| 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 ý | |||||||||||
Filed by a party other than the Registrant o | |||||||||||
| Check the appropriate box: | |||||||||||
| o | Preliminary Proxy Statement | ||||||||||
| o | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | ||||||||||
| ý | Definitive Proxy Statement | ||||||||||
| o | Definitive Additional Materials | ||||||||||
| o | Soliciting Material Under § 240.14a-12 | ||||||||||
| RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC | |||||||||||
| (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): | |||||||||||
| ý | No fee required. | ||||||||||
| o | 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: | |||||||||||
| o | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | ||||||||||
| o | 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: | ||||||||||
P.O. Box 11
3682 Highway 8 South
Richardton, ND 58652
NOTICE OF 20202021 ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
To be Held Friday,Thursday, March 20, 202025, 2021
To our members:
In order to participate in the 2021 Annual Meeting, you plan to attend the meal, please R.S.V.P. by calling Stacy Wagner at (701) 974-3308 Ext. 1103 by Friday, March 6, 2020. The Board of Governors (the "Board") encourages you to attendmust register for the meeting andby going to the meal.following website any time before the 2021 Annual Meeting. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/
After registering for the meeting, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the electronic meeting including an access code needed to join the 2021 Annual Meeting electronically. Registration will also include a telephone number that can be used to call in and listen to the 2021 Annual Meeting if you do not wish to participate in the videoconference format.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 20202021 ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY,THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 202025, 2021:
•This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting;
•The proxy statement, proxy card and annual report to members are available at www.redtrailenergy.com; and
•If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. Please make your request for a copy by calling our office at (701) 974-3308 or toll free at (855) 974-3308, by written request at Red Trail Energy, LLC at P.O. Box 11, Richardton, ND 58652, by e-mail at proxy@redtrailenergy.com, or on our website at www.redtrailenergy.com on or before March 6, 2020,11, 2021, to facilitate timely delivery.
The purposes of the meeting are to: (1) Elect two governors to the Board; (2) Conduct an advisory vote on our executive compensation called "Say-on-Pay"; and (3)(2) Transact such other business as may properly come before the 20202021 Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. If you have any questions regarding the information in the proxy statement or completion of the proxy card or if you need directions to attendhelp registering for the meeting in person,2021 Annual Meeting, please call the Company at (701) 974-3308 or email us at proxy@redtrailenergy.com.
card. To assure the presence of a quorum, the Board requests that you promptly sign, date and return a proxy card, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting. Proxy cards are available on the Company's website at www.redtrailenergy.com and may be printed by the members. No personal information is required to print a proxy card. If you wish to revoke your proxy at the meeting and execute a new proxy card, you may do so by giving written notice to our CFO, Jodi Johnson, prior to the commencement of the meeting. You may fax your completed proxy card to the Company at (701) 974-3309 or mail it to the Company at P.O. Box 11, Richardton, ND 58652.
By order of the Board of Governors,
/s/ Sid Mauch
January 24, 202028, 2021 Sid Mauch, Chairman
Red Trail Energy, LLC
P.O. Box 11
3682 Highway 8 South
Richardton, ND 58652
Proxy Statement
Thursday, March 25, 2021
This solicitation is being made accordingpursuant to the InternetSEC's internet availability of proxy materials rules, of the Security and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), however the Company may also use its officers, governors,directors and employees (without providing them with additional compensation) to solicit proxies from members in person or by telephone, facsimile, email or letter. Distribution of this proxy statement and thea proxy card is scheduled to begin on or about January 24, 202028, 2021 at which time the proxy statement and proxy card will be available for printing and viewing at the Company's website at www.redtrailenergy.com.
SECTION I - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 20202021 ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
Q: Why did I receive this proxy statement?
A: |
Q:When and where is the 2021 Annual Meeting? A: The 2021 Annual Meeting will be held solely electronically on March 25, 2021. In order to participate in the 2021 Annual Meeting, you must register for the meeting by going to the following website any time before the 2021 Annual Meeting. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/. The 2021 Annual Meeting will commence at approximately 12:30 p.m. |
Q: Who can attend the 20202021 Annual Meeting?
A: |
Q:What is the record date for the 2021 Annual Meeting?
A: The record date for the 2021 Annual Meeting is the close of business on January 28, 2021.
1
Q:What am I voting on?
A: You are voting on the election of two governors. The nominees are Mike Appert and William Price. Mr. Appert and Mr. Price are incumbent governors.
Q: How many membership units are outstanding?
A: |
Q:What constitutes a quorum? A: As of the record date, the Company had 40,148,160 outstanding membership units. The presence of members holding fifty percent of the total outstanding membership units, or 20,074,080 membership units, constitutes a quorum. If you submit a properly executed proxy or appear electronically at the 2021 Annual Meeting, then your units will be counted as part of the quorum. |
Q.How did you select the nominees for governors?
A. The Nominating Committee evaluates prospective nominees' knowledge about the Company, the ethanol industry, financial statements, corn and ethanol markets and general business. Mike Appert and William Price were considered for nomination to their existing seats. Based on this evaluation of the nominees, the Nominating Committee recommended that Mike Appert and William Price be nominated for election as Group II governors, to serve until the 2024 annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The Board recommends that members vote their units in favor of the election of the incumbent governors Mike Appert and William Price. Q:What is the voting requirement to elect the governors and what is the effect of a withhold vote? A: In the election of governors, the two nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected, regardless of whether any individual nominee receives votes from a majority of the quorum. The presence (electronically or by proxy) of members representing at least fifty percent of the membership voting interests is required for the election of governors. |
Withhold votes will be counted when determining whether a quorum is present. Withhold votes for governor elections, however, will not be counted for or against any nominee because governors are elected by plurality vote, meaning that the two nominees receiving the most votes win.
Q:How many votes can I cast when electing governors?
A: The Company has received written notice of a member's intent to use cumulative voting. As a result, in accordance with the cumulative voting rights set forth in the Company's Articles of Organization and in Section 10-32-76 of the North Dakota Limited Liability Company Act, to which the Company is subject, you are entitled to give a nominee as many votes as is equal to the number of membership units you own multiplied by the number of governors to be elected, or you may distribute your votes among the nominees as you see fit. For example, if you own 100 membership units as of the record date, and if two governors are to be elected in a group at the annual meeting, you have 200 votes that you can allocate among the nominees in that group in any manner you choose. You are not required to cumulate your votes and may split your votes equally between two candidates. If two governors are to be elected at the annual meeting, the two nominees receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes at the annual meeting will be elected to the Board.
Q: What is the effect of a broker non-vote?
A: |
2
Q:Do I have dissenters' rights?
A: Pursuant to Section 10-32-54 of the North Dakota Statutes, members have no dissenters' rights with regard to governor elections. Dissenters' rights are generally the right of a security holder to dissent from and obtain the fair value of their membership units in certain events, such as mergers, share exchanges, and certain amendments to a company's governance documents.
Q:How do I vote?
A: Membership units can be voted only by proxy as the 2021 Annual Meeting is only being held electronically. The Company's proxy card is a means by which a member may authorize the voting of his, her, or its membership units at the 20202021 Annual Meeting. The membership units represented by each properly executed proxy card will be voted at the 20202021 Annual Meeting in accordance with the member's directions. The Company urges you to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes on the proxy card. After you have marked your choices, please sign and date the proxy card and return it to the Company at P.O. Box 11, Richardton, ND 58652 or by fax to the Company at (701) 974-3309. To be certain that your membership units will be represented at the 20202021 Annual Meeting, your proxy card must be received by the Company by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday,, March 19, 2020. However, proxy cards may still be accepted by the Company in person at the 2020 Annual Meeting at any time prior to the polls closing.24, 2021.
If you sign and return the proxy card without specifying any choices for governor, your membership units will be voted for the recommended candidates Ronald AberleMike Appert and Ambrose Hoff,William Price, and your vote will be split equally between the two nominees. If you sign and return the proxy card without specifying any choices regarding the Say-on-Pay proposal, your membership units will be voted For the Say-on-Pay proposal.
If membership units are owned jointly by more than one person, both persons must sign the proxy card in order for the units to be counted.
Q: What can I do if I change my mind after I return my proxy?
A: You may revoke your proxy by:
Q: What happens if I mark too few or too many boxes on the proxy card?
A: If you do not mark any choices on the proxy card for governors, then the proxies will vote your units for the Board recommended candidates Mike Appert and William Price and your votes will be allocated equally between the two nominees. You may wish to vote for only one of the governor nominees. In this case, your votes will only be counted for the governor nominee you have selected and all of your cumulated votes will be allocated for that governor nominee. If you mark contradicting choices on the proxy card, such as both for and withhold for a nominee your votes will not be counted with respect to the governor nominee(s) for whom you marked contradicting choices or for the proposal for which you marked contradicting choices.
Each fully executed proxy card will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the 20202021 Annual Meeting.
Q:Who will count the vote?
A: All votes will be tabulated by the Company's CFO, Jodi Johnson, and the election will be certified by a representative from the BrownWinick Law Firm who will be serving as inspector of elections. Votes, abstentions and withhold votes will be tabulated separately.
Q:How do I nominate a candidate for election as a governor at next year's annual meeting?
A: Three governor positions will stand for election at the 2022 annual meeting. Nominations for governor positions are made by a nominating committee appointed by the Board. |
In addition, our Amended and Restated Operating Agreement provides that members must give advance notice to the Company of any person that they propose be nominated as a governor. Under the advance notice provision, to be timely, a member's notice must be received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than 60 days or more than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of members. With
3
regard to governor nominations, the notice must also set forth (a) the name and address of the member who intends to make the nomination, (b) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each person so proposed, (c) the principal occupation or employment of each person so proposed for the past five (5) years, (d) the number of membership units of the Company beneficially owned by each person so proposed and the earliest date of acquisition of any such membership units, (e) a description of any arrangement or understanding between each person so proposed and the member(s) making such nomination with respect to such person's proposal for nomination and election as a governor and actions to be proposed or taken by such person if elected a governor; and (f) the written consent of each person so proposed to serve as a governor if nominated and elected as a governor.
Q:What is a member proposal?
A: A member proposal is your recommendation that the Company and/or the Board take action, which you intend to present at a meeting of the Company's members. Your proposal should state as clearly as possible the course of action that you believe the Company should follow. If your proposal is included in the Company's proxy statement, then the Company must also provide the means for members to vote on the matter via the proxy card. The deadlines and procedures for submitting member proposals are explained in the following question and answer. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.
Q:When are member proposals due for the 2022 annual meeting?
A: In order to be considered for inclusion in the Company's 2022 annual meeting proxy statement, member proposals must be submitted in writing to the Company, by September 30, 2021 (approximately 120 days prior to the one year anniversary date of the mailing of the 2021 proxy materials for the 2021 Annual Meeting). The Company suggests that proposals for the 2022 annual meeting of the members be submitted by certified mail-return receipt requested.
Members who intend to present a proposal at the 20212022 annual meeting of members without including such proposal in the Company's proxy statement must provide the Company notice of such proposal no later than December 10, 202014, 2021 (approximately 45 days prior to the one year anniversary date of the mailing of the 20202021 proxy materials for the 2020
2021 Annual Meeting). The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.
If the Company does not receive notice of a member proposal intended to be submitted to the 20212022 annual meeting by December 10, 2020,14, 2021, the persons named on the proxy card accompanying the notice of meeting may vote on any such proposal in their discretion, provided the Company has included in its proxy statement an explanation of its intention with respect to voting on the proposal.
Q:Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
A: The entire cost of this proxy solicitation will be borne by the Company. The cost will include the cost of supplying necessary additional copies of the solicitation materials for beneficial owners of membership units held of record by brokers, dealers, banks and voting trustees and their nominees and, upon request, the reasonable expenses of such record holders for completing the mailing of such materials and reports to such beneficial owners.
SECTION II - PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED UPON
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF GOVERNORS
The Company has seven governors. Each governor is elected to a three year term. The terms of the governors are staggered, so that the terms of no more than three governors expire every three years. The staggering of the terms of the governors commenced at the annual meeting of the members which was held on May 30, 2007, at which meeting two governors were elected to an initial one year term (Group I), two governors were elected to an initial two year term (Group II), and three governors were elected to an initial three year term (Group III). The Company's current governors, listed by group, are as follows:
Group I: Ronald Aberle and Ambrose Hoff - Terms expire in 20202023
Group II: Mike Appert and William Price - Terms expire in 2021
Group III: Frank Kirschenheiter, Sid Mauch and Anthony Mock - Terms expire in 2022
4
The Nominating Committee of the Board is comprised of Mike Appert,Ron Aberle, Ambrose Hoff, Frank Kirschenheiter, Sid Mauch, and Anthony Mock and William Price and is responsible for selecting candidates for governor. The Nominating Committee undertook a review of all prospective nominees. Ronald AberleMike Appert and Ambrose Hoff,William Price, the Group III incumbent governors, were considered for nomination to their existing seats and Tony Aman was considered for nomination.seats.
Based on this evaluation of the nominees, the Nominating Committee recommended that Ronald Aberle, Tony AmanMike Appert and Ambrose HoffWilliam Price be nominated for election as Group III governors, to serve until the 20232024 annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Ronald Aberle, Tony AmanMike Appert and Ambrose HoffWilliam Price have each consented to being named in the proxy statement and to serve if elected. The Board recommends that members vote their units in favor of the election of the incumbent governors Ronald AberleMike Appert and Ambrose Hoff.William Price.
The two nominees who receive a plurality of the votes for the election of governors (in person or by proxy) will be elected to the position of governor. If you fail to mark a vote, the proxies solicited by the Board will be voted in favor of the Board's recommended nominees and your units will be equally distributed amongbetween the two Board recommended nominees. If you do not submit a proxy card, or attend the meeting, your vote will not be counted as a vote for or against any nominee and you will not be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum. If you withhold your vote, your vote will not be counted as a vote for or against any nominee but will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum.
The following table contains certain information with respect to the nominees for election to the Board at the 20202021 Annual Meeting:
| Name | Age | Year First Became A Governor | Term Expires | If Elected, Term will Expire | Primary Occupation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mike Appert | 52 | 2006 | 2021 | 2024 | Owner and President of Appert Acres, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| William Price | 58 | 2006 | 2021 | 2024 | Director and Officer of various cattle-related operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Age | Year First Became A Governor | Term Expires | If Elected, Term will Expire | Primary Occupation | |||||
| Ronald Aberle | 56 | 2006 | 2020 | 2023 | Farmer | |||||
| Ambrose Hoff | 68 | 2006 | 2020 | 2023 | Businessman | |||||
| Tony Aman | 57 | N/A | N/A | 2023 | Fuel Supervisor | |||||
Biographical Information of Nominees
Mr. AberleAppert currently serves as vice chairman of the Board and has served as a governor since our inceptioninception. Mr. Appert's term as a governor will expire at the 2021 annual meeting. Mr. Appert will continue as the Company's vice chairman until his earlier resignation or removal. He previously served as chairman and is the chair of our Audit Committee.secretary. Mr. AberleAppert is also a member of our Audit, Compensation and Risk Management Committees.
Mr. AberleAppert has been the owner and president of Appert Acres, Inc., a corn, soybean, sunflowers and small grains farming operation since 1991, as well as operating a Mycogen Seeds Dealership. He also serves on several boards which include the Hazelton Airport Authority as president, the Goose Lake Chapter Pheasants Forever as treasurer, the St. Paul Catholic Church Finance Council, and the North Dakota Soybean Council. Mr. Appert has a degree in Financial Management from the University of North Dakota. Mr. Appert was selected as a nominee based on his prior experience with the Company and the ethanol industry as well as his business and agricultural experience.
Mr. HoffPrice has served as a governor since our inception. Mr. HoffPrice's term as a governor will expire at the 2021 annual meeting. Mr. Price currently serves as secretary of the Board. Mr. Hoff will continue as the Company's secretary until his earlier resignation or removal. He is also a member of ourthe Audit and Compensation Committees. Mr. HoffPrice served as vice president from inception of the Company until May 2007, and until recently served as secretary.
Since 1980, Mr. Price has been the managing partner and is currently vice president of Price Cattle Ranch LLP, a cattle operation. Since 1997, he has been the managing partner and is currently the president of Missouri River Feeders LLP, a feedlot and diversified farm. He also serves as a governor of Dakota Beef Growers, LLC, a specialized beef operation, and is a governor of Sunnyside Feeds, LLC, a custom feed plant. Mr. Price is also a governor of North Dakota Sow Center LLLP, a 10,000 head ISO wean facility. Mr. Price is a member of multiple associations, including the North Dakota Stockmen's Association, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and the Great Bend Irrigation District, and has served on the Missouri Slope Irrigation Board of Governors and served as chairman of the North Dakota Feeder Council. Mr. Price was selected as a
5
nominee based on his prior experience with the Company and the ethanol industry as well as his business and agricultural experience.
Required Vote and Board Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a plurality of the membership voting interests is required to elect a nominee to the position of governor. The two nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected as governors. If you do not submit a proxy card, or attend the meeting, your vote will not be counted as a vote for or against any nominee and you will not be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum.quorum unless you electronically attend the 2021 Annual Meeting. If you withhold your vote, your vote will not be counted as a vote for or against any nominee but will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum.
YOUR BOARD BELIEVES RONALD ABERLEMIKE APPERT AND AMBROSE HOFFWILLIAM PRICE ARE WELL QUALIFIED TO SERVE AS GOVERNORS OF THE COMPANY AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RONALD ABERLEMIKE APPERT AND AMBROSE HOFFWILLIAM PRICE FOR ELECTION AS GOVERNORS AT THE 20202021 ANNUAL MEETING.
SECTION III - REQUIRED INFORMATION
GOVERNORS AND OFFICERS
Biographical Information for Non-nominee Governors
Mr. AppertAberle has served as a governor since our inception and is the chair of our Audit Committee. Mr. Aberle's term as a governor will expire at the 2023 annual meeting. Mr. Aberle is also a member of our Audit, Compensation and Risk Management Committees. Mr. Aberle is an owner and managing partner of Aberle Farms, a diversified farm and ranch, and most recently added an RV Campground to the enterprise. Mr. Aberle currently serves as vice chairmanan advisory board member of the BoardUS Bank in Bismarck and is a trustee of St. Hildegard's Church.
Ambrose Hoff, Governor - Age 69
Mr. Hoff has served as a governor since our inception. Mr. Appert'sHoff's term as a governor will expire at the 20212023 annual meeting. Mr. AppertHoff currently serves as secretary of the Board. Mr. Hoff will continue as the Company's vice chairmansecretary until his earlier resignation or removal. He previously served as chairman and secretary. Mr. Appert is also a member of our Audit and Compensation Nominating, and Risk Management Committees.
Mr. Appert has beenHoff is the owner and president of Appert Acres,Stone Mill, Inc., a corn, soybean, sunflowersgrain processing plant and small grains farming operation since 1991,also the CEO of Amber Waves, Inc., a manufacturing facility, both located in Richardton, North Dakota. Mr. Hoff is an active board member of the Richardton Development Company and previously served as wellour president from inception to August 28, 2006 and as operating a Mycogen Seeds Dealership. He also serves on several boards which include the Hazelton Airport Authoritygovernor until 2007 until he was re-elected as president, the Goose Lake Chapter Pheasants Forever as treasurer, the St. Paul Catholic Church Finance Council, and the North Dakota Soybean Council. Mr. Appert has a degreegovernor in Financial Management from the University of North Dakota.2011.
Frank Kirschenheiter, Governor and Nominee - Age 6970
Mr. Kirschenheiter has served as a governor since May 2007. Mr. Kirschenheiter's term as a governor will expire at the 2022 annual meeting. Mr. Kirschenheiter previously served as treasurer of the Board and is a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Kirschenheiter and his wife Earlene have been involved with their children in a small cattle operation outside of Richardton, North Dakota. Mr. Kirschenheiter has also served as the mayor of the City of Richardton for the past 24 years.
Sid Mauch, Governor, Chairman and Nominee - Age 7374
Mr. Mauch currently serves as chairman of the Board and has served as a governor since March 2009. Mr. Mauch's term as a governor will expire at the 2022 annual meeting. Mr. Mauch will continue as the Company's chairman until his earlier resignation or removal. Mr. Mauch also currently serves on our Risk Management and Compensation Committees. Mr. Mauch was the manager and controller of Maple River Grain & Agronomy, LLC, a grain elevator and agronomy supplier located in Casselton, North Dakota, from 1976 to 2012.
6
Anthony Mock, Governor and Nominee - Age 4748
Mr. Mock has served as a governor since March 2013. Mr. Mock's term as a governor will expire at the 2022 annual meeting. Mr. Mock currently serves on our Risk Management and Compensation Committees. Mr. Mock has been active in farming for over 20 years in the rural Kintyre, North Dakota area. Mr. Mock also serves as a board member for the North Dakota Corn Growers Association (NDCGA) and sits on the Ethanol and Cattle Committee within the NDCGA. Mr. Mock is also an Action Team Member for the United States Grain Council.
Biographical Information Regarding Officers and Key Employees
Gerald Bachmeier, Chief Executive Officer - Age 6566
Mr. Bachmeier has served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer since July 2010 and has been involved in the ethanol industry for the past twenty-eight years. He has served as a Plant Manager of Morris Ag Energy and Chief Marketing Manager of United Ethanol Sales. He was instrumental in the design, formation and construction of DENCO, LLC and was the major role player for the acquisition of Morris Ag Energy. Mr. Bachmeier has held various board positions with many industry trade groups including the Renewable Fuels Association and the Minnesota Coalition for Ethanol. Mr Bachmeier currently serves on the board for the Renewable Fuels Marketing Group and the North Dakota Ethanol Council, and is the current President of the North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association. Mr. Bachmeier serves at the pleasure of the Board until his earlier resignation or removal and pursuant to the terms of his employment contract.
Jodi Johnson, Chief Financial Officer - Age 3940
Ms. Johnson has served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer since April 2013. She is a Certified Public Accountant who operated her own tax preparation service for the last six years where she prepared tax returns and provided other financial services for her clients. Ms. Johnson was also the Accounting Assistant and then Controller for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation since August 2004 where she prepared financial statements, supervised other accounting staff and performed other accounting related duties. Ms. Johnson serves at the pleasure of the Board until her earlier resignation or removal.
Dustin Willett, Chief Operating Officer - Age 3839
Mr. Willett has served as the Company's Chief Operating Officer since June 2016. Prior to becoming the COO he served as the Company's Maintenance Manager since March 2013. Mr. Willett was a General Foremen for Industrial Contractors Inc. for eight years prior to beginning his employment with the Company. Mr. Willett serves at the pleasure of the Board until his earlier resignation or removal.
Ryan Wiege, Grain Merchandiser - Age 3536
Mr. Wiege has served as the Company's Grain Merchandiser since December 2008 and currently servers on our Risk Management Committee. Prior to his employment with the Company he worked at the Bobcat Company in Bismarck as an Assembly Mechanic for four years. Mr. Wiege serves at the pleasure of the Board until his earlier resignation or removal.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
For purposes of our governors, governor nominees, management and members who beneficially own 5% or more of the membership units, beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by footnote, a person named in the tables below has sole voting and sole investment power for all membership units beneficially owned by that person. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, all persons named below can be reached at Red Trail Energy, LLC at 3682 Highway 8 South, P.O. Box 11, Richardton, ND 58652.
There are no persons known by management that hold thehave beneficial ownership of 5% or more of the outstanding membership units as of January 24, 2020.28, 2021.
7
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF OUR BOARD OF GOVERNORS, MANAGEMENT AND OUR NOMINEES
As of January 24, 2020,28, 2021, members of our management, the Board and our nominees own membership units as follows:
| Title of Class | Name of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percent of Class | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Ronald Aberle, Governor | 402,920(1) | 1.00% | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Mike Appert, Governor and Nominee | 1,345,000(2) | 3.35% | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Ambrose Hoff, Governor | 678,000(3) | 1.69% | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Frank Kirschenheiter, Governor | 100,000 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Sid Mauch, Governor | 31,000(4) | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Anthony Mock, Governor | 15,000(5) | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | William Price, Governor and Nominee | 400,000(6) | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Gerald Bachmeier, CEO | 1,624,500(7) | 4.05% | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Jodi Johnson, CFO | — | —% | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Dustin Willett, COO | — | —% | |||||||||||||||||
| Membership Units | Ryan Wiege, Grain Merchandiser | — | —% | |||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL: | Governors/Officers/Nominees as a Group | 4,596,420 | 11.44% | |||||||||||||||||
(*) Designates less than one percent ownership.
| Title of Class | Name of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percent of Class | |||
| Membership Units | Ronald Aberle, Governor and Nominee | 402,920(1) | * | |||
| Membership Units | Tony Aman, Nominee | 25,000 | * | |||
| Membership Units | Mike Appert, Governor | 1,345,000(2) | 3.35% | |||
| Membership Units | Ambrose Hoff, Governor and Nominee | 660,000(3) | 1.64% | |||
| Membership Units | Frank Kirschenheiter, Governor | 100,000 | * | |||
| Membership Units | Sid Mauch, Governor | 21,000(4) | * | |||
| Membership Units | Anthony Mock, Governor | 15,000(5) | * | |||
| Membership Units | William Price, Governor | 400,000(6) | * | |||
| Membership Units | Gerald Bachmeier, CEO | 1,624,500(7) | 4.05% | |||
| Membership Units | Jodi Johnson, CFO | — | —% | |||
| Membership Units | Dustin Willett, COO | — | —% | |||
| Membership Units | Ryan Wiege, Grain Merchandiser | — | —% | |||
| TOTAL: | Governors/Officers/Nominees as a Group | 4,593,420 | 11.44% | |||
(1) |
(2) Includes 375,000 units which Mr. Appert owns jointly with his spouse and 100,000 units held directly by his son of which Mr. Appert disclaims beneficial ownership. Additionally, 160,000 units are held by Appert Acres, Inc., of which Mr. Appert is a partial owner and of which Mr. Appert disclaims beneficial ownership and 210,000 units are held by Appert Farms, Inc., of which Mr. Appert is a partial owner and of which Mr. Appert disclaims beneficial ownership.
(3) Includes 378,000 units owned jointly with Mr. Hoff's spouse. Additionally, 300,000 units are held by Richardton Development Company, of which Mr. Hoff serves as an officer and of which Mr. Hoff disclaims beneficial ownership.
(4) Includes 30,000 units owned jointly with Mr. Mauch's spouse.
(5) Includes 15,000 units owned jointly with Mr. Mock's spouse. (6) Includes 300,000 units which Mr. Price owns jointly with his brother and 100,000 units held jointly with his brother and mother. (7) Includes 1,624,500 units owned by RTSB, LLC of which Mr. Bachmeier is a principal owner and of which Mr. Bachmeier disclaims beneficial ownership. |
BOARD OF GOVERNORS' MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board generally meets once per month. The Board held eleventwelve regularly scheduled meetings and twofour special meetings during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020. Each governor attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
The Board does not have a formalized process for holders of membership units to send communications to the Board. The Board feels this is reasonable given the accessibility of our governors. Members desiring to communicate with the Board are free to do so by contacting a governor. The names of our governors are listed on the Company's website at www.redtrailenergyllc.com/investors/board_of_directors or are available by calling the Company's office at (701) 974-3308.
The Board does not have a policy with regard to governors' attendance at annual meetings. Last year, all seven governors attended the Company's annual meeting. Due to this high attendance record, it is the view of the Board that such a policy is unnecessary.
Governor and Nominee Independence
All of our governors and nominees are independent, as defined by our Audit Committee Charter. In evaluating the independence of our governors and nominees, we considered the following factors: (i) the business relationships of our governors and nominees; (ii) positions our governors and nominees hold with other companies; (iii) family relationships between our governors
and nominees and other individuals involved with the Company; (iv) transactions between our governors and nominees and the Company; and (v) compensation arrangements between our governors and nominees and the Company.
8
Policy Regarding Employee, Officer and Director Hedging
We do not have a policy prohibiting our directors, officers or employees from purchasing financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of the Company's membership units held by such persons. As a limited liability company, we are required to restrict the transfers of our membership units in order to preserve our partnership tax status. Our membership units may not be traded on any established securities market or readily traded on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof). Because there is no public market for our units, it is the view of the Board that such a policy is unnecessary.
Board Leadership Structure and Role In Risk Oversight
The Company is managed by a Chief Executive Officer that is separate from the Chairman of the Board. The Board has determined that its leadership structure is effective to create checks and balances between the executive officers of the Company and the Board. The Board is actively involved in overseeing all material risks that face the Company. The Board administers its oversight functions by reviewing the operations of the Company, by overseeing the executive officers' management of the Company, and through its risk management committee.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all of our employees, officers and governors, and a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Grain Merchandiser and other persons performing similar functions. The Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics are available on the Investors section of our website at www.redtrailenergyllc.com/investors/how_to_invest.
Committees
The Board has four standing committees: the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating Committee and Risk Management Committee. Each committee member attended at least 75% of the committee meetings for all committees on which they served.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board operates under a charter adopted by the Board on December 22, 2010. A copy of our Audit Committee charter is posted on our website at www.redtrailenergyllc.com/investors/how_to_invest. Under the charter, the Audit Committee must have at least three members. Our Audit Committee members are Ronald Aberle, Ambrose Hoff and William Price. The chairperson of the Audit Committee is Mr. Aberle. Our Audit Committee currently does not have an individual designated as a financial expert and has communicated this to the Nominating Committee for their consideration as they review potential nominees for the Board. The reason the Audit Committee does not have a financial expert is that none of our current governors qualify as a financial expert. Since the Company is not registered with a national securities exchange, the Audit Committee is exempt from the independence listing standards required by such national securities exchanges. Our Audit Committee charter requires a majority of our committee members to be independent as defined in the Audit Committee charter. All three members of our Audit Committee are independent as required by our Audit Committee charter.
The Audit Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020. Each audit committee member attended at least 75% of the audit committee meetings during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee delivered the following report to the Board of the Company on December 18, 2019. The following report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any previous or future documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates the report by reference in any such document.
The Audit Committee reviews the Company's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process. The Company's independent auditors are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the audited financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles. The
Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the Company's audited financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020. The committee has discussed with Eide Bailly LLP, its independent
9
accountants, the matters required to be discussed under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") Auditing Standard No. 61, as amended Communications with Audit Committee (AS61). The committee has received from the independent auditors written disclosures regarding the auditors' independence required by PCAOB and the Independence Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and has discussed with the independent auditors, the independent auditors' independence. The committee has considered whether the provision of services by Eide Bailly LLP not related to the audit of the financial statements referred to above and to the reviews of the interim financial statements included in the Company's Forms 10-Q are compatible with maintaining Eide Bailly LLP independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements referred to above be included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
Audit Committee
Ronald Aberle, Chairman
Ambrose Hoff
William Price
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee has selected Eide Bailly LLP as the independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year October 1, 20192020 to September 30, 2020.2021. A representative of Eide Bailly LLP is expected to be presentrepresented at the 20202021 Annual Meeting to respond to questions from the members and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed to the Company by our independent registered public accountants, Eide Bailly LLP, during our 20192020 and 20182019 fiscal years are as follows:
| Category | Fiscal Year | Eide Bailly Fees | ||||||||||||
Audit Fees(1) | 2020 | $ | 88,091 | |||||||||||
| 2019 | 85,756 | |||||||||||||
| Audit- Related Fees | 2020 | — | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | — | |||||||||||||
Tax Fees(2) | 2020 | 17,565 | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | 24,072 | |||||||||||||
| All Other Fees | 2020 | — | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | — | |||||||||||||
(1)Audit Fees. This category includes the fees and out-of-pocket expenses for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company's Form 10-Q or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
| Category | Fiscal Year | Eide Bailly Fees | ||||
Audit Fees(1) | 2019 | $ | 85,756 | |||
| 2018 | 91,021 | |||||
| Audit- Related Fees | 2019 | — | ||||
| 2018 | — | |||||
Tax Fees(2) | 2019 | 24,072 | ||||
| 2018 | 16,898 | |||||
| All Other Fees | 2019 | — | ||||
| 2018 | — | |||||
The Board is required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services performed by the Company's independent auditor to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor's independence. All audit and non-audit services performed by the Company's independent auditor were pre-approved by the Board. The Board will not authorize the independent auditor to perform any non-audit service which independent auditors are prohibited from performing under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Board may delegate its pre-approval authority to one or more of its governors, but not to management. The governor or governors to whom such authority is delegated shall report any pre-approval decisions to the Board at its next scheduled meeting.
10
Compensation Committee
The Company's standing Compensation Committee consists of all members of the Board. Sid Mauch serves as the chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the overall responsibility for approving and evaluating the Company's governor and Chief Executive Officer's compensation. Each member of the Compensation Committee is independent pursuant to the independence standard included in the Company's Audit Committee charter. The Compensation Committee has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer the authority to set compensation for lower executive officers, including the Company's Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Grain Merchandiser, and also the authority to implement compensation plans, policies and programs consistent with the Company's philosophy and objectives. The Compensation Committee has not engaged compensation consultants or any other person to assist in determining or recommending the amount or form of executive or governor compensation, but would consider doing so in those situations where it felt such an engagement was warranted or appropriate.
The Compensation Committee does not operate under a charter and is exempt from the independence listing standards because the Company's securities are not listed on a national securities exchange or listed in an automated inter-dealer quotation system or a national securities association or to issuers of such securities. The Compensation Committee held one meeting during the fiscal year ended September 30, 20192020 and each member of the Compensation Committee attended the meeting.
For additional information on the responsibilities and activities of the compensation committees, including the process for determining executive compensation; see the section of this proxy statement entitled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee of the Board consists of Mike Appert,Ron Aberle, Ambrose Hoff, Frank Kirschenheiter, Sid Mauch, and Anthony Mock and William Price.Mock. Mr. AppertMauch serves as chairman of the Nominating Committee. Each member of the Nominating Committee is independent pursuant to the independence standard included in the Company's Audit Committee charter. The Nominating Committee held one meeting during the fiscal year ended September 30, 20192020 and each member of the Nominating Committee attended the meeting. The Nominating Committee does not operate under a written charter.
Governor Nominations Policy
Our Nominating Committee will consider governor candidates recommended by members. Members interested in submitting the name of a candidate for consideration as governor should send a letter to the Secretary of the Company, P.O. Box 11, 3682 Highway 8 South, Richardton, ND 58652, and specify that the letter should be forwarded to the chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Board has not yet adopted a formal policy regarding qualifications of governor candidates and we do not have a policy regarding considering diversity in governor nominees. In evaluating governor nominees, the nominating Committee and the Board considers a variety of factors, including the appropriate size of the Board; our needs with respect to the particular talents and experience of our governors; the knowledge, skills and experience of nominees, including experience in the ethanol, corn or feed industries, finance, administration or public service, in light of prevailing business conditions and the knowledge, skills and experience already possessed by other members of the Board; experience with accounting rules and practices; and the desire to balance the benefit of continuity with the periodic injection of the fresh perspective provided by new Board members. To date, we have not engaged third parties to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying potential nominees, although we reserve the right in the future to retain a third party search firm, if necessary.
On July 31, 2008, the Board adopted an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, which provided that members must give advance notice to the Company of any business that they propose to bring before an annual meeting or of any person that they propose be nominated as a governor. Under the advance notice provision, to be timely a member's notice must be received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of members. With regard to governor nominations, the notice must also set forth (a) the name and address of the member who intends to make the nomination, (b) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each person so proposed, (c) the principal occupation or employment of each person so proposed for the past five years, (d) the number of membership units of the Company beneficially owned by each person so proposed and the earliest date of acquisition of any such membership units, (e) a description of any arrangement or understanding between each person so proposed and the member(s) making such nomination with respect to such person's proposal for nomination and election as a governor and actions to be proposed or taken by such person if elected a governor; and (f) the written consent of each person so proposed to serve as a governor if nominated and elected as a governor.
11
For the 20202021 Annual Meeting, the Nominating Committee evaluated the qualifications and performance of two incumbent governors, Ronald AberleMike Appert and Ambrose Hoff,William Price, whose terms as Group III governors will expire at the 20202021 Annual Meeting, and our non-incumbent nominee Tony Aman, and who were each recommended by members of the Company. Based upon these evaluations, the Nominating Committee nominated Mr. Aberle, Mr. AmanAppert and Mr. HoffPrice for election as governors at the 20202021 Annual Meeting. The Nominating Committee did not receive any other nominations.
Risk Management Committee
The Risk Management Committee of the Board consists of Ronald Aberle, Mike Appert, Sid Mauch and Anthony Mock. Mr. Appert serves as chairman of the Risk Management Committee. The Risk Management Committee is involved in setting the direction for the Company in relation to its corn and ethanol hedging strategies. The Risk Management Committee met sixty-fivefifty-nine times during our fiscal year ended September 30, 20192020 and each committee member attended at least 75% of the committee meetings.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Board has adopted a written policy requiring all governors, officers and employees, and their immediate family members to notify the Board about any transaction, of any size, with the Company. The Board is responsible for enforcing this policy. Some of our governors, officers and employees and their immediate family members have sold corn to the Company or purchased E85 or distillers grains from the Company. These purchases and sales were made on terms available to all parties that do business with the Company, and were as follows for our 20192020 fiscal year:
Ronald Aberle, a governor and nominee, and a company owned in part by Mr. Aberle, sold corn to the Company in an amount equal to $1,799,845$2,474,633 during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
Mike Appert, a governor, and various companies owned in part by Mr. Appert, sold corn to the Company in an amount equal to $1,972,503$3,803,043 and had E85 purchases in an amount equal to $5,078$8,490 during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
Ambrose Hoff, a governor and nominee, sold corn to the Company in an amount equal to $134,921$163,509 and had E85 purchases of $1,573$1,016 during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
Anthony Mock, a governor, and a company owned in part by Mr. Mock, sold corn to the Company in an amount equal to $300,507$342,775 and had E85 purchases in an amount equal to $2,930 during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
Gerald Bachmeier, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and a company owned in part by Mr. Bachmeier, had E85 purchases in an amount equal to $610$108 and distillers purchases in an amount equal to $14,969$10,904 during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
William Price, a governor, and a company owned in part by Mr. Price, had distillers purchases in an amount equal to $82,324$54,463 during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
Ryan Wiege, the Company's Grain Merchandiser, had E85 purchases in an amount equal to $1,270$969 during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
Dustin Willett, the Company's Chief Operating Officer, had E85 purchases in an amount equal to $1,085$3,047 during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
The Board reviews all transactions with related parties, as that term is defined by Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K, or any transaction in which related persons have an indirect interest. The Company's Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics also includes a written policy governing related party transactions, that applies to all of our employees, officers and governors. The Board believes these transactions were no less favorable to the Company than the Company could receive from an independent third party.
12
COMPENSATION OF GOVERNORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview
Throughout this proxy statement, the individuals who serve as our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Grain Merchandiser are referred to as the "executive officers". The Compensation Committee has responsibility for establishing, implementing and regularly monitoring adherence to the Company's compensation philosophy and objectives.
In setting compensation, the Compensation Committee took into account the member vote at our 20172020 annual member meeting called the "Say-on-Pay," where the Company's members overwhelming voted to endorse the Company's system of compensating its executive officers.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our compensation programs are designed to achieve the following objectives:
•Attract, retain and motivate highly qualified and talented executives who will contribute to the Company's success by reason of their ability, ingenuity and industry;
•Link compensation realized to the achievement of the Company's short and long-term financial and strategic goals;
•Align management and member interests by encouraging long-term member value creation;
•Maximize the financial efficiency of the compensation program from tax, accounting, cash flow and dilution perspectives; and
•Support important corporate governance principles and comply with best practices.
Compensation Committee Procedures
The Compensation Committee is responsible for determining the nature and amount of compensation for the Company's Chief Executive Officer and has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer the authority to set compensation for lower executive officers, including the Company's Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Grain Merchandiser. The Compensation Committee has also delegated to the Chief Executive Officer the authority to implement compensation plans, policies and programs consistent with the Company's philosophy and objectives.
The Compensation Committee recommended that the Company enter into an employment agreement with the Company's Chief Executive Officer effective July 8, 2010. On April 26, 2017, the agreement was extended until December 31, 2022. The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary and a year-end bonus based on the Company's net income.
Base Salary
The evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer's employment agreement was based on the scope of the chief executive's roles, responsibilities, experience levels and performance, and taking into account competitive market compensation paid by comparable companies for similar positions.
Bonus
In addition to the base salary, the evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer's employment agreement also included the potential to earn a year-end bonus based on the Company's net income. The Compensation Committee believes that the alignment of bonus potential with the Company's financial performance is consistent with the Company's compensation philosophy and objectives.
Accounting and Tax Treatment of Awards
None of our executive officers, governors, or employees receives compensation in excess of $1,000,000 and therefore the entire amount of their compensation is deductible by the Company as a business expense. Certain large executive compensation awards are not tax deductible by companies making such awards. None of our compensation arrangements are likely to reach this cap in the foreseeable future.
13
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based upon this review and discussion, the Board determined that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis should be included in this proxy statement.
Compensation Committee
Sid Mauch, Chair
Ronald Aberle
Mike Appert
Ambrose Hoff
Frank Kirschenheiter
Anthony Mock
William Price
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the executive compensation committee is or has been an employee of the Company. There are no interlocking relationships between the Company and other entities that might affect the determination of the compensation of our executive officers.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth all compensation paid or payable by the Company during the last three fiscal years, or such shorter period that they were covered by this requirement, to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Grain Merchandiser.
We did not have any compensatory security option plan or other plan for long term compensation for our executive officer or governors in place as of September 30, 2019.2020. Further, as of September 30, 2019,2020, none of our governors or executive officers had any options, warrants, or other similar rights to purchase securities of the Company.
Compensation of Named Executive Officers
| Name and Principal Position | Fiscal Year | Salary | Bonus | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gerald Bachmeier, CEO(1) | 2020 | $ | 228,462 | $ | 282 | $ | 10,042 | $ | 238,786 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 221,923 | 307 | 9,335 | 231,565 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 212,308 | 42,131 | 8,774 | 263,213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jodi Johnson, CFO | 2020 | 134,423 | 307 | — | 134,730 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 129,770 | 807 | — | 130,577 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 127,000 | 10,307 | — | 137,307 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dustin Willett, COO(2) | 2020 | 132,904 | 307 | — | 133,211 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 127,904 | 807 | 4,467 | 133,178 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 129,000 | 4,307 | 3,246 | 136,553 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ryan Wiege, Grain Merchandiser(3) | 2020 | 112,904 | 307 | — | 113,211 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 110,385 | 1,307 | 4,123 | 115,815 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 109,000 | 5,307 | 3,635 | 117,942 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Mr. Bachmeier was appointed CEO effective July 8, 2010 and is paid pursuant to Mr. Bachmeier's employment agreement - see additional information under "Employment Agreements with Governors or Officers." Mr. Bachmeier previously served as CEO from June 16, 2009 to December 31, 2009. The other compensation Mr. Bachmeier receives is the excess medical insurance benefit he receives compared to the reimbursement the Company makes for its other employees.
(2)The other compensation Mr. Willett received was for excess vacation hours paid out. The Company allows employees to carryover up to 80 hours of vacation each year and then pays out the excess at the end of each year.
14
| Name and Principal Position | Fiscal Year | Salary | Bonus | Other | Total | |||||||||||||
Gerald Bachmeier, CEO(1) | 2019 | $ | 221,923 | $ | 307 | $ | 9,335 | $ | 231,565 | |||||||||
| 2018 | 212,308 | 42,131 | 8,774 | 263,213 | ||||||||||||||
| 2017 | 196,154 | 29,519 | 7,414 | 233,087 | ||||||||||||||
Jodi Johnson, CFO | 2019 | 129,770 | 807 | — | 130,577 | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | 127,000 | 10,307 | — | 137,307 | ||||||||||||||
| 2017 | 120,000 | 10,000 | — | 130,000 | ||||||||||||||
Dustin Willett, COO(2) | 2019 | 127,904 | 807 | 4,467 | 133,178 | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | 129,000 | 4,307 | 3,246 | 136,553 | ||||||||||||||
| 2017 | 125,000 | 2,000 | 4,797 | 131,797 | ||||||||||||||
Ryan Wiege, Grain Merchandiser(3) | 2019 | 110,385 | 1,307 | 4,123 | 115,815 | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | 109,000 | 5,307 | 3,635 | 117,942 | ||||||||||||||
| 2017 | 105,000 | 5,000 | 3,906 | 113,906 | ||||||||||||||
Employment Agreements with Governors or Officers
The Company entered into an employment agreement with Gerald Bachmeier for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective July 8, 2010. The term of this agreement terminates on December 31, 2022 and is subject to customary termination provisions. The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary as well as a year-end bonus based on the Company's net income.
We do not have any employment agreements with any other officer or governor.
CEO Pay Ratio
As a result of rules adopted by the SEC, we are disclosing the following information regarding the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019:2020:
•The median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees (excluding the Chief Executive Officer) was $78,198.$78,159.
•The annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, as reported on our Summary Compensation Table, was $231,565.$238,786.
•Based on this information, the ratio of our Chief Executive Officer's annual total compensation to our median employee was 2.97:3.06:1.00.
Our employee population as of September 30, 20192020 (the date we selected to identify our median employee), consisted of 4650 individuals, with all of these individuals located in the United States. We identified our median employee based on the annual total compensation paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019,2020, calculated consistent with the disclosure requirements of executive compensation under Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K.
In addition, for purposes of reporting the ratio of annual total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer to the median employee, both the Chief Executive Officer and median employee’s total compensation paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019,2020, were calculated consistent with the disclosure requirements of executive compensation under Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K. The Company has not made any of the adjustments permissible by the SEC, nor have any material assumptions or estimates been made to identify the median employee or to determine annual total compensation.
GOVERNOR COMPENSATION
Pursuant to our governor compensation policy, we currently pay governor fees as follows:
•$1,000.00 per Board meeting
•$400.00 per Audit Committee meeting or Audit Committee conference call
•$400.00 per Risk Management Committee meeting or Risk Management Committee conference call
•$400.00 per Nominating Committee meeting
•$100.00 for meetings attended by conference call, with the exception of Audit Committee and Risk Management Committee conference calls
The compensation policy also provides for reimbursement to governors for all out-of-pocket costs and mileage for travel to and from meetings and other locations to perform these tasks.
In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had incurred an aggregate of $161,918$116,764 in governor fees and related expenses.
The table below shows the compensation paid to each of our governors for the fiscal year ended September 30, 20192020.
15
| Name | Fiscal Year | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash(1) | All Other Compensation(2) | Total Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ronald Aberle | 2020 | $ | 28,100 | $ | — | $ | 28,100 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mike Appert | 2020 | 26,100 | 64 | 26,164 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ambrose Hoff | 2020 | 4,900 | — | 4,900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frank Kirschenheiter | 2020 | 2,500 | 180 | 2,680 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sid Mauch | 2020 | 26,200 | 322 | 26,522 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anthony Mock | 2020 | 23,400 | 70 | 23,470 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| William Price | 2020 | 4,900 | 28 | 4,928 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes reimbursement for regular board meetings as well as committee meetings.
| Name | Fiscal Year | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash(1) | All Other Compensation(2) | Total Compensation | ||||||||||
| Ronald Aberle | 2019 | $ | 34,400 | $ | 125 | $ | 34,525 | |||||||
| Mike Appert | 2019 | 31,700 | 815 | 32,515 | ||||||||||
| Ambrose Hoff | 2019 | 9,200 | 435 | 9,635 | ||||||||||
| Frank Kirschenheiter | 2019 | 8,500 | 599 | 9,099 | ||||||||||
| Sid Mauch | 2019 | 32,300 | 1,740 | 34,040 | ||||||||||
| Anthony Mock | 2019 | 31,900 | 809 | 32,709 | ||||||||||
| William Price | 2019 | 9,200 | 195 | 9,395 | ||||||||||
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company's officers and governors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, governors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Company's knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations from our officers and governors, all Section 16(a) filing requirements were complied with during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.2020.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company's annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and the notes thereto, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019,2020, accompanies this proxy statement.
These proxy materials are being delivered pursuant to the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials rules promulgated by the SEC. The Company will provide each member solicited a printed or e-mail copy of the Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report on Form 10-K without charge within three business days of receiving a written request. Members should direct any requests for a printed or e-mail copy of the proxy materials as follows: (i) by calling our office at (701) 974-3308 or toll free at (855) 974-3308; (ii) by written request at Red Trail Energy, LLC at P.O. Box 11, Richardton, ND 58652; (iii) by e-mail at proxy@redtrailenergy.com; or (iv) on our website at www.redtrailenergy.com, on or before March 6, 202011, 2021 to facilitate timely delivery. The Company will provide each member solicited a copy of the exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K upon written request and payment of specified fees. The 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K complete with exhibits and Proxy Statement are also available from the SEC at 6432 General Green Way, Mail stop 0-5, Alexandria, VA 22312-2413, by e-mail at foiapa@sec.gov or fax at (703) 914-2413 or through the EDGAR database available from the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).
RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF OUR BOARD OF GOVERNORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 20, 202025, 2021
| Member Name: | Vote by Mail or Facsimile: | |||||||
| 1) Read the Proxy Statement | ||||||||
| Number of Units: | 2) Mark your vote in the appropriate boxes below | |||||||
| 3) Sign and date the proxy card | ||||||||
| 4) Return the proxy card via fax to (701) 974-3309 or by mail to the Company at P.O. Box 11, Richardton, ND 58652 by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March | ||||||||
The undersigned hereby appoints Anthony MockMike Appert and William Price, and each or either of them, with the power of substitution, as proxies to represent the undersigned and to vote as designated below, at the 20202021 Annual Meeting of Members to be held on Friday, Thursday, March 20, 2020, at the Ramada-Bismarck, 1400 E. Interchange Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501,25, 2021 solely electronically, and at adjournment thereof, on any matters coming before the meeting. Said proxies will vote on the proposals set forth in the notice of the annual meeting and proxy statement as specified on this card. If a vote is not specified, said proxies will vote FOR Ronald AberleMike Appert and Ambrose Hoff,William Price, with the votes split equally between the nominees and FOR Proposal Two.nominees. If any other matters properly come before the 20202021 Annual Meeting, said proxies will vote on such matters in accordance with the recommendations of the Board except to the extent that such matters would include substantive matters presented by the Company that would otherwise be required to be separately set out by the Company on the proxy card.
PROPOSAL ONE. Elect two (2) governors to the Board of Governors. Each will serve for a term of three years. To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, strike a line through the nominee's name in the list below.
You are entitled to give a nominee as many votes as is equal to the number of units you own multiplied by 2 (the number of governors to be elected), or you may distribute your votes among the nominees as you see fit. Write in the number of votes you are allocating to any nominee below. The Board recommends you vote your units for Ronald AberleMike Appert and Ambrose Hoff.
William Price.
| Mike Appert | Votes | |||||||||||||
| William Price | Votes | |||||||||||||
This proxy card, if signed and returned, will be voted in accordance with your instructions above and authorizes the proxies to take action in their discretion upon other matters that may properly come before the meeting. The proxies cannot vote your units unless you sign and return this card.
Please sign exactly as your name appears on your unit certificate. When units are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, as 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.
| Signature of Unit Holder | Signature of Unit Holder | |||||||||||||
| Dated: | Dated: | |||||||||||||