<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. ___)
Filed by the Registrant [x]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] Confidential, for Use of the commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-
6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S) 240.14a-12
Commonwealth Bankshares, Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[_] No Fee Required
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
______________________________________________________________________
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
______________________________________________________________________
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined):
______________________________________________________________________
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
______________________________________________________________________
5) Total fee paid:
______________________________________________________________________
[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid: ______________________________________________
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: ________________________
3) Filing Party: ________________________________________________________
4) Date Filed: __________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
NOTICE OF 2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of Commonwealth Bankshares, Inc.:
NOTICE is hereby given that the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Commonwealth Bankshares, Inc. (the "Corporation") will be held in the James
Madison Hotel, 2/nd/ Floor "Ballroom," at 345 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA on
Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 3:00 P.M. local time, for the following purposes:
1. Election of two members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation
as Class 3 directors to serve until the 2003 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
2. The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on May 19, 2000 are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Your attention is directed to the Proxy Statement accompanying this notice
for a more complete statement regarding matters proposed to be acted upon at the
meeting.
To assure that your shares are represented at the meeting, please fill in,
date and sign the enclosed proxy and return it promptly in the enclosed
envelope, regardless of whether you expect to attend the meeting. The enclosed
envelope requires no postage if mailed in the United States. If for any reason
you desire to revoke your proxy, you may do so at any time before it is voted by
contacting the President of the Corporation, Edward J. Woodard, Jr., in person
or in writing.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Edward J. Woodard, Jr., CLBB
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Dated in Norfolk, Virginia and
mailed this June 5, 2000
<PAGE>
COMMONWEALTH BANKSHARES, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JUNE 27, 2000
The solicitation of the enclosed 2000 proxy is made by and on behalf of the
Board of Directors of Commonwealth Bankshares, Inc. (the "Corporation") to be
used at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 27, 2000 at
3:00 p.m., or any adjournment thereof, James Madison Hotel, 2/nd/ Floor
"Ballroom," at 345 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA. The approximate mailing date of
this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy is June 5, 2000. The matters to
be considered and acted upon are (i) the election of two Class 3 directors of
the Corporation to serve until the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and (ii)
such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
The Corporation is a one bank holding company organized under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Virginia. It's wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of the
Commonwealth, is a Virginia state bank and member of the Federal Reserve. The
Bank operates six branches in Tidewater, Virginia.
Person Making The Solicitation
The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Corporation.
Solicitations will be made only by the mails, except that, if necessary,
officers and regular employees of the Bank or the Corporation may make
solicitations of proxies in person or by telephone. Banks, brokerage firms, and
other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries will be requested to forward the
proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of the stock held of record
by such persons, and the Corporation will, upon request, reimburse them for
their reasonable charges and expenses in this connection.
Revocability of Proxy
Anyone who gives a proxy may still vote in person, if he so desires, and
may revoke the proxy at any time prior to the voting of such proxy by contacting
the President of the Corporation, Edward J. Woodard, Jr., in person or in
writing, or by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. All properly
executed proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation will be voted at the
meeting in accordance with instructions contained therein, if any.
Voting Shares and Vote Required
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on May 19, 2000 will
be entitled to vote at the meeting, or any adjournment thereof. The Corporation
has issued only Common Stock, $2.50 par value (the "Common Stock"). As of May
19, 2000 the Corporation had issued and outstanding 1,665,827 shares of Common
Stock held of record by approximately 750 shareholders. Shareholders are
entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock on all matters to come
before the meeting. In the election of directors, those nominees receiving the
greatest number of votes shall be deemed elected even though not receiving a
majority of the shares represented at the meeting in person or proxy. In
accordance with Virginia law, broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum, but will not be counted as a
vote cast on any proposal. Accordingly, broker non-votes will have no effect on
the election of directors. A majority of the shares of outstanding Common Stock
must be
1
<PAGE>
represented at the meeting in person or by proxy in order to constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
PROPOSAL I
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Corporation's Articles of Incorporation provide for the Board of
Directors to be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as
possible. Each class serves for a term of three years, with one class being
elected each year. The Board of Directors currently consists of nine directors.
At the 2000 Annual Meeting, two directors comprising Class 3 will be
elected to serve until the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their
successors are elected and qualified. The Board recommends that the two nominees
named below be elected. Proxies received will be voted for the election of such
nominees, unless marked to the contrary. A shareholder who desires to withhold
voting of the proxy for one or all of the nominees may so indicate on the proxy.
All of the nominees are currently members of the Board. All of the nominees have
consented to be named and have indicated their intent to serve if elected.
However, in the event any nominee is not available for election, the proxies
will be voted for such person as shall be designated by the Board as a
replacement.
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of May 19, 2000, certain information with
respect to each director including age, principal occupation, the year each
nominee or incumbent director first became a director, and each such person's
beneficial ownership of the Corporation's Common Stock. Unless otherwise
indicated, the business experience and principal occupation shown for each
nominee or incumbent director has extended five or more years. All of the
Corporation's directors and named executive officer receive mail at the
Corporation's offices.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number and
Served as Principal Occupation Percent of
Director During Past Shares Beneficially
Name Age Since Five Years Owned (1)(2)
---- --- --------- --------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Nominees For Election Whose Terms Will Expire in 2003 (Class 3)
William P. Kellam 85 1971 Retired President of Kellam-Eaton 34,928(3)
Insurance Agency, Inc. (real 2.07%
estate and insurance), Virginia
Beach, Virginia, a position he
held until 1986.
Edward J. Woodard, Jr. 57 1973 Chairman of the Board, President 37,603(4)
CLBB and Chief Executive Officer of the 2.23%
Corporation and the Bank.
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number and
Served as Principal Occupation Percent of
Director During Past Shares Beneficially
Name Age Since Five Years Owned (1)(2)
---- --- --------- -------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Incumbent Directors Whose Terms Will Expire in 2001 (Class 1)
William D. Payne, M.D. 64 1988 General, Laproscopic and 19,432(5)
Endoscopic Surgeon and President 1.15%
with Drs. Payne, Ives & Holland,
Inc., General, Laproscopic and
Endoscopic Surgery in Norfolk,
Virginia.
Morton Goldmeier 76 1988 President of Hampton Roads 74,690(6)
Management Associates, Inc. 4.44%
Richard J. Tavss 60 1988 Senior counsel of Tavss, Fletcher, 119,980(7)
Maiden, & King, P.C. in Norfolk, 7.13%
Virginia.
Incumbent Directors Whose Terms Will Expire in 2002 (Class 2)
George H. Burton, Jr. 89 1981 President of Burton Lumber Corp., 66,168(8)
a building materials and supplies 3.94%
company located in Chesapeake,
Virginia.
Herbert Perlin 59 1987 President of Perlin Benefit 44,187(9)
Resources Inc., a regional pension 2.62%
company located in Chesapeake,
Virginia.
Kenneth J. Young 49 1999 President of Leisure & Recreation 2,507(10)
Consultants Inc. Tampa, Florida *
Thomas W. Moss, Jr. 72 1999 Attorney, President & Sole Owner 2,473(11)
of Thomas W. Moss, Jr., PC located *
in Norfolk, Virginia.
All Directors and executive officers as Group (11 persons) 431,876
23.81%
</TABLE>
* Percentage of ownership is less than 1% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock of the Corporation.
(1) Beneficial ownership as reported in the above table has been determined
in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
3
<PAGE>
amended, and includes shares, where applicable, which an individual has
the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of stock
options.
(2) Based on 1,665,827 issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of
May 19, 2000.
(3) Includes 18,000 shares which Mr. Kellam has the right to acquire through
the exercise of stock options.
(4) Includes (i) 19,133 shares which Mr. Woodard has the right to acquire
through the exercise of stock options, (ii) 621 shares registered in the
name of E. J. Woodard, Jr., Custodian for Troy Brandon Woodard, (iii)
1,475 shares registered in the name of E. J. Woodard, Jr. and Sharon W.
Woodard, Custodians of Troy Brandon Woodard, (iv) 2,022 shares held in
trust, representing the proceeds of a self directed Individual Retirement
Account for the benefit of E. J. Woodard, Jr., and (v) 8,292 shares owned
jointly by Mr. Woodard and his wife.
(5) Includes 18,000 shares which Dr. Payne has the right to acquire through
the exercise of stock options.
(6) Includes (i) 18,000 shares which Mr. Goldmeier has the right to acquire
through the exercise of stock options and (ii) 16,189 shares owned by Mr.
Goldmeier's wife, for which Mr. Goldmeier disclaims beneficial ownership.
(7) Includes (i) 18,000 shares which Mr. Tavss has the right to acquire
through the exercise of stock options, (ii) 1,216 shares registered in
the name of Richard J. Tavss, Custodian for Bobbie J. Tavss, (iii) 745
shares registered in the name of the Estate of Daniel J. Tavss c/o
Richard J. Tavss, trustee under the will, and (iv) 202 shares registered
in the name of Richard J. Tavss, Custodian for Sanders T. Schoolar V.
(8) Includes (i) 13,177 shares which Mr. Burton has the right to acquire
through the exercise of stock options and (ii) 8,250 shares registered in
the name of Clarice B. Burton revocable trust dated 5/21/83.
(9) Includes (i) 18,000 shares which Mr. Perlin has the right to acquire
through the exercise of stock options, (ii) 18,318 shares registered in
the name of Herbert L. Perlin, Profit Sharing Trust, of which Mr. Perlin
is Acting Trustee, (iii) 3,909 shares owned jointly by Mr. Perlin and his
wife and (iv) 3,591 shares register in the name of the Perlin Revocable
Living Trust.
(10) Includes 2,000 shares which Mr. Young has the right to acquire through
the exercise of stock options.
(11) Includes 2,000 shares which Mr. Moss has the right to acquire through the
exercise of stock options.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
The Corporation's Board of Directors has primary responsibility for the
determination of corporate policies and the overall financial condition of the
Corporation. The Board appoints a chief executive and other officers who are
responsible for conducting business on a day-to-day basis under the Board's
guidance. In turn, the management of the Corporation provides the Board of
Directors with a regular and detailed flow of information relating to the
Corporation's overall condition and financial performance.
During 1999, the Board of Directors met twelve times for regular monthly
meetings. All directors attended at least 75% of the total meetings of the Board
of Directors and the various committees on which they are members.
4
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors has five standing committees: Executive Committee,
Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Investment Committee and Nominating
Committee. At its first meeting after the annual meeting of shareholders, the
Board elects each Committee. Committee members serve for one year or until the
first meeting of the Board following the next annual meeting of shareholders.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee consists of three members, selected in rotation
from the nine directors: E. J. Woodard, Jr., George H. Burton, Jr., William P.
Kellam, Morton Goldmeier, Richard J. Tavss, William D. Payne, Thomas W. Moss,
Jr., Kenneth J. Young and Herbert L. Perlin. When the Board is not in session,
the Executive Committee is authorized to exercise all of the Board's power
except for certain fundamental responsibilities, such as approval of an
amendment of the articles of incorporation or a plan of merger or consolidation.
The Executive Committee meets to act on capital expenditures, to elect officers
other than senior officers and to review and consider certain matters and
policies for recommendation to the full Board. The Executive Committee met 25
times in 1999.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee during 1999 was composed of five directors: George H.
Burton, Jr., William P. Kellam, Thomas W. Moss, Jr., Kenneth J. Young and Morton
Goldmeier, none of whom is an officer. E. J. Woodard, Jr. served as an ex-
officio member. The functions of the Audit Committee are to (i) recommend
selection of independent certified public accountants, (ii) approve the scope of
the accountants' examination, (iii) review internal accounting procedures, (iv)
review reports of examination by the accountants and by regulatory agencies
having jurisdiction over the Corporation, (v) monitor internal programs to
ensure compliance with the law and avoidance of conflicts of interest, and (vi)
aid the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for financial reporting to the
public. The Audit Committee met one time during 1999.
Personnel/Compensation Committee
The Personnel/Compensation Committee during 1999 was composed of six
directors: E. J. Woodard, Jr., Richard J. Tavss, William P. Kellam, Thomas W.
Moss, Jr., Kenneth J. Young and William D. Payne, M.D. The
Personnel/Compensation Committee recommends the compensation of officers to the
Executive Committee and the Board. The Personnel/Compensation Committee met
three times during 1999. Mr. Woodard abstained from discussion regarding his
salary and is not permitted to participate in the consideration and
recommendation by the Committee as to his compensation.
Investment Committee
The Investment Committee during 1999 was composed of four directors: E. J.
Woodard, Jr., Herbert L. Perlin, Morton Goldmeier, and George H. Burton, Jr. The
Investment Committee administers the investment policies of the Corporation. The
Investment Committee met two times during 1999.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee of the Board during 1999 was composed of four
directors: E. J. Woodard, Jr., Morton M. Zedd, William P. Kellam and Richard J.
Tavss. The basic function of this Committee is the recommendation of those
persons to be designated as Board nominees for election to
5
<PAGE>
the Board by the shareholders of the Corporation at its Annual Meeting. The
Nominating Committee met one time in 1999.
The Nominating Committee will consider suggestions from all sources,
including shareholders, regarding possible candidates for nomination and
election to the Board. Generally, candidates should be highly qualified by
business, professional or comparable experience, affirmatively desirous of
serving on the Board, and able to represent the interests of all shareholders.
Shareholders wishing to nominate a candidate should forward the candidate's name
and a description of the candidate's background and qualifications to the
Corporate Secretary.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to
beneficial ownership of the Corporation's Common Stock as of December 31, 1999
by each beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Corporation's Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address
of Holder Beneficial Ownership
----------------- --------------------
Shares Percent
------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
John Hancock Mutual Life 91,437 5.6%
Insurance Company
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
Richard J. Tavvs* 119,980 7.13%
</TABLE>
*Mr. Tavss is a Director of the Corporation and receives mail at the
Corporation's offices.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Loans to Officers and Directors
Certain directors and officers of the Corporation and the Bank, members of
their immediate families, and corporations, partnerships and other entities with
which such persons are associated, are customers of the Bank. As such, some of
these persons engaged in transactions with the Bank in the ordinary course of
business during 1999, and will have additional transactions with the Bank in the
future. All loans extended and commitments to lend by the Bank to such persons
are made in the ordinary course of business upon substantially the same terms,
including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and do not involve more than
the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.
As of December 31, 1999, the amount of loans from the Bank to all officers
and directors of the Corporation and the Bank, and entities in which they are
associated, was approximately $3.2 million. This amount represented 26.3% of the
total equity capital of the Bank as of December 31, 1999.
6
<PAGE>
Business Relationships and Transactions with Management
In the ordinary course of its business, the Corporation and the Bank
engaged in certain transactions with their officers and directors in which such
officers and directors have a significant interest. All such transactions have
been made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties. The Bank has from time to
time retained the Norfolk, Virginia law firm of Tavss, Fletcher, Maiden and
King, P.C., of which Mr. Tavss, a director of the Corporation and the Bank, is
senior counsel, to perform certain legal services for the Corporation and the
Bank.
In 1984, the Bank entered into a lease with Boush Bank Building Associates,
a limited partnership (the "Partnership"), to rent the headquarters building
(the "Headquarters") of the Corporation and the Bank, which is located at the
corners of Freemason and Boush Streets, Norfolk, Virginia. The general partner
of the Partnership is Boush Bank Building Corporation. All of the limited
partners of the Partnership, namely Messrs. Woodard, Burton and Kellam, are
directors of the Corporation and the Bank. The lease requires the Bank to pay
all taxes, maintenance and insurance. The term of the lease is twenty-three
years and eleven months, and began on December 19, 1984. In connection with this
property, the lessor has secured financing in the form of a $1,600,000
industrial development revenue bond from the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing
Authority payable in annual installments, commencing on January 1, 1987, at
amounts equal to 3% of the then outstanding principal balance through the
twenty-fifth year, when the unpaid balance will become due. Interest on this
bond is payable monthly, at 68.6% of the prime rate of Crestar Bank in Richmond,
Virginia. Monthly rent paid by the Bank is equal to interest on the above bond,
plus any interest associated with secondary financing provided the lessor by the
Bank. The Bank has the right to purchase, at its option, an undivided interest
in the property at undepreciated original cost, and is obligated to purchase in
each January after December 31, 1986, an undivided interest in an amount equal
to 90% of the legal amount allowed by banking regulations for investments in
fixed properties, unless the Bank's return on average assets is less than seven-
tenths of one percent. Under this provision the Bank has purchased 54.4% of this
property for a total of $999,611. No purchases have been made after 1988. The
terms of the lease are not less favorable than could be obtained from a non-
related party.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Executive Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the annual compensation paid or accrued by
the Corporation and its subsidiaries to Edward J. Woodard, Jr., CLBB, Chairman
of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and the
Bank for the past three fiscal years. Compensation for each other executive
officer of the Corporation or the Bank did not exceed $100,000 in 1999 and,
therefore, is not shown in the table.
7
<PAGE>
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and
Principal Position Annual Compensation
--------- -------- ---------------------
Director's All Other
Year Salary Bonus Fees Compensation(1)
---- ------ ----- ---- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward J. Woodard, Jr., 1999 $182,500 $18,500 $23,600 --
CLBB 1998 175,000 15,000 16,300 --
Chairman of the Board 1997 165,000 10,000 12,100 --
President and Chief
Executive Officer
</TABLE>
____________________
(1) Perquisites and other personal benefits did not exceed the lessor of
$50,000 or 10% of total salary and bonus as reported above.
The table below sets forth information regarding stock option grants to the
executive officer listed in the Summary Compensation Table above during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. The grant was made pursuant to the 1990
Stock Option Plan.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of % of Total Options
Securities Granted to
Underlying Options employees in Exercise Expiration
Name Granted Fiscal Year Price Date
---- ------- ------ ---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward J. Woodard, Jr. 2500 33% $15.03 12/31/09
</TABLE>
No stock options were exercised in 1999 by the executive officer whose
compensation is disclosed in the summary Executive Compensation Table above. The
table below sets forth exercisable and unexercisable stock options held by the
executive officer as of December 31, 1999, all of which were granted pursuant to
the 1990 Stock Option Plan.
Fiscal Year End Options Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Options Value of Unexercised In-The-Money
at Fiscal Year-End (#) Options at Fiscal Year-End ($)(1)
------------------------------ -----------------------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward J. Woodard, Jr. 19,133 5,000 $46,433 0
</TABLE>
__________________
(1) The last known sale of the Company's Common Stock in 1999 was at $9.00 per
share.
8
<PAGE>
Employment Agreements
The Boards of Directors of the Corporation and the Bank approved the
execution of an employment agreement (the "Agreement"), effective January 1,
1990, between the Bank and Edward J. Mr. Woodard, Jr., Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and the Bank. The
Agreement, as amended on January 1, 1994, provides for employment of Mr.
Woodard, with duties and responsibilities substantially the same as those
assigned on the date of the Agreement, until the earlier of (i) December 31,
2001, (ii) his death, or (iii) his physical or mental disability; provided,
however, that provisions are made for the termination of employment by either
the Bank or Mr. Woodard in the event of a "change in control" of the Corporation
or the Bank, or for "good reason"; and provided further, however, that the
Agreement will be renewed automatically for an additional period of one year on
each January 1, unless prior to August 1 in any given year either party to the
Agreement shall give notice of non-renewal to the other party.
In the case of termination (i) by the Corporation or the Bank prior to a
"change in control," unless "for good cause," or (ii) by Mr. Woodard for "good
reason," certain payments stipulated in the Agreement are due Mr. Woodard as
follows: (a) if by the Corporation or the Bank prior to "a change in control,"
unless "for good cause," twelve equal monthly payments equal to Mr. Woodard's
base salary, plus director fees, if any; and (b) if by Mr. Woodard for "good
reason" or by the Bank without "good cause," 60 equal monthly payments equal to
approximately three times Mr. Woodard's existing salary at the time of
termination.
A "change in control" is defined in the Agreement to occur upon (i) any
entity acquiring or entering into a definitive agreement to acquire more than
25% of the stock of either the Corporation or the Bank, (ii) a change in the
composition of a majority of the Board of Directors of either the Corporation or
the Bank in any twelve month period, or (iii) the Corporation ceasing to be the
owner of all of the Bank's stock, except for directors' qualifying shares. The
term "for good cause" is defined as dismissal of Mr. Woodard for his failure to
perform required services, gross or willful neglect of duty or illegal or
intentional acts demonstrating bad faith. The term "good reason" is defined to
include the assignment to Mr. Woodard of duties or responsibilities inconsistent
with those in effect on the dates of the Agreement, or a change of control of
either the Corporation or the Bank.
The Bank also has entered into an Amended and Restated Deferred
Supplemental Compensation Agreement (the "Supplemental Agreement") with Mr.
Woodard. The Supplemental Agreement, as amended and restated, provides that upon
the earlier of the date upon which (i) Mr. Woodard attains the age of 65 years,
(ii) Mr. Woodard's employment with the bank is terminated for any reason
whatsoever, or (iii) Mr. Woodard dies, Mr. Woodard or his beneficiary shall be
entitled to payment of $250,000 in 120 equal monthly installments. Additionally,
the Supplemental Agreement provides that following the date upon which Mr.
Woodard attains, or would have attained, the age of 65 years, Mr. Woodard or his
designated beneficiary shall be entitled to payment of $360,000 in 180 equal
monthly installments. In addition to the payments described above, upon Mr.
Woodard's death, his beneficiary shall be entitled to a lump sum payment of
$250,000 following the date of his death. The Supplemental Agreement obligates
Mr. Woodard to make himself available to the Bank after retirement, so long as
he receives payments under the Supplemental Agreement, for occasional
consultation which the Bank may reasonably request. All amounts unpaid under the
Supplemental Agreement may be forfeited after notice to Mr. Woodard in the event
the Board of Directors of the Bank determines in good faith that Mr. Woodard is
performing services of any kind to a firm or corporation competitive with the
business of the Bank during the period that he is receiving payments under the
Supplemental Agreement.
9
<PAGE>
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Stock Options. On February 20, 1990, the Corporation's Board of
Directors approved a non-qualified stock option plan (the "1990 Plan") for the
issuance of 25,000 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock to eligible officers
and key employees of the Corporation and the Bank at prices not less than the
market value of the Corporation's Common Stock on the date of grant. On April
29, 1997, the shareholders approved an amendment to the 1990 Plan to increase
the number of shares available for issuance under the 1990 Plan to 45,000
shares. The 1990 Plan expired on February 20, 2000. Until expiration, the
options may be exercised in whole at any time or in part from time to time. The
table below sets forth information regarding stock options exercised as of May
19, 2000.
2000 Exercise of Options
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Date Number of Date Exercised
Principal Position Granted Options Exercised Price
------------------ ------- ------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward J. Woodard, Jr. 02/20/90 5,064 02/17/00 $4.81
CLBB, Chairman of the Board, President & CEO
John H. Gayle 02/20/90 3,038 02/17/00 $4.81
Executive Vice President & Personnel Officer
Name and Date Number of Date Exercised
Principal Position Granted Options Exercised Price
------------------ -------- --------- --------- ---------
Simon Hounslow 02/20/90 3,038 02/17/00 $4.81
Senior Vice President & Commercial Loan Officer
Barbara Clevenger 02/20/90 1,012 02/17/00 $4.81
Administrative Assistant
Deborah Coon 02/20/90 1,012 02/17/00 $4.81
Vice President & Data Processing Officer
</TABLE>
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. In 1993, the Bank adopted a thrift and profit
sharing plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the
"401(k) Plan") to replace the Bank's former profit sharing plan. Employees who
have attained the age of 20 years and six months and completed six months of
service with the Bank are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. Eligible
employees who elect to participate may contribute up to 15% of their annual
salary to the 401(k) Plan. The Bank may make a matching contribution. The amount
of the match, if any, will be determined by the Bank each year. The Bank
contributed a matching contribution of $17,577 and a discretionary profit
sharing contribution of $27,423 to the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan during 1999.
Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan
On April 25, 1995 the shareholders approved a non-employee director stock
compensation plan (the "Non-Employee Director Plan") for the issuance of 50,000
shares of the Corporation's common stock to eligible non-employee directors of
the Corporation at prices determined by average of the five most recent trades
of the common stock on the over-the-counter market during the period, not to
exceed 30 calendar days, immediately preceding an option's grant date or such
other value per share as is determined by the employee directors. No options may
be awarded under the Non-Employee Director Plan after January 17, 2000. On April
29, 1997, the shareholders approved an amendment to the Non-Employee Director
Plan to increase shares available for issuance under the Non-Employee Director
Plan to 70,000 shares.
10
<PAGE>
1999 Stock Incentive Plan
On April 27, 1999, the shareholders approved the Commonwealth Bankshares,
Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1999 Plan") for the issuance of up to the
lesser of (i) fifteen percent (15%) of the Corporation's issued and outstanding
common stock less the aggregate number of shares subject to issuance pursuant to
options granted, or available for grant, under the 1990 Plan and the Non-
Employee Director Plan or (ii) 350,000 shares. Of the aggregate number of shares
of the Corporation's Common Stock that may be subject to award under the 1999
Plan, sixty percent (60%) are available for issuance to the Corporation's non-
employee directors, and forty percent (40%) are available for issuance to
Corporation's employees. All the employees of the Corporation and the Bank, and
all other members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, are eligible to
receive awards under the 1999 Plan.
Compensation of Directors
The fees paid to the Corporation's directors during 1999 were $800 for each
meeting of the Board attended. In addition, directors received $400 for
attending meetings of each of the standing committees. The Corporation has a
Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan by which directors may defer recognition
of income on all or a portion of their meeting fees earned during the fiscal
year. A total of $59,600 was deferred by directors in 1999 pursuant to the Plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSAL
TO ELECT THE TWO NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE AS THE DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Corporation's Board of Directors approved the appointment of Poti,
Walton, & Associates, P.C., Certified Public Accountants, as the Corporation's
independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999. No
firm has been selected by the Board of Directors to act as the Corporation's
independent public accountants for the current year. The Board will make this
decision later in the year. Representatives of Plott, Walton & Associates, P.C.
are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to
make a statement if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS 2001
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the Corporation's
2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Corporation at its
executive offices, Boush and Freemason Streets, P. O. Box 1177, Norfolk,
Virginia 23501, no later than December 2, 2000, in order for such proposals to
be included in the Corporation's Proxy Statement and form of Proxy relating to
such meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors does not intend to present, and knows of no one who
intends to present, to the meeting any matter for action by shareholders other
than as set forth herein. However, the enclosed proxy confers discretionary
authority with respect to transaction of any other business that may properly
11
<PAGE>
come before the meeting, and it is the intention of the persons named in the
proxy to vote in accordance with their judgment on any such matter.
GENERAL
The Corporation's 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders accompanies this Proxy
Statement. The 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders does not form any part of the
material for the solicitation of proxies.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY PROMPTLY.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Edward J. Woodard, Jr., CLBB
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Dated in Norfolk, Virginia and
mailed this 5th day of June 2000.
12
<PAGE>
COMMONWEALTH BANKSHARES, INC.
403 Boush Street
P.O. Box 1177, Norfolk, Virginia 23501-1177
Phone (757) 446-6900
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
June 27, 2000
This Proxy Is Solicited On Behalf Of The Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby revokes all prior proxies and appoints Richard J.
Tavss and Morton Goldmeier, or any one of them, each with the power of
substitution, as Proxies to vote, as designated below, all the shares of Common
Stock of Commonwealth Bankshares, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on May
19, 2000 at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 27, 2000, or
any adjournment thereof.
(1) Proposal I: Election of two Class 3 Directors set forth below to serve
until the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their
successors are elected and qualified:
William P. Kellam
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
Edward J. Woodard, Jr., CLBB
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
(2) In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such
other business as may properly come before the meeting.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will
----------------------------------------
be voted by the named Proxies FOR the two nominees listed in Proposal I and in
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
their discretion as to other business properly before the meeting.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear below. When shares are held by
joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
DATED: ________________, 2000.
___________________________ ______________________________
Shareholder Signature Shareholder Signature
___________________________ ______________________________
Social Security Number Social Security Number
