UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the SecuritiesExchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrant

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant

 

Check the appropriate box:

Preliminary Proxy Statement

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

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

 

TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 



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

 

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TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION

88 SILVA LANE

MIDDLETOWN,, RHODEISLAND RHODE ISLAND 02842
Telephone:(401) 848-5848

 

NOTICE OF ANNUALSPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

The annual meetingSpecial Meeting of the stockholders of Towerstream Corporation (the “Company”) will be held on Friday, August 21, 2015,Monday, May 2, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time at 88 Silva Lane, Tech IV, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 for the purposes of:

 

 

1.

Electing the five (5)directors nominatedAuthorizing an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a specific ratio, within a range of 1-for-5 and 1-for-25, to be determined by the Company to hold office until the next annual meetingour Board of stockholders; Directors in its sole discretion and effected, if at all, on or before May 2, 2017;

2.

AmendingAuthorizing, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the Certificatepotential issuance in excess of Incorporation to increase the authorized number20% of our outstanding shares of common stock from 95,000,000in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock;

3.

Authorizing, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the potential issuance in excess of 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to 200,000,000 sharesa discount of 10% below the market price of our common stock;

3.

Ratifying Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015;

4.

Approving, on a non-binding advisory basis,Authorizing an amendment to our 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2010 Plan”) to increase the compensationnumber of the Company’s executive officers;shares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000; and

 

5.

Transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 25, 2015[*], 2016 will be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting.special meeting or any adjournment thereof. A list of all stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting will be available at the principal office of the Company for the ten days prior to August 21, 2015.May 2, 2016. The list will be arranged in alphabetical order and show the address and number of shares held by each stockholder. It will be available for examination by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the annual meeting.Special Meeting. The proxy materials will be furnishedmailed to stockholders on or about July 10, 2015.[*], 2016.

 

The Company is pleased to take advantage of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow issuers to furnish proxy materials to their stockholders on the Internet. The Company believes these rules allow it to provide you with the information you need while lowering the Company’s costs.

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors


/s/Philip Urso

Chairman

 

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE VOTE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED.

 

 


 

TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION

88SILVA LANE
MIDDLETOWN,
, RHODEISLAND RHODE ISLAND 02842
Telephone:(401) 848-5848

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

ANNUALSPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ONFRIDAY, AUGUST21MONDAY, MAY 2, 20152016

 

 

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

 

The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Towerstream Corporation (referred to as the “Company”, “we,” “us,” or “our”) for use at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting of the Company’s stockholders to be held at 88 Silva Lane, Tech IV, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 on August 21, 2015,May 2, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and at any adjournments thereof. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person, please vote your shares as promptly as possible to ensure that your vote is counted. The proxy materials will be furnishedmailed to stockholders on or about July 10, 2015.[*], 2016.

 

REVOCABILITY OF PROXY AND SOLICITATION

 

Any stockholder executing a proxy that is solicited hereby has the power to revoke it prior to the voting of the proxy. Revocation may be made by attending the annual meetingSpecial Meeting and voting the shares of stock in person, or by delivering to the Secretary of the Company at the principal office of the Company prior to the annual meetingSpecial Meeting a written notice of revocation or a later-dated, properly executed proxy. Solicitation of proxies may be made by directors, officers and other employees of the Company by personal interview, telephone, facsimile transmittal or electronic communications. No additional compensation will be paid for any such services. This solicitation of proxies is being made by the Company which will bear all costs associated with the mailing of this proxy statement and the solicitation of proxies.

 

INTERNET AND ELECTRONIC AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

Under rules adopted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Company is making this proxy statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 available on the Internet instead of mailing a printed copy of these materials to each stockholder. Stockholders who received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) by mail will not receive a printed copy of these materials other than as described below. Instead, the Notice contains instructions as to how stockholders may access and review all of the important information contained in the materials on the Internet, including how stockholders may submit proxies by telephone or over the Internet.

If you received the Notice by mail and would prefer to receive a printed copy of the Company’s proxy materials, please follow the instructions for requesting printed copies included in the Notice.

RECORD DATE

 

Stockholders of record at the close of business on June 25, 2015,[*], 2016 will be entitled to receive notice of, to attend and to vote at the meeting.


   

ACTION TO BE TAKEN UNDER PROXY

 

Unless otherwise directed by the giver of the proxy, the persons named in the form of proxy, namely, Jeffrey M. Thompson,Philip Urso, our Chief Executive Officer and President,Chairman, and Joseph P. Hernon, our Chief Financial Officer, or either one of them who acts, will vote:

 

FOR the election of the persons named herein as nominees for directors of the Company, for a term expiring at the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders (or until successors are duly elected and qualified);

FOR the approval of amending thean amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (“Certificate of Incorporation”), to increaseeffect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a specific ratio, within a range of 1-for-5 and 1-for-25, to be determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and effected, if at all, on or before May 2, 2017;

FOR authorizing, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the authorized numberpotential issuance in excess of 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock from 95,000,000in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock;

FOR authorizing, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the potential issuance in excess of 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to 200,000,000 sharesa discount of 10% below the market price of our common stock, as set forth on the Certificate of Amendmentstock;


FOR authorizing an amendment to the Certificate2010 Planto increase the number of Incorporation included with this proxy statement asExhibit Ashares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000; and

 

FOR the ratification of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015;

FOR the approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of  the compensation of the Company’s executive officers; and

According to their judgment, on the transaction of such matters or other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

Should any nominee named herein for election as a director become unavailable for any reason, it is intended that the persons named in the proxy will vote for the election of such other person in his stead as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is not aware of any reason that might cause any nominee to be unavailable.

 

WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE; VOTE REQUIRED; QUORUM

 

As of June 25, 2015,[*], 2016 there were 66,759,470[66,810,149] shares of common stock issued and outstanding, which constitute all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company. Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held by them.

 

A majority of the outstanding shares (33,379,736of common stock ([33,405,076] shares), present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at the meeting.meeting or any adjournment thereof. For purposes of the quorum and the discussion below regarding the vote necessary to take stockholder action, stockholders of record who are present at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting in person or by proxy and who abstain, including brokers holding customers’ shares of record who cause abstentions to be recorded at the meeting, are considered stockholders who are present and entitled to vote and are counted towards the quorum. If there is not a quorum at the Special Meeting, our stockholders may adjourn the meeting.

 

Brokers holding shares of record for customers generally are not entitled to vote on “non-routine” matters, unless they receive voting instructions from their customers. As used herein, “uninstructed shares” means shares held by a broker who has not received voting instructions from its customers on a specific proposal. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a nominee holding uninstructed shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that non-routine matter. In connection with the treatment of abstentions and broker non-votes, (i)non-votes: the electionproposed amendment to our Certificate of directorsIncorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a specific ratio, within a range of 1-for-5 and 1-for-25, to be determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and effected, if at all, on or before May 2, 2017 (Proposal No. 1); the authorization, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), of the potential issuance in excess of 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock (Proposal No. 2) or a discount of 10% below the market price of our common stock (Proposal No. 3); and (ii) the advisory vote on executive compensationauthorization of an amendment to the 2010 Planto increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000 (Proposal No. 4) are all considered a “non-routine” matters.matter.  Accordingly, brokers are not entitled to vote uninstructed shares with respect to Proposal No. 1 and No. 4. The proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock (Proposal No. 2) and the proposed ratification of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 (Proposal No. 3) are considered “routine” matters. Accordingly, brokers are entitled to vote uninstructed shares only with respect to ProposalProposals No.1, No. 2, and No. 3.


Under Delaware state law and provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, as amended, the vote required for the election of directors is a plurality of the votes of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock present in person3 or represented by proxy at the annual meeting of stockholders and entitled to vote on the election of directors. This means that the nominees who receive the most votes will be elected to the open director positions. Abstentions, broker non-votes and other shares that are not voted in person or by proxy will not be included in the vote count to determine if a plurality of shares voted are in favor of each nominee.

No. 4.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS

 

Why am I receivingthese materials?materials?

 

Towerstream Corporation has made these materials available to you on the Internet or, upon your request, has delivered printed versions of these materials to you by mail in connection with the Company’s solicitation of proxies for use at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting of stockholders to be held on August 21, 2015May 2, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time at 88 Silva Lane, Tech IV, Middletown, Rhode Island. These materials describe the proposals on which the Company would like you to vote and also give you information on these proposals so that you can make an informed decision. We are furnishingmailing our proxy materials on or about July 10, 2015[*], 2016 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the annual meeting.Special Meeting.

 

What is included in these materials?

 

These materials include:

include this proxy statement, for the annual meeting; and

the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2015.

If you requested printed versions of these materials by mail, these materials also include the proxy card or the voter instruction form for the annual meeting.Special Meeting.

  

WhatWhat is the proxy card?

 

The proxy card enables you to appoint Jeffrey M. Thompson,Philip Urso, our Chief Executive Officer and President,Chairman, and Joseph P. Hernon, our Chief Financial Officer, as your representative at the annual meeting.Special Meeting. By completing and returning a proxy card, you are authorizing these individuals to vote your shares at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the annual meeting.Special Meeting.


 

Whatitems will be voted on?

 

You are being asked to vote on these specific proposals:

 

the election of the five nominated members of our Board of Directors;

the approval ofAuthorization for an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized numbereffect a reverse stock split of shares ofour common stock from 95,000,000 sharesat a specific ratio, within a range of common stock1-for-5 and 1-for-25, to 200,000,000 sharesbe determined by our Board of common stock, as set forthDirectors in its sole discretion and effected, if at all, on the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation included with this proxy statement asExhibit Aor before May 2, 2017.

 

Authorization, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the ratificationpotential issuance in excess of 20% of our independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum LLP, foroutstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015; andmaximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock.

 

Authorization, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the approval, onpotential issuance in excess of 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a non-binding advisory basis,discount of 10% below the compensationmarket price of the Company’s executive officers.our common stock. 

 


Authorizing an amendment to the 2010 Planto increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000.

 

We will also transact any other business that properly comes before the annual meeting.Special Meeting.

  

How does theBoard of Directors recommend that I vote?

 

Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote your shares:

 

FOR eachan amendment to our Certificate of the five persons nominated for director;Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a specific ratio, within a range of 1-for-5 and 1-for-25, to be determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and effected, if at all, on or before May 2, 2017;

 

FOR authorizing, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the approvalpotential issuance in excess of an amendment to the Certificate20% of Incorporation of the Company to increase the authorized number ofour outstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock;

 

FOR authorizing, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the ratificationpotential issuance in excess of 20% of our independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum LLP, foroutstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015;maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 10% below the market price of our common stock; and

 

FOR authorizing an amendment to the approval, on a nonbinding advisory basis,2010 Planto increase the number of the compensation of the Company’s executive officers.shares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000.

 

Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials this year instead of a full set of proxy materials?

Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC, the Company has elected to provide access to its proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, the Company is sending the Notice to the Company’s stockholders of record and beneficial owners. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice. In addition, stockholders may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an ongoing basis. The Company encourages you to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials on the Internet.

What does it mean if I receive more than oneNotice?

You may have multiple accounts at the transfer agent and/or with brokerage firms. Please follow directions on each Notice to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

How can I get electronic access to the proxy materials?

The Notice will provide you with instructions regarding how to:

view the Company’s proxy materials for the annual meeting on the Internet;

request hard copies of the materials; and

instruct the Company to send future proxy materials to you electronically by email.

Choosing to receive future proxy materials by email will save the Company the cost of printing and mailing documents to you and will reduce the impact of the Company’s annual meetings on the environment. If you choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email message next year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy voting website. Your election to receive proxy materials by email will remain in effect until you terminate it.


Who can vote at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting of stockholders?

 

There were 66,759,470[66,810,149] shares of common stock outstanding and 39[37] stockholders of record on June 25, 2015.[*], 2016. Beneficial owners hold their shares at brokerage firms and other financial institutions. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 25, 2015[*], 2016 are entitled to receive notice of, to attend, and to vote at the annual meeting.Special Meeting. Each share is entitled to one vote. All shares of common stock shall vote together as a single class. Information about the stockholdings of our directors and executive officers is contained in the section of this proxy statement entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

 


What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a beneficial owner of shares held in street name?name?

 

Most of our stockholders hold their shares in an account at a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder, rather than holding share certificates in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially in street name.

 

Stockholder of Record

 

If on June 25, 2015,[*], 2016 your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered a stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and the Notice wasproxy materials, including a proxy card, were sent directly to you by the Company. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you will receive a proxy card. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to direct the voting of your shares by returning the proxy card to us. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting,Special Meeting, if you do not vote over the Internet, please complete, date, sign and return a proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted.

 

Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name

 

If on June 25, 2015,[*], 2016 your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other nominee holder, then you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” and the Notice wasproxy materials, including a voter instruction form, were forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the annual meeting.Special Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct that organization on how to vote the shares held in your account. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting unless you receive a valid proxy from the organization. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you will receive a voter instruction form.

 

How doDo I vote?Vote?

 

StockholdersStockholders of Record. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by any of the following methods:

 

Via the Internet. You may vote by proxy via the Internet by following the instructions provided in the Notice.proxy materials.

By Telephone. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, youYou may vote by calling the toll free number found on the proxy card.

By Mail. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, youYou may vote by completing, signing, dating and returning your proxy card in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided.

In Person.You may attend and vote at the annual meeting.Special Meeting. The Company will give you a ballot when you arrive.


  

Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares with specific voting instructions, under the rules of various national and regional securities exchanges, the organization that holds your shares may generally vote on routine matters, such as Proposals No. 2 and No. 3 but cannot vote on non-routine matters such as Proposals No.1No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No.4.No. 4. If the organization that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on a non-routine matter, the organization that holds your shares will inform the inspector of election that it does not have the authority to vote on this matter with respect to your shares. This is generally referred to as a “broker non-vote.”

 

If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you may vote by any of the following methods:

 

Via the Internet. You may vote by proxy via the Internet by following the instructions provided in the Notice.proxy materials.

By Telephone. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, youYou may vote by proxy by calling the toll free number found on the voter instruction form.

By Mail. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, youYou may vote by proxy by filling out the voter instruction form and returning it in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided.

In Person.If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and you wish to vote in person at the annual meeting,Special Meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from the organization that holds your shares.

 


 

What if I change my mind after Ihave voted?voted?

 

You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the annual meeting.Special Meeting. You may vote again on a later date via the Internet or by telephone (only your latest Internet or telephone proxy submitted prior to the annual meetingSpecial Meeting will be counted), by signing and returning a new proxy card or a voter instruction form with a later date, or by attending the annual meetingSpecial Meeting and voting in person. However, your attendance at the meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy unless you vote again at the meeting or specifically request that your prior proxy be revoked by delivering to the Company’s Secretary at 88 Silva Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 a written notice of revocation prior to the annual meeting.Special Meeting.

 

Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by an organization, you must instruct them that you wish to change your vote by following the procedures on the voter instruction form provided to you by the organization. If your shares are held in street name, and you wish to attend the annual meetingSpecial Meeting and vote at the annual meeting,Special Meeting, you must bring to the annual meetingSpecial Meeting a legal proxy from the organization holding your shares, confirming your beneficial ownership of the shares and giving you the right to vote your shares.

 

How are proxies voted?

 

All valid proxies received prior to the annual meetingSpecial Meeting will be voted. All shares represented by a proxy will be voted and, where a stockholder specifies by means of the proxy a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the shares will be voted in accordance with the stockholder’s instructions.

 

What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?

 

StockholdersStockholders of Record. If you are a stockholder of record and you:

 

indicate when voting on the Internet or by telephone that you wish to vote as recommended by the Board of Directors, or

sign and return a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions,


 

then the proxy holders will vote your shares in the manner recommended by the Board of Directors on all matters presented in this proxy statement and as the proxy holders may determine in their discretion with respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote at the annual meeting.Special Meeting.

  

Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name.If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares with specific voting instructions, under the rules of various national and regional securities exchanges, the organization that holds your shares may generally vote on routine matters, such asbut cannot vote on non-routine matters, which includes (i)the proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increaseeffect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a specific ratio, within a range of 1-for-5 and 1-for-25, to be determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and effected, if at all, on or before May 2, 2017 (Proposal No. 1); (ii) the authorized numberauthorization, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), of the potential issuance in excess of 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock (Proposal No. 2) and (ii)or a discount of 10% below the ratificationmarket price of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015our common stock (Proposal No. 3), but cannot vote on non-routine matters, which include (i); and (iii) the electionauthorization of directorsan amendment to the 2010 Planto increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000 (Proposal No. 1) and (ii) the advisory4) are all considered a “non-routine” matter. Accordingly, brokers are not entitled to vote on the compensation of the Company’s executive officers (Proposaluninstructed shares with respect to Proposals No.1, No. 4).2, No. 3 or No. 4.

 


Do I havedissenters’right dissenters’ right ofappraisal? appraisal?

 

Holders of shares of our common stock do not have appraisal rights under Delaware Law or under the governing documents of the Company.Company in connection with any of the proposals.

 

How many votes are required to elect the nominated persons toapproveourBoard ofDirectorsProposal No. 1?

 

The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote in the election are required to elect each director. This means that the nominees who receive the most votes will be elected to the open director positions, to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

How many votes are required toapproveour amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock?

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding on June 25, 2015,[*], 2016, the record date, are required to approve an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized numbereffect a reverse stock split of shares ofour common stock as set forthat a specific ratio, within a range of 1-for-5 and 1-for-25 shares, to be determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and effected, if at all, on the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation included with this proxy statement asExhibit A.or before May 2, 2017.

 

How many votes are required to approve Proposalratify our independent public accountantsNo. 2?

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote are required to ratify Marcum LLP asauthorize, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the potential issuance in excess of 20% of our independent registered public accounting firm foroutstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock.

 

How many votes are required to approve Proposalapprove the advisory vote on executive compensationNo. 3?

 

Although the results are non-binding, theThe affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote are required to authorize, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the potential issuance in excess of 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 10% below the market price of our common stock.

How many votes are required to approve Proposal No. 4?

The affirmative vote of a majority of the advisoryvotes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote on executive compensation.are required to authorize an amendment to the 2010 Planto increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000.

 

Is my vote kept confidential?

 

Proxy instructions, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual stockholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your vote will not be disclosed either within the Company or to third parties, except:

 

as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements;

to allow for the tabulation and certification of votes; and

to facilitate a successful proxy solicitation.


 

Occasionally, stockholders provide written comments on their proxy cards, which may be forwarded to the Company’s management and the Board of Directors.

  

Do any of the Company’s officers and directors have any interest in matters to be acted upon?

 

The members of our board of directors and our executive officers do not have any interest in any proposal that is not shared by all other stockholders of the Company other than Proposal No. 1, the election toexcept that members of our board of the five nominees set forth hereindirectors and Proposal No. 4, the approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers.officers are entitled to participate in our 2010 Plan.


 

Where do I find the voting results of the annual meeting?Special Meeting?

 

We will announce voting results at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting and also in our Current Report on Form 8-K, which we anticipate filing by August 27, 2015.within four (4) days of the Special Meeting.

 

Who can help answer my questions?

 

You can contact our corporate headquarters at Towerstream Corporation, 88 Silva Lane, Middletown, RI 02842, by phone at 401-848-5848 or by sending a letter to Joseph P. Hernon, our Secretary, with any questions about any proposal described in this proxy statement or how to execute your vote.

 


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of June 25, 2015[*], 2016 by:

 

each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock (based solely on our review of SEC filings);

each of our directors;

each of our named executive officers listed in the section entitled “Summary Compensation Table” under Executive Compensation; and

all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

The percentages of common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of, with respect to the security. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, each beneficial owner named in the table below has sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned and each person’s address is c/o Towerstream Corporation, 88 Silva Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, unless otherwise indicated. As of June 25, 2015,[*], 2016 there were 66,759,470[66,810,149] shares of our common stock outstanding.

  

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner 

Amount and Nature

of Beneficial Ownership(1)

 Percent of Class(1) 

Amount and Nature

of Beneficial Ownership(1)

 

Percent

of Class

(1)

 
   

5% Stockholders:

     

 

 

 

 

 

Melody Capital Partners, LP (2)

  

3,600,000(3)

5.1%

 

3,600,000(3)

 

 

[5.4]%

 

717 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor

     

 

 

 

 

 

New York, NY 10022

     

 

 

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

 

Columbia Acorn Fund (4)

  

4,000,000

6.0%

227 West Monroe Street

    

Suite 3000

    

Chicago, IL 60606

    

Steven D. Lebowitz (4)

 5,856,338

 

 

 [8.8]%

 

439 N. Bedford Drive

      

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

      
      

Deborah P. Lebowitz (5)

 5,456,338

 

 

 [8.2]%

 

439 N. Bedford Drive

 

 

 

   

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

    

 

 
      

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

     

 

 

 

 

 

Philip Urso

  

1,570,401(5)

2.3%

 

1,754,268

(6)

 

[2.6%]

 

William J. Bush

  

311,114(6)

*

 

352,781

(7)

 

*

 

Howard L. Haronian, M.D.

  

1,347,568(7)

2.0%

 

1,409,235

(8)

 

[2.1%]

 

Paul Koehler

  

274,006(8)

*

 

325,673

(9)

 

*

 

Jeffrey M. Thompson

  

2,409,523(9)

3.6%

Joseph P. Hernon

  

395,513(10)

*

 510,398

(10)

 

*

 
Arthur G. Giftakis 247,558(11) * 

All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons)

  

6,308,125(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)

9.4%

 

4,599,913

(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) 

 

[6.7%]

 

 

* Less than 1%.


 

(1)

Shares of common stock beneficially owned and the respective percentages of beneficial ownership of common stock assumes the exercise of all options, warrants and other securities convertible into common stock beneficially owned by such person or entity currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2015.[*], 2016. Shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding and held by the holder of such options or warrants for computing the percentage of outstanding common stock beneficially owned by such person, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of outstanding common stock beneficially owned by any other person.


 

(2)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on October 27, 2014 and information provided by Melody Capital Partners LP (“Melody”). Melody, as the investment manager of Melody Special Situations Offshore Credit Mini-Master Fund, L.P. (“Special Situations”), Melody Capital Partners Offshore Credit Mini-Master Fund, L.P. (“Capital Partners Offshore”), Melody Capital Partners Onshore Credit Fund, L.P. (“Capital Partners Onshore”) and Melody Capital Partners FDB Fund (“Capital Partners FDB”) has the shared power to vote and dispose of the securities of the Company held by each such fund. Melody Capital Advisors, LLC, as the general partner of Melody, has the shared power to vote and dispose of securities of the Company beneficially held by Melody.

 

(3)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on October 27, 2014 and information provided by Melody. Represents (i) 602,077 shares of common stock underlying warrants with an exercise price of $0.01 per share (the “A Warrants”) held by Special Situations and 1,204,154 shares of common stock underlying warrants with an exercise price of $1.26 per share (the “B Warrants”) held by Special Situations, (ii) 227,188 shares of common stock underlying A Warrants held by Capital Partners Offshore and 454,375 shares of common stock underlying B Warrants held by Capital Partners Offshore, (iii) 224,708 shares of common stock underlying A Warrants held by Capital Partners Onshore and 449,416 shares of common stock underlying B Warrants held by Capital Partners Onshore, and (iv) 146,027 shares of common stock underlying A Warrants held by Capital Partners FDB and 292,255 shares of common stock underlying B Warrants held by Capital Partners FDB.

(4)

Based on a Schedule 13G/A13G filed withby the SECreporting person on February 11, 2015. Columbia Acorn Fund is a business trust managed16, 2016. Includes shares of common stock beneficially owned by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC (“CWAM”). AsThe Lebowitz Family LL, Deborah P. Lebowitz, the investment advisor of Columbia Acorn Fund, CWAM may be deemed to beneficially ownSteven & Deborah Lebowitz Foundation and the shares reported by Columbia Acorn Fund.Lebowitz Family Trust-1986, dated October 7, 1986, as amended.

 

(5)

Based on a Schedule 13G filed by the reporting person on February 16, 2016. Includes 208,958shares of common stock beneficially owned by The Steven & Deborah Lebowitz Foundation and the Lebowitz Family Trust-1986, dated October 7, 1986, as amended.

(6)

Includes 375,625 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Excludes 103,886 shares of common stock held in a trust for the benefit of Mr. Urso’s minor children, of which Mr. Urso is not a trustee. Mr. Urso disclaims beneficial ownership of the 103,886 shares held in trust.

(6)(7)

Includes 270,833312,500 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. The remaining 40,281 shares are held in trust for the benefit of the Bush family.  Mr. Bush is a trustee of this trust and disclaims beneficial ownership of such 40,281 shares.

 

(7)(8)

Includes 10,000 shares of common stock held by Dr. Haronian’s wife, for which Dr. Haronian has an indirect interest in, and 283,372325,039 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

 

(8)

Includes 268,333 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(9)

Includes 371,480 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(10)

Includes 310,557310,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

  

(10)

Includes 425,442 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(11)

Includes 246,558 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. 

 

 

PROPOSALNO.1 — ELECTION OFDIRECTORS

 

Information about the NomineesGRANT OF DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TO IMPLEMENTA REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

 

Our By-laws currently specify thatBoard of Directors has unanimously adopted resolutions approving a proposal to amend the numberCertificate of directors shallIncorporation to effect a reverse stock split (“Reverse Split”) of all our outstanding shares of common stock, at a ratio to be at least one and no more than 15 persons, unless otherwise determined by a vote of the majority of the Board of Directors (the “Board”). Our Board currently consistsin its sole discretion, but in all cases within a range of five persons1-for-5 and all of them have been nominated1-for-25 shares, and publicly announced by the Company to stand for re-election. Each director is elected or nominatedat least ten days prior to the effectiveness of the amendment. If this proposal is approved, the Board untilof Directors may decide not to effect a Reverse Split. The Board of Directors does not currently intend to seek reapproval of a Reverse Split for any delay in implementing a Reverse Split unless twelve months has passed from the following annual meetingdate of stockholdersthe Meeting (the “Authorized Period”). If the Board of Directors determines to implement a Reverse Split, it will become effective upon filing the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later date specified therein. The Board's determination of when, if at all, or at what ratio to effect the split within the range described above will be based upon many factors, including existing and until his successor has been electedexpected marketability and qualifiedliquidity of our common stock, prevailing market trends and conditions, the listing requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, and the likely effect of a Reverse Split on the market price of our common stock.

The text of the proposed amendment of our Certificate of Incorporation to effect a Reverse Split is included asAppendix A to this Proxy Statement.

Purpose of a Reverse Split

On November 24, 2015, the NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) notified the Company that it was not in compliance with the minimum bid price rule of NASDAQ, which requires the bid price of the Company’s common stock to be at least $1.00 per share. The Company was granted an initial six month period, or until May 23, 2016, 2016 to regain compliance with the director’s earlier resignation or removal.minimum bid price rule, unless it was able to obtain an extension of the deadline to regain compliance. The Company can regain compliance if, at any time before May 23, 2016 the closing bid price of shares of the Company’s common stock is at least $1 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days.

 

The following table shows for each nominee his age, his principal occupation for at leastprimary purpose of a Reverse Split would be to increase the market price of our common stock so that we can meet the minimum bid price rule requirements of NASDAQ. As of [*], 2016 the last five years, his present positionreported closing price of the Company’s common stock was $0.[*]. A delisting of the Company's common stock may materially and adversely affect a holder's ability to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value, of, the common stock. In addition, any delisting may cause the common stock to be subject to "penny stock" regulations promulgated by the SEC. Under such regulations, broker-dealers are required to, among other things, comply with disclosure and special suitability determinations prior to the sale of shares of common stock. If the Company’s common stock becomes subject to these regulations, the market price of the common stock and the liquidity thereof could be materially and adversely affected. Reducing the number of outstanding shares of our common stock should, absent other factors, increase the per share market price of our common stock, although we cannot provide any assurance that our minimum bid price would remain above the minimum bid price requirement of NASDAQ. Accordingly, we believe that approval of a Reverse Split is in the Company’s and our stockholders’ best interests.


In addition to increasing the market price of our common stock so that we can meet the minimum bid price rule requirements of NASDAQ, we believe that a Reverse Split could enhance the appeal of the common stock to the financial community, including institutional investors, and the general investing public. We believe that a number of institutional investors and investment funds are reluctant to invest in lower-priced securities and that brokerage firms may be reluctant to recommend lower-priced stock to their clients, which may be due in part to a perception that lower-priced securities are less promising as investments, are less liquid in the event that an investor wishes to sell its shares, or are less likely to be followed by institutional securities research firms and therefore to have less third-party analysis of the Company available to investors. In addition, certain institutional investors or investment funds may be prohibited from buying stocks whose price is below a certain threshold. We believe that the reduction in the number of issued and outstanding shares of the common stock caused by a Reverse Split, together with the Company,anticipated increased stock price immediately following and resulting from a Reverse Split, may encourage interest and trading in our common stock and thus possibly promote greater liquidity for our stockholders, thereby resulting in a broader market for the yearcommon stock than that which currently exists.

Reducing the number of outstanding shares of our common stock through a Reverse Split is intended, absent other factors, to increase the per share market price of our common stock. However, other factors, such as our financial results, market conditions and the market perception of our business, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, there can be no assurance that a Reverse Split, if completed, will result in which he was first electedthe intended benefits described above, that the market price of our common stock will increase following a Reverse Split or appointed as director (each serving continuously since first elected or appointed), and his directorships with other companies whose securities are registeredthat the market price of our common stock will not decrease in the future. Additionally, we cannot assure you that the market price per share of our common stock after a Reverse Split will increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before such Reverse Split. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock after a Reverse Split may be lower than the total market capitalization before a Reverse Split.

We cannot be sure that our share price will comply with the SEC.requirements for continued listing of our shares of common stock on NASDAQ in the future or that we will comply with the other continued listing requirements. If our shares of common stock lose their status on NASDAQ, we believe that our shares of common stock would likely be eligible to be quoted on an inter-dealer electronic quotation and trading system operated by OTC Markets Group. These markets are generally considered to be less efficient than, and not as broad as, NASDAQ. Selling our shares of common stock on these markets could be more difficult because smaller quantities of shares would likely be bought and sold, and transactions could be delayed. In addition, in the event that our shares of common stock are delisted, broker-dealers have certain regulatory burdens imposed upon them, which may discourage them from effecting transactions in our common stock, further limiting the liquidity of our common stock. These factors could result in lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for our common stock.

A delisting from NASDAQ and continued or further declines in our share price could also greatly impair our ability to raise additional necessary capital through equity or debt financing, and could significantly increase the ownership dilution to stockholders caused by our issuing equity in financing or other transactions.

There are risks associated with a Reverse Split, including that a Reverse Split may not result in a sustained increase in the per share price of our common stock.

We cannot predict whether a Reverse Split will increase the market price for our common stock on a sustained basis. The history of similar stock split combinations for companies in like circumstances is varied. There is no assurance that:

 

Name

Agethe market price per share of our common stock after a Reverse Split will rise in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before a Reverse Split;

Positiona Reverse Split will result in a per share price that will attract brokers and investors who do not trade in lower priced stocks; and

Jeffrey M. Thompson

51

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Philip Urso

56

Chairmanthe market price per share will either exceed or remain in excess of the Board$1.00 minimum bid price as required by NASDAQ, or that we will otherwise meet the requirements of DirectorsNASDAQ for continued inclusion for trading on NASDAQ.

Howard L. Haronian, M.D.(1)(2)(3)

53

Director

Paul Koehler(1)(3)

56

Director

William J. Bush(1)(2)

50

Director

(1) Member of our Audit Committee.

(2) Member of our Compensation Committee.

(3) Member of our Nominating Committee.

 

The biographies below include information relatedmarket price of our common stock will also be based on our performance and other factors, some of which are unrelated to servicethe number of shares outstanding. If a Reverse Split is effected and the market price of our common stock declines, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of a Reverse Split. Furthermore, the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected by the persons below to Towerstream Corporation and our subsidiary, Towerstream I, Inc. On January 4, 2007, we merged with and intoreduced number of shares that would be outstanding after a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary for the sole purpose of changing our state of incorporation to Delaware. On January 12, 2007, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours completed a reverse merger with and into a private company, Towerstream Corporation, with Towerstream Corporation (the private company) being the surviving company and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. Upon closing of the merger, we discontinued our former business and succeeded to the business of Towerstream Corporation as our sole line of business. At the same time, we also changed our name to Towerstream Corporation and, our newly acquired subsidiary, Towerstream Corporation, changed its name to Towerstream I, Inc.

Jeffrey M. Thompsonco-founded Towerstream I, Inc. in December 1999 with Philip Urso. Mr. Thompson has served as a director since inception and as chief operating officer from inception until November 2005 when Mr. Thompson became president and chief executive officer. Since becoming a public entity in January 2007, Mr. Thompson has been our president, chief executive officer and a director. In 1995, Mr. Thompson co-founded and was vice president of operations of EdgeNet Inc., a privately held Internet service provider (which was sold to Citadel Broadcasting Corporation in 1997 and became eFortress (“eFortress”)) through 1999. Mr. Thompson holds a B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts. Mr. Thompson was appointed to the Board due to his significant experience in the wireless broadband industry, his familiarity with the Company, as well as his extensive business management expertise.

Philip Urso co-founded Towerstream I, Inc. in December 1999 with Jeffrey M. Thompson. Mr. Urso has served as a director and chairman since inception and as chief executive officer from inception until November 2005. Since becoming a public entity in January 2007, Mr. Urso has been our chairman and a director. In 1995, Mr. Urso co-founded eFortress and served as its president through 1999. From 1983 until 1997, Mr. Urso owned and operated a group of radio stations. In addition, Mr. Urso co-founded the regional cell-tower company, MCF Communications, Inc. Mr. Urso was appointed to the Board due to his significant experience in the wireless broadband and tower industries, his familiarity with the Company, as well as his extensive business management expertise.Reverse Split.

 

 

 

Howard L. Haronian, M.D.,has served asBoard Discretion to Implement a director of Towerstream I, Inc. since inception in December 1999. Since becoming a public entity in January 2007, Dr. Haronian has been a director. Dr. Haronian is an interventional cardiologist and has been president of Cardiology Specialists, Ltd. of Rhode Island since 1994. Dr. Haronian has served on the clinical faculty of the Yale School of Medicine since 1994. Dr. Haronian graduated from the Yale School of Management Program for Physicians in 1999. Dr. Haronian has directed the Cardiac Catheterization program at The Westerly Hospital since founding the program in 2003. Dr. Haronian was appointed to the Board due to his extensive knowledge of the Company’s operations since its founding and his executive level experience at other organizations.Reverse Split

 

Paul Koehlerhas over 25 yearsIf this proposal is approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Board will have the authority, in its sole determination without any further action necessary by the stockholders, to effect one or more Reverse Splits during the Authorized Period within the range set forth above, as determined by the Board. The Board may, in its sole determination, choose to not effect a Reverse Split. The Board believes that granting this discretionary authority provides the Board with maximum flexibility to react to prevailing market conditions and future changes to the market price of business experienceour common stock, and therefore better enables it to act in ethanol and renewable electricity industries. At Pacific Ethanol Mr. Koehler has led the grain and co-product division since 2011 and corporate development since joining the company in 2005. Prior to joining Pacific Ethanol, he served as Director of Business Development for PPM Energy, Inc., leading PPM's efforts to develop and acquire several wind power projects. Mr. Koehler was also a co-founder of ReEnergy, onebest interests of the companies acquired by Pacific Ethanol. Paul also has worked for Portland General Electric and Enron in electricity trading, marketing, and commodity risk management. Mr. Koehler has a BA from the Honors College at the University of Oregon.

William J. Bush has been a director since January 2007. Since January 2010, Mr. Bush has served as the chief financial officer of Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., which is one of the nation’s leading financiers, designers and installers of commercial and government grid-connected solar electric power systems. From October 2008 to December 2009, Mr. Bush served as the chief financial officer of Solar Semiconductor, Ltd., a private vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of quality photovoltaic modules and systems targeted for use in industrial, commercial and residential applications with operations in India helping it reach $100 million in sales inCompany. In exercising its first 15 months of operation. Prior to that, Mr. Bush served as chief financial officer and corporate controller for a number of high growth software and online media companies as well as being one of the founding members of Buzzsaw.com, Inc., a spinoff of Autodesk, Inc. Prior to his work at Buzzsaw.com, Mr. Bush served as corporate controller for Autodesk, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ADSK), the fourth largest software applications company in the world. His prior experience includes seven years in public accounting with Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Bush holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from U.C. Berkeley and is a certified public accountant. Mr. Bush was appointed todiscretion, the Board because he has significant experience in finance.

Directorships

Except as otherwise reported above, none of our directors held directorships in other reporting companies or registered investment companies at any time duringmay consider the past five years.

Family Relationships

Except for Howard L. Haronian, M.D. and Philip Urso, who are cousins, there are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

To our knowledge, during the last ten years, none of our directors and executive officers (including those of our subsidiaries) has:following factors:

   

 

Had a bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time ofratio that would result in the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time.greatest overall reduction in administrative costs;

 

Been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violationsthe historical trading price and other minor offenses.trading volume of the Company’s common stock;

 

Been subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated,the then-prevailing trading price and trading volume of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities.


Been found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law,Company’s common stock and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated.anticipated impact of a Reverse Split on the trading market for the Company’s common stock; and

 

Been the subject to, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity, or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.  prevailing general market and economic conditions.

 

      There are no material proceedings to which any director, officer or affiliate, any ownerAt the close of record or beneficiallybusiness on [*], 2016 the Company had [66,810,149] shares of more than five percentcommon stock issued and outstanding. For illustrative purposes only, assuming a 1-for-15 ratio, the Company would have approximately [4,454,009] shares of any class of our voting securities, or any associate of any such director, officer, affiliate, or security holder is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adversecommon stock issued and outstanding (without giving effect to the Company.treatment of fractional shares) following a Reverse Split. The actual number of shares of common stock outstanding after giving effect to a Reverse Split will depend on the ratio that is ultimately selected by the Board, and the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the time a Reverse Split is effected. The Company does not expect a Reverse Split to have any economic effect on stockholders, warrant holders, debt holders or holders of options, except to the extent a Reverse Split results in fractional shares as discussed below.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceProcedure for Effecting a Reverse Split

 

If the Board decides to implement a Reverse Split, the Board will chose the specific ratio, within a range of 1-for-5 and 1-for-25. We will file a Certificate of Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, substantially in the form attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A, with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect a Reverse Split. A Reverse Split would become effective at such time as the Certificate of Amendment is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later time as is specified therein. No further action on the part of the Company’s stockholders would be required and all shares of our common stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto would automatically be converted into new shares of our common stock based on a Reverse Split exchange ratio chosen by the Board. As soon as practicable after the effective date of a Reverse Split, stockholders of record on the record date for the implemented Reverse Split would receive a letter from our transfer agent asking them to return the outstanding certificates representing our pre-split shares, which would be cancelled upon receipt by our transfer agent, and new certificates representing the post-split shares of our common stock would be sent to each of our stockholders. We will bear the costs of the issuance of the new stock certificates.

Effects of a Reverse Split

If a Reverse Split is approved and implemented by the Board, the principal effect will be to proportionately decrease the number of outstanding shares of common stock based on the ratio selected by the Board. The shares of common stock are currently registered under Section 16(a)12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) requires our executive officers, and directors,the Company is thus subject to the periodic reporting and persons who beneficially own more than 10%other requirements of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changesthe Exchange Act in ownership with the SEC. Based solely on our review of copies of such reports and representations from our executive officers and directors, we believe that our executive officers and directors complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements duringUnited States. A Reverse Split will not affect the year ended December 31, 2014, except that Jeffrey M. Thompson, our Chief Executive Officer, failed by one day to timely file a Form 4 reporting the sale of common stock on September 23, 2014 and failed to timely file a Form 4 for the grant of stock options to purchase sharesregistration of our common stock in July and September 2014, and Joseph P. Hernon, our Chief Financial Officer, failed to timely filewith the SEC or NASDAQ, where the common stock is quoted. Following a Form 4 for the conversion of a portion of his options in June 2014 and the grant of stock options to purchase shares ofReverse Split, our common stock in July and September 2014.

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

Currently, the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board are held by two different individuals. Jeffrey M. Thompson currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board and Philip Urso serves as Chairman of the Board. Although no formal policy currently exists, the Board determined that the separation of these positions would allow Mr. Thompsoncontinue to devote his time to the daily execution ofbe listed on NASDAQ, assuming the Company’s business strategies and Mr. Urso to devote his time to the long-term strategic direction of the Company.

Our Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes on behalf of our Board. The Audit Committee receives and reviews periodic reports from management, auditors, legal counsel, and others, as considered appropriate regarding our Company’s assessment of risks. In addition, the Audit Committee reports regularly to the full Board which also considers our risk profile. The Audit Committee and the full Board focus on the most significant risks facing our Company and our Company’s general risk management strategy, and also ensure that risks undertaken by our Company are consistentcompliance with the Board’s tolerance for risk. Whileother continued listing standards of NASDAQ, although the Board oversees our Company’s risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most effective approach to address the risks facing our Company.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Related parties can include any of our directors or executive officers, certain of our stockholders and their immediate family members. Each year, we prepare and require our directors and executive officers to complete Director and Officer Questionnaires identifying any transactions with us in which the officer or director or their family members have an interest. This helps us identify potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, in any way with the interests of the Company asshares will receive a whole. Our code of ethics and business conduct requires all directors, officers and employees who may have a potential or apparent conflict of interest to immediately notify our Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is responsible for considering and reporting to the Board any questions of possible conflicts of interest of Board members. Our code of ethics and business conduct further requires pre-clearance before any employee, officer or director engages in any personal or business activity that may raise concerns about conflict, potential conflict or apparent conflict of interest. Copies of our code of ethics and business conduct and the Audit Committee charter are posted on the corporate governance section of our website atwww.towerstream.com.new CUSIP number.

 

 

 

At no time duringProportionate voting rights and other rights of the last fiscal year has any executive officer, director or any memberholders of these individuals’ immediate families, any corporation or organization with whom anyshares of these individuals is an affiliate or any trust or estate in which any of these individuals servesthe Company’s common stock will not be affected by a Reverse Split, other than as a trustee orresult of the treatment of fractional shares as described below. For example, a holder of 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares immediately prior to the effectiveness of a Reverse Split will generally continue to hold 2% of the voting power of the outstanding common stock after a Reverse Split. The number of stockholders of record will not be affected by a Reverse Split, other than as a result of the treatment of fractional shares as described below. If approved and implemented, a Reverse Split may result in a similar capacity or has a substantial beneficial interest been indebtedsome stockholders owning "odd lots" of less than 100 shares. Odd lot shares may be more difficult to sell, and brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd lots are generally somewhat higher than the costs of transactions in "round lots" of even multiples of 100 shares. The Board believes, however, that these potential effects are outweighed by the benefits to the Company or was involved in any transaction in which the amount exceeded $120,000 and such person hadof a direct or indirect material interest.Reverse Split.

 

In evaluating related party transactionsThe table below illustrates the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance following the Reverse Split, the approximate number of shares of common stock that would remain outstanding following the Reverse Split, the approximate number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance upon exercise of outstanding options and potential conflictswarrants following the Reverse Split, and the number of interest, our Chief Financial Officer and/or Chairmanunreserved shares of common stock available for future issuance following the Audit Committee apply the same standards of good faith and fiduciary duty they apply to their general responsibilities. They will approve a related party transaction only when, in their good faith judgment, the transaction isReverse Split. The information in the best interestfollowing table is based on [66,810,149] shares of the Company.common stock issued and outstanding as of [*], 2016 and [11,584,173] shares reserved for future issuance as of [*], 2016.

 

Director Independence

We believe that each of William J. Bush, Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and Paul Koehler are independent directors, as provided in NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).

Proposed Ratio

Number of

Common Shares 

Authorized

Approximate

Number of

Common Shares

Outstanding 

Approximate

Number of

Common Shares

Reserved for

Future Issuance

Approximate

Number of

Unreserved

Common Shares

Available for

Future Issuance

1-for-1

200,000,000

66,810,14911,584,173121,605,678
1-for-5200,000,00013,362,0302,316,835184,321,136

1-for-10

200,000,000

6,681,0151,158,417192,160,568

1-for-15

200,000,000

4,454,010772,278194,773,712

1-for-20

200,000,000

3,340,507579,209196,080,284

1-for-25

200,000,000

2,672,406463,367196,864,227

 

 

RecommendationAs reflected in the table above, the number of authorized shares of our common stock will not be reduced by the Reverse Split. Accordingly, the Reverse Split will have the effect of creating additional unissued and unreserved shares of our common stock. We have no current arrangements or understandings providing for the issuance of any of the additional authorized and unreserved shares of our common stock that would be available as a result of the proposed Reverse Split. However, these additional shares may be used by us for various purposes in the future without further stockholder approval (subject to applicable NASDAQ marketplace rules), including, among other things: (i) raising capital necessary to fund our future operations, (ii) providing equity incentives to our employees, officers, directors and consultants, (iii) entering into collaborations and other strategic relationships and (iv) expanding our business through the acquisition of other businesses or products.

 

THEEffect of the Reverse Stock Split on the Company’sBOARD2007 Equity Compensation Plan, 2007 Incentive Stock Plan, 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan OF,DIRECTORS2010 Plan RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF,ITS NOMINEES.Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Units, Warrants, and Convertible or Exchangeable Securities

 

Board Committees

Since January 2007,Based upon the standing committees of our Board consist of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee. Each member of our committees is “independent” as such term is defined under and requiredsplit ratio determined by the federal securities lawsBoard, proportionate adjustments are generally required to be made to the per share exercise price and the rulesnumber of shares issuable upon the NASDAQ Stock Market.exercise or conversion of all outstanding options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities entitling the holders to purchase, exchange for, or convert into, shares of common stock. This would result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid under such options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities upon exercise, and approximately the same value of shares of common stock being delivered upon such exercise, exchange or conversion, immediately following a Reverse Split as was the case immediately preceding such split. The chartersnumber of eachshares deliverable upon settlement or vesting of the committees have been approved by our Board and are available on our website at www.towerstream.com.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is comprised of three directors: William J. Bush, Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and Paul Koehler. Mr. Bush is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s duties include recommendingrestricted stock awards will be similarly adjusted, subject to our treatment of fractional shares. The number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to these securities will be proportionately based upon the ratio determined by the Board, the engagementsubject to our treatment of independent auditors to audit our financial statements and to review our accounting and auditing principles. The Audit Committee reviews the scope, timing and fees for the annual audit and the results of audit examinations performed by independent public accountants, including their recommendations to improve our system of accounting and our internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee oversees the independent auditors, including their independence and objectivity. However, the committee members are not acting as professional accountants or auditors, and their functions are not intended to duplicate or substitute for the activities of management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee is empowered to retain independent legal counsel and other advisors as it deems necessary or appropriate to assist the Audit Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities, and to approve the fees and other retention terms of the advisors. Each of our Audit Committee members possesses an understanding of financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles. The Board has determined that Mr. Bush is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d) (5) (ii) of Regulation S-K. The designation of Mr. Bush as an “audit committee financial expert” will not impose on him any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than those that are generally imposed on him as a member of our Audit Committee and Board, and his designation as an “audit committee financial expert” will not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of our Audit Committee or Board.fractional shares.

 

 

 

Compensation CommitteeAccounting Matters

 

The Compensation Committee is comprised of two directors: Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and William J. Bush. Dr. Haronian is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has certain duties and powers as described in its charter, including but not limited to periodically reviewing and approving our salary and benefits policies, compensation of executive officers, administering our stock option plans and recommending and approving grants of stock options under such plans.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of our Compensation Committee is an officer or employee of our Company. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board or Compensation Committee.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is comprised of two directors: Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and Paul Koehler. Dr. Haronian is Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee considers and makes recommendations on matters relatedamendment to the practices, policies and proceduresCompany’s Certificate of Incorporation will not affect the Board and takes a leadership role in shaping our corporate governance. As part of its duties, the Nominating Committee assesses the size, structure and composition of the Board and its committees, and coordinates the evaluation of Board performance. The Nominating Committee also acts as a screening and nominating committee for candidates considered for election to the Board.

Director Nominations

Part of our Nominating Committee’s duties is to screen and nominate candidates considered for election to our Board. In this capacity, it concerns itself with the composition of the Board with respect to depth of experience, balance of professional interests, required expertise and other factors. The Nominating Committee evaluates prospective nominees identified on its own initiative or referred to it by other Board members, management, stockholders or external sources and all self-nominated candidates. The Nominating Committee uses the same criteria for evaluating candidates nominated by stockholders and self-nominated candidates as it does for those proposed by other Board members, management and search companies.

The Nominating Committee values diversity as a factor in selecting individuals nominated to serve on the Board. Although the Board prefers a mix of backgrounds and experience among its members, it does not follow any ratio or formula to determine the appropriate mix, nor is there any specific policy on diversity. The Nominating Committee uses its judgment to identify nominees whose backgrounds, attributes and experiences, taken as a whole, will contribute to a high standard of service for the Board.

Meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Board held 11 meetings and acted by written consent on one occasion, the Audit Committee held four meetings, the Compensation Committee held five meetings and acted by written consent on one occasion, and the Nominating Committee held one meeting. Each incumbent director attended or participated in all of the meetings of the Board and the Committees on which he served during the fiscal year.

Policy Regarding Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders

Our Board has adopted a policy which states that each director is expected to attend annual meetings of its stockholders. Last year, all of our directors attended the annual meeting of stockholders. We expect that all of our directors will attend this year’s annual meeting.


Director Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the compensation awarded during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 to our directors who are not named executive officers in the summary compensation table below:

Name

 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash

 

Option Awards (1)(2)

 

Total

Philip Urso

 

$ 60,000

 

$ 42,159

 

$ 102,159

Howard L. Haronian, M.D.

 

$ 55,000

 

$ 42,159

 

$ 97,159

Paul Koehler

 

  $ 50,000 

 

$ 42,159

 

$ 92,159

William J. Bush

 

$ 55,000

 

$ 42,159

 

$ 97,159

(1)

Based upon the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. Our policy and assumptions made in the valuation of share-based payments are contained in Note 10 to our December 31, 2014 financial statements.

(2)

Option awards relate to the issuance in June 2014 of options to purchase 50,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.93 each for Messrs. Urso, Koehler and Bush, and Dr. Haronian.

Narrative Disclosure to DirectorCompensationTable

The table entitled “Director Compensation Table” above quantifies the value of the different forms of compensation of each of the directors for services rendered during fiscal 2014. The primary elements of each director’s total compensation reported in the table are cash fees earned and stock option awards.

Pursuant to the 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan, each non-employee director is entitled to receive periodic grants of ten-year options to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair marketpar value of our common stock on the date of grant and that vests monthly over a one year period. An initial grant is made upon such non-employee director’s election or appointment to our Board and thereafter annually on the first business day in June, subject to such director remaining on the Board. Non-employee directors also receive $50,000 per annum in cash. In connection with the additional responsibilities associated with such positions, the Chairman of the Boardshare, which will receive an additional $10,000remain $0.001 par value per year, and the Chairman of the Audit and Compensation Committees will each receive an additional $5,000 per year.

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

Our Board has adopted a code of ethics and business conduct that establishes the standards of ethical conduct applicable to all directors, officers and employees of Towerstream Corporation. The code of ethics and business conduct addresses, among other things, conflicts of interest, compliance with disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting, corporate opportunities and confidentiality requirements. The Audit Committee is responsible for applying and interpreting our code of ethics and business conduct in situations where questions are presented to it. There were no amendments or waivers to the code of ethics and business conduct in fiscal 2014. Our code of ethics and business conduct is available for review on our website atwww.towerstream.com. We will provide a copy of our code of ethics and business conduct free of charge to any person who requests a copy. Requests should be directed by e-mail to Joseph P. Hernon, our Chief Financial Officer, at jhernon@towerstream.com, or by mail to Towerstream Corporation, 88 Silva Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, or by telephone at (401) 848-5848.

Stockholder Communication with Directors

Our Board has established procedures for stockholders or other interested parties to send communications to the Board. Such parties can contact the Board by electronic mail atBoard@towerstream.com.


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The following Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material,” “filed” with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s previous filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that might incorporate by reference future filings, including thisproxystatement, in whole or in part, the following Audit Committee Report shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.

The Audit Committee is comprised of three independent directors (as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Stock Market). The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors on January 12, 2007, which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of our website, www.towerstream.com, and is also available in print to any stockholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary.

We have reviewed and discussed with management the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

We have reviewed and discussed with management and Marcum LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, the quality and the acceptability of the Company’s financial reporting and internal controls.

We have discussed with Marcum LLP, the overall scope and plans for their audit as well as the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

We have discussed with management and Marcum LLP, such other matters as required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) in Rule 3200T, and other auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the corporate governance standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market and the Audit Committee’s Charter.

We have received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Marcum LLP, required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Marcum LLP’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and have discussed with Marcum LLP, their independence from management and the Company.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 for filing with the SEC.

Submitted by theAudit Committee

William J. Bush, Audit Committee Chairman

Howard L. Haronian, M.D.

Paul Koehler

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers. Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board.

Name

Age

Position

Jeffrey M. Thompson

51

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Joseph P. Hernon

55

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary


Information pertaining to Mr. Thompson, who is both a director and an executive officer of the Company, may be found in the section entitled “Information about the Nominees.”

Joseph P. Hernon has been our chief financial officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer since joining Towerstream Corporation in May 2008. From November 2007 until May 2008, Mr. Hernon was a financial consultant to a high technology company. From November 2005 until October 2007, Mr. Hernon served as the chief financial officer of Aqua Bounty Technologies Inc., a biotechnology company dedicated to the improvement of productivity in the aquaculture industry. From August 1996 until October 2005, Mr. Hernon served as vice president, chief financial officer and secretary of Boston Life Sciences Inc., a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics and diagnostics for central nervous system diseases. From January 1987 until August 1996, Mr. Hernon held various positions while employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an international accounting firm. Mr. Hernon is a certified public accountant and holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Lowell, Massachusetts and a M.S. degree in Accounting from Bentley College in Waltham, MA.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Committee Report

Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), this Compensation Committee Report is not deemed to be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating this Annual Report by reference into any filings with the SEC.

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on this review and these discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee
Howard L. Haronian, M.D., Chairman

William J. Bush

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The following discussion and analysis of compensation arrangements of our named executive officers for 2014should be read together with the compensation tables and related disclosures set forth below.

We believe our success depends on the continued contributions of our named executive officers. Personal relationships and experience are very important in our industry. Our named executive officers are primarily responsible for many of our critical business development relationships. The maintenance of these relationships is critical to ensuring our future success as is experience in managing these relationships. Therefore, it is important to our success that we retain the services of these individuals and prevent them from competing with us should their employment with us terminate.

General Philosophy

Our overall compensation philosophy is to provide an executive compensation package that enables us to attract, retain and motivate executive officers to achieve our short-term and long-term business goals. The goals of our compensation program are to align remuneration with business objectives and performance, and to enable us to retain and competitively reward executive officers who contribute to the long-term success of the Company. We attempt to pay our executive officers competitively in order that we will be able to retain the most capable people in the industry. In making executive compensation and other employment compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee considers achievement of certain criteria, some of which relate to our performance and others of which relate to the performance of the individual employee. Awards to executive officers are based on achievement of Company and individual performance criteria.


The Compensation Committee will evaluate our compensation policies on an ongoing basis to determine whether they enable us to attract, retain and motivate key personnel. To meet these objectives, the Compensation Committee may from time to time increase salaries, award additional stock grants or provide other short and long-term incentive compensation to executive officers and other employees.

Compensation Program & Forms of Compensation

We provide our executive officers with a compensation package consisting of base salary, bonus, equity incentives and participation in benefit plans generally available to other employees. In setting total compensation, the Compensation Committee considers individual and company performance, as well as market information regarding compensation paid by other companies in our industry.

Base Salary. Salaries for our executive officers are initially set based on negotiation with individual executive officers at the time of recruitment and with reference to salaries for comparable positions in the industry for individuals of similar education and background to the executive officers being recruited. We also consider the individual’s experience, reputation in the industry and expected contributions to the Company. Base salary is continuously evaluated by competitive pay and individual job performance. In each case, we take into account the results achieved by the executive, their future potential, scope of responsibilities and experience, and competitive salary practices. At times, our executive officers have elected to take less than market salaries.  These salaries were subject to increases to base salary that is comparable with his role and responsibilities when compared to companies of comparable size in similar locations.

Bonuses.We design our bonus programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market. Our bonus program is designed to motivate employees to achieve overall goals. Our programs are designed to avoid entitlements, to align actual payouts with the actual results achieved and to be easy to understand and administer. The Compensation Committee and the executive officer work together to establish targets and goals for the executive officer. Upon completion of the fiscal year, the Compensation Committee assesses the executive officer’s performance, and with input from management, determines the achievement of the bonus targets and the amount to be awarded within the parameters of the executive officer’s agreement with us.

Equity-Based Rewards

We design our equity programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market. We monitor the market and applicable accounting, corporate, securities and tax laws and regulations, and adjust our equity programs as needed. Stock options and other forms of equity compensation are designed to reflect and reward a high level of sustained individual performance over time. We design our equity programs to align employees’ interests with those of our stockholders.

Timing of Equity Awards

The Board has authorized the Compensation Committee to approve stock option grants to our executive officers. Stock options are generally granted at scheduled meetings of the Compensation Committee. The exercise price of a newly granted option is the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.

Benefits Programs

We design our benefits programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market while conforming with local laws and practices. We monitor the market, local laws and practices and adjust our benefits programs as needed. We design our benefits programs to provide an element of core benefits, and to the extent possible, offer options for additional benefits, and balance costs and cost sharing between us and our employees.


Tax and Accounting Considerations

In the review and establishment of our compensation programs, we consider the anticipated accounting and tax implications to us and our executives.

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a limit on the amount of compensation that we may deduct in any one year with respect to our chief executive officer and each of our next four most highly compensated executive officers, unless certain specific and detailed criteria are satisfied. Performance-based compensation, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, is fully deductible if the programs are approved by stockholders and meet other requirements. We believe that grants of equity awards under our incentive-based equity option plans may qualify as performance-based for purposes of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m), thereby permitting us to receive a federal income tax deduction, if applicable, in connection with such awards. In general, we have determined that we will not seek to limit executive compensation so that it is deductible under Section 162(m). However, from time to time, we monitor whether it might be in our interests to structure our compensation programs to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m). We seek to maintain flexibility in compensating our executives in a manner designed to promote our corporate goals and therefore our Compensation Committee has not adopted a policy requiring all compensation to be deductible. Our Compensation Committee will continue to assess the impact of Section 162(m) on our compensation practices and determine what further action, if any, is appropriate.

Role of Executives in Executive Compensation Decisions

The Board and our Compensation Committee generally seek input from our executive officers when discussing the performance of, and compensation levels for, executives. The Compensation Committee also works with our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer to evaluate the financial, accounting, tax and retention implications of our various compensation programs. None of our executives participates in deliberations relating to their compensation.

2014 Bonus Payments

Mr. Thompson. Mr. Thompson was awarded bonus payments totaling $240,800 in recognition of services performed during 2014. The bonus payments, constituting approximately 65% of Mr. Thompson’s salary, were awarded on a discretionary basis by our Compensation Committee. In 2013, the Compensation Committee migrated to a simplified process of awarding executive bonuses, in part as a result of the departure of the Company’s Chief Operating Officer during the fourth quarter of 2012 and the additional responsibilities assumed by both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The Compensation Committee awarded the bonuses in 2014 as a result of Mr. Thompson’s contributions in assisting the Company towards achieving its financial and operational goals, which included the execution of a Wi-Fi lease with a national carrier in the third quarter of 2014 and the completion of a debt financing in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Mr. Hernon.Mr. Hernon was awarded bonus payments totaling $108,125 in recognition of services performed during 2014. The bonus payments, constituting approximately 39% of Mr. Hernon’s salary, were awarded on a discretionary basis by our Compensation Committee. In 2013, the Compensation Committee migrated to a simplified process of awarding executive bonuses, in part as a result of the departure of the Company’s Chief Operating Officer during the fourth quarter of 2012 and the additional responsibilities assumed by both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The Compensation Committee awarded the bonuses in 2014 as a result of Mr. Hernon’s contributions in assisting the Company towards achieving its financial and operational goals, which included the execution of a Wi-Fi lease with a national carrier in the third quarter of 2014 and the completion of a debt financing in the fourth quarter of 2014.

See “Employment Agreements and Change-in-Control Agreements” below for a discussion of our employment agreement with Mr. Thompson and our employment arrangement with Mr. Hernon.

2015 Bonus Criteria

Bonus criteria for executive officers has historically been based on performance-related targets including revenue and adjusted EBITDA, and awarded on a quarterly basis after an analysis of actual results against the targets. In 2013, the Compensation Committee migrated to a simplified, discretionary process of awarding executive bonuses, in part as a result of the departure of the Company’s Chief Operating Officer during the fourth quarter of 2012 and the additional responsibilities assumed by both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The Compensation Committee continued the policy of using a simplified, discretionary process in 2014. The Compensation Committee is presently evaluating the structure of the bonus program for 2015.


Compensation Risk Management

We have considered the risk associated with our compensation policies and practices for all employees, and we believe we have designed our compensation policies and practices in a manner that does not create incentives that could lead to excessive risk taking that would have a material adverse effect on us.

The Role of Stockholder Say-on-Pay Votes

The Company provides its stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation (a “say-on-pay proposal”). The Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the Company’s say-on-pay votes when making future compensation decisions for the named executive officers.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the annual and long-term compensation paid to our chief executive officer and our other most highly compensated executive officer who were serving at the end of 2014, whom we refer to collectively in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the “named executive officers”:

 Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary

 

 

Bonus

 

 

Non-Equity Incentive Compensation

 

 

Option Awards(1)

 

 

 

Total

 

Jeffrey M. Thompson

 

2014

 

$

373,277

 

 

$

240,800

(2)

 

$

-

 

 

$

79,992

 (3)

 

 

 

$

694,069

 

President and Chief

 

2013

 

$

330,000

 

 

$

297,500

(4)

 

$

-

 

 

$

73,209

 (5)

 

 

 

$

700,709

 

Executive Officer

 

2012

 

$

330,000

 

 

$

61,875

(6)

 

$

190,034

 (7)

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

$

581,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. Hernon

 

2014

 

$

279,569

 

 

$

108,125

(8)

 

$

-

 

 

$

48,945

 (9)

 

 

 

$

436,639

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2013

 

$

250,000

 

 

$

170,000

(10)

 

$

-

 

 

$

115,570

 (11)

 

 

 

$

535,570

 

 

 

2012

 

$

243,750

 

 

$

36,249

(12)

 

$

115,548

 (13)

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

$

395,547

 

(1) 

Based upon the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. Our policy and assumptions made in the valuation of share-based payments are contained in Note 10 to our December 31, 2014 financial statements.

(2)

Mr. Thompson was awarded a discretionary bonus as a result of his contributions in 2014 in assisting the Company towards achieving its financial and operational goals which included the execution of a Wi-Fi lease with a national carrier in the third quarter of 2014 and the completion of a debt financing in the fourth quarter of 2014. The discretionary bonus of $240,800 was awarded in 2014.

(3)

On July 22, 2014, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 31,267 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.67 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest monthly over a two year period with the first tranche vesting on August 22, 2014.

On September 26, 2014, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.34 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest quarterly over a two year period with the first tranche vesting on December 26, 2014.


(4)

Mr. Thompson was awarded a discretionary bonus as a result of his contributions in 2013 in assisting the Company towards achieving its financial and operational goals which included (i) a public offering in the first quarter of 2013, (ii) an acquisition in the first quarter of 2013, and (iii) the execution of a Wi-Fi lease with a major cable operator in the second quarter of 2013. The discretionary bonus of $297,500 consisted of $125,000 which was awarded in 2013 and $172,500 which was awarded in January 2014 in recognition of services performed in 2013.

(5)

On February 25, 2013, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.62 per share in recognition of services performed during 2013. These options were fully vested and exercisable upon issuance.

(6)

For 2012, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) determined that 75% of Mr. Thompson's bonus would be based on financial performance goals and 25% would be awarded at the discretion of the Committee. Mr. Thompson was awarded the full amount of his discretionary bonus based on the determination that the Company had met its financial performance goals as well other operating objectives including the development of its shared wireless network. The discretionary bonus of $61,875 consisted of $15,469 which was awarded in 2012 and $46,406 which was awarded in May 2013 in recognition of services performed in 2012.

(7)

This compensation represents the financial performance component of Mr. Thompson’s annual bonus. The Committee established a scaled payout structure under which attainment of 90% of a budgeted target would result in a 50% payout of the total amount allocated for that target. Other levels of the scaled payout structure included a 100% payout for 100% attainment of the budgeted target, 115% payout for 120% of the target, and 130% payout for 150% of the target.

For the first quarter of 2012, Mr. Thompson was awarded a bonus of $47,334 based on the following (revenue and EBITDA dollars are in thousands):

Metric

 

Actual

  

Budget

  

Achievement of Budget

  

Bonus Weighting

  

Scaled Payout Percentage

  

Scaled Payout Dollars

 

Churn

  1.58%

 

  1.54%

 

  97.3%

 

  20%

 

  50%

 

 $4,641 

Revenue

 $7,785  $7,683   101.3%

 

  40%

 

  100%

 

 $18,563 

EBITDA

 $1,382  $833   165.9%

 

  40%

 

  130%

 

 $24,130 

During the second and third quarters of 2012, the Committee determined that Mr. Thompson's quarterly financial performance goal would be based on the Company's success in building Wi-Fi hotspots through its recently formed subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation.  The Committee established a scaled payout structure under which attainment of 100% of the target would result in a 100% payout of the eligible quarterly bonus and attainment of 120% of the budget would result in a 115% payout.  During the second quarter of 2012, the Company constructed 571 hotzones which equaled 102% of the target goal of 558.share. As a result, the Committee authorized a payment of $46,406stated capital attributable to Mr. Thompson representing 100% of his quarterly financial performance bonus. Duringcommon stock and the third quarter of 2012, the Company constructed 984 hotzones which equaled 102% of the target goal of 967. As a result, the Committee authorized a payment of $46,407 to Mr. Thompson representing 100% of his quarterly financial performance bonus.

For the fourth quarter of 2012, the Committee revertedadditional paid-in capital account on our balance sheet will not change due to a program similar to the first quarter as construction activity on Wi-Fi hotspots was not significant.  Mr. Thompson was awarded a bonus of $49,887 based on the following metrics:

Metric

 

Actual

(in 000s)

  

Budget

(in 000s)

  

Achievement of Budget

  

Bonus

Weighting

  

Scaled Payout Percentage

  

Scaled Payout Dollars

 

Revenue

 $8,229  $7,874   104.5%

 

  50%

 

  100%

 

 $23,203 

EBITDA

 $1,512  $1,017   148.7%

 

  50%

 

  115%

 

 $26,684 


There is no comparable disclosure for 2014 and 2013 since the bonuses granted in 2014 and 2013 were discretionary.

(8)

Mr. Hernon was awarded a discretionary bonus as a result of his contributions in 2014 in assisting the Company towards achieving its financial and operational goals which included the execution of a Wi-Fi lease with a national carrier in the third quarter of 2014 and the completion of a debt financing in the fourth quarter of 2014. The discretionary bonus of $108,125 was awarded in 2014.

(9)

On July 22, 2014, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 15,806 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.67 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest monthly over a two year period with the first tranche vesting on August 22, 2014.

On September 26, 2014, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.34 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest quarterly over a two year period with the first tranche vesting on December 26, 2014.

(10)

Mr. Hernon was awarded a discretionary bonus as a result of his contributions in 2013 in assisting the Company towards achieving its financial and operational goals which included (i) a public offering in the first quarter of 2013, (ii) an acquisition in the first quarter of 2013, and (iii) the execution of a Wi-Fi lease with a major cable operator in the second quarter of 2013. The discretionary bonus of $170,000 consisted of $60,000 which was awarded in 2013 and $110,000 which was awarded in January 2014 in recognition of services performed in 2013.

(11)

On February 25, 2013, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.62 per share in recognition of services performed during 2013. These options were fully vested and exercisable upon issuance.

On June 3, 2013, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.56 per share in recognition of services performed during 2013. These options vest annually over a five year period with the first tranche vesting on June 3, 2014.

(12)

For 2012, the Committee determined that 75% of Mr. Hernon's bonus would be based on financial performance goals and 25% would be awarded at the discretion of the Committee. Mr. Hernon was awarded the full amount of his discretionary bonus based on the determination that the Company had met its financial performance goals as well other operating objectives including the development of its shared wireless network. The discretionary bonus of $36,249 consisted of $9,062 which was awarded in 2012 and $27,187 which was awarded in May 2013 in recognition of services performed in 2012.

(13)

This compensation represents the financial performance component of Mr. Hernon’s annual bonus. The Committee established a scaled payout structure under which attainment of 90% of a budgeted target would result in a 50% payout of the total amount allocated for that target. Other levels of the scaled payout structure included a 100% payout for 100% attainment of the budgeted target, 115% payout for 120% of the target, and 130% payout for 150% of the target.

During the first quarter of 2012, Mr. Hernon was awarded a bonus of $27,867 based on the following (revenue and EBITDA dollars in thousands):

Metric

 

Actual

  

Budget

  

Achievement of Budget

  

Bonus

Weighting

  

Scaled Payout Percentage

  

Scaled Payout Dollars

 

Churn

  1.58%

 

  1.54%

 

  97.3%

 

  25%

 

  50%

 

 $3,398 

Revenue

 $7,785  $7,683   101.3%

 

  25%

 

  100%

 

 $6,797 

EBITDA

 $1,382  $833   165.9%

 

  50%

 

  130%

 

 $17,672 


 During the second quarter of 2012, Mr. Hernon was awarded a bonus of $29,227 based on the following:

Metric

 

Actual

(in 000s)

  

Budget

(in 000s)

  

Achievement of Budget

  

Bonus

Weighting

  

Scaled Payout Percentage

  

Scaled Payout Dollars

 

Revenue

 $8,103  $7,746   104.6%

 

  50%

 

  100%

 

 $13,594 

EBITDA

 $1,305  $907   143.9%

 

  50%

 

  115%

 

 $15,633 

During the third quarter of 2012, Mr. Hernon was awarded a bonus of $29,227, based on the following:

Metric

 

Actual

(in 000s)

  

Budget

(in 000s)

  

Achievement of Budget

  

Bonus

Weighting

  

Scaled Payout Percentage

  

Scaled Payout Dollars

 

Revenue

 $8,031  $7,809   102.8%

 

  50%

 

  100%

 

 $13,594 

EBITDA

 $1,451  $987   147.0%

 

  50%

 

  115%

 

 $15,633 

During the fourth quarter of 2012, Mr. Hernon was awarded a bonus of $29,227, based on the following:

Metric

 

Actual

(in 000s)

  

Budget

(in 000s)

  

Achievement of Budget

  

Bonus

Weighting

  

Scaled Payout Percentage

  

Scaled Payout Dollars

 

Revenue

 $8,229  $7,874   104.5%

 

  50%

 

  100%

 

 $13,594 

EBITDA

 $1,512  $1,017   148.7%

 

  50%

 

  115%

 

 $15,633 

There is no comparable disclosure for 2014 and 2013 since the bonuses granted in 2014 and 2013 were discretionary.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table summarizes the stock option awards granted to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2014:

Name

 

Grant Date

 

All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options

 

 

Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Share)(1)

 

 

Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards($)(2)

 

Jeffrey M. Thompson

 

7/22/14

 

 

31,267

 

 

$

1.67

 

 

$

27,200

 

 

 

 9/26/14

 

 

75,000

 

 

$

 1.34

 

 

$

 52,792

 

               

Joseph P. Hernon

 

7/22/14

 

 

15,806

 

 

$

1.67

 

 

$

13,750

 

 

 

 9/26/14

 

 

50,000

 

 

$

1.34

 

 

$

35,195

 

(1)

The exercise price of the stock options awarded was determined in accordance with the stock option plans, which provides that the exercise price for an option granted be the closing sale price for our common stock as quoted on the NASDAQ Capital Market on the date of grant.

(2)

Based upon the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. Our policy and assumptions made in the valuation of share-based payments are contained in Note 10 to our December 31, 2014 financial statements.

There were no restricted stock awards granted to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2014.


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards to our named executive officers as of December 31, 2014: 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable

 

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable

 

 

Option Exercise Price

 

Option Expiration Date

Jeffrey M. Thompson

  

175,193

   

  

$

1.43

 

4/28/15

 

 

 

12,010

 

 

 

 

 

$

2.00

 

12/2/17

 

 

 

11,032

 

 

 

 

 

$

2.00

 

3/2/18

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

4.94

 

6/23/21

 

 

 

41,250

 

 

 

90,750

(1)

 

$

5.25

 

7/6/21

 

 

 

84,375

 

 

 

71,875

(2)

 

$

5.25

 

7/6/21

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

2.62

 

2/24/23

 

 

 

6,515

 

 

 

24,752

(3)

 

$

1.67

 

7/21/24

 

 

 

9,375

 

 

 

65,625

(4)

 

$

1.34

 

9/25/24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. Hernon

 

 

103,426

 

 

 

 

 

$

1.45

 

6/1/18

 

 

 

60,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

4.94

 

6/23/21

 

 

 

20,668

 

 

 

67,332

(5)

 

$

5.25

 

7/6/21

 

 

 

41,877

 

 

 

34,374

(6)

 

$

5.25

 

7/6/21

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

2.62

 

2/24/23

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

40,000

(7)

 

$

2.56

 

6/2/23

   

3,295

   

12,511

(3)

 

$

1.67

 

7/21/24

   

6,250

   

43,750

(4)

 

$

1.34

 

9/25/24

              

(1)

88,000 of the options were granted in four tranches of 22,000.  Each trancheReverse Split. Reported per share net income or loss will begin to vest in sequential order only when and if the Company completes four (4) acquisitions prior to the expiration date.  Each tranche will vest in quarterly installments over a two year period once each respective acquisition is closed.  The remaining 2,750 will become vested in February 2015.

(2)

25,000 of the options will begin to vest only when and if the Company executes a backhaul contract prior to the expiration date. These options will vest in quarterly installments over a two year period once a backhaul contract is executed. The remaining options unexercisable began vesting upon the previous execution of backhaul contracts of which (i) 6,250 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 3,125 and become fully vested in June 2015, (ii) 18,750 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 3,125 and become fully vested in April 2016 and (iii) 21,875 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 3,125 and become fully vested in August 2016.

(3)

Such option vests monthly over a two year period, with the first tranche vesting on August 22, 2014.

(4)

Such option vests quarterly over a two year period, with the first tranche vesting on December 26, 2014.

(5)

64,000 of the options were granted in four tranches of 16,000.  Each tranche will begin to vest in sequential order only when and if the Company completes four (4) acquisitions prior to the expiration date.  Each tranche will vest as to one-third on the one year anniversary of the completed acquisition with the remaining two-thirds vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following two years once each respective acquisition is closed.  The remaining 3,332 will become vested in February 2016.


(6)

12,500 of the options will begin to vest only when and if the Company executes a backhaul contract prior to the expiration date. These options will vest in quarterly installments over a two year period once a backhaul contract is executed. The remaining options unexercisable began vesting upon the previous execution of backhaul contracts of which (i) 1,562 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 781 and become fully vested in June 2015, (ii) 9,374 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 1,562 and become fully vested in April 2016 and (iii) 10,938 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 1,562 and become fully vested in August 2016.

(7)

Such option vests as to one-fifth of the shares subject to the option annually, commencing June 3, 2014.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table summarizes, with respect to our named executive officers, all options that were exercised and restricted stock vested during fiscal 2014: 

  

Option Awards

  

Restricted Stock

 

Name

 

Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise(#)

  

Value Realized

on Exercise ($)

  

Number of Shares Vested (#)

  

Value Realized

on Vesting ($)

 

Jeffrey M. Thompson

  75,000  $122,250         
   18,406  $30,002         
   125,000  $203,750         
                 

Joseph P. Hernon

          15,000  $45,000 

Employment Agreements and Change-in-Control Agreements

In December 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Jeffrey M. Thompson, our principal executive officer, which was amended in December 2011. Pursuant to the terms of the amended agreement, Mr. Thompson agreed to serve as our chief executive officer and president for a period of two years, with automatic one-year renewals, subject to either party electing not to renew. In December 2014, we entered into a second amendment of Mr. Thompson’s employment agreement that provides for annual compensation of $475,000, effective as of November 18, 2014, and a one-time cash bonus of $175,000 for services provided to the Company in 2014. Mr. Thompson shall be eligible to receive options to purchase up to 250,000higher because there will be fewer shares of common stock during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 and shall also be entitled to additional bonus compensation as determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The second amendment provides for customary clawback rights upon the occurrence of certain events.outstanding.

Under his initial employment agreement, Mr. Thompson’s base salary was $225,000 which was subsequently adjusted to $248,063 effective January 1, 2010, to $300,000 effective December 16, 2010, to $330,000 effective December 10, 2011 and to $363,000 effective February 5, 2014.Under the first amendment, Mr. Thompson was awarded special bonuses totaling $75,000 which included (i) $25,000 on the effective date of the amended agreement, (ii) $25,000 related to the closing of the acquisition of Color Broadband and (iii) $25,000 upon the execution of an agreement with a large technology company. In addition, we will pay 100% of all costs associated with Mr. Thompson’s employee benefits, including without limitation, health insurance.Effective Date

 

If Mr. Thompson’s employment is terminated (i) by us without “cause,” (ii) by him for “good reason” or (iii) by us within two yearsA Reverse Split would become effective upon the filing of a “changeCertificate of control” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), then (a) we will be required to pay Mr. Thompson twenty-four months base salary in monthly installments, (b) any unvested options to purchase shares of our common stock would immediately vest and become exercisable and any restrictions on restricted stock would immediately lapse, and (c) we must continue to provide employee benefits, including health insurance, for a period of five years following such termination.


During Mr. Thompson’s employment with us, and for a period of twelve months following his termination (the “Restricted Period”), except for a termination by Mr. Thompson for “good reason,” he is prohibited from engaging in any line of business in which we were engaged or had a formal plan to enter during the period of his employment with us. We will continue to pay Mr. Thompson his base salary then in effect, in accordance with our customary payroll practices for the duration of any such Restricted Period in the event that Mr. Thompson’s employment is terminated voluntarily by him, except for “good reason,” or by us for “cause.”

In May 2008, Joseph P. Hernon joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer. His employment offer provided for a base annual salary of $190,000 and bonus payments up to 58% of base salary, as determined by the Board. Mr. Hernon’s annual base salary has been increased at times, most recently to (i) $250,000 effective April 1, 2012, (ii) $275,000 effective February 5, 2014, and (iii) $325,000 effective November 18, 2014. Upon joining the Company, Mr. Hernon was granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.45 per share, vesting in three annual installments commencing upon the first anniversary of the grant. He has received subsequent awards and is eligible to receive additional stock-based awards at the discretion of the Board and as provided under the Company’s stock-based incentive plans. The Company pays 100% of Mr. Hernon’s health insurance. He is also eligible to participate in the Company’s health and other employee benefit plans. Mr. Hernon is an employee at will.

PROPOSAL NO. 2 - AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE OURAUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

On June 10, 2015, the Board approved, subject to stockholder approval, an amendmentAmendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increasewith the numberoffice of authorizedthe Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later date as is specified in such filing. On the effective date, shares of common stock from 95,000,000 to 200,000,000. The Company currently has authorized common stock of 95,000,000 shares, par value $0.001 per share and 66,759,470 are issued and outstanding, asin each case, immediately prior thereto, will be combined and converted, automatically and without any action on the part of June 25, 2015. Thethe stockholders, into new shares of common stock in accordance with the ratio determined by the Board believes thatwithin the increaselimits set forth in authorized common shares would provide the Company greater flexibility with respect to the Company's capital structure for such purposes as additional equity financing, and stock based acquisitions.this proposal.

 

IncreaseTreatment of Fractional Shares

No fractional shares would be issued if, as a result a Reverse Split, a registered stockholder would otherwise become entitled to a fractional share. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares because they hold a number of shares not evenly divisible by the ratio of a Reverse Split will automatically be entitled to receive an additional share of the Company’s common stock. In other words, any fractional share will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Book-Entry Shares

If a Reverse Split is effected, stockholders who hold uncertificated shares (i.e., shares held in Authorizedbook-entry form and not represented by a physical share certificate), either as direct or beneficial owners, will have their holdings electronically adjusted by the Company's transfer agent (and, for beneficial owners, by their brokers or banks that hold in "street name" for their benefit, as the case may be) to give effect to a Reverse Split.

Stockholders who hold uncertificated shares as direct owners will be sent a statement of holding from the Company's transfer agent that indicates the number of shares owned in book-entry form.

Certificated Shares

If a Reverse Split is effected, stockholders holding certificated shares (i.e., shares represented by one or more physical share certificates) will receive a transmittal letter from the Company's transfer agent promptly after the effectiveness of a Reverse Split. The transmittal letter will be accompanied by instructions specifying how stockholders holding certificated shares can exchange certificates representing the pre-split shares for a statement of holding.

Beginning after the effectiveness of a Reverse Split, each certificate representing shares of our pre-split common stock will be deemed for all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of post-split common stock.

STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY PRE-SPLIT STOCK CERTIFICATE AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY ARE REQUESTED TO DO SO.

Possible Effects of Additional Issuances of Common Stock

 

The termsFollowing the effective time of the additional shares of common stocka Reverse Split, there will be identical to those of the currently outstanding shares of common stock. However, because holders of common stock have no preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of the Company, the issuance of additional shares of common stock will reduce the current stockholders' percentage ownership interest in the total outstanding shares of common stock. This amendment and the creation of additional shares of authorized common stock will not alter the current number of issued shares. The relative rights and limitations of the shares of common stock will remain unchanged under this amendment.

As of June 25, 2015, a total of 66,759,470 shares of the Company's currently authorized 95,000,000 shares of common stock are issued and outstanding. In addition, a total of 11,634,852 shares are reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding warrants and the Company’s stock related employee benefit plans. As a result, only 16,605,678 shares are presently available for issuance. Thean increase in the number of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock would enablestock. Under the Company, without further stockholder approval, to issue shares from time to time as may be required for proper general business purposes, such as raising additional capital for ongoing operations, business and asset acquisitions, stock splits and dividends, present and future employee benefit programs and other corporate purposes.

Potential Adverse EffectsGeneral Corporation Law of the Amendment

The adoptionState of this proposal would have no immediate diluted effect onDelaware (the “DGCL”), the proportional voting power or other rights of existing stockholders; however, future issuancesBoard can issue additional shares of common stock or securities convertible intowithout stockholder approval, which would have the effect of diluting existing holders of our common stock, could have a dilutive effect on the earnings per share, book value per share, voting power and percentage interest of holdings of current stockholders.stock.

 

 

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

Additional shares of common stock, if issued, would have a dilutive effect upon the percentage of equity of the Company owned by our present stockholders. The proposed increaseissuance of such additional shares of common stock might be disadvantageous to current stockholders in that any additional issuances would potentially reduce per share dividends, if any. Stockholders should consider, however, that the possible impact upon dividends is likely to be minimal in view of the fact that the Company does not intend to pay any dividends on its common stock in the authorizedforeseeable future. In addition, the issuance of such additional shares of common stock, by reducing the percentage of equity of the Company owned by present stockholders, would reduce such present stockholders' ability to influence the election of directors or any other action taken by the holders of common stock.

In the future the Board could, subject to its fiduciary duties and applicable law, use the increased number of authorized but unissued shares to frustrate persons seeking to take over or otherwise gain control of our Company by, for example, privately placing shares with purchasers who might side with the Board in opposing a hostile takeover bid. Shares of common stock could also have a number of effects on the Company's stockholders depending upon the exact nature and circumstances of any actual issuances of authorized but unissued shares. The increase could have an anti-takeover effect, in that additional shares could be issued (withinto a holder that would thereafter have sufficient voting power to assure that any proposal to amend or repeal the limits imposed by applicable law) in oneCompany’s bylaws or more transactions that could make a change in control or takeoverCertificate of Incorporation would not receive the requisite vote. Such uses of the CompanyCompany’s common stock could render more difficult. For example, additional shares could be issued by the Company so asdifficult, or discourage, an attempt to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtainacquire control of the Company evenif such transactions were opposed by the Board. A result of the anti-takeover effect of the increase in the number of authorized shares could be that stockholders would be denied the opportunity to obtain any advantages of a hostile takeover, including, but not limited to, receiving a premium to the then current market price of our common stock, if the persons seekingsame was so offered by a party attempting a hostile takeover of our Company. The Company is not aware of any party's interest in or efforts to obtain controlengage in a hostile takeover attempt as of the Company offer an above-market premium that is favored bydate of this Proxy Statement.

Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of a majority of the independent stockholders. Similarly, the issuance of additional shares to certain persons allied with the Company's management could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove the Company's current management by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to cause such removal.Reverse Stock Split

 

The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylawsfollowing discussion summarizes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the participation in a reverse stock split by a U.S. stockholder that holds the shares as a capital asset. This discussion is based on the provisions of the Company contain provisions thatInternal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and current administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect as of the date hereof. All of these authorities may be subject to differing interpretations or repealed, revoked or modified, possibly with retroactive effect, which could materially alter the tax consequences set forth herein.

For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. stockholder” refers to a beneficial owner of common stock who is any of the following for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if (1) its administration is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. A non-U.S. holder of discouraging potential acquisition proposalscommon stock is a stockholder who is not a U.S. stockholder.

This summary does not represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a stockholder in light of his, her or tender offersits particular circumstances. In addition, it does not purport to be complete and does not address all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to stockholders in light of their particular circumstances or delayingto any stockholder that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation: (1) stockholders subject to the alternative minimum tax; (2) banks, insurance companies, or preventingother financial institutions; (3) tax-exempt organizations; (4) dealers in securities or commodities; (5) regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts; (6) traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings; (7) U.S. stockholders whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar; (8) persons holding common stock as a position in a hedging transaction, “straddle,” “conversion transaction” or other risk reduction transaction; (9) persons who acquire shares of common stock in connection with employment or other performance of services; (10) dealers and other stockholders that do not own their shares of common stock as capital assets; (11) U.S. expatriates, (12) foreign persons; (13) resident alien individuals; or (14) stockholders who directly or indirectly hold their stock in an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes. Moreover, this description does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift tax, alternative minimum tax, or other tax consequences of a Reverse Split.


There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will not take a contrary position to the tax consequences described herein or that such position will be sustained by a court. In addition, U.S. tax laws are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, which may result in U.S. federal income tax considerations different from those summarized below. No opinion of controlcounsel or ruling from the IRS has been obtained with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of our company. These provisions are as follows:a Reverse Split.

This discussion is for general information only and is not tax advice. All stockholders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of a Reverse Split.

Based on the assumption that a Reverse Split will constitute a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code, and subject to the limitations and qualifications set forth in this discussion, the following U.S. federal income tax consequences should result from a Reverse Split:

 

 

they provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called only byA stockholder should not recognize gain or loss in a resolution adopted by a majority of our board of directors;Reverse Split;

 

they provide that only business brought before an annual meeting by our boardthe aggregate tax basis of directors or by a stockholder who complies with the procedures set forth inpost-Reverse Split shares should be equal to the bylaws may be transacted at an annual meetingaggregate tax basis of stockholders;the pre-Reverse Split shares; and

 

they provide for advance notice of specified stockholder actions, such as the nomination of directors and stockholder proposals;

they do not include a provision for cumulative voting in the election of directors. Under cumulative voting, a minority stockholder holding a sufficient number of shares may be able to ensure the election of one or more directors. The absence of cumulative voting may have the effect of limiting the ability of minority stockholders to effect changes in our board of directors; and 

they allow us to issue, without stockholder approval, up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock that could adversely affect the rights and powersperiod of the holderspost-Reverse Split shares should include the holding period of our common stock.the pre-Reverse Split shares.

 

The Company is subjectTHE PRECEDING DISCUSSION IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF A REVERSE SPLIT AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DISCUSSION OF ALL POTENTIAL TAX EFFECTS RELEVANT THERETO. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF A REVERSE SPLIT IN LIGHT OF YOUR SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES.

No Appraisal Rights

Under the DGCL, stockholders are not entitled to rights of appraisal with respect to the provisionsproposed amendment to our Certificate of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibitsIncorporation to effect a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a ‘‘business combination’’Reverse Split, and we will not independently provide our stockholders with an ‘‘interested stockholder’’any such right.

Vote Required for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. For purposes of Section 203, a ‘‘business combination’’ includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder, and an ‘‘interested stockholder’’ is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years prior did own, 15% or more of the voting stock of a corporation.Approval

 

The Company has no plans or proposals to adopt other provisions or enter into other arrangements that may have material anti-takeover consequences. The Board of Directors is not aware of any attempt, or contemplated attempt, to acquire controlaffirmative vote of the Company,holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote thereon as of the Record Date is required to approve this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as shares voted against this proposal is not being presented with the intent that it be utilized as a type of anti-takeover device.proposal.

 

There are currently no plans, arrangements, commitments or understandings for the issuance of the additional shares of common stock which are proposed to be authorized.THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL ONE

 

 

  

Certain Matters Related to this Proposal

The proposed Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement asExhibit A, will be filed with the Delaware Secretary of State promptly after the stockholders have approved this proposal.

Required Vote

Approval of the proposal to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock by amending the Certificate of Incorporation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding on June 25, 2015, the record date.

Recommendation

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.PROPOSAL NO.2

 

PROPOSAL NO.3RATIFICATIONTHE APPROVAL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NASDAQ LISTING RULE 5635(d), OF THE APPOINTMENTPOTENTIAL ISSUANCE IN EXCESS OFMarcum LLPAS 20% OF OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMFOROUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK IN ONE OR MORE NON-PUBLIC OFFERINGS,WHERE THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015MAXIMUM DISCOUNT AT WHICH SECURITIES WILL BE OFFERED WILL BE EQUIVALENT TO A DISCOUNT OF 20% BELOW THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

 

Our stockholderscommon stock is currently listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market and we are being askedsubject to ratify the Boardmarketplace rules of Directors’ appointment of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2015.

InThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d) ("Rule 5635(d)") requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to the event that the ratification of this selection is not approved by a majority of the votes cast by holdersissuance of our shares of common stock voting at the annual meeting, the Audit Committee has the authority to select our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has the ability to appoint Marcum LLP under the Company’s Audit Committee charter even if not approved by our stockholders.

A representative of Marcum LLP is expected to be present at the annual meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he desires to do so. It is also expected that such representative will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Fees Paid to Auditors

The following table sets forth the fees that the Company accrued or paid to Marcum LLP during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.

  

2014

  

2013

 

Audit Fees(1)

 $218,087  $301,470 

Audit-Related Fees(2)

      

Tax Fees(3)

      

All Other Fees

      

Total

 $218,087  $301,470 

(1) Audit fees relate to professional services rendered in connection with the auditsale, issuance or potential issuance by us of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable common stock) equal to 20% or more of the Company’s annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, quarterly review of financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and audit services provided in connection with other statutory and regulatory filings. 

(2) Audit-related fees relate to professional services rendered in connection with assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performancecommon stock or 20% or more of the auditvoting power outstanding before the issuance for less than the greater of book or reviewmarket value of the Company’s financial statements, including due diligence.

(3) Tax fees relate to professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the Company.stock.

 

 

 

The 2014 amount has been adjustedWe may seek to reflect actual expenses incurred, as comparedraise additional capital to the previous amount reported of $228,070 which included estimates for certain invoices.

Administration of the Engagement; Pre-Approval of Auditimplement our business strategy and Permissible Non-Audit Services

Before the independent registered public accounting firm is engaged by the Company to perform audit or permissible non-audit services, the engagement is approved by the Audit Committee. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee may establish, either on an ongoing or case-by-case basis, pre-approval policies and procedures providing for delegated authority to approve the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm, provided that the policies and procedures are detailed as toenhance our overall capitalization. We have not determined the particular servicesterms for such prospective offerings. Because we may seek additional capital that triggers the requirements of Rule 5635(d), we are seeking stockholder approval now, so that we will be able to be provided, the Audit Committee is informed about each service, and the policies and procedures do not resultmove quickly to take full advantage of any opportunities that may develop in the delegation of the Audit Committee's authority to management. In accordance with these procedures, the Audit Committee pre-approved all services performed byMarcum LLP during 2015.

Required Vote

Ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting.

Recommendation

THEBOARD OFDIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENTOFMarcumLLPAS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015.

PROPOSAL NO.4 - NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 entitle our stockholders to vote to approve, on an advisory, non-binding basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the SEC’s rules. The Company expects to hold the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers every three years.

As described in detail in this proxy statement under the headings “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” our executive compensation programs are designed to (1) motivate and retain executive officers, (2) reward the achievement of short-term and long-term performance goals, (3) establish an appropriate relationship between executive pay and short-term and long-term performance and (4) align executive officers’ interests with those of the Company’s stockholders. Under these programs, our executive officers are rewarded for the achievement of specific financial operating goals established by the Compensation Committee and the realization of increased stockholder value. Please read the referenced sections for additional details about our executive compensation programs, including information about the fiscal year 2014 compensation of our named executive officers.

The Compensation Committee continually reviews the compensation programs for our executive officers to try and achieve the desired goals of aligning our executive compensation structure with our stockholders’ interests and current market practices.equity markets.

 

We are askinghereby submit this Proposal No. 2 to our stockholders to indicatefor their support for our named executive officer compensation as disclosedapproval of the potential issuance in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our executive compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific itemexcess of compensation, but rather the overall compensation20% of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement.


The say-on-pay vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and to the extent there is any significant vote against the named executive officer compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns and our Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

Required Vote

Approval for this proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting.

Recommendation

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, THE COMPENSATION TABLES, AND THE RELATED DISCLOSURES CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

ANNUAL REPORT

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 accompanies this notice.

FUTURE PROPOSALS OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Stockholders who wish to present proposals for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders may do so by following the procedures prescribed in Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. To be eligible, the stockholder proposals must be received by our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive office no earlier thanMarch 6, 2016 and no later than April 6, 2016. In the event that the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is changed by more than 30 days from the anniversary of the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received no later than the close of business on the 10th day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting is mailed or public disclosure is made.Under SEC rules, you must have continuously held for at least one year prior to the submission of the proposal (and continue to hold through the date of the meeting)outstanding shares of common stock equalin one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to either (a) $2,000 ina discount of 20% below the market value or (b) 1%price of our outstandingcommon stock, subject to the following limitations:

The aggregate number of shares issued in the offerings will not exceed 15 million shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment for any reverse stock split effected prior to the offerings (including pursuant to preferred stock, options, warrants, convertible debt or other securities exercisable for or convertible into common stock);

The total aggregate consideration will not exceed $15 million;

The maximum discount at which securities will be offered (which may consist of a share of common stock and a warrant for the issuance of up to an additional share of common stock) will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock at the time of issuance in recognition of the historical volatility of our common stock making the pricing discount of our stock required by investors at any particular time difficult, at this time, to predict; 

Such offerings will occur, if at all, on or before May 2, 2017; and

Such other terms as the Board of Directors shall deem to be in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders, not inconsistent with the foregoing.

   The issuance of shares of our common stock, or other securities convertible into shares of our common stock, in accordance with any offerings would dilute, and thereby reduce, each existing stockholder’s proportionate ownership in our common stock.  The stockholders do not have preemptive rights to subscribe to additional shares that may be issued by the Company in order to submitmaintain their proportionate ownership of the common stock.

The issuance of shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings could have an anti-takeover effect. Such issuances could dilute the voting power of a person seeking control of the Company, thereby deterring or rendering more difficult a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or an extraordinary corporate transaction opposed by the Company.

The Board of Directors has not yet determined the terms and conditions of any offerings. As a result, the level of potential dilution cannot be determined at this time, but as discussed above, we may not issue more than 15 million shares of common stock in the aggregate pursuant to the authority requested from stockholders under this proposal which you(subject to adjustment for any reverse stock split). It is possible that if we conduct a non-public stock offering, some of the shares we sell could be purchased by one or more investors who could acquire a large block of our common stock. This would concentrate voting power in the hands of a few stockholders who could exercise greater influence on our operations or the outcome of matters put to a vote of stockholders in the future.

We cannot determine what the actual net proceeds of the offerings will be until they are completed, but as discussed above, the aggregate dollar amount of the non-public offerings will be no more than $15 million. If all or part of the offerings is completed, the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. We currently have no arrangements or understandings regarding any specific transaction with investors, so we cannot predict whether we will be successful should we seek to have included in the Company’s proxy materials. We may, subject to SEC review and guidelines, decline to includeraise capital through any proposal in our proxy materials.offerings.

No Appraisal Rights

 

Stockholders who wishUnder the DGCL, stockholders are not entitled to make a proposal at the 2016 Annual Meetingrights of Stockholders, other than one thatappraisal with respect to Proposal 2, and we will be included innot independently provide our proxy materials, must notify us no later than May 22, 2016 (see Rule 14a-4(c)(1) under the Exchange Act). If a stockholder who wishes to present a proposal fails to notify us by May 22, 2016,or, if the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is changed by more than 30 days from the anniversary of the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and notice is not received in a reasonable time before we send the proxy material forstockholders with any such meeting, the proxies that management solicits for the meeting will confer discretionary authority to vote on the stockholder’s proposal if it is properly brought before the meeting.right.

 

 

 

Vote Required for Approval

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote are required to approve this proposal. Abstentions are deemed to be votes cast and thereby have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes are not deemed to be votes cast and thereby do not affect the outcome of the voting on the proposal.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL TWO


PROPOSAL NO.3

THE APPROVAL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NASDAQ LISTING RULE 5635(d), OF THE POTENTIAL ISSUANCE IN EXCESS OF 20% OF OUR OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK IN ONE OR MORE NON-PUBLIC OFFERINGS,WHERE THE MAXIMUM DISCOUNT AT WHICH SECURITIES WILL BE OFFERED WILL BE EQUIVALENT TO A DISCOUNT OF10% BELOW THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

In the event that the stockholders do not approve Proposal 2, the Board recommends the stockholders approve the following proposal which is identical to Proposal 2 except that the maximum discount at which securities of the Company will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 10% below the market price for our common stock at the time of issuance. The Board of Directors desires to give the Company’s stockholders a meaningful opportunity to make an informed decision regarding the maximum discount below the market price for our common stock to be authorized for future issuance consistent with the principles adopted by NASDAQ and believes providing stockholders several options permits a meaningful informed decision. In the event both Proposal 2 and Proposal 3 are approved by stockholders, only Proposal 2 shall be deemed to have any effect.

Our common stock is currently listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market and we are subject to the marketplace rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d) ("Rule 5635(d)") requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to the issuance of our common stock in connection with the sale, issuance or potential issuance by us of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable common stock) equal to 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance for less than the greater of book or market value of the stock.

We may seek to raise additional capital to implement our business strategy and enhance our overall capitalization. We have not determined the particular terms for such prospective offerings. Because we may seek additional capital that triggers the requirements of Rule 5635(d), we are seeking stockholder approval now, so that we will be able to move quickly to take full advantage of any opportunities that may develop in the equity markets.

We hereby submit this Proposal No. 3 to our stockholders for their approval of the potential issuance in excess of 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 10% below the market price of our common stock, subject to the following limitations:

The aggregate number of shares issued in the offerings will not exceed 15 million shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment for any reverse stock split effected prior to the offerings (including pursuant to preferred stock, options, warrants, convertible debt or other securities exercisable for or convertible into common stock);

The total aggregate consideration will not exceed $15 million;

The maximum discount at which securities will be offered (which may consist of a share of common stock and a warrant for the issuance of up to an additional share of common stock) will be equivalent to a discount of 10% below the market price of our common stock at the time of issuance in recognition of the historical volatility of our common stock making the pricing discount of our stock required by investors at any particular time difficult, at this time, to predict;

Such offerings will occur, if at all, on or before May 2, 2017; and

Such other terms as the Board of Directors shall deem to be in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders, not inconsistent with the foregoing.


   The issuance of shares of our common stock, or other securities convertible into shares of our common stock, in accordance with any offerings would dilute, and thereby reduce, each existing stockholder’s proportionate ownership in our common stock.  The stockholders do not have preemptive rights to subscribe to additional shares that may be issued by the Company in order to maintain their proportionate ownership of the common stock.

The issuance of shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings could have an anti-takeover effect. Such issuances could dilute the voting power of a person seeking control of the Company, thereby deterring or rendering more difficult a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or an extraordinary corporate transaction opposed by the Company.

The Board of Directors has not yet determined the terms and conditions of any offerings. As a result, the level of potential dilution cannot be determined at this time, but as discussed above, we may not issue more than 15 million shares of common stock in the aggregate pursuant to the authority requested from stockholders under this proposal (subject to adjustment for any reverse stock split). It is possible that if we conduct a non-public stock offering, some of the shares we sell could be purchased by one or more investors who could acquire a large block of our common stock. This would concentrate voting power in the hands of a few stockholders who could exercise greater influence on our operations or the outcome of matters put to a vote of stockholders in the future.

We cannot determine what the actual net proceeds of the offerings will be until they are completed, but as discussed above, the aggregate dollar amount of the non-public offerings will be no more than $15 million. If all or part of the offerings is completed, the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including our continuing possible acquisitions of additional intellectual property portfolios. We currently have no arrangements or understandings regarding any specific transaction with investors, so we cannot predict whether we will be successful should we seek to raise capital through any offerings.

No Appraisal Rights

Under the DGCL, stockholders are not entitled to rights of appraisal with respect to Proposal 3, and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such right.

Vote Required for Approval

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote are required to approve this proposal. Abstentions are deemed to be votes cast and thereby have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes are not deemed to be votes cast and thereby do not affect the outcome of the voting on the proposal.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL THREE


PROPOSAL NO. 4

the authorization of an amendment to the2010 Planto increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000

The Company's 2010 Plan was approved by our Board and Stockholders and went into effect as of January 1, 2011. On March 4, 2016, the Board approved an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the 2010 Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000 in support of the Company's growth and desire to attract and retain qualified individuals for management and other positions. The Board is recommending and submitting the Amendment to our stockholders for approval.


We are seeking stockholder approval of the Amendment to increase the number of shares issuable pursuant to the 2010 Plan to 500,000 from 200,000. In determining the amount of the increase contemplated by the proposed Amendment to the 2010 Plan, the Board has taken into consideration the desire to continue to retain the flexibility to offer our employees the opportunity to purchase shares of our Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the 2010 Plan.  

The purpose of this increase is to continue to be able to attract, retain and motivate eligible employees to contribute to the growth and profitability of the Company. Upon stockholder approval, an additional 300,000 shares of Common Stock will be available for purchase under the 2010 Plan, which will enable us to continue to offer to our employees the opportunity to become stockholders of the Company thereby attracting, retaining and motivating the individuals who will be critical to the Company’s success in achieving its business objectives and thereby creating greater value for all our stockholders.

Furthermore, we believe that 2010 Plan aligns the interests of our employees with the interests of our other stockholders. Participation in our 2010 Plan is a key component of maintaining a unified vision across all levels of the Company. Employees who enroll in the 2010 Plan maintain a similar interest as that of other stockholders and a focus on the long-term growth of the Company.

Approval of the Amendment will permit the Company to continue to use the opportunity for eligible employees to purchase stock to align stockholder and employee interests and to motivate employees and others providing services to the Company or any subsidiary. 

No Appraisal Rights

Under the DGCL, stockholders are not entitled to rights of appraisal with respect to Proposal 4, and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such right.

Vote Required for Approval

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote are required to approve this proposal. Abstentions are deemed to be votes cast and thereby have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes are not deemed to be votes cast and thereby do not affect the outcome of the voting on the proposal.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL FOUR

HOUSE HOLDING OF MATERIALS

 

In some instances, only one copy of the Notice, this proxy statement or our annual report, as applicable,materials is being delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address, unless we have received instructions from one or more of the stockholders to continue to deliver multiple copies. We will deliver promptly, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the applicable materials to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy was delivered. If you wish to receive a separate copy of the Notice, this proxy statement or our annual report, as applicable,materials you may call us at 401-848-5848, or send a written request to Towerstream Corporation, 88 Silva Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, attention Chief Financial Officer.Attention: Secretary. If you have received only one copy of the Notice, proxy statement or annual report,materials, and wish to receive a separate copy for each stockholder in the future, you may call us at the telephone number or write us at the address listed above. Alternatively, stockholders sharing an address who now receive multiple copies of the Notice, proxy statement or annual report,materials, may request delivery of a single copy, also by calling us at the telephone number or writing to us at the address listed above.

 


OTHER BUSINESS

 

The Board of Directors knows of no business to be brought before the annual meetingSpecial Meeting other than as set forth above. If other matters properly come before the stockholders at the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named on the proxy to vote the shares represented thereby on such matters in accordance with their judgment.

 

 

Dated:  July 6, 2015[*], 2016

 

 

 

EXHIBITAPPENDIX A

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

TO

THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION

 

The undersigned, being the President and Chief Executive Officer of Towerstream Corporation, a corporationorganized and existing under and by virtue of the lawsGeneral Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify undercertify:

FIRST: That the sealBoard of Directors of Towerstream Corporation adopted a proposed amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of said corporation to effect a reverse stock split, declaring said amendment to be advisable.

The proposed amendment reads as follows:

 

1.            The certificate of incorporation of the CorporationArticle Fourth is hereby amended by replacing Article Fourth in its entirety withadding the following:

 

FOURTH: A. Classes“C. Upon the filing and numbereffectiveness (the “Effective Time”) pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law of Shares. The totalthis amendment to the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, each [*] shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time either issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation as treasury stock shall be combined into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock without any further action by the Corporation or the holder thereof; provided that no fractional shares shall be issued to any holder and that instead of issuing such fractional shares, the Corporation shall round shares up to the nearest whole number. Each certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares of Common Stock (“Old Certificates”), shall thereafter represent that number of shares of stock thatCommon Stock into which the Corporationshares of Common Stock represented by the Old Certificate shall have authoritybeen combined, subject to issue isthe treatment of fractional shares as described above.”

* Whole number between two hundred(2) and twenty five million (205,000,000). The Classes(25) as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.

SECOND:That, pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors, a special meeting of the stockholders of Towerstream Corporation was duly called and aggregateheld upon notice in accordance with Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of each class whichgranting the Corporation shall haveBoard of Directors the authority to issue are as follows:amend the Certificate of Incorporation to provide for a reverse stock split and the Board of Directors subsequently approved a ratio of 1-for-[*].

THIRD:That said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

FOURTH:All other provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation shall remain in full force and effect.

FIFTH:This Certificate of Amendment shall be effective upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,said corporation has caused this certificate to be signed this __ day of ________________, 2016.

 

1.

Two hundred million (200,000,000)By:

Title:

Name:

26


PROXY CARD

TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION

PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD ONMAY 2, 2016

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby appoints, Philip Urso and Joseph Hernon, and each of them, as proxies, each with full power of substitution, to represent and to vote all the shares of common stock of Towerstream Corporation (the “Company”), which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, at the Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 2, 2016 and at any adjournments thereof, subject to the directions indicated on this Proxy Card.

In their discretion, the proxy is authorized to vote upon any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS MADE, BUT IF NO CHOICES ARE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSALS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.

IMPORTANT—This Proxy must be signed and dated on the reverse side.

THIS IS YOUR PROXY

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

Dear Stockholder:

We cordially invite you to attend the Special Meeting of Stockholders of Towerstream Corporation to be held at Towerstream’s offices located at 88 Silva Lane, Tech IV, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, on May 2, 2016, beginning at 9:00 a.m. local time.

Please read the proxy statement which describes the proposals and presents other important information, and complete, sign and return your proxy promptly in the enclosed envelope.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1-4

1. Proposal to authorize an amendment to the Certificate of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”);Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock at a specific ratio, within a range of 1 for 5 and 1 for 25, to be determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion on or before May 2, 2017.

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

2. Proposal to authorize, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the potential issuance in excess of 20% of the Company’s common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of the common stock.

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

3. Proposal to authorize, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d), the potential issuance in excess of 20% of the Company’s common stock in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 10% below the market price of the common stock.

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

 

2.4. Proposal to adopt an amendment to the Towerstream 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder to 500,000 from 200,000.

Five million (5,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”); and

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

 

B. Blank Check Powers. The Corporation may issue any class of the Preferred Stock in any series. The Board of Directors shall have authority to establish and designate series, and to fix the number of shares included in each such series and the variations in the relative rights, preferences and limitations

Important:  Please sign exactly as between series, provided that, if the stated dividends and amounts payablename appears on liquidation are not paid inthis proxy.  When signing as attorney, executor, trustee, guardian, corporate officer, etc., please indicate full the shares of all series of the same class shall share ratably in the payment of dividends including accumulations, if any, in accordance with the sums which would be payable on such shares if all dividends were declared and paid in full, and in any distribution of assets other than by way of dividends in accordance with the sums which would be payable on such distribution if all sums payable were discharged in full. Shares of each such series when issued shall be designated to distinguish the shares of each series from the shares of all other series.

2. The officers of the Corporation are authorized and directed to take such actions as are necessary in their discretion to effectuate the purposes of each of the above resolutions, including but not limited to the execution, delivery and filing of all necessary certificates, applications and other documents and the payment of all necessary fees in connection therewith.

3. The number of shares of the corporation outstanding and entitled to vote on an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation is 66,759,470 and the foregoing change and amendment has been consented to and approved by the vote of the stockholders of the Corporation holding at least a majority of each class of stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and this Certificate of Amendment of the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to be signed by Jeffrey M. Thompson, its President and Chief Executive Officer, this     day of              2015.

 TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION      

 By:      

  Jeffrey M. Thompson      

  President and Chief Executive Officer     title.

 

 


 

Dated:                                , 2016

Signature

Name (printed)

Title

 


VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

You may vote your proxy in the following ways:

1.

VIA INTERNET: [____]

Use the internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card available when you access the above website. Follow the prompts to vote your shares. 

2.

VIA PHONE: [_____]

Use a touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card available when you call. Follow the voting instructions to vote your shares.

3.

VIA MAIL: [____]

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.

YOURPROXY NUMBER IS:

You may vote by Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Internet voting is available through 11:59 p.m., prevailing time, on [        ], 2016.