UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington,WASHINGTON, DC 20549

Schedule 14A
(RULE 14A-101)

 

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

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(RULE 14a-101)

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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MIDWEST ENERGY EMISSIONS CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Commission file number 000-33067MIDWEST ENERGY EMISSIONS CORP.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

_______________________________________________________ 

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

 

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MIDWEST ENERGY EMISSIONS CORPCORP. 

500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd, Suite 140670 D Enterprise Drive 

Worthington,Lewis Center, Ohio 4308543035

 

____________

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS 

TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 18, 2014AUGUST 9, 2016 

____________

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS:STOCKHOLDERS:

 

You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders of Midwest Energy Emissions Corp,Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”"Company"), will be held at the Energy & Environmental Research Center, 15 N. 23rd St., Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, on Tuesday, November 18, 2014,August 9, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, for the following purposes:

 

1.

Election of five directors, each for a term of one year.

2.

Ratification of the appointment of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.

3.

Proposal to approve the Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to increase our authorized shares of Common Stock by 50,000,000.

4.

Proposal to approve the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.

5.

An advisory vote on a resolution to approve executive compensation.

6.

An advisory vote on the frequency of holding an advisory vote to approve executive compensation.

7.

1.       Election of five directors, each for a term of one year.

2.       Ratification of the appointment of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. 

3.       An advisory vote on a resolution to approve executive compensation.

4.       To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

Only shareholdersstockholders of record at the close of business on October 17, 2014June 22, 2016 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

RICHARD H. GROSS

October 27, 2014Secretary

 

RICHARD H. GROSS 

Secretary

July 6, 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 2014:AUGUST 9, 2016:

 

This proxy statement and the Company’s 2013Company's 2015 annual report to shareholdersstockholders are also available at http://www.midwestemissions.com/meeting-access/

 

SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON ARE URGED TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET OR TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.

 

 

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MIDWEST ENERGY EMISSIONS CORPCORP.

500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd, Suite 140670 D Enterprise Drive 

Worthington,Lewis Center, Ohio 43085 43035

____________________ __________________________

 

PROXY STATEMENT

____________________

 __________________________

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Midwest Energy Emissions Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”"Company"), for use at the Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”"Annual Meeting") to be held at the Energy & Environmental Research Center, 15 N. 23rd St., Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, on Tuesday, November 18, 2014,August 9, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, and at any adjournment thereof.

 

This proxy statement and accompanying notice and form of proxy are being mailed to shareholdersstockholders on or about October 27, 2014.July 6, 2016. A copy of the Company’sCompany's Annual Report to Shareholders,Stockholders, including financial statements, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (the “2013 fiscal year”)2015 is enclosed with this proxy statement.

 

The presence of any shareholderstockholder at the Annual Meeting will not operate to revoke his proxy. Any proxy may be revoked, at any time before it is exercised, in open meeting, or by giving notice to the Company in writing, or by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date.

 

The holders of shares of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding on the record date,Record Date (defined below), present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business to be considered at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes and abstaining votes will be counted as “present”"present" for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved at the meeting, but will not be counted in favor of or against any director nominee. The voting standards for each of the other known matters to be considered at the meeting are set forth within the proposals.

 

If the enclosed proxy is executed and returned to the Company, the persons named therein will vote the shares represented by it at the Annual Meeting. The proxy permits specification of a vote for the election of directors, or the withholding of authority to vote in the election of directors, or the withholding of authority to vote for one or more specified nominees and a vote for, against or abstain on the other proposals described in this proxy statement. Where a choice is specified in the proxy, the shares of common stock represented thereby will be voted in accordance with such specification. If no specification is made, such shares will be voted to elect as directors the nominees set forth herein under “Election"Election of Directors”Directors" and FOR the other proposals (for one year on the say-on-pay frequency proposal) included in this proxy.

 

The close of business on October 17, 2014,June 22, 2016 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of shareholdersstockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.Meeting (the "Record Date"). As of October 17, 2014, the Company’sRecord Date, the Company's outstanding voting securities consisted of 40,228,12347,358,618 shares of common stock, with par value of $0.001, each of which is entitled to one vote on all matters to be presented to the shareholdersstockholders at the Annual Meeting.

 

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VOTING PROCEDURES

 

If you are a record holder:

 

·

You may vote by mail: complete and sign your proxy card and mail it in the enclosed, prepaid and addressed envelopeenvelope.

·

You may vote by telephone: call toll-free 1-800-690-6903 on a touch tone phone and follow the instructions provide by the recorded message. You will need your proxy card available if you vote by telephone.

·

You may vote by Internet: access www.proxyvote.com and follow the steps outlined on the secure website.

·

You may vote in person at the meeting, however, you are encouraged to vote by mail, telephone or Internet even if you plan to attend the meeting.

 


If you are a “street name”"street name" holder: 

 

·

You must vote your shares of common stock through the procedures established by your bank, broker, or other holder of record. Your bank, broker, or other holder of record has enclosed or otherwise provided a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the bank, broker, or other holder of record how to vote your shares of common shares.stock.

·

You may vote at the meeting, however, to do so, you will first need to ask your bank, broker or other holder of record to furnish you with a legal proxy. You will need to bring the legal proxy with you to the meeting and hand it in with a signed ballot that you can request at the meeting. You will not be able to vote your shares of common stock at the meeting without a legal proxy and signed ballot.

ANNUAL REPORT; INTERNET AVAILABILITY

 

A copy of our Annual Report to ShareholdersStockholders for the year ended December 31, 2013,2015 is enclosed with this Proxy Statement.proxy statement. Additional, this proxy Statementstatement and our Annual Report to ShareholdersStockholders for the year ended December 31, 20132015 are available at http://www.midwestemissions.com/meeting-access/.

 

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

At the Annual Meeting, shares represented by proxies will be voted, unless otherwise specified in such proxies, for the election of the five nominees to the Board of Directors named in this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy. These nominees were selected by the Board of Directors and will, if elected, serve as directors of the Company until the next Annual Meeting of the shareholdersstockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier removal or resignation. All of the nominees are currently members of the Board of Directors and all nominees have consented to be nominated and to serve if elected. If, for any reason, any one or more nominees becomesbecome unavailable for election, it is expected that proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute nominees as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The director nominees who receive the greatest number of affirmative votes will be elected.

 

Nominees to serve for the One-Year Term expiring in 2015:

Name

 

Age

 

Principal Occupation for the Past Five Years

 

Director of the Company Since

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnny F. Norris, Jr.

 

65

 

Chief Executive Officer (2011 to 2013); President and Chief Executive Officer, Fuel Tech, Inc. (air pollution control company) (2006 to 2010)

 

2011

Richard A. MacPherson

 

59

 

Director of Business Development, (2011 to present) Chief Executive Officer, MES, Inc. (current subsidiary and operating company of the Company) (2008 to 2011)

 

2011

Jay Rifkin

 

59

 

President, Mojo Music, Inc. (1995 to present); Chief Executive Officer (2005 to 2011);

 

2006

R. Alan Kelley

 

62

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (June 2013 to present); President and Chief Operating Officer (November 2011 to June 2013); President and Chief Executive Officer, Grand Bahama Power Company (2009 to 2011)

 

2013

Christopher Greenberg

 

48

 

Chief Executive Officer, Global Safety Network (employment screening and safety compliance services) (2003 to present); Owner, Express Employment Professionals (staffing agency that provides full time and temporary job placement, human resources services and consulting) (1997 to present)

 

2013

 

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The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the five nominees for election to the Board of Directors.

Name

 

Age

 

Present Position and Offices

 

Director of the Company Since

Richard MacPherson

 

61

 

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

 

2011

Christopher Greenberg

 

50

 

Chairman of the Board, Director

 

2013

Brian L. Johnson

 

40

 

Director

 

2014

Christopher J. Lee

 

35

 

Director

 

2015

Allan T. Grantham

 

64

 

Director

 

2016

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholdersStockholders vote FOR the nominees.

 

In addition toRichard MacPherson has been a Director of the professional and occupational experience described above for each nominee, the Board has concluded that the skills, qualifications, experiences and attributes described below make the nominees persons who should serve as directors:

Johnny F. Norris, Jr. – Mr. Norris has decades of demonstrated experience at the senior executive level. He has an industry-proven ability in successfully building new services companies. Mr. Norris has many years of significant public company experience,Company since June 2011 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since March 2015. Mr. MacPherson is the founder of MES, Inc. (current subsidiary and operating company of the Company) and had been instrumental in managing over a dozen successful mergers and acquisitions in his career. His experience includes both COO and CEO positions at mid-size companies,its Chief Executive Officer from 2008 until 2011. From 2011 to March 2015, Mr. MacPherson served as well as senior executive positions in major corporations with direct operational responsibilityVice President of tensBusiness Development of billions of dollars in assets, billions of dollars in annual revenues, and over 8,000 employees.

Richard A. MacPherson –the Company. Over the past 10 years, Mr. MacPherson has worked with industry leading scientists and engineers to bring Midwest’sthe Company's technology from the R&D phase, through multiple product development stages, to the final commercialization phase, acting as the lead on all required initiatives and activities.

Jay Rifkin - Mr. Rifkin is a successful media executive who founded Mojo Music, Inc., a music publishing company, in 1995 and He has been President since it was founded.a senior-level executive in the services industry for over 25 years. Mr. RifkinMacPherson brings extensive start-up and business development knowledge, applied and proven through his corporate experience throughout the United States and Canada. He has servedworked in multiple industries, such as Producer and Executive Producer on various motion pictures and is also a music producer, engineer and songwriter. From 1988 to 2004, Mr. Rifkin, through Mojo Music, Inc., served as a Managing Member of Media Ventures, LLC, an entertainment cooperative founded by Mr. Rifkin and composer Hans Zimmer. 1995, Mr. Rifkin founded Mojo Records, LLC, which in 1996 became a joint venture with Universal Records, and was subsequently sold to Zomba/BMG Records in 2001.

R. Alan Kelley – Mr. Kelley has many years of extensive public company experienceelectric utilities, communications, marketing, as well as demonstrated successseveral entrepreneurial ventures in multiple “turnarounds” of underperforming businesses. In addition, Mr. Kelleythe communications, hospitality, geological and real estate development industries.

Christopher Greenberg has international experience in developing and implementing return-on-investment regulatory structures. Mr. Kelley was Chairmanbeen a Director of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies Generation Committee, whose members represent over half of the generating facilities nationallyCompany since June 2013 and Chairman of the Mid-America Interconnected Network Regional Reliability Council. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the North American Electric Reliability Council.

Christopher Greenberg –since December 2014. Mr. Greenberg is a dedicatedfounder of, and technically-skilled business professional with a versatile skill set developed through experience as an entrepreneur, business developer and community leader. Currently Mr. Greenberg issince 2003, has been the CEOChief Executive Officer of Global Safety Network, Inc., a company which provides employment screening and Ownersafety compliance services. He is also the owner of multiple Express Employment Professionals (Grand Forks, Fargo, Minot,franchises located in North Dakota, Aberdeen and Watertown, South Dakota and Tampa, Florida). A highly-experiencedFlorida. Express Employment Professionals is a staffing agency that provides full time and temporary job placement, human resources services and consulting. Mr. Greenberg is a highly experienced Operations Executive who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams of professionals to new levels of success in a variety of highly-competitivehighly competitive industries, cutting-edge markets, and fast-paced environments. Mr. Greenberg has strong technical and business qualifications with an impressive track record of more than 19 years of hands-on experience in strategic planning, business unit development, project and product management, and proprietary software development. He also has the proven ability to successfully analyze an organization’sorganization's critical business requirements, identify deficiencies and potential opportunities, and develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for enhancing competitiveness, increasing revenues, and improving customer service offerings.

 

Board Leadership

The Board does not haveBrian L. Johnson has been a formal policy regarding the separationDirector of the rolesCompany since December 2014. Since February 2011, Mr. Johnson has been Chief Executive Officer of CEOChoice Financial Group, a financial institution offering full-service bank, insurance, and investments options. Choice is a $1.1 billion locally owned community bank with 19 locations in North Dakota and one in Minnesota and has about 205 employees. Mr. Johnson has been with Choice Financial Group since 1999 and has held the positions of President of the bank's Walhalla, North Dakota, location; Market President for the bank's two locations in Grand Forks, North Dakota; Chief Credit Officer; and COO. He is also a member of the company's Board of Directors, Senior Credit Committee and Compensation Committee. Mr. Johnson is a native of Walhalla, North Dakota, and graduated from the University of Jamestown with a Business Management and Economics degree. Mr. Johnson has served on various boards including the Chamber of Commerce and Regional Economic Development. In March 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis named him to its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council of the Ninth District. In 2013, he was named Chairman of the Board asand meets semiannually with the Federal Reserve Board believes it is in the best interest of the CompanyGovernors on economics and our shareholders to make that determination based on the position and direction of the Company and the membership of the Board. At this time, the Board has determined that separating the role of Chairman from the role of CEO is in the best interest of the Company and our shareholders. This structure permits our President and CEO to devote more time to focus on the strategic direction and management of our day-to-day operations. Currently the Board has one independent director, Mr. Greenberg.banking.

 

 

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Board’s RoleChristopher J. Lee has been a Director of the Company since February 2015. Since July 2014, Mr. Lee has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Butler Machinery Company, a regional dealer of top-quality heavy construction equipment and agriculture equipment with locations in Risk OversightNorth Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. From January 2004 to July 2014, Mr. Lee was an accountant with Eide Bailly, LLP, a public accounting firm with 26 offices in 12 states, and was a partner of the firm from May 2012 to July 2014. In 2003, Mr. Lee graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Mr. Lee is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

 

It is management’s responsibility to manage risk and bring to the Board of Directors’ attention the most material risks to the Company. The Board of DirectorsAllan T. Grantham has oversight responsibilitybeen a director of the processes establishedCompany since June 2016. He is the founder and has been President of Atlas Estate Planning Services Limited, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, since July 2003, which company specializes in personal and corporate estate planning services. Mr. Grantham, who has been in the insurance industry since 1978, has concentrated in the estate, tax and financial planning areas since 1983. Prior to reportstarting Atlas Estate Planning Services Limited, Mr. Grantham was President of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited from 1993 to 2003. In Canada, Mr. Grantham is a designated CPCA (Certified Professional Consultant on Aging), CEA (Certified Executor Advisor), CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and monitor systemsTEP (member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners). Mr. Grantham and his wife have in the past and continue to be actively involved in various charitable organizations, both Halifax based and internationally, including creating "Friends of Haiti" which raises funds for material risks applicableprojects and children in Haiti which is administered through Chalice Canada, a charity which provides nutrition, education and shelter to the Company. The full Board regularly reviews enterprise-wide risk management, which includes treasury risks, financialchildren and accounting risks, legal and compliance risks and other risk management functions. The full Board considers risks related to the attraction and retention of talent and related to the design of compensation programs tailored to the specific needsin elderly in various developing countries.

There are no family relationships between any of the Company. The full Board considers strategic risks and opportunities and receives reports from management on risk.directors, executive officers or persons nominated or chosen by the Company to become directors or executive officers.

 

Board of Directors Structure

 

The Board of Directors has determined that each of Christopher Greenberg, Brian L. Johnson, Christopher J. Lee and Allan T. Grantham is an “independent director”"independent director" as defined by the listing standards of The NasdaqNASDAQ Stock Market.

 

TheIn the past, the full Board of Directors actsacted as an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. In addition,Committee, and the Company’s Board of Directors does not have a nominating committee. The Board of Directors as a whole functionsfunctioned as the Nominating Committee due to the relatively small size of the Board and the smaller market capitalization of the Company. Therefore,Effective as of June 2016, the Board doesof Directors has established (i) an Audit Committee, (ii) a Compensation Committee, and (iii) a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each of these Committees has only independent directors as members. In addition, effective as of June 2016, the Board has established a Finance Committee for which it has not haveimposed any committee charters.membership rules regarding director independence. Each of the Committees operates under a written charter that is available on the Company's website: http://www.midwestemissions.com. Each of the Committees shall meet as often as its members deem necessary to perform such Committee's responsibilities.

 

The full Board of Directors acts asheld 16 formal meetings during 2015. In addition, the Board of Directors took action by unanimous written consent and met informally on other occasions during the period. Each director currently serving on the Board attended 75% or more of the meetings held during such year by the Board except for Mr. Grantham who was not serving on the Board of Directors in 2015. The Company encourages the attendance of all directors at the Company's annual meeting of stockholders.

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Audit Committee

The Audit Committee consists of three directors: Christopher J. Lee (chairperson), Christopher Greenberg and Brian L. Johnson. The Audit Committee's charter requires that such Committee shall consist of no fewer than three directors, each of whom shall be an independent director of the Company satisfying the independence requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ") or any exchange on which the Company's securities may be listed and any other applicable regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility by reviewing the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company and its subsidiaries, the Company's internal control and disclosure control system, and the audits of the Company's financial statements. In this regard, the Audit Committee andshall approves the Company’sCompany's retention of independent auditors and pre-approvespre-approve any audit or non-audit services performed by them. It reviewsshall review with such accountants the arrangements for, and the scope of, the audit to be conducted by them. It also reviewsshall review with the independent accountants and with management the results of audits and various other financial and accounting matters affecting the Company.

 

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee consists of three directors: Christopher Greenberg (chairperson), Christopher J. Lee and Allan T. Grantham. The Compensation Committee's charter requires that such Committee shall consist of no fewer than two directors, each of whom shall (i) be an independent director of the Company satisfying the independence requirements of NASDAQ or any exchange on which the Company's securities may be listed and any other applicable regulatory requirements, (ii) qualify as an "outside director" under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended; and (iii) meet the requirements of a "non-employee director" for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board to review and approve the Company's compensation and benefits programs, including annual base salary; annual incentive opportunity; stock option or other equity participation plans; profit-sharing plans; long-term incentive opportunity; the terms of employment agreements, severance agreements, and change in control agreements, in each case as, when and if appropriate; any special or supplemental benefits; and any other payments that are deemed compensation under applicable rules of the SEC. In this regard, the Compensation Committee shall evaluate the performance of the CEO in light of the Company's goals and objectives and determine and approve the CEO's compensation based on this evaluation and such other factors as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee shall also determine and approve the compensation of all other executive officers of the Company, which determination may be based upon recommendations of the CEO. The Board of Directors acts ascan exercise its discretion in modifying any amount presented by our CEO. 

Prior to June 2016, the Compensation Committee and administersBoard of Directors administered the Company’sCompany's compensation, benefits and the Company’sCompany's 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. Our policies and overall compensation practices for all employees do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.  In addition, incentive compensation (in the past generally in the form of stock options) is not designed to create, and does not create, risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.  Recommendations regarding compensation of officers (other than the CEO) are made to the full Board by our CEO. The Board of Directors can exercise its discretion in modifying any amount presented by our CEO. During fiscal 2013,2015, the Board of Directors did not retain the services of a compensation consultant.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The BoardNominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Directors met 14 times during the 2013. Eachfour directors: Christopher Greenberg (chairperson), Brian L. Johnson, Christopher J. Lee and Allan T. Grantham. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's charter requires that such Committee shall consist of no fewer than two directors, each of whom shall be an independent director currently serving on the Board attended 75% or more of the meetings held during such year byCompany satisfying the Board.independence requirements of NASDAQ or any exchange on which the Company's securities may be listed and any other applicable regulatory requirements. The Company encourages the attendance of all directors at the annual shareholders meetings.

Nominations for Director are madeNominating and Corporate Governance Committee is appointed by the Board to determine the identity of Directors as a whole. director nominees for election to the Board and to assist the Board in discharging the Board's responsibilities in the area of corporate governance.

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The Board determines the desired skills and characteristics for directors as well asCommittee shall review, at least annually, the composition and size of the Board of Directors as a whole. This assessment considers the directors’ qualifications and independence, as well as diversity, age, skill and experience in the context of the needs ofmake recommendations to the Board regarding the criteria for Board membership including issues of Directors.character, judgment, diversity, expertise, corporate experience and the like.  At a minimum, directors should share the values of the Company and should possess the following characteristics: high personal and professional integrity; the ability to exercise sound business judgment; an inquiring mind; and the time available to devote to Board of Directors’Directors' activities and the willingness to do so.  The Board or the Committee does not have a formal policy specifically focusing on the consideration of diversity; however, diversity is one of the many factors that the Board considersCommittee shall consider when identifying candidates.  In addition to the foregoing considerations, generally with respect to nominees recommended by shareholders,stockholders, the BoardCommittee will evaluate such recommended nominees considering the additional information regarding themthe nominees provided to the Board.Committee.  When seeking candidates for the Board of Directors, the BoardCommittee may solicit suggestions from incumbent directors, management and third-party search firms.  Ultimately, the BoardCommittee will recommend prospective nominees who the BoardCommittee believes will be effective, in conjunction with the other members of the Board of Directors, in collectively serving the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders.Company's stockholders. The BoardCommittee will review any candidate recommended by shareholdersstockholders of the Company in light of its criteria for selection of new directors. See “2015"2017 Stockholder Proposals or Nominations."

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee consists of three directors: Christopher J. Lee (chairperson), Christopher Greenberg and Brian L. Johnson. The Finance Committee is appointed by the Board to oversee all areas of corporate performance and finance, and advise and assist the Board with respect to the financial and investment policies, risks, and objectives of the Company, including specific actions required to achieve those objectives.

Financial Experts

Although the Audit Committee was established in June 2016, the Board of Directors has not appointed any directors as "audit committee financial experts" as defined under Item 407 of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, insofar that it had no audit committee prior thereto and is not required to have an audit committee because the Company is not a listed security.

Board Leadership

The Board does not have a formal policy regarding the separation of the roles of CEO and Chairman of the Board as the Board believes it is in the best interest of the Company and our stockholders to make that determination based on the position and direction of the Company and the membership of the Board. At this time, the Board has determined that separating the role of Chairman from the role of CEO is in the best interest of the Company and our stockholders. This structure permits our President and CEO to devote more time to focus on the strategic direction and management of our day-to-day operations. Currently, the Board has four independent directors, Messrs. Greenberg, Johnson, Lee and Grantham.

Board's Role in Risk Oversight

It is management's responsibility to manage risk and bring to the Board of Directors' attention the most material risks to the Company. The Board of Directors has oversight responsibility of the processes established to report and monitor systems for material risks applicable to the Company. The full Board, or the Committees, shall regularly review enterprise-wide risk management, which includes treasury risks, financial and accounting risks, legal and compliance risks and other risk management functions.

 

 

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While the Board has the ultimate risk oversight responsibility, various committees of the Board also have responsibility for risk oversight. The Audit Committee has responsibility for overseeing the integrity of the Company's financial reporting processes and controls. The Finance Committee overseas corporate performance and finance, and assists the Board with respect to financial and investment policies, risks and objectives of the Company. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to the Company's compensation plans and arrangements. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees the management of risks relating to Board and executive succession planning and the composition of the Board. While each Committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire Board of Directors shall be regularly informed through Committee reports and reports from management about such risks.

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the "Code") that applies to all employees, officers and directors, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  A copy of the Code is available free of charge to any person on written or telephone request to Midwest Energy Emissions Corp.'s Investor Relations department, 670 D Enterprise Drive, Lewis Center, OH 43035 or (614) 505-6115. 

Material Proceedings

There are no material proceedings to which any director or executive officer of the Company, or any associate of any such director or executive officer, is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company.

Transactions with Management and Others

As of December 31, 2014, the Company owed Jay Rifkin, a former officer and director of the Company, $250,000 for unpaid consulting fees accrued prior to the year ended 2011 and accrued interest of $31,318 accrued on advances made to the company prior to their conversion to promissory notes of the Company on June 30, 2013. These amounts were accrued in other current liabilities and accrued liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014. On January 2, 2015, the Company entered into a Payment of Debt and Release of Claims Agreement and paid the balance of this debt to Mr. Rifkin.

Since January 1, 2015, there has not been, nor is there currently proposed, any other transaction or series of similar transactions to which we were or will be a party required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended: (i) in which the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years; and (ii) in which any director, executive officer, shareholder who beneficially owns 5% or more of our common stock or any member of their immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

Richard H. Gross, age 45, has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since October 2011. Since 2000, Mr. Gross has held positions as Controller, CFO and Associate Vice President of Business Development for Columbus Ohio area companies until October 2011. Mr. Gross has held CFO and CPA roles for over 15 years. In his most recent position as CFO at S&G Manufacturing Group, a provider of design, engineering, fabrication and installation solutions to diverse industries including food service, healthcare and retail(June 2009 to October 2011), Mr. Gross' involvement was instrumental in turning around the company's profitability. He successfully devised and implemented internal changes to adjust both the size of the company as well as its processes during a corporate restructuring effort. Prior to his position with S&G Manufacturing Group, Mr. Gross was the Associate Vice President of Business Development at JMAC, Inc., a private equity firm (April 2006 to March 2009), as well as the Controller for the Columbus Blue Jackets, a professional ice hockey team (June 2000 to April 2006) during its transition from a developmental stage enterprise into a full member of the National Hockey League.  Mr. Gross is experienced in successful mergers having provided financial analysis as well as managing their financial negotiations. He began his career as an accountant at a private accounting firm where he performed attestation and tax services for a wide range of private and publicly-listed firms valued up to $1 billion.  Mr. Gross has a B.A. degree in Accounting from Otterbein University and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) shortly thereafter.

8

John Pavlish, age 57, has been Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of the Company since November 2014. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pavlish was a Senior Research Advisor and the Director of the Center for Air Toxic Metals at the Energy & Environmental Research Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He has over 20 years of mercury-related experience and is regarded as an international expert on the topic of mercury. His primary areas of interest and expertise include research, technical consultation, and development of mercury control technologies, in particular, for coal combustion and gasification systems. He is an inventor of a number of patented mercury control technologies and has years of experience in development and testing of these technologies for commercial application. Over the last 10 years, he has spent much of his time evaluating the efficacy of a number of different mercury control technologies/approaches and their cost-competiveness in the commercial market. Mr. Pavlish also has years of power plant experience and has worked for engineering/consulting company Black & Veatch, where he served as Unit Leader/System Engineer. Mr. Pavlish is a professional engineer, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and a member of the Air & Waste Management Association. He serves on numerous professional and technical committees and is a U.S. Representative on the Mercury Emissions from Coal International Experts Working Group on Reducing Emissions from Coal and a member of the United Nations Environment Programme Global Mercury Partnership, Reduction of Mercury Releases from Coal Combustion. Mr. Pavlish has published over 200 papers, articles, and reports on various mercury-related topics and issues.

Marcus A. Sylvester, age 54, has been Vice President of Sales since August 2011. He is a seasoned professional in business development and sales in the air pollution and control industry for over 20 years.  Prior to joining the Company, from December 2005 to August 2011, he was the Western Regional Sales Manager for the Fuel Chem Division, as well as the Western Canada Air Pollution Control Sales Manager of Fuel Tech, Inc., where he was responsible for the development, sales, and implementation of slag mitigation control programs at coal-fired utilities in the Western US and Canada. Prior to Fuel Tech, Mr. Sylvester held various sales and sales management positions over 16 years with Nalco Chemical Company and Johnson Controls.  Mr. Sylvester has a B.S. degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry, Military History and Humanities from Utah State University.

James Trettel, age 47, has been Vice President of Operations since January 2014. Mr. Trettel possesses 25 years of experience in the dry bulk material handling industry. During 2012 and 2013, he was the owner and operator of Solid Foundation Services, LLC, a firm specializing in deep foundation installations for the gas and oilfield industry, while providing technical consulting services to MEEC. Prior to 2012, he provided project management and engineering duties for numerous multi-million dollar turn-key contracts while employed at Advanced Bulk and Conveying Inc. starting in 2004. Additionally, Mr. Trettel has overseen day to day operations for 14 years as the VP of J&B Industrial Sales Company Inc., a sales, systems, and engineering organization specializing in bulk material handling. Mr. Trettel has extensive field experience with systems operating in a large variety of industry sectors including coal fired utilities. Mr. Trettel graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and holds various state contractors licenses.

PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF SCHNEIDER DOWNS & CO,CO., INC.

 

TheIn the past, the full Board of Directors acthas acted as the Audit Committee. Effective as of June 2016, the Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee. The BoardCompany currently anticipates appointing Schneider Downs & Co,Co., Inc. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014.2016.  For fiscal year 2013,2015, Schneider Downs was engaged by us to audit our annual financial statements.  Representatives of Schneider Downs are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

9

The Board seeks an indication from shareholdersstockholders of their approval or disapproval of the anticipated appointment of Schneider Downs as the Company’sCompany's independent registered public accounting firm for the 20142016 fiscal year.  The submission of this matter for approval by shareholdersstockholders is not legally required, however, the Board believes that the submission is an opportunity for the shareholdersstockholders to provide feedback to the Board on an important issue of corporate governance.  If the shareholdersstockholders do not approve the appointment of Schneider Downs, the appointment of the Company’sCompany's independent registered public accounting firm will be re-evaluated by the Board and the Audit Committee but will not require the Board or Audit Committee to appoint a different accounting firm.  If the shareholdersstockholders approve the appointment of Schneider Downs, the BoardAudit Committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.stockholders.  Approval of the proposal to ratify the selection of Schneider Downs as our independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to be voted on the proposal at the Annual Meeting.  Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against the proposal.  Broker non-votes will not be considered shares of common stock present and entitled to vote on the proposal and will not have a positive or negative effect on the outcome of this proposal, however, there should be no broker non-votes on this proposal because brokers have the discretion to vote uninstructed common shares on this proposal.

 

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholdersStockholders vote FOR Proposal 2.

PROPOSAL 3: AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE OUR AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

 

Background

On October 9, 2014, our Board of Directors unanimously approved, subject to shareholder approval, an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation (“Amendment”). The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders approve the Amendment to increase from 102,000,000 to 152,000,000 the number of the Company’s authorized shares. The Company currently has authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, 40,228,123 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and 55,323,441 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance upon conversion of notes or exercise of warrants and options as of October 17, 2014. No preferred stock is issued or outstanding as of October 17, 2014.  The Board believes that the increase of 50,000,000 in the number of shares of common stock authorized would provide the Company greater flexibility with respect to the Company’s capital structure for such purposes as issuing stock options, additional equity financing, and stock-based acquisitions. The Board of Directors also directed that the Amendment be submitted for approval by the Company’s shareholders as required by Delaware law. A copy of the proposed amendment is included in this proxy statement as Appendix A.

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders approve the Amendment.

Summary

The terms of the additional shares of common stock 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, any future issuance of additional shares of common stock will reduce the current shareholders’ 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 October 17, 2014, a total of 40,228,123 shares of the Company’s currently authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock are issued and outstanding and 55,323,441 are reserved for issuance upon conversion of notes or exercise of warrants, options and other contractual obligations. The increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock would enable the Company to issue shares from time to time as may be required for proper business purposes, such as issuing stock options, raising additional capital for ongoing operations, business and asset acquisitions, stock splits and dividends, present and future employee benefit programs and other proper corporate purposes.

As of October 17, 2014, in addition to the 40,228,123 shares of common stock outstanding, there are 55,323,441 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of notes or exercise of warrants, options and other contractual obligations, and an additional 4,448,436 shares of common stock unreserved and available for issuance. If the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation is adopted, approximately 54,448,436 shares of common stock would be authorized, unissued and unreserved. The proposed increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock could have a number of effects on the Company’s shareholders depending upon the exact nature and circumstances of any future issuances of authorized but unissued shares. The Securities and Exchange Commission requires the Company to discuss how the increase in shares could be used to make it more difficult to effect a change in control of the Company. The increase could have an anti-takeover effect, in that additional shares could be issued (within the limits imposed by applicable law) in one or more transactions that could make a change in control or takeover of the Company more difficult. For example, additional shares could be issued by the Company so as to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control of the Company, even if the persons seeking to obtain control of the Company offer an above-market premium that is favored by a majority of the independent shareholders. 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. The Company does not have any other provisions in its Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, employment agreements, or any other documents that have material anti-takeover consequences. Additionally, 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 control of the Company, and this proposal is not being presented with the intent that it be utilized as a type of anti-takeover device.  While the Company has no present plans for the issuance of additional shares of common stock, it desires to have such shares available for future issuances as the business need may arise.

Vote Required for Approval

Approval of this amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation requires approval by a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, any shares not voted (whether by abstention or otherwise) will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Brokers will have discretionary authority to vote on this proposal, so broker non-votes will not apply to this proposal.

PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE 2014 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED

Background

The 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “EIP”), was first approved by the Board of Directors on January 10, 2014. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the EIP was originally 2,500,000 shares, subject to the adjustment for stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations and similar corporate events. On October 9, 2014 the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the EIP to increase by 5,000,000 the number of authorized shares of common stock that may be issued under the EIP to 7,500,000. EIP provides that it shall become effective following its adoption by the Board (which occurred on January 10, 2014 and October 9, 2014), subject to its approval by the Company’s shareholders within 12 months after such adoption by the Board of Directors to the extent then required under Section 422 or 424 of the Code or any other applicable law, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board. This description of the EIP is subject to and qualified by a copy of the EIP (prior to the amendment to increase the shares available to 7,500,000), which is available at www.sec.gov as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 16, 2014. This filing is also available through the Company’s website www.midwestemissions.com(see “Investors”, “SEC Filings”).


The Board of Directors recommends that the Company’s shareholders approve the EIP.

Summary

·

The purpose of the EIP is to promote the Company’s long-term growth and profitability by enabling the Company to attract, retain and reward key employees and officers and to strengthen the common interests of such employees and the Company’s shareholders by offering key employees and officers equity or equity-based incentives. In addition, the purpose of the EIP is to provide officers, other employees and directors of, and consultants to, the Company and its subsidiaries an incentive (a) to enter into and remain in the service of the Company or its subsidiaries, (b) to enhance the long-term performance of the Company and its subsidiaries, and (c) to acquire a proprietary interest in the success of the Company and its subsidiaries.

·

Eligible participants under the EIP include officers, employees of, or consultants to, the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any person to whom an offer of employment is extended, or any person who is a non-employee director of the Company.

·

The EIP will be administered by a committee of the Board comprised of no fewer than two members of the Board. In the absence of a Committee, the Board will administer the EIP. Currently, the EIP is administered by the full Board.

·

The Committee (Board) determines who shall receive awards, the type and amount of awards, the consideration, if any, to be paid for awards, the timing of awards and the terms and conditions of awards.

·

The types of awards which the Committee (Board) will be able to grant under the EIP include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units and stock awards.

·

The Committee may grant stock options that (i) qualify as incentive stock options (“ISOs”) under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) subject to prior shareholder approval of the EIP, (ii) do not qualify as ISOs, or (iii) both. To qualify as an ISO, an option must meet certain requirements set forth in the Code.

·

Stock options and all other equity-based awards will be evidenced by a separate award agreement in the form approved by the Committee (Board).

·

Stock options will be exercisable and restricted stock grants will vest at such time or times as the Committee (Board) determines at the time of grant. In general, restricted stock is non-transferable prior to vesting.

·

The exercise price of a stock option granted under the EIP may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the stock option is granted, except that with respect to an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder, the exercise price may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

·

The term of each stock option will be fixed by the Committee (Board) and may not exceed ten years from the date the stock option is granted.

·

The Committee (Board) may determine and provide in the applicable award agreement that vesting or other terms of an award may be accelerated in the event of change of control (as defined in the EIP) of the Company.


·

Non-employee directors will be entitled to receive all types of awards under the EIP, and each non-employee director will be automatically granted a non-qualified stock option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock on May 1 of each year, if as of such date, such non-employee director will have served on the Board for at least three months, which option shall become exercisable one year from the date of grant and which option shall expire five years from the date of grant.

·

In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, share dividend, share split, combination of shares or other change in the Company’s corporate structure affecting the shares, an adjustment or substitution may be made as approved by the Committee (Board).

·

The EIP will not be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and will not be subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

·

The Board may at any time and from time to time and in any respect, amend the EIP and any award granted under the EIP. The Board may seek the approval of any amendment by the Company’s shareholders to the extent it deems necessary or advisable in its discretion for purposes of compliance with Section 162(m) or Section 422 of the Code, the listing requirements of the applicable exchange or securities market or for any other purpose.

Federal Tax Consequences

The following summary of the federal income tax consequences applicable to options awarded under the EIP is only a general summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect on the date of this proxy statement. The actual federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to the participant may vary depending upon his or her particular circumstances.

Incentive Stock Options

Issuance of an ISO does not cause recognition of taxable income to the participant and does not provide a deduction to the Company at the time it is granted or exercised. However, the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired upon exercise of an ISO over the exercise price is an item of adjustment in computing the alternative minimum taxable income of the participant. If the participant holds the shares received as a result of an exercise of an ISO for at least two years from the date of the grant of the ISO and one year from the date of exercise, then any gain realized on disposition of the shares (generally the amount received in excess of the exercise price) is treated as a long-term capital gain.

If shares acquired on exercise of an ISO are disposed of before expiration of the holding periods described above (i.e., a “Disqualifying Disposition”), the participant will include in income, as compensation for the year of the Disqualifying Disposition, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise of the ISO over the exercise price (or, if less, the excess of the amount realized upon disposition over the exercise price). The gain or loss on the sale of shares acquired under an ISO will be either a long-term or a short-term capital gain and will depend on whether the participant has held the shares for more than one year. If a participant includes amounts in income upon a Disqualifying Disposition, the Company will be entitled to a deduction, in the year of such a disposition, for the amount includible in the participant’s income as compensation.

The participant’s basis in shares acquired upon exercise of an ISO is equal to the exercise price paid, plus any amount the participant includes in income as a result of a Disqualifying Disposition.

If an ISO is exercised by tendering previously owned shares of common stock, the following generally will apply: a number of new shares equal to the number of previously owned shares of common stock tendered will be considered to have been received in a tax-free exchange; the participant’s basis and holding period (except for the Disqualifying Disposition period) for such number of new shares of common stock will be equal to the basis and holding period of the previously owned common shares exchanged. To the extent that the number of shares of common stock received exceeds the number of shares of common stock surrendered, no taxable income will be realized by the participant at that time; such excess shares of common stock will be considered ISO stock with a zero basis; and the holding period of the participant in such shares of common stock will begin on the date such shares of common stock are transferred to the participant. If the shares of common stock surrendered were acquired as the result of the exercise of an ISO and the surrender takes place within two years from the date the ISO relating to the surrendered shares of common stock was granted, or within one year from the date of such exercise, the surrender will result in a Disqualifying Disposition and the participant will realize ordinary income at that time in the amount of the excess, if any, of the fair market value at the time of exercise of the shares of common stock surrendered over the basis of such shares of common stock. If any of the shares of common stock received are disposed of in a Disqualifying Disposition, the participant will be treated as first disposing of the shares of common stock with a zero basis.


Non-qualified Stock Options

The grant of a non-qualified stock option generally results in no recognition of taxable income to the participant or allowance of a deduction to the Company at the time it is granted. A participant exercising such an option will, at that time, recognize taxable income from compensation equal to the excess of the then market value of the shares over the aggregate exercise price. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Code, the Company will be allowed a deduction for federal income tax purposes in the year of exercise in an amount equal to the taxable income recognized by the participant.

The participant’s basis in shares acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified option is equal to the sum of the exercise price plus the amount includible in his or her income upon exercise. Any gain or loss upon subsequent disposition of the shares of common stock will be a long-term or short-term gain or loss, depending upon the holding period of the shares of common stock.

If a non-qualified option is exercised by tendering previously owned shares of common stock, the following generally will apply: a number of new shares of common stock equal to the number of previously owned shares tendered will be considered to have been received in a tax-free exchange; and the participant’s basis and holding period for such number of new shares of common stock will be equal to the basis and holding period of the previously owned shares of common stock exchanged. The participant will have compensation income equal to the fair market value on the date of exercise of the number of new shares of common stock received in excess of such number of exchanged shares of common stock; the participant’s basis in such excess shares of common stock will be equal to the amount of such compensation income; and the holding period in such shares of common stock will begin on the date of exercise.

Restricted Shares

A participant will not recognize any taxable income upon the grant of restricted stock unless the participant makes a voluntary election to recognize income at grant under Section 83(b) of the Code. Upon the expiration of a restriction period for restricted stock, whether such period lapses due to the satisfaction of certain pre-established performance criteria or due solely to the lapse of time, the participant will recognize compensation income and the Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the value of the restricted stock that the participant receives.

Vote Required for Approval

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy by shareholders represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders is required for approval of the EIP. Broker non-votes will not be treated as votes cast and will not have a positive or negative effect on the outcome of the proposal. Abstentions will be treated as votes cast and, consequently, will have the same effect as votes against the proposal.

PROPOSAL 5:3: SAY-ON-PAY

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Company provides its shareholdersstockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory non-binding vote to approve the compensation of its Named Executive Officers as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’sSEC's compensation disclosure rules (a “say-on-pay proposal”"say-on-pay proposal"). The Company believes that it is appropriate to seek the views of shareholdersstockholders on the design and effectiveness of the Company’sCompany's executive compensation program.

 

The Company’sCompany's goal for its executive compensation program is to attract, motivate, and retain a talented, entrepreneurial and creative team of executives who will provide leadership for the Company’sCompany's success in competitive markets. The Company seeks to accomplish this goal in a way that rewards performance and is aligned with its shareholders’stockholders' long-term interests.

 

The Board recommends that shareholdersstockholders vote for the following resolution:

 


"RESOLVED that the compensation paid to the Company's Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED."

“RESOLVED that the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.”

 

Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. The Board values the opinions of our shareholdersstockholders and will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present or represented by proxy and voting at the annual meeting will constitute approval of this non-binding resolution. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against the proposal. Broker non-votes will not be considered shares of common stock present and entitled to vote on this proposal and will not have a positive or negative effect on the outcome of the proposal.

 

10

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholdersstockholders vote FOR Proposal 5.3.

 

PROPOSAL 6: SAY ON PAY FREQUENCYAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

Rules mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act also require the Company to seek a non-binding advisory shareholder vote every six years regarding the frequency (annually, every other year, or every three years) at which the Company will ask its shareholders to provide the advisory vote on executive compensation.

After careful consideration, the Board recommends that future advisory votes on executive compensation occur every year because the Board believes it is important to hear from its shareholders frequently regarding its compensation practices and philosophy.

As an advisory vote this proposal is non-binding. The Board values the opinions of our shareholders and understands that executive compensation is an important matter, and they will consider the outcome of the vote when making future decisions on the frequency of the Company’s executive compensation advisory votes.

Shareholders may cast their votes in favor of one year, two years or three years or abstain from voting on the proposal. The choice selected by the greatest number of votes will be deemed the shareholders’ choice on the frequency of the Company’s executive compensation advisory vote. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote of ONE YEAR on Proposal 6.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The full Board of Directors actacted as the Audit Committee.Committee for 2015. In this report, references to the Committee shall be deemed references to the full Board of Directors. Only one director, Mr.Directors as of December 31, 2015. Three directors, Messrs. Greenberg, isJohnson and Lee, are independent under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Committee’sCommittee's responsibilities include oversight of the Company’sCompany's independent auditors as well as oversight of management’smanagement's conduct in the Company’sCompany's financial reporting process. The Committee also approves the Company’sCompany's retention of independent auditors and pre-approves any audit or non-audit services performed by them. Management is responsible for the Company’sCompany's internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’sCompany's consolidated financial statements in accordance withthe standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and issuing a report thereon. For fiscal 2013,2015, the Committee has met and discussed with management and the independent auditors the fair and complete presentation of the Company’sCompany's financial statements. The Committee has also discussed and reviewed with the independent auditors all communications required by GAAP, including those described in Auditing Standards No. 16, “Communication"Communication with Audit Committees”Committees", as adopted by the PCAOB. The Committee has discussed significant accounting policies applied in the financial statements, as well as alternative treatments. Management has represented that the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company’sCompany's independent auditors also provided to the Committee the written disclosures and letter required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditor’sauditor's communication with the Committee concerning independence. The Committee discussed with the independent auditors their firm’sfirm's independence.


 

Based on the Committee’sCommittee's discussion with Management and the independent auditors and the report of the independent auditors to the Committee, the Board of Directors included the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’sCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20132015 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The Board of DirectorsChristopher Greenberg 

Richard MacPherson 

Brian L. Johnson 

Christopher J. Lee

11

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FEES

 

Johnny F. Norris, Jr 

Richard A. MacPherson 

Jay Rifkin 

R. Alan Kelley 

Christopher Greenberg

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FEESAudit Fees

 

The aggregate audit fees billed to the Companyfor professional services rendered by the Company’s independent auditors, Schneider Downs & Co., Inc., were $62,000our principal accountants, for the yearaudit of our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K, and for other services normally provided in connection with statutory filings were $63,738 and $69,400 for the years ended December 31, 20132015 and $60,0002014, respectively.

Audit-Related Fees

We did not incur any fees for the yearyears ended December 31, 2012. Fees billed2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, for professional services rendered by our principal accountants that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and not included in "Audit Fees."

Tax Fees

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we received professional services in the amount of $8,456 and $9,250, respectively, rendered by our principal accountants in connection with the preparation of our tax returns and other tax compliance services were $11,400 and $10,275services.

All Other Fees

We did not incur any other fees for the years ended December 31, 20132015 and 2014, for professional services rendered by our principal accountants.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee has not set any pre-approval policies and procedures as of December 31, 2012, respectively. There were no audit-related or other fees paid to our independent auditors for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.2015.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our shares of common sharesstock as of September 1, 2014,the Record Date, by: (a) our directors and nominees for election as directors; (b) each other person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common shares;stock; (c) the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table; and (d) all of our executive officers and directors as a group.  The percentages in the table are calculated on the basis of the amount of outstanding securities plus securities deemed outstanding pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act (e.g., exercisable options). Act.

Name of
Beneficial Owner

 Number
of Shares
  

Percent of

Class
 

 

 

 

 

Richard A. MacPherson (1)

 

16,426,506

  

38.3

%

        

Christopher Greenberg (2)

  

3,338,500

   

7.8

%

        

Jay Rifkin (3)

  

2,204,183

   

5.1

%

        

R. Alan Kelley (4)

  

525,000

   

1.2

%

        

Johnny F. Norris, Jr (5)

  

225,000

   

*

 
        

Marcus A. Sylvester (6)

  

275,000

   

*

 
        

Richard H Gross (7)

  

125,000

   

*

 
        

All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group

  

23,119,189

   

53.9

%

 

 

12

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Number of Shares

 

 

Percent of Class (9)

 

Richard MacPherson (1)

 

 

12,044,614

 

 

 

25.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher Greenberg (2)

 

 

2,429,000

 

 

 

5.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian L. Johnson (3)

 

 

1,800,000

 

 

 

3.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher J. Lee (4)

 

 

50,000

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allan T. Grantham (5)

 

 

1,113,896

 

 

 

2.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Pavlish (6)

 

 

937,987

 

 

 

2.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus A. Sylvester (7)

 

 

775,000

 

 

 

1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alterna Core Capital Assets Fund II, L.P., et al (8)

 

 

39,402,835

 

 

 

45.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (9 persons)

 

 

20,162,432

 

 

 

40.4%

_________________________________________

* Less than one percent of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.

(1)     Includes: (a) 10,755,905 shares owned by 3253517 Nova Scotia Limited of which Mr. MacPherson is the sole managing member and 655,059 shares which such entity has the right to acquire upon exercise of warrants; and (b) 506,920 shares owned by Mr. MacPherson personally and 126,730 shares which Mr. MacPherson has the right to acquire upon exercise of warrants. Mr. MacPherson's address is 34 Cedarbank Terrace, Halifax Nova Scotia B3P 2T4, Canada.

(2)     Includes 2,009,000 shares owned by Mr. Greenberg and 420,000 shares which Mr. Greenberg has the right to acquire upon exercise of options. Does not include 25,000 shares which Mr. Greenberg has the right to acquire upon exercise of options which do not vest until May 1, 2017. Mr. Greenberg's address is 3590 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND 58201.

(3)     Includes 1,750,000 shares owned by Mr. Johnson and 50,000 shares which Mr. Johnson has the right to acquire upon exercise of options. Does not include 25,000 shares which Mr. Johnson has the right to acquire upon exercise of options which do not vest until May 1, 2017.

(4)     Represents 50,000 shares which Mr. Lee has the right to acquire upon exercise of options. Does not include 25,000 shares which Mr. Lee has the right to acquire upon exercise of options which do not vest until May 1, 2017.

Less than one percent of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.

(1)

Includes: (a) 16,426,506 shares, which as of September 1, 2014, were owned by 3253517 Nova Scotia Limited of which Mr. MacPherson is the sole managing member; and (b) 506,920 shares owned by Mr. MacPherson personally. Mr. MacPherson’s address is 34 Cedarbank Terrace, Halifax Nova Scotia B3P 2T4, Canada.

(2)

Includes: (a) 2,004,500 shares of common stock directly owned by Arthur Greenberg, Jr. individually, (b) 5,000 shares of common stock directly owned by Greenberg Family Consolidated Limited Partnership, of which Arthur Greenberg, Jr., L.L.P. serves as the general partner. Arthur Greenberg, Jr. is a general partner and the managing partner of Arthur Greenberg, Jr., L.L.P., (c) 1,005,000 shares of common stock and 320,000 options directly owned by Christopher Greenberg individually, and (d) 4,000 shares of common stock directly owned by Arctic Blast of Fargo, Inc., of which Christopher Greenberg and his wife are the sole shareholders. As stated in Mr. Arthur Greenberg and Mr. Christopher Greenberg’s joint Schedule 13G, amendment No. 1., for purposes of Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Arthur Greenberg, Jr. and Christopher Greenberg have shared beneficial ownership as a group of the 3,024,000 shares owned by them as set forth above. Mr. Greenberg’s address is 3590 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND 58201.

(3)

Includes: (a) 361,585 shares owned by Mojo Music Inc. and 998,128 shares owned by Rebel Holdings, LLC; Mr. Rifkin is the sole managing member of both companies; and (b) 339,130 shares and 357,274 options owned directly by Mr. Rifkin and 148,066 shares owned by The Jay Rifkin 2006 Irrevocable Trust. Mr. Rifkin’s address is 12237 Sunset Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

(4)

Represents 525,000 shares of common stock that Mr. Kelley has the right to acquire upon the exercise of a stock option.

(5)

Represents 225,000 shares of common stock that Mr. Norris has the right to acquire upon the exercise of a stock option.

(6)

Represents 275,000 shares of common stock that Mr. Sylvester has the right to acquire upon the exercise of a stock option.

(7)

Represents 125,000 shares of common stock that Mr. Gross has the right to acquire upon the exercise of a stock option.

 

 

13

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION(5)     Includes 1,057,245 shares owned by Grantham Investments Limited ("Grantham Investments"), 48,500 shares owned by B Grantham Holdings Limited ("B Grantham"), and 8,151 shares which Grantham Investments has the right to acquire upon exercise of warrants. Mr. Grantham is the President, Secretary and sole Director of each of Grantham Investments and B Grantham, and is also the principal trustee of the family trust which is the controlling shareholder of Grantham Investments and B Grantham.

 

(6)     Includes 140,250 shares owned by Mr. Pavlish and 797,737 shares owned by StratTech Solutions LLC, a firm owned directly by Mr. Pavlish. Does not include 3,000,000 shares which Mr. Pavlish has the right to acquire upon exercise of options which do not vest until November 16, 2016.

(7)     Includes 250,000 shares owned by Mr. Sylvester and 525,000 shares which Mr. Sylvester has the right to acquire upon exercise of options.

(8)     Based solely upon and according to information reported in filings made to the SEC, jointly filed by and on behalf of certain reporting persons identified below (the "Reporting Persons"), the Reporting Persons may be deemed to be the beneficial owners of an aggregate of 39,402,835 shares of common stock, which includes: (i) 18,903,348 shares issuable upon conversion of certain convertible notes; (ii) 321,663 shares issuable upon conversion of PIK Interest that will accrue on and become payable under the convertible notes within 60 days of the date hereof; (iii) 18,100,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants; and (iv) 2,077,824 warrant shortfall shares. The Reporting Persons are Alterna Core Capital Assets Fund II, L.P., Alterna Capital Partners LLC, Alterna General Partner II LLC, AC Midwest Energy LLC, Harry V. Toll, James C. Furnivall, Eric M. Press, Roger P. Miller and Earle Goldin. The address for the Reporting Persons is 15 River Road, Suite 230, Wilton CT, 06897.

(9)     Applicable percentage ownership is based on 47,358,618 shares of common stock outstanding as of the Record Date plus, each stockholder and any securities that stockholder has the right to acquire within 60 days of the Record Date pursuant options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.  Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock that a person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of upon the exercise or conversion of options, convertible stock, warrants or other securities that are currently exercisable or convertible or that will become exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the Record Date are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding such securities for the purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of such person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth for each of the Company’sCompany's last two fiscal years the compensation for the Company’sCompany's Principal Executive Officer and each of the Company’sCompany's other two most highly compensated officers:

  

Name, Position

 Year  

Salary ($)

  

Stock Options
($) (5)

  

All Other
Compensation($) (6)

  Total ($) 

Johnny F. Norris, Jr., Chairman (1)

 

2013

  

$

170,000

  

9,448

  

4,801

  

$

184,249

 
  

2012

  

$

180,000

   

-

   

10,743

  

$

190,743

 

R. Alan Kelley, CEO & President (2)

  

2013

  

$

280,000

   

9,448

   

9,401

  

$

298,849

 
  

2012

  

$

240,000

   

-

   

12,695

  

$

252,695

 

Richard H. Gross, Vice President & CFO (3)

  

2013

  

$

150,000

   

9,448

   

5,044

  

$

164,492

 
  

2012

  

$

122,000

   

-

   

5,411

  

$

127,411

 

Marcus A. Sylvester, Vice President (4)

  

2013

  

$

150,000

   

9,448

   

6,012

  

$

165,460

 
  

2012

  

$

150,000

   

-

   

7,512

  

$

157,512

 

(1.)

Mr. Norris was appointed Chief Executive Officer in June 2011 and Chairman of the Board in October 2011. In June 2103, he retired from the position of Chief Executive Officer and was an Executive Advisor until April 2014, when he retired from that position. The Company and Johnny F. Norris, Jr have entered into an employment agreement. Pursuant to his employment agreement Mr. Norris agreed to be employed by the Company as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman for a period of three years, which term may be renewed subject to the approval by the Board. After his retirement, described above, Mr. Norris agreed that he shall serve an employee as an Executive Adviser. During the period of employment, Mr. Norris shall receive an annual base salary equal to $180,000, until his retirement when the annual base salary was adjusted to $120,000. As of December 31, 2013, $130,000 of salary remained unpaid. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Norris shall also be entitled to participate in all corporate 401(k) programs and health benefit plans instituted by the Company and yearly structured bonuses, if any, to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. Norris shall also be entitled to participate in any stock option and incentive plans adopted by the Company. Pursuant to the December 12, 2013 amendment to his employment agreement, because Mr. Norris remained an employee on January 1, 2014, he was issued a 1,500,000 stock unit award on January 1, 2014, which award replaced stock grants in the same denominations that were to be made on January 1, 2014 to Mr. Norris prior to the December 12, 2013 amendment. The stock units will vest and become non-forfeitable upon the earlier of a change in control of the Company or when the Company has a minimum of $3.5 million in working capital and its cash position equals or exceeds $2.5 million after deducting the amount sufficient to cover all federal, state and local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the stock units vesting under the aforesaid awards. Such award will be for forfeited if the conditions have not been met by January 1, 2017. After the stock units become vested and non-forfeitable, the Company shall distribute to Mr. Norris the number of shares of common stock equal to the number of stock units that so vested and became non-forfeitable, provided, however, that the Company shall withhold shares of common stock from the stock units in an amount sufficient to cover the withholding tax obligation. In addition, pursuant to the amendment on December 12, 2013, Mr. Norris was issued a five year, fully vested stock option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock on December 12, 2013 with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on that date ($0.50/share).

(2.)

Mr. Kelley was appointed Chief Operating Officer and President in November 2011 and became Chief Executive Officer and a Director in June 2013. The Company and R. Alan Kelley have entered into an employment agreement. Pursuant to his employment agreement Mr. Kelley agreed to be employed by the Company as president and Chief Operating Officer for a period of three years, which term may be renewed subject to the approval by the Board. The agreement was amended to add the duties of Chief Executive Officer as described above. Mr. Kelley shall receive an annual base salary equal to $280,000. As of December 31, 2013, $140,000 of salary remained unpaid. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Kelley shall also be entitled to participate in all corporate 401(k) programs and health benefit plans instituted by the Company and yearly structured bonuses, if any, to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. Kelley shall also be entitled to participate in any stock option and incentive plans adopted by the Company. Pursuant to the December 12, 2013 amendment to his employment agreement, because Mr. Kelley remained an employee on January 1, 2014, he was issued a 650,000 stock unit award on January 1, 2014, which award replaced stock grants of 500,000 shares that were to be made on January 1, 2014 to Mr. Kelley prior to the December 12, 2013 amendment. The stock units will vest and become non-forfeitable upon the earlier of a change in control of the Company or when the Company has a minimum of $3.5 million in working capital and its cash position equals or exceeds $2.5 million after deducting the amount sufficient to cover all federal, state and local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the stock units vesting under the aforesaid awards. Such award will be for forfeited if the conditions have not been met by January 1, 2017. After the stock units become vested and non-forfeitable, the Company shall distribute to Mr. Kelley the number of shares of common stock equal to the number of stock units that so vested and became non-forfeitable, provided, however, that the Company shall withhold shares of common stock from the stock units in an amount sufficient to cover the withholding tax obligation. In addition, pursuant to the December 12, 2013 amendment, Mr. Kelley was issued a five year, fully vested stock option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock on December 12, 2013 with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on that date ($0.50/share).

Name, Position

 

Year

 

Salary ($)

 

 

Stock Options
($) (5)

 

 

All Other Compensation ($) (6)

 

 

Total ($)

 

Richard MacPherson, CEO & President (1)

 

2015

 

$170,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

202

 

 

$170,202

 

 

 

2014

 

$-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

165,000

 

 

$165,000

 

R. Alan Kelley, CEO & President (2)

 

2015

 

$140,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

9,029

 

 

$149,029

 

 

 

2014

 

$280,000

 

 

 

861,327

 

 

 

15,010

 

 

$1,156,337

 

John Pavlish, Senior Vice President (3)

 

2015

 

$237,500

 

 

 

480,220

 

 

 

62,380

 

 

$780,100

 

 

 

2014

 

$37,500

 

 

 

56,898

 

 

 

281,561

 

 

$375,959

 

Marcus A. Sylvester, Vice President (4)

 

2015

 

$183,954

 

 

 

61,345

 

 

 

7,512

 

 

$252,811

 

 

 

2014

 

$151,552

 

 

 

430,663

 

 

 

7,512

 

 

$589,727

 

 

 

14

(3.)

Mr. Gross was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Vice President in October 2011. The Company and Richard H. Gross have entered into an employment agreement. Pursuant to his employment agreement Mr. Gross agreed to be employed by the Company as Chief Financial Officer for a period of three years, which term may be renewed subject to the approval by the Board. Mr. Gross shall receive an annual base salary equal to $150,000. As of December 31, 2013, $37,500 remained unpaid. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Gross shall also be entitled to participate in all corporate 401(k) programs and health benefit plans instituted by the Company and yearly structured bonuses, if any, to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. Gross shall also be entitled to participate in any stock option and incentive plans adopted by the Company. Pursuant to the December 12, 2013 amendment to his employment agreement, because Mr. Gross remained an employee on January 1, 2014 he was issued a 100,000 stock unit award on January 1, 2014, which award replaced stock grants of 50,000 shares that were to be made on January 1, 2014 to Mr. Gross prior to the December 12, 2013 amendment. The stock units will vest and become non-forfeitable upon the earlier of a change in control of the Company or when the Company has a minimum of $3.5 million in working capital and its cash position equals or exceeds $2.5 million after deducting the amount sufficient to cover all federal, state and local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the stock units vesting under the aforesaid award. Such award will be for forfeited if the conditions have not been met by January 1, 2017. After the stock units become vested and non-forfeitable, the Company shall distribute to the Mr. Gross the number of shares of common stock equal to the number of stock units that so vested and became non-forfeitable, provided, however, that the Company shall withhold shares of common stock from the stock units in an amount sufficient to cover the withholding tax obligation. In addition, pursuant to the December 12, 2013 amendment, Mr. Gross was issued a five year, fully vested stock option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock on December 12, 2013 with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on that date ($0.50/share).

 

(4.)

Mr. Sylvester was appointed Vice President of Sales in August 2011. The Company and Marcus A. Sylvester have entered into an employment agreement. Pursuant to his employment agreement Mr. Sylvester agreed to be employed by the Company as Vice President of Sales for a period of three years, which term may be renewed subject to the approval by the Board. Mr. Sylvester shall receive an annual base salary equal to $150,000, sales commissions of up to 5% and for transactions completed and closed directly in relation to his efforts, and a management fee of 1% on certain ongoing sales. The base salary will be reduced if certain commissions and management fees are earned. As of December 31, 2013, $37,500 of salary remained unpaid. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Sylvester shall also be entitled to participate in all corporate 401(k) programs and health benefit plans instituted by the Company and yearly structured bonuses, if any, to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. Sylvester shall also be entitled to participate in any stock option and incentive plans adopted by the Company. Pursuant to the December 12, 2013 amendment to his employment agreement, because Mr. Sylvester remained an employee on January 1, 2014 he was issued a 250,000 stock unit award on January 1, 2014, which award replaced stock grants in in the same denominations that were to be made on January 1, 2014 to Mr. Sylvester prior to the December 12, 2013 amendment. The stock units will vest and become non-forfeitable upon the earlier of a change in control of the Company or when the Company has a minimum of $3.5 million in working capital and its cash position equals or exceeds $2.5 million after deducting the amount sufficient to cover all federal, state and local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the stock units vesting under the aforesaid award. Such award will be for forfeited if the conditions have not been met by January 1, 2017. After the stock units become vested and non-forfeitable, the Company shall distribute to the Mr. Sylvester the number of shares of common stock equal to the number of stock units that so vested and became non-forfeitable, provided, however, that the Company shall withhold shares of common stock from the stock units in an amount sufficient to cover the withholding tax obligation. In addition, pursuant to the December 12, 2013 amendment, Mr. Sylvester was issued a five year, fully vested stock option to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock on December 12, 2013 with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on that date ($0.50/share).

____________________ 

(1)     Mr. MacPherson was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President in March 2015. While serving in these roles, Mr. MacPherson shall receive an annual base salary equal to $180,000, subject to certain restrictive covenants provided in the Company's financing agreement with its principal lender. Commencing June 1, 2016, Mr. MacPherson shall receive an annual base salary of $350,000. Mr. MacPherson shall also be entitled to participate in all corporate 401(k) programs and health benefit plans instituted by the Company and yearly structured bonuses, if any, to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. MacPherson shall also be entitled to participate in any stock option and incentive plans adopted by the Company. Prior to his appointment, Mr. MacPherson was serving as a Vice President of the Company since 2011 and received an annual base salary equal to $180,000 in this position. In connection therewith, the Company paid Eastern Emissions Consultants Incorporated, a firm that Mr. MacPherson is the controlling principal and President, $150,000 for such services in 2014.

(2)     Mr. Kelley was appointed Chief Operating Officer and President in November 2011 and became Chief Executive Officer and a Director in June 2013. In March 2015, he resigned from the position of Chief Executive Officer and was a Special Advisor until December 2015. The Company and R. Alan Kelley had entered into an employment agreement. Pursuant to his employment agreement Mr. Kelley agreed to be employed by the Company as President and Chief Operating Officer for a period of three years, subject to renewal by approval of the Board. The agreement was amended to add the duties of Chief Executive Officer as described above. Mr. Kelley received an annual base salary equal to $280,000. As of December 31, 2015, $140,000 of salary remained unpaid. In March 2015, in connection with Mr. Kelley's resignation, the Company and Mr. Kelley entered into an amendment to his employment agreement extending the employment term to December 31, 2015, and provided that Mr. Kelley will be paid a total of $140,000 during 2015. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Kelley was entitled to participate in all corporate 401(k) programs and health benefit plans instituted by the Company and yearly structured bonuses, if any, to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. Kelley was also entitled to participate in any stock option and incentive plans adopted by the Company.

(3)     Mr. Pavlish was appointed Senior Vice President in November 2014. The Company and Mr. Pavlish have entered into an employment agreement. Pursuant to his employment agreement Mr. Pavlish agreed to be employed by the Company as Senior Vice President. Such employment can be terminated by the Company at any time upon 30 days prior written notice provided that if the Company terminates the employment without cause within two years of the start date (November 16, 2014), the Company will pay the remaining base salary to Mr. Pavlish through the two year period. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Pavlish shall receive an annual base salary equal to $300,000. As of December 31, 2015, $20,833 of salary remained unpaid. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Pavlish shall also be entitled to participate in all corporate 401(k) programs and health benefit plans instituted by the Company and yearly structured bonuses, if any, to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. Pavlish shall also be entitled to participate in any stock option and incentive plans adopted by the Company. In addition, pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Pavlish was issued a five year option to purchase 2,000,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on that date ($0.74/share). Also pursuant to the agreement, on November 16, 2015, Mr. Pavlish was issued an additional five year option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on that date ($0.45/share). These options will vest in November 2016. Prior to his employment, Mr. Pavlish provided technical consulting services to the Company and was paid $50,000 and $280,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively, for services performed prior to his appointment.

(4)     Mr. Sylvester was appointed Vice President of Sales in August 2011. The Company and Marcus A. Sylvester have entered into an employment agreement. Pursuant to his employment agreement Mr. Sylvester agreed to be employed by the Company as Vice President of Sales for a period of three years, which term may be renewed subject to the approval by the Board. Such three year term ended on February 29, 2016 although Mr. Sylvester continues as Vice President of Sales. Mr. Sylvester shall receive an annual base salary equal to $150,000, sales commissions of up to 5% and for transactions completed and closed directly in relation to his efforts, and a management fee of 1% on certain ongoing sales. The base salary will be reduced if certain commissions and management fees are earned. As of December 31, 2015, $37,500 of salary remained unpaid. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Sylvester shall also be entitled to participate in all corporate 401(k) programs and health benefit plans instituted by the Company and yearly structured bonuses, if any, to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. Sylvester shall also be entitled to participate in any stock option and incentive plans adopted by the Company. Mr. Sylvester was issued a five year, fully vested stock option to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock on January 12, 2014 with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on that date ($1.20/share). In addition, Mr. Sylvester was issued a five year, fully vested stock option to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock on September 11, 2015 with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on that date ($0.42/share).

 

 

15

(5)

Represents the dollar amount recognized for consolidated financial statement reporting purposes of shares to be issued to the executive officers computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There can be no assurance the amounts determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 will ever be realized. The following table provides information concerning the Stock options issued to the executive officers:

Name

 Stock
Options
(#)
  FASB
ASC
Topic 718
Value
 

Johnny F Norris, Jr.

 

25,000

  

$

9,448

 

R. Alan Kelley

  

25,000

  

$

9,448

 

Richard H. Gross

  

25,000

  

$

9,448

 

Marcus A. Sylvester

  

25,000

  

$

9,448

 

(6)

The amounts shown for 2013 in the “All Other Compensation” column are comprised of the following:

Name

 Year  401k
Match
  Group Term
Life Insurance
  Total Other
Compensation
 

Johnny F. Norris, Jr.

 

2013

  

$

1,600

  

$

3,201.00

  

$

4,801

 
  

2012

  

$

7,200

  

$

3,543.00

  

$

10,743

 

R. Alan Kelley

  

2013

  

$

5,600

  

$

3,810.00

  

$

9,410

 
  

2012

  

$

9,600

  

$

3,095.00

  

$

12,695

 

Richard H. Gross

  

2013

  

$

4,500

  

$

544.00

  

$

5,044

 
  

2012

  

$

4,880

  

$

531.00

  

$

5,411

 

Marcus A. Sylvester

  

2013

  

$

4,500

  

$

1,512.00

  

$

6,012

 
  

2012

  

$

6,000

  

$

1,512.00

  

$

7,512

 


 

(5)     Represents the dollar amount recognized for consolidated financial statement reporting purposes of shares to be issued to the executive officers computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.  For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. There can be no assurance the amounts determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 will ever be realized.   The following table provides information concerning the Stock options issued to the executive officers:

Name

 

Year 

 

Stock Options (#)

 

 

FASB ASC Topic 718 Value

 

R. Alan Kelley

 

2015

 

 

-

 

 

$-

 

 

 

2014

 

 

500,000

 

 

$861,327

 

John Pavlish

 

2015

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

$480,220

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2,000,000

 

 

$56,898

 

Marcus A. Sylvester

 

2015

 

 

250,000

 

 

$61,345

 

 

 

2014

 

 

250,000

 

 

$430,663

 

(6)     The amounts shown for 2015 and 2014 in the "All Other Compensation" column are comprised of the following:

Name

 

Year

 

401k Match

 

 

Group Term

Life Insurance

 

 

Consulting Fees

 

 

Total Other

Compensation

 

Richard MacPherson

 

2015

 

$-

 

 

 

202

 

 

 

-

 

 

$202

 

 

 

2014

 

$-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

165,000

 

 

$165,000

 

R. Alan Kelley

 

2015

 

$5,600

 

 

 

3,429

 

 

 

-

 

 

$9,029

 

 

 

2014

 

$11,200

 

 

 

3,810

 

 

 

-

 

 

$15,010

 

John Pavlish

 

2015

 

$9,500

 

 

 

2,880

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

$62,380

 

 

 

2014

 

$1,500

 

 

 

61

 

 

 

280,000

 

 

$281,561

 

Marcus A. Sylvester

 

2015

 

$6,000

 

 

 

1,512

 

 

 

-

 

 

$7,512

 

 

 

2014

 

$6,000

 

 

 

1,512

 

 

 

-

 

 

$7,512

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END

 

The following table sets forth certain information about the number of unexercised nonqualified stock options and unearned stock awards held as of December 31, 20132015 by each director and executive named in the Summary Compensation Table. There were no stock options exercised during fiscal 2013.2015.

 

Unexercised Options and Stock Grants

 

Name

 Stock Options Exercisable  Exercise Price 

Expiration Date

John Norris

 

25,000

  

$

0.50

 

December 12, 2018

Alan Kelley

  

25,000

  

$

0.50

 

December 12, 2018

Rich Gross

  

25,000

  

$

0.50

 

December 12, 2018

Marc Sylvester

  

25,000

  

$

0.50

 

December 12, 2018

Name

 

Stock Options Exercisable

 

 

Exercise Price

 

 

Expiration Date

 

R. Alan Kelley

 

 

500,000

 

 

$1.20

 

 

January 30, 2019

 

R. Alan Kelley

 

 

25,000

 

 

$0.50

 

 

December 12, 2018

 

John Pavlish

 

 

2,000,000

 

 

$0.74

 

 

November 16, 2019

 

John Pavlish

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

$0.45

 

 

November 16, 2020

 

Marcus A. Sylvester

 

 

250,000

 

 

$0.42

 

 

September 11, 2020

 

Marcus A. Sylvester

 

 

250,000

 

 

$1.20

 

 

January 30, 2019

 

Marcus A. Sylvester

 

 

25,000

 

 

$0.50

 

 

December 12, 2018

 

16

 

Retirement and Savings Plan - 401(k)

 

Since November 1, 2011, the Company has maintained a Retirement and Savings Plan under IRS Code Section 401(k) (“("the 401(k) Plan”Plan"). The 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation before federal income tax to a qualified trust. All employees who are at least 21 years of age are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. The participants may choose from nineteen investment options for the investment of their deferred compensation. In addition, the Company matches 100% of each participant’sparticipant's salary deferral, for the first 4% of their salary, with a cash contribution. For the year ended December 31, 2013,2015, the Company contributed $16,200$53,900 to the 401(k) Plan.

 

Director Compensation

 

Directors who are also employeesThe following table sets forth information regarding the compensation for 2015 and 2014 of each non-executive member of the Company do not receive additional compensation as directors. On January 10, 2012,Board of Directors during those years:

Name

 

Year

 

Fees earned

or paid in

cash

 

 

Option Awards(1)

 

 

All Other

Compensation

 

 

Total

 

Chris Greenberg

 

2015

 

$-

 

 

$39,008

 

 

$-

 

 

$39,008

 

 

 

2014

 

$-

 

 

$365,849

 

 

$-

 

 

$365,849

 

Jay Rifkin

 

2015

 

$-

 

 

$17,582

 

 

$-

 

 

$17,582

 

 

 

2014

 

$-

 

 

$220,602

 

 

$-

 

 

$220,602

 

Brian Johnson

 

2015

 

$-

 

 

$17,582

 

 

$-

 

 

$17,582

 

Chris Lee

 

2015

 

$-

 

 

$39,008

 

 

$-

 

 

$39,008

 

 

(1)     Represents the Company agreeddollar amount recognized for consolidated financial statement reporting purposes of shares to be issued to the executive officers computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a consulting agreement with Eastern Emissions Consultants Incorporated (“EECI”), a firm that Richard A. MacPherson is the controlling principal and President. The contracts callsdiscussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for monthly payments of $15,000 to EECI, was effective as of November 1, 2011 and has a term of three years. The Company paid EECI, $180,000 for consulting services in 2012 and $30,000 for consulting services in 2013. $150,000 was unpaid as of December 31, 2013. No other compensation was paid to Directors in the year ended December 31, 2013.2015. There can be no assurance the amounts determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 will ever be realized. The following table provides information concerning the Stock options issued to the Directors:

 

Name

 

Year

 

Stock Options (#)

 

 

 

FASB ASC

Topic 718

Value

 

Chris Greenberg

 

2015

 

 

100,000

 

 

$39,008

 

 

 

2014

 

 

320,000

 

 

$365,849

 

Jay Rifkin

 

2015

 

 

50,000

 

 

$17,582

 

 

 

2014

 

 

140,000

 

 

$220,602

 

Brian Johnson

 

2015

 

 

50,000

 

 

$17,582

 

Chris Lee

 

2015

 

 

50,000

 

 

$39,008

 

 

All directors are reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their duties to the Company. Mr. Rifkin resigned as a director effective November 9, 2015.

17

Stock Unit Awards

 

2015On December 12, 2013, the Company entered into amendments to the employment agreements with each of R. Alan Kelley (former President and Chief Executive Officer), Johnny F. Norris, Jr. (former Chairman of the Board), Marcus A. Sylvester (Vice President of Sales) and Richard H. Gross (Vice President and Chief Financial Officer). Pursuant to the amendments, on January 1, 2014, Mr. Kelley was issued 650,000 stock unit awards, Mr. Norris was issued 1,500,000 stock unit awards, Mr. Sylvester was issued 250,000 stock unit awards and Mr. Gross was issued 100,000 stock unit awards, which awards replaced stock grants in the same denominations that were to have been made on January 1, 2014 provided each Executive was an employee on such date. Such stock units will vest and become non-forfeitable upon the earlier of a change in control of the Company or when the Company has a minimum of $3.5 million in working capital and its cash position equals or exceeds $2.5 million after deducting the amount sufficient to cover all federal, state and local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the stock units vesting under the aforesaid awards (the "Withholding Tax Obligation"). Such awards will be for forfeited if the conditions have not been met by January 1, 2017. After the stock units become vested and non-forfeitable, the Company shall distribute to the above named persons the number of shares of common stock equal to the number of stock units that so vested and became non-forfeitable, provided, however, that the Company shall withhold shares of common stock from the stock units in an amount sufficient to cover the Withholding Tax Obligation.

2017 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS OR NOMINATIONS

 

Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, some stockholder proposals may be eligible for inclusion in the Company’s 2015Company's 2017 proxy statement. Any stockholder proposal under Rule 14a-8 must be submitted, along with proof of ownership of the Company’sCompany's stock in accordance with Rule 14a-8(b)(2), to the Company’sCompany's principal executive offices in care of the Company’sCompany's Secretary by letter to 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Suite 140, Columbus,670 D Enterprise Drive, Lewis Center, Ohio 43085.43035. Failure to deliver a proposal in accordance with this procedure may result in the proposal not being deemed timely received. The Company must receive all submissions no later than the close of business (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on June 19, 2015.March 8, 2017. The Company encourages any stockholder interested in submitting a proposal to contact the Company’sCompany's Secretary in advance of this deadline to discuss the proposal, and stockholders may find it helpful to consult knowledgeable counsel with regard to the detailed requirements of applicable securities laws. Submitting a stockholder proposal does not guarantee that we will include it in the Company’sCompany's proxy statement. The Board of Directors reviews all stockholder proposals and will take appropriate action on such proposals. If the 20152017 annual meeting is held more than 30 days from the anniversary of the 20142016 Annual Meeting, the Company will make appropriate disclosure in a Form 10-Q setting forth the revised deadline for stockholder proposals pursuant to Rule 14a-8.

 


In addition, under the Company’sCompany's Bylaws, any stockholder who intends to nominate a candidate for election to the Board or to propose any business at the Company’s 2015Company's 2017 annual meeting, other than precatory (non-binding) proposals presented under Rule 14a-8, must give notice to the Company’sCompany's Secretary between June 19, 2015March 8, 2017 and the close of business on September 12, 2015.May 22, 2017. The notice must include information specified in the Company’sCompany's Bylaws, including information concerning the nominee or proposal, as the case may be, and information about the stockholder’sstockholder's ownership of, and agreements related to, the Company’sCompany's stock. If the 20152017 annual meeting is held more than 30 days from the anniversary of the 20142016 Annual Meeting, the stockholder must submit notice of any such nomination and of any such proposal that is not made pursuant to Rule 14a-8 by the later of the 60th day before the 20152017 annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which the date of such meeting is first publicly announced. The Company will not entertain any proposals or nominations at the annual meeting that do not meet the requirements set forth in the Company’sCompany's Bylaws. Also, if the stockholder does not also comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-4(c)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company’sCompany's proxies may exercise discretionary voting authority under proxies that Company’sCompany's Board of Directors solicits to vote in accordance with their best judgment on any such stockholder proposal or nomination. The Bylaws are available on the SEC’sSEC's website attached as an exhibit to the Company’sCompany's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 16, 2014. To make a submission or to request a copy of the Company’sCompany's Bylaws, stockholders should contact the Company’sCompany's Secretary at the address listed above. Again, the Company encourages stockholders to seek advice from knowledgeable counsel before submitting a proposal or a nomination.

 

18

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’sCompany's directors and executive officers, and owners of more than ten percent of the Company’sCompany's Common Shares (“("10% stockholders”stockholders"), to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”"SEC") initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Shares of the Company. Executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all forms they file pursuant to Section 16(a).

 

To the Company’sCompany's knowledge, based on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company, and with respect to the officers and directors, representations that no other reports were required, during the year ended December 31, 2013,2015, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders were complied with.with, except that Richard MacPherson filed two reports late relating to two transactions, each of John Pavlish and Marcus A. Sylvester filed one report late relating to one transaction, and James Trettel filed his initial form of ownership late and filed one report late relating to one transaction.

 

EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION

 

The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited by regular employees of the Company, either personally or by telephone. The Company does not expect to pay any compensation for the solicitation of proxies, but it may reimburse brokers and other persons holding shares in their names or in the names of nominees for their expenses in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners and obtaining proxies from such owners.

 

SHAREHOLDERSTOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD

 

ShareholdersStockholders may communicate with Board members by addressing a letter to the Secretary of the Company at 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Suite 140, Columbus,670 D Enterprise Drive, Lewis Center, Ohio 43085.43035.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

The Board of Directors is not aware of any matter to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting other than that shown in this document. Should any other matters be properly presented for action at the Annual Meeting, the enclosed proxy confers upon the proxy holders named therein the authority to vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment.

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

RICHARD H. GROSS

Worthington, Ohio

Secretary

October 27, 2014


Appendix ABY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENTRICHARD H. GROSS 

OF

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

MIDWEST ENERGY EMISSIONS CORP.Secretary

 

Lewis Center, Ohio 

 We, the undersigned, President and Secretary, respectively, of Midwest Energy Emissions Corp., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware

DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: The Corporation is currently authorized to issue two classes of stock. The total number of shares of stock of each class which the Corporation is authorized to issue and the par value of each share of each class of stock are as follows:

Class 

 Par
Value
  Authorized Shares 

Common 

 

$

0.001

  

100,000,000

 

Preferred

 

$

0.001

   

2,000,000

 

Total

      

102,000,000

 

SECOND: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. held on October 9, 2014, resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of said Corporation, declaring said amendment to be advisable and calling a meeting of the stockholders of said Corporation for consideration thereof. The resolution setting forth the proposed amendment is as follows:

RESOLVED, that the Certificate of Incorporation of this Corporation be amended by changing the Article thereof numbered “Fourth” so that, as amended, said Article shall be and read as follows:

FOURTH: The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock. One class of stock shall be Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share. The second class of stock shall be Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share. The Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, shall have such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as shall be expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors and may be made dependent upon facts ascertainable outside such resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, provided that the matter in which such facts shall operate upon such designations, preferences, rights and qualifications; limitations or restrictions of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock by the Board of Directors.July 6, 2016

 

 

19

The total number of shares of stock of each class which the Corporation shall have authority to issue and the par value of each share of each class of stock are as follows:

Class 

 Par
Value
  Authorized Shares

Common 

 

$

0.001

  

150,000,000

Preferred

 

$

0.001

   

2,000,000

Total

      

152,000,000

THIRD: That thereafter, pursuant to resolution of its Board of Directors, a meeting of the stockholders of said Corporation was duly called and held 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 the amendment.

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

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be duly executed this _____ day of _____________, 2014.

By: R. Alan Kelley

By: Richard H. Gross

Its: President

Its: Secretary

 

 


 

 

 

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21