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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. )
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
LaCrosse Footwear Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held April 29, 2011
To: The Shareholders of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of shareholders of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. will
be held on Friday, April 29, 2011, at 10:00 A.M., Pacific Time, at LaCrosse Footwear, Inc., 17634
NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon, 97230 for the following purposes:
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To elect two directors to hold office until the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
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To vote on a proposal to adopt a non-binding advisory resolution approving the compensation
of the Companys named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K,
including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative
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To obtain a non-binding advisory vote of the shareholders regarding the frequency (annual,
biennial or triennial) with which the Company should in the future propose advisory
resolutions to approve the compensation of the Companys named executive officers; |
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To ratify the appointment of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.s independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011; and |
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To consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof. |
The close of business on February 25, 2011, has been fixed as the record date for the
determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
A proxy for the meeting and a proxy statement are enclosed herewith.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
/s/ David P. Carlson
David P. Carlson
Secretary
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Portland, Oregon
March 25, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to Be Held on April 29, 2011.
Pursuant to rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, we have
elected to provide access to our proxy materials both by sending you this full set of proxy
materials, including a notice of annual meeting, and 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders, and by
notifying you of the availability of our proxy materials on the Internet. The notice of annual
meeting, proxy statement, and 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78432&p=Proxy. In accordance with the SEC rules, the
materials on the site are searchable, readable and printable and the site does not have cookies
or other tracking devices which identify visitors. You are cordially invited to attend the
meeting. The meeting is located at LaCrosse Footwear, Inc., 17634 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR,
97230. Directions to the corporate offices are available at
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78432&p=2011AnnualMeeting_Directions.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL YOUR HOLDINGS MAY BE. WHETHER OR NOT YOU
PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS
POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM. TO ASSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING, PLEASE
SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY EXACTLY AS YOUR NAME APPEARS THEREON AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY.
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
17634 NE Airport Way
Portland, Oregon 97230
PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held April 29, 2011
This proxy statement is being furnished to shareholders by the Board of Directors (the
Board) of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. (LaCrosse or the Company) beginning on or about March 25,
2011, in connection with a solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held on Friday, April 29, 2011, at 10:00 A.M., Pacific Time, at LaCrosse
Footwear, Inc., 17634 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon, 97230 and all adjournments or postponements
thereof (the Annual Meeting) for the purposes set forth in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting
of Shareholders.
Submission of a proxy given in response to this solicitation will not affect a shareholders
right to attend the Annual Meeting and to vote in person. Presence at the Annual Meeting of a
shareholder who has signed a proxy does not in itself revoke a proxy. Any shareholder giving a
proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by giving notice thereof to the Company in
writing or in open meeting.
A proxy, in the enclosed form, which is properly executed, duly returned to the Company and
not revoked will be voted in accordance with the instructions contained therein. The shares
represented by executed but unmarked proxies will be voted: (i) FOR the two persons nominated for
election as directors referred to herein in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders;
(ii) FOR the proposal to adopt an advisory resolution approving the compensation of the Companys
named executive officers; (iii) to hold an advisory vote of the shareholders regarding the
compensation of the Companys named executive officers every ONE YEAR; and (iv) FOR the
ratification of the appointment of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.s independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
Only holders of record of the Companys common stock at the close of business on February 25,
2011, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On that date, there were 6,499,530 shares of
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to
cast one vote per share on all matters at the Annual Meeting.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock
entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
Abstentions and broker non-votes (shares held by a broker or nominee that does not have the
authority, either express or discretionary, to vote on a particular matter and has not received
voting instructions from the beneficial owner with respect to the particular matter) will be
counted as shares present for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present, but will not
be counted as votes cast, and therefore will not have any effect on any proposal.
If a quorum is present:
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Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting; |
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The advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the Companys named executive
officers will be adopted by the shareholders if votes cast in favor of such proposal exceed
the votes cast against such proposal; |
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The advisory vote on the frequency with which advisory votes on the Companys executive
compensation will be afforded to the shareholders will be determined based on a plurality
of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, meaning that the frequency option that receives
the most votes will be considered by the Board of Directors to have been advised by the
shareholders; and |
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The proposal for ratification of the Companys auditors and all other matters that
properly come before the meeting will be approved if the votes cast in favor of any such
proposal exceed the votes cast against such proposal. The results of the advisory vote on
executive compensation and the advisory vote on the frequency of advisory votes on
executive compensation are not binding on the Company or the Board of Directors.
Notwithstanding, the Board of Directors has adopted a policy pursuant to which it will
adopt any frequency option which receives the vote of a majority of votes cast at the
annual meeting. |
As of March 25, 2011, the Board knows of no other business that will come before the meeting.
If any other business shall properly come before the meeting, including any proposal submitted by a
shareholder which was omitted from this Proxy Statement in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the federal securities laws, your authorized proxies will vote thereon in accordance
with their best judgment.
PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Companys By-Laws provide that the directors shall be divided into three classes, with
staggered terms of three years each. At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders will elect two
directors to hold office until the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors
are duly elected and qualified. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the listed nominees
will be unable or unwilling to serve as a director if elected. However, in the event that any
nominee should be unable to serve or will not serve, the shares represented by proxies received
will be voted for another nominee selected by the Board. Directors will be elected by a plurality
of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting (assuming a quorum is present). Consequently, any shares
not voted at the Annual Meeting, whether due to abstentions, broker non-votes or otherwise, will
have no impact on the election of directors. Votes will be tabulated by an inspector of election
appointed by the Board.
The following sets forth certain information, as of February 25, 2011, about the Boards
nominees for election at the Annual Meeting.
Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting
Richard A. Rosenthal, 78, has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company since March 2005
and as a director of the Company since June 1990. Prior to his appointment as Chairman, Mr.
Rosenthal served as Vice Chairman of the Board beginning in May 2000. Mr. Rosenthal was the Chief
Executive Officer of Saint Joseph Bank Corporation from 1962 until 1986. Mr. Rosenthal was the
Director of Athletics at the University of Notre Dame from 1987 until August 1, 1995. Mr.
Rosenthal is a director of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. and is a member of the advisory board of
CID Investment Partners and RFE Investment Partners.
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The Board of Directors determined that Mr. Rosenthal has the requisite experience,
qualifications and attributes to be a director of the Company. Mr. Rosenthal is highly
accomplished in financial and operations management, with superior credentials and recognition and
broad experience at the administrative and policy-making level in business, as demonstrated through
his experience as a Chief Executive Officer and Director of Athletics. Based on his significant
depth of experience, he is able to offer advice and guidance to the Companys management in a wide
variety of business contexts.
Stephen F. Loughlin, 60, has served as a director of the Company since November 2002. Mr.
Loughlin was the Vice President of Finance for FEI Company, a manufacturer of production and
analytical equipment for the semiconductor and data storage industries, from 2004 to 2010. Mr.
Loughlin retired in July 2010. Mr. Loughlin served as the acting Chief Financial Officer of FEI
Company from 2001 to 2004. From 1999 until 2001, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of
RadiSys Corporation, a provider of advanced embedded solutions for the commercial, enterprise, and
service provider systems markets.
The Board of Directors determined that Mr. Loughlin has the requisite experience and expertise
to be a director of the Company, and has been specifically designated as an audit committee
financial expert as defined by applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given
his experience in the roles of Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, he
understands financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles, is able to assess
their application in connection with accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves, has
experience preparing, auditing, analyzing and evaluating financial statements that are comparable
in scope and complexity to those of the Company, is familiar with internal controls and financial
reporting procedures, and understands audit committee functions.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THE FOREGOING NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS AND URGES EACH SHAREHOLDER TO
VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED BY EXECUTED BUT UNMARKED PROXIES WILL
BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES.
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PROPOSAL 2 ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company is presenting the following proposal, which in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted in July 2010, requires that the Company provide
shareholders with the opportunity to vote, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, on a proposal to
approve the compensation of the Companys named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy
Statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion.
As described in detail under the heading Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Company
seeks to closely align the interests of its named executive officers with the interests of
shareholders. Compensation programs are designed to reward the Companys named executive officers
for the achievement of short-term and long-term strategic and operational goals and the achievement
of increased total shareholder return, while at the same time avoiding compensation programs which
may encourage unnecessary or excessive risk-taking.
While the Board of Directors intends to carefully consider the shareholder vote resulting from
the proposal, the final vote will not be binding on the Company and is advisory in nature.
The Board recommends and requests that the shareholders vote to adopt the following advisory
resolution of the shareholders:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Companys named
executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation
S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation
tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE ADVISORY RESOLUTION
APPROVING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED PURSUANT TO ITEM 402 OF
REGULATION S-K, INCLUDING THE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, COMPENSATION TABLES AND
NARRATIVE DISCUSSION. PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL UNLESS OTHERWISE
SPECIFIED.
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PROPOSAL
3 ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION VOTE
In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act the Company
is providing the shareholders with the opportunity to vote on a non-binding, advisory basis, for
their preference as to how frequently the Company should seek future advisory votes, similar to
Proposal 2, on the compensation of its named executive officers as disclosed in accordance with the
compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. By voting with respect to
this Proposal 3, shareholders may indicate whether they would prefer that the Company conducts
future advisory votes on executive compensation once every one, two, or three years. Shareholders
also may, if they wish, abstain from casting a vote on this proposal.
The Board of Directors has determined that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation
will allow its shareholders to provide timely, direct input on the Companys executive compensation
philosophy, policies and practices as disclosed in the proxy statement each year. The Board
believes that an annual vote is therefore consistent with the Companys efforts to engage in an
ongoing dialogue with our shareholders on executive compensation and corporate governance matters.
While the Board of Directors intends to carefully consider the shareholder vote resulting from
the proposal, the final vote will not be binding on the Company and is advisory in nature.
However, the Company has adopted a policy that it will include an advisory vote on executive
compensation similar to Proposal 2 consistent with any frequency option receiving a majority of
votes cast in its most recent advisory vote on executive compensation.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TO HOLD AN ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
EVERY ONE YEAR. PROXIES WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
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PROPOSAL 4 RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP audited the Companys financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2010 and has been appointed to audit the Companys financial statements for the year
ending December 31, 2011. While not required, the Board of Directors is submitting this appointment
for ratification by the shareholders. Representatives of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP are expected to
attend the annual meeting, where they are expected to be available to respond to appropriate
questions and, if they desire, to make a statement.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms Fees
In connection with the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
provided various audit and non-audit services to the Company and billed the Company for these
services as follows:
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Audit Fees. Fees for audit services totaled $348,233 and $327,022 in 2010 and
2009, respectively, including fees for the annual audits and the reviews of the
Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and fees related to the 2010 audit of internal
controls related to section 404(b). |
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Audit-Related Fees. Fees for audit-related services totaled $5,500 and $8,050
in 2010 and 2009, respectively. |
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Non-audit services. There were no other services provided by McGladrey &
Pullen, LLP not included above, in either 2010 or 2009. |
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the
independent registered public accounting firm on a case-by-case basis. All of the services
provided by the independent registered public accounting firm during 2010 and 2009, including
services related to the Audit-Related Fees, have been approved by the Audit Committee under its
pre-approval process. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of services related
to the Audit-Related Fees was compatible with maintaining the independence of McGladrey & Pullen,
LLP and determined that such services did not adversely affect the independence of McGladrey &
Pullen, LLP.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF MCGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP AS
THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE 2011 FISCAL YEAR AND URGES EACH
SHAREHOLDER TO VOTE FOR THE PROPOSED RATIFICATION. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED BY EXECUTED
BUT UNMARKED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSED RATIFICATION.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following sets forth certain information, as of February 25, 2011, about each director of
the Company whose term will continue after the Annual Meeting.
Directors Continuing in Office
Terms expiring at the 2012 Annual Meeting
John D. Whitcombe, 55, has served as a director of the Company since March 1998. Mr.
Whitcombe has been a partner in the law firm of Greenberg, Whitcombe & Takeuchi, LLP (Torrance,
California) since November 1994. From 1992 until November 1994 he was a partner in the law firm of
Whitcombe, Makin & Pentis. Mr. Whitcombe is a director and the CEO of Oarsmen Foundation and a
director of Providence Medical Institute. Mr. Whitcombe is also a director and Treasurer for both
GLS Building Corp. and Schuler Investment Corp.
The Board of Directors determined that Mr. Whitcombe has the requisite experience,
qualifications and attributes to be a director of the Company. Mr. Whitcombe displays the highest
personal and professional ethics, integrity and values. Additionally, his specific experience with
business reorganization, and business and real estate transactional matters, uniquely qualifies him
to be able to offer advice and guidance to the Companys management based on that expertise and
experience.
William H. Williams, 62, has served as a director of the Company since January 2006. Until
February 2010, Mr. Williams served as President and CEO of Harry & David Holdings, Inc., a leading
multi-channel specialty retailer and producer of branded premium gift-quality fruit and gourmet
food products and gifts. Mr. Williams served as President and CEO of Harry & David for 12 years
before being promoted in 2000 to President and COO of Yamanouchi Consumer, Inc. (YCI), the holding
company for Harry & David and Shaklee. He was named CEO of YCI in 2002, and in 2004 returned as
President and CEO of Harry & David following the sale of Harry & David to Wasserstein & Co. Prior
to joining Harry & David, he held several senior executive positions at Neiman Marcus. Mr.
Williams has served on the Oregon Economic Development Commission, the Oregon International Trade
Commission and the Oregon Board of Higher Education. He has also served on the boards of directors
of several corporations and not-for-profit groups.
The Board of Directors determined that Mr. Williams has the requisite experience,
qualifications and attributes to be a director of the Company. Mr. Williams is highly accomplished
in strategic and financial leadership of mid-sized companies, with superior credentials and
recognition and broad experience at the administrative and policy-making level in business, as
demonstrated through his experience as a Chief Executive Officer. Based on his significant
expertise and depth of experience in the consumer goods market, he is able to offer critical
insights and guidance to the Companys management. Throughout his career, Mr. Williams has
demonstrated the ability to exercise sound business judgment and enhance long-term shareholder
value.
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Terms expiring at the 2013 Annual Meeting
Joseph P. Schneider, 51, has served as a Director of the Company since March 1999 and as
President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2000. Prior thereto, Mr. Schneider served as
the Companys Executive Vice President-Danner since May 1999; as President and Chief Executive
Officer of Danner, Inc. (Danner), a subsidiary of the Company, since October 1998; as Vice
President of the Company since June 1996; as President and Chief Operating Officer of Danner since
December 1997; as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Danner since June 1996
and as Vice PresidentRetail Sales of the Company from January 1993 until June 1996. From 1985,
when he joined the Company, until January 1993, Mr. Schneider held various sales management
positions.
The Board of Directors determined that Mr. Schneider has the requisite experience,
qualifications and attributes to be the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company.
Throughout his career, Mr. Schneider has demonstrated the ability to exercise sound business
judgment and enhance long-term shareholder value. Based on his significant depth of experience in
the footwear industry, he is able to offer advice and guidance to senior management based on that
expertise and experience. Additionally, as the President and Chief Executive Officer, he has
displayed the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values in setting the vision
and strategic direction for the Company.
Charles W. Smith, 63, has served as a Director of the Company since May 2004. Mr. Smith
served as President and CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retailer of outdoor
gear and clothing, for 17 years before retiring in February 2000. During his 35-year tenure with
REI, Mr. Smith served in a variety of sales, operations and management positions including Senior
Vice President Operations, Vice President Retail, and distribution manager. He was elected to the
National Sporting Goods Associations Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 2001, and was
co-founder and first President of the Outdoor Industry Conservation Alliance.
The Board of Directors determined that Mr. Smith has the requisite experience, qualifications
and attributes to be a director of the Company. Mr. Smith is highly accomplished in strategic and
financial leadership of mid-sized companies, with superior credentials and recognition and broad
experience at the administrative and policy-making level in business, as demonstrated through his
experience as a Chief Executive Officer. Based on his significant expertise and depth of
experience in the footwear and apparel industry, he is able to offer valuable advice and guidance
to the Companys management. Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has demonstrated the ability to
exercise sound business judgment and enhance long-term shareholder value.
No family relationships exist between any directors or executive officers.
Independent Directors
Of the six directors currently serving on the Board of Directors, the Board has determined
that Messrs. Loughlin, Rosenthal, Smith, Williams and Whitcombe are independent directors as
defined in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Global Market. The Board has also determined that
Messrs. Rosenthal, Loughlin, Smith, Williams and Whitcombe meet the additional independence
standards applicable for audit committee members.
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Committees
The Board has standing Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Governance Committees. The
Board has adopted, and may amend from time to time, a written charter for each of the Audit,
Compensation, and Nominating and Governance Committees. The Company makes available on its
corporate website at www.lacrossefootwearinc.com, current copies of each of these charters.
The Company is not including the information contained on or available through its website as a
part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Proxy Statement.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee presently consists of Messrs. Loughlin (Chairman),
Rosenthal, Smith, Whitcombe and Williams. The Board has determined that Mr. Loughlin qualifies as
an audit committee financial expert, as defined by applicable rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and is independent, as defined in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Global
Market. The principal functions performed by the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in
monitoring the integrity of the Companys financial statements, the qualifications, independence
and performance of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, and the Companys
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee has the sole authority to
appoint, retain, compensate and terminate the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm and to approve the compensation paid to the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee held five meetings in 2010.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee presently consists of Messrs. Smith
(Chairman), Loughlin, and Williams. The principal function of the Compensation Committee is to
review and recommend to the Board the compensation structure for the Companys executive officers
and other managerial personnel, including salary rates and structure of incentive compensation and
benefit plans, fringe benefits, and other forms of compensation. The Compensation Committee also
administers the Companys 2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and the 2007 Long-Term
Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee held four meetings in 2010.
Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee presently
consists of Messrs. Whitcombe (Chairman), Rosenthal, and Williams. The principal functions
performed by the Nominating and Governance Committee are: identifying individuals qualified to
become directors and recommending to the Board candidates for all directorships to be filled by the
Board of Directors or by the shareholders of the Company, identifying directors qualified to serve
on the committees established by the Board and recommending to the Board members for each committee
to be filled by the Board, and developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate
governance principles applicable to the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee held two
meetings in 2010.
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Nominations of Directors
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider persons recommended by shareholders to
become nominees for election as directors. Recommendations for consideration by the Nominating and
Governance Committee should be sent to the Secretary of the Company in writing together with
appropriate biographical information concerning each proposed nominee.
In identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the Nominating and Governance Committee
seeks to ensure that the Board possesses, in the aggregate, the strategic, managerial and financial
skills and experience necessary to fulfill its duties and to achieve its objectives, and seeks to
ensure that the Board is comprised of directors who have broad and diverse backgrounds and possess
knowledge in areas that are of importance to the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee
evaluates each nominee on a case-by-case basis regardless of who recommended the nominee. In
assessing the qualifications of each candidate to determine if his or her election would further
the goals described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee takes into account all factors
it considers appropriate, which may include strength of character, mature judgment, career
specialization, relevant technical skills or financial acumen, diversity of viewpoint and industry
knowledge. The Nominating and Governance Committee does not have a specific policy with regard to
the consideration of diversity, but rather considers diversity to be one of the many factors to
evaluate in assessing a nominee. However, the Board believes that, to be recommended as a director
nominee, each candidate must:
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display the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values; |
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have the ability to exercise sound business judgment; |
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be highly accomplished in his or her respective field, with superior credentials and
recognition and broad experience at the administrative and/or policy-making level in
business, government, education, technology or public interest; |
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have relevant expertise and experience, and be able to offer advice and guidance to the
Chief Executive Officer based on that expertise and experience; |
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be independent of any particular constituency, be able to represent all shareholders of
the Company and be committed to enhancing long-term shareholder value; and |
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have sufficient time available to devote to activities of the Board and to enhance his
or her knowledge of the Companys business. |
The Board also believes at least one director should have the requisite experience and
expertise to be designated as an audit committee financial expert as defined by applicable rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Communications with the Board of Directors
Shareholders may communicate with the Board of Directors by writing to the Secretary of the
Company at LaCrosse Footwear, Inc., c/o the Board of Directors (or, at the shareholders option,
c/o a specific director), 17634 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon 97230. The Secretary will ensure
that this communication (assuming it is properly marked c/o the Board of Directors
or c/o a specific director) is delivered to the Board of Directors or the specified director, as
the case may be.
10
Role in Risk Oversight
The Board of Directors provides important oversight to the Company with regards to risk
management, and is aware of and concurs with established directives and protocols used by the
Company to mitigate risk. The role of risk oversight has been specifically identified as being
within the scope of the Audit Committee and is incorporated into their committee charter. However,
the full Board takes an active role in providing guidance to executive management. The Board
discusses with senior management the state of the Companys risk management process and provides
oversight as needed. While it is not the role of the Board to directly manage and specifically
address each of the risks the Company faces, the Board ensures it is apprised of the most
significant risks, along with actions management is taking and how it is ensuring effective risk
management. The Board seeks input from the Companys external auditors and legal counsel in
determining appropriate recommendations and guidance to provide to management.
Meeting and Attendance
The Board of Directors held nine meetings in 2010. Each director attended all of the meetings
of the Board held in 2010 and all meetings held by all committees of the Board on which the
director served during the period.
Directors are expected to attend the Companys annual meeting of shareholders each year. All
of the current directors serving on the Board at the time of the Companys 2010 annual meeting of
shareholders attended that meeting.
Director Compensation
Directors who are executive officers of the Company receive no compensation for service as
members of either the Board or any committees thereof. Directors who are not executive officers of
the Company receive an annual retainer of $30,000, an annual fee of $8,000 for each committee on
which the director serves, an annual fee of $60,000 for serving as the Chairman of the Board, an
annual fee of $10,000 for serving as chairman of the Audit Committee, an annual fee of $7,000 for
serving as chairman of the Compensation Committee, and an annual fee of $5,000 for serving as
chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee, all payable quarterly.
Each director also receives an annual allowance of $1,000 to purchase Company merchandise.
11
The following is a table of total compensation earned by each director who was not an
executive officer of the Company during 2010.
(all values expressed in dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
Option |
|
|
Name |
|
Paid in Cash |
|
Awards (1) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard A. Rosenthal |
|
$ |
106,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,586 |
|
|
$ |
126,586 |
|
Stephen F. Loughlin |
|
|
56,000 |
|
|
|
20,586 |
|
|
|
76,586 |
|
Charles W. Smith |
|
|
53,000 |
|
|
|
20,586 |
|
|
|
73,586 |
|
John D. Whitcombe |
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
20,586 |
|
|
|
71,586 |
|
William H. Williams |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
20,586 |
|
|
|
70,586 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Option Awards in the table above are reported on the basis of the aggregate grant
date fair value for such awards granted during 2010. The fair value of options granted was
determined using the Black Scholes method, which requires several significant judgmental
assumptions. Please refer to footnote 7, Stock Options to the consolidated financial
statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2010, for information regarding the assumptions used to determine the fair value of options
granted. |
On January 4, 2010 each member of the Board of Directors was granted an option to purchase
5,000 shares of the Companys common stock at an exercise price of $13.02 per share. Such options
had a fair value of $4.12 on January 4, 2010. At December 31, 2010, non-executive members of the
Board of Directors held outstanding options for the following aggregate number of shares: Richard
A. Rosenthal, 30,000 shares; Stephen F. Loughlin, 33,000 shares; Charles W. Smith, 30,000 shares;
John D. Whitcombe, 30,000 shares; William H. Williams, 25,000 shares.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of the Board is composed of five directors, each of whom is independent as
defined in Rule 4200(a) (15) of the listing standards of the NASDAQ Global Market. The Audit
Committee is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of the Companys accounting
functions and internal controls.
The Companys management is responsible for the Companys internal controls over financial
reporting and the financial reporting process, including the system of internal controls. The
Companys independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for expressing an opinion on
the conformity of the Companys audited consolidated financial statements with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited
consolidated financial statements with management and the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm. The Audit Committee has discussed with the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm those matters required to be discussed by
Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 61 (Communication With Audit Committees), as amended by
SAS 89 and SAS 90.
The Companys independent registered public accounting firm has provided to the Audit
Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountants communications with
12
the
Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent
registered public accounting firm their independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
the overall scope and plans for the audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent
registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of
their audits and quarterly reviews, the evaluation of the Companys internal controls and overall
quality of the Companys financial reporting.
Based on the Audit Committees reviews and discussions with management and the independent
registered public accounting firm referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board
that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
This report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not be
deemed filed under such Acts.
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE:
Stephen F. Loughlin, Chairman
Richard A. Rosenthal
Charles W. Smith
William H. Williams
John D. Whitcombe
13
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our
common stock as of February 25, 2011, by: (i) each director and nominee; (ii) each of the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth below; (iii) all of the
directors, nominees and executive officers (including the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table) as a group; and (iv) each person or other entity known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of the common stock. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes,
each of the holders listed below has sole voting and investment power over the shares beneficially
owned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent of Common |
|
|
Shares of Common Stock |
|
Stock Beneficially |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Beneficially Owned (1) |
|
Owned |
Virginia F. Schneider |
|
|
1,132,761 |
(2) |
|
|
17.4 |
% |
George W. & Virginia F. Schneider Non-Exempt Marital Trust |
|
|
1,019,562 |
(2) |
|
|
15.7 |
% |
Royce & Associates, LLC |
|
|
789,000 |
(3) |
|
|
12.1 |
% |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
486,403 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
% |
David P. Carlson |
|
|
161,313 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
% |
Charles W. Smith |
|
|
59,114 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Richard A. Rosenthal |
|
|
58,250 |
|
|
|
* |
|
John D. Whitcombe |
|
|
56,377 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Stephen F. Loughlin |
|
|
28,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
William H. Williams |
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
C. Kirk Layton |
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Ross M. Vonhoff |
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
* |
|
J. Gary Rebello |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
directors, nominees and executive officers as a group, excluding J.
Gary Rebello as his employment with the company ended January 5, 2011. |
|
|
883,707 |
|
|
|
13.6 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Denotes less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
Includes the following shares subject to stock options which are exercisable within 60
days of February 25, 2011: Joseph P. Schneider, 167,627 shares; David P. Carlson, 107,500
shares; Richard A. Rosenthal, 21,500 shares; Charles W. Smith, 21,500 shares; John D.
Whitcombe, 21,500 shares; Stephen F. Loughlin, 23,300 shares; William H. Williams, 16,500
shares; C. Kirk Layton, 12,500 shares; Ross M. Vonhoff, 3,750 shares; and all directors,
nominees and named executive officers as a group, 395,677 shares. |
|
(2) |
|
Consists of 308,185 shares of common stock owned by a survivor trust (the Survivor Trust)
created by the George W. and Virginia F. Schneider Trust (the Family Trust) pursuant to the
terms of its Declaration of Trust, as amended; 702,831 shares of common stock owned by the
George W. & Virginia F. Schneider Non-Exempt Marital Trust (the Non-Exempt Trust); and 8,546
shares of common stock owned by the George W. & Virginia F. Schneider Exempt Marital Trust.
The shares of common stock beneficially owned by the Survivor Trust and the Non-Exempt Trust
were received by such trusts following a distribution of the assets of the Family Trust,
pursuant to the terms of its Declaration of Trust, as amended. Virginia F. Schneider is the
sole |
14
|
|
|
|
|
trustee of each trust. The address of Virginia F. Schneider and the Non-Exempt Trust is
17634 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon, 97230. |
|
(3) |
|
The information is based on Schedule 13G/A, dated January 14, 2011, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission by Royce & Associates, LLC. The address of Royce & Associates, LLC is
1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, 10019. |
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
In this section, we will provide an overview and analysis of our compensation programs and
policies, the material compensation decisions we have made under those programs and policies, and
the material factors that we considered in making those decisions. Later in this proxy statement
under the heading Executive Compensation, we have included a series of tables containing specific
information about the compensation earned or paid in 2010 to the individuals named in the Summary
Compensation Table, whom we refer to as our named executive officers.
The discussion below is intended to enhance the understanding of the detailed information
provided in those tables and put that information into context within our overall compensation
program.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
We have a Compensation Committee composed of the independent members of our Board of
Directors. The Compensation Committee is charged with responsibility to oversee the Companys
compensation policies and programs, including developing compensation programs, providing oversight
of the implementation of the policies and benefit plans, and specifically
addressing the compensation of the Companys executive officers. The Compensation Committee
views compensation as a key factor in our ability to execute our corporate strategy.
Our corporate strategy is to: (i) build, position and capitalize on the strength of our
established footwear brands, (ii) develop innovative products and relevant technologies that will
differentiate our footwear products from our competitors; (iii) offer superior customer service;
and (iv) expand and enhance our network of sales channels and customer base. In order to achieve
these strategic goals, we must recruit, motivate and retain the best talent possible and those
employees must work as a cohesive team with common goals.
Our compensation philosophy is based on a foundation of pay-for-performance. Our compensation
programs, when taken in total, are intended to:
|
|
|
Attract highly talented employees; |
|
|
|
|
Motivate employees to high levels of individual and company performance; |
|
|
|
|
Retain needed key resources; and |
|
|
|
|
Link employee compensation to the creation of shareholder value. |
We have built a compensation program that we believe incorporates pay-for-performance elements
at the individual and corporate level and which ties compensation incentives to the
15
Companys
profitable growth objectives. Because we expect profitable growth to enhance shareholder value, we
believe our compensation program ties our employees and executives incentives to the best
interests of our shareholders.
Our compensation program has three distinct components that apply to each of our executive and
non-union employees. These three components are:
|
|
|
Base pay; |
|
|
|
|
Annual incentive compensation; and |
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation in the form of non-qualified stock options. |
Elements of our Compensation Program
Base Pay. We view base pay as compensation for the core competencies each employee brings to
the Company. We use market data to establish competitive base pay for each of our employees. The
source of market data includes Salary.com CompAnalyst. This survey allows us to benchmark against
national, regional and local data for non-durable goods manufacturing companies with revenues
between $50M-$200M. We also review proxy statements for competitive pay data of local (Portland,
Oregon) companies of similar size to our Company. We believe we compete for talent nationally
within the non-durable goods category generally, and more specifically within the footwear industry
and with local companies. These data sets enable us to compare peer salary data that is targeted
by industry and geography. We continually monitor relevant industry data to ensure our competitive
position. We strive to set our total compensation package at approximately 100% of the relevant
market average; however, each compensation decision is made based on, and can be significantly
impacted by, the experience and performance of the individual employee.
Every employee is reviewed annually for performance and, if appropriate, receives a merit pay
increase consistent with their individual performance rating and relevant market data. A merit pay
matrix is created wherein each employee is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on individual
performance and position in pay range as a guide to set annual merit pay increases. In addition to
upward adjustments of base pay based upon individual performance reviews, we may make adjustments
to an individuals base pay if it is determined that such individuals base pay is below target
market rates.
Base pay increases for all employees, including our named executive officers, are typically
effective on or about March 1st of each year. For 2010, our named executive officers
received base pay increases including merit and market adjustments ranging from 3.4% to 5.9% over
their 2009 base pay. For 2011, the Compensation Committee has approved the base pay increases for
named executive officers including merit and market adjustments ranging from 3.3% to 11.1% over
their 2010 base pay.
Annual Incentive Compensation. We view our annual incentive compensation program as a means
by which to tie the cash compensation of our employees to a group of performance targets, the
achievement of which we expect will enhance the Companys value.
All executive officers, as well as all non-union employees, are eligible to receive incentive
compensation equal to a predetermined percentage of their base pay, which we refer to as target
incentive compensation. The amount of target incentive compensation is based on the individuals
past and potential impact on the Companys results, as well as market competitive data for similar
positions. During 2010, target incentive compensation for our named executive officers was set as
a
16
percentage of each such officers base pay as follows: (i) Mr. Schneider, 100%; (ii) Mr. Carlson,
70%; (iii) Mr. Vonhoff, 50%; and (iv) Mr. Layton, 35%. The individuals base pay, plus his target
incentive compensation is the total target cash compensation for the year.
The percentage of target incentive compensation our employees ultimately receive is determined
by the Companys performance relative to annual performance targets set by the Compensation
Committee at the beginning of each year. In 2010, as in prior years, the Compensation Committee
set annual performance targets for net sales and operating profit. The Companys targets are set
based on several factors, including benchmarks for sales growth and profits and the Companys past
and anticipated future performance.
The annual incentive compensation program drives performance by targeting the financial
measures that have the greatest ability to increase shareholder value, which we have identified as
profitable sales growth while maintaining a healthy balance sheet. The selected metrics are sales
growth (50%) and operating profit (50%).
The level of incentive compensation paid is determined using a weighted average of the
Companys performance against these targets. Incentive compensation will pay out at 100% of target
if the Company achieves 100% of the target for the two measured factors. Performance below the
targets will yield incentive compensation below target. Performance
above the targets
will yield incentive compensation payment above target. We do not pay any incentive
compensation if our operating profit falls below 75% of the target. The ultimate payout of
incentive compensation is based solely on these metrics; however the Board of Directors does have
the ability to apply discretion to increase or decrease an award. Participants must be actively
employed and in good standing in terms of performance as of the date of payout to be eligible for
the incentive compensation payment.
In 2010, the incentive compensation plan paid 114% of target, computed as follows:
|
|
|
Net Sales Growth achieved 126% of target (weighted 50%)
Operating Profit achieved 102% of target (weighted 50%) |
Our historical weighted average achievements are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Achievement |
Year |
|
% |
2009 |
|
|
96 |
% |
2008 |
|
|
89 |
% |
2007 |
|
|
100 |
% |
2006 |
|
|
111 |
% |
2005 |
|
|
39 |
% |
17
Equity Compensation Stock Options. We believe that to effectively build long-term value in
the Company, the interests of all our employees must be aligned with the interests of our
shareholders. To this end, all of our non-union employees are eligible for annual non-qualified
stock option awards. Typically, substantially all eligible employees receive annual stock option
awards.
We grant stock option awards on the first business day of each year. We have historically
used this date as the grant date and plan to continue to do so. On January 4, 2010, non-qualified
stock options to purchase an aggregate of 121,725 shares were granted to 150 employees at an
exercise price per share of $13.02. On January 3, 2011, non-qualified stock options to purchase an
aggregate of 146,650 shares were granted to 180 employees at an exercise price per share of $16.73.
In addition to annual grants of stock options, employees may receive additional options in
connection with significant promotions. Certain new hires may also receive stock option grants on
their hire date. Information regarding the number of options granted to our named executive
officers in 2010 is contained in the table labeled Grants of Plan Based Awards under the heading
Executive Compensation.
The number of stock options reserved for grant during a particular year is determined by the
Compensation Committee. In making such determination, the Compensation Committee seeks to
accomplish the stated goal of aligning our employees incentives with the interests of our
shareholders, while also seeking to ensure that no significant dilution of our outstanding common
stock occurs. The Compensation Committee has historically reserved for annual grants of options a
number of shares equal to approximately 2% of our issued and outstanding common stock. Individual
stock option grants are recommended to the Compensation Committee by management and are based on
such individuals potential and historical impact on our financial results. Such impact is
measured primarily through salary grades and subjective indicators of job scope and past
performance. Individuals in higher pay grades with top performance will receive larger grants than
employees in lower pay grades with lower performance.
Our Chief Executive Officer receives the largest grant (typically 15-20% of available budgeted
options) and the grant sizes decrease down through the organization. We also assess the value of
stock options granted to executives relative to competitor market data. Typically our stock option
grants to individual executives are modest in comparison to our competitors due to our policy of
granting options to non-union employees at all levels of the Company. As the employee population
grows, we expect that the average size of individual grants will decrease.
The 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan contains a change of control provision pursuant to which all
stock options granted pursuant to the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan would become immediately
exercisable, without regard to contingent vesting provision, upon a change of control event as
defined in the plan.
Perquisites and Other Benefits. The Committee has determined that at this time we do not need
to offer our executives and employees deferred compensation plans or executive perquisites beyond
minimal perquisites. Currently, we do not have any stock or equity arrangements other than
non-qualified stock options, and we have not offered our employees supplemental retirement plans.
Executive officers receive standard benefits consistent with other
employees for health, dental and life insurance, and employer matching contributions to
employee retirement savings plans.
18
Role of Executive Officers and Others in Determining Compensation
Our senior management team, specifically the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer,
and Vice President of Finance, evaluate competitive market data and recommend compensation plans to
the Compensation Committee that are consistent with our stated compensation philosophy. The
Compensation Committee has delegated to these members of senior management responsibility for
granting new hire stock options to non-executives, within the limits set by the Compensation
Committee.
The Compensation Committee may engage third party compensation consultants, however no such
consultants were engaged during 2010. In addition, the Compensation Committee regularly calls upon
our management for advice and market analysis.
Risk Management Assessment
In setting the Companys compensation policies and practices, including the compensation of
the named executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers the risks to the Companys
shareholders and the achievement of the Companys goals that may be inherent in such policies and
practices. Although a significant portion of our executives compensation is performance-based and
at-risk, the Compensation Committee believes the compensation policies and practices that the
Company has adopted are appropriately structured and are not reasonably likely to materially
adversely affect the Company. In particular:
|
|
|
The Company believes that incentive programs tied to the achievement of the Companys
strategic objectives, financial performance goals and specific individual goals
appropriately focus executives, including the named executive officers, and other employees
on increasing shareholder value. |
|
|
|
|
A portion of variable compensation is delivered in equity (stock options) with
multi-year vesting. The Company believes that equity compensation helps reduce
compensation risk by balancing financial and strategic goals against other factors
management may consider to ensure long-term shareholder value is being sought. |
Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatment of Compensation
The accounting and tax treatment of compensation generally has not been a factor in
determining the amounts of compensation for our executive officers. However, the Compensation
Committee and management have considered the accounting and tax impact of various program designs
to balance the potential cost with the benefit and value to the executive.
With regard to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, it is the
Compensation Committees intent to maximize deductibility of executive compensation while retaining
some discretion needed to compensate executives in a manner commensurate with performance and the
competitive landscape for executive talent.
Our 1993, 1997 and 2001 stock incentive plans limited the granting of equity-based incentives
to the form of stock options only. Stock options have historically received favorable accounting
and tax treatment. However, beginning in 2006, the accounting treatment for stock options changed
as a result of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 Compensation Stock
Compensation,
19
making the accounting treatment of stock options less attractive. As a result of this change, the
2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was adopted by the Board of Directors on March 12, 2007 and
approved by our shareholders at our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, permits alternative forms
of equity-based incentives.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Officers of the Registrant
As of February 25, 2011, the executive officers of the Company were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Joseph P. Schneider
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
David P. Carlson
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, and Secretary |
Ross M. Vonhoff
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
Senior Vice President of Operations and Marketing |
C. Kirk Layton
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
Vice President of Finance and Assistant Secretary |
For
information on Joseph P. Schneiders business background, see Board of Directors
above.
David P. Carlson was named Executive Vice President in August 2001 and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in April 2002. Mr. Carlson also served as President and Chief Operating
Officer of Danner from August 2000 to August 2001. Prior thereto, he served as Vice
President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Danner from March 1998, when he joined Danner,
until August 2000.
Ross M. Vonhoff was named Senior Vice President of Operations and Marketing in
November 2010. Previously, Mr. Vonhoff served as Senior Vice President of Operations from February
2009 through November 2010 and as Vice President of Operations from December of 2008 through
February 2009. Prior to joining LaCrosse, Mr. Vonhoff was the Director of Operations at Coherent
Inc., from 2004 to 2008 and held various management positions at FEI Company from 1994 to 2003.
C. Kirk Layton, Vice President of Finance, joined the Company in August 2006. Prior to
joining LaCrosse, Mr. Layton held various controller and financial director positions with Nike,
Inc. from 2000 to 2006, and with Sequent Computer Systems, Inc. from 1990 to 2000. Prior to
joining Sequent, Mr. Layton spent ten years in senior management roles with two national accounting
firms.
Each of the executive officers were elected to serve until the first meeting of the Board of
Directors held after the annual meeting of the shareholders and until their respective successors
are elected.
20
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides certain summary information concerning the compensation awarded
to, earned by or paid to our (i) Principal Executive Officer (PEO); (ii) our Principal Financial
Officer (PFO), and (iii) our three most highly compensated executive officers other than our PEO
and PFO, who served as executive officers at the end of the last completed fiscal year and whose
total compensation exceeded $100,000 (herein referred to as the named executive officers) for the
fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.
(all values expressed in dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non Equity |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Awards |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Compensation |
|
(1) |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
$ |
452,692 |
|
|
$ |
517,275 |
|
|
$ |
83,371 |
|
|
$ |
23,098 |
|
|
$ |
1,076,436 |
|
President, Chief Executive |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
441,692 |
|
|
|
409,686 |
|
|
|
69,357 |
|
|
|
23,222 |
|
|
|
943,957 |
|
Officer and Director |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
440,000 |
|
|
|
393,125 |
|
|
|
85,902 |
|
|
|
19,317 |
|
|
|
938,344 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
318,154 |
|
|
|
254,562 |
|
|
|
61,757 |
|
|
|
19,513 |
|
|
|
653,986 |
|
Executive Vice President, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
309,185 |
|
|
|
200,746 |
|
|
|
51,376 |
|
|
|
19,074 |
|
|
|
580,381 |
|
Chief Financial Officer, |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
308,000 |
|
|
|
192,631 |
|
|
|
64,971 |
|
|
|
15,932 |
|
|
|
581,534 |
|
and Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ross M. Vonhoff (2) |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
180,385 |
|
|
|
104,025 |
|
|
|
20,586 |
|
|
|
13,510 |
|
|
|
318,506 |
|
Senior Vice President |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
167,192 |
|
|
|
75,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,611 |
|
|
|
252,736 |
|
of Operations and Marketing |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Kirk Layton |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
180,923 |
|
|
|
72,385 |
|
|
|
10,293 |
|
|
|
14,491 |
|
|
|
278,092 |
|
Vice President of Finance |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
175,673 |
|
|
|
57,030 |
|
|
|
10,275 |
|
|
|
13,550 |
|
|
|
256,528 |
|
and Assistant Secretary |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
172,308 |
|
|
|
53,943 |
|
|
|
12,558 |
|
|
|
11,517 |
|
|
|
250,326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Gary Rebello (3) |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
179,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,293 |
|
|
|
12,491 |
|
|
|
202,092 |
|
Former Vice President of |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
168,646 |
|
|
|
54,749 |
|
|
|
8,563 |
|
|
|
13,971 |
|
|
|
245,929 |
|
Human Resources |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
166,846 |
|
|
|
52,536 |
|
|
|
11,595 |
|
|
|
11,475 |
|
|
|
242,452 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Option Awards in the table above are reported on the basis of the aggregate grant
date fair value for such awards granted during 2010 and 2009. The fair value of options
granted was determined using the Black Scholes method, which requires several significant
judgmental assumptions. Please refer to footnote 7, Stock Options to the consolidated
financial statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2010, for information regarding the assumptions used to determine the fair
value of options granted. |
|
(2) |
|
Ross M. Vonhoff was not a named executive officer for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2008. Upon hire in December, 2008, Mr. Vonhoff was granted 5,000 options with a fair
value of $11,992. |
|
(3) |
|
J. Gary Rebello was a named executive officer for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Mr. Rebellos employment with the Company ended on January 5, 2011. |
21
All Other Compensation
The following table shows the components of All Other Compensation for our named executive
officers in the table above for the year ended December 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in |
|
Life and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions to |
|
Pension Plan |
|
Disability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement |
|
Accumulated |
|
Insurance |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
Savings Plan (1) |
|
Benefit |
|
Premiums |
|
Other (2) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
$ |
12,250 |
|
|
$ |
2,233 |
|
|
$ |
6,836 |
|
|
$ |
1,779 |
|
|
$ |
23,098 |
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
12,250 |
|
|
|
2,055 |
|
|
|
6,148 |
|
|
|
2,769 |
|
|
|
23,222 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
11,500 |
|
|
|
1,895 |
|
|
|
3,612 |
|
|
|
2,310 |
|
|
|
19,317 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
12,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,107 |
|
|
|
2,156 |
|
|
|
19,513 |
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
12,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,110 |
|
|
|
1,714 |
|
|
|
19,074 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
11,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,817 |
|
|
|
1,615 |
|
|
|
15,932 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ross M. Vonhoff |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
12,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,510 |
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
8,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,611 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Kirk Layton |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
11,903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,306 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
14,491 |
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
11,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,857 |
|
|
|
277 |
|
|
|
13,550 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
11,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,517 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Gary Rebello |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
9,362 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,129 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,491 |
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
10,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,881 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
13,971 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
11,197 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,475 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Company has an employee retirement savings matching plan, which is classified as a
defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. This plan
allows employees to defer a portion of their annual compensation through pre-tax
contributions. The Company matches 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of the
employees contributions, up to a maximum of 4% of the employees compensation. Also
included for each named executive is a discretionary profit sharing contribution under the
Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
(2) |
|
This column represents reimbursement for tax preparation fees and other miscellaneous
personal service costs. |
22
Grants of Plan Based Awards
The following table sets forth each award under non-equity incentive plans earned by the named
executive officers and options granted during the year ended December 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards: |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Fair Value |
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Plan Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
Securities Underlying |
|
of Options |
|
of Option |
Name |
|
(1) ($) |
|
Grant Date |
|
Options (2) (#) |
|
Awarded ($) |
|
Awards ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
517,275 |
|
|
|
1/4/2010 |
|
|
|
20,250 |
|
|
|
83,371 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
254,562 |
|
|
|
1/4/2010 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
61,757 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ross M. Vonhoff |
|
|
104,025 |
|
|
|
1/4/2010 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
20,586 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Kirk Layton |
|
|
72,385 |
|
|
|
1/4/2010 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
10,293 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Gary Rebello |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/4/2010 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
10,293 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
As of February 1, 2011, the Company had made payments to all eligible employees under
the non-equity incentive plan for 2010 (the 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan was approved
on December 9, 2009). The amounts in the table above represent the actual payments made
and are the same amounts as listed in the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(2) |
|
The options granted in 2010 were valued using the Black-Scholes method and the fair
value of the options granted less our estimate of future forfeitures will be amortized over
the four-year vesting period. The amortization of these awards in 2010 is included as a
component of the Option Awards column in the Summary Compensation Table. |
23
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table lists all equity awards to the named executive officers outstanding as of
December 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
|
Unexercised Securities |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
Name |
|
Exercisable # |
|
Unexercisable # |
|
Price ($) |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.58 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.70 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.83 |
|
|
January 3, 2015 |
|
|
|
27,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.60 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
15,188 |
|
|
|
5,062 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
10,126 |
|
|
|
10,124 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
5,063 |
|
|
|
15,187 |
|
|
|
12.00 |
|
|
January 2, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,250 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
January 4, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
147,377 |
|
|
|
50,623 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.70 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.83 |
|
|
January 3, 2015 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.60 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
11,250 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
11,250 |
|
|
|
12.00 |
|
|
January 2, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
January 4, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
92,500 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ross M. Vonhoff |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
10.90 |
|
|
December 1, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
January 4, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Kirk Layton |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.02 |
|
|
August 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
1,813 |
|
|
|
937 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
1,750 |
|
|
|
1,750 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
750 |
|
|
|
2,250 |
|
|
|
12.00 |
|
|
January 2, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
January 4, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
9,313 |
|
|
|
7,437 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Gary Rebello |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.55 |
|
|
March 28, 2015 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.60 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
2,813 |
|
|
|
937 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
1,875 |
|
|
|
12.00 |
|
|
January 2, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
13.02 |
|
|
January 4, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
13,938 |
|
|
|
6,812 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24
The Company has outstanding stock options under certain employee stock option plans.
Outstanding employee stock options are subject to the provisions of the 1993 Employee Stock
Incentive Plan, 1997 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, and 2007 Long Term
Incentive Plan. Prior to 2006, employee stock options vested over a period of five years and had a
maximum term of ten years. Beginning in 2006, the employee stock option issuances vest over four
years and have a maximum term of seven years.
Option Exercises
Three named executive officers exercised stock options during 2010. The table below shows the
details of those transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Acquired |
|
Realized on |
Name |
|
Date |
|
on Exercise |
|
Exercise |
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2/1/2010 |
|
|
|
1,813 |
|
|
$ |
19,689 |
|
C. Kirk Layton |
|
|
2/17/2010 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,530 |
|
J. Gary Rebello |
|
|
2/4/2010 |
|
|
|
510 |
|
|
$ |
2,382 |
|
J. Gary Rebello |
|
|
5/13/2010 |
|
|
|
1,490 |
|
|
$ |
11,771 |
|
Pension Benefits
The LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. Retirement Plan (the Salaried Plan) covers a portion of the
salaried employees of the Company.
The Salaried Plan is a qualified noncontributory plan that provides for fixed benefits to
participants and their survivors in the event of normal (age 65) or early (age 55) retirement.
Compensation covered by the Salaried Plan is a participants total remuneration, including
salary and non-equity incentive plan compensation, as shown in the Summary Compensation Table, but
excluding fringe and welfare benefits. Benefits are based on a participants average monthly
compensation for 60 consecutive calendar months of the 120 calendar months preceding termination of
employment for which his or her compensation was the highest. Under the Salaried Plan, only
compensation up to the limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code is taken into account. Benefits
are not subject to any deduction for Social Security or other offset amounts.
The following table shows the years of credited service and present value of accumulated
benefits for the named executive officer who is a participant in the Salaried Plan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of |
|
Present Value of |
|
Payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credited |
|
Accumulated |
|
During Last |
Name |
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Plan Name |
|
Service (1) |
|
Benefit (2) |
|
Fiscal Year |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
Salaried Plan |
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
$ |
29,253 |
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$ |
|
|
25
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Company froze the Salaried Plan, effective August 30, 2002, such that participants
will not accrue any additional benefits regardless of any increases in their compensation
or completion of additional years of credited service after such date. Participants are
fully vested in their accrued benefits under the Salaried Plan as of August 30, 2002, which
are based upon their then average monthly compensation and years of credited service. |
|
(2) |
|
Please refer to footnote 8, Compensation and Benefit Agreements to the consolidated
financial statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2010, for the assumptions used in determining the present value of
accumulated benefit included in the table above. |
Severance and Change of Control Agreements
The Company does not have any severance or change in control agreements with any of its
executive officers. See Anti-Dilution and Corporate Events section in the Summary of the
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan for events triggering immediate rights to
exercise all stock options granted under this plan.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Board is responsible for all aspects of the Companys
compensation package offered to its corporate officers, including the named executive officers.
The Compensation Committee prepared the following report:
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
with management and based on such review and discussions, has recommended to the Board of Directors
that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Companys annual report on Form
10-K and Proxy Statement.
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Charles W. Smith, Chairman
Stephen F. Loughlin
William H. Williams
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
All members of the Compensation Committee are considered to be independent under applicable
Securities Exchange Commission and NASDAQ Global Market rules. None of the members of our
Compensation Committee is now or was previously an officer or employee of the Company. None of our
executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any
entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board of Directors or Compensation
Committee.
26
Equity Compensation Plan Information
As of December 31, 2010, there were no equity compensation plans that had not been approved by
the Companys shareholders. Under the current equity compensation plans, 799,237 shares of the
Companys common stock may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding options, which have a
weighted average exercise price of $11.99 per share. The Company also has approximately 589,000
shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding shares
listed above).
Role of Compensation Consultants
No compensation consultants were engaged by the Company during 2010.
Transactions with Related Persons
The Companys Board of Directors recognizes that related person transactions present a
heightened risk of conflicts of interest and/or improper valuation (or the perception thereof) and
therefore has adopted a related person transaction policy, which shall be followed in connection
with all related person transactions. Specifically, this policy addresses our procedures for the
review, approval and ratification of all related person transactions.
The Board of Directors has determined that the Audit Committee of the Board, which is
comprised entirely of independent directors, is best suited to review and approve related person
transactions. Accordingly, any related person transactions recommended by management shall be
presented to the Audit Committee for approval at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Audit
Committee. Any transaction with a related person (as such terms are defined in Item 404 of
Regulation S-K) shall be consummated or shall continue only if the Audit Committee approves the
transaction, the disinterested members of the Board of Directors approve the transaction, or the
transaction involves compensation approved by the Companys Compensation Committee.
No material transactions occurred with related persons in 2009 or 2010.
Board Leadership Structure
We separate the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in recognition of
the differences between the two positions. Mr. Rosenthal acts as the Chairman, oversees the
Company broadly, leads the meetings of our Board of Directors, and provides guidance to the
Companys management. Mr. Schneider serves on the Board of Directors, but as our Chief Executive
Officer is also charged with oversight of the day-to-day operations of the business. We believe
that consistency between day-to-day operations of the Company and the overall management is reached
through Mr. Schneiders service as the Chief Executive Officer and a director, but the separation
of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is important to achieve a balance of oversight that is
favorable to the Company and our shareholders.
27
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys directors and
executive officers to file reports concerning their ownership of Company equity securities with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Company. Based solely on a review of copies of such
forms furnished to us and written representations from executive officers, directors and 10%
shareholders, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements during 2010 were met.
MISCELLANEOUS
Shareholder Proposals
Proposals which shareholders of the Company intend to present at and have included in the
Companys proxy statement for the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Rule 14a-8), must be received no later than 120
days and no earlier than 180 days prior to the anniversary of the mailing of the prior years proxy
materials. Accordingly, proposals intended to be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2012
Annual Meeting must be received by us no later than November 25, 2011, and no earlier than
September 26, 2011. However, if the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior
to or delayed by more than 30 days after the anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting,
then notice by the shareholder to be timely must be delivered not later than the close of business
on the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or (ii) the 15th day following the
day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.
Solicitation of Proxies
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to soliciting
proxies by mail, proxies may be solicited personally and by telephone by certain officers and
regular employees of the Company. The Company will reimburse brokers and other nominees for their
reasonable expenses in communicating with the persons for whom they hold common stock.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
We are mailing you our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 with
this proxy statement. Additional copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K can be obtained at no
charge by contacting the Secretary of the Company at LaCrosse Footwear, Inc., 17634 NE Airport Way,
Portland, Oregon 97230. You can find our SEC filings, including our 2010 Form 10-K, on our website
at www.lacrossefootwearinc.com, or through the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
|
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By Order of the Board of Directors
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
/s/ David P. Carlson
David P. Carlson
Secretary
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March 25, 2011
28
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Joseph P. Schneider and David P. Carlson, and each of them, as Proxies with the power of substitution (to act jointly or if only one acts then by that one) and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote as designated below all of the shares of Common Stock of
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on February 25, 2011, at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2011, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL: The Notice of meeting, proxy statement are available at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78432&p=Proxy.
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 4 and for ONE Year on Item 3.
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Proposal 1 |
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Election of directors:
|
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01 - Richard A. Rosenthal
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o Vote FOR all nominees
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o Vote WITHHELD |
Terms expiring at the 2014
|
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02 - Stephen F. Loughlin
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(except as marked)
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from all nominees |
Annual Meeting |
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(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, write the number(s)
of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.) |
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Proposal 2 |
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An Advisory Vote on Adoption of Resolution Approving
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o FOR
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o AGAINST
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o ABSTAIN |
Executive Compensation |
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Proposal 3 |
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An Advisory Vote on
Frequency of Executive
Compensation
|
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o ONE YEAR
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o TWO YEARS
|
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o THREE YEARS
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o ABSTAIN |
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Proposal 4 |
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Ratify the appointment of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.s independent registered
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
|
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o FOR
|
|
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o AGAINST
|
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o ABSTAIN |
| | | | |
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR each of the proposals listed above and ONE Year on item 3.
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Address Change? Mark box
|
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Indicate changes below: |
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Date: , 2011 |
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Signature(s) in Box |
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Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares
are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing
as an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian,
please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in
full corporate name by President or other authorized officer.
If a partnership, please sign in par tnership name by
authorized person. |