SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

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______________ INTERNATIONAL BALER CORPORATION ___________

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

(Name of person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than Registrant)

 

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INTERNATIONAL BALER CORPORATION

5400 RIO GRANDE AVENUE

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32254

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON

April 24, 201722, 2019

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:

 

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of International Baler Corp.Corporation (the "Company") has been called for and will be held at 10:0030 A.M., local time, on Monday, April 24, 2017,22, 2019, at the offices of the Company, 5400 Rio Grande Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254 for the following purposes:

 

1. To elect two (2)three (3) Class IIII Directors, LelandLael E. Bore,Boren, John J. Martorana and Martha R. SongerWilliam E. Nielsen to the Board of Directors;

 

2. To ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of Pivot CPAs, formerly known as The GriggsGroup CPAs to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year; andyear ended October 31, 2019;

 

3. A non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of the named executive officers of the Company (“Say on Pay”);

4. A non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on Say on Pay in future years (“Say on Frequency”);

5. To consider and transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 15, 201711, 2019 as the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. The list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for examination by any stockholder at the Company's offices at 5400 Rio Grande Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32254, for ten (10) days prior to April 24, 2017.22, 2019.

 

  By Order of the Board of Directors
   
  Ronald L. McDaniel
  Chairman
Dated: March 23, 201721, 2019  

 

WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE FILL IN, SIGN, AND DATE THE PROXY SUBMITTED HEREWITH AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. THE GRANTING OF SUCH PROXY WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO REVOKE SUCH PROXY IN PERSON SHOULD YOU LATER DECIDE TO ATTEND THE MEETING. THE ENCLOSED PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

 

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INTERNATIONAL BALER CORPORATION

PROXY STATEMENT

GENERALGeneral

 

ThisThe enclosed proxy statement is furnishedsolicited by the Board of Directors of International Baler Corporation, a Delaware corporation (sometimesCorp. (the “Company”) for use at the "Company" or "IBC")Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10:30 a.m., with officesEastern Time, on Monday, April 22, 2019 at the Company principal executive office located at 5400 Rio Grande Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32254 in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be used at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held on April 24, 2017 and at any adjournments thereof (the "Annual Meeting").adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statementProxy Statement is first being made available to our shareholders on or about March 22, 2019.

Outstanding Securities and Voting Rights

Only holders of record of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on March 11, 2019, the record date, will be mailedentitled to stockholders beginning approximately March 23, 2017. If a proxy innotice of, and to vote at, the accompanying formAnnual Meeting. On that date, the Company had 5,183,895 shares of its common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of common stock is properly executedentitled to one vote for each director nominee and returned, the shares represented thereby willone vote for each other item to be voted as instructed on the proxy. Any proxy may be revoked by a stockholder prior to its exercise upon written notice to the President of the Company, or by a stockholder voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

 

One-third of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in determining the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes occur when a broker is not permitted to vote on that matter without instructions from the beneficial owner and instructions are not given. These matters are referred to as “non-routine” matters. All of the matters scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting are “non-routine,” except for Proposal 2 – the ratification of the appointment of Pivot CPAs as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. In tabulating the voting result for each proposal (except Proposal 2), shares that constitute broker non-votes are not considered voting power present with respect to that proposal. Thus, broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of any matter being voted on at the Annual Meeting, assuming that a quorum is obtained.

Abstentions are considered voting power present at the Annual Meeting and thus will have the same effect as votes against each of the matters scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting (other than Proposal 1 - Election of Directors).

Proxy Voting

Shares that are properly voted via the Internet, mobile device, or by telephone or for which proxy cards are properly executed proxies received prior to the Annual Meetingand returned will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions marked thereondirections given or, otherwise as provided therein. Unless instructions toin the contrary are indicated, proxiesabsence of directions, will be voted FORin accordance with the Board’s recommendations as follows: “FOR” the election of each of the Directorsnominees to the Board named therein and FORherein; “FOR” the ratification of the selectionappointment of our independent auditors; “FOR” approval, on an advisory basis, of our executive compensation as described in this Proxy Statement; and “FOR” approval of the Say on Frequency votes every three years. It is not expected that any additional matters will be brought before the Annual Meeting, but if other matters are properly presented, the persons named as proxies in the proxy card or their substitutes will vote in their discretion on such matters.

The manner in which your shares may be voted depends on how your shares are held. If you own shares of record, meaning that your shares are represented by certificates or book entries in your name so that you appear as a stockholder on the Audit Committeerecords of theAmerican Stock Transfer & Trust Company, our transfer agent, a proxy card for voting those shares will be included with this Proxy Statement. If you own shares in street name, meaning that your shares are held by a bank or brokerage firm or other nominee, you may instead receive a voting instruction form from that institution with this Proxy Statement to instruct it how to vote your shares.

The Board of Directors urges you to promptly date, sign and mail your proxy or to use the internet voting system set forth in the proxy, in the form enclosed with this Proxy Statement, to make certain that your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting. Proxies in the enclosed or other acceptable form that are received in time for the Annual Meeting will be voted.

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Attendance and Voting at the Annual Meeting

If you own common stock of record, you may attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, regardless of whether you have previously voted by proxy card or by internet. If you own common stock in street name, you may attend the Annual Meeting but in order to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a “legal proxy” from the bank or brokerage firm that holds your shares. You should contact your bank or brokerage account representative to learn how to obtain a legal proxy. We encourage you to vote your shares in advance of the Annual Meeting, even if you plan on attending the Annual Meeting. If you have already voted prior to the Annual Meeting, you may nevertheless change or revoke your vote at the Annual Meeting in the manner described below.

Revocation of Proxy

If you own common stock of record, you may revoke your proxy or change your voting instructions at any time before your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting by delivering to the Secretary of the Company a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy (via the Internet, mobile device, or telephone or by returning a proxy card) bearing a later date or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. A shareholder owning common stock in street name may revoke or change voting instructions by contacting the bank, brokerage firm, or other nominee holding the shares or by obtaining a legal proxy from such institution and voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

Controlling Stockholder

The Estate of Leland E. Boren (“Estate”) controls more than 50% of the Company’s outstanding and issued shares of common stock. Members of our management have been informed that our controlling shareholder intends to vote (i) for approval of each of the nominees to the Board named in this Proxy Statement, (ii) for the ratification of Pivot CPAs to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, (iii) for approval, on an advisory basis, of the Company.Say on Pay proposal, and (iv) for approval, on an advisory basis, of the Say on Frequency vote every three years. Therefore, the proposals specified in Items 1, 2, 3 and 4 (every 3 years) of this Notice of Annual Meeting are likely to be passed.

Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018

 

A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20162018 ("Fiscal 2016"2018"), which contains financial statements audited by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, accompanies this proxy statement.Proxy Statement.

 

The cost of preparing, assembling and mailing this notice of meeting, proxy statement, the enclosed annual report and proxy will be borne by the Company. In addition to solicitation of the proxies by use of the mails, some of the officers and regular employees of the Company, without extra remuneration, may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, telegraph, or cable. The Company may also request brokerage houses, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries to forward soliciting material to the beneficial owners of the Common Stock. The Company will reimburse such persons for their expenses in forwarding soliciting material.

Internet Availability of Proxy Materials

 

This Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement along with the form of proxy card and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 20162018 will be available on the Company’s website at www.Intl-Baler.com beginning on the first day these materials are mailed to shareholdersstockholders which is anticipated to be March 23, 2017.

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VOTING SECURITIES AND

PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 15, 2017 as the record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only stockholders on the Record Date will be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.

As of the Record Date, 5,183,895 shares of the Company's common stock, $.01 par value per share ("Common Stock") are outstanding, and each share will be entitled to one (1) vote, with no shares having cumulative voting rights. Holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to vote on all matters. Unless otherwise indicated herein, a majority of the votes represented by shares present or represented at the Annual Meeting is required for approval of each matter which will be submitted to stockholders. The Company also has 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.0001 par value per share authorized, none of which are outstanding.

As set forth in the table below, Leland E. Boren controls more than 50% of the Company’s outstanding and issued shares of common stock. As a result, the Company is considered a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market. Members of our management have been informed that our controlling shareholder intends to vote in favor of all of the nominees for directors and for the ratification of Pivot CPAs to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Therefore, the proposals specified in Items 1 and 2 of the Notice of Annual Meeting are likely to be passed.

Management knows of no business other than that specified in Items 1 and 2 of the Notice of Annual Meeting which will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matter is properly presented, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote in accordance with their best judgment.

The following table sets forth the share holdings of those persons who own more than 5% of the Company's common stock as of the record date, March 15, 2017, with these computations being based upon 5,183,895 shares of the Company’s common stock being outstanding as of that date.

Five Percent Stockholders

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount of Beneficial Ownership[1] Approximate Percent of Class
Leland E. Boren  3,976,1452   76.7%
1909 S. Main Street        
Upland, IN 46989        

1Unless otherwise stated, all shares of Common Stock are directly held with the sole voting and dispositive power.
2Consists of 2,633,896 shares held directly and 1,342,249 shares owned by Avis Industrial Corporation.

22, 2019.

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 1:VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 11, 2019 by (i) each person or entity known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock, (ii) each director, (iii) each executive officer for whom compensation information is given in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that the beneficial owners of common stock listed below, based on information furnished by such owners, have sole voting and investment power with respect to such share, subject to applicable community property laws and the address for each person is c/o International Baler Corporation, 5400 Rio Grande Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32254. As of March 11, 2019 we had 5,183,895 shares of common stock outstanding.

Name Number of Shares Beneficially Ownded Percent of Class
Directors and Named Executive Officers        
Victor W. Biazis  —     —   
John J. Martorana  20,000   0.4%
Ronald L. McDaniel  —     —   
William E. Nielsen  —     —   
Lael E. Boren  2,000   0.0%
Martha R. Songer  2,000   0.0%
Angela M. Darlington  2,000   0.0%
International Baler Corp.  118,362   2.3%
Profit Sharing Trust(1)        
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (7 persons)  4,349,520   83.9%
5% or Greater Stockholders        
Estate of Leland E. Boren(2)  4,205,158   81.1%

(1)William E. Nielsen is Trustee of the Employee’s Profit Sharing Trust.
(2)Consists of 2,633,896 shares held by the Estate of Leland E. Boren and 1,571,262 shares owned by Avis Industrial Corporation, a company controlled by the Estate of Leland E. Boren. Angela M. Darlington, the Company’s Secretary has the authority to vote the shares of the Estate and of Avis Industrial Corporation, in her capacity as Executor of the Estate.

ELECTION OFEXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

The following table sets forth as of March 11, 2019 the names and ages of our executive officers and directors.

NameAgePosition
Victor W. Biazis60Chief Executive Officer, President, Class I Director
William E. Nielsen71Chief Financial Officer, Class III Director
John L. Martorana68Class III Director
Ronald L. McDaniel80Chairman, Class II Director
Lael E. Boren50Class III Director
Martha R. Songer62Class I Director

 

Victor W. Biazis, has served as the President & CEO of the Company since Oct. 1, 2018 and was elected to the Board on January 24, 2019. He has held various Senior Management and Executive roles in his career. He was with H.B. Fuller from 1981 to 2005, a Global Adhesive Supplier based in St. Paul, MN. From 2000 to 2005, he was a General Manager for the North America Packaging Adhesive Business Unit of H.B. Fuller. He then moved on and served as the President and Regional CEO for Wisdom Adhesives Global Group, based in Elgin, IL, from 2006 to 2011. Most recently, from 2011 to September 2018, Mr. Biazis, was President and CEO of Coastal Industrial Products. Mr. Biazis received a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1981. Mr. Biazis brings extensive leadership, business

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William E. Nielsen has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since June 1994 and was elected a Director on November 20, 1997. He served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from January 10, 2017 through September 30, 2017. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Nielsen acted as a financial consultant to Fletcher Barnum Inc., a privately held manufacturing concern, from October 1993 through June 1994. From 1980 through July 1993, he was the Vice President, Administration and Finance at Unison Industries, Inc. Mr. Nielsen received a BBA in Finance and an M.B.A. at Western Illinois University in 1969 and 1970, respectively.

 

Article III, Section 1 of the Company’s By-Laws provides thatJohn J. Martorana, joined the Company’s Board of Directors shall consiston January 5, 2009. Mr. Martorana has been a consultant to several divisions of Wastequip, Inc. since 2007. Mr. Martorana was the President of Wastequip of Florida from 1994 to 2007 after joining that company in 1991 as Vice President. From 1984 to 1991 he was responsible for sales and steel purchasing for Industrial Refuse Sales, Inc.; a minimumfamily owned business, which was sold to Wastequip, Inc. Prior to joining Industrial Refuse Sales, Mr. Martorana worked in the steel industry. He graduated from Butler University in 1972.

Ronald L. McDaniel joined the Company’s Board of three (3)Directors as its Chairman on May 16, 2006. Mr. McDaniel has been president of Western-Cullen-Hayes, Inc. since 1980. He was Vice President and General Manager of Western-Cullen-Hayes from 1975 to 1980. From 1957 to 1975 Mr. McDaniel worked for Western-Cullen-Hayes and Burro Crane, an affiliated company, in various capacities including division controller. Mr. McDaniel has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He has served as a director of Avis Industrial Corporation (“Avis”) since 2016 and has been serving as the Interim CEO since December 2018.

Lael E. Boren has served as a director since April 2011. He is Vice President at Avis Industrial Corporation and has been in this position since December 2013. He served as general manager and president of various organizations including Badger Equipment Company and The Pierce Company. Prior to that, Mr. Boren owned an electronics business in Muncie and Marion, Indiana. He received a Bachelor’s of General Studies from Ball State University in 2014.

Martha R. Songer has served as a director since January 2012. She serves as Vice President and Assistant to the President at Avis Industrial Corporation in Upland, Indiana and has been in this position since 2012. Prior to that Ms. Songer was Alumni Director at Taylor University also in Upland, Indiana. Ms. Songer Received a Bachelor of Science from Taylor University in 1978 and a maximumMaster of nine (9)Science in Management in 2002 from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships between executive officers or directors divided into three (3) classes of directors ("Class I", "Class II",the Company except that Lael. Boren is the son of the late Leland E. Boren, a controlling shareholder and "Class III"), with each class having as nearlya director of the same numberCompany, until his death on November 23, 2018.

Skills and Qualifications of the Directors

The Board believes that the qualifications of the directors, as practicable. Stockholders elect such classset forth in their biographies, which are listed above, give them the qualifications and skills to serve as directors of the Company. Mr. Biazis and Mr. Martorana have each served as executive officers of companies in the industrial equipment and recycling business, respectively, which are directly related to the Company’s business. Mr. Boren and Ms. Songer have industry experience through their executive positions with Avis Industrial. Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Nielsen have expertise in finance and accounting matters. Furthermore, Mr. Boren, Mr. Martorana, Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Nielsen have significant historical experience with the Company and understand its business strategy and development over the years.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s executive officers, directors Class I, Class II, or Class III, as the case may be, to succeed such class directors whose terms are expiring, for a three (3) year term, and such class of directors shall serve until the successors are elected and qualify. Under this configuration, it is intended that one class of directors’ terms will expire each year resulting in staggered electionspersons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Company’s directors. At last year’s annual meetingCommon Stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the termSEC no later than the second business day after the date on which the transaction occurred unless certain exceptions apply. In fiscal 2018, Avis Industrial Corp. filed one Form 4 reporting the purchase of 3,000 shares of the Company’s Class IlI Directors expired. Ascommon stock three days late due to a result, at last year’s annual meeting William E. Nielsen, John J. Martorana,breakdown in communication between the brokerage firm that purchased the shares and Lael E. Boren were elected as Class IlI Directors.Avis Industrial Corp.

 

The following is the apportionment of the existing directors into classes:

No. of ClassTerm ExpiresMembers/Nominees
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Class I2017 Annual Stockholder’s Meeting

Leland E. Boren

Matthew M. Price

Martha R. Songer

Class II2018 Annual Stockholder’s MeetingRonald L. McDaniel
Class III2019 Annual Stockholder’s Meeting

William E. Nielsen

John J. Martorana

Lael E. Boren

Unless authority is withheld, the proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in favor of the election Leland E. Boren and Martha R. Songer as Class l Directors. If Mr. Boren or Ms. Songer should subsequently become unavailable for election prior to the Annual Meeting, the persons voting the accompanying proxy may in their discretion vote for a substitute.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RELATED MATTERS

 

Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors has the responsibility for establishing broad corporate policies and for the overall performance of the Company. Although only one (1) memberTwo (2) members of the Board isalso serve as executive officers and are involved in day-to-day operating details of the Company. The other members of the Board are kept informed of the Company's business by various reports and documents sent to them as well as by operating and financial reports made at Board meetings. The Board of Directors held two (2) meetingsone (1) meeting in Fiscal 2016. One director was2018. No directors were absent at oneany of the meetings of the Board of Directors during Fiscal 2016.2018. Although it has no formal policy requiring attendance, the Company encourages all directors to attend its Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All of the annual meeting of stockholders. AtCompany’s directors attended last year’s annual meetingAnnual Meeting of stockholders no directors were absent.Stockholders. It is anticipated that all of its directors will attend this year’s Annual Meeting.Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Independence of Directors

The Company’s securities are not listed on a national securities exchange or in an inter-dealer quotation system that requires that a majority of the Board be independent. However, for purposes of determining whether the Company’s directors are independent for purposes of this Proxy Statement, the Company is using the independencestandards set forth in the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Marketto evaluate the independence of our Board. 

 

Rule 5605 (b) (1) of The NasdaqNASDAQ Stock Market Rules (the “NASDAQ Rules”) requires that a majority of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors be independent in that they are not officers or employees of the Company and are free of any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of their independent judgment.

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The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that threeone of the Company’s sevensix Directors, Ronald L. McDaniel, John J.Mr. Martorana and Matthew M. Price are independent.is independent under this NASDAQ Rule. In reaching this determination, the Board applied the standards set forth for “independence” in Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Rules, Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.NASDAQ Rules.

 

Although less than fifty (50%) percent of the Company’s Directorsdirectors are independent, NASDAQ Rule 5615(c)(2) provides an exemption from the requirement that a majority of the Company’s Directors be independent if the Company is considered a “controlled company”.company.” A controlled company is defined in NASDAQ Rule 5615(c)(1) as a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company. As the Estate of Leland E. Boren beneficially owns and controls more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s’ common stock, the Company iswould be considered a “controlled company” under the applicable NASDAQ Rule (if its securities were traded on NASDAQ) and as such iswould be exempt from certain of the corporate governance rules of The NasdaqNASDAQ Stock Market, such as the requirement that the board of directors consist of a majority of independent directors.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financing and accounting officer and directors. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.int-baler.com. In addition, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available in print to any stockholder who requests it by contacting our Corporate Secretary. The Company will disclose any amendments to, or waivers, from the Code of Ethics on our website (www.int-baler.com) within four business days of such determination.

 

CommitteesBoard Leadership Structure

 

The Board of Directors has no policy regarding the need to separate or combine the offices of Chairman of the Board and Principal Executive Officer and instead the Board of Directors remains free to make this determination from time to time in a manner that seems most appropriate for the Company. Currently, the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are separate at the Company. Mr. McDaniel serves as our Chairman and Mr. Biazis serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. At this time, the Company believes this segregation allows the Board of Directors to effectively provide guidance to and oversight of its management.

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Nominating CommitteeBoard Oversight of Enterprise Risk

 

BecauseThe Board of Directors is actively involved in the Companyoversight and management of risks that could affect the Company. This oversight and management is a “controlled company” it is exempt fromconducted primarily through the nominating committee requirements undercommittees of the NASDAQ Rules. Therefore, the Company does not have a standing nominating committee or a nominating committee charter. However,Board of Directors identified below but the full Board of Directors has retained responsibility for general oversight of risks. The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing the risk management function, specifically with respect to management's assessment of risk exposures (including risks related to liquidity, credit, operations and regulatory compliance, among others), and the processes in place to monitor and control such exposures. The other committees of the Board of Directors consider the risks within their areas of responsibility. The Board of Directors satisfies their oversight responsibility through full reports by each committee chair regarding the committee's considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks within the Company.

Committees

The Board has a standing Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. The full Board performs the functions of a nominating committee pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. The Board identifies the candidates for Board membership. In identifying candidates, the Board will seek recommendations from existing Board members, executive officers of the Company and all persons who own more than five percent (5%) of the Company’s outstanding stock. The Board has no stated specific minimum qualifications that must be met by a candidate for a position on the Board of Directors. The Board will consider a variety of factors in evaluating the qualifications of a candidate including the candidate’s professional experience, educational background, knowledge of the Company’s business and personal qualities. The Board may, when appropriate, retain an executive search firm and other advisors to assist it in identifying candidates for the Board. In addition, the Board will consider any candidates that may have been recommended by any of the Company’s stockholders who have made those recommendations in accordance with the procedures described below under the heading “Stockholders’ Proposals.” In addition, such stockholder recommendations must be accompanied by(1) such information about each prospective director nominee as would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission had the prospective director nominee been nominated by the Board of Directors and (2) that the prospective director nominee has consented to be named, if nominated, as a nominee and, if elected, to serve as a director. To date, the Company has not received any recommendations from shareholders requesting a candidate for inclusion among the slate of nominees in the Company’s proxy statement. The directors of the Company who participated in the consideration of director-nominees included in this proxy statement were Leland E. Boren, John J. Martorana and Ronald L. McDaniel.Nominating Committee.

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee primarily assists our Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing our financial reporting and audit processes and our systems of internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls. In fiscal 2016, Ronald L.2018, Mr. McDaniel Matthew M. Price and Lael E.Mr. Boren were members of the Company’s Audit Committee. Neither Mr. McDaniel servesnor Mr. Boren is an independent director under the NASDAQ or SEC rules. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. McDaniel has the attributes, education and experience as the audit committee’s “financial expert”an “audit committee financial expert,” as thatsuch term is defined by applicable SEC regulations. Eachin Item 407) of the members of theRegulation S-K. The Audit Committee met the independence and experience requirements of the NASDAQ Rules, the applicable Securities Laws and the regulations and rules promulgated by the SEC.held one meeting during fiscal 2018.

 

The Audit Committee has adopted an Audit Committee Charter, a copy of which is available at the Company’s website, www.Intl-baler.com.www.Intl-baler.com and is also available in print to any stockholder upon request from the Corporate Secretary. The Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the Audit Committee Charter annually.

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The Audit Committee's functions are: To review with management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the scope of the annual audit and quarterly statements, significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements;

I.To review major changes to the Company’s accounting principles and practices suggested by the independent registered public accounting firm;

II.To monitor the independent registered public accounting firm's relationship with the Company including its receipt from the public accounting firm of a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the firm and the Company and actively engaging in a dialogue with the public accounting firm with respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may impact its objectivity and independence and to take appropriate action to oversee the public firm’s independence;

III.To advise and assist the Board of Directors in evaluating the independent registered public accounting firm's examination;

IV.To supervise the Company's financial and accounting organization and financial reporting processes and audits of the financial statements of the Company;

V.To nominate, for approval of the Board of Directors, an independent registered public accounting firm whose duty it is to audit the financial records of the Company for the fiscal year for which it is appointed; and

VI.To review and consider fee arrangements with, and fees charged by, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

The Audit Committee met with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm in fiscal 2017 to discuss the audit of the Company’s 2016 year-end financial statements. It is intended that in fiscal 2017 Mr. McDaniel will continue to be designated the Committee’s financial expert. 

7

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee has:

1.Reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2016 with the management of the Company and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm;

2.Discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, as the same was in effect on the date of the Company’s financial statements; and

3.Received the written disclosures and the letter from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm required by PCAOB Rule 3526 (Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence), as the same was in effect on the date of the Company’s financial statements, has discussed with representatives of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management and the Company and satisfied itself as to their independence.

Based on the foregoing materials and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2016 be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2016.

Members of the Auudit Committee
Ronald L. McDaniel
Matthew M. Price
Lael E. Boren

8

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Company’s Board of Directors maintains a Compensation Committee, although asCommittee. Because the Company would be considered a controlled company“controlled company” if its securities were trading on NASDAQ, it is not required to do so pursuant towould be exempt from the compensation committee requirement under the NASDAQ Rule 5615(c)(1).rules. During fiscal 2016, Lael E.2018, Mr. Boren, John J.Mr. Martorana and Ronald L.Mr. McDaniel were members of the Company’s Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee held one meeting in Fiscal 2018. The Board has affirmatively determined that Mr. Boren was not an independent director as that term is definedMartorana meets the additional independence criteria applicable to compensation committee members under applicablethe NASDAQ Rules, Securities Laws and SEC rules and regulations.Rules. The Compensation Committee’s functions, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, are to provide recommendations with respect to, general and specific compensation policies and practices of the Company for directors, officers and other employees of the Company. The Compensation Committee expects to periodically review the approach to executive compensation and to make changes as competitive conditions and other circumstances warrant and will seek to ensure the Company's compensation philosophy is consistent with the Company's best interests and is properly implemented.

The Committee determines or recommends to the Board of Directors for determination the specific compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and all of the Company’s other officers. Although the Committee may seek the input of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer in determining the compensation of the Company’s other executive officers, the Chief Executive Officer may not be present during the voting or deliberations with respect to his compensation. The Committee may not delegate any of its responsibilities unless it is to a subcommittee formed by the Committee. The Compensation Committee met one time in Fiscal 2016.2018. The Compensation Committee has determined that no risks exist rising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for its employees that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Committee has the authority to retain a compensation consultant or other advisors to assist it in the evaluation of compensation and has the sole authority to approve the fees and other terms of retention of such consultants and advisors and to terminate their services. To date, the Committee has not retained any such consultants or advisors to assist it, although it may do so in the future if it deems it necessary. The Compensation Committee has adopted a Compensation Committee Charter which is available at the Company’s website at www.Intl-baler.com.www.Intl-baler.com.

 

8

Nominating Committee

Because the Company would be considered a “controlled company” if it were listed on NASDAQ, it is exempt from the nominating committee requirements under the NASDAQ Rules. Therefore, the Company does not have a standing nominating committee or a nominating committee charter. However, the full Board of Directors performs the functions of a nominating committee pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. The Board identifies the candidates for Board membership. In identifying candidates, the Board will seek recommendations from existing Board members, executive officers of the Company and all persons who own more than five percent (5%) of the Company’s outstanding securities. The Board has no stated specific minimum qualifications that must be met by a candidate for a position on the Board of Directors. While the Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy on diversity, when considering the selection of director nominees, the Nominating Committee considers individuals with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, accomplishments, cultural background and professional expertise, among other factors. The Board may, when appropriate, retain an executive search firm and other advisors to assist it in identifying candidates for the Board.

In addition, the Board will consider any candidates that may have been recommended by any of the Company’s stockholders who have made those recommendations in accordance with the procedures described in the Company’s Bylaws. In addition, such stockholder recommendations must be accompanied by (1) such information about each prospective director nominee as would have been required to be included in a Proxy Statement filed pursuant to the rules of the SEC had the prospective director nominee been nominated by the Board of Directors and (2) that the prospective director nominee has consented to be named, if nominated, as a nominee and, if elected, to serve as a director. To date, the Company has not received any recommendations from shareholders requesting a candidate for inclusion among the slate of nominees in the Company’s Proxy Statement. The directors of the Company who participated in the consideration of director-nominees included in this Proxy Statement were Mr. Boren, Mr. Martorana and Mr. McDaniel.

 

Stockholder Communication with the Board of Directors

 

StockholdersAny stockholder may communicate with the Board of Directors of the Companyor an individual director by writing to:contacting William E. Nielsen, Chief Financial Officer, International Baler Corporation, 5400 Rio Grande Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254 or by E-Mail: to:sales@intl-baler.comSubject: Communication to Board of Directors. All lettersThe Board has instructed the Chief Financial Officer to review this correspondence and e-mails will be answered, if possible, and will be distributed to board members as appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing,determine, in his discretion, whether matters submitted are appropriate for Board consideration. The Corporate Secretary may also forward certain communications elsewhere in the Company has the authority to discardfor review and possible response.  In particular, communications such as customer or disregard any communication which is unduly hostile, threatening, illegalcommercial inquiries or complaints, job inquiries, surveys and business solicitations or advertisements or patently offensive or otherwise inappropriate ormaterial will not be forwarded to take any other appropriate actions with respect to such communications.the Board.

 9 

 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERSAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

Name and Address Title Number of Shares Beneficially Owned3 Percent of Class
Leland E. Boren  Director   3,976,1454   76.7%
1909 S. Main Street            
Upland, IN 46989            
             
John J. Martorana  Director   20,000   0.4%
5148 Hanover Lane            
Lakeland, FL 33813            
             
Ronald L. McDaniel  Director   -0-   -0- 
Western-Cullen-Hayes, Inc.            
2700 West 36th Place            
Chicago, IL 60632            
             
William E. Nielsen  Director;   -0-   -0- 
5400 Rio Grande Avenue  President         
Jacksonville, FL 32254  CFO, CEO         
             
Matthew M. Price  Director   -0-   -0- 
Bingham Greenbaum Doll, LLP            
2700 Market Tower            
10 West Market Street            
Indianapolis, IN 46204            
             
Lael E. Boren  Director   2,000   0.0%
1909 S. Main Street            
Upland, IN 46989            
             
Martha R. Songer  Director   2,000   0.0%
1909 S Main Street            
Upland, IN 46989            
             
Angela M. Darlington  Secretary   2,000   0.0%
1909 S. Main Street            
Upland IN, 46989            
             
International Baler Corp.     118,3625   2.3%
Profit Sharing Trust            
5400 Rio Grande Avenue            
Jacksonville, FL 32254            
             
All Officers and Directors     4,120,507  79.5%
as a Group (7 persons)            

_________________________The Audit Committee reviews the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. Management has the primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for preparing the financial statements and the reporting process. The Audit Committee members do not serve as professional accountants or auditors, and their functions are not intended to duplicate or to certify the actives of management of the independent public accounting firm. We have engaged Pivot CPA’s (“Pivot”) as our independent public accountants to report on the conformity of the Company’s financial statements to accounting principles generally accepted into the United States. The Audit Committee hereby reports as follows:

 

The Audit Committee has:

1. Reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2018 with the management of the Company and Pivot.

2. Discussed with Pivot the matters required to be discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (“PCAOB”) Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees.

3. Received the written disclosures and the letter from Pivot required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB Rule 3526 regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and the Audit Committee has discussed the independence of Pivot with that firm.

4. Based on the review and discussion referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2018 be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2018.

3Unless otherwise stated, all sharesMembers of Common Stock are directly held with sole voting and dispositive power. The shares set forth in the table are as of March 15, 2017.
4Consists of 2,633,896 shares held directly and 1,342,249 shares owned by Avis Industrial Corporation.Audite Committee
  Ronald L. McDaniel
 5Employees’ Profit Sharing Trust of which William Nielsen is TrusteeLael E. Boren

 

10

Change In Control

ToThis “Audit Committee Report” is not “Soliciting Material,” is not deemed filed with the knowledge of the Company’s management, there are no present arrangements or pledges of the Company’s securities which may resultSEC and it not to be incorporated by reference in a change in control of the Company.

Background of Directors

The following is a brief account of the experience, for at least the past five (5) years, of each nominee for director.

Leland E. Boren, age 93, was elected as a Directorany filing of the Company on March 9, 2005. Mr. Boren isunder the Chief Executive OfficerSecurities Act of Avis Industrial Corporation located in Upland, Indiana. He is also President and CEO of PHD, Inc., Ft. Wayne, Indiana and has held this position since 2010. From 1945 through 1971 Mr. Boren was employed by The Pierce Company (formerly The Pierce Governor Company) in various capacities. He became President of The Pierce Governor Company in 1958. The Pierce Company merged with Avis Industrial Corporation in 1971 and Mr. Boren became President of Avis at that time. Mr. Boren was married to LaRita R. Boren, who was also a Director of the Company until her death on February 10, 2011.

John J. Martorana, age 66, joined the Company’s Board of Directors on January 5, 2009. Mr. Martorana has been a consultant to several divisions of Wastequip, Inc. since 2007. Mr. Martorana was the President of Wastequip of Florida from 1994 to 2007 after joining that company in 19911933, as Vice President. From 1984 to 1991 he was responsible for sales and steel purchasing for Industrial Refuse Sales, Inc.; a family owned business, which was sold to Wastequip, Inc. Prior to joining Industrial Refuse Sales, Mr. Martorana worked in the steel industry. He graduated from Butler University in 1972.

Ronald L. McDaniel, age 78, was named to the Company’s Board of Directors on May 16, 2006. Mr. McDaniel has been president of Western-Cullen-Hayes, Inc. since 1980. He was Vice President and General Manager of Western-Cullen-Hayes from 1975 to 1980. From 1957 to 1975 Mr. McDaniel worked for Western-Cullen-Hayes and Burro Crane, an affiliated company, in various capacities including division controller. Mr. McDaniel has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

William E. Nielsen, age 69, joined the Company in June 1994 as its Chief Financial Officer and was elected a Director on November 20, 1997. He was elected President and Chief Executive Officer on May 8, 2001 and served in that capacity until June 25, 2007, and is currently Vice President, Finance and Treasurer of the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Nielsen acted as a financial consultant to Fletcher Barnum Inc., a privately held manufacturing concern, from October 1993 through June 1994. From 1980 through July 1993, he was the Vice President, Administration and Finance at Unison Industries, Inc. Mr. Nielsen received a BBA in Finance and an M.B.A. at Western Illinois University in 1969 and 1970, respectively.

Matthew M. Price, age 49, is an attorney with the law firm of Bingham Greenbaum Doll LLP since 1993. Mr. Price received a BA degree from Wabash Collage in 1990 and a J.D. from Indiana University School of Law in 1993. Mr. Price is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and the Indianapolis Bar Association. Mr. Price is a member of his law firm’s corporate transactions practice group and his business practice focuses on project financing, government and regulatory compliance for private and public companies, including small and large manufacturers.

Lael E. Boren, age 48, is Vice President-Sales at Avis Industrial Corporation, has served as general manager and president of various organizations including Badger Equipment Company and The Pierce Company. Prior to that, Mr. Boren owned an electronics business in Muncie and Marion, Indiana. He received a Bachelor’s of General Studies from Ball State University in 2014. Mr. Boren is the son of Leland E. Boren, also a director of the company.

Martha R. Songer, age 61, is Vice President and Assistant to the President at Avis Industrial Corporation in Upland, Indiana and has been in this position since 2012. Prior to that Ms. Songer was Alumni Director at Taylor University also in Upland, Indiana. Ms. Songer Received a Bachelor of Science from Taylor University in 1978 and a Master of Science in Management in 2002 from Indiana Wesleyan University.

11

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) ofamended or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, requires the Company’s executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Company’s Common Stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC no later than the second business daywhether made before or after the date on which the transaction occurred unless certain exceptions apply. In fiscal 2016, the Company, its officershereof and directors, were not delinquent in filingirrespective of any of its Form 3, 4, and 5 reports.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships between any executive officers or directors of the Company, except that Lael E. Boren, Director, is the son of Leland E. Boren, Director.

There is no understanding or arrangement between any director or any other persons pursuant to which such individual was or is to be selected as a director or nominee of the Company.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

To the knowledge of management, no director, executive officer or affiliate of the Company or owner of record or beneficially of more than 5% of the Company's common stock is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Companygeneral incorporation language in any legal proceeding.such filing

To the knowledge of management, during the past five years, no present or former director, executive officer, affiliate or person presently nominated to become a director or an executive officer of the Company:

(1)Filed a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law, nor had a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he or she was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he or she was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing;

(2)Was convicted in a criminal proceeding or named the subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);

(3)Was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him or her from or otherwise limiting his or her involvement in any type of business, commodities, securities or banking activities;

(4)Was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting him or her for more than 60 days from engaging in, or being associated with any person engaging in, any type of business, commodities, securities or banking activities;

(5)Was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) to have violated any federal or state securities law or Federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the SEC or CFTC has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated.

12

 

Executive Officer Compensation

 

The following table sets forth a summary of all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and each of the Company's executive officers whose compensation exceeded $100,000 per annum for services renderedaccrued, in all capacities, toduring the Company and its subsidiaries during fiscal years ended October 31, 2016,2018, and October 31, 2015:2017 by our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 (“Named Executive Officers”):

 

10

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

Annual Compensation Long Term Awards

NAME AND

PRINCIPAL POSITION

  YEAR   

 

SALARY

($)

   

BONUS

($)

  

OTHER ANNUAL COMPENSATION

($)

  NUMBER OF OPTIONS  

ALL OTHER

COMPENSATION

 

TOTAL

COMPENSATION

D. Roger Griffin

  2016   130,000   -0-  -0-  -0-  -0- 130,000
President & CEO  2015   130,000   100,000  -0-  -0-  -0- 230,000
                       
William E. Nielsen  2016   120,000   -0-  -0-  -0-  -0- 120,000
Chief Financial Officer  2015   134,000   35,000  -0-  -0-  -0- 169,000

 

NAME AND

PRINCIPAL POSITION

 YEAR 

SALARY

($)

 

BONUS

($)

 OTHER ANNUAL COMPENSATION ($) NUMBER OF OPTIONS 

ALL OTHER

COMPENSATION

 

TOTAL

COMPENSATION

Victor W. Biazis
President & CEO(1)
  2018  8,500   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   8,500(1)
William E. Nielsen
Chief Financial Officer
  

2018

2017

   

120,000

120,000

   

-0-

-0-

   

-0-

-0-

   

-0-

-0-

   

-0-

-0- 

   

120,000

120,000

 

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
Option Awards  Stock Awards 

Name

 (a)

  

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options

(#)

Exercisable

(b) 

   

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options

(#)

Unexercisable

(c) 

   

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options

(#)

(d) 

   

Option Exercise Price

($)

(e) 

   

Option Expiration

Date

(f) 

  

Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested

(#)

(g) 

  

Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested

(#)

(h) 

   

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested

(#)

(i) 

   

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested

(#)

(j) 

 
None  -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-  -0-  -0-   -0-   -0- 

None of the Company’s other Executive Officers earned compensation in fiscal 2016 and 2015 in excess of $100,000 for services rendered to the Company in any capacity.

13(1)Mr. Biazis began serving as CEO on October 1, 2018 and his annual salary for 2018 would have been $200,000.

 

Grants and Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year

 

No stock awards or options were granted or options exercised during fiscal 20162018 by the Company's ChiefCompany’s Named Executive Officer or any of the Company's most highly compensated executive officers whose compensation exceeded $100,000 for Fiscal 2016.Officers.

 

Employment Agreements

 

The Company does not have any employment contracts, termination, severance or change of control agreements with its ChiefNamed Executive Officer or any other member of management.executives.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

The BoardWe pay each non-employee director an annual retainer of Directors of the Company compensated non-employee directors $3,000 per month,$6,000, together with direct out-of-pocketreimbursement for out of pocket expenses incurred to attend theattending meetings. In September 2015 the Board of Directors resolved to decrease the compensation of non-employee directors from $3,000 per month to $100 per month. In April 2016 the Board of Directors resolved to increase the compensation back to $3,000 per month. In October 2016 the Board of Directors resolved to decrease the compensation to $500 per month.

 

Members of the Board of Directors may also be requested to perform consulting or other professional services for the Company from time to time. The Board of Directors has reserved to itself the right to review all directors' claims for compensation on an ad hoc basis.

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2018
Name Fees Earned or Paid
in Cash ($)
 Stock Awards ($) Option Awards ($) Non
Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation ($)
 Change
in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Earnings ($)
 All Other Compensation ($) 

Total

($)

Ronald L. McDaniel  6,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   6,000 
Lael E. Boren  6,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   6,000 
Leland(1) E. Boren  6,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   6,000 
John J. Martorana  6,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   6,000 
Martha R. Songer  6,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   6,000 

 

Directors who are on the Company’s Audit and Compensation Committees, are independent and therefore, do not receive any consulting, advisory or compensatory fees from the Company. However, such Board members may receive fees from the Company for their services on those committees.

(1)Mr. Boren passed away on November 23, 2018.

 

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2016

Name

  

Fees Earned or Paid

in Cash ($)

   

Stock Awards ($)

   

Option Awards ($)

   

Non

Equity Incentive Plan

Compensation ($)

   

Change

in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Earnings

($)

   

All Other Compensation ($)

   

Total

($)

 
Ronald L. McDaniel  19,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   19,000 
Matthew M. Price  19,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   19,000 
Lael E. Boren  19,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   19,000 
Leland E. Boren  19,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   19,000 
John J. Martorana  19,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   19,000 
Martha R. Songer  19,000   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   19,000 

 1411 

 

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

Related Person Transactions

 

Except as set forth hereafter, there have been no material transactions, series of similar transactions or currently proposed transactions during Fiscal 20162018 or 2015,2017, to which the Company was or is to be a party, in which the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of the Company’s total assets at year end for the last two Fiscal Years (2015(2018 and 2014)2017) and in which any director or executive officer or any security holder who is known to the Company to own of record or beneficially more than 5% of the Company's common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, had a material interest.

 

Transactions with Management and Others

 

The Estate of Leland E. Boren, shareholder and directoris a stockholder of the Company, ownsand is the owner of Avis Industrial Corporation (Avis)(“Avis”). Mr. BorenThe Estate controls over 75%80% of the outstanding shares of the Company. Avis owns 100% of The American Baler Company, (“American Baler”), a competitor of the Company. On January 1, 2014, Avis acquired The Harris Waste Management Group, Inc. (Harris), also a competitor of the Company. On July 31, 2014 Harris acquired the assets of IPS Balers, Inc. in Baxley, Georgia, another competitor of the Company. Harris and AmericanThese companies operate completely independent of each other. The Company had no equipment sales to, or purchases from these companies in the fiscal years ending October 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017. The Company had no sales to The American Baler Company in the fiscal years ending October 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company sold five closed door horizontal balers and one conveyor to Harris Waste Management for $295,032 in fiscal 2018 and had no sales to Harris Waste Management in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.

 

Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions

 

Transactions between related persons, such as between an executive officer or director and our company,Company, or any company or person controlled by such officer or director, are required to be approved by the Company’s Audit Committee. The Audit Committee Charter contains such explicit authority, as required by the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market.authority. It is the Company’s preference to avoid entering into a material related-party transaction if a transaction with a non-related party is available on an equally timely and equally beneficial basis. However, if a Related Person Transaction appears to be in the Company’s best interest then it will be approved or ratified if the Audit Committee expressly finds that the terms of the transaction are comparable to or more beneficial to the Company than those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party.

 

Indebtedness of ManagementPROPOSALS TO THE SHAREHOLDERS

PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

No officer, director or security holder knownGeneral

Our Bylaws provide that our Board of Directors consists of three classes of directors, as nearly equal in number as possible, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, and provides that the exact number of directors comprising our Board of Directors will be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board.  At each annual meeting of shareholders, successors to the Company to ownclass of record or beneficially more than 5%directors whose terms expire at that annual meeting are elected for a three-year term.

Our Board of Directors is currently composed of six members.  The current term of the Company’s common stock or any memberClass III directors, William E. Nielsen, John J. Martorana and Lael E. Boren expires at this Annual Meeting and each are being nominated for reelection to the Board.  Information about our nominees is included under “Executive Officers and Directors” on page 4.

If re-elected, Messrs. Nielsen, Martorana and Boren will serve until the 2022 annual meeting.

The terms of our Class I directors, Victor Biazis and Martha Songer, terminate at our 2020 Annual Meeting. The term of our Class II director, Ronald L. McDaniel terminates at our 2021 Annual Meeting.

12

Unless authority is withheld, the proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in favor of the immediate familyelection of William E. Nielsen, John J. Martorana and Lael E. Boren as Class III Directors. Mr. Nielsen, Mr. Martorana, and Mr. Boren have consented to serve on our Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has no reason to believe that they will not serve if elected. If, however, any of the foregoingnominees should become unavailable to serve as a director, and if the Board has designated a substitute nominee, the persons is indebted to the Company.named as proxies will vote for this substitute nominee.

 

Parent Of IssuerExperience of Nominees

Biographical information relating to the nominees is under the heading “Executive Officers and Directors” on page 5.

Vote Required and Recommendation

 

The Company has no parent.

BOARD RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE REQUIRED

For Proposal No. 1 regardingnominees for election to the electionBoard of two (2) Class l Directors Leland E. Boren and Martha Songerwho receive the most votes (also known as a plurality) will be elected. You may be cast in favorvote either FOR all the nominees, WITHHOLD your vote from all of the nominees or may be withheld. The Class llI Directors will be elected by a pluralityWITHHOLD your vote from any one of the votes of the shares of the Company's common stock present in person or represented by proxy, and entitled to vote on thenominees. In this non-contested election of directors, at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Abstentions are tabulated in determining the votes present at a meeting. Consequently, an abstention has the same effect as a vote against a director nominee, as eachwithheld, broker non-vote or abstention would be one less vote in favor of a director nominee. will have no effect on the outcome. 

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote "FOR""FOR" each the Nominees set forth above. Unless marked to the contrary, proxies received will be voted FOR the Nominees set forth above.

15

 

PROPOSAL NO. 2:

 

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF PIVOT CPAs

AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The BoardAudit Committee, which is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of Directorsour independent auditor, has selected the firmengaged Pivot CPAsCPA’s (“Pivot”), as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit the accountsour consolidated financial statements for the Company’s fiscal year ending October 31, 2016 (“Fiscal 2016”).2019. As a matter of good corporate governance, we are requesting that the stockholders ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of Pivot CPAs has auditedas our independent registered public accounting firm. If stockholders do not ratify the Company’s financial statements forappointment of Pivot, the past fiscal year. The Company is advised that neitherAudit Committee will reevaluate the appointment, but may retain Pivot CPAs nor any of its partners has any material direct or indirect relationship with the Company. The Board of Directors considers Pivot CPAs to be well qualified for the function of serving as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.  The Delaware General Corporation Law does not requireEven if the approvalselection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the selectionCompany and its stockholders. Representatives of auditorsPivot will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement and be available to respond to appropriate questions by the Company’s stockholders, but in view of the importance of the financial statements to stockholders, the board of Directors deems it desirable that they pass upon its selection of auditors. In the event the stockholders disapprove of the selection, the Board of Directors will consider the selection of another independent registered public accounting firm.stockholders.

 

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

 

The following table presents the fees for professional audit services rendered by Pivot CPAs for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the fiscal years ended October 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, and fees for other services rendered by Pivot CPAs during those periods:

 

Fee Category

 

 

Fiscal 2016

 

 

Fiscal 2015

 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017

Audit Fees

 $58,750  $58,750  $59,400  $58,750 

Audit-Related Fees

  0   0   0   0 

Tax Fees

  10,000   10,000   10,000   10,000 

All Other Fees

  0   0   0   0 

Total Fees

 $68,750  $68,750  $69,400  $68,750 

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Audit fees include fees related to the services rendered in connection with the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements, the quarterly reviews of the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the reviews of and other services related to registration statements and other offering memoranda.

 

Audit-related fees are for assurance and related services by the independent registered public accounting firm that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements.

 

Tax Fees include (i) tax compliance, (ii) tax advice, (iii) tax planning and (iv) tax reporting.

 

All Other Fees includes fees for all other services provided by the principal accountants not covered in the other categories such as litigation support, etc.

 

All of the 20162018 and 20152017 services described above were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the SEC rule that requires audit committee pre-approval of audit and non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provisions of such services, including non-audit services, Pivot CPAs is compatible with maintaining Pivot CPAsPivot’s independence and has concluded that it is.

 

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BOARD RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE REQUIREDVote Required and Recommendation

 

The Boardselection of Directors recommends that you vote in favor ofPivot as the above proposal selecting Pivot CPAs asCompany’s independent registered public accounting firm for the Company.

A representative of Pivot CPAs is expected tofiscal year ended October 30, 2019 will be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statementratified if he desires to do so, and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Ratification will require the affirmative vote ofapproved by a majority of the shares present and voting atentitled to vote on the meeting in person or by proxy. In the event ratification is not provided, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors will review the future selection of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm.

Unless otherwise directed by the stockholder giving the proxy, the proxy will be voted for the ratification of the selection by the Board of Directors of Pivot CPAs as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2016.matter. Shares voted as abstaining will count as votes cast. Accordingly, an abstention from voting by a stockholder present in person or by proxy at the meeting has the same legal effect as a vote "against" Proposal No. 2 because it represents a share present or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, thereby increasing the number of affirmative votes required to approve this proposal.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” ratification of the appointment of Pivot CPA as the Company’s independent auditor for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2019.

 

STOCKHOLDERS'PROPOSAL NO. 3:

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Background

The Dodd-Frank Act requires all public companies to hold a separate non-binding advisory stockholder vote to approve the compensation disclosed in this Proxy Statement of the Company’s executive officers who are named in the Summary Compensation Table (commonly known as the “Say on Pay” proposal). The Company has disclosed the compensation of the Named Executive Officers pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC.

Executive Compensation

The Board of Directors believes that our executive compensation programs are designed to secure and retain the services of high quality executives and provide compensation to our executives that are commensurate and aligned with our performances and advances both short and long-term interest of ours and our stockholders. The Board of Directors believes that our compensation program for our executive officers is appropriate based upon our preface and the individual performance and level of responsibility of the executive officer.

This advisory stockholder’s vote gives you as a stockholder the opportunity to approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers that is disclosed in this Proxy Statement’s Summary Compensation Table and all other executive compensation tables and related narrative disclosure.

This Say on Pay Proposal is set forth in the following resolution:

"RESOLVED, that the stockholders of International Baler Corporation approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of its Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in International Baler Corporation’s Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the compensation tables and any related information found in the Proxy Statement of International Baler Corporation.

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Because your vote on this proposal is advisory, it is not binding on the Board. However, the Board values the opinion of our stockholders and will take into account the result of the vote when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.

Vote Required and Recommendation

The advisory vote on the Say on Pay proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote on the matter. Shares voted as abstaining will count as votes cast. Accordingly, an abstention from voting by a stockholder present in person or by proxy at the meeting has the same legal effect as a vote "against" Proposal No. 3 because it represents a share present or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, thereby increasing the number of affirmative votes required to approve this proposal.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” for the Say on Pay proposal.

PROPOSAL FOUR
FREQUENCY OF FUTURE SAY ON PAY ADVISORY VOTES

Background

The Dodd-Frank act also requires all public companies to hold a separate non-binding advisory shareholder vote with respect to the frequency of the vote on the Say on Pay proposal thereafter. Companies must give stockholders the choice of whether to cast an advisory vote on the Say on Pay proposal every year, every two years, or every three years (common known as the “Frequency Vote on Say on Pay.”) Stockholders may also abstain from making a choice, pursuant to the proposed rules recently issued by the SEC. After such initial votes are held, the Dodd-Frank Act requires all public companies to submit to their stockholders no less often than every six years thereafter the Frequency Vote on Say on Pay. Pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are holding a separate non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of Say on Pay in future years at the Annual Meeting.

Frequency Vote on Say on Pay

As discussed above, the Board of Directors believe that our executive compensation programs are designed to secure and retain the services of high quality executives and provide compensation to our executives that are commensurate and aligned with our performances and advances both short and long-term interests of ours and our stockholders. The Board of Directors believes that giving our stockholders the right to cast an advisory vote every three years on their approval of the compensation arrangements of our Named Executive Officers provides the Board of Directors sufficient time to thoughtfully evaluate and response to shareholder input and effectively implement changes, as needed, to our executive compensation program.

Although the Board of Directors recommends that the Say on Pay proposal be voted on every three years, our stockholders will be able to specify one of four choices on the frequency of the vote on the Say on Pay Proposal as follows: (i) one year, (ii) two years, (iii) three years or (iv) abstain. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors will take into account the outcome this advisory vote when considering how frequently to seek an advisory vote on Say on Pay in future years.

This advisory vote on the frequency of the say-on-pay vote is not binding on the Board. However, the Board values the opinion of our Stockholders and will take into account the result of the vote when determining the frequency of future say-on-pay votes.

Required Vote

The option receiving the highest number of votes will be deemed to be the preferred frequency of our stockholders.

The Board of Directors recommends the selection of every “THREE YEARS” as your preference for the frequency with which shareholders are provided an advisory vote on Say on Pay.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

We will pay all of the costs of soliciting these proxies. In addition to solicitation by mail, our employees, officers and directors may, without additional compensation, solicit proxies by mail, e-mail, and facsimile, in person or by telephone or other forms of telecommunication. We will ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries to forward these proxy materials to their principals and to obtain authority to execute proxies. We will then reimburse them for their expenses.

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HOUSE HOLDING of Annual Disclosure Documents

Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “house holding” Proxy Statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of the Company’s Proxy Statement and annual report may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to you if you write to our Corporate Secretary at 5400 Rio Grande Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32254. If you want to receive separate copies of the Proxy Statement and our annual report in the future, of if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your householder, you should contact your bank, broker or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at the above address.

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board knows of no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that proxies in the enclosed form will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the best judgment and in the discretion of the persons voting the proxies.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Proposals of stockholders intendedStockholders who, in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, wish to be presented at the 2017 annual meeting must be received in writing, by the President of the Company at its offices by November 15, 2016 in order to be consideredpresent proposals for inclusion in the Company'sCompany’s Proxy Statement for consideration at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must submit their proposals (which complies with the proxy statement relating to that meeting.

SEC rules and regulations provide that ifrules) so they are received by the Company no later than November 15, 2019, unless the date of the Company's 2018 Annual Meetingmeeting is advanced or delayed more than 30 days from the date of the 2017 Annual Meeting, stockholder proposals intended to be included in the proxy materials for the 2017 Annual Meeting must be received by the Company within a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and mail the proxy materials for the 2017 Annual Meeting. Upon determination by the Company that the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting will be advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the date of the 2017 Annual Meeting, the Company will disclose such change in the earliest possible Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.calendar days.

  By Order of the Board of Directors
   
  Angela M. Darlington,
Secretary

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INTERNATIONAL BALER CORP.

 

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF

OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The undersigned hereby appoints Leland E. Boren and Ronald L. McDaniel and William E. Nielsen as proxies (the "Proxies"), each with power of substitution and resubstitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, of International Baler Corp. (the "Company") held of record by the undersigned on March 15, 201711, 2019 at the Annual Meeting of stockholders to be held at the offices of the Company, 5400 Rio Grande Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254, on Monday, April 24, 201622, 2019 at 10:0030 A.M. local time, or at any adjournments thereof, as directed below, and in their discretion on all other matters coming before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

Please mark boxes / / in blue or black ink.

 

1.Election of two Class l Directors: Leland E. Boren and Martha R. Songer

1. Election of three Class IIl Directors: William E. Nielsen, John J. Martorana, and Lael E. Boren

(Mark only one of the two boxes for this item)

☐ VOTE FOR all nominees named above except those who may be named on this line: 
(OR)
☐ VOTE WITHHELD as to all nominees named above. 

2.Proposal to ratify appointment of Pivot CPAs as the Company's independent registered public accountants:

FOR ☐AGAINST ☐ABSTAIN ☐

 

VOTE FOR all nominees named above except those who may be named on this line: 

3.In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

__________________________________________________________________ 

(OR)

VOTE WITHHELD as to all nominees named above.

2. Proposal to ratify appointment of Pivot CPAs as the Company's independent registered public accountants:

FOR ☐ AGAINST ☐ ABSTAIN ☐

3. Approval of, on an advisory basis, our executive compensation:

FOR ☐ AGAINST ☐ ABSTAIN ☐

4. Approval of, on an advisory basis, the frequency of the advisory approval of our executive compensation:

1 YEAR ☐ 2 YEARS 3 YEARS ☐ ABSTAIN ☐

5. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

 

When properly executed, this Proxy will be voted as directed. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted "FOR" Proposals 1 and 2.

 

Please mark, date, sign and return this Proxy promptly in the enclosed envelope.

 

Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney or executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

 

Dated: _______________________, 2017

Dated: ______________________,2019
X__________________________
Signature
X__________________________
Print Names(s)
X__________________________
Signature, if held jointly

 

X _______________________________

Signature

X _____________________ __________

Print Name(s)

X ________________________________

Signature, if held jointly

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