the chief executive officer are based upon recommendations by the chief
executive officer, taking into account the subjective and objective factors
described above. The committee reviews and approves or disapproves those
recommendations.
Annual Incentive Bonus. Executive officers have an annual incentive opportunity
- ----------------------
with cash bonus awards based on the overall performance of Heritage and on
attainment of individual performance targets. The annual awards are determined
by formulas established by the committee following each fiscal year and are
based upon an assessment of Heritage's performance (for the year ended December
31, 1999, primarily with respect to the Company's return on average equity) as
compared to both budgeted and previous fiscal year performance and upon an
evaluation by the chief executive officer of an executive's individual
performance and contribution to Heritage's overall performance. The committee
then reviews and approves the bonus recommendations and presents them to the
Board of Directors for approval.
Stock Option and Other Stock-Based Compensation. Equity-based compensation is
- -----------------------------------------------
intended to more closely align the financial interests of Heritage's executives
with long-term stockholder value, and to assist in the retention of executives
who are key to the success of Heritage and its subsidiaries. Equity-based
compensation generally has been in the form of incentive stock options and
restricted stock awards pursuant to Heritage's existing stock option plans. The
committee determines from time to time which executives, if any, will receive
stock options or awards and determines the number of shares subject to each
option or award. Grants of stock options and awards are based on various
subjective factors relating primarily to the responsibilities of individual
executives, their expected future contributions to Heritage and prior option
grants.
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How Is Heritage's Chief Executive Officer Compensated?
The base compensation for Heritage's chairman, president and chief executive
officer, Donald V. Rhodes, was determined by the committee with final approval
by the Board based on the same criteria as the compensation for the other
executive officers. In October 1997, Heritage entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Rhodes providing for an annual base salary of $174,000, which
may be increased at the discretion of the Board of Directors or the committee.
During the year ended December 31, 1999, the base annual salary of Mr. Rhodes
was $216,000. In addition to this, he received a performance bonus of $32,900
and granted an incentive option to acquire 20,400 shares of Heritage common
stock at an exercise price of $8.44 per share. The chief executive officer's
bonus potential is based on achievement of certain targeted results of the
Company (for 1999 with respect to the Company's return on average equity) and is
determined by the committee with final approval by the Board.
The committee believes that for the year ended December 31, 1999, the
compensation for Mr. Rhodes, as well as for the other executive officers, was
consistent with Heritage's overall compensation philosophy and clearly related
to the realization of Heritage's goals and strategies for the period.
Respectfully submitted by: Daryl D. Jensen, Chairman of the Committee
John A. Clees, Member
Lynn M. Brunton, Member
Stock Performance Graph
The chart shown below depicts total return to stockholders during the period
beginning January 8, 1998, when Heritage first issued its shares publicly, and
ending December 31, 1999. Total return includes appreciation or depreciation in
market value of Heritage common stock as well as actual cash and stock dividends
paid to stockholders. Indices shown below, for comparison purposes only, are
the S&P 500(TM) stock index, which is a broad nationally recognized index of
stock performance by publicly traded companies, and the SNL Securities thrift
index, which is comprised of publicly-traded thrift institutions with assets of
$250 million to $500 million located throughout the United States. The chart
assumes that the value of the investment in Heritage's common stock and each of
the two indices was $100 on January 8, 1998, and that all dividends were
reinvested.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORP., S&P 500 AND SNL $250M - $500M THRIFT INDEX
[GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period Ending
----------------------------------------------------
Index 01/09/98 06/30/98 12/31/98 06/30/99 12/31/99
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Heritage Financial Corporation 100.00 111.58 74.26 65.97 67.48
S&P 500 100.00 123.09 134.42 151.06 162.70
SNL $250M-$500M Thrift Index 100.00 105.18 91.05 113.87 107.03
</TABLE>
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the aggregate compensation for services rendered to
Heritage or its subsidiaries in all capacities paid or accrued for the year
ended December 31, 1999 compared to the same periods ended December 31, 1998 and
1997, to Heritage's chief executive officer and each of the two other most
highly compensated executive officers whose aggregate cash and cash equivalent
forms of compensation exceeded $100,000 in 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term
Annual Compensation Compensation Awards
------------------- -------------------
Restricted Securities
Stock Underlying All Other
Name and Principal Position Period Salary Bonus Awards ($) Options (#) Compensation (1)
- --------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ---------- ----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Donald V. Rhodes
Chairman, President and 1999 $216,000 $32,900 -0- 20,400 $19,971
Chief Executive Officer 1998 $202,500 $45,000 -0- 20,400 $20,882
Heritage Financial Corp. 1997 $180,000 $19,470 -0- 51,492 $19,085
Brian L. Vance
President and Chief 1999 $126,000 $27,525 -0- 10,800 $16,391
Operating Officer 1998 $108,000 $24,786 -0- 10,800 $14,072
Heritage Bank 1997 $ 91,350 $14,994 -0- 25,746 $ 456
D. Michael Broadhead
President 1999 $107,940 $18,000 -0- 6,900 $ 3,535
Central Valley Bank 1998 $ 93,623 $13,000 -0- -0- $ 3,932
1997 $ 91,330 $18,000 -0- -0- $ 3,645
</TABLE>
_____________
(1) Amounts in calendar 1999 represent for Messrs. Rhodes, Vance and Broadhead:
(i) matching contributions under Heritage's 401(k)/ESOP in the amount of
$4,800, $4,139, $852 respectively; (ii) additional discretionary
contributions under Heritage's 401(k)/ESOP of approximately $14,560,
$11,929, $2,016, respectively; and (iii) life insurance premiums paid by
Heritage for the benefit of each executive in the amount of $431, $323,
$667, respectively.
Option Grants During 1999
In October 1998, the stockholders approved the adoption of the 1998 Stock Option
and Restricted Stock Award Plan, providing for the award of incentive stock
options to employees and nonqualified stock options to directors of the Company
at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Under the plan, on the date of
grant, the exercise price of the option must at least equal the market value per
share of the Company's common stock. The plan provides for the granting of
options for up to 461,125 common shares. All awards made under the plan require
vesting over a three year period beginning on the date of grant. In 1999,
145,500 options were granted under the 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock
Award Plan. Under the plan, the options must be exercised within five years of
vesting.
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Option Grants in 1999. The following table summarizes options granted to each
of the executives listed in the summary compensation table for the year ended
December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Percentage
Securities of total
Underlying options to
Options employees Exercise Price Expiration Grant Date
Name Granted (#) during year ($/share) Date (1) Present Value ($)
- ---- ----------- ----------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Donald V. Rhodes 20,400 15.25% $8.44 11/2006 $58,548
Brian L. Vance 10,800 8.00% $8.44 11/2006 $30,996
D. Michael Broadhead 6,900 6.00% $9.00 3/2006 $21,666
</TABLE>
_________________
(1) One-third of the option grants vests on the first, second and third
anniversary dates of the grants and each grant expires five years after it
becomes vested.
Option Exercises and Period End Option Values.
The following table summarizes option exercises during the year ended December
31, 1999 by each of the executives listed in the summary compensation table and
the period end value of unexercised options granted to those periods:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Acquired Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money Options
on Value options at December 31, 1999 at December 31, 1999(1)
Name Exercise Realized (Exercisable/Unexercisable) (Exercisable/Unexercisable)
- ---- -------- -------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Donald V. Rhodes -0- -0- 23,964 / 51,164 $ 86,678 / $90,554
Brian L. Vance -0- -0- 46,509 / 26,583 $228,791.22 / $45,396
D. Michael Broadhead -0- -0- -0- / 6,900 -0- / -0-
</TABLE>
__________
(1) Values are calculated by subtracting the exercise price from the fair
market value of the underlying stock. For purposes of this table, fair
market value is deemed to be $8.625, the last sale price of Heritage's
common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on December 31, 1999.
Other Employee Benefits and Proposed Changes in Those Benefits.
In 1999, Heritage combined its defined contribution retirement plan, its salary
savings 401(k) Plan and its Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") into the ESOP
and amended the ESOP to give it 401(k) features. The ESOP was renamed the
Heritage Financial Corporation 401(k) ESOP ("KSOP"). All those plans were
combined into the KSOP on October 1, 1999. On that date, account balances in
each employee's account in the defined contribution retirement plan and the
401(k) Plan were transferred to the KSOP, and each employee having account
balances in those plans was given the ability to allocate up to 20% of those
balances to purchase Heritage stock.
Under the KSOP, eligible employees have the right to defer a portion of their
compensation to be contributed to the KSOP which is matched 50% by Heritage up
to certain specified limits. Employees can elect whether to have their deferred
compensation amount placed in a Heritage stock account to be invested in
Heritage stock by the KSOP trustee (subject to availability) or in other
available investment accounts and invested by the KSOP trustee in investments
other than Heritage stock as directed by the participants. In addition to the
matching contributions Heritage makes, Heritage has the discretion to make
additional contributions to the KSOP.
On December 31, 1999, the KSOP owned 267,551 shares of Heritage common stock, of
which 152,199 shares were allocated to participants' accounts and 115,352 shares
were held in a suspense account. Shares held in the suspense account are
released to participant accounts on a pro rata basis as the KSOP's loan payable
to Heritage is repaid.
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Executive Employment and Severance Agreements
Heritage and Heritage Bank entered into an employment agreement with Donald V.
Rhodes, effective on October 1, 1997. The agreement with Mr. Rhodes provides
for an annual base salary of $174,000, which may be increased at the discretion
of the Board of Directors or by an authorized board committee. In addition to
base salary, the agreement provides for Mr. Rhodes's participation in employee
benefit plans and other fringe benefits applicable to senior executives of
Heritage Bank. The term of the agreement will run until Mr. Rhodes attains age
65 (March 14, 2001), and then will be automatically renewed for additional terms
of one year each unless notice is given one year prior to the expiration date of
any term that renewal will not be effected. In the event the employment of Mr.
Rhodes is terminated by Heritage at any time for "cause" or by Mr. Rhodes
without "good reason", both as defined in the agreement, no termination benefit
will be payable. If Mr. Rhodes is terminated without cause or he terminates the
agreement for good reason, a severance benefit will be payable in an amount
equal to two times the amount of his then-current annual base salary, or the
amount of salary which would otherwise have been paid to him during the then
remaining term of the agreement, whichever is greater.
The agreement with Mr. Rhodes also provides for the payment of a severance
benefit to Mr. Rhodes in the event of his termination of employment in some
cases preceding, and for any reason following by up to two years, a change of
control of Heritage or Heritage Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr.
Rhodes is entitled to receive his then-current base salary for three years
following such termination or until the end of the term of the agreement,
whichever is longer ($576,000 based on Mr. Rhodes's current salary and assuming
a three-year payment). In those circumstances, he also is entitled to all
benefits in his agreement, to be fully vested as to unvested options, and to
have restrictions lapse any restricted stock or other restricted securities.
Heritage Bank entered into a severance agreement effective on October 1, 1997
with Brian Vance, President and Chief Operating Officer. The term of the
severance agreement is five years. The agreement provides for Mr. Vance to
receive a severance benefit in an amount equal to two times the amount of his
then-current annual base salary ($252,000 for Mr. Vance based on his current
base salary) if his employment is terminated in some cases preceding, and for
any reason following by up to two years, a change of control of Heritage or
Heritage Bank.
For purposes of the agreements, "change in control" generally includes the
acquisition by any person of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of
Heritage; replacement of incumbent directors or election of newly elected
directors constituting a majority of the Board of Heritage where the replacement
or election has not been supported by the Board; dissolution, or sale of 50% or
more in value of the assets, of either Heritage or Heritage Bank or any of their
respective subsidiaries; or the merger of Heritage into any corporation, 25% or
more of the outstanding common stock of which is owned by person other than
owners of the common stock of Heritage prior to such merger.
The employment agreement with Mr. Rhodes and the severance agreement with Mr.
Vance provide that in the event any of those executives receive an amount under
the provisions of the agreements that results in imposition of a tax on the
executive under the provisions of the Code Section 4999 (relating to golden
Parachute payments), the employer is obligated to reimburse the executive for
that amount, exclusive of any tax imposed by reason of receipt of reimbursement
under the employment agreements.
The agreements also restrict the right of Messrs. Rhodes and Vance to compete
against Heritage or Heritage Bank in the State of Washington for a period of two
years in the case of Mr. Rhodes and one year in the case of Mr. Vance following
termination of employment, except in the case of Mr. Rhodes if employment is
terminated without cause or good reason.
Effective on March 5, 1999, Central Valley Bank and D. Michael Broadhead entered
into an employment agreement. The term of the agreement expires on December 31,
2002 and is subject to automatic one year renewal extensions unless prior notice
otherwise is given. The agreement calls for Mr. Broadhead to serve as President
of Central Valley Bank at a base annual salary of no less than $110,000 plus
customary fringe benefits. Also, under the agreement, on December 31, 2005
(regardless of whether Mr. Broadhead is employed by Central Valley Bank at the
time), Mr. Broadhead is to receive a payment of $40,000 plus $10,000 for each
full year of his service at Central Valley Bank or its successor - up to a
$200,000 maximum payment. Mr. Broadhead's estate is also entitled to a death
benefit payment
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of no less than $100,000 nor more than $200,000 if he dies prior to the receipt
of the December 31, 2005 service payment.
In the event Mr. Broadhead's employment is terminated by Central Valley Bank at
any time for "cause" or if Mr. Broadhead resigns without "good reason" and his
resignation does not coincide with a change in control of Heritage, Mr.
Broadhead will not be entitled to any severance benefit payable to him. The
agreement does provide for the payment of a severance benefit to Mr. Broadhead
(in addition to his service payment described above) in the event of his
termination of employment in some cases preceding, and for any reason following
by up to one year, a change in control of Heritage. Under the terms of the
agreement, Mr. Broadhead is entitled to receive an amount of up to 36 months of
his base salary in effect at the time if his employment is terminated without
cause by Central Valley Bank from the time after a change in control transaction
is announced up to one year following the completion of the change in control or
if Mr. Broadhead resigns for any reason within a year after the change in
control is completed.
The agreement also restricts the right of Mr. Broadhead to compete against
Heritage or Central Valley Bank in Yakima County, Washington for a period of up
to three years unless Mr. Broadhead is terminated without cause or resigns for
good reason.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires directors,
executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders to file reports of their
ownership and any changes in ownership of Heritage securities with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These directors, executive officers and
greater than 10% stockholders are required by regulation to provide Heritage
with a copy of any Section 16(a) reports they file. Based on Heritage's review
of copies of these reports received by it and written representations made to
Heritage by these persons, Heritage believes that all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to its directors, executive officers and greater than
10% stockholders were complied with during the year ended December 31, 1999,
except that option awards to directors Brunton and Odegard and executive officer
Patjens were reported on Form 5 as was a correction about the ownership of Mr.
Vance.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
During the year ended December 31, 1999, several directors and executive
officers of Heritage and Heritage Bank and their associates, were customers of
Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank, and it is anticipated that these persons
will continue to be customers of Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank in the
future. All transactions between Heritage Bank and Central Valley Bank and its
executive officers and directors, and their associates, were made in the
ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest
rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with other persons, and, in the opinion of management, did not
involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable
features.
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The firm of KPMG LLP performed the audit of the consolidated financial
statements of Heritage and its subsidiaries for the period ended December 31,
1999. The Audit and Finance Committee has recommended that KPMG LLP be retained
as independent auditors of Heritage and its subsidiaries for year ending
December 31, 2000, subject to management approval of the terms of an engagement
letter with that firm. Stockholders are not required to take action on this
retention. Representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the annual meeting.
They will have the opportunity to present a statement if they desire to and will
be available to respond to appropriate questions.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholders interested in presenting a proposal for consideration at the annual
meeting of stockholders in 2001 may do so by following the procedures prescribed
in Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. To be eligible for
inclusion, stockholder proposals must be received by Heritage no later than
November 24, 2000.
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OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the annual
meeting. If other matters are properly brought before the annual meeting, the
persons appointed in the proxy intend to vote the shares represented the proxy
according to their best judgment.
We urge you to sign and return the enclosed proxy as soon as possible, whether
or not you plan to attend the annual meeting in person. If you do attend the
annual meeting, you then may withdraw your proxy and vote in person. The proxy
may be withdrawn at any time prior to voting.
MISCELLANEOUS
Heritage's annual report for the year ended December 31, 1999 has been mailed
along with this proxy statement to all stockholders of record as of March 10,
2000. Any stockholder who has not received a copy of this annual report may
obtain a copy by writing to Heritage. The annual report is not to be treated as
part of the proxy solicitation material or having been incorporated by reference
in this proxy statement.
A copy of Heritage's Form 10-K that is to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission by March 30, 2000 will be provided to you without charge if
you are a stockholder of Heritage as of March 10, 2000. Please make your written
request to Wendy Gauksheim, Secretary, Heritage Financial Corporation, 201 5/th/
Avenue S.W., Olympia, Washington 98501.
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HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 1, 2000
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY
----------------------------------
The undersigned stockholder of HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION ("Heritage")
hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints Donald V. Rhodes and Daryl D. Jensen,
and each of them, jointly and severally, as true and lawful agents and proxies,
with full power of substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, to act
and vote all the common stock of Heritage standing in my name and on its books
on March 10, 2000 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at
Cavanaugh's at Capitol Lake, Olympia, Washington, on May 1, 2000, at 10:30 a.m.,
and at any adjournment thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would
possess if personally present, as follows:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: Election of three (3) persons to serve on the Board
of Directors until 2003 and election of one (1) person to serve on the
Board of Directors until 2001.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[_] FOR all nominees listed below. [_] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE
for all nominees listed below
(in the manner described below).
</TABLE>
INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
strike a line through the nominee's name listed below.
Lynn M. Brunton (2003) Melvin R. Lewis (2003) Philip S. Weigand (2003)
Peter Fluetsch (2001)
(Continued and to be signed on the other side)
<PAGE>
2. In their discretion, upon such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED ABOVE. IF NO
DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE PROPOSALS SET FORTH
ABOVE.
Management knows of no other matters that may properly be, or which are
likely to be, brought before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters
are properly presented at the Annual Meeting, this Proxy will be voted according
to the discretion of the named proxies.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting
of Stockholders for the May 1, 2000 Annual Meeting, and the accompanying
documents forwarded therewith, and ratifies all lawful action taken by the
above-named agents and proxies.
Date: ______________________, 2000
__________________________________
Signature
__________________________________
Signature
NOTE: Signature(s) should agree
with name(s) on Heritage stock
certificate(s). Executors,
administrators, trustees and other
fiduciaries, and persons signing on
behalf of corporations,
partnerships or other entities
should so indicate when signing.
All joint owners must sign.
