Table of Contents



 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington,, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.        )

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Check the appropriate box:

    Preliminary Proxy Statement

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    Definitive Proxy Statement

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

Plumas Bancorp


(Name of Registrant as Specified inIn Its Charter)

 


(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Thanother than the Registrant)

 

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1

 

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To our Shareholders,Dear shareholder,

 

We began 2020 with great uncertainty and braced for a year of challenge as the world was faced with a global pandemic.  Here in our corner of the world, the region-wide fires and power outages gave us even more to contend with.  But with the fires out, infection rates falling, the vaccination effort well underway and the economy starting to open back up, we are thrilled optimistic that a return to normalcy has begun and will continue as we move through the current year.

I am pleased to report that with record-breakingnotwithstanding all the significant and award-winning performance, it’s been another phenomenalunique challenges that this year for your Company. We ended the year once again with record levels of earnings, loans, depositspresented, Plumas Bancorp continued its strong financial performance.  Our experienced management team, diversified loan portfolio, strong core deposit base and assets. In 2017, our Company’s total assets grew by more than $87 million, or 13%, ending the year close to three quarters of a billion dollars in total assets. With our significantly improved financial performance and our solid capital position have been key in enabling us to remain effective and productive and to attain increases in some key metrics, including: total assets, gross loans, total deposits, total equity and book value per share.

Given the difficult business environment that we’ve faced over the last year, we declaredare especially proud that for the second year in a 40% increaserow, Plumas Bancorp has been included in D.A. Davidson’s Fall 2020 Bison Select Report and was also selected for the Piper Sandler Sm-All Stars Class of 2020.  Each of these awards seeks to identify top-performing banks that may not yet be known to investors. We are proud to be recognized for outstanding performance with these prestigious national awards.

With a continued focus on our clients, shareholders, and communities, we anticipate sustained growth which will allow us to further our mission to supply the best financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of businesses and families throughout our communities.  In particular, to support the accelerating growth of the Northern Nevada region, we have relocated Plumas Bancorp’s headquarters to Reno, Nevada.  This move benefits the entire institution by making us the only bank holding company headquartered in the region, thereby helping us to bolster our position in this important market.

Also, in support of increasing services in our 2017 semi-annual cash dividendfootprint, on March 11, 2021, we were pleased to our shareholders.announce the signing of a definitive merger agreement for the acquisition of Feather River Bancorp, Inc.  Feather River Bancorp, Inc., headquartered in Yuba City, California, is the parent company of Bank of Feather River, a 13-year-old bank with approximately $182 million in assets and which operates from its sole location in Yuba City.  As of December 31, 2020, on a pro forma consolidated basis, the combined company would have approximately $1.3 billion in assets, $1.1 billion in deposits, and operate 14 branches throughout Northeastern California and Western Nevada.  Bringing together the team of local experts at Bank of Feather River with Plumas Bank’s technology and small business expertise offers even greater services for the Yuba City marketplace.

 

Moreover, we are extremely proud of being awarded the prestigious Community Bankers CupIn closing, Plumas Bank provides stability and strength to its clients and communities by Raymond James & Associates for operating one of the top performing community banks in our nation. Out of the 272 community banks across the United States analyzed for the awards, Plumas Bancorp made the top 10% thus earning the Banker’s Cup. But even more exciting is that out of the 28 chosen for the award, Plumas Bancorp ranked fifth overall. One of the metrics that we’re most proud of is our five-year stock performance. With our stock price increasing by over 600%, we significantly outperformed all of the top performing community banks in the nation.focusing on long-term commitments.  We are exceptionally proud of this performance and will continue to focus on building long-term shareholder value.

We are also pleased to reportevaluate opportunities considering the addition of two key individuals to our team. First, Richard F. Kenny was appointed to the Plumas Bancorp and Plumas Bank board effective July 19, 2017. Kenny is a proven executive with over 40 years of management experience in operations, information systems, strategic planning and credit risk management. Before retiring in 2010, Kenny was the founding CEO and on the Board of Directors of Charles Schwab Bank headquartered in Reno, Nevada, and a subsidiary of the Charles Schwab Corporation. Prior to this, Kenny held a variety of key management positions for CITIBANK in Chicago, and Seoul, South Korea. Kenny’s extensive financial management experience and his significant leadership skills will be of great value as we continue to build our Company.

Second, Jeff Moore joined our bank as senior vice president, credit administrator. Jeff brings 37 years of banking experience to his new role and is responsible for assisting in managing our loan portfolio, loan documentation, loan operations and our special asset team. Jeff’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge makes him a key addition to our growing team. His expertise in credit and loan operations will be a valuable asset as we continue to strengthen and expand our franchise.

We continue to build our team, monitor the competitive landscapeevolving rate environment and look for opportunities for investment and growth. Our strict attentionforward to both return on investment and expense control will ensure that we have the necessary capital to execute our long-term strategic plan and continue to produce growth and strong returnsa year of continued recovery for our shareholders.

Thank you for your continued confidence inclients and support of Plumas Bancorp.

the economy.

 

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Andrew J. Ryback

Daniel E. West

Director, President &

Chief Executive Officer

 

Daniel E. West
Director, Chairman

of the Board

 

 

 

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Dear Shareholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of Plumas Bancorp (the “Company”), which will be held at the Plumas Bank Credit Administration BuildingAtlantis Hotel located at 32 Central Avenue, Quincy, California,3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, on Wednesday, May 16, 201819, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. At this annual meeting, shareholders will be asked to (i) elect eightnine directors for the next year and (ii) ratify the appointment of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company,Eide Bailly, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.2021.

The safety of our employees, customers, communities and shareholders is our priority. As part of our precautions regarding the coronavirus or COVID-19, the Company is planning for the possibility that the annual meeting could be postponed or moved to another location. At this time, we expect the annual meeting to occur as planned and will take necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of those who attend. If we change the annual meeting date, time or location, we will announce the decision to do so in advance and post details on our website at www.plumasbank.com.

 

The Company is requesting your proxy to vote at the annual meeting. The Board of Directors of the Company recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of each of the nominees for director and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.auditors. The proxy statement contains information about each of the nominees for directors and the Company’s executive compensation, and eachproposal for the ratification of the other proxy proposals for shareholder vote.appointment of independent auditors.

 

To ensure that your vote is represented at this important meeting, please sign, date, and return the proxy card in the enclosed envelope as promptly as possible. As an alternative to using your paper proxy card to vote, you may also vote by telephone or over the internet by following the instructions on your Notice of Internet Availability or on the proxy card.card or voting instruction form. If you received a paper set of meeting materials please sign, date and return the proxy card as promptly as possible.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Sincerely,

 

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Andrew J. Ryback

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

The date of this proxy statement is March 29, 2018.22, 2021.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

Notice of Annual Meeting

iii

General Information

1

Revocability of Proxies and Proxy Voting

23

Persons Making the Solicitation

23

Voting Securities

23

Shareholdings of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

3

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance

4

Proposal No. 1—Election of Directors

5

 1 - Election of Directors

56

Board of Directors

6

Director Experience and Qualifications

67

Board Matters

810

The Board of Directors and Committees

810

Shareholder Communication with the Board of Directors

810

Board Role in Risk Oversight

910

Leadership Structure of Board

1011

Code of Ethics

1011

Director Independence

1012

Audit & Risk Committee

1012

Audit & Risk Committee Report

1112

Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee

1113

Executive Officers

1215

Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis

13

Perquisites

16

The Role of Executive Officers in Determining Executive Compensation

17

Tax Considerations

17

Compensation Committee Report

1715

Summary Compensation Table

1815

Non-Equity Incentive Plan

16

Stock Option Awards

16

Post-Employment Benefits and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

17

Perquisites

18

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 20172020

19

Options Exercised and Stock Vested

19

Grant of Plan-Based Awards

20

Pension Benefits

20

Potential Payments Upon Termination Or Change of Control

21

Potential Payments Made Upon Change of Control

2119

Compensation of Directors

2220

Director Compensation Table

2220

Director Retirement Agreements

2220

Post-Retirement Consulting Agreements

2321

Proposal No.  2 - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors

2422

Fees Paid to Independent Auditors

2422

Change in Independent Auditors

22

Shareholder Proposals and Nominations

24

Nomination of Director Candidates

25

Copy of Bylaw Provisions

2523

Certain Transactions

2523

Other Matters

2524

Available Information

2524

 

ii

Table of Contents

 

Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Plumas Bancorp

 

To: 

The Shareholders of Plumas Bancorp

 

Notice is hereby given of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Plumas Bancorp. The meeting will be held at the Plumas Bank Credit Administration BuildingAtlantis Hotel located at 32 Central Avenue, Quincy, California,3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, on Wednesday, May 16, 201819, 2021 at 9:30 a.m., for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following matters:

 

1.

Election of Directors. To elect eight (8)nine persons to serve as directors of Plumas Bancorp until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

Steven M. Coldani

Michonne R. Ascuaga

Robert J. McClintock

William E. ElliottSteven M. Coldani

Terrance J. Reeson

Gerald W. Fletcher

Andrew J. Ryback

Heidi S. Gansert
Richard F. Kenny

Daniel E. West

 

2.

Ratification of the Appointment of Independent AuditorsAuditors..To vote on the ratification ofratify the appointment of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company,Eide Bailly, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.2021.

 

 

3.

Transaction of Other Business. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

 

TheThe Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 29, 201822, 2021 as the record date for determination ofdetermining shareholders entitled to notice of, and the right to vote at, the meeting.

 

These matters and other matters relating to the Annual Meeting are described in the attached proxy statement.

You are urged to vote in favor ofFOR the election of all of the Board of Directorsnominees for directors and “FOR”FOR the ratification of the appointment of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company,Eide Bailly, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018,2021, by signing and returningfollowing the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible, whether or not you planinstructions to attend the meeting in person. As an alternative to using your paper proxy card to vote, you may also vote by telephone or over the internet by following the instructions on your Notice of Internet Availability, proxy card.card or voting instruction form. If you do attend the meeting,received a paper set of materials you may then withdraw yoursign and return the enclosed proxy. The proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise.

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

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Dated: March 29, 2018 22, 2021

Terrance J. Reeson, Vice Chairman and Secretary

 

iii

 

Plumas Bancorp
Proxy Statement

Annual Meeting of Shareholders
May 1619, 2021, 2018

 

Plumas Bancorp (the “Company”) is providing this proxy statement to its shareholders in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held at the Plumas Bank Credit Administration BuildingAtlantis Hotel located at 32 Central Avenue, Quincy, California,3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, on Wednesday, May 16, 201819, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof (the “Meeting”).

 

ItThe safety of our employees, customers, communities and shareholders is expectedour priority. As part of our precautions regarding the coronavirus or COVID-19, the Company is planning for the possibility that the CompanyMeeting could be postponed or moved to another location. At this time, we expect the Meeting to occur as planned and will mailtake necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of those who attend. If we change the annual meeting date, time or location, we will announce the decision to do so in advance and post details on our website at www.plumasbank.com. The proxies that we are soliciting authorize the proxy holders to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions at any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting.

Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials

This year, to expedite delivery, reduce costs and decrease the environmental impact of our proxy materials, we are using for the first time an SEC rule that allows us to furnish proxy materials over the internet instead of mailing paper copies of those materials to each shareholder. As a result, beginning on or about March 29, 2021, shareholders were sent a Notice of Internet Availability (the “Notice”) containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials, including this proxy statement and accompanying notice and form of proxy to shareholdersthe Annual Report on or about April 6, 2018.Form 10-K for December 31, 2020, which includes the 2020 Plumas Bancorp Annual Report, over the internet.

 

If you received the Notice this year, you will not receive paper copies of the proxy materials unless you request the materials by following the instructions in the Notice. The Notice is not a proxy card that can be submitted to vote your shares. Instead, the Notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials. The Notice also instructs you on how to vote via the internet or by telephone. Shareholders who have requested paper copies of the proxy materials will receive printed copies in the mail.

If you receive more than one Notice, it means that your shares are registered differently and are held in more than one account. To ensure that all shares are voted, please either vote each account over the internet or by telephone or sign and return by mail all proxy cards.

If you received paper copies of the proxy materials this year, but in the future would like to receive only the Notice and access the proxy materials electronically, you can elect to do so by: (i) following the instructions provided in the proxy card, if your shares are registered in your name, or (ii) by contacting your broker, trustee, bank or other nominee, if you hold your shares in street name.

Shareholders may also view this proxy statement and the 20172020 Annual Report to Shareholderson the internet at http://materials.proxyvote.com/729273.

1

Voting by Proxy

 

General Information

Voting By Proxy.Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, if you are a holder of record you may submit a proxy to vote the shares registered in your name via internet, telephone or mail as more fully described below:

 

 

By Internet: Go to http://www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions. You will need information from your Notice, proxy card or electronic delivery notice to submit your proxy.

 

 

By Telephone: Call 1.800.690.6903 and follow the voice prompts. You will need information from your Notice, proxy card or electronic delivery notice to submit your proxy.

 

 

By Mail: Mark your vote, sign your name exactly as it appears on your proxy card, date your proxy card, and return it in the envelope provided.

 

If a bank, broker or other nominee holds your shares, you will receive voting instructions directly from the holder of record. All shares represented by valid proxies that we receive through this solicitation, and that are not revoked, will be voted in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card or as instructed via internet or telephone.

If you properly submit a proxy without giving specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations “FOR”:recommendations:

 

 

“FOR” Proposal 1: Election to the Board of all of the 8nine director nominees named in this proxy statement; and

 

 

“FOR” Proposal 2: RatificationRatification of the appointment of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company,Eide Bailly, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.2021.

 

If other matters properly come before the Meeting, the persons appointed to vote the proxies will vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment. Such persons also have discretionary authority to vote to adjourn the Meeting, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies to vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) on any of the above items.

 

Subject to such revocation or suspension, the proxy holders will vote all shares represented by a properly executed proxy received in time for the Meeting in accordance with the instructions on the proxy.

If no instruction is specified by the shareholder on the proxy with regard to the matters to be acted upon, the proxy holders will vote the shares represented by the proxy FOR election of each of the nominees for director and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Eide Bailly, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December31, 2021. If any other matter is presented at the Meeting, the proxy holders will vote in accordance with the recommendations of management.

1
2

 

Revocability of Proxies and Proxy Voting

 

YouIf you are a holder of record you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised by:

 

 

written notice of revocation delivered to Terrance J. Reeson, Corporate Secretary of Plumas Bancorp, at 35 S. Lindan Avenue, Quincy, California 95971;5525 Kietzke Lane, Suite 100, Reno, Nevada 89511;

 

a properly executed proxy of a later date mailed to the Company;

 

casting a new vote by telephone or internet; or

 

voting in person at the Meeting if you are the holder of record.Meeting.

 

If you are a street name shareholderbank, broker or other nominee holds your shares and you voted by proxy, you may revoke your proxy by informing the holder of record in accordance with that entity’s procedures. In addition, the powers of the proxy holders will be revoked if the person executing the proxy is present at the Meeting and elects to vote in person. Subject to such revocation or suspension, the proxy holders will vote all shares represented by a properly executed proxy received in time for the Meeting in accordance with the instructions on the proxy.

If no instruction is specified by the shareholder with regard to the matter on the proxy to be acted upon, the proxy holders will vote the shares represented by the proxy “FOR” each of the nominees for director, and “FOR” ratifiying the appointment of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. If any other matter is presented at the Meeting, the proxy holders will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board.

 

Persons Making thethis Solicitation

 

The Board of Directors of the Company is soliciting proxies. The Company will bear the expense of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this proxy statement and the material used in the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting. The Company contemplates that proxies will be solicited principally throughusing the use of the mail,internet, but officers, directors and employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, without receiving special compensation for the solicitation. Although there is no formal agreement to do so, the Company will reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in forwarding these proxy materials to their principals. In addition, the Company may utilize the services of individuals or entities not regularly employed by the Company in connection with the solicitation of proxies, if management of the Company determines that this is advisable.

 

Voting Securities

 

Management of the CompanyThe Board has fixed March 29, 201822, 2021 as the record date for purposes of determining the shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. On March 29, 2018,22, 2021, there were 5,082,6755,187,732 shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding. Each holder of the Company’s common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of the Company’s common stock held of record on the Company’s books as of the record date. In connection with the election of directors, shares may be voted cumulatively if a shareholder present at the Meeting gives notice at the Meeting, prior to the voting for election of directors, of his or her intention to vote cumulatively. If any shareholder of the Company gives that notice, then all shareholders eligible to vote will be entitled to cumulate their shares in voting for election of directors. Cumulative voting allows a shareholder to cast a number of votes equal to the number of shares held in his or her name as of the record date multiplied by the number of directors to be elected. These votes may be cast for any one nominee or may be distributed among as many nominees as the shareholder sees fit. This proxy statement seeks discretionary authority to cumulate votes. If cumulative voting is declared at the Meeting, votes represented by proxies delivered pursuant to this proxy statement may be cumulated and allocated at the discretion of the proxy holders, in accordance with management’s recommendation.

 

2

Table of Contents

The eightnine nominees for director receiving the most votes will be elected. Therefore, shares voted “withhold” and broker non-votes will have no impact on the outcome of the election of directors.

Proposal 2 regarding the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s auditors requires the approval of a majority of the shares represented and voting at the Meeting, with affirmative votes constituting at least a majority of the required quorum. Therefore, shares voted “withhold” and broker non-votes will have no impact on the outcome of these proposals,Proposal 2 assuming that the affirmative votes constitute at least a majority of the required quorum.

 

3

Shareholdings of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

Management of the Company knows of no person who owns, beneficially or of record, either individually or together with associates, five percent or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, except as set forth in the table below. The following table sets forth, as of March 16, 2018,12, 2021, the number and percentage of shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by principal(1) shareholders known by the Company to beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, (2) by each of the Company’s directors ourand the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table contained in this proxy statement and (3) by all of the Company’s directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. The shares “beneficially owned” are“Beneficial ownership” is determined under the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rules,rules and dodoes not necessarily indicate ownership for any other purpose. In general, beneficial ownership includes shares over which the director, named executive officer (“NEO”) or principal shareholdera person has sole or shared voting or investment power and shares as to which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons listed below have sole voting and investment powers of the shares beneficially owned or acquirable by exercise of stock options.options and any shared voting power reflects power shared with his or her spouse. Management is not aware of any arrangements that may result in a change of control of the Company.

 

 

Amount and Nature of

     

Beneficial Owner

Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership (1)

 

Percent of Class (1)

 

Beneficial Ownership (1)

  

Percent of Class (1)

 

Principal Shareholders that own 5% or more:

Principal Shareholders that own 5% or more:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

Cortopassi Partners, L.P.

Cortopassi Partners, L.P.

 

 

476,967

 (2)

 

 

9.4

 

  476,967(2)  9.2 

Siena Capital Partners GP, LLC.

  

352,747

 (3)

  

7.0

 

Fourthstone LLC

  276,905(3)  5.3 

Siena Capital Partners GP, LLC

  265,369(4)  5.1 
        

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

Andrew J. Ryback, President, CEO and Director

Andrew J. Ryback, President, CEO and Director

  

62,874

 (4)

  

1.2

   76,257(5)  1.5 

Richard L. Belstock, EVP and CFO

Richard L. Belstock, EVP and CFO

  

53,418

 (5)

 

 

1.0

 

  60,337(6)  1.2 

BJ North, EVP and Chief Banking Officer (CBO) of Plumas Bank

  

20,800

 (6)

  

*

 

Kerry D. Wilson, EVP and CCO of Plumas Bank

 

 

 32,250

 (7)

 

 

*

 

BJ North, EVP and Chief Banking Officer (CBO) of Plumas Bank

  21,600(7)  * 

Daniel E. West, Director and Chairman of the Board

Daniel E. West, Director and Chairman of the Board

 

 

57,238 

 (8)

 

 

1.1

 

  68,425(8)  1.3 

Terrance J. Reeson, Director, Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Board

 

 

87,631

 (9)

 

 

1.7

 

Robert J. McClintock, Director and Vice Chairman of the Board

  107,047(9)  2.1 

Terrance J. Reeson, Director and Secretary of the Board

  91,906(10)  1.8 

Michonne R. Ascuaga, Director

  4,003(11)  * 

Steven M. Coldani, Director

Steven M. Coldani, Director

  

16,439

 (10)

  

*

   23,477(12)  * 

William E. Elliott, Director

 

 

81,000

 (11)

 

 

1.6

 

Gerald W. Fletcher, Director

Gerald W. Fletcher, Director

 

 

37,058 

 (12)

 

 

*

 

  41,333(13)  * 

John Flournoy, Director

 

 

57,406

 (13)

 

 

1.1

 

Richard F. Kenny

  

2,300

 (14)

  

*

 

Robert J. McClintock, Director

 

 

100,281

 (15)

 

 

2.0

 

All 12 Directors and Executive Officers as a Group

 

 

608,695

 

 

 

11.8

 

Heidi S. Gansert, Director

  1,925(14)  * 

Richard F. Kenny, Director

  9,149(15)  * 
        

All 13 Directors and Executive Officers as a Group

  520,355   9.9 

*

Less than one percent

 

(1)

Includes 87,20092,750 shares subject to options held by the directors and executive officers that were exercisable within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021. In accordance with SEC rules, theseshares a director or executive officer has the right to acquire upon exercise of a stock option within 60 days of March 12, 2021 are treated as issued and outstanding for the purpose of computing his or her own percentage ownership and the percentage ownership of each director, named executive officer, and the directors and executive officers as a group, but not for the purpose of computing the percentage of class owned by any other person, including principal shareholders.

 

(2)

Based solely on information provided by the beneficial owners in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 25, 2017 by Cortopassi Partners, L.P., Dean A. Cortopassi is President of San Tomo, Inc., the general partner of Cortopassi Partners, L.P. Mr. Cortopassi disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Cortopassi Partners, L.P. except to the extent of his partnership interests therein. The address of the Cortopassi Partners, L.P. is 11292 North Alpine Road, Stockton, California 95212.

 

3

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(3)

Based solely on information provided by the beneficial owners in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 17, 2021 by Fourthstone LLC, Fourthstone LLC directly holds 276,905 shares of common stock of the Company. The address of Fourthstone LLC is 13476 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131.

 

(3)(4)

Based solely on information provided by the beneficial owners in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 27, 2017.February 2, 2021. Siena Capital Partners GP, LLC.LLC is the general partner of each of Siena Capital Partners I, L.P. and Siena Capital Partners Accredited, L.P. Siena Capital Partners I, L.P. may be deemed to beneficially own 343,768257,164 shares of common stock of the Company, Siena Capital Partners Accredited, L.P. may be deemed to own 8,9798,205 shares of common stock of the Company, and Siena Capital Partners GP, LLC.LLC may be deemed to own 352,747265,369 shares of common stock of the Company. The address of the Siena entities is 100 North Riverside Plaza Suite 1630, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

 

4

(4)(5)

Mr. Ryback has shared voting and investment powers as to 23,50037,500 of these shares. Includes 12,8009,500 shares that Mr. Ryback has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021.

 

(5)(6)

Includes 14,40012,000 shares that Mr. Belstock has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021.

 

(6)(7)

Includes 20,80021,600 shares that Ms. North has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021.

 

(7)(8)

Mr. WilsonWest has shared voting and investment powers as to 15,92236,974 of these shares and sole voting powers but shared investment powers as to 16,794 of these shares. Includes 9,6005,875 shares that he has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021.

 

(8)(9)

Mr. WestMcClintock has shared voting and investment powers as to 23,66254,149 of these shares and sole voting powers but shared investment powers as to 16,7946,000 of these shares. Includes 8,0004,275 shares that he has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021.

 

(9)(10)

Includes 9,075 shares that Mr. Reeson has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 12, 2021.

(11)

Includes 800 shares that Ms. Ascuaga has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 12, 2021.

(12)

Mr. ReesonColdani has shared voting and investment powers as to 74,77110,139 of these shares. Mr. Coldani has no voting powers as to 1,780 of these shares. Includes 8,0006,675 shares that he has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021.

 

(10)(13)

Mr. ColdaniFletcher has shared voting and investment powers as to 9,31336,213 of these shares. Includes 2,4005,075 shares that he has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021.

 

(11)(14)

Mr. ElliottMs. Gansert has shared voting and investment powers as to 73,0001,125 of these shares. Includes 8,000800 shares that she has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 12, 2021.

(15)

Mr. Kenny has shared voting and investment powers as to 6,474 of these shares. Includes 2,675 shares that he has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.12, 2021.

 

(12)

Mr. Fletcher has shared voting and investment powers as to 36,213 of these shares. Includes 800 shares that he has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.

(13)

Includes 5,600 shares that Mr. Flournoy has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.

(14)

Mr. Kenny has shared voting and investment powers as to these shares.

(15)

Mr. McClintock has shared voting and investment powers as to 56,058 of these shares. Includes 1,600 shares that he has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 16, 2018.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s directors and certain executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”), to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. The Reporting Persons are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company during and with respect to its 2017 fiscal year, no director, executive officer or beneficial owner of 10% or more of the Company’s common stock failed to file, on a timely basis, reports required during or with respect to 2017 by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except for Ms. North, who inadvertently failed to timely file one report on Form 4 with respect to one transaction, Mr West who inadvertently failed to timely file one report on Form 5 with respect to one transaction and Mr. Wilson who inadvertently failed to timely file one report on Form 5 for the year ended December 31, 2016 with respect to one transaction and one report on Form 5 for the year ended December 31, 2017 with respect to two transacitons.

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PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The persons named below, all of whom are current membersBoard has nominated each of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), will be nominatedpersons listed below for election as directors at the Meeting to serve until the 20192022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are elected and have qualified. Votes of theThe proxy holders will be castvote shares represented by proxies in such a manner as to effect the election ofelect all eightnine nominees as appropriate, or as many as possible under the rules of cumulative voting. The eightnine nominees for directors receiving the most votes will be elected directors. In the event that any of the nominees should be unable to serve as a director, it is intended that the proxy will be voted for the election of such substitute nominee, if any, as shall be designated by the Board. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees named below will be unable to serve if elected. Additional nominations for directors may only be made by complying with the nomination procedures set forth in the Company’s Bylaws. See “Shareholder Proposals - Nomination of Director Candidates.”

 

The following table sets forth the names of, and certain information concerning, the persons to be nominated by the Board for election as directors of the Company. Each of the nominees is currently a director of the Company and the Company’sCompany’s subsidiary, Plumas Bank (the “Bank”).

 

Name and Title

Other than Director

 

Age

 

Year First

Appointed

Director

 

Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years          

   

Year First

  

Name and Title

   

Appointed

  

Other than Director

 

Age

 

Director

 

Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

Daniel E. West

Chairman of the Board

 

64

 

1997

 

President, Graeagle Land & Water Co., a land management company. President, Graeagle Water Co, a private water utility, Graeagle, CA.

 

67

 

1997

 

President, Graeagle Land & Water Co., a land management company. President, Graeagle Water Co, a private water utility, Graeagle, CA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

Terrance J. Reeson

Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Board

 

73

 

1984

 

Retired.

Robert J. McClintock

 

63

 

2008

 

Certified Public Accountant, co-owner of

Vice Chairman

of the Board

     

McClintock Accountancy Corporation, Tahoe City, CA.

      

Terrance J. Reeson

 

76

 

1984

 

Retired.

Secretary of the Board

      
      

Michonne R. Ascuaga

 

59

 

2019

 

Retired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

Steven M. Coldani

 

64

 

2013

 

President, Owner/Broker, Coldani Realty Inc. and co-owner of Graeagle Associates Realtors; a managing member of Coldani Farming, LLC, a diversified farming company, Lodi, CA.

 

68

 

2013

 

President, Owner/Broker, Coldani Realty Inc. and co-owner of Graeagle Associates Realtors; a managing member of Coldani Farming, LLC, a diversified farming company, Lodi, CA.

            

William E. Elliott

 

77

 

1987

 

Retired.

Gerald W. Fletcher

 

78

 

1988

 

Forest Products Wholesaler, Susanville, CA.

 

 

 

 

 

       

Gerald W. Fletcher

 

75

 

1988

 

Forest Products Wholesaler, Susanville, CA.

Heidi S. Gansert

 

57

 

2019

 

Executive Director of External Relations at University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada state senator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

Richard F. Kenny

 

69

 

2017

 

Retired.

 

73

 

2017

 

Retired.

 

 

 

 

 

       

Robert J. McClintock

 

60

 

2008

 

Certified Public Accountant, co-owner of McClintock Accountancy Corporation, Tahoe City, CA.

      

Andrew J. Ryback

 

52

 

2016

 

President and CEO of Plumas Bancorp and Plumas Bank.

 

55

 

2016

 

President and CEO of Plumas Bancorp and Plumas Bank.

   

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Experience and Qualifications

 

The following is a brief description of the business experience and qualifications of each nominee and the experience and qualification that the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee considered in light of the Company’s business and structure, in nominating them to serve as directors. Unless otherwise specified, each nominee has held his or her current position of employment or has been retired for service as Directors:at least five years.

 

Daniel E. West

Chairman of the Board

Director since 1997

 

Mr. Daniel E. West has lived in Graeagle, California since 1958. He is president of Graeagle Land and Water Company, a land management company, and Graeagle Water Company, a private water utility. Mr. West is a managing member of Graeagle Timber Company, LLC. He also serves as a director on the boards of Graeagle Fire Protection District and California Water Association. Mr. West graduated from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Mr. West’sWest’s valuable business acumen, his extensive experience on various and diverse boards, and his deep ties to his community highly qualify him for service as a member of the Board and Chairman.

Robert J. McClintock

Vice Chairman of the Board

Director since 2008

Robert J. McClintock has lived in Tahoe City, California for over 30 years. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a shareholder of McClintock Accountancy Corporation headquartered in Tahoe City, California. As a CPA, Mr. McClintock brings strong accounting and financial skills important to the oversight of the Company’s financial reporting, enterprise and operational risk management, and he qualifies as an Audit & Risk Committee financial expert for the Board’s Audit & Risk Committee. He is a board member and Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of North Lake Tahoe and served previously as its President. He is a member of the advisory board for the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation and served previously as its Treasurer. Mr. McClintock is past Troop Committee Chairman and Scoutmaster for Scouts BSA Troop 266. Mr. McClintock attended Michigan Tech University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.         

 

Terrance J. Reeson

Vice ChairmanSecretary of the Board

Director since 1984

 

Mr. Terrance J. Reeson has lived in Quincy, California for over 50 years.  He is a retired U.S. Forest Service Aviation Officer for the Plumas National Forest. Mr. Reeson is active in his community and is a former executive director of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Reeson’s relevant experience qualifying him for service as a director includes extensive government service, leadership experience, and widespread civic and community involvement.

Michonne R. Ascuaga

Director

Director since 2019

Michonne R. Ascuaga is a native northern Nevadan and has 30 years of experience working at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, serving as its CEO for the 16 years preceding its sale in 2013. From 2015 to 2016 Ms. Ascuaga served as Commissioner for the Nevada State Gaming Commission. Having served on numerous boards over the years, Ms. Ascuaga currently sits on the boards of Northern Nevada Medical Center and Bishop Manogue Catholic High School.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Santa Clara University and her Master of Business Administration from Stanford University.  Ms. Ascuaga’s extensive management experience, leadership skills and her knowledge of and involvement in the communities the Company serves well qualifies her for service as a director of the Company.

7

 

Steven M. Coldani

Director

Director since 2013

 

Mr. Steven M. Coldani was born and raised in Lodi, California. He is a licensed real estate broker and the president and owner of Coldani Realty Inc. in Lodi, California; he is also co-owner of Graeagle Associates Realtors in Graeagle, California since 1992. In addition, Mr. Coldani is a managing member of Coldani Farming, LLC, a diversified farming company producing various row crops, such as olives and grapes and hay, and livestock. He is also a past director of the California Association of Realtors. Mr. Coldani graduated from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Public Administration. Mr. Coldani’sColdani’s relevant experience qualifying him for service as a member of the Board includes his familiarity with the real estate markets in which we operate, a broad range of management and community service experience including his prior service on the board of Community Business Bank, and his membership in the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, the California Farm Bureau,Lodi Association of Realtors, the LodiPlumas Association of Realtors and the Plumas AssociationTahoe-Sierra Board of Realtors. He is also a past director of the California Association of Realtors.

William E. Elliott

Director

Director since 1987

Mr. William E. Elliott joined Plumas Bank in 1987 as President and Chief Executive Officer and retired in 2005. He has been in the banking industry for over 50 years holding various management and board positions; this experience highly qualifies him for service as a board director. Mr. Elliott graduated from California State University, Sacramento where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration. He also graduated from the Pacific School of Banking at the University of Washington. Mr. Elliott is very active in his community; he is a director and former chairman of the Feather River Community College Board, and he is a former chairman and director on the Plumas District Hospital Board, both in Quincy, California. He has been a member of the Rotary Club for over 40 years. Our Board of Directors benefits from Mr. Elliot’s in-depth knowledge of the Company gained through his position as our former President and Chief Executive Officer, including with respect to its operations, strategy, financial condition, and competitive position.

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Gerald W. Fletcher

Director

Director since 1988

 

Mr. Gerald W. Fletcher has lived in Susanville, California since 1956 and is a retired rancher, realtor, and insurance agent. He is a former director of Sierra Security Bank. Mr. Fletcher ownswas the past owner and operatesoperator of Fletcher Christmas Trees. He was also a reforeststationreforestation contractor and has planted millions of trees throughout Northern California. He iswas a past member and past president of Lassen County Cattleman’s Association and a past member of the Lassen County Farm Bureau. Mr. Fletcher’s relevant experience qualifying him for service as a member of the Board is comprised of a broad range of management and community service including his past service as Lieutenant in the Susanville Volunteer Fire Department, a past 4-H Leader, and previous experience as a bank director.

Heidi S. Gansert

Director

Director since 2019

Heidi S. Gansert resides in Reno and has over 30 years of management experience. Ms. Gansert has served in Nevada’s part-time legislature as a state senator since 2016. From 2012 to January 2021, she served as the Executive Director of External Relations at the University of Nevada, Reno. While at the University of Nevada, Reno, Ms. Gansert led the University’s economic development efforts and served on behalf of the University on the boards of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) and Downtown Reno Partnership. She previously served as Chief of Staff to Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval from January 2011 to September 2012 and prior to that as the assemblywoman representing District 25 in the Nevada State Legislature from 2004 to 2010. Her time in the executive and legislative branches of state government includes roles related to business, education, economic development, workforce training, and energy.  Ms. Gansert is an engineering graduate of Santa Clara University and holds a Masters’ degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno. Ms. Gansert’s experience with economic development, knowledge of and involvement in the northern Nevada region and extensive leadership experience qualify her for service as a member of the Board.

8

 

Richard F. Kenny

Director

Director since 20201717

 

Richard F. Kenny resides in Reno, Nevada and bringshas over 40 years of managementleadership experience in Operations, Information Systems,systems, Strategic Planning and Credit Risk Management. Before retiring in 2010, he was the founding President and CEO of Charles Schwab Bank, a subsidiary of the Charles Schwab brokerage corporation. Prior to that, he served in a variety of management roles with Citibank, both domestic and international. He is actively involved with KNPB public television in Reno and the Food Bank of Northern NevadaCapital Public Radio in the Reno community.Sacramento. He graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing and received his Master'sMBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.

Robert J. McClintock

Director

Director since 2008

Mr. Robert J. McClintock has lived in Tahoe City, CaliforniaKenny’s relevant experience qualifying him for over 30 years. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a shareholder of McClintock Accountancy Corporation headquartered in Tahoe City, California with an additional office in Truckee, California. As a CPA, Mr. McClintock brings strong accounting and financial skills important to the oversight of the Company’s financial reporting, enterprise and operational risk management. Mr. McClintock is Troop Committee Chairman for Boy Scouts of America Troop 266. He is also a board member of the Kiwanis Club of North Lake Tahoe and has served previouslyservice as President and Treasurer. He is a member of the advisory board forBoard includes his extensive leadership experience, knowledge of the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundationfinancial industry and has served previously as Treasurer. Mr. McClintock attended Michigan Tech University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.community involvement.

 

Andrew J. Ryback

Director, President and CEO

Director since 2016

 

Mr. Andrew J. Ryback joined Plumashas been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank in 2001. In 2005 he was appointedsince 2011. He previously served as interim President and Chief Executive Officer from March 2010 to November 2011 and, prior thereto, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer offrom 2005 to 2011. He joined the Company and the Bank. In 2010 he was appointed interim President and Chief Executive officer andBank in 2011 that position became permanent.

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July 2001. Mr. Ryback received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School. Mr. Ryback actively serves in a variety of international,national, regional and local organizations. Heorganizations: Mr. Ryback is a member of Rotary International and is a past presidentthe California Delegate to the Federal Delegate Board of the Quincy club. HeIndependent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), he serves on ICBA's Consumer Financial Services Committee, and he is on the board of the California Community Banking Network (CCBN), an affiliateNetwork. He previously served on the Federal Reserve Board of the IndependentGovernors’ Community BankersDepository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC) and served as chairman of America (ICBA) and actively serves on ICBA’s Bank Education Committee. He is also on the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council.  Locally,CDIAC. Furthermore, Mr. Ryback servesis past president of the Rotary Club of Quincy and is currently serving as the Treasureran assistant governor for Rotary District 5190. Locally, he serves on the Board of Directors of Sierra Cascade Family Opportunities, which oversees Head Start operations in Northeastern California, and he chairs the Plumas District Hospital Bond Oversight Committee. Additionally, Mr. Ryback servesand as Commissioner and Treasurer for the Quincy Fire Protection District andwhere he previously served as a volunteer firefighter. Our Board of Directors benefits from Mr. Ryback’s in-depth knowledge ofqualifications for serving as a director include his extensive banking, finance and leadership experience. In addition, as the Company gained through his position as ourCompany’s President and Chief Executive Officer, includingMr. Ryback brings the Board a deep familiarity with respect tothe Company and its operations, strategy, financial condition, and competitive position.operations.

 

All nominees will continue to serve if elected at the Meeting until the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are elected and have been qualified. None of the directorsnominees were selected pursuant to any arrangement or understanding other than with the directors and executive officers of the Company acting within their capacities as such. There are no family relationships betweenamong any of the directors or executive officers of the Company. No director of the Company serves as a director of any company that has a class of securities registered under, or which is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or of any company registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

           

9

Board Matters

 

The Board of Directors and Committees

 

During 2017,2020, the Company’s Board of Directors met 14 times. None of the Company’s directors attended less than 75 percent of all Board of Directors meetings and committee meetings of which they were members. The Company does not have a policy requiring director attendance at its annual meeting; however, most directors attend the meeting as a matter of course. All currentTen directors (all of the then-current directors) attended the 20172020 annual meeting of shareholders.shareholders, three in person and seven via video conference. The Board has established, among others, an Audit & Risk Committee and a Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee, which serves as a nominating committee and a compensation committee, and each of these committees have charters. Charters for each of these committees are available on the Company’s website, www.plumasbank.com.

 

Shareholder Communication with the Board of Directors

 

If you wishwould like to communicate with the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board you may send correspondence to the Corporate Secretary, Plumas Bancorp, 35 S. Lindan Avenue, Quincy, California 95971.5525 Kietzke Lane, Suite 100, Reno, Nevada 89511. The Corporate Secretary will perform a review ofreviews such correspondence and forwards copies or summaries to ensure that communicationsthe directors as he considers appropriate. Communications are forwarded to Board or the Chairman if the Corporate Secretary determines that the communications concern important substantive matters, suggestions or comments or contain information that is important for the Board or the Chairman preserve the integrity of the process. For example, itemsto know. Items that are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board or the Chairman such as spam, junk mail and mass mailings, product complaints, personal employee complaints, product inquiries, new product suggestions, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, surveys and business solicitations or advertisements (the “Unrelated Items”) will not be forwarded. In addition, material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or similarly unsuitable will not be forwarded. Any communication that is relevant to the conduct of the Company’s business and is not forwarded will be retained for one year (other than Unrelated Items) and made available to the Chairman and any other independent director on request. The independent directors grant the Corporate Secretary discretion to decide what correspondence shall be shared with the Company’s managementapproved these procedures and specifically instructinstructed that any personal employee complaints (other than those involving the Company’s executive officers) be forwarded to the Company’s Human Resources Department.

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Board Role in Risk Oversight

 

The Board’s duties include understanding and assessing risks to the Company and monitoring the management of those risks. To fulfill this responsibility the directors are expected to attend all Board meetings and meetings of the committees on which they serve and review materials in advance of the meetings. Each Board meeting includes a review of the activities of each board committee, including the committee’scommittees’ activities related to risk management. Each of our board committees concentrates on specific risks for which they have an expertise,are assigned, and each committee is required to regularly report to the Board of Directors on its findings.

 

The Board believes that evaluating how the executive team manages the various risks confronting the Company is one of its most important areas of oversight. In carrying out this critical responsibility, the Board has designated the Audit & Risk Committee with primary responsibility for overseeing enterprise risk management. While the Audit & Risk Committee has primary responsibility for overseeing enterprise risk management, each of the other Board committees also considers risk within its area of responsibility. For example, the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee reviews risks related to legal and regulatory compliance as they relate to corporate governance structure and processes and reviews risks related to compensation matters. Our Loan Committee regularly reviews the Company’s lending policies, evaluates the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, and approves the Company’s larger extensions of credit. The Board is apprised by the committee chairs of significant risks and management’s response to those risks via periodic reports. While the Board and its committees oversee risk management strategy, management is responsible for implementing and supervising day-to-day risk management processes and reporting to the Board and its committees on such matters.

10

 

Furthermore, because the banking industry is highly regulated, certain risks to the Company are monitored by the Board through its review of the Company’sCompany’s compliance with regulations set forth by its regulatory authorities, including the FDICFederal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and recommendations contained in regulatory examinations. The Company’s chief compliancerisk management officer regulatoryregularly reports to and meets with the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee and the Audit & Risk Committee.

 

With respect to risk related to compensation matters, the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee considers, in establishing and reviewing the Company’sCompany’s executive compensation program, whether the program encourages unnecessary or excessive risk-taking and has concluded that it does not. Executives’ base salaries are fixed in amount and thus do not encourage risk-taking. On December 21, 2016,18, 2019, the Board approved the Company’s cash non-equity incentive plan for 20172020 (See “Executive Compensation – Non-Equity Incentive Plan.”) No individual officer’s earnings under the 20172020 non-equity incentive plan exceeded $51,200, with the exception of$30,196, except for Mr. Ryback who earned an incentive of $124,213.$74,478. The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee concluded that the 20172020 non-equity incentive plan did not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking. The other significant source of compensation to executives is in the form of long-term equity awards that are important to help further align executives’ interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee believes that these awards do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk-taking since the ultimate value of the awards is tied to the Company’s stock price, and awards are subject to long-term vesting schedules to help ensure that executives have significant value tied to long-term stock price performance.

 

The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee has also reviewed the Company’sCompany’s compensation programs for employees generally and has concluded that these programs do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee believes that the design of the Company’s annual cash and long-term equity incentives provides an effective and appropriate mix of incentives to help ensure the Company’s performance is focused on long-term shareholder value creation and does not encourage the taking of short-term risks at the expense of long-term results.

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Leadership Structure of Board

 

The Board believes that the Company and its shareholders are best served by having an independent Board Chairman and a separate CEO. We separate these roles in recognition of the differences between the two roles. The CEO is responsible for day-to-day leadership and performance of the Company, while the Chairman of the Board provides strategic guidance to the CEO and presides over meetings of the full Board.

 

Code of Ethics

 

The Board of Directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers (including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer) and financial personnel, known as the Corporate Governance Code of Ethics. ThisEthics, or Code of Ethics Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.plumasbank.com.Ethics. Shareholders may request a free copy of the Code of Ethics Policy from Plumas Bancorp, Ms. Elizabeth Kuipers,Jamie Huynh, Investor Relations, 35 S. Lindan Avenue, Quincy, California 95971.5525 Kietzke Lane, Suite 100, Reno, Nevada 89511. Additionally, a copy of the Company’s Corporate Governance Code of Ethics can be accessed at http:https://www.plumasbank.com. Click on the “Investor Relations” tab, then the “Corporate Information” tab and then “Governance Documents.”

 

11

Director Independence

 

The Board has determined that each of the following non-employee directors are “independent” within the meaning of the listing standards and rules of NASDAQ.

 

Daniel E. West Michonne R. Ascuaga

Richard F. Kenny

Steven M. Coldani

Robert J. McClintock

Gerald W. Fletcher

Terrance J. Reeson

John FlournoyHeidi S. Gansert

Daniel E. West 

 

Mr. Ryback is not independent because he is an employee of the Company. The Board has not determined that Mr. Elliot is independent because he is the Company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer and receives retirement benefits from the Company.

 

Audit & Risk Committee

 

The Company has an Audit & Risk Committee composed of Mr. McClintock Chairman,(Chairman), Ms. Ascuaga, Ms. Gansert and Messrs. Flournoy, Kenny andMr. Reeson. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit & Risk Committee meets the independence and experience requirements of the listing standards of NASDAQ and the SEC rules applicable to audit & risk committee members. The Board has also determined that Mr. Robert J. McClintock is qualified as an audit & risk committee financial expert and that he has accounting or related financial management expertise, in each case in accordance with the rules of the SEC and NASDAQ’s listing standards. The Audit & Risk Committee met twelve times in 2020.

 

The Audit Committee met nine times during 2017. The Audit& Risk Committee reviews all internal and external audits including the audit by Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company,Eide Bailly, LLP, the Company’s independent auditor for 2017.2020. The Audit & Risk Committee reports any significant findings of audits to the Board of Directors and ensures that the Company’s internal audit plans are met, programs are carried out, and deficiencies and weaknesses, if any, are addressed. The Audit & Risk Committee meets regularly to discuss and review the overall audit plan. The Audit & Risk Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all recurring audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditors through the use ofusing engagement letters. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services, and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The independent auditors and management are required to periodically report to the Audit & Risk Committee regarding all services provided by the independent auditors and fees associated with those services performed to date. The fees paid to the independent auditors in 20172020 and 20162019 were approved per the Audit & Risk Committee’s pre-approval policies.

 

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Audit & Risk Committee Report

 

This report of the Audit & Risk Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under the Acts.

 

The Board of Directors and the Audit & Risk Committee hashave reviewed the Company’s audited financial statements and discussed such statements with management. The Audit & Risk Committee has discussed with Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company,Eide Bailly, LLP, the Company’s independent auditors during the year 2017,2020, all communications required by standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, including the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16AS 1301 (Communications with Audit & Risk Committees) and Rule 2-07(Communication2-07 (Communication with Audit & Risk Committees) of Regulation S-X and, with and without management present, discussed and reviewed the results of the independent external audit firm’s examination of the financial statements. The Committee also discussed the results of internal audits.

 

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The Audit & Risk Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company,Eide Bailly, LLP as required by the PCAOB’s Ethics and Independence Rule 3526 (Communication with Audit & Risk Committees Concerning Independence) and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence.

 

Based on the review and discussions noted above, the Audit & Risk Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172020 for filing with the SEC.

 

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE:The Audit & Risk Committee:

  

Robert J. McClintock, Chairman

John Flournoy

Michonne R. Ascuaga

Heidi S. Gansert

Terrance J. Reeson

Richard F. Kenny

 

Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee

 

The Company has a Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee which met fiveseven times during 2017.2020. The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Flournoy, Chairman,Ms. Gansert (Chair) and Messrs. Kenny, Coldani, Kenny, Reeson, and West. The Board has determined that Ms. Gansert and Messrs. Flournoy,Kenny, Coldani, Kenny, Reeson, and West are “independent” within the meaning of the listing standards and rules of NASDAQ, including those applicable to compensation committee members. The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee, which functions as the Board’s nominating and compensation committees, provides assistance to the Board by identifying qualified individuals as prospective Board members, recommends to the Board the director nominees for election at the annual meeting of shareholders, nominates the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Board, oversees the annual review and evaluation of the performance of the Board and its committees, and develops and recommends corporate governance guidelines to the Board of Directors.

 

The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee also serves as the Board’s compensation committee and at least annually reviews, adjusts (as appropriate), and approves the Company’s directors’ compensation, including cash, equity, or other compensation for service on the Board, any committee of the Board, and as Chairperson of the Board or any committee of the Board. The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee at least annually reviews, adjusts (as appropriate) and approves the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, provides advice and consents to the Chief Executive Officer in the review and adjustment of executive officer compensation (other than the Chief Executive Officer), approves the compensation strategy for the Company’s employees, reviews and recommends for approval by the Board all equity-based compensation, including stock options and stock grants, and approves other personnel matters, which are in excess of management’s authority.

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Table of Contents

 

The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee does not have any written specific minimum qualifications or skills that the committee believes must be met by either a committee-recommended or a shareholder-recommended candidate in order to serve on the Board. The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to the Company’s business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service or if the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee or the Board decided not to re-nominate a member for re-election, the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the following criteria. While no specific diversity policy exists, in practice, when identifying and evaluating new directors, the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee considers the diversity and mix of the existing members of the Board, including, but not limited to, such factors as: the age of the current directors, their geographic location (being a community bank, there is a strong preference for local directors), background, skills, and employment experience. Among other things, when examining a specific candidate’s qualifications, the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee considers the candidate’s ability to represent the best interest of the Company; existing relationships with the Company; interest in the affairs of the Company and its purpose; ability to fulfill director responsibilities; leadership skills; reputation within the Company’s community; community service; integrity; business judgment; ability to develop business for the Company; and ability to work as a member of a team. The Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective nominees. The Committee does not discriminate against prospective nominees on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis proscribed by law. All nominees to be considered for election as directors at the Meeting were recommended by the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee.

13

 

The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee will consider nominees to the Board proposed by shareholders, although theshareholders. The Board has no formal policy with regard to shareholder nominees as itbut considers all nominees on their merits as aforementioned.described above. Any shareholder nominations proposed for consideration by the Board may only be made by complyingmust comply with the nomination procedures set forth in the Company’s Bylaws, which are summarized below.Bylaws. See “Shareholder Proposals - Nomination of Director Candidates.and Nominations.Any such noticesSuggestions for nominees and shareholder nomination should be addressed to:

 

Chairman of the Board
Corporate Secretary

Plumas Bancorp
35 S. Lindan Avenue5525 Kietzke Lane, Suite 100
Quincy, CA 95971
Reno, Nevada 89511

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Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the executive officers of the Company and the Bank:

 

Name

Age

Age

Position and Principal Occupation for the Past Five Years

Andrew J. Ryback

55

52

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank since November 16, 2011.

 

Richard L. Belstock

 

6164

 

Executive Vice President of the Company and the Bank since July, 2012. Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank since November, 2011.July 18, 2012.

Aaron M. Boigon

 

45

BJ North

67

Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Bank since April 1, 2018. Senior Vice President and Director of Information Technology of the Bank from April 1, 2015 to April 1, 2018.

B J North

70

Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of Plumasthe Bank since January 1, 2018. Executive Vice President of Retail Banking, Marketing and Commercial Lending of the Bank sincefrom July 2011.  2011 to January 1, 2018. 

     

Kerry D. WilsonJeffrey T. Moore

 

6164

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank since July 18, 2012.February 21, 2019. Senior Vice President, Credit Administrator of the Bank from January 2018 to February 21, 2019. Previously Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Community 1st Bank.

Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned by the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the two other most highly compensated executive officers during 2020 (collectively, the “named executive officers.”)

Summary Compensation Table

Name and Principal Position

Year

Salary

Bonus

Stock

Awards

(1)

Option

Awards

(2)

Non-Equity

Incentive

Plan

Compensation

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

All Other

Compensation

(3)

Total

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

Andrew J. Ryback, President and CEO of the Company and Plumas Bank

2020

2019

$347,000

$335,252

$0

$0

$0

$0

$            0

$   63,938

$     74,478

$   143,499

$          0

$          0

$      16,860

$      17,693

$438,338

$560,382

Richard L. Belstock, EVP and CFO of the Company and Plumas Bank

2020

2019

$212,000

$206,525

$0

$0

$0

$0

$            0

$   42,625

$     30,196

$     60,266

$          0

$          0

$        9,968

$      10,105

$252,164

$319,521

BJ North, EVP and Chief Banking Officer of Plumas Bank

2020

2019

$205,000

$199,363

$0

$0

$0

$0

$            0

$   42,625

$     30,186

$     58,036

$          0

$          0

$       8,054

$       9,062

$243,240

$309,086

(1)

The Company did not grant any stock awards in 2020 or 2019.

(2)

The amounts reported in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification No. 718-10. These values have been determined under the principles used to calculate the grant date fair value of equity awards for purposes of the Company’s financial statements. For additional information regarding this valuation methodology and the assumptions used to arrive at the estimates, please refer to Note 2, to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company did not grant any option awards to the named executive officers in 2020.

(3)

The amounts in column (i) include premiums paid and accrued on life insurance policies (Mr. Ryback), personal use of a Company automobile (Mr. Ryback and Ms. North), tax gross ups, Company-provided gasoline, Company 401(k) matching contribution and cell phone allowance.

 

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15

Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

We strive for a total executive compensation program that will:

support our business strategy, improve our overall performance, and be cost effective by paying for performance with incentive pay being a key part of executive compensation,

align the interests of our executives with the long-term interests of our shareholders by having a significant portion of the compensation of our executives as equity in the Company,

be internally equitable with the total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer being a low multiple of the total compensation of our other executive officers,

be externally equitable with the base salary of our executive officers being competitive with our peers.

As such, the Corporate Governance Committee believes that executive officer compensation should be closely aligned with the performance of the Company on a short-term and long-term basis, and that such compensation should be structured to assist the Company in attracting and retaining key executives critical to its long-term success. The total compensation of our executive officers consists of five components: (i) an annual base salary; (ii) annual incentive bonuses paid only upon achievement of pre-established objective performance targets for the Company; (iii) stock option awards granted to link the interests of our executive officers with those of the Company’s shareholders by providing long-term incentives to executive officers of the Company through appreciation in the Company’s stock price; (iv) post-employment benefits, specifically salary continuation agreements designed as a long-term incentive and retention benefit and (v) perquisites that the Committee believes to be customary with those made available to executive officers in similar positions, including a 401(k) match.

We believe that the higher the level of the executive, the higher the level of leadership required and risk associated with that executive position to achieve our corporate and financial objectives. Therefore, incentive compensation related to achieving our corporate performance targets and equity compensation related to stock price performance is emphasized in the positions of the Chief Executive Officer and in the Executive Vice President positions, with these elements of compensation providing a higher percentage of total compensation than in lower level positions within the Company.

At the 2016 annual shareholder meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved an advisory vote on the named executive officers’ compensation by approximately 95% of the votes cast. The Corporate Governance Committee believes this high degree of shareholder support for our 2016 say-on-pay proposal affirms shareholders’ support of our executive compensation program, and the Corporate Governance Committee considered the results of this vote in setting compensation for the named executive officers for 2017 and 2018. We believe shareholders’ support of the Company's compensation program indicates that shareholders concur with the compensation program that we have implemented. The Corporate Governance Committee will continue to consider the outcome of shareholders’ votes on our say-on-pay proposals when making future compensation decisions for the named executive officers.

During 2015, the Corporate Governance Committee consulted with Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC, (“Pearl Meyer”), a compensation consulting firm. Pearl Meyer served as an independent compensation consultant to advise the Corporate Governance Committee on matters related to the executives’ compensation. Pearl Meyer also provided guidance on industry best practices and assisted the Corporate Governance Committee by providing comparative market data on compensation practices and programs for the executives based on an analysis of peer competitors. Related to the executive’s compensation, Pearl Meyer advised the Corporate Governance Committee in (1) determining base salaries, (2) setting competitive levels for the Company’s Executive Incentive Plan, (3) determining the appropriateness of individual grant levels for equity awards, (4) evaluating the retirement plans and benefit amounts, (5) evaluating the perquisite program and allowances provided, and (6) determining the appropriateness of the change in control and termination benefits.

 

(i)

Annual Base Salary

Non-Equity Incentive Plan

In setting base salaries our goal is to provide competitive levels of cash compensation to the named executives based upon their duties, responsibilities, and experience.

Non-Equity Incentive Plan

 

On December 21, 2016,18, 2019, the Board of Directors of Plumas Bancorp approved the Company’sCompany’s cash non-equity incentive plan for 20172020 (the “2017“2020 NEI”, or the “Plan”). Eligible employees under the 20172020 NEI include all employees of the Bank who are regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week. The aggregate incentive pool was comprised of two pools, one for officers of Plumas Bank (the “Bank”) who have reached, at a minimum, the levelCompany and one for all other employees. The officers’ portion represented 90.9% of Assistant Vice President.the combined pools. Incentives were payable under the 20172020 NEI once the Bank had reached 80% of budgetedtargeted pretax, pre-bonuspre-incentive income. The maximum total bonus poolincentive available for distribution was $1,086,000$1.8 million at 120% of budgetedtargeted pretax, pre-bonus income.pre-incentive income and the maximum total incentive available for the officers’ pool was $1.7 million. At budget,target, the bonusofficers’ incentive pool would total $754,000.$1.2 million. Up to 13%12% of the officers’ pool could be allocated to Mr. Andrew Ryback, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President. Executive Vice Presidents (“EVPs”) could each could earn up to 5%4.6% of the bonusofficers’ incentive pool.

Under the 20172020 NEI, the cash incentive paymentspayment to the Company’s Chief Executive OfficerCEO and President werewas based 60%50% on pretax, pre-bonuspre-incentive income targets, 20%16.7% upon the attainment of performance goals, and 20%16.7% upon various performance metrics.metrics with the remaining 16.6% based on the CEO’s performance during 2020, as evaluated by the Company’s Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee. Cash incentive payments for the Company’s Executive Vice PresidentsEVPs were based 70%60.9% on pretax, pre-bonuspre-incentive income targets, 10%17.4% upon the attainment of performance goals, and 20%8.7% upon various performance metrics. metrics with the remaining 13% based on the CEO’s evaluation of the EVP’s performance during 2020.

Goals and metrics for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and PresidentCEO included targeted increases in loans and deposits, continued improvement in asset quality, and development of growth initiatives focused on Northern Nevada. Metrics included targeted levels of ROE and ROA (calculated on a pre-tax basis) compared to a select group of peer institutionsinstitutions. At target, the maximum amount of incentive payment that can be earned by the Company’s CEO was $140,000 and promoting efficiency infor each EVP the lending area.maximum incentive payable at target would average $54,000. At budget,120% or more of target, the maximum amount of incentive payment that could be earned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and PresidentCEO was $98,053$201,000 and for each Executive Vice PresidentEVP the maximum incentive payable at budget was $37,713. At 120%averaged $77,000. The Company’s Board of Directors had the ability to terminate or more of budget,modify the maximum amount of incentive payment that could be earned by the Company’s Chief Executive OfficerPlan and President was $141,196 and for each Executive Vice President the maximum incentive payable was $54,306. A bonus pool of $1,023,000 was earned under the 2017 NEI based on the Bank achieving 115% of budgeted pretax, pre-bonus income, exceeding targeted levels of ROE and ROA and meeting three of the five goals. Incentives earned by NEOsall payouts under the Plan were as follows:

 

Incentive Earned Based on:

Executive

Pretax

Income

Goals

Metrics

Total

Andrew J. Ryback

$80,939

$16,228

$27,046

$124,213

Richard L. Belstock

$37,297

$3,467

$10,402

$51,166

BJ North

$36,197

$3,467

$10,402

$50,066

Kerry D. Wilson

$35,733

$2,601

$10,402

$48,736

subject to approval by the Company’s Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee. The Plan does not give any employee the right to or guarantee of continued employment. A total of forty-sixone hundred fifty-three employees received incentive payments under the 2020 Incentive Plan, which were paid during the first quarter of 2018.2021.

 

A bonus pool of $825,000 was Incentives earned by the named executive officers under the 2016 NEI based on the Bank achieving 116% of budgeted pretax, pre-bonus income. No individual officer’s earnings under the 2016 NEI exceeded $42,500, with the exception of Mr. Ryback who earned an incentive of $107,358 in 2016. A total of forty-five employees received bonus payments under the 2016 NEI, which2020 Incentive Plan were paid during the first quarter of 2017.as follows:

 

 

Incentive Earned Based on:

Executive

Pretax Income

Goals

Metrics

Performance

Total

Andrew J. Ryback

$38,523  

$10,273  

$12,841  

$12,841  

$74,478  

Richard L. Belstock

$17,977  

$3,595  

$2,568  

$6,056  

$30,196  

BJ North

$17,977  

$4,622  

$2,568  

$5,019  

$30,186  

 

(ii)

Stock Option Awards

Stock Option Awards

 

The Board considers equity compensation in the form of stock option awards to be an important component of its total compensation packageprogram because it helps align the interests of the Company’sCompany’s executives to those of its shareholders and provides a significant retention incentive. During 2013 the Company’s shareholders approved the Plumas Bancorp 2013 Stock Option Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which allows for the granting of stock option awards to directors, executives and employees. The 2013 Plan has a term of 10 years. Up to 500,000 shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to awards of stock options under the 2013 Plan.Plan, of which 118,550 remained available for future stock option grants as of December 31, 2020. The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee approves and recommends to the Board for its approval all stock option grants. The Company makesonly grants of equity-based compensation only atstock options having an exercise price equal to fair market value of ourthe Company’s common stock at the time of grant. The exercise price of stock options is set at the closing stock price on the date of grant. All option grants have a maximum vesting period of five (5) years and expire no more than ten (10)10 years from the date of grant.

 

No options were granted to executive officers or directors during 2020. During 2016,2019, the Company granted a total of 79,200103,200 stock options under the 2013 Plan to officers at the level of Senior Vice President or above, including Mr. Ryback (14,400 shares), Mr. Belstock (9,600 shares), and Ms. North (9,600 shares) and Mr. Wilson (9,600 shares). The options were granted on February 17, 2016,October 21, 2019, have an exercise price of $8.75$21.45 per share, vest in four equal annual installments over a four year period and expire eight years after the date of grant. The Company granted no stock options during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2015.

 

The Company incorporatesconsiders the officer’s position level in the determination of the total value of the equity-based compensation to be included in the officer’s total compensation. Generally, the higher the officer’s level, the more options that may be granted to the officer. Additional options may be granted to an individual based on outstanding achievement. This is consistent with the Company’s philosophy of rewarding those officers who have the most impact on our performance.

 

(iii)

Post-Employment Benefits and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

Post-Employment Benefits

 

We considerWhile the Company has not entered into employment or change in control/severance agreements with our executive officers, the Board considers providing significant post-employment benefits in the form of providing salary continuation benefits to our executives as an important long-term component of their total executive compensation to reward them for their service and loyalty to the Company. These post-employment benefits also help usthe Company retain executives because the benefits are subject to vesting over a period of years.

 

In 2005 the Company entered into a salary continuation agreement with Mr. Ryback. The purpose of the salary continuation agreement is to provide a special incentive to the experienced executive officer to continue employment with the Company on a long-term basis. The 2005 agreement provides Mr. Ryback with salary continuation benefits of up to $62,000 per year for 15 years after retirement at age 65. On April 1, 2016 this agreement was amended to increase Mr. Ryback’s annual benefit from $62,000 to $80,000 per year. On April 1, 2019 this agreement was amended to increase Mr. Ryback’s annual benefit from $80,000 to $125,000. If Mr. Ryback terminates employment with the Company for a reason other than death or disability prior to the retirement age of 65, he will be entitled to salary continuation benefits at a reduced amount depending on the length of service with the Company. The vesting of salary continuation benefits for Mr. Ryback occurs at a rate that provides for a 90% vesting at age 60 and 2% per year for the next five years of service. In the event of death prior to retirement, Mr. Ryback’s beneficiary is entitled to a portion of the death benefits pursuant to a split dollar agreement. In the event of disability wherein Mr. Ryback does not continue employment with the Company, he is entitled to salary continuation benefits, at a reduced amount depending on the length of service with the Company, beginning at age 65 or on the date on which he is no longer entitled to disability benefits under the Company’s group disability insurance, whichever is earlier.

If Mr. RybackRyback’s employment terminates employment with the Company for a reason other than death or disability prior to the retirement age of 65, he will be entitled to salary continuation benefits at a reduced amount depending on the length of service with the Company. The vesting of salary continuation benefits for Mr. Ryback occurs at a rate that provides for a 90% vesting at age 60 and 2% per year for the next five years of service.

In the event of a change of control of the Company and Mr. Ryback terminates employment with the Company or its successor within a period of 24 months after sucha change in control of the Company, the unvested portion of his salary continuation benefits would vest and the payment of the salary continuation benefits would begin the month following the month of termination, subject to the reduction of benefits if the benefits result in a limitation of deductibility of such benefits for the Company under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

The salary continuation benefits are informally funded by single premium life insurance policies with Mr. Ryback as the insured party and the Company as the beneficiary of the policies.

The Company has entered into a split dollar agreement with Mr. Ryback. The purpose of the split dollar agreement is to provide special incentive to Mr. Ryback to continue employment with the Company on a long-term basis. To accomplish this,in which the Company agrees to divide the net death proceeds of life insurance policies on Mr. Ryback’s life with Mr. Ryback’s beneficiary. However, Mr. Ryback’s rights or interests in the split dollar policies no longer exist once he ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason whatsoever prior to normal retirement age, provided that he has received or had the opportunity to receive any benefit under his executive salary continuation agreement. The Company has agreed to pay the taxes on the imputed income on the life insurance benefit provided to Mr. Ryback under the split dollar agreement.

 

On April 1, 2016, the Company entered into Salary Continuation Agreementssalary continuation agreements with Mr. Belstock and Ms. North andproviding Mr. Wilson.  Mr. Belstock’s agreement provides himBelstock with salary continuation benefits of up to $54,000 per year for 10 years subject to his continuous employment through March 31, 2026. Mr. Wilson’s and Ms. North’s agreement providesNorth with salary continuation benefits of up to $48,000 per year for 10 years, in each case subject to his/his or her continuous employment through March 31, 2026. On April 1, 2019 the Company amended these agreements to increase Mr. Belstock’s annual benefit to $76,500 and Ms. North’s annual benefit to $70,500. If Messrs.Mr. Belstock or Wilson or Ms. North terminates employment with the Company for a reason other than a change in control prior to the retirement date of March 31, 2026, he/she will be entitled to salary continuation benefits at a reduced amount depending on their length of service with the Company.  In the event that Messrs.Mr. Belstock or Wilson or Ms. North terminates his/hertheir employment with the Company or its successor within a period of 24 months after a change in control, he/she is entitled to the full vesting of his/hertheir salary continuation payments and the payment of the salary continuation benefits beginning with the month following the month of termination, subject to the reduction of benefits if the benefits result in a limitation of deductibility of such benefits for the Company under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Perquisites

 

The Company offers a qualified 401(k) plan in which the named executive officers participate on the same terms as all other employees. TheDuring 2020 and 2019 the Company recommenced its matching contribution beginning on January 1, 2015. During 2017, the Company’s contribution to the 401(k) plan totaled $150,000 consisting ofcontributed a matching amount of 30% of the employee’s contribution up to a total of 2.4% of the employee’s compensation. During 2016 and 2015, the Company’s contribution consisted of a matching amount of 25% of the employee’s contribution up to a total of 2%3% of the employee’s compensation totaling $114,000$243,000 and $111,000,$231,000 for all employees, respectively. The Company also offers its executives medical, dental, and vision plans under the same terms to all employees. Other perquisites and benefits, which do not represent a significant portion of the named executive’s total compensation, include for Mr. Ryback and Ms. North a Company providedCompany-provided automobile and maintenance on the automobile. Forand, for Mr. Ryback, the payment of his portion of the split dollar insurance premium. For Messrs. Ryback, Belstock, and Wilson and for Ms. NorthThe Company provides each of the named executive officers a monthly allowance to cover the business portion of their cellular phone use, and gasoline for business use in their automobiles.automobiles and a tax gross up on selected perquisites. These plans and the contributions we make to them provide an additional benefit to attract and retain executive officers of the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

The Role of Executive Officers in Determining Executive Compensation: The Corporate Governance Committee, working with the Chief Executive Officer, sets the Chief Executive Officer’s goals not later than the end of the first quarter of each fiscal year. The Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for obtaining information from management and the Board with respect to the performance of the Chief Executive Officer in connection with these goals at the end of each fiscal year and evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee, at least annually, reviews, adjusts, and approves the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, including annual base salary, incentive bonuses, equity compensation, employment agreements, severance agreements, change in control agreements/provisions, and any other benefits, compensation, or arrangements. The Chief Executive Officer reviews and recommends adjustments to the other named executive officers’ compensation. The Compensation Committee provides advice to the Chief Executive Officer in his review and adjustment of other named executive officers’ compensation, and their compensation is ultimately subject to the committee’s approval.

Tax Considerations: It is our intent that all compensation be deductible by the Company. At this time, essentially all compensation we paid to the named executive officers is deductible under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Compensation Committee Report

We have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b)Outstanding Equity Awards as of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, we have recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2020

THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:

John Flournoy, Chairman

Terrance J. Reeson

Steven M. Coldani

Daniel E. West

Richard F. Kenny

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned by the Company’s 2017 NEOs.

Summary Compensation Table

Name and Principal

Position

Year

 

Salary

  

Bonus

  

Stock

Awards

(1)

  

Option

Awards

(2)

  

Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Compensation

(3)

  

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

  

All Other

Compensation (4)

  

 

 

Total

 

(a)

(b)

 

(c)

  

(d)

  

(e)

  

(f)

  

(g)

  

(h)

  

(i)

  

(j)

 
                                  
Andrew J. Ryback                                 

President and CEO of

2017

 $275,010  $0  $0  $0  $124,213  $36,346  $13,622  $449,191 
the Company and2016 $275,010  $0  $0  $51,179  $107,358  $24,226  $12,326  $470,099 
Plumas Bank2015 $210,000  $0  $0  $0  $100,000  $15,170  $10,632  $335,802 
                                  
Richard L. Belstock                                 

EVP and CFO of

2017

 $175,100  $0  $0  $0  $51,166  $28,990  $7,367  $262,623 
the Company and2016 $173,825  $0  $0  $34,120  $42,500  $19,891  $5,769  $276,105 
Plumas Bank 2015 $170,000  $0  $0  $0  $25,300  $0  $5,421  $200,721 
                                  

BJ North EVP and Chief

2017

 $169,950  $0  $0  $0  $50,066  $25,769  $7,459  $253,244 
Banking Officer of2016 $168,713  $0  $0  $34,120  $40,875  $17,681  $6,321  $267,710 
Plumas Bank2015 $165,000  $0  $0  $0  $24,500  $0  $8,146  $197,646 
                                  

Kerry D. Wilson EVP

2017

 $169,950  $0  $0  $0  $48,736  $25,769  $6,314  $250,769 
and Chief Credit Officer2016 $168,713  $0  $0  $34,120  $40,500  $17,681  $6,139  $267,153 
of Plumas Bank2015 $165,000  $0  $0  $0  $23,700  $0  $5,658  $194,358 

(1)

The Company did not grant any stock awards in 2017, 2016 or 2015.

(2)

The amounts in column (f) reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic  718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 2 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2018. No stock options were granted in 2017 or 2015.

(3)

The amounts in this column relate to cash awards earned and accrued under the Incentive Compensation Plan. That plan and these awards are discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement.

(4) 

The amounts in column (i) include premiums paid and accrued on life insurance policies (Mr. Ryback), personal use of a Company automobile (Mr. Ryback and Ms. North), tax gross ups, Company-provided gasoline, Company 401(k) matching contribution and cell phone allowance.

 

The following table shows all outstanding option awards held by NEOsthe named executive officers as of December 31, 2017. There are no outstanding stock awards.2020.

  

Option Awards

Name 

Number of Securities Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#) Exercisable

  

Number of Securities Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#) Unexercisable

  

Equity Incentive Plan Awards:

Number of Securities Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned Options (#)

  

Option

Exercise

Price ($)

 

Option

Expiration

Date

(a)

 

(b)

  

(c)

  

(d)

  

(e)

 

(f)

                  
   3,600(1)  10,800      $8.75 02/18/2024

Andrew J. Ryback

  3,600(2)  3,600   N/A  $6.32 

04/28/2022

                  
   2,400(1)  7,200      $8.75 02/18/2024
   7,200(2)  2,400      $6.32 04/28/2022

Richard L. Belstock

  2,500(3)  0   N/A  $2.95 

03/16/2019

                  
   2,400(1)  7,200      $8.75 02/18/2024
   7,200(2)  2,400      $6.32 04/28/2022

BJ North

  6,400(3)  0   N/A  $2.95 

03/16/2019

                  
   2,400(1)  7,200      $8.75 02/18/2024

Kerry D. Wilson

  2,400(2)  2,400   N/A  $6.32 

04/28/2022

 

Option Awards

Name

Number of Securities Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#) Exercisable

Number of Securities Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#) Unexercisable

Equity Incentive Plan Awards:

Number of Securities Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned Options (#)

Option

Exercise

Price ($)

Option

Expiration

Date

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Andrew J. Ryback

3,600 (1)

      8,400 (2)  

10,800  

      0  

N/A

$21.45  

$8.75  

10/20/2027  

02/16/2024  

Richard L. Belstock

2,400 (1)  

      9,600 (2)  

      3,000 (3)  

7,200  

            0  

            0  

N/A

$21.45  

  $8.75  

  $6.32  

10/20/2027  

02/16/2024  

04/27/2022  

BJ North

2,400 (1)  

9,600 (2)  

      9,600 (3)  

7,200  

0  

            0  

N/A

$21.45  

  $8.75  

  $6.32  

10/20/2027  

02/16/2024  

04/27/2022  

(1)

Options were granted 10/21/2019, have an eight-year life and vest 25% per year beginning 10/21/2020

(2)

Options were granted 2/17/2016, have an eight yeareight-year life and vest 25% per year beginning 2/17/2017

(2)(3)

Options were granted 4/28/2014, have an eight yeareight-year life and vest 25% per year beginning 4/28/2015

(3)

Options were granted 3/16/2011, have an eight year life and vest 25% per year beginning 3/16/2012

 

The following table shows all option awards exercised by NEOs during the year end December 31, 2017. There arewere no outstanding stock awards.awards held by any of the NEOs as of December 31, 2020.

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Number of Shares Acquired On Exercise (#)

  

Value Realized On Exercise ($)

 

(a)

 

(b)

  

(c)

 

 

Andrew J. Ryback

  2,400   $27,432 

 

Richard L. Belstock

  2,000   $31,700 

 

Kerry D. Wilson

  4,800   $56,064 

 

BJ North

  8,000   $127,200 

 

19

The following table shows all plan-based awards granted to NEOs during 2017. For more information about these awards, see “Non-Equity Incentive Plan” on page 14.


Grant of Plan-Based Awards

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards

(1)

Estimated Future Payouts Under 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards

(2)

All Other

Stock Awards

(3)

All Other

Option Awards

(3)

 

 

Name

Grant

Date

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Threshold

Target

Maximum

# of

Shares

of Stock 

or Units

# of

Securities

Underlying

Options

Exercise or Base Price of Option AwardsGrant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

(l)

 

 

$

$

$

#

#

#

#

#

$/share

$

Andrew J. Ryback

N/A

15,688

98,053

141,196

N/A

N/A

N/A

0

0

0

0

Richard L. Belstock

N/A

12,822

37,713

54,306

N/A

N/A

N/A

0

0

0

0

BJ North

N/A

12,822

37,713

54,306

N/A

N/A

N/A

0

0

0

0

Kerry D. Wilson

N/A

12,822

37,713

54,306

N/A

N/A

N/A

0

0

0

0

(1)

The Company’s named executive officers participate in an annual bonus plan in which payments are determined based on the achievement of certain financial performance measures for that fiscal year and the achievement of certain position specific individual goals, except for the Chief Executive Officer. Payments earned in 2017 and paid in February of 2018 under this plan were as follows: Mr. Ryback: $124,123; Mr. Belstock: $51,166; Ms. North: $50,066; and Mr. Wilson: $48,736.

(2)

The Company does not have an equity incentive plan.

(3)

The Company did not issue options or stock to the named executive officers during 2017.

The following table presents information related to pension benefits to named executive officers, and specifically the benefits associated with their salary continuation agreements as of December 31, 2017. The Company also provides certain pension benefits under the Plumas Bank 401(k) plan, and the annual amount of matching contributions to the named executive officers in such plan for their behalf is included in column (i) of the Summary Compensation Table. For more information about these benefits, please see “Post-Employment Benefits” on page 15.

Pension Benefits

Name

Plan Name

Number of Years

Credited Service (#) (1)

Present Value of Accumulated

Benefit ($)

Payments During Last

Fiscal Year ($)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Andrew J. Ryback

Salary Continuation Agreement

12

$199,655

$0

Richard L. Belstock

Salary Continuation Agreement

2

$48,881

$0

BJ North

Salary Continuation Agreement

2

$43,450

$0

Kerry D. Wilson

Salary Continuation Agreement

2

$43,450

$0

(1)

Years of service are calculated from the date of the executive’s original Salary Continuation Agreement.

None of the Company’s named executive officers participated in nonqualified defined contribution or other nonqualified deferred compensation plans during 2017.

Potential Payments Upon Termination Or Change of Control

The following is a discussion of the payments that may come due to a named executive officer following a change of control of the named executive officer. None of the Company’s NEOs have employment agreements that provide additional benefits, other than those previously discussed, upon termination. The amounts assume that such termination was effective as of December 31, 2017, and thus include amounts earned through such time and are estimates of the amounts which would be paid out to the executives upon their termination. Regardless of the manner in which a named executive officer’s employment terminates, he is entitled to receive amounts earned during his term of employment including all unused vacation pay and amounts vested through the Bank’s 401(k) Plan. Upon termination of employment, a named executive officer also has the right to exercise all vested stock options, unless their termination is for cause.

Potential Payments Made Upon a Change in Control

Salary Continuation Agreements: The Company has entered into salary continuation agreements with Messrs. Ryback, Belstock, Wilson and Ms. North. In the event of a change of control of the Company and the executive terminates employment with the Company or its successor within a period of 24 months after such change in control, the unvested portion of the salary continuation benefits would be vested in full and the payment of the salary continuation benefits would begin with the month after the executive’s termination, subject to the reduction of benefits if the benefits result in a limitation of deductibility of such benefits for the Company under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

Stock Option Agreements: Upon a change in control all stock options held by a named executive officer may vest and become exercisable.

The following information is based on (i) the executive’s salary at December 31, 2017; and (ii) assumes the triggering event was on December 31, 2017.

Change in Control

  

Vesting of Options (1)

  

Salary Continuation (2)

  

Total

 

Andrew J. Ryback

  $216,828   $646,893   $863,721 

Richard L. Belstock

  $144,552   $377,153   $521,705 

BJ North

  $144,552   $335,247   $479,799 

Kerry D. Wilson

  $144,552   $335,247   $479,799 

(1)

Represents the difference between the market price of the Company’s stock at December 31, 2017 and the weighted average exercise price of the options that would vest on a change in control multiplied by the number of options that would become fully vested on a change in control.

(2)

Represents the present value of the fully vested salary continuation benefit, using interest rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s financial statements, less the present value of the accumulated benefit that was recorded on the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2017.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

The table below summarizes the compensation paid by the Company to non-employee Directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.2020.

Director Compensation Table

Name

Fees Earned or

Paid in Cash(1)

Stock

Awards

Option

Awards ($) (2)

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings(3)

All Other

Compensation

Total

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

Daniel E. West (Chairman)

$33,720

N/A

$0

N/A

$8,839

$0

$42,559

John Flournoy

$26,700

N/A

$0

N/A

$11,361

$0

$38,061

Robert J. McClintock

$26,700

N/A

$0

N/A

$7,978

$0

$34,678

Steven M. Coldani                   $26,700                    N/A                        $0                            N/A                         $6,598                             $0                   $33,298

William E. Elliott

$26,700

N/A

$0

N/A

$0

$0

$26,700

Gerald W. Fletcher

$26,700

N/A

$0

N/A

$0

$0

$26,700

Terrance J. Reeson

$26,700

N/A

$0

N/A

$0

$0

$26,700

Richard F. Kenny                   $11,125                    N/A                        $0                            N/A                            N/A                             $0                   $11,125

Director Compensation Table

Name

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash (1)

Stock Awards

Option Awards (2)

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

All Other Compensation (5)

Total

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

Daniel E. West (Chairman)

$39,000  

N/A

$ 0  

N/A

N/A

$315

$39,315  

Robert J. McClintock

(Vice Chairman, Audit & Risk Committee Chair) (3)

$38,001  

N/A

$ 0  

N/A

N/A

$315

$38,316  

Gerald W. Fletcher

(Loan Committee Chair) (3)

$38,001  

N/A

$ 0  

N/A

N/A

$315

$38,316  

All other Non-Employee Directors (4)

$33,000  

N/A

$ 0  

N/A

N/A

$315

$33,315  

 

(1)

During 2017,2020, non-employee directors other than Chairman, Audit & Risk Committee Chair and Loan Committee Chair each received $2,225$2,750 per month for serving on the Company’s and Plumas Bank’s Board of Directors. The Chairman received $2,810$3,250 per month.

 

(2)

As of December 31, 2017, each of Messrs. Elliott, Reeson and West2020, the non-employee directors held options to purchase 9,600 shares of common stock; each of Messrs. Flournoy andstock in the following amounts: Ms. Ascuaga, 800 shares; Mr. Coldani, 6,050; Mr. Elliott, 5,285; Mr. Fletcher, held options to purchase 7,200 shares of common stock;4,450 shares; Ms. Gansert, 800 shares; Mr. Kenny, 2,050 shares; Mr. McClintock, held options to purchase 3,200 shares of common stock;3,650 shares; Mr. Reeson, 8,450 shares; and Mr. Coldani held options to purchase 4,000 shares of common stock.West, 5,250 shares.

 

(3)

RepresentsThe Audit & Risk Committee and Loan Committee Chairs received $3,166.76 per month.

(4)

Includes Michonne R. Ascuaga, Steven M. Coldani, William E. Elliott, Richard F. Kenny, Heidi S. Gansert, and Terrance J. Reeson. Mr. Elliot retired from the change in valueBoard on December 31, 2020 upon reaching mandatory retirement age.

(5)

Each Director is provided a $35 per month allowance for purchase of the retirement benefits discussed in the following section titled “Director Retirement Benefits.”an electronic device to access board materials.

 

Director Retirement Agreements

 

The Company has entered into Director Retirement (fee continuation) Agreements with its non-employee Directors excluding Messrs. Elliott and Kenny. Mr. Elliott retired as PresidentKenny and Chief Executive Officer of the Company during 2005Mses. Ascuaga and is currently receiving benefits under his executive salary continuation agreement. Mr. Kenny will become eligible to participate in the Company’s Director Retirement Program after three years of service on the Board.Gansert. The purpose of the fee continuation agreements is to provide a retirement benefit to the Board members as an incentive to continue informal service with the Company. The agreements provide for fee continuation benefits of up to $10,000 per year with a term of 12 years after retirement with the exception that Board members Coldani Flournoy and McClintock’s agreements have a term of 15 years. In the event of death prior to retirement, the beneficiary will receive full fee continuation benefits, with the exception of Messrs. Coldani Flournoy and McClintock’s beneficiaries who would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment of $30,000. In the event of disability wherein the director does not continue service with the Company, the director is entitled to fee continuation benefits, at a reduced amount depending on the length of service with the Company, beginning the month following termination of service. The agreements, with the exception of Messrs. Coldani Flournoy and McClintock’s agreements, allow for a Hardship Distributionhardship distribution under specified circumstances. Hardship Distributionsdistributions are limited to the amount the Company had accrued under the terms of the agreement as of the day the director petitioned the Board to receive a Hardship Distribution.hardship distribution. Upon a change in control, the director is eligible to receive the full fee continuation benefits upon the director’s termination of service. The fee continuation benefits, with the exception of Messrs. Coldani’s and McClintock’s benefits, are informally funded by single premium life insurance policies. The directors are the insured parties and the Company is the beneficiary of the respective policies. William E. Elliott, who retired from the Board on December 31, 2020 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age, retired as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer during 2005 and receives benefits under his executive salary continuation agreement.

 

 

Post-Retirement Consulting Agreements

 

The Company has entered into Post-Retirement Consulting Agreements with its Messrs. Fletcher,West, Reeson, and West.Fletcher. The purpose of the Agreements is to provide consideration to the Board members in exchange for consulting services after their retirement from the Board. The Agreements provide for consulting fees of $10,000 per year for three years after retirement. In the event of death prior to completion of the consulting services, the beneficiary will receive death benefits equal to the remaining unpaid consulting fee benefits. In the event of disability wherein the retired director is unable to continue consulting services with the Company, the Company may terminate the director’s post-retirement consulting services. If the retired director voluntarily terminates his consulting services for other than good reason or if the Company terminates the director’s post-retirement consulting services for cause, the Post-Retirement Consulting Agreement shall terminate.

 

 

PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

At the Meeting, shareholdersshareholders will be asked to ratify the appointment of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company,Eide Bailly, LLP (“VTD”Eide Bailly”) as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. VTD has2021. Eide Bailly served as the independent registered public accounting firm for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019. We have been advised by VTDEide Bailly and by the directors themselves that neither it nor any of its members or associates has any relationship with us or our subsidiaries, other than as independent auditors. 

 

Proposal 2 is nonbinding. If the appointment of Eide Bailly is not ratified, our Audit & Risk Committee will consider whether to appoint another independent registered public accounting firm atin its discretion. If the appointment is ratified, our Audit & Risk Committee in its discretion may appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time if it determines that such a change would be advisable.

 

Representatives of VTD willEide Bailly are expected to be present at the Meeting, and if present will have an opportunity to make any statement that they may desire to make, and will be available to answer appropriate questions from shareholders.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF VAVRINEK, TRINE, DAY & COMPANY, LLPEIDE BAILLY, LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2018.2021.

 

Fees Paid to Independent Auditors:Auditors

 

Aggregate fees billed by VTDEide Bailly to the Company and Plumasthe Bank and the percentage of those fees that were pre-approved by the Company’sCompany’s Audit & Risk Committee for the years ended 20172020 and 20162019 are as follows:

 

  



2017

  

Percentage

Pre-

Approved

  



2016

  

Percentage

Pre-

Approved

 

Audit fees

 $179,000   100% $106,000   100%

Audit-related fees

  16,000   100%  15,000   100%

Tax fees

  16,000   100%  16,000   100%

Other fees

  -   -   -   - 

Total fees

 $211,000   100% $137,000   100%

  

2020

  

Percentage

Pre-

Approved

  

2019

  

Percentage

Pre-

Approved

 

Audit fees

 $232,000   100% $268,000   100%

Audit-related fees

  17,500   100%  17,000   100%

Tax fees

  19,700   91%  17,000   100%

Other fees

  -   -   -   - 

Total fees

 $269,200   99% $302,000   100%

 

The Audit & Risk Committee has considered the provision of non-audit services provided by VTDEide Bailly to be compatible with maintaining its independence.independence.

Change in Independent Auditors

On July 22, 2019, Eide Bailly acquired the operations of our previous auditing firm, Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company, LLP (“VTD”). As a result, VTD resigned as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm as of July 22, 2019.

On July 22, 2019, concurrent with the resignation of VTD, the Company engaged Eide Bailly to serve as its independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019. The decision to engage Eide Bailly was approved by the Company’s Audit Committee prior to the engagement. Prior to engaging Eide Bailly, the Company did not consult with Eide Bailly regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or proposed transaction or regarding the type of audit opinion that might be rendered by Eide Bailly on the Company’s financial statements or any matters that were either the subject of a disagreement (as that term is used in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K) or a reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K). Prior to the Company’s engagement of Eide Bailly, Eide Bailly did not provide any written or oral advice that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue.

The reports of VTD regarding the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and during the period from December 31, 2018 through July 22, 2019, the date of VTD’s resignation, (i) there were no disagreements with VTD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of VTD, would have caused it to make reference to such disagreement in its reports and (ii) there were no reportable events that would require disclosure under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions. The Company provided VTD with a copy of the preceding statements and requested VTD to furnish it with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the statements. A copy of VTD’s letter was included as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 23, 2019.

 

Shareholder Proposals and Nominations

 

In order for a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Company’sCompany’s proxy statementmaterials for next year’sthe 2022 annual meeting, the written proposal must be received by the Company no later than December 7, 2018November 22, 2021 and should contain such information as is required under the Company’s Bylaws. Such proposals will need tomust comply with the SEC’s regulationsSEC Rule 14a-8 regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in the Company’s proxy materials.

Nomination of Director Candidates: The Company’s Bylaws permit shareholders to nominate directors at a shareholder meeting. In order to make a director nomination at an annual shareholder meeting, it is necessary that you notify the Company not less than 120 days before the first anniversary ofproposals. However, if the date that the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting was first sent to shareholders. This proxy statement was first sent to shareholders on April 6, 2018. Thus, in order for any such nomination notice to be timely forof next year’s annual meeting itis changed by more than 30 days from the date of this year’s meeting, the notice must be received by the CompanyCorporate Secretary a reasonable time before proxy materials are produced and distributed.

To propose business to be considered or to nominate a candidate for election at the Company’s 2022 annual meeting, shareholders must notify the Company’s Corporate Secretary not later than the close of business on December 7, 2018.22, 2021. In addition, the notice must meet allthe other requirements contained in Section 3.3 of the Company’s Bylaws and include any other information required pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.Bylaws.

 

Copy of Bylaw Provisions: You may contact the Investor Relations, Officer,Attention Ms. Elizabeth Kuipers,Jamie Huynh, at the Company for a copy of the relevant Bylaw provisions regarding the requirements for making shareholder proposals and nominating director candidates. Additionally, a copy of the Company’s Bylaws can be accessed at http://www.plumasbank.com. Click on the “Investor Relations” tab “Corporate Information”, and then “Governance Documents.”Documents”.

 

Certain Transactions

 

Some of the directors and executive officers of the Company and their immediate families, as well as the companies with which they are associated, are customers of, or have had banking transactions with, the Company in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, and the Company expects to have banking transactions with such persons in the future. In management’s opinion, all loans and commitments to lend in such transactions were made in compliance with applicable laws and on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing for comparable transactions with other non-affiliated persons of similar creditworthiness and, in the opinion of management, did not involve more than a normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

 

Other Matters

 

Management does not know of any matters to be presented at the Meeting other than those set forth above. However, if other matters come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote the shares represented by the proxy in accordance with the recommendations of management on such matters, and discretionary authority to do so is included in the proxy.

 

Available Information

 

The Company’s common stock is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as a result the Company is required to file annual reports, quarterly reports and other periodic filings with the SEC which are posted and are available at no cost on the Company’s website, www.plumasbank.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files such documents with the SEC. These reports and filings are also available for inspection and/or printing at no cost through the SEC website, www.sec.gov. In addition, regulatory report data for both the Company and Plumas Bank are available for inspection and/or printing at no cost through the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s (the “FFIEC”) website, www.ffiec.gov, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (the “FDIC”) website, www.fdic.gov, respectively.

 

You may request an additionala copy of thethis proxy statement, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, 2017 annual report to shareholders, and form of proxy as to thisfor the Meeting or all future shareholder meetings by calling us at 1.888.375.8627 byor, writing to us at Plumas Bancorp, 35 S. Lindan Avenue, Quincy, California 95971,5525 Kietzke Lane, Suite 100, Reno, Nevada 89511, Attn: Ms. Elizabeth Kuipers, Vice President and Investor Relations Officer,Jamie Huynh, Administrative Coordinator, or by email at investorrelations@plumasbank.com.

 

proxycard1.jpg

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