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14

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.1    )

Filed by the Registrantx                            Filed by a Party other than the Registrant¨

Check the appropriate box:

 

x¨Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

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

 

¨xDefinitive Proxy Statement

 

¨Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

PINNACLE BANKSHARES CORPORATIONPinnacle Bankshares Corp.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

xNo fee required.

 

¨Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

 (1)Title of each class of securities to which the transaction applies:

          

 

 
(2)Aggregate number of securities to which the transaction applies:

          

 

 
(3)Per unit price or other underlying value of the transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

          

 


 (4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of the transaction:

          

 

 
(5) Total fee paid:

          

 


 

¨Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

¨Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

 (1)Amount Previously Paid:

          

 

 
(2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

          

 

 
(3)Filing Party:

          

 

 
(4)Date Filed:

          

 


 


[Logo]

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the 20092010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation, the holding company for First National Bank. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009,13, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. at the Fellowship Hall of Altavista Presbyterian Church, located at 707 Broad Street, Altavista, Virginia. The accompanying Notice and Proxy Statement describe the matters to be presented at the meeting, which include a proposal to amend our Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to make a clarifying change.meeting. Enclosed is our 20082009 Annual Report to Shareholders that will be reviewed at the Annual Meeting.

Please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible. Whether or not you will be able to attend the Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and your vote recorded. Your proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting.

We appreciate your continuing loyalty and support of First National Bank and Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation.

 

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert H. Gilliam, Jr.

Robert H. Gilliam, Jr.
President & Chief Executive Officer

Altavista, Virginia

March 9, 20092010


Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation

622 Broad Street

Altavista, Virginia 24517

 

 

NOTICE OF 20092010 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

TO BE HELD APRIL 14, 200913, 2010

The 20092010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation will be held at the Fellowship Hall of Altavista Presbyterian Church, located at 707 Broad Street, Altavista, Virginia, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009,13, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. for the following purposes:

 

 1.To elect threefour Class IIII directors to serve until the 20122013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and one Class II director to serve until the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and one Class III director to serve until the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders as described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this notice.

 

 2.To act on a proposed amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to make a clarifying change.

3.To act on a proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting to allow time for further solicitation of proxies, in the event there are insufficient votes at the Annual Meeting to approve the amendment proposal.

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

Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 24, 2009,23, 2010, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

/s/ Bryan M. Lemley

Bryan M. Lemley
Secretary

March 9, 20092010

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying postage paid envelope so that your shares will be represented at the meeting. Shareholders attending the meeting may personally vote on all matters that are considered, in which event their signed proxies will be revoked.


Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation

622 Broad Street

Altavista, Virginia 24517

PROXY STATEMENT

20092010 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

April 14, 200913, 2010

GENERAL

The following information is furnished in connection with the solicitation by and on behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the enclosed proxy to be used at the 20092010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation (the “Company”) to be held Tuesday, April 14, 2009,13, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. at the Fellowship Hall of Altavista Presbyterian Church, located at 707 Broad Street, Altavista, Virginia. The approximate mailing date of this Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy is March 9, 2009.2010.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 14, 2009:13, 2010:This Notice of 20092010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement and the 20082009 Annual Report to Shareholders are available on the internet at the following website:http://www.cfpproxy.com/4739www.pinnaclebankshares.com/2010proxy.

Revocation and Voting of Proxies

Execution of a proxy will not affect a shareholder’s right to attend the Annual Meeting and to vote in person. Any shareholder who has executed and returned a proxy may revoke it by attending the Annual Meeting and requesting to vote in person. A shareholder may also revoke his proxy at any time before it is exercised by filing a written notice with the Secretary of the Company or by submitting a proxy bearing a later date. Proxies will extend to, and will be voted at, any properly adjourned session of the Annual Meeting. If a shareholder specifies how the proxy is to be voted with respect to any proposal for which a choice is provided, the proxy will be voted in accordance with such specifications. If a shareholder fails to specify how the proxy is to be voted, the proxy will be voted FOR the director nominees named in Proposal 1, FOR Proposal 2 to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of the preferred stock and to make a clarifying change, and FOR Proposal 3 to adjourn the Annual Meeting to allow time for further solicitation of proxies, in the event there are insufficient votes at the Annual Meeting to approve the amendment proposal.1.

Directions to Annual Meeting

To obtain directions to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, please contact the Secretary of the Company at (434) 369-3000.

Voting Rights of Shareholders

Only those shareholders of record at the close of business on February 24, 2009,23, 2010, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments thereof. The number of shares of common stock of the Company outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is 1,485,089. The Company has no other class of stock outstanding. A majority of the votes entitled to be cast, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Each share of Company common stock entitles the record holder thereof to one vote upon each matter to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.


Shares for which the holder has electedelects to abstain or to withhold the proxies’ authority to vote (including broker non-votes) on a matter will count toward a quorum, but will not be includedconsidered in determining the number of votes cast


with respect to such matter. “Broker non-votes” (shares held by brokers or nominees as to which (i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owner or the persons entitled to vote the shares, and (ii) the broker does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter), if any, will not count toward a quorum and will not be considered in determining the number of votes cast with respect to such matter.

With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast in favor or withheld. If a quorum is present, the nominees receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected directors; therefore, abstentions or votes withheld will have no effect. Thus, although abstentions andIf a quorum is present, broker non-votes (shares held by customers which may not be voted on certain matters because the broker has not received specific instructions from the customer) are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum, they are not counted for purposes of determining whether a nominee has been elected and, therefore, will likewise have no effect on the election of directors.

With regard It should be noted, however, that under recent regulatory changes, discretionary voting by brokers in uncontested elections of directors has been eliminated.Therefore, beginning this year, your vote is especially important, as your broker no longer has the discretion to Proposals 2vote shares held on your behalf with respect to the election of directors. If you hold your shares through a broker and 3, votes may be castdo not provide your broker with voting instructions, that will result in favor or against or a shareholder may abstain. Ifbroker non-vote for each share that you hold. A large number of broker non-votes could affect the ability of the Company to achieve a quorum is present, Proposal 2 will be approved if the holders of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to be voted vote in favor of the proposal. Therefore, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote against Proposal 2 to amend the Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of preferred stock and to make a clarifying change. If a quorum is present, Proposal 3 will be approved if a majority of the shares voted on the proposal are voted in favor of the proposal. Therefore, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of Proposal 3 to adjournat the Annual Meeting.

Solicitation of Proxies

The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. Solicitations will be made only by the use of the mails, except that officers and regular employees of the Company and First National Bank (the “Bank”) may make solicitations of proxies in person, by telephone or mail, acting without compensation other than their regular compensation. We anticipate that brokerage houses and other nominees, custodians, and fiduciaries will be requested to forward the Company’s proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of the stock held of record by such persons, and the Company will reimburse them for their charges and expenses in connection with this activity.

2


Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock, as of March 1, 2009,2010, for each director, director nominee and named executive officer, and for all directors and executive officers as a group. To the Company’s knowledge, no shareholder of the Company owns more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

 

Name

  Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership (1)
 Ownership as a
Percentage of
Common Stock
Outstanding
   Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership (1)
 Ownership as a
Percentage of
Common Stock
Outstanding
 

A. Willard Arthur

  4,409  *   6,409   *  

James E. Burton, IV

  18,986(2) 1.28%  20,186  (2)  1.36

John P. Erb

  5,188  *   5,388   *  

Robert H. Gilliam, Jr.

  24,296(7) 1.64%  24,312  (7)  1.64

Thomas F. Hall

  2,000  *   4,000   *  

R. B. Hancock, Jr.

  4,353(3) *   4,353  (3)  *  

James P. Kent, Jr.

  19,888(4) 1.34%  19,888  (4)  1.34

Bryan M. Lemley

  2,210(5) *   2,310  (5)  *  

A. Patricia Merryman

  500   *  

William F. Overacre

  1,000  *   1,000   *  

Carroll E. Shelton

  15,884(6) 1.07%  15,810  (6)  1.06

C. Bryan Stott

  5,004  (8)  *  

John L. Waller

  5,353  *   5,353   *  

Michael E. Watson

  1,798(3) *   2,000  (3)  *  

All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)

  105,365  7.09%

All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)

  116,513   7.83


*Less than 1.0%, based on 1,485,089 total outstanding shares as of March 1, 2009.2010.

- 2 -


(1)For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) under which, in general, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of a security if he has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting of the security or the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the security, or if he has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of the security within sixty days.
(2)Includes 12,57513,774 shares held as custodian for minor children, and excludes 819 shares held solely in spouse’s name.
(3)Shares held jointly with spouse.
(4)Excludes 2,379 shares held solely in spouse’s name.
(5)Includes 2,000 shares that Mr. Lemley has the option to purchase under the 1997 Incentive Stock Plan.
(6)Includes 7,884 shares held jointly with spouse.
(7)Includes 12,00019,698 shares pledged as collateral for a loan.
(8)Includes 3,784 shares held jointly with spouse.

3


PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Company’s Board is divided into three classes (I, II and III) of directors. The term of office for Class IIII directors will expire at the Annual Meeting. The nominees for election as Class IIII directors, Carroll E. Shelton,A. Willard Arthur, John L. WallerP. Erb, Robert H. Gilliam, Jr. and Michael E. Watson,R. B. Hancock, Jr., currently serve as directors of the Company and are standing for re-election. If elected, the Class I nominees will serve until the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Two new candidates are proposed for election as directors. A. Patricia Merryman is a nominee for election as a Class II director and, if elected, will serve until the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. C. Bryan Stott is a nominee for election as a Class III nomineesdirector and, if elected, will serve until the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Thomas F. Hall, a nominee for election as a Class II director, has served as a director since his appointment on November 11, 2008. If elected, Mr. Hall will serve until the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Mr. HallMs. Merryman is a native of West Virginia,Campbell County and earnedattended Averett College. For 33 years she has been employed by Sonny Merryman, Inc., a Bachelor of Science degree from Concord College, Athens, West Virginia. Mr. Hall, a long time resident of Amherstfamily owned transportation equipment distributor headquartered in Campbell County, Virginiawhich is thewidely known for its niche in school bus sales. She is currently Vice President of George E. Jonesthe company with primary responsibility for trailer and Sons, Inc., an Amherst based construction company serving the Central Virginia marketcontainer sales and specializing in utility construction. Mr. Hall currently servesrentals. Ms. Merryman has recently completed 6 years of service on the Board of Directors of the Associated General ContractorsLynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and 11 years of service on the Board of Directors of Amazement Square Children’s Museum in Lynchburg. She continues her service on the Board of Directors of the Central Virginia Court Appointed Special Advocates program. Ms. Merryman is a charter and continuing member of Virginia Tech’s “Women in Leadership” and was a 2009 nominee for the Lynchburg Chamber’s Athena Award, honoring women in the community who make a difference. She is a member of the Region 2000 Economic Development Council. Mr. HallLynchburg Optimist Club, having joined the civic club in 2004. Ms. Merryman is active in Rustburg United Methodist Church and currently serves on the church’s Finance Committee. Ms. Merryman was initially recommended to the Nominating Committee to serve on the Board of Directors by management.

Mr. Stott grew up in Altavista and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the Company’s Chief Executive OfficerUniversity of Virginia and non-management directors.a Master of Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University. He has been in the investment brokerage business servicing the investment needs of clients in the Region 2000 market from offices in Lynchburg for the past 26 years. He is currently Vice President and Branch Manager with Stifel Nicolaus. Mr. Stott has served as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Altavista Area YMCA and as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Altavista Rotary Club. He is active in the Lane Memorial United Church, serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee and as a Trustee for the church. Mr. Stott was initially recommended to the Nominating Committee to serve on the Board of Directors by members of the Board of Directors.

The persons named in the proxy will vote for the election of the nominees named below unless authority is withheld. The Company’s Board believes that the nominees will be available and able to serve as directors, but if any of these persons should not be available or able to serve, the proxies may exercise discretionary authority to vote for a substitute proposed by the Company’s Board.

 

- 3 -4


Certain information concerning the nominees for election at the Annual Meeting is set forth below, as well as certain information about the Class III and Class IIIII directors who will continue in office.

 

Nominees for Election of Directors:

Name (Age) and

Address

 

Principal Occupation

Last Five Years

 

Director of
Company
Since (1)

Class III Directors (To serve until the 2012 Annual Meeting)

Carroll E. Shelton (58)

Hurt, Virginia

Senior Vice President

First National Bank

and

Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation

1990

John L. Waller (65)

Hurt, Virginia

Owner & Operator

Waller Farms, Inc.

1989
Michael E. Watson (54)Controller2003
Gladstone, Virginia

Flippin, Bruce & Porter, Inc.

(investment counselors)

Class II Director (To serve until the 2011 Annual Meeting)
Thomas F. Hall (59)President2008
Amherst, Virginia

George E. Jones & Sons, Inc.

(construction)

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS

THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR”

THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.

Directors Continuing in Office:

Name (Age) and

Address

Principal Occupation

Last Five Years

Director of
Company
Since (1)
Class I Directors (ServingDirector Nominees (To serve until the 20102013 Annual Meeting)

A. Willard Arthur (63)(64)

Rustburg, Virginia

 

Retired; Former Chairman and Secretary

Marvin V. Templeton & Sons, Inc.

(general contractors)

 1998

John P. Erb (65)(66)

Altavista, Virginia

 

Assistant Superintendent

Campbell County Schools

 1989

Robert H. Gilliam, Jr. (63)(64)

Lynch Station, Virginia

 

President & CEO

Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation

and First National Bank and

Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation

 1979

R. B. Hancock, Jr. (58)(59)

Huddleston, Virginia

 

President & Owner

R. B. H., Inc.

(auto parts dealer)

 1994
Class II Director Nominee (To serve until the 2011 Annual Meeting)

A. Patricia Merryman (55)

Rustburg, Virginia

Vice President

Sonny Merryman Inc.

(transportation equipment distributer)

Class III Director Nominee (To serve until the 2012 Annual Meeting)

C. Bryan Stott (59)

Altavista, Virginia

Vice President & Branch Manager

Stifel Nicolaus

(investment firm)

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE

“FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE

 

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Directors Continuing in Office:

Name (Age) and

Address

 

Principal Occupation

Last Five Years

 

Director of

Company

Since (1)

Class II Directors (Serving until the 2011 Annual Meeting)

James E. Burton, IV (52)(53)

Lynchburg, Virginia

 

Vice President Operations

Marvin V. Templeton & Sons, Inc.

(general contractors)

 1998

Thomas F. Hall (60)

Amherst, Virginia

President

George E. Jones & Sons, Inc.

(construction)

2008

James P. Kent, Jr. (69)(70)

Hurt, Virginia

 

Partner

Kent & Kent, P. C.

(attorneys)

 1980

William F. Overacre (67)(68)

Forest, Virginia

 

Broker/OwnerAssociate Broker

RE/MAX 1st Olympic,

REALTORS

 2002
Class III Directors (Serving until the 2012 Annual Meeting)

Carroll E. Shelton (59)

Hurt, Virginia

Vice President

Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation

and Senior Vice President

First National Bank

1990

John L. Waller (66)

Hurt, Virginia

President

Waller Farms, Inc.

1989

Michael E. Watson (55)

Gladstone, Virginia

Controller/Treasurer

Flippin, Bruce & Porter, Inc.

(investment counselors)

2003

 

(1)If prior to May 1, 1997, reflects year that director joined the Board of First Nationalthe Bank, (the “Bank”), the Company’s sole subsidiary. Effective May 1, 1997, the Company became the holding company for the Bank.

MeetingsDirector Qualifications

The Nominating Committee seeks candidates who possess the background, skills and Committeesexpertise to make a significant contribution to the Board and to the Company and its shareholders. Although the Company has no formal policy regarding diversity, the Board of Directors believes that diversity is an important component of a board of directors. The Nominating Committee considers director qualifications according to the particular areas of expertise being sought as a complement to the existing Board composition at the time. Minimum qualifications include high-level leadership experience in business activities, breadth of knowledge about issues affecting the Company and the Bank, understanding of the customers served by the Bank, a willingness to promote the success and economic growth of the Bank and time available for meetings and consultation on Company and Bank matters. Additionally, no individual may be nominated for election or elected as a director if on the date of election, the individual would be age 70 or older.

6


The Board has concluded that each director and director nominee possesses the personal traits described above. In considering the directors’ and director nominees’ individual experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, the Board has concluded that the appropriate experience, qualifications, attributes and skills are represented for the Board as a whole and for each of the Board’s committees. In addition, each director and director nominee possesses characteristics that led the Board to conclude that such person should serve as a director. The following paragraphs provide information as of the date of this proxy statement about each director and director nominee, including information each director and director nominee has given us about all positions he/she holds, his/her principal occupation and business experience for the past five years, and the names of other publicly-held companies (if any) of which he/she currently serves as a director or has served as a director during the past five years. In addition to the information presented below regarding each director’s and nominee’s specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led our Board to the conclusion that he/she should serve as a director, we also believe that all of our directors and director nominees have a reputation for integrity, honesty, and adherence to high ethical standards. Each director has demonstrated business and financial acumen, an ability to exercise sound judgment, compatibility with other directors, as well as a commitment to service to the Company and our Board. There are no family relationships among any directors, director nominees and executive officers.

A. Willard Arthur, Director since 1998

Mr. Arthur is the retired Chairman and Secretary of the general contractor firm, Marvin V. Templeton & Sons, Inc. Mr. Arthur was employed with the firm for 38 years and is currently the owner of Troublesome Creek Angus Farm. Mr. Arthur served as President of the Virginia Road and Transportation Builders Association and as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Road Builders Association. He served as President of the Campbell County Cattlemen’s Association and served as a Director of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. Mr. Arthur earned an Associate degree from Ferrum College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Richmond. Mr. Arthur’s extensive experience in various aspects of the construction industry, including dispute resolution, employee relations matters and contract negotiations, provide our Board with an invaluable resource in managing risk and directing corporate strategy.

John P. Erb, Director since 1989

Mr. Erb is the Assistant Superintendent for Administration of Campbell County Schools. He has been employed in various roles, including teacher, coach and principal, with the Campbell County school system for 38 years. Mr. Erb served as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce, as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Exchange Club of Altavista and as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Sheltered Workshop of Altavista. Various honors include being named “Citizen of the Year” by the Altavista Business Women’s Association and recipient of the “Community Builder’s Award” from the Altavista Masonic Lodge. Mr. Erb holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater College and a Master’s degree in Education from James Madison University. Mr. Erb’s extensive background in education and administration provide our Board with leadership and consensus-building skills on a variety of matters, including corporate governance and succession planning.

7


Robert H. Gilliam, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer; Director since 1979

Mr. Gilliam is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. His experience with the Company spans 40 years. Mr. Gilliam began his banking career as an Assistant National Bank Examiner with the Comptroller of the Currency. Throughout his career, Mr. Gilliam has had extensive involvement with the American Bankers Association, the Virginia Bankers Association and the Virginia Association of Community Banks, sitting on numerous boards and committees, many of which he chaired. Mr. Gilliam served as President of the Virginia Bankers Association and currently is a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Region 2000 Economic Development Council, the Altavista Economic Development Authority, the Centra Health Foundation, and the Altavista Life Saving & First Aid Crew, Inc. Mr. Gilliam has served as President of the Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce and the Altavista Lions Club, where he continues his membership, and has served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust and the Altavista Area YMCA. Mr. Gilliam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business Administration from Guilford College and is a graduate of the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia. Mr. Gilliam brings extensive experience in banking and executive management to our Board. His experience as an industry leader and his involvement in the market in which our Company operates provide insight to our Board on factors that impact both our Company and our communities. Mr. Gilliam’s day-to-day management and intimate knowledge of our business and operations provide the Board with Company-specific experience and expertise.

R.B. Hancock, Jr., Director since 1994

Mr. Hancock is President of R.B.H., Inc., parent company of an Altavista-based auto parts dealer for 22 years. Mr. Hancock is Assistant Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Huddleston Volunteer Fire Department and has served as its President and Treasurer. He has served as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Huddleston Ruritan Club. Mr. Hancock attended Central Virginia Community College. Through his extensive experience in owning and operating a small business, Mr. Hancock brings to our Board a unique perspective regarding management, sales and marketing, customer service and finance, as well as intimate knowledge of the local Altavista and Bedford County markets.

A. Patricia Merryman, Director Nominee

Ms. Merryman is Vice President of Sonny Merryman, Inc., a privately held transportation equipment distributor, with primary responsibility for trailer and container sales and rentals. She has been employed by the company for 33 years. Ms. Merryman has recently completed 6 years of service on the Board of Directors of the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and 11 years of service on the Board of Directors of Amazement Square Children’s Museum in Lynchburg, Virginia. She continues her service on the Board of Directors of the Central Virginia Court Appointed Special Advocates program. Ms. Merryman is a charter and continuing member of Virginia Tech’s “Women in Leadership” and was a 2009 nominee for the Lynchburg Chamber’s Athena Award, honoring women in the community who make a difference. She is a member of the Lynchburg Optimist Club and attended Averett College. Ms. Merryman’s business management experience and extensive leadership and experience in non-profit organizations and integral involvement in many of the communities we serve will uniquely position her to be a strong promoter of the Company and the products and services we offer and will provide our Board with an important perspective on corporate strategy.

8


C. Bryan Stott, Director Nominee

Mr. Stott is Vice President and Lynchburg Branch Manager of Stifel Nicolaus, an investment services firm. He has been with Stifel and its predecessor firms for 26 years. Mr. Stott has served as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Altavista Area YMCA and as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Altavista Rotary Club. Mr. Stott earned a BA degree from the University of Virginia and a MBA degree from Wake Forest University. Mr. Stott’s executive management experience and extensive knowledge of finance will add an important dimension to our Board’s composition in addition to bringing a unique perspective on corporate governance related matters and capital and liquidity strategies.

James E. Burton, IV, Director since 1998

Mr. Burton is the President of Marvin V. Templeton & Sons, Inc., a Region 2000 based general contractor specializing in paving contracting. He has been employed by Marvin V. Templeton & Sons, Inc. for the past 26 years. Previously he served as General Manager for Amlite Corporation. Mr. Burton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Military Institute. Mr. Burton brings to our Board experience in executive management with insights into corporate finance and risk management, extensive knowledge of the communities served by the Company and provides leadership and consensus-building skills to guide our Board.

Thomas F. Hall, Director since 2008

Mr. Hall is President of George E. Jones & Sons, Inc, an Amherst, Virginia based construction company serving the Region 2000 market and specializing in utility construction. Mr. Hall has been associated with this current business for 32 years. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Associated General Contractors of Virginia, Inc. and the Region 2000 Economic Development Council. He has served as a board member for the Virginia Board for Contractors and for the Amherst County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hall earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Concord University. Mr. Hall’s extensive experience in the construction industry with unique insight and knowledge of development projects in our region provides our Board with an invaluable resource as it directs our Company through the current economic environment. Mr. Hall is also an ideal representative of one of our Company’s newer markets, Amherst, Virginia.

James P. Kent, Jr., Director since 1980

Mr. Kent is President and a Partner in Kent & Kent, P.C., a general practice law firm located in Altavista and a firm with which he has been associated for 46 years. He is also President of Kent Realty Company, Inc. Mr. Kent is a member of the Lynchburg and Campbell County Bar Associations. Mr. Kent serves as Chairman of the Board of the Altavista Life Saving & First Aid Crew, Inc. He has served as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce and as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Altavista Lions Club. He is a member of Campbell Masonic Lodge No. 316. Mr. Kent holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Law degree from the College of William and Mary. Mr. Kent’s extensive legal career and knowledge of real estate with a depth of experience in business transactions, tax and accounting matters and work-out situations provides expertise to our Board, particularly in light of the current market.

9


William F. Overacre, Director since 2002

Mr. Overacre is an Associate Broker with RE/MAX 1st Olympic, REALTORS. He has been in the real estate brokerage business for 38 years. Mr. Overacre is a member of the Lynchburg Association of REALTORS and of the National Association of REALTORS. He has served as President of the Lynchburg Association of REALTORS and as President of the Virginia Association of REALTORS. Mr. Overacre has been recognized as local and state “REALTOR of the YEAR”. Among his honors are the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of REALTORS and the Hall of Fame Award from the Virginia Association of REALTORS. Mr. Overacre has served on the Board of Directors of Cooperative Savings Bank and One Valley Bank and the Advisory Board of BB&T in Lynchburg, Virginia. He is a member of the Campbell County Economic Development Commission and has served as Chairman of the Central Virginia Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Overacre earned an AB degree from the College of William and Mary and an MBA from the University of Utah. Mr. Overacre brings to our Board extensive knowledge of residential and commercial real estate and related investment and financing activities. His previous experience in financial institution directorships provides our Board a unique perspective on corporate governance and strategy issues.

Carroll E. Shelton, Vice President; Director since 1990

Mr. Shelton is Vice President of the Company and Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank, where he has been employed for 36 years in a variety of roles, primarily on the lending side of the Company. Mr. Shelton served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce. He has been a member of the Exchange Club of Altavista and a member of the Altavista Downtown Revitalization Committee. Mr. Shelton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Virginia Tech and is a graduate of the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia. Mr. Shelton brings to our Board an extraordinary understanding of our Company’s business, history, organization and various constituencies, as well as extensive community banking expertise and management experience.

John L. Waller, Director since 1989

Mr. Waller is President of Waller Farms, Inc., a family farming operation oriented primarily toward dairy farming. He is actively involved in a variety of farm and dairy related organizations. Mr. Waller serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative. His civic involvement includes being a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. Mr. Waller’s lifelong involvement in agriculture provides significant insight and expertise to our Board in dealing with this important segment of the Company’s customer base and his corporate directorship experience brings to us a unique perspective on risk assessment and strategy.

Michael E. Watson, Director since 2003

Mr. Watson is Controller/Treasurer of Flippin, Bruce & Porter, Inc., a Lynchburg investment counseling firm. He has been employed by the firm for 13 years. His previous employment experience was as Chief Operating Officer for The Greenwood Partnership, Chief Financial Officer for The Lester Group and Audit Manager with Coopers & Lybrand. Mr. Watson is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Watson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Virginia Tech. Through extensive experience with public and financial accounting matters and integral involvement in auditing practices and risk management programs and policies, Mr. Watson provides our Board with invaluable expertise in these areas.

10


Board of Directors Meetings, Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

Board of Directors.The members of the Board of the Directors of the Company also constitute the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank. The Board of Directors conducts its business through meetings of the Company’s Board and through committees of the Bank’s Board, certain of which arecommittees described below. The Company became the holding company for the Bank in May 1997, and currently, the Bank’s committees make recommendations to the Company’s Board regarding the audit, compensation and nominating functions. During calendar year 2008,2009, the Company’s Board of Directors held eight8 meetings and the Bank’s Board of Directors held twelve12 meetings. No director attended fewer than 75 percent75% of the total meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Bank committees on which he served during this period. The Board has determined that Messrs.directors Arthur, Burton, Erb, Hall, Hancock, Overacre, Waller and Watson and nominees Merryman and Stott are independent under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market.

The Company has not adopted a formal policy on Board members’ attendance at the annual meetingAnnual Meeting of shareholders,Shareholders, although all Board members are encouraged to attend. All Board members attended the 20082009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Leadership Structure.The President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert H. Gilliam, Jr., serves as acting Chairman of the Board, inasmuch as the Board of Directors has consciously chosen not to formally elect a chairman at this time. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Gilliam’s in-depth knowledge of the Company and vision for its strategic direction make him the best qualified director to serve as acting chairman and believes that the current needs of the Company, the Bank and the Board are best served through the existing leadership structure.

Although the Board of Directors has not formally designated a lead independent director, Mr. Erb, Chairman of the Compensation Committee, serves as spokesperson for the Board in reporting action taken at all executive sessions of “non-management” directors.

Risk Oversight.The Board of Directors is responsible for consideration and oversight of risks facing the Company, and is responsible for ensuring that material risks are identified and managed appropriately. The Audit Committee meets quarterly with management in order to review the Company’s major financial risk exposures and reviews the steps management is taking to monitor and control such exposures. Directors also serve on various committees that focus on major areas of risk in the Company that include but are not limited to loans, investments, technology and compensation. Directors discuss risk and risk mitigation strategies with management within these committees. All risk oversight discussions are included in committee reports to the full Board of Directors.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Audit Committee.The Bank’sCompany’s Audit Committee meets to review reports of the Bank’s internal auditor,Internal Auditor, who reports directly to the Audit Committee, and reviews the annual report of the Company’s independent auditors. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Burton (Chair), Hall, Hancock, Waller and Watson, and they met four times in 2008.2009. In addition, the Chairman of the Audit Committee held discussions with the Company’s independent auditors each quarter prior to the filing of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 90 (Audit Committee Communications). The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are independent for audit committee purposes under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regulations. The Board of Directors has also determined that Mr. Watson qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of applicable regulations of the SEC, promulgated pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter, which is available on the Bank’s website atwww.1stnatbk.com under “Investor Relations.”

 

- 5 -11


Compensation Committee.The Bank’sCompany’s Compensation Committee reviews officer and employee compensation and employee benefit plans and makes recommendations to the Bank’s Board concerning such matters. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations as to the employment of officers of the Bank. Members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Erb (Chair), Arthur, Hancock and Overacre, and they met sixtwo times in 2008.2009. The Board has determined that all members of the Compensation Committee are independent for compensation committee purposes under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written charter, which is available on the Bank’s website atwww.1stnatbk.com under “Investor Relations.”

Nominating Committee.The nominating committee function is handled by the Bank’s Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee’s duties include consideration of candidates for Board election. At this time, the Nominating Committee does not have a formal written charter. The Nominating Committee makes a recommendation to the Company’s Board concerning candidates for any vacancy that may occur and the entire Board then determines which candidate(s) should be nominated for the shareholders’ approval. The members of the Nominating Committee are Messrs. Arthur, Burton, Erb and Gilliam, and they met fourthree times in 2008.2009. The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Nominating Committee are independent for nominating committee purposes under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market, except Mr. Gilliam.

While the Nominating Committee has no formal procedure for shareholders to submit director recommendations, the Nominating Committee will consider candidates recommended by shareholders in writing. Such written submissions should include the name, address and telephone number of the recommended candidate, along with a brief statement of the candidate’s qualifications to serve as a director. All such shareholder recommendations should be submitted to the attention of the Company’s Secretary, Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation, P.O. Box 29, Altavista, Virginia 24517, and must be received by January 30, 2010,2011, in order to be considered by the Nominating Committee for the next annual election of directors. Any candidates recommended by a shareholder will be reviewed and considered in the same manner as all other director candidates considered by the Nominating Committee.

In addition, in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws, any shareholder entitled to vote in the election of directors generally may nominate one or more persons for election as director(s) at an annual meeting if the shareholder gives written notice of his or her intent to make such nomination. In accordance with the Company’s Bylaws, a shareholder nomination must include the nominee’s written consent to serve as a director of the Company if selected, sufficient background information with respect to the nominee including, but not limited to, the nominee’s name and address, the amount and nature of the nominee’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s securities, his or her principal occupation for the past five years, a discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led to the conclusion that the nominee should serve as director and his or her age, sufficient identification of the nominating shareholder, including the shareholder’s name and address, a description of any arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and the nominee pursuant to which the nomination is to be made by the shareholder, and a representation by the shareholder that he or she is the owner of stock of the Company entitled to vote at the annual meeting and that he or she intends to appear at the annual meeting (in person or by proxy) to nominate the individual specified in the notice. Notice of such nominations must be received by the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office in Altavista, Virginia, no later than February 7, 20106, 2011 in order to be made for the annual election of directors in 2010,2011, provided that such notice will not be required to be given more than 90 days prior to the date of the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. These requirements are more fully described in Article III, Section 16 of the Company’s Bylaws, a copy of which will be provided, without charge, to any shareholder upon written request to the Company’s Secretary.

 

- 6 -12


The Nominating Committee may identify director nominees through a combination of referrals, including by management, existing Board members and shareholders, and direct solicitations, where warranted. Once a candidate has been identified, the Nominating Committee reviews the individual’s experience and background, and may discuss the proposed nominee with the source of the recommendation. If the committee believes it to be appropriate, the Nominating Committee members may meet with the proposed nominee before making a final determination whether to recommend the individual as a nominee to the entire Board of Directors to stand for election to the Board.

Minimum Qualifications for Directors

The Nominating Committee seeks candidates who possess the background, skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to the Board and to the Company and its shareholders. Qualifications for consideration as a director nominee may vary according to the particular areas of expertise being sought as a complement to the existing Board composition at the time. However, minimum qualifications include high-level leadership experience in business activities, breadth of knowledge about issues affecting the Company and the Bank and time available for meetings and consultation on Company and Bank matters. Additionally, no individual may be nominated for election or elected as a director if on the date of election, the individual would be age 70 or older.

Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors

The Company provides an informal process for shareholders to send communications to the Board of Directors. Shareholders who wish to contact the Board of Directors or any of its members may do so by writing to Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation, P.O. Box 29, Altavista, Virginia 24517. Correspondence sent by first class mail directed to an individual Board member will be referred, unopened, to that member. Correspondence not directed to a particular Board member will be referred, unopened, to the acting Chairman.

Directors’ FeesDirector Compensation

The Board of Directors of the Company determines the compensation for its directors. The Company uses compensation survey information from similar sized companies to determine the appropriate levels of compensation. For 2007,2008, all directors of the Company received an annual retainer of $2,000, and directors of the Bank received an additional annual retainer of $4,000.$5,000. For 2008,2009, all directors of the Company receivereceived an annual retainer of $2,000, and directors of the Bank receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000.$4,000. The Chair of the Audit Committee received an additional retainer of $1,500 and the Chair of the Compensation Committee received an additional retainer of $1,000 for 2009. The Company’s and the Bank’s outside directors also receivereceived $250 for each committee meeting attended. Directors may defer payment of up to 100% of retainers and fees through the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan for directors, which is administered by the Virginia Bankers Association Benefits Corporation (the “VBA”).

 

- 7 -13


The following table summarizes director compensation earned for 2008.2009.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Name (1)

  Fees earned or
paid in cash
($)
 Total
($)
  Fees earned or
paid in cash
($)
 Total
($)

A. Willard Arthur

  13,500  11,250  11,000   11,000

James E. Burton, IV

  11,500  11,500  9,500   9,500

John P. Erb

  15,500  15,500  12,500   12,500

Thomas F. Hall

  1,083  1,083  10,500   10,500

R.B. Hancock, Jr.

  10,250  10,250  8,500   8,500

James P. Kent, Jr.

  12,250(2) 12,250  10,000(2)  10,000

William F. Overacre

  14,500  14,500  11,000   11,000

John L. Waller

  13,000  13,000  11,250   11,250

Michael E. Watson

  10,250  10,250  8,500   8,500

   

(1) Compensation for Directors Robert H. Gilliam, Jr. and Carroll E. Shelton is included in the Summary Compensation Table.

(2) Includes fees deferred under the VBA Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan for Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation.

(1)Compensation for Directors Robert H. Gilliam, Jr. and Carroll E. Shelton is included in the Summary Compensation Table.
(2)Includes fees deferred under the VBA Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan for Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation.

Interest of Management in Certain Transactions

The Bank grants loans and letters of credit to its policy-making officers, directors, principal shareholders and their associates. As of December 31, 2008,2009, borrowing by all policy-making officers, directors, and principal shareholders and their associates amounted to $921,814,$764,223, or 3.56%2.96% of total year-end capital. The maximum aggregate amount of such indebtedness during 20082009 was $1,030,000,$921,814, or 3.97%3.56% of total year-end capital. These loans were made in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business, and in the opinion of management of the Bank, all such loans and commitments for loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates, collateral and repayment terms as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with other persons not related to the Bank and do not involve more than a normal risk of collectibilitycollectability or present other unfavorable features. The Bank expects to have in the future similar banking transactions with officers, directors, principal shareholders and their associates.

On August 23, 2007, the Bank entered into a lease of the Amherst branch facility with S. Main, L.L.C. (the “Lease”). Thomas F. Hall a director appointed by the Board in November 2008 and a current nominee, has a 50% ownership interest in S. Main L.L.C. The original term of the Lease is twenty years and may be renewed at the Bank’s option for two additional terms of five years each. The Bank’s current monthly rental payment under the Lease is $10,878.95, or $130,547.40 annually, which is fixed for the first four years of the Lease. The annual rental amount increases by 8% at the end of the first four years of the Lease term and at the end of each subsequent four-year interval during the original Lease term and any renewal term.

 

- 8 -14


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Bank’sCompany’s Compensation Committee reviews officer and employee compensation and employee benefit plans and makes recommendations to the Bank’s Board concerning such matters. The Committee’s membership is determined by the Board.

The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of the President and Chief Executive Officer and determines the appropriate compensation for the following year. The Committee also determines any equity compensation or other compensation the President and Chief Executive Officer may receive.

Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee may delegate its duties to any subcommittee or any member of senior management. Compensation of senior management is determined by the President and Chief Executive Officer with direction from the Compensation Committee staying within the targeted overall compensation budgeted by the Company.

The Company does not have written employment agreements with senior management. The compensation of senior management is a mix of base salary, incentiveequity compensation and equity compensationcommissions on loan and investment sales for certain members of senior management designed to be competitive with the Company’s peers and to enhance long-term value to the Company’s shareholders. The compensation setting process consists of establishing a targeted overall compensation for the Company by the Compensation Committee. Under

Historically the Company has had an incentive compensation program in which all employees participate, at the beginning of eachparticipated. Each year, the Compensation Committee recommendswould recommend for approval by the Board of Directors annual performance goals for a series of key performance indicators for the Company representing growth, profitability, asset quality and productivity, (such as loan and deposit growth, net interest margin, noninterest income, past due loans, net charge-offs and noninterest expense), and estimatedthe percent of base salary payout levels for achieving those performance goals. At the end of thea given year, the Board of Directors evaluateswould evaluate the Company’s performance with respect to the various performance goals established earlier in the year and based on thisthat evaluation, determineswould affirm the base salary percentage earned and to be paid to employees as cash incentive compensation for the year. IncentiveDue to the negative impact on earnings from the economy and in an effort to preserve Company resources, the Company suspended this program for 2009. The Company may consider resuming an incentive compensation expense is accrued each month and is paid to employeesprogram at some point in December, if any is earned.the future.

The following table provides compensation information concerning Mr. Gilliam, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shelton, Senior Vice President, and Mr. Lemley, Vice PresidentSecretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, the named executive officers of the Company for 20082009 pursuant to Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K. All compensation, other than director fees for service on the Company’s Board of Directors, was paid by the Bank, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary. The following table summarizes compensation earned by these named executive officers in 20082009 and 2007.2008.

 

- 9 -15


SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR 20082009

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year  Salary
($)(1)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)
  All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
  Total
($)
  Year  Salary
($)(1)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
  Total
($)

Robert H. Gilliam, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer

  2009  198,400(3)  12,444  210,844
  2008  199,400(3) 0  5,465  204,865 2008  199,400(3)  5,465  204,865
  2007  191,000(3) 2,498  3,770  197,268

Carroll E. Shelton
Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank

  2008  125,585  0  330  125,915

Carroll E. Shelton
Vice President

  2009  124,556   4,505  129,061
2008  125,585   330  125,915
  2007  116,520  1,493  323  118,336

Bryan M. Lemley
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  2008  101,766  0  251  102,017
  2007  93,187  1,259  238  94,684

Bryan M. Lemley
Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

  2009
2008
  104,400
101,766
  
  
 3,939
251
  108,339
102,017

 

(1)Includes combined Company and Bank Board retainers of $6,000 in 2009 and $7,000 each in 2008 and $6,000 in 2007 for Messrs. Gilliam and Shelton.
(2)“All Other Compensation” consists entirely of the imputed cost of coverage in excess of $50,000 of group-term life insurance provided under an employee policy. The cost is calculated using the IRS Premium Table. “All Other Compensation” in 2009 also consists of the Company match under the 401(k) plan.
(3)$4,000 of Mr. Gilliam’s director’s compensation earned in 2008each of 2009 and $3,500 of Mr. Gilliam’s director’s compensation earned in 20072008 was deferred under the VBA Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan for Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation.

Incentive Stock Plans. The Company adopted theCompany’s 1997 Incentive Stock Plan effective May 1,was adopted in 1997, whichand expired May 1, 2007, and the Company’s 2004 Incentive Stock Plan effective May 1,was adopted in 2004, and was amended February 9, 2010 (together, the “Incentive Plans”). The 1997 Incentive Stock Plan made available up to 50,000 shares of common stock for awards of stock options, tandem stock appreciation rights and restricted stock to key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. As amended February 9, 2010, the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan makes available up to 100,000 shares of common stock for awards of stock options, stand-alone and tandem stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively, “Awards”) to key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock (collectively, “Awards”).subsidiaries. To date, the Company has only granted stock options under these Incentive Plans. The purpose of the Incentive Plans is to promote the success of the Company and its subsidiaries by providing incentives to key employees who will promote the identification of their personal interests with the long-term financial success of the Company and with growth in shareholder value. The Incentive Plans are designed to provide flexibility to the Company in its ability to motivate, attract, and retain the services of key employees upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the successful conduct of its operation is largely dependent. Stock optionsAwards are granted based upon the ability of key employees to affect the performance of the Company. The Company grants stock optionsAwards as a motivation to its employees and as a retention tool as the option awardsAwards generally vest over a five-year period.

Under the terms of both Incentive Plans, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Committee”) administers the plans. No director may serve as a member of the Committee if he is eligible to participate in either Incentive Plan or was at any time within one year prior to his appointment to the Committee eligible to participate in either Incentive Plan. The Committee has authority to determine the key employees to whom Awards shall be made.

 

- 10 -16


Each Award under the Incentive Plans is made pursuant to a written agreement between the Company and the recipient of the Award (the “Agreement”). In administering the Incentive Plans, the Committee has the authority, subject to approval, amendment and modification by the Board of Directors of the Company, to determine the terms and conditions upon which Awards are made and exercised, to determine terms and provisions of each Agreement, to construe and interpret the Incentive Plans and the Agreements, to establish, amend, or waive rules or regulations for the Incentive Plans’ administration, to accelerate the exercisability of any Award, the end of any performance period, or termination of any period of restriction, and to make all other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of the Incentive Plans.

The Board may terminate, amend, or modify the Incentive Plans from time to time in any respect without shareholder approval, unless the particular amendment or modification requires shareholder approval under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the rules and regulations under Section 16 of the Exchange Act or pursuant to any other applicable laws, rules, or regulations.

The following table reflects certain information regarding unexercised options held at December 31, 20082009 by Messrs. Gilliam, Shelton and Lemley. The Company has not granted any restricted stock, and none of the named executive officers exercised stock options in 2008.2009.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 20082009 Year-End

 

   Option Awards

Name

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)
  Option
Exercise
Price

($)
  Option
Expiration
Date

Robert H. Gilliam, Jr.

  —     —    —     —    

Carroll E. Shelton

  —     —    —     —    

Bryan M. Lemley

  2,000(1)  —    —    $14.00  7/1/2011

 

(1)These options became exercisable in five equal installments on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date of 7/1/2001.

Change in Control Agreements. The Company has entered into agreements with Messrs. Gilliam, Shelton and Lemley that provide for severance payments and certain other benefits if their employment terminates under specified conditions in anticipation of or after a “change in control” (as defined therein) of the Company. These agreements were amended December 31, 2008 to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and applicable guidance issued thereunder. Payments and benefits will be paid under each agreement only if, within two years and 60 days following a change in

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control, the executive (i) is terminated involuntarily without “cause” (as defined therein) and not as a result of death or disability, or (ii) terminates his employment voluntarily for “good reason” (as

17


defined therein), including the executive’s unilateral decision to leave during any of three 60 day window periods“window periods” (as defined therein) (beginning on the date of the change in control and the first and second anniversaries thereof). Payments and benefits will also be paid if the executive’s employment is terminated prior to a change in control if the executive can reasonably demonstrate that the termination was in connection with or in anticipation of a change in control or was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a change in control. “Change in control” is defined generally to include (i) the acquisition of stock by a person or group that constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company’s common or voting stock, (ii) the acquisition of 30% of the Company’s voting stock either at one time or over a 12-month period, (iii) certain changes in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors over a 12-month period, or (iv) an acquisition of 40% or more of the Company’s assets.

In the event of a covered termination following a change in control, Mr. Gilliam will be entitled to receive (i) a severance payment made in ten quarterly installments, the total of such installments equal to 2.5 times the sum of Mr. Gilliam’s highest annual base salary in affect at anytime during the 24-month period ending on the date of the change in control and his highest aggregate bonuses payable for any of the Company’s three fiscal years ending immediately prior to the fiscal year that includes the date of the change in control, and (ii) a continuation of employee welfare benefits for 2.5 years. In addition, Mr. Gilliam will have the right to require the Company to purchase his principal residence at its fair market value if he requests within six months after his termination of employment. The total payments and benefits payable, including any parachute payments otherwise made, to Mr. Gilliam may not exceed the maximum amount that may be paid without the imposition of a “golden parachute” federal excise tax on Mr. Gilliam and may also be limited by applicable banking limitations on golden parachutes.

In the event of a covered termination following a change in control, Mr. Shelton will be entitled to receive (i) a severance payment made in eight quarterly installments, the total of such installments equal to 2 times the sum of Mr. Shelton’s highest annual base salary in effect at anytime during the 24-month period ending on the date of the change in control and his highest aggregate bonuses payable for any of the Company’s three fiscal years ending immediately prior to the fiscal year that includes the date of the change in control, and (ii) a continuation of employee welfare benefits for two years. The total payments and benefits payable, including any parachute payments otherwise made, to Mr. Shelton may not exceed the maximum amount that may be paid without the imposition of a “golden parachute” federal excise tax on Mr. Shelton and may also be limited by applicable banking limitations on golden parachutes.

In the event of a covered termination following a change in control, Mr. Lemley will be entitled to receive (i) a severance payment made in eight quarterly installments, the total of such installments equal to 2 times the sum of Mr. Lemley’s highest annual base salary in effect at anytime during the 24-month period ending on the date of the change in control and his highest aggregate bonuses payable for any of the Company’s three fiscal years ending immediately prior to the fiscal year that includes the date of the change in control, and (ii) a continuation of employee welfare benefits for two years. The total payments and benefits payable, including any parachute payments otherwise made, to Mr. Lemley may not exceed the maximum amount that may be paid without the imposition of a “golden parachute” federal excise tax on Mr. Lemley and may also be limited by applicable banking limitations on golden parachutes.

The same installment severance payments and benefits described above will be paid upon a change in control if the executive is terminated in anticipation of or in connection with a change in control. Such severance payments and benefits will begin to be paid beginning 60 days following the change in control.

18


Retirement Plans. The Bank maintains a Non-Contributory Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (the “Retirement Plan”) covering substantially all employees who have reached the age of 21 and have been fully employed for at least one year. The Retirement Plan, sponsored by the VBA, provides participants with retirement benefits related to salary and years of credited service. Employees become vested after five plan years of service, with a minimum of 1,000 hours per year, and the normal retirement date is the first day of the month coinciding with or following the employee’s 65th birthday. The Retirement Plan does not cover directors who are not active employees. The amount expensed for the Retirement Plan during the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, was $358,166.$427,027.

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Effective January 1, 2009, the Bank reduced the contribution formula for the Retirement Plan by 1/2 percent 0.5% from 1.5 percent1.5% to 1 percent.1.0%. The new formula provides a retirement benefit that is calculated as 1 percent1% times average compensation times years of service. Plan benefits accrued prior to the change in formula will be preserved. The change in benefit formula will be used for calculating benefits accrued after January 1, 2009. For plan participants prior to January 1, 2009, the accrued benefit under the Retirement Plan will be the benefit produced by the old formula based on years of benefit service as of December 31, 2008, plus the benefit produced by the new formula based on future years of service.

Benefits under the Retirement Plan are based on a straight life annuity assuming full benefit at age 65, no offsets, and covered compensation of $36,000 for a person age 65 in 2008. Compensation taken into account under the Retirement Plan is limited by the Code’s compensation limit, which is $230,000 for the plan years beginning January 1, 2008 and which is adjusted periodically for inflation. The estimated annual benefit payable under the Retirement Plan upon retirement is $113,693$113,227 for Mr. Gilliam, credited with 3839 years of service, $69,630$68,202 for Mr. Shelton credited with 3536 years of service, and $50,708$39,933 for Mr. Lemley, credited with 910 years of service. Benefits are estimated on the basis that each will continue to receive, until age 65, covered salary in the same amount paid in 2008.2009.

Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan. The Bank adopted a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing Thrift Plan (the “Thrift Plan”) effective January 1, 1997. The Thrift Plan, sponsored by the VBA, includes a 401(k) savings provision that authorizes a maximum voluntary salary deferral of up to 100% of compensation, subject to statutory limitations. All full-time employees who have reached the age of 21 are eligible to participate. The Bank matches 100% of the first 1% of salary deferral and 50% of the next 5% of salary deferral pursuant to the 401(k) savings provision. Contributions and earnings, which are tax-deferred, may be invested in various investment vehicles offered through the VBA. The profit sharing arrangement allows for employer contributions in such amounts, if any, as the Board of Directors determines. Employees become 100% vested in any employer contributions that may be made after three plan years of service. The Bank made no contributions toamount expensed for the 401(k) savings provision of the Thrift Plan forduring the year ended December 31, 2008.2009, was $107,949.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires directors, executive officers and greater than 10% beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock to file reports concerning their ownership of and transactions in such common stock. Based on a review of these reports filed by the Company’s officers and directors, the Company believes that its officers and directors complied with all filing requirements under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during 2008,2009 except Mr. Arthur who reported two transactions late on a Form 5, Mr. WallerHall who reported one transaction late on a Form 5, and Mr. Hall who made a late Form 3 filing.4.

19


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists entirely of directors who meet the independence requirements of applicable SEC regulations and the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing standards for audit committee members, has furnished the following report:

The Audit Committee (the “Committee”) reviews the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. The role and responsibilities of the Committee are set forth in a written charter adopted by the Board. The Committee reviews the charter annually and, when appropriate, recommends changes to the Company’s Board. The charter was last amended in 2004.2009. Management has the primary responsibility for the consolidated financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to issue a report thereon. The Committee monitors these processes.

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In this context, the Committee met and held discussions with management and the independent auditors to discuss the consolidated audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009. Management represented to the Committee that the Company’s audited financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the Committee reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the independent auditors. The Committee also discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees)as amended, (AICPA, Professional Standards Vol. I. AU Section 380), as amended,adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T, including their judgments about the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles and underlying estimates in the Company’s consolidated financial statements; all critical accounting policies and practices to be used; all alternative treatments within generally accepted accounting principles for policies and practices related to material items that have been discussed with management of the Company; and other material written communications between the independent auditors and the management of the Company, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences.

The Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditors’ communications with the Committee concerning independence, and discussed with the auditors the auditors’ independence from the Company and its management.

The Committee also discussed with the Company’s internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Committee met with the internal and independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluations of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has approved, that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, for filing with the SEC.

 

Audit Committee Members
James E. Burton, IV - ChairJohn L Waller
Thomas F. HallMichael E. Watson
R. B. Hancock, Jr.
John L. Waller
Michael E. Watson

20


PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT

The Audit Committee has selected the firm of Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the books of the consolidated Company for the current year, to report on the consolidated statement of financial position and related statement of earnings of the Company, and to perform such other appropriate accounting services as may be required by the Audit Committee. Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. audited the books of the consolidated Company for 2008.2009. A representative of Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if he so desires, and to respond to appropriate questions of the shareholders.

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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES

The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 and fees billed for other services rendered by Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. during those periods.

 

Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands)

  2008  2007

Year Ended December 31,

  2009  2008
(In thousands)      

Audit Fees(1)

  $54.5  $52.0  $60.0  $54.5

Audit Related Fees

   4.0   3.0   7.9   4.0

Tax Fees(2)

   5.0   4.0   4.5   5.0

All Other Fees

   —     —     —     —  

Total

  $63.5  $59.5  $72.4  $63.5
            

(1) Includes annual financial statement audit and limited quarterly review services. For 2008, includes amounts billed through December 31, 2008, and additional amounts estimated to be billed for the 2008 audit.

(2) Represents income tax services other than those directly related to the audit of the income tax accrual.

(1)Includes annual financial statement audit and limited quarterly review services. For 2009, includes amounts billed through December 31, 2009, and additional amounts estimated to be billed for the 2009 audit.
(2)Represents income tax services other than those directly related to the audit of the income tax accrual.

All such audit and non-audit services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of their auditing functions.

Pre-Approval Policies

The Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit services performed by the Company’s independent auditors, as well as corresponding fees, subject to the de minimis exception for permitted non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the committeeAudit Committee prior to the completion of the audit.

The Audit Committee may form and delegate authority to, when appropriate, subcommittees consisting of one or more members, including the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services, provided that decisions of such subcommittee to grant pre-approvals are presented to the committee at its next scheduled meeting.

PROPOSAL 2:

AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO AUTHORIZE 1,000,000 SHARES OF PREFERRED STOCK AND TO MAKE A CLARIFYING CHANGE

The Proposed Amendment

Our Board of Directors has adopted an amendment of our Articles of Incorporation to authorize 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $3.00 per share (the “Preferred Stock”) and to make a clarifying change. The exact text of the proposed amendment is contained in Appendix A to this proxy statement.

- 15 -21


Authorize Preferred Stock. Our Articles of Incorporation currently authorize only the issuance of common stock. The amendment will vest in the Board of Directors the authority to issue the Preferred Stock in one or more series and, to the extent permitted by law, fix and determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of the shares of any series so established. Provisions in a company’s Articles of Incorporation authorizing preferred stock in this manner will give a board of directors the flexibility, at any time or from time to time, without further shareholder approval (except as may be required by applicable laws, regulatory authorities or the rules of any stock exchange on which our securities are then listed), to create one or more series of preferred stock and to determine by resolution the terms of each such series.

Clarifying change. While asking shareholders to approve an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors determined that a clarifying change should be made to Article VI of the Articles of Incorporation at the same time. This clarifying change adds language to Article VI regarding the shareholder approval required for certain transactions to clarify that such shareholder approval requirements apply only to the extent shareholder approval is required by applicable law or regulation.

Shareholders are being asked to approve the proposed amendment to authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock and to make this clarifying change to the Articles of Amendment at the Annual Meeting.

Reasons for the Amendment

As mentioned above, our Articles of Incorporation currently do not authorize the Company to issue preferred stock. The Board of Directors believes that the authorization of the Preferred Stock is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders for several reasons. The Board believes that the complexity of modern business financing and possible future transactions require greater flexibility in our capital structure than currently exists. If Proposal 2 is approved, the Board would be permitted to issue the Preferred Stock without further shareholder approval, in one or more series, and with such dividend rates and rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, rights and terms of redemption and other rights, preferences, and privileges as determined by the Board. Being able to issue Preferred Stock in this manner would provide the Company with maximum flexibility in structuring acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances and capital-raising transactions and for other corporate purposes. The Board of Directors evaluates such opportunities and considers different capital structuring alternatives designed to advance our business strategy. Having the authority to issue the Preferred Stock will enable us to develop equity securities tailored to specific purposes and to avoid the possible delay associated with, and significant expense of, calling and holding a special meeting of shareholders to authorize such additional capital. The Board of Directors believes that such enhanced ability to respond to opportunities and favorable market conditions before the opportunities or conditions pass is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

If Proposal 2 is approved, the Board would be permitted to issue Preferred Stock from time to time for any proper corporate purpose, including acquisitions of other businesses or properties and the raising of additional capital. Shares of Preferred Stock could be issued publicly or privately, in one or more series that could rank senior to our common stock with respect to dividends and liquidation rights.

The Company has no present plans for the issuance of Preferred Stock. On December 8, 2008, the Company filed a conditional application for preliminary approval under the Capital Purchase Program (the “Program”) established by the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Under the Program, eligible financial institutions could generally apply to issue

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Senior Preferred to the Treasury in aggregate amounts of between 1% and 3% of the institution’s risk-weighted assets. The Company was prompted to file its conditional application by the fact that the Program had a deadline for such applications of December 8, 2008, and the Company wished to preserve the option of participating in the Program as an alternative available to it. Since that time, the matter has been further considered, and the Company has decided not to participate in the Program and the conditional application has been withdrawn. Therefore, the Company has no present plans, understandings or agreements for, and we are not engaged in any negotiations that will involve, the issuance of Preferred Stock. The consideration of the possibility of participating in the Program caused us to focus on the fact that our current Articles of Incorporation do not authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock, and prompted us to seek the additional flexibility to do so for the reasons we have described above. Therefore, we recommend that shareholders approve Proposal 2.

Effects of the Amendment on the Rights of Holders of Common Stock

We are unable to determine the effects of any future issuance of a series of Preferred Stock on the rights of our shareholders until the Board of Directors determines the rights of the holders of such series. However, such effects might include: (i) restrictions on the payment of dividends to holders of our common stock; (ii) dilution of voting power to the extent that the holders of shares of preferred stock are given voting rights; (iii) dilution of the equity interests and voting power of holders of our common stock if the preferred stock is convertible into common stock; (iv) restrictions upon any distribution of assets to the holders of our common stock upon liquidation or dissolution and until the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of preferred stock; (v) continuation of our current management; and (vi) prevention of mergers with or business combinations by us and discouragement of possible tender offers for shares of our common stock.

Upon conversion of convertible Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock, the voting power and percentage ownership of holders of our common stock before such conversion would be diluted, and such issuances could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. Additionally, the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock with certain rights, preferences and privileges senior to those held by our common shareholders could diminish their rights to receive dividends, if declared by the Board, and to receive payments upon our liquidation.

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Potential Anti-Takeover Effects of the Amendment

The amendment of the Articles of Incorporation as proposed could adversely affect the ability of third parties to take over or change the control of the Company by, for example, permitting issuances that would dilute the stock ownership of a person seeking to effect a change in the composition of our Board

- 18 -


of Directors or contemplating a tender offer or other transaction for the combination of the Company with another company. Specifically, the ability of our Board of Directors to establish the rights of, and to cause us to issue, substantial amounts of Preferred Stock without the need for shareholder approval, upon such terms and conditions, and having such rights, privileges and preferences, as our Board of Directors may determine from time to time in the exercise of its business judgment, may, among other things, be used to create voting impediments with respect to changes in control of the Company or to dilute the stock ownership of holders of common stock seeking to obtain control of the Company. The rights of the holders of common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, any Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, financings and other corporate transactions, may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company.

Any future issuance of Preferred Stock, however, would require approval by the Board of Directors, and each director is legally bound to act in accordance with his or her good faith business judgment of the best interests of the Company. The Board of Directors has no present intention of issuing any Preferred Stock for any defensive or anti-takeover purpose, for the purpose of implementing any shareholder rights plan or with features specifically intended to make any attempted acquisition of the Company more difficult or costly.

At present, our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain the following provisions that may have an anti-takeover effect:

Special Voting Provisions. Our Articles of Incorporation currently provide that approval of an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, merger or share exchange to which we are party, or direct or indirect sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of our property, otherwise than in the usual and regular course of business, shall be approved by: (a) a majority of the shares entitled to be cast by each voting group entitled to vote on such action, if such action has been approved by at least two-thirds of the directors; or (b) more than two-thirds of the shares entitled to be cast by each voting group entitled to vote on such action, if such action has not been approved by at least two-thirds of the directors.

Our Articles of Incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

Advance Notice for Shareholder Proposals or Nominations at Meetings. Our Bylaws prescribe the procedure a shareholder must follow to nominate directors for a shareholders’ meeting. For a shareholder to nominate a candidate for director at an annual meeting of shareholders, notice of the nomination must be received by the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office in Altavista, Virginia, not less than 30 days prior to the anniversary of the initial mailing of the notice for the prior year’s annual meeting, provided that such notice will not be required to be given more than 90 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. The notice must describe various matters regarding the nominee and the shareholder giving the notice.

Our Bylaws also prescribe the procedures a shareholder must follow to bring other business before shareholders’ meetings. For a shareholder to bring other business before the annual meeting of shareholders, notice of the proposal must be received by the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office in Altavista, Virginia, not less than 120 days prior to the anniversary of the initial mailing of the notice for the prior year’s annual meeting, provided that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days from the date of the anticipated annual meeting at the time of the initial notice for the prior

- 19 -


year’s annual meeting, the deadline for such a proposal is a reasonable time before the Company prints its proxy materials for the annual meeting. The notice must include a description of the proposed business, the reasons therefore, and other specified matters.

Required Vote

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for approval of the proposed amendment of our Articles of Incorporation. Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will count as votes against this proposal.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS

THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 2 TO

AMEND THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.

PROPOSAL 3:

ADJOURNMENT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING

General

If at the Annual Meeting the number of shares of our common stock present or represented and voting in favor of Proposal 2 is insufficient to approve Proposal 2, our management may move to adjourn the Annual Meeting in order to enable our Board of Directors to continue to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Proposal 2. In that event, you will be asked to vote on the adjournment proposal but not Proposal 2.

In this proposal, we are asking you to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by our Board of Directors to vote in favor of adjourning the Annual Meeting and any later adjournments. If our shareholders approve the adjournment proposal, we could adjourn the Annual Meeting, and any adjourned session of the Annual Meeting, to use additional time to solicit additional proxies in favor of Proposal 2, including the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders that have previously voted. Among other things, approval of the adjournment proposal could mean that, even if proxies representing a sufficient number of votes against the Proposal 2 have been received, we could adjourn the Annual Meeting without a vote on Proposal 2 and seek to convince the holders of those shares to change their votes to votes in favor of the approval of Proposal 2.

The Board of Directors believes that if the number of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting and voting in favor of Proposal 2 is insufficient to approve that proposal, it is in the best interests of the shareholders to enable the Board of Directors, for a limited period of time, to continue to seek to obtain a sufficient number of additional votes to approve Proposal 2.

Generally, if the Annual Meeting is adjourned, no notice of the adjourned meeting is required to be given to shareholders, other than an announcement at the Annual Meeting of the place, date and time to which the meeting is adjourned. However, if the Annual Meeting is adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the date fixed for the original meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting will be given as in the case of the original meeting.

Required Vote

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares voted on this proposal is required for approval of the proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS

THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3 TO ADJOURN THE ANNUAL

MEETING TO ALLOW TIME FOR THE FURTHER SOLICITATION OF PROXIES TO

APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.

OTHER BUSINESS

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, management of the Company has no knowledge of any matters to be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting other than those referred to above. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote such proxy, to the extent entitled, in accordance with the determination of a majority of the Board of Directors.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information contained in this Proxy Statement may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by phrases such as “we expect,” “we believe,” or words of similar import. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks including but not limited to:

fluctuation in market rates of interest and loan and deposit pricing, which could negatively affect our net interest margin, asset valuation and income and expense projections;

adverse changes in the overall national economy as well as adverse economic conditions in the Company’s market area;

maintenance and development of well-established and valued client relationships and referral source relationships;

acquisition or loss of key production personnel;

competitive factors within the financial services industry;

changes in regulatory requirements and restrictive banking legislation; and

material changes in the real estate market in the Company’s market area, which could have an adverse impact on the Company.

Although we believe that our expectations with respect to the forward-looking statements are based upon reliable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, there can be no assurance that our actual results, performance or achievements will not differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 20102011 ANNUAL MEETING

In accordance with the Company’s Bylaws, proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 20102011 Annual Meeting (other than director nominations) must be received by the Company’s Secretary no later than November 9, 2009,8, 2010, provided that if the 20102011 Annual Meeting is held more than 30 days from April 13, 2010,2011, such notice must be given not less than 90, nor more than 120, days prior to the date set for the 20102011 Annual Meeting. In addition, under applicable law, and in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws, the Board of Directors need not include an otherwise appropriate shareholder proposal in its proxy statement or form of proxy for the 20102011 Annual Meeting unless the proposal is inmeets the form prescribed in Article III, Section 17requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Company’s BylawsExchange Act and is received by the Company’s Secretary, at the Company’s principal office in Altavista, Virginia, on or before November 9, 2009,8, 2010, provided that if the 20102011 Annual Meeting is held more than 30 days from April 13, 2010,2011, the deadline for such a proposal is a reasonable time before the Company prints its proxy materials for the 20102011 Annual Meeting.

The proxy solicited by the Board of Directors for the 20102011 Annual Meeting will confer discretionary authority to vote on any shareholder proposal presented at the meeting if the Company has not received notice of such proposal by November 9, 2009,8, 2010, in writing delivered to the Company’s Secretary.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

/s/    S/     BRYAN M. LEMLEY        

Bryan M. Lemley

Bryan M. Lemley
Secretary

Altavista, Virginia

March 9, 20092010

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (including exhibits) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, will be furnished without charge to shareholders upon written request directed to the Company’s Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement.

 

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APPENDIX ALOGO

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OFPLEASE MARK VOTES

AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

REVOCABLE PROXY

PINNACLE BANKSHARES CORPORATION

1.Article III of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”) is hereby amended to read as follows:

III. CAPITAL STOCK

The Corporation shall have authority to issue three million (3,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $3.00 per share (the “Common Stock”), and one million (1,000,000) shares of preferred stock, par value $3.00 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).

A.Common Stock

Section 1. The holders of the Common Stock shall, to the exclusion of the holders of any other class of stock of the Corporation, have the sole and full power to vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes without limitation, except as otherwise may be provided in these Articles of Incorporation or in any articles of amendment applicable to any series of Preferred Stock, and as otherwise expressly provided by the then existing Code of Virginia. The holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote per share of Common Stock held by them on all maters as to which a shareholder vote is to be taken.

Section 2. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock and the provisions of law, the holders of Common Stock at the time outstanding shall be entitled to receive such dividends at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors may deem advisable.

Section 3. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up (whether voluntary or involuntary) of the Corporation, after the payment or provision for the payment in full for all debts and other liabilities of the Corporation, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the remaining net assets of the Corporation, which shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the shares of Common Stock outstanding at the time of such event.

B.Preferred Stock

Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series. Authority is expressly vested in the Board of Directors at any time and from time to time to cause the Preferred Stock to be issued in one or

A - 1


more series and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to fix and determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of the shares of any series of Preferred Stock so established and provide for the issuance of shares thereof. Prior to the issuance of any share of a series of Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors shall establish such series by adopting an amendment of the Articles of Incorporation setting forth the designation and number of shares of the series and the preferences, limitations and relative rights thereof, and the Corporation shall file with the State Corporation Commission articles of amendment as required by law, and the State Corporation Commission shall have issued a certificate of amendment. The Preferred Stock of each series shall have preferences, limitations and relative rights identical with those of other shares of the same series and, except to the extent otherwise provided in the description of the series, with those of shares of other series of the same class.

2.The first sentence of Article VI of the Articles of Incorporation is hereby amended to read as follows:

To the extent shareholder approval is required by applicable law or regulation, any amendment of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, plan of merger or share exchange, transaction involving the sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets other than in the regular course of business and plan of dissolution shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of all shares entitled to be voted on such transaction by each voting group entitled to vote on the transaction at a meeting at which a quorum of the voting group is present, provided that the transaction has been approved and recommended by at least two-thirds of the directors in office at the time of such approval and recommendation.

A - 2


FORM OF

REVOCABLE PROXY

PINNACLE BANKSHARES CORPORATION

xPLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

APRIL 14, 200913, 2010

This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors.

The undersigned shareholder of Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation (the “Company”) hereby appoints E.H. Frazier, Jr., Henry S. Pittard and Percy O. Moore as proxies, with full power to act alone, and with full power of substitution to represent the undersigned, and to vote all shares of the Company standing in the name of the undersigned shareholder as of the close of business on February 24, 2009,23, 2010, at the annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009,13, 2010, at the Fellowship Hall of Altavista Presbyterian Church, located at 707 Broad Street, Altavista, Virginia and at any adjournments thereof, upon each of the following matters. The undersigned shareholder hereby revokes any proxy heretofore given.

For Withhold For All Except

1.Election of three Class III

1. Election of four Class I directors for three-year terms, and one Class II Director for a two-year term:

Nominees:

Class III directors

Carroll E. Shelton, John L. Waller and Michael E. Watson

Class II director for a one-year term and one Class III director for a two-year term:

Thomas F. HallNominees:

Class I directors

¨  FOR¨  WITHHOLD¨  FOR ALL EXCEPT

A. Willard Arthur, John P. Erb, Robert H. Gilliam, Jr., R. B. Hancock, Jr.

Class II director

A. Patricia Merryman

Class III director

C. Bryan Stott

INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s),nominee, mark “For All Except” and write thethat nominee’s name of the nominee(s) in the space provided below.

2.Approval of an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to make a clarifying change.

¨  FOR¨  AGAINST¨  ABSTAIN

3.Authorizing the adjournment of the Annual Meeting to allow time for further solicitation of proxies, in the event there are insufficient votes at the Annual Meeting to approve the amendment proposal.

¨  FOR¨  AGAINST¨  ABSTAIN
2. The proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments of the meeting in accordance with the determination of a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors.


4.The proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments of the meeting in accordance with the determination of a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors.
Please be sure to date and sign this proxy card in the box below. Date

Sign above

Please check box if you plan to attend the

April 14, 200913, 2010 Annual Meeting.  ¨Meeting

Number Attending¨

Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.

PINNACLE BANKSHARES CORPORATION

This Proxy will be voted as directed by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is given, this Proxy will be voted FOR the election of the nominees listed in Proposal 1, FOR Proposal 2 to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of the preferred stock and to make a clarifying change, and FOR Proposal 3 to adjourn the Annual Meeting to allow time for further solicitation of proxies, in the event there are insufficient votes at the Annual Meeting to approve the amendment proposal.

1. If any other matter shall be brought before the meeting, the shares represented by this Proxy will be voted by the proxies in accordance with the determination of a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors. The undersigned shareholder may revoke this Proxy at any time before it is voted by delivering to the Secretary of the Company either a written revocation of the Proxy or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by appearing at the Annual Meeting and requesting to vote in person. The undersigned shareholder hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of 20092010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and related Proxy Statement.

Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy in the box below.

Date:, 2009

Shareholder sign aboveCo-holder (if any) sign above

Please date and sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. Each executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, attorney-in-fact and any other fiduciary should sign and indicate his or her full title. When shares have been issued in the name of two or more persons, all should sign.

Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage-paid envelope provided.

Important Notice Regarding Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice of 20092010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement and 20082009 Annual Report to Shareholders are

available on the internet at the following website: http://www.cfpproxy.com/4739.www.pinnaclebankshares.com/2010proxy.

PINNACLE BANKSHARES CORPORATION

PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY

SIGN, DATE & MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY

IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE CORRECT THE ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW AND

RETURN THIS PORTION WITH THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.

PROXY MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT: http://www.pinnaclebankshares.com/2010proxy

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