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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14A-6(E)(2))
[_] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S) 240.14a-11(c) or (S) 240.14a-12
FINGER LAKES FINANCIAL CORP.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
ALAN SCHICK, LUSE LEHMAN CORMAN POMERENK AND SCHICK
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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:
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Notes:
Reg. (S) 240.14a-101.
SEC 1913 (3-99)
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________, 2000
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting of Stockholders, in lieu
of an annual meeting, of Finger Lakes Financial Corp. The Special Meeting will
be held at _____________________________, at __________ __.m., (local time) on
_______, 2000.
The enclosed Notice of Special Meeting and proxy statement/prospectus describe
the formal business to be transacted.
The special meeting is being held so that stockholders will be given an
opportunity to elect three directors, to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as
auditors for Finger Lakes Financial's 2000 fiscal year and to consider and vote
upon a plan of conversion and reorganization under which Finger Lakes Financial
Corp., MHC, our mutual holding company parent will convert to stock form and a
new Delaware company, Finger Lakes Bancorp, Inc. would replace Finger Lakes
Financial as the holding company for Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes.
Shareholders of Finger Lakes Financial would become shareholders in the new
company.
The Board of Directors of Finger Lakes Financial has determined that the matters
to be considered at the special meeting are in the best interest of the Finger
Lakes Financial and its stockholders. For the reasons set forth in the proxy
statement/prospectus, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote "FOR"
each matter to be considered.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we urge you to sign, date and return the
enclosed proxy card as soon as possible even if you currently plan to attend the
Special Meeting. Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares that
you own. Voting by proxy will not prevent you from voting in person, but will
assure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend the meeting.
Sincerely,
G. Thomas Bowers
President and Chief Executive Officer
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Finger Lakes Financial Corp.
470 Exchange Street
Geneva, New York 14456
(315) 789-3838
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On ______, 2000
Notice is hereby given that the Special Meeting of Stockholders, in lieu of
an annual meeting, ("Meeting') of Finger Lakes Financial Corp. will be held at
_________________, on _______, 2000 at _____ __.m., local time. Finger Lakes
Financial owns 100% of the common stock of Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes, FSB
and is majority- owned by Finger Lakes Financial Corporation, MHC.
A proxy statment/prospectus and proxy card and a for the Special Meeting
are enclosed.
The Special Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:
1. The election of three directors of Finger Lakes Financial;
2. The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors for Finger
Lakes Financial for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000;
3. A plan of conversion and reorganization (the "Plan") and transactions
incident to the Plan, under which (i) Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes
will establish Finger Lakes Bancorp, Inc. as a first-tier Delaware
chartered corporation subsidiary; (ii) Finger Lakes Bancorp, Inc. will
charter an interim federal association ("Interim"); (iii) Finger Lakes
Financial Corp., MHC will merge with and into Finger Lakes Financial,
Corp. shares of the common stock of Finger Lakes Financial ("common
stock") held by Finger Lakes Financial Corp., MHC will be canceled and
certain depositors of Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes will receive an
interest in a liquidation account of Finger Lakes Financial in
exchange for such depositors' interest in Finger Lakes Financial
Corp., MHC ; (iv) Finger Lakes Financial will convert into an interim
federal savings association which will merge with and into Savings
Bank of the Finger Lakes (the "mid-tier merger") with Savings Bank of
the Finger Lakes as the resulting entity and stockholders of Finger
Lakes Financial other than Finger Lakes Financial Corp., MHC
("Minority Stockholders") will constructively receive shares of
Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes' common stock in exchange for their
common stock and certain depositors will receive an interest in a
liquidation account of Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes in exchange
for such depositors' interest in Finger Lakes Financial; (v)
contemporaneously with the mid-tier merger, Interim will merge with
and into Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes with Savings Bank of the
Finger Lakes as the surviving entity (the "bank merger") and Minority
Stockholders will exchange the shares of Savings Bank of the Finger
Lakes' common stock that they constructively received in the mid-tier
merger for Finger Lakes Bancorp's common stock pursuant to an
"exchange ratio;" and (vi) contemporaneously with the bank merger,
Finger Lakes Bancorp will offer for sale shares of common stock in a
subscription offering and community offering; and
such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting, or any adjournments
thereof. The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come
before the Meeting.
Any action may be taken on the foregoing proposals at the Meeting on the
date specified above, or on any date or dates to which by original or later
adjournment the Meeting may be adjourned. Stockholders of record at the close of
business on _______, 2000 are the stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting,
and any adjournments thereof.
EACH STOCKHOLDER, WHETHER HE OR SHE PLANS TO ATTEND THE MEETING, IS
REQUESTED TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD WITHOUT DELAY IN THE
ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. ANY PROXY GIVEN BY THE STOCKHOLDER MAY BE
REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS EXERCISED. A PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY FILING
WITH THE SECRETARY OF FINGER LAKES FINANCIAL A WRITTEN REVOCATION OR A DULY
EXECUTED
PROXY BEARING A LATER DATE. ANY STOCKHOLDER PRESENT AT THE MEETING MAY REVOKE
HIS OR HER PROXY AND VOTE PERSONALLY ON EACH MATTER BROUGHT BEFORE THE MEETING.
HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A STOCKHOLDER WHOSE SHARES ARE NOT REGISTERED IN YOUR OWN
NAME, YOU WILL NEED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FROM YOUR RECORD HOLDER IN ORDER TO
VOTE PERSONALLY AT THE MEETING.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Terry L. Hammond
Secretary
Geneva, New York
_______, 2000
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IMPORTANT: A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. NO
POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.
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PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
of
FINGER LAKES FINANCIAL CORP.
470 Exchange Street
Geneva, New York 14456
(315) 789-3838
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SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
_______, 2000
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This proxy statement/prospectus is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of Finger Lakes
Financial Corp. to be used at the Special Meeting of Stockholders, in lieu of an
annual meeting, of Finger Lakes Financial (the "Meeting"), which will be held at
_________________________, _________ on _________, 2000 at _____ __.m., local
time, and all adjournments thereof. The accompanying Notice of Special Meeting
of Stockholders and this proxy statement/prospectus are first being mailed to
stockholders on or about _______, 2000.
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REVOCATION OF PROXIES
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Stockholders who execute proxies in the form solicited hereby retain the
right to revoke them in the manner described below. Unless so revoked, the
shares represented by such proxies will be voted at the Meeting and all
adjournments thereof. Proxies solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of
Finger Lakes Financial Corp. will be voted in accordance with the directions
given thereon. Please sign and return you Proxy to Finger Lakes Financial Corp.
in order for your vote to be counted. Where no instructions are indicated,
proxies will be voted "FOR" the proposals set forth in this proxy
statement/prospectus for consideration at the Meeting.
Proxies may be revoked by sending written notice of revocation to the
Secretary of Finger Lakes Financial Corp., Terry L. Hammond, at the address of
Finger Lakes Financial Corp. shown above, or by filing a duly executed proxy
bearing a later date. The presence at the Meeting of any stockholder who had
given a proxy shall not revoke such proxy unless the stockholder delivers his or
her ballot in person at the Meeting or delivers a written revocation to the
Secretary of Finger Lakes Financial Corp. prior to the voting of such proxy.
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VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
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Holders of record of Finger Lakes Financial Corp. common stock ("common
stock") at the close of business on _______, 2000 (the "Voting Record Date") are
entitled to one vote for each share held . As of the Voting Record Date, there
were __________ shares of common stock issued and outstanding, 2,389,948 of
which were held by Finger Lakes Financial Corporation, M.H.C. and ___________ of
which were held by stockholders other than Finger Lakes Financial Corp., MHC
("Minority Stockholders"). The presence in person or by proxy of at least a
majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote
is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Meeting.
Pursuant to Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") regulations and the Plan,
consummation of the conversion is conditioned upon the approval of the Plan by
the OTS and by a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by members of
Finger Lakes Financial Corp., MHC . In addition, the transactions incident to
the Conversion and the Plan must be approved by at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of common stock, and a
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majority of votes cast by stockholders other than Finger Lakes Financial Corp.,
MHC at the Meeting. With respect to the required affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock, abstentions and broker
non-votes will have the effect of a vote against the Plan. With respect to the
required affirmative vote by a majority of votes cast by stockholders other than
Finger Lakes Financial Corp., MHC, abstentions and broker non-votes will be
considered as shares not voted.
As of ________, ____, the Finger Lakes Financial Corp., MHC held 2,389,948
shares or 66.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock, and management
believes that all such shares will be voted to approve the Plan.
Persons and groups who beneficially own in excess of five percent of the
Mid Tier Common Stock are required to file certain reports with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") regarding such ownership pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). The following table sets
forth, as of the Record Date, the shares of common stock beneficially owned by
named executive officers individually, by executive officers and directors as a
group and by each person who was the beneficial owner of more than five percent
of Finger Lakes Financial Corp.'s outstanding shares of common stock on the
Record Date. The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by directors
individually are listed under Proposal I--Election of Directors.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount of Shares Percent of Shares
Name and Address of Owned and Nature of Common Stock
Beneficial Owner of Beneficial Ownership(1) Outstanding (1) (2)
---------------- -------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Finger Lakes Financial Corporation, M.H.C. 2,389,948 66.9%
470 Exchange Street
Geneva, New York 14456
Named Executive Officers:
G. Thomas Bowers(3) 85,865 2.4%
Michael J. Hanna(4) 200 0.0%
Chris M. Hansen(5) 9,083 0.3%
Richard J. Harrison 7,158 0.2%
James E. Hunter 3,008 0.1%
Ronald C. Long(6) 8,640 0.2%
Bernard G. Lynch 7,250 0.2%
Arthur W. Pearce 5,000 0.1%
Joan C. Rogers 5,100 0.1%
Terry L. Hammond(7) 27,145 0.8%
Thomas A. Mayfield(8) 21,702 0.6%
Leslie J. Zornow(9) 9,067 0.3%
All directors and executive officers
as a group (12 persons) 189,218 16.0%
</TABLE>
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(1) Based on 3,570,000 shares outstanding.
(2) Based on 1,180,052 shares held by persons other than Finger Lakes
Financial Corp., MHC.
(3) Includes (i) 4,000 shares owned by Mr. Bowers' wife; (ii) 3,790 shares
held in the 401(k) plan for Mr. Bowers' account; (iii) presently
exercisable options to purchase 17,700 shares; and (iv) 4,094 shares
held in the ESOP for Mr. Bowers' account, as to which shares he only
indirect voting power only. See "Executive Compensation" below.
(4) Shares held jointly by Mr. Hanna and his daughter.
(5) Includes 3,980 shares held in a benefit plan of C.M. Hansen Farms,
Inc., of which Mr. Hansen is a trustee and beneficiary.
(6) Included 1,289 shares owned by Mr. Long's wife.
(7) Includes (i) 8,421 shares held in the 401(k) Plan for Mr. Hammond's
account, as to which shares he has investment power only; (ii) 333
shares which will vest within 60 days under the 1996 Management
Recognition Plan; (iii) presently exercisable options to purchase
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12,320 shares; and (iv) 4,650 shares held in the ESOP for Mr. Hammond's
account, as to which shares he had indirect voting power only. See
"Executive Compensation" below.
(8) Includes (i) 2,085 shares held in the 401(k) Plan for Mr. Mayfield's
account, as to which shares he has investment power only; (ii) 333 shares
which will vest within 60 days under the 1996 Management Recognition Plan;
(iii) presently exercisable options to purchase 11,160 shares; and (iv)
1,389 shares held in the ESOP for Mr. Mayfield's account, as to which
shares he has indirect voting power only. See "Executive Compensation"
below.
(9) Includes (i) 185 shares held in the 401(k) Plan for Ms. Zornow's account,
as to which shares she has investment power only; (ii) 200 shares which
will vest within 60 days under the 1996 Management Recognition Plan; (iii)
presently exercisable options to purchase 5,340 shares; and (iv) 1,442
shares held in the ESOP for Ms. Zornow's account, as to which shares she
has indirect voting power only. See "Executive Compensation" below.
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PROPOSAL I--ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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Finger Lakes Financial's Board of Directors is currently composed of ten
members. At the Meeting, Ralph E. Springstead will retire as a member of the
board, and the size of the board shall be reduced to nine persons. Finger Lakes
Financial's bylaws provide that approximately one-third of the directors are to
be elected annually. Directors of Finger Lakes Financial are generally elected
to serve for a three year period or until their respective successors shall have
been elected and shall qualify. The terms of the board of directors are
classified so that approximately one-third of the directors are up for election
in any one year. Three directors will be elected at the Meeting. The Board of
Directors has nominated to serve as directors Michael J. Hanna, James E. Hunter
and Ronald C. Long, each to serve for a three-year term.
The table below sets forth certain information regarding the composition of
Finger Lakes Financial's Board of Directors, including the terms of office of
board members. Historical information relates to Savings Bank of the Finger
Lakes and its mutual predecessor. It is intended that the proxies solicited on
behalf of the Board of Directors (other than proxies in which the vote is
withheld as to one or more nominees) will be voted at the Meeting for the
election of the nominees identified below. If any nominee is unable to serve,
the shares represented by all such proxies will be voted for the election of
such substitute as the Board of Directors may recommend. At this time, the Board
of Directors knows of no reason why any of the nominees might be unable to
serve, if elected. Except as indicated herein, there are no arrangements or
understandings between any nominee and any other person pursuant to which such
nominee was selected.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially
Director Current Term Owned on the Percent
Name Age Positions Held Since (1) to Expire Record Date Of Class
---- --- -------------- --------- --------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NOMINEES
Michael J. Hanna 54 Director 1994 2000 %
James E. Hunter 64 Director 1990 2000 *
Ronald C. Long 63 Director 1994 2000 *
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
G. Thomas Bowers 56 President, Chief Executive 1995 2001 *
Officer and Chairman
Richard J. Harrison 54 Director 1997 2001 *
Bernard G. Lynch 69 Director 1962 2001 *
Arthur W. Pearce 57 Director 1998 2001 *
Chris M. Hansen 64 Director 1983 2002 *
Joan C. Rogers 66 Director 1993 2002 *
</TABLE>
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* Less than 1%.
The principal occupations of each director and executive officer of Finger
Lakes Financial during at least the past five years is set forth below.
G. Thomas Bowers has served as the Company's President and Chief Executive
Officer since July 1995. In 1998 Mr. Bowers was elected Chairman of the Board of
Directors. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Savings
Bank, FSB, Ithaca, New York, from July 1992 until December 1994. Mr. Bowers was
employed by Columbia Banking Savings and Loan Association, Rochester, New York,
from 1987 until June 1992, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer from
April 1991 until June 1992.
Michael J. Hanna has served as Director of Athletics at Hobart and William
Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, since 1981.
Chris M. Hansen is retired from the position as President of C.M. Hansen
Farms, Inc., located in Hall, New York, which owns a citrus operation in
LaBelle, Florida.
Richard J. Harrison served as Executive Vice President and Director of
Dominion Capital Corporation, Fairport, New York, since 1994. Mr. Harrison is
President of Newwwdeal.com, an internet service company founded in 1999, as well
as principal in Atlantic Associates, a consulting organization. He was also
President of United Auto Finance, Inc., Fairport, New York, from 1994 to
December 1998. Prior to 1994, Mr. Harrison was employed by Rochester Community
Savings Bank, Rochester, New York, serving as President of its subsidiary,
American Credit Services, Inc.
James E. Hunter is a professor at Cornell University and the Director of
the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, New York.
Ronald C. Long is President of Long Milk Haulers, Inc., Penn Yan, New York,
which owns and operates a milk hauling and trucking operation.
Bernard G. Lynch is retired from his position as President of the Lynch
Furniture Co., Inc., a retail furniture outlet with stores in Geneva and Auburn,
New York, where he served full-time in the position until 1992.
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Arthur W. Pearce retired in July 1997 after over 20 years in mortgage
banking. From December 1994 until July 1997 he was Senior Vice President,
Community Banking, of M&T Bank, Ithaca, New York, and from December 1992 until
December 1994 he was Executive President of Citizens Savings Bank, FSB, Ithaca,
New York.
Joan C. Rogers is retired from her position as Vice President of BJR
Broadcasting, Seneca Falls, New York, where she served in such capacity for more
than the past five years.
Terry L. Hammond has served as the Company's Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary since January 1, 1999. Prior to that, he
served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary since
joining the Company in 1990. Prior to that, Mr. Hammond was employed by Monroe
Savings Bank, Rochester, New York, in the same capacity.
Thomas A. Mayfield serves as the Company's Senior Vice President and Senior
Loan Officer. He joined the Company in that capacity in April 1996. For two
years prior to that, Mr. Mayfield served in a similar capacity at Savannah Bank,
N.A., Savannah, New York.
Leslie J. Zornow has served as the Company's Senior Vice President, Retail
Banking, since January 1, 1999. Prior to that, she served as Vice President,
Branch Administration and Marketing from 1996 to 1998 and as Vice President,
Human Resources and Marketing since joining the Company in 1995. Prior to that,
Ms. Zornow was employed by Monroe County, New York, Department of Communications
as Deputy Director.
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MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Regular meetings of the Board of Directors of Finger Lakes Financial are
held on a monthly basis. The board of directors held a total of 14 meetings
during the 1999 calendar year. During 1999, each director attended at least 75%
of the total of such Board meetings and meetings of board committees on which he
or she served.
The board of directors has established various committees, which are
described below.
The Executive Committee generally has the power and authority to act on
behalf of the board of directors between scheduled meetings of the board unless
specific board of directors' action is required or unless otherwise restricted
by Finger Lakes Financial's Charter or Bylaws or the board of directors. The
Executive Committee also administers the investment policy adopted by the board
of directors. During 1999, the Executive Committee met seven times. The current
members of the Executive Committee are Mr. Bowers (Chairman) and Messrs. Hanna,
Harrison, Hunter, Lynch and Pearce.
The Audit/Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") Committee reviews (i) reports
from the internal audit department, (ii) the independent auditors' reports and
the results of their examination, prior to review by and with the entire Board
of Directors and (iii) the Office of Thrift Supervision, Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation and other regulatory reports, prior to review by and with
the entire Board of Directors. The Audit/CRA Committee also meets periodically
with Finger Lakes Financial's CRA Officer to review Finger Lakes Financial's CRA
activities. During 1999, the Audit/CRA Committee met four times. The current
members of the Audit/CRA Committee are Mr. Lynch (Chairman), Messrs. Long and
Pearce and Mrs. Rogers.
The Salary and Personnel Committee oversees the compensation programs
provided to Finger Lakes Financial's management, including basic salaries,
bonuses and benefit plans. It also administers the 1996 Stock Option Plan and
the 1996 Management Recognition Plan. See "Executive Compensation" below. During
1999, the Salary and Personnel Committee met two times. The current members of
the Salary and Personnel Committee are Messrs. Hansen, Harrison and Hunter.
The Nominating Committee nominates persons to serve as directors of Finger
Lakes Financial. During 1999, the Nominating Committee met one time. The current
members of the Nominating Committee are Mr. Lynch (Chairman) and Messrs. Bowers
and Hunter.
5
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Directors' Compensation
During 1999, Finger Lakes Financial paid directors' fees aggregating
$106,350 to the non-employee members of the Board of Directors, consisting of
(i) attendance fees of $300 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended
and $200 for each meeting of a Board Committee attended, and (ii) a retainer of
$2,000 per calendar quarter. Mr. Bowers who is the only employee director is
paid no additional compensation for his services as a director.
Directors who are not employees of Finger Lakes Financial are entitled to
participate in the 1998 Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (the
"Restated Plan"). The Restated Plan allows participating outside directors to
defer up to 100% of their compensation from the Company into certain
"hypothetical" investment options designated by the Salary and Personnel
Committee, including common stock. The Restated Plan is unfunded and may require
the Company to issue common stock to the participating directors at such time as
the director has elected to receive a distribution, or upon the death of the
participating director. Of the $106,350 in fees paid to non-employee directors
in 1999, $65,500 was deferred in accordance with the Restated Plan.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Finger Lakes Financial does not independently compensate its executive
officers, directors, or employees. The Executive Compensation Committee of
Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes retains the principal responsibility for the
compensation of the officers, directors and employees of Savings Bank of the
Finger Lakes . The Executive Compensation Committee consists of Directors
______. The Executive Compensation Committee reviews the benefits provided to
Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes' officers and employees. During the year ended
______________ the Executive Compensation Committee met _____ time.
Report of the Salary and Personnel Committee
The following report of the Salary and Personnel Committee required by the
rules of the SEC to be included in this proxy statement/prospectus shall not be
deemed incorporated by reference by any statement incorporating this proxy
statement/prospectus by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Exchange Act"), except to the extent that Finger Lakes Financial
specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise
be deemed filed under either such Act.
Executive Compensation Philosophy
The fundamental compensation philosophy of the Board of Directors is that
there should be a substantial and meaningful connection between executive
compensation and shareholder value. Under the supervision of the Salary and
Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee"), which is
comprised of outside directors and which also administers the Recognition Plan
and the Option Plan, Finger Lakes Financial has developed and implemented
compensation policies, plans and programs designed to increase shareholder value
by aligning closely the financial interests of Finger Lakes Financial's
executive officers with those of its shareholders. In furtherance of these
goals, annual base salaries are intended to serve as a portion of an executive's
total achievable compensation. The Board of Directors believes that attracting
and retaining executives of high quality is essential to Finger Lakes
Financial's growth and success. The Board of Directors further believes that the
long term success of Finger Lakes Financial is enhanced by a comprehensive
compensation program that includes different types of incentives for motivating
executives and rewarding outstanding service, including awards that link
compensation to applicable measures of Finger Lakes Financial performance.
Finger Lakes Financial relies to a large degree on annual and long-term
incentive compensation to attract and retain executives of outstanding ability
and to motivate them to perform to the full extent of their abilities. Both the
annual and long-term components of the incentive compensation policy are closely
tied to profitability and shareholder value. In years of outstanding
achievement, executive officers are rewarded for their respective contributions
to Finger Lakes Financial's success through a combination of cash and
stock-based incentive awards. However, currently no shares of Common Stock
remain available for future awards under the Recognition Plan, and only ______
shares remain available for future awards under the Option Plan.
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Executive Officer Compensation
Finger Lakes Financial's total compensation program for executive officers
consists of both cash and stock-based compensation. The annual cash compensation
consists of a base salary determined at the beginning of each calendar year and
the awarding of incentive bonuses. The base salaries are fixed at levels that
the Committee believes to be generally comparable to amounts paid to highly
qualified senior executives at other similar banks and bank holding companies.
Salaries are reviewed on an annual basis and may be increased at that time based
on (i) the Committee's consensus that the individual's contribution to Finger
Lakes Financial has increased and (ii) increases in competitive pay levels.
In general, annual cash incentive bonuses for executives are intended to
reflect Finger Lakes Financial's belief that management's contributions to
improving shareholder return are related to earnings growth. Under the current
employment agreement between Finger Lakes Financial and Mr. Bowers, an annual
bonus may be paid to Mr. Bowers, and this decision rests in the sole discretion
of the Board of Directors. In addition, Finger Lakes Financial has a written
Formula Bonus Plan (the "Bonus Plan") that is designed to provide significant
financial incentive to Finger Lakes Financial's executives and management
personnel. Bonuses under the Bonus Plan are paid to Finger Lakes Financial's
executives only if Finger Lakes Financial meets its annual financial goals.
Bonuses range from 10% to 14% of annual salary if Finger Lakes Financial meets
its financial goals, from 15% to 20% of annual salary if it exceeds its
financial goals by at least ten percent, and from 21% to 26% of annual salary if
it exceeds its financial goals by at least twenty percent. In 1998, all four of
Finger Lakes Financial's current executive officers received bonuses that ranged
from $______ to $_____.
Long-term incentives have been provided through the grant of stock options
under the Option Plan and contingent stock awards under the Recognition Plan.
Under the Option Plan (see "Executive Compensation -- 1996 Stock Option Plan"
above), the Committee has the authority to determine the individuals to whom
stock options are granted, the terms on which option grants are made, and the
term of and the number of shares subject to each option. Through the grant of
stock options, the objective of aligning executive officers' long-range
interests with increasing shareholder return are met by providing the executive
officers with the opportunity to build a meaningful stake in Finger Lakes
Financial. In granting stock options to Finger Lakes Financial's senior
management, the Committee has reviewed and considered the individual awards,
taking into account the respective scope of accountability, strategic and
operational goals, and anticipated performance requirements and contributions of
each option grantee.
Under the Recognition Plan (see "Executive Compensation -- 1996 Management
Recognition Plan" above), the Committee has the authority to award shares of
Common Stock to officers and other key employees with a proprietary interest in
Finger Lakes Financial. In making such awards, the Committee has considered all
of the factors discussed, and has followed the procedure described, in the
previous paragraph.
However, currently no shares of Common Stock remain available for future
awards under the Recognition Plan, and only ______ shares remain available for
future awards under the Option Plan.
Executive officers may also participate in Finger Lakes Financial's 401(k)
Plan, which includes only employee contributions.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
The key performance measure used to determine Mr. Bowers' 1999 compensation
was the Committee's assessment of his ability and dedication to provide the
leadership and vision necessary to enhance the long-term value of Finger Lakes
Financial.
Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement with Finger Lakes
Financial (see "Executive Compensation--Employment Agreements" above), which was
approved by the Board of Directors in 1995, Mr. Bowers' annual base salary is
fixed, subject to increases by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.
For 1999, his salary amounted to $________. The Committee believes that Mr.
Bowers' salary is fixed at a level which is comparable to the amounts paid to
other chief executive officers with comparable qualifications, experience,
responsibilities and proven results at other similar banks and bank holding
companies.
7
<PAGE>
Consistent with Finger Lakes Financial's executive compensation philosophy,
Mr. Bowers' total compensation package depends largely on annual and long-term
incentive compensation. The annual incentive component is currently made up of
the possibility of a cash bonus under the terms of his employment agreement,
determined by the Board of Directors. The long-term incentive component has
taken the form of stock options granted under the Option Plan and contingent
stock awards granted under the Recognition Plan. Both the annual and long-term
components of Mr. Bowers' incentive compensation are variable and closely tied
to corporate performance in a manner that encourages dedication to building
shareholder value.
Mr. Bowers' short-term and long-term incentive compensation for 1999
included a cash bonus of $______ and a contingent stock award of ______ shares.
In evaluating the performance and setting the compensation of Mr. Bowers as
Finger Lakes Financial's Chief Executive Officer, the Committee has taken
particular note of Finger Lakes Financial's success since he was hired in July
1995. Since 1995 year-end, total assets of Finger Lakes Financial have increased
___%, total loans have increased ___% and total deposits have increased ___%.
Excluding a special charge in the fourth quarter of 1998, earning have increased
by more than ___% in each of the last two years. In March 1998 Finger Lakes
Financial paid its shareholders a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a 100%
stock dividend. Further, Finger Lakes Financial has opened three new branches
since March 1996.
In addition to leading Finger Lakes Financial to these financial
achievements, Mr. Bowers has established a strong record in the areas of
innovation and management efficiency, and has built a strong management team and
aggressively pursued new areas for growth.
Salary and Personnel Committee:
Ralph E. Springstead, Chairman
Chris M. Hansen
Richard J. Harrison
James E. Hunter
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph sets forth a comparison of the cumulative total
shareholder return on the common stock since Finger Lakes Financial's public
offering on November 11, 1994, based on the market price thereof and taking into
account all cash and stock dividends paid through December 31, 1999, with the
cumulative total return of the companies comprising the Nasdaq Composite Total
Return Index (US) and the companies comprising the SNL MHC Thrift Index.
8
<PAGE>
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A LINE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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>
Finger Lakes Financial Corp 100.00 207.10 179.82 428.20 312.62 222.47
NASDAQ - Total US 100.00 141.33 173.89 213.07 300.25 542.43
MHC Thrifts 100.00 158.14 204.59 458.17 314.54 279.77
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shown on the table below is information on the annual and long-term
compensation for services rendered to Finger Lakes Financial in all capacities,
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, paid by Finger Lakes
Financial to its Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President. No other
executive officer of the Company received salary and bonus in excess of $100,000
in 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
-------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Other Restricted All Other
Name and Annual Stock Option Compensation
Principal Position Year Salary($)(1) Bonus($) Compensation ($)(2) Awards ($)(3) Grants(#)(4) (5)
- -------------------------------- ------- ------------ --------- ------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. Thomas Bowers, President 1999 $ 182,606 $ 20,947 $ 0 $ 0 0 $ 7,606
and Chief Executive Officer 1998 174,585 20,227 0 54,250 0 10,610
1997 168,562 0 0 128,469 0 24,160
- -------------------------------- ------- ------------ --------- ------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
Terry L. Hammond, Executive Vice 1999 $ 96,100 $ 8,610 $ 0 $ 0 0 $ 3,512
President and Chief Financial 1998 86,100 8,320 0 0 0 6,693
Officer 1997 83,203 0 0 35,750 8,600 7,776
</TABLE>
(1) The amounts shown include cash compensation earned and paid during the year
indicated as well as cash compensation deferred at the executives' election
into the 401(k) Plan. The Company makes no contributions to the 401(k)
Plan.
(2) Does not reflect the value of perquisites and other personal benefits
because the aggregate amount of such compensation for any year did not
exceed 10% of the executives' annual salary and bonus for that year.
(3) The amounts shown reflect restricted awards of common stock under the
Company's 1996 Management Recognition Plan. See "Executive
Compensation--1996 Management Recognition Plan" below. The amounts shown
represent the aggregate market value of the shares awarded on the dates of
the awards (for Mr. Bowers 2,800 shares awarded in 1998; 9,500 shares
awarded in 1997 and for Mr. Hammond 3,000 shares awarded in 1997). The
awards vest and the shares are paid out over periods ranging from three to
five years, each commencing one year from the respective award date. The
total number and dollar value of shares credited to Mr. Bowers' award
account at 1999 year-end, based on the market value of the common stock on
December 31, 1999 ($8.00 per share) was 13,946 shares ($111,568). Mr.
Hammond's total number of shares and dollar value at 1999 year end was
5,720 shares and $45,763. Dividends are payable on such shares at the same
rate as dividends are paid on other shares of common stock.
(4) See "Executive Compensation--1996 Stock Option Plan" below.
(5) The amounts shown reflect: (i) the aggregate market value, on the date of
allocation, of shares of common stock allocated during the referenced year
to Mr. Bowers' account under the ESOP ($4,376 at December 31, 1999; $7,481
at December 31, 1998; $23,066 at December 31, 1997 (see "Executive
Compensation--Employee Stock Ownership Plan" below); and (ii) the
compensatory value ($3,230 in 1999; $3,129 in 1998; $1,094 in 1997) of life
insurance premiums paid by Finger Lakes Financial on Mr. Bowers' behalf.
The amounts shown for Mr. Hammond reflect the aggregate market value, on
the date of allocation of shares of common stock allocated during the
referenced year to Mr. Hammond's account under the ESOP.
Employment Agreements
During 1999, Mr. Bowers was compensated for his services as President,
chief Executive Officer and a director of Finger Lakes Financial pursuant to an
employment agreement with Finger Lakes Financial dated January 26, 1995 (the
"Employment Agreement"). The Employment Agreement provides for an annual base
salary, subject to increases in the sole discretion of Finger Lakes Financial,
and customary fringe benefits. As an annual incentive, the Employment agreements
also provides for the payment, in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors,
of an annual bonus. In 1999, Mr. Bowers received a bonus of $20,947.
The Employment Agreement may be terminated by either Mr. Bowers or Finger
Lakes Financial at any time upon ten days' notice. However, if Finger Lakes
Financial terminated the Employment Agreement without cause or fails to comply
with any material provision thereof, or if Mr. Bowers terminates the Employment
10
<PAGE>
Agreement for good reason, Mr. Bowers will be entitled to severance pay
amounting to 2.99 times the average annual compensation paid him during the last
five years of his employment by Finger Lakes Financial. In addition, Mr. Bowers
may continue to participate in employee benefit plans of Finger Lakes Financial
(other than retirement and stock compensation plans) for three years following
his termination.
Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Bowers is also the beneficiary of
a non-qualified, unfunded Supplemental Retirement Agreement with Finger Lakes
Financial dated February 28, 1995 and amended June 22, 1998 (the "Retirement
Agreement"), which provides that, upon his reaching age 62, Finger Lakes
Financial will pay Mr. Bowers or his surviving spouse $30,000 per year for 20
years (or, upon their earlier deaths, a lump sum payment to their estates),
subject to a downward adjustment equal to 6% of the total cash value in all
policies subject to any split dollar agreement in effect as of Mr. Bower's 62nd
birthday. Such payments will be provided in part by premiums paid under an
insurance policy on Mr. Bower's life maintained for Finger Lakes Financial's
benefit. The Retirement Agreement vests at the rate of 20% per year on June 30
of each year. The Retirement Agreements is currently 80% vested, and would pay
Mr. Bowers, were his employment to terminate currently, $24,000 per year upon
his reaching age 62.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFITS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 Management Recognition Plan
The objective of Finger Lakes Financial's 1996 Management Recognition Plan
(the "Recognition Plan") is to enable Finger Lakes Financial to provide certain
of its officers and other employees with a proprietary interest in Finger Lakes
Financial, through restricted stock awards which vest at subsequent dates, as
compensation for their contributions to Finger Lakes Financial as well as an
incentive to make such contributions in the future by continuing their
employment with Finger Lakes Financial. The Recognition Plan has been funded
with 47,200 shares of common stock (purchased on the open market in 1996 with
funds provided by Finger Lakes Financial), which are held by a third-party
trustee until they are awarded, and thereafter vested and distributed, to
recipient employees in accordance with the terms of the Recognition Plan.
The Recognition Plan is administered by the Salary and Personnel Committee
of the Board of Directors (the "Committee"), which consists solely of
disinterested directors. The Committee determines, among other things, the
employees who are to receive restricted stock awards under the Recognition Plan,
the number of shares covered by each award, and the vesting schedule by which
awarded shares vest and are paid out by the trustee to each recipient. Under the
terms of the Recognition Plan, the trustee is authorized to vote, in its
discretion, all Recognition Plan shares which have not yet vested. Dividends are
payable on awarded shares, for the benefit of the respective recipients, at the
same rate as dividends are paid on other shares of common stock. The Recognition
Plan also contains customary anti-dilution provisions. The Board of Directors of
Finger Lakes Financial can terminate the Recognition Plan at any time.
If an award recipient's employment with Finger Lakes Financial lis
terminated by reason of his or her death, disability or retirement, or in the
event of a change in control of Finger Lakes Financial, all shares subject to
the award become immediately vested and payable to the recipient. However, upon
any other termination of an award recipient's employment, all rights to shares
not yet vested are forfeited.
At December 31, 1999, an aggregate of 47,200 shares of common stock has
been awarded under the Recognition Plan to an aggregate of ten employees,
including the Chief Executive Officer and Finger Lakes Financial's three other
current executive officers. Shares awarded under the Recognition Plan vest over
periods ranging from three to five years, each commencing one year from the
respective award date.
1996 Stock Option Plan
Finger Lakes Financial's 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan") is
designated to improve the growth and profitability of Finger Lakes Financial by
providing its employees with a proprietary interest in Finger Lakes Financial as
an incentive to contribute to the success of Finger Lakes Financial and to
reward employees for
11
<PAGE>
outstanding performance. The Option Plan is intended to be qualified under
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and provides for
the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and stock
appreciation rights. An aggregate of 118,000 shares of common stock are
available for option grants under the Option Plan. The Option Plan terminates in
2006.
The Option Plan is administered by the Committee, which determines, among
other things, the employees who are to receive options under the Option Plan,
the types of options to be granted and the number of shares covered by each
option. The exercise price of each option must be at least equal to the market
value of the common stock on the option grant date (or 110% of such market value
in the case of an inventive stock option granted to a holder of 10% or more of
the outstanding common stock).
Options vest and become exercisable at the rate of 20% per year, commencing
one year from the option grant date. Options are only exercisable upon vesting
and until the earlier of ten years after the option grant date (or five years
after the option grant date in the case of an incentive stock option granted to
a holder of 10% or more of the outstanding common stock) or three months after
termination of the optioned's employment with Finger Lakes Financial. However,
if an optionee's employment is terminated due to death, disability or
retirement, or in the event of a change in control Finger Lakes Financial, the
optioned or his or her estate has one year following termination in which to
exercise an otherwise exercisable option. Options are non-transferable except by
will or the laws of descent and distribution. The Option Plan also contains
customary anti-dilution provision.
Under the Option Plan, the Committee is also authorized to grant stock
appreciation rights, under which an optioned may surrender an exercisable option
in return for payment by Finger Lakes Financial of cash or common stock in an
amount equal to the excess of the then-current market value of the common stock
over the exercise price of the surrendered option.
At December 31, 1999, options to purchase an aggregate of 110,000 shares of
common stock, at prices ranging from $6.75 to $14.50 per share, were outstanding
and held by an aggregate of 11 employees, including the Chief Executive Officer
and the three other current executive officers.
Shown below is information with respect to the total unexercised options to
purchase common stock held by the Chief Executive Officer at December 31, 1999.
No options were granted to or exercised by the Chief Executive Officer during
1999.
Aggregated Option Exercises in 1999 and Year-End Option Values
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Value of All Unexercised
Unexercised Option Held In-the-Money Options at
at Year End(#) Year End($)(1)
Shares Acquired Value
Name on Exercise(#) Realized($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
---- -------------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. Thomas Bowers 0 0 17,700 11,800 None None
Terry L. Hammond 0 0 12,320 9,880 2,700 1,800
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Expressed as the excess of the per share market value of the common stock at
December 31, 1999 ($8.00) over the per share exercise price of the options
($8.00).
Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")
The purpose of the ESOP is to recognize and reward the contributions made
to Finger Lakes Financial by its employees. Employees who have at least one year
of credited service with Finger Lakes Financial (including Finger Lakes
Financial and Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes in its forms prior to the
reorganization) and who have attained age 21 are eligible to participate in the
ESOP.
12
<PAGE>
The ESOP borrowed funds in 1994 from a third-party lender in order to fund
the purchase of 94,396 shares of common stock. Subsequent to the 1998
reorganization, the third-party loan was repaid with the proceeds of a loan from
Finger Lakes Financial. The loan to the ESOP, which bears interest at a fixed
rate of 7.75% per annum, will be repaid principally from Finger Lakes
Financial's contributions to the ESOP over ten years. Finger Lakes Financial
may, in any years, make additional discretionary contributions for the benefit
of plan participants in either cash or shares of common stock (which may be
newly issued or acquired by the purchase of outstanding shares). Such purchases,
if made, may be funded through additional borrowing by the ESOP or additional
contributions from Finger Lakes Financial. The timing, amount and manner of
future contributions to the ESOP will be affected by various factors, including
prevailing regulatory policies, the requirements of applicable laws and
regulations and market conditions.
The shares purchased by the ESOP with the proceeds of the loan are held in
a suspense account and released on a pro rate basis as debt service payments are
made. Discretionary contributions to the ESOP, and the release of shares from
the suspense account, are allocated among participants on the basis of
compensation. Forfeitures are reallocated among remaining participants and may
reduce any amount Finger Lakes Financial might otherwise have contributed to the
ESOP. Allocations may be paid out to a participant, either in shares of common
stock or in cash, upon retirement, early retirement or separation from service.
Finger Lake Financial's contributions to the ESOP are not fixed, so benefits
payable under the ESOP cannot be estimated. Recipients of shares paid out under
the ESOP must give Finger Lakes Financial a right of first refusal when selling
the shares so acquired.
The trustees under the ESOP must vote all allocated shares held in the ESOP
in accordance with the instructions of the participating employees, and
unallocated shares, as well as allocated shares for which employees do not give
instructions, must be voted in the same ratio as the shares for which
instructions are given. The ESOP is subject to the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended, as well as the regulations of the Internal
Revenue Service as the Department of Labor.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN RELATED PERSONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989
("FIRREA") requires that all loans or extensions of credit to executive officers
and directors must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest
rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with the general public and must not involve more than the normal
risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. In addition, loans made
to a director or executive officer in excess of the greater of $25,000 or 5% of
Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes' capital and surplus (up to a maximum of
$500,000) must be approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members
of the Board of Directors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL II--RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors of Finger Lakes Financial has approved the
engagement of KMPG LLP to be Finger Lakes Financial's auditors for the 2000
fiscal year, subject to the ratification of the engagement by Finger Lakes
Financial's stockholders. At the Meeting, stockholders will consider and vote on
the ratification of the engagement of KPMG LLP for Finger Lakes Financial's
fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. A representative of KPMG LLP is expected
to attend the Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make a
statement if he so desires.
In order to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the auditors for the 2000
fiscal year, the proposal must receive at least a majority of the votes cast,
either in person or by proxy, in favor of such ratification. The Board of
Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the ratification of KPMG LLP as auditors for
the 2000 fiscal year.
13
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL III--APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This proxy statement/prospectus includes the prospectus that describes the
conversion. Please carefully read the prospectus prior to voting on the proposal
to be presented at the Meeting.
DISSENTERS' AND APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Under OTS regulations, Finger Lakes Financial's stockholders will not have
dissenters' rights or appraisal rights in connection with the exchange of their
common stock for shares of common stock of Finger Lakes Bancorp.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the
Meeting other than the matters described in the proxy statement/prospectus.
However, if any matters should properly come before the Meeting, it is intended
that holders of the proxies will act in accordance with their best judgment.
The Plan sets forth the terms, conditions and provisions of the proposed
Conversion. The proposed Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Finger Lakes
Financial are exhibits to the Plan. The Order Form is the means by which an
order for the subscription and purchase of shares is placed. If you would like
to receive an additional copy of the prospectus, or a copy of the Plan and the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Finger Lakes Financial, you must
request such materials in writing, addressed to Finger Lakes Financial's
secretary at the address given above. Such requests must be received by Finger
Lakes Financial no later than ______, 2000 Requesting such materials does not
obligate you to purchase shares. If Finger Lakes Financial does not receive your
request by such date, you will not be entitled to have such materials mailed to
you.
To the extent necessary to permit approval of the Plan, proxies may be
solicited by officers, directors or regular employees of Finger Lakes Financial
and/or Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes , in person, by telephone or through
other forms of communication and, if necessary, the Special Meeting may be
adjourned to a later date. Such persons will be reimbursed by Finger Lakes
Financial and/or Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes for their reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, including, but not limited to, de minimis telephone and
postage expenses incurred in connection with such solicitation. Finger Lakes
Financial and/or Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes have not retained a proxy
solicitation firm to provide advisory services in connection with the
solicitation of proxies, although Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.
("FBR"), the broker-dealers retained to assist in the marketing of Finger Lakes
Bancorp, Inc.'s Common Stock, have also agreed to assist in the proxy
solicitations. FBR will receive compensation for their services as described
herein in "The Conversion--Plan of Distribution and Selling Commissions."
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE
PLAN.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF
AN OFFER TO BUY SUBSCRIPTION SHARES. THE OFFER WILL BE MADE ONLY BY THE
PROSPECTUS.
14
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the event that the conversion is not completed, Finger Lakes Financial
will hold an annual meeting next year. In order to be eligible for inclusion in
Finger Lakes Financial's proxy materials for next year's Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, any stockholder proposal to take action at such meeting must be
received at Finger Lakes Financial's executive office, 470 Exchange Street,
Geneva, New York 14456, no later than ______, 2001. Any such proposals shall be
subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.
The Bylaws of Finger Lakes Financial provide an advance notice procedure
for certain business, or nominations to the Board of Directors, to be brought
before an annual meeting. In order for a stockholder to properly bring business
before an annual meeting, or to propose a nominee to the Board, the stockholder
must give written notice to the Secretary of Finger Lakes Financial not less
than ninety (90) days before the date fixed for such meeting; provided, however,
that in the event that less than one hundred (100) days notice or prior public
disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made, notice by the
stockholder to be timely must be received no later than the close of business on
the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual
meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. The notice must include
the stockholder's name, record address, and number of shares owned by the
stockholder, describe briefly the proposed business, the reasons for bringing
the business before the annual meeting, and any material interest of the
stockholder in the proposed business. In the case of nominations to the Board,
certain information regarding the nominee must be provided. Nothing in the
paragraph shall be deemed to require Finger Lakes Financial to include in its
proxy statement and proxy relating to an annual meeting any stockholder proposal
which does not meet all of the requirements or inclusion established by the SEC
in effect at the time such proposal is received.
Assuming the conversion is completed, the date on which the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders of Finger Lakes Financial is expected to be held is _______,
2001. Accordingly, advance written notice of business or nominations to the
Board of Directors to be brought before the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
must be given to Finger Lakes Financial no later than ______, 2000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISCELLANEOUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the
Meeting other than the matters described above in the proxy statement/propectus.
However, if any matters should properly come before the Meeting, it is intended
that holders of the proxies will act as directed by a majority of the Board of
Directors, except for matters related to the conduct of the Meeting, as to which
they shall act in accordance with their best judgment.
The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by Finger Lakes
Financial. Finger Lakes Financial will reimburse brokerage firms and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in
sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Common Stock. In addition to
solicitations by mail, directors, officers and regular employees of Savings Bank
of the Finger Lakes may solicit proxies personally or by telegraph or telephone
without additional compensation.
A copy of the Finger Lakes Financial's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 will be furnished without charge to
stockholders as of the record date upon written request to the Secretary, Finger
Lakes Financial Corp., 470 Exchange Street, Geneva, New York 14456.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Terry L. Hammond
Geneva, New York Secretary
_________, 2000
15
<PAGE>
REVOCABLE PROXY
FINGER LAKES FINANCIAL CORP.
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
______, 2000
The undersigned hereby appoints the full Board of Directors, with full
powers of substitution to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to
vote all shares of Common Stock of Finger Lakes Bancorp which the undersigned is
entitled to vote at a Special Meeting of Stockholders, in lieu of an annual
meeting ("Meeting") to be held at _________________, at _____ __.m. (local time)
on ______, 2000. The official proxy committee is authorized to cast all votes to
which the undersigned is entitled as follows:
VOTE
FOR WITHHELD
--- --------
1. The election as directors of all |_| |_|
nominees listed below (except as
marked to the contrary below)
Michael J. Hanna
James E. Hunter
Ronald C. Long
INSTRUCTION: To withhold your vote
for one or more nominees, write the
name of the nominee(s) on the lines
below.
________________________________
________________________________
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
--- ------- -------
2. The ratification of the appointment |_| |_| |_|
of KPMG LLP as auditors for the
fiscal year ending December 31,
2000.
FOR AGAINST
--- -------
3. Approval of a plan of conversion |_| |_|
and reorganization (the "Plan") and
transactions incident to the Plan,
pursuant to which (i) Savings Bank
of the Finger Lakes will establish
Finger Lakes Bancorp, Inc. as a
first-tier Delaware chartered
corporation subsidiary; (ii) Finger
Lakes Bancorp will charter an
interim federal association
("Interim"); (iii) Finger Lakes
Financial Corporation, MHC will
merge with and into Finger Lakes
Financial, shares of the common
stock of Finger Lakes Financial
("common stock") held by Finger
Lakes Financial Corp., MHC will be
canceled and certain depositors of
Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes
will receive an interest in a
liquidation account of Finger Lakes
Financial in exchange for such
depositors' interest in Finger
Lakes Financial Corp., MHC ; (iv)
Finger Lakes Financial will convert
into an interim federal savings
association which will merge with
and into Savings Bank of the Finger
Lakes (the "mid-tier merger") with
Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes as
the
<PAGE>
resulting entity and stockholders
of Finger Lakes Financial other
than Finger Lakes Financial Corp.,
MHC ("minority stockholders") will
constructively receive shares of
Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes 's
common stock in exchange for their
common stock and certain depositors
will receive an interest in a
liquidation account of Savings Bank
of the Finger Lakes in exchange for
such depositors' interest in Finger
Lakes Financial; (v)
contemporaneously with the mid-tier
merger, Interim will merge with and
into Savings Bank of the Finger
Lakes with Savings Bank of the
Finger Lakes as the surviving
entity (the "bank merger") and
minority stockholders will exchange
the shares of Savings Bank of the
Finger Lakes 's common stock that
they constructively received in the
mid-tier merger for Finger Lakes
Bancorp's common stock pursuant to
an "Exchange Ratio;" and (vi)
contemporaneously with the bank
merger, Finger Lakes Bancorp will
offer for sale shares of common
stock in a subscription offering.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" each of the listed proposals.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF THE PROPOSITIONS STATED ABOVE. IF ANY OTHER
BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT SUCH MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THE
ABOVE-NAMED PROXIES AT THE DIRECTION OF A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. AT
THE PRESENT TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE
PRESENTED AT THE MEETING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Should the undersigned be present and elect to vote at the Meeting or at
any adjournment thereof and after notification to the Secretary of Finger Lakes
Financial Corp. at the Meeting of the stockholder's decision to terminate this
proxy, then the power of said attorneys and proxies shall be deemed terminated
and of no further force and effect. This proxy may also be revoked by sending
written notice to the Secretary of Finger Lakes Financial Corp. at the address
set forth on the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders, or by the filing of
a later proxy statement/prospectus prior to a vote being taken on a particular
proposal at the Meeting.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt from Finger Lakes Bancorp prior to the
execution of this proxy of a Notice of the Meeting and a proxy
statement/prospectus dated March ___, 2000.
Dated: _________________, 2000 |_|
Check Box if You Plan
to Attend Meeting
_______________________________ ________________________________
PRINT NAME OF STOCKHOLDER PRINT NAME OF STOCKHOLDER
_______________________________ ________________________________
SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this card. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title. If
shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.
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Please complete and date this proxy and return it promptly
in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope.
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