def14a
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)
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LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held April 27, 2009
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To: |
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The Shareholders of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.: |
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of shareholders of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. will
be held on Monday, April 27, 2009, at 3:00 P.M., Eastern Time, at LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.s
Distribution Center, 5352 Performance Way, Whitestown, Indiana, 46075 for the following purposes:
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To elect three directors to hold office until the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders and
until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
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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 27, 2009, 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.
By Order of the Board of Directors
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
/s/
David P. Carson
David P. Carlson
Secretary
Portland, Oregon
March 27, 2009
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to Be Held on April 27, 2009.
Pursuant to new 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 2008 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 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78432&p=Proxy. In accordance with the new 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, Incs Distribution Center, 5352
Performance Way, Whitestown, Indiana, 46075. Directions to the Distribution Center are available
at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78432&p=2009AnnualMeeting_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 27, 2009
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 27,
2009, in connection with a solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held on Monday, April 27, 2009, at 3:00 P.M., Eastern Time, at the LaCrosse
Footwear, Inc. Distribution Center, 5352 Performance Way, Whitestown, Indiana, 46075 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 FOR the three persons nominated for
election as directors referred to herein in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Only holders of record of the Companys common stock at the close of business on February 27,
2009, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On that date, there were 6,295,331 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 for or against any proposal. If a quorum is present, (i) directors will be elected by a
plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, and (ii) all other matters that properly come
before the meeting will be approved if the votes cast in favor of any such proposal exceeds the
votes cast against such proposal.
As of March 27, 2009, 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.
1
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 three
directors to hold office until the 2012 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 27, 2009, about the Boards
nominees for election at the Annual Meeting.
Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting
Luke E. Sims, 59, has served as a director of the Company since December 1985. Mr. Sims has
been a partner in the law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) since 1984 and has
been an attorney with such firm since 1976. Foley & Lardner LLP acted as general counsel for the
Company from 1982 to 2004. Mr. Sims is the President and a director of Eagle Capital Growth Fund,
Inc., and a director of Wilson-Hurd Mfg. Co.
John D. Whitcombe, 53, has served as a director of the Company since March 1998. Mr.
Whitcombe has been a partner in the law firm of Greenberg, Fields & Whitcombe (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 Little Company of Mary Hospital. Mr. Whitcombe is also a director and Treasurer for
both GLS Building Corp. and Schuler Investment Corp.
William H. Williams, 60, has served as a director of the Company since January 2006. Mr.
Williams is 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 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.
2
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The following sets forth certain information, as of February 27, 2009, about each director of the
Company whose term will continue after the Annual Meeting.
Directors Continuing in Office
Terms expiring at the 2010 Annual Meeting
Joseph P. Schneider, 49, 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.
Charles W. Smith, 61, 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.
Terms expiring at the 2011 Annual Meeting
Richard A. Rosenthal, 76, 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.
Stephen F. Loughlin, 58, has served as a director of the Company since November 2002. Mr. Loughlin
is the Vice President of Finance for FEI Company, a manufacturer of production and analytical
equipment for the semiconductor and data storage industries. 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.
Except for Joseph P. Schneider and Craig P. Cohen, the Companys Vice President, International
Sales, no family relationships exist between any director or executive officer. Mr. Cohen is
married to Mr. Schneiders wifes sister.
3
Independent Directors
Of the seven directors currently serving on the Board of Directors, the Board has determined
that Messrs. Loughlin, Rosenthal, Sims, 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, and Whitcombe meet the additional independence standards
applicable for audit committee members. When determining the independence of Mr. Sims, the Board
considered the Companys relationship with Foley & Lardner LLP and determined that Mr. Sims
independence was not affected.
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, free of charge, 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, and Whitcombe. 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. 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 2008.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee presently consists of Messrs. Smith
(Chairman), Loughlin, Sims, 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 seven meetings in 2008. See additional
information regarding the Compensation Committee in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
section below.
Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee presently
consists of Messrs. Whitcombe (Chairman), Rosenthal, Sims, 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 three meetings
in 2008.
4
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. 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.
Meeting and Attendance
5
The Board of Directors held ten meetings in 2008 and each director attended at least 75% of
the aggregate of (a) the total number of meetings of the Board held in 2008 and (b) the total
number of 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 2008 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 or the Chairman of the Board of Directors receive an annual retainer of $20,000, an
annual fee of $6,000 for each committee on which the director serves, an annual fee of $5,000 for
serving as chairman of the Audit Committee, an annual fee of $3,000 for serving as chairman of the
Compensation Committee, and an annual fee of $3,000 for serving as chairman of the Nominating and
Governance Committee, all payable quarterly. The Chairman of the Board receives an annual retainer
of $68,000 and $6,000 for each committee on which the director serves. Each director also receives
an annual allowance of $1,000 to purchase Company merchandise. The following is a table of total
compensation earned by each director who was not an executive officer of the Company during 2008.
(all values expressed in dollars)
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Fees Earned or |
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Option |
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All Other |
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Name |
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Paid in Cash |
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Awards (1) |
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Compensation |
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Total |
Richard A. Rosenthal |
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$ |
80,000 |
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$ |
23,128 |
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$ |
1,016 |
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$ |
104,144 |
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Stephen F. Loughlin |
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37,000 |
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17,467 |
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54,467 |
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Luke E. Sims |
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32,000 |
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17,467 |
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796 |
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50,263 |
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Charles W. Smith |
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35,000 |
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17,706 |
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52,706 |
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John D. Whitcombe |
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35,000 |
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17,467 |
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956 |
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53,423 |
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William H. Williams |
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32,000 |
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14,579 |
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326 |
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46,905 |
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The Option Awards in the table above is the compensation expense for each individual recognized
in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008. The fair value of
options granted and related compensation expense included in our consolidated financial statements
was determined using the Black-Scholes method, which requires several significant judgmental
assumptions.
Please refer to footnote 6, Stock Options to the consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2008 for information regarding the assumptions used to determine the fair value
of options granted. |
Each member of the Board of Directors was granted an option for the purchase of 5,000 shares with
an exercise price of $17.61 each of the Companys common stock with a fair value of $4.05 on
January 2, 2008. At December 31, 2008, members of the Board of Directors held outstanding options
for the following aggregate number of shares: Richard A. Rosenthal, 23,000 shares; Stephen F.
Loughlin, 23,000 shares; Luke E. Sims, 14,600 shares; Charles W. Smith, 23,000 shares; John D.
Whitcombe, 32,000 shares; William H. Williams, 15,000 shares.
6
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of the Board is composed of four 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 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 the
Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent
registered public accounting firm their independence. The Audit Committee considered whether the
independent registered public accounting firms provision of non-audit services is compatible with
maintaining the independent registered public accounting firms 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, 2008, for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
7
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
John D. Whitcombe
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of
common stock as of February 27, 2009, 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.
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Shares of |
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Percent of |
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Common Stock |
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Common Stock |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
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Beneficially Owned (1) |
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Beneficially Owned |
Virginia F. Schneider |
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1,160,015 |
(2) |
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18.4 |
% |
George W. and Virginia F. Schneider Trust U/A |
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1,011,016 |
(2) |
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16.1 |
% |
Royce & Associates, LLC |
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754,000 |
(3) |
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12.0 |
% |
Joseph P. Schneider |
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436,594 |
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6.9 |
% |
Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. |
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324,660 |
(4) |
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5.2 |
% |
David P. Carlson |
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126,063 |
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2.0 |
% |
Richard A. Rosenthal |
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47,000 |
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Charles W. Smith |
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46,264 |
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John D. Whitcombe |
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45,127 |
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* |
Luke E. Sims |
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32,077 |
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* |
Stephen F. Loughlin |
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17,250 |
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* |
Kirk S. Nichols |
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13,808 |
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* |
Robert G. Rinehart, Jr. |
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10,301 |
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* |
William H. Williams |
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6,250 |
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* |
C. Kirk Layton |
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5,251 |
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* |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
All directors, nominees and executive
officers as a group |
|
|
810,545 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Denotes less than 1% |
|
1) |
|
Includes the following shares subject to stock options which are exercisable within 60 days
of February 27, 2009: Joseph P. Schneider, 121,439 shares; David P. Carlson, 75,313 shares;
Richard A. Rosenthal, 12,250 shares; Charles W. Smith, 12,650 shares; John D. Whitcombe,
10,250 shares; Luke E. Sims, 4,850 shares; Stephen F. Loughlin, 13,250 shares; Kirk S.
Nichols, |
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,808 shares; Robert G. Rinehart, Jr., 10,001 shares; William H. Williams, 6,250 shares; C. Kirk
Layton, 5,251 shares; and all directors, nominees and named executive officers as a group,
285,312 shares. |
|
2) |
|
Shares of common stock reported as beneficially owned by Virginia F. Schneider include
(a) 1,011,016 shares which are deposited in the George W. and Virginia F. Schneider Trust U/A
dated September 1, 1987 over which Mrs. Schneider, as trustee, has voting and investment
power, and (b) 148,999 shares which are held by a charitable foundation in which Mrs.
Schneider is trustee (Mrs. Schneider disclaims beneficial ownership of these 148,999 shares).
The address of Virginia F. Schneider and the George W. and Virginia F. Schneider Trust U/A
dated September 1, 1987 is 17634 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon, 97230. |
|
3) |
|
The information is based on Schedule 13G/A, dated January 26, 2009, 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. |
|
4) |
|
The information is based on Schedule 13G, dated January 27, 2009, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission by Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., which holds the sole voting
power of 316,680 shares and the sole dispositive power of 324,660 shares. The address of
Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. is 565 Fifth Ave., Suite 2101, New York, New York,
10017. |
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 2008 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 standing Compensation Committee of our independent 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 and apparel brands, (ii) develop innovative products and relevant technologies
that will differentiate our footwear and apparel products from our competitors; (iii) offer
superior customer service; and (iv) expand and leverage our portfolio of distribution channels. In order to
achieve these
9
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 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 our key executive 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. In addition, we review the Footwear Industry Compensation Survey (26 footwear
companies). 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 our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are
effective January 1st of each year. All other employee merit increases are effective on
or about March 1st of each year. For 2008, our named executive officers received base
pay increases including merit and market adjustments ranging from 3.5% to 9.7% over their 2007 base
pay.
From January 1, 2009 to April 5, 2009, executive officers salaries will remain unchanged from
2008. Effective as of April 6, 2009, the Compensation Committee approved a 10% reduction in annual
base pay for executive officers and all non-union employees whose annual base pay was more than
$50,000. The Company elected to make this change in light of the current economic downturn.
Annual Incentive Compensation. We view our annual incentive compensation program as a means
by which to tie the cash compensation of our executive officers and all non-union 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 2008, target incentive compensation for our named executive officers was set as
a percentage of each such officers base pay as follows: (i) Mr. Schneider, 100%; (ii) Mr. Carlson,
70%; (iii) Mr. Nichols, 40%; (iv) Mr. Rinehart, 40%; and (v) 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 performance targets set by the Compensation Committee at
the beginning of each year. In 2008, the Compensation Committee set annual performance targets for
net sales growth, operating profit and inventory turns. In 2009, given the overall global economic
conditions, the Compensation Committee feels that it is best for the Company to focus its effort on
revenue growth and profits, as management believes that effective inventory management is directly
correlated to operating profit results. 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 for 2008
were sales growth (40% weighting), operating profit (40% weighting), and inventory turns (20%
weighting). For 2009, the selected metrics are sales growth (50% weighting) and operating profit
(50% weighting).
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 measured factors. Company performance below the
targets will yield incentive compensation payouts below each individuals target compensation.
Company performance above the targets will yield incentive compensation payouts above each
individuals target compensation. 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
11
decrease an award. Employees must be in good standing in terms of performance as of
the date of payout to be eligible for the incentive compensation payment. Employee performance is
evaluated annually on a scale of 1 to 5. Employees with performance evaluations at or above a 3
level, who are not on a corrective action plan, are considered to be in good standing. In 2008,
the incentive compensation plan paid 89% of target, computed as follows:
Net Sales Growth achieved 106% of target (weighted 40%)
Operating Profit achieved 72% of target (weighted 40%)
Inventory Turns achieved 90% (weighted 20%)
Weighted Average Amount Achieved 89%
Our historical weighted average achievements are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Achievement |
Year |
|
% |
2007 |
|
100% |
2006 |
|
111% |
2005 |
|
39% |
2004 |
|
140% |
2003 |
|
75% |
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 2, 2008, non-qualified
stock options to purchase an aggregate of 121,925 shares were granted to 128 employees at an
exercise price per share of $17.61. On January 2, 2009, non-qualified stock options to purchase an
aggregate of 109,150 shares were granted to 123 employees at an exercise price per share of $12.00.
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 2008 is contained in the table labeled Grants of Plan Based Awards under the heading
Executive Compensation. 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. Prior to 2008, the directors stock
options vested over a period of five years and had a maximum term of ten years. Beginning in 2008,
the directors stock option issuances vest over four years and have a maximum term of seven years.
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
12
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. Other than
grants to our executive officers, 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 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 at this time that 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.
Role of Executive Officers and Others in Determining Compensation
Our senior management team, specifically the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer,
Vice President of Finance, and Vice President of Human Resources, 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 2008. In addition, the Compensation Committee regularly calls upon
our Vice President of Human Resources, J. Gary Rebello, for advice and market analysis. Mr.
Rebello is a Certified Compensation Professional with more than 20 years of executive compensation
experience.
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
13
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 former Long-Term Incentive Plan 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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, 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.
14
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth certain information, as of February 27, 2009, regarding the
executive officers of the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Joseph P. Schneider
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
David P. Carlson
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary |
Robert G. Rinehart,
Jr.
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
Vice President of Product Development |
J. Gary Rebello
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
Vice President of Human Resources |
C. Kirk Layton
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
Vice President of Finance, Corporate Controller and Assistant
Secretary |
Adrienne L. Moser
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Senior Vice President Product, Sales and Marketing |
Ross M. Vonhoff
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Senior Vice President Operations |
Kirk S. Nichols
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Vice President of Sales |
Craig P. Cohen
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Vice President International Sales |
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.
Robert G. Rinehart, Jr. was named Vice President of Product Development in May 2006. Mr.
Rinehart was Footwear Product Development Manager for Columbia Sportswear from 2004 to 2006. Prior
to that, he held various management positions with LaCrosse over a 14-year period.
J. Gary Rebello has served as the Vice President of Human Resources since joining the
Company in 2005. Prior to joining LaCrosse, Mr. Rebello was the Vice President of Human Resources
for Mentor Graphics, a leading supplier of design automation software, from 1996 to 2005.
C. Kirk Layton, Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller, 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.
Adrienne L. Moser, Senior Vice President of Product, Sales and Marketing, joined the
Company in November of 2008. Prior to joining LaCrosse, Ms. Moser was Chief Operating Officer of
Nau, Inc., a start up lifestyle apparel company, from 2005 to 2008. Prior to joining Nau, Ms.
Moser spent 15 years at Patagonia, Inc., a global technical and lifestyle apparel company. At
Patagonia she led a variety of
departments including sales, product development and design and merchandising as well as serving as
General Merchandise Manager.
15
Ross M. Vonhoff was named Senior Vice President of Operations in February 2009.
Previously, Mr. Vonhoff served as Vice President of Operations since November of 2008. Prior to
joining LaCrosse, Mr. Vonhoff was the Director of Operations at Coherent, from 2004 to 2008 and
held various management positions at FEI Company, from 1994 to 2003.
Kirk S. Nichols has served as Vice President of Sales since September 2006 and has held
several other management positions since joining the Company in September of 1997. Prior to
joining LaCrosse, Mr. Nichols spent five years with Columbia Sportswear, a leading provider of
outdoor apparel and footwear.
Craig P. Cohen was named Vice President, International Sales in July 2008. Previously, Mr.
Cohen served as Vice President of Demand Planning of the Company since September 2006 as the
Director of Sourcing of the Company since December 2003 and Sourcing Manager of Danner, a
subsidiary of the Company. Prior to that, Mr. Cohen held several management positions with Danner
since joining the Company in January 1997.
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.
16
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 were serving 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, 2008, 2007, and 2006.
(all values expressed in dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non Equity |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Compensation |
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
Total |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
440,000 |
|
|
$ |
393,125 |
|
|
$ |
85,902 |
|
|
$ |
19,317 |
|
|
$ |
938,344 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
424,423 |
|
|
|
426,233 |
|
|
|
77,150 |
|
|
|
18,926 |
|
|
|
946,732 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
410,000 |
|
|
|
456,594 |
|
|
|
77,507 |
|
|
|
23,279 |
|
|
|
967,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
308,000 |
|
|
|
192,631 |
|
|
|
64,971 |
|
|
|
15,932 |
|
|
|
581,534 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
295,577 |
|
|
|
207,801 |
|
|
|
59,789 |
|
|
|
16,397 |
|
|
|
579,564 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
285,000 |
|
|
|
222,192 |
|
|
|
61,269 |
|
|
|
20,705 |
|
|
|
589,166 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert G. Rinehart,
Jr. |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
71,477 |
|
|
|
16,308 |
|
|
|
15,687 |
|
|
|
303,472 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
187,115 |
|
|
|
76,220 |
|
|
|
15,406 |
|
|
|
13,423 |
|
|
|
292,164 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
139,904 |
|
|
|
58,622 |
|
|
|
11,239 |
|
|
|
8,047 |
|
|
|
217,812 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kirk S. Nichols (3) |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
168,461 |
|
|
|
60,756 |
|
|
|
19,658 |
|
|
|
11,990 |
|
|
|
260,865 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Kirk Layton (4) |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
172,308 |
|
|
|
53,943 |
|
|
|
12,558 |
|
|
|
11,517 |
|
|
|
250,326 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
155,885 |
|
|
|
55,285 |
|
|
|
11,704 |
|
|
|
10,868 |
|
|
|
233,742 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Option Awards number in the table above is the compensation expense recognized in our
consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. The fair
value of options granted and related compensation expense included in our consolidated financial
statements was determined using the Black-Scholes method, which requires several significant
judgmental assumptions. Please refer to footnote 6, Stock Options to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 for information regarding the assumptions used to
determine the fair value of options granted. |
|
(2) |
|
Please refer to the All Other Compensation Table for additional detail. |
17
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Kirk S. Nichols was not a named executive officer for fiscal years ended December 31, 2007
and 2006. |
|
(4) |
|
C. Kirk Layton was not a named executive officer for fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. |
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, 2008:
(all values expressed in dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in |
|
Life and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions to |
|
Pension Plan |
|
Disability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement |
|
Accumulated |
|
Insurance |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
Savings Plan (1) |
|
Benefit |
|
Premiums |
|
Other |
|
Total |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
11,500 |
|
|
$ |
1,895 |
|
|
$ |
3,612 |
|
|
$ |
2,310 |
|
|
$ |
19,317 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
13,600 |
|
|
|
1,749 |
|
|
|
3,577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,926 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
14,961 |
|
|
|
1,614 |
|
|
|
2,556 |
|
|
|
4,148 |
|
|
|
23,279 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
11,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,817 |
|
|
|
1,615 |
|
|
|
15,932 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
13,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,797 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,397 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
15,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,379 |
|
|
|
2,265 |
|
|
|
20,705 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert G. Rinehart,
Jr. |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
11,415 |
|
|
|
4,014 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,687 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
9,600 |
|
|
|
3,685 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,423 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
4,438 |
|
|
|
3,389 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
8,047 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kirk S. Nichols (2) |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
11,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
923 |
|
|
|
11,990 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Kirk Layton (3) |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
11,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,517 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
10,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,868 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(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% |
18
|
|
|
|
|
of the employees compensation. Also included for each named executive is a discretionary profit
sharing contribution under the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
(2) |
|
Kirk S. Nichols was not a named executive officer for fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and
2006. |
|
(3) |
|
C. Kirk Layton was not a named executive officer for fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. |
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, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards: |
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Fair Value |
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Plan Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
of Options |
|
of Option |
Name |
|
(1) ($) |
|
Grant Date |
|
Options (2) (#) |
|
Awarded ($) |
|
Awards ($) |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
393,125 |
|
|
|
1/2/2008 |
|
|
|
20,250 |
|
|
|
85,702 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
192,631 |
|
|
|
1/2/2008 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
61,466 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert G. Rinehart,
Jr. |
|
|
71,477 |
|
|
|
1/2/2008 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
15,460 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kirk S. Nichols |
|
|
60,756 |
|
|
|
1/2/2008 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
15,460 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Kirk Layton |
|
|
53,943 |
|
|
|
1/2/2008 |
|
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
|
13,528 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
As of February 27, 2009, the Company had made payments to all eligible employees under the
non-equity incentive plan for 2008 (the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan was approved on December
21, 2007). The amounts in the table above represent the actual payments made and are the same
amounts as listed in the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(2) |
|
The options granted in 2008 were valued using the Black-Scholes method and the fair value of
the options granted less our estimate of future forfeitures will be amortized over the four-year
vesting period. The 2008 impact on compensation expense associated with these awards in 2008 is
included as a component of the Option Awards column in the Summary Compensation Table. |
19
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table lists all equity awards to the named executive officers outstanding as of
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
|
Unexercised Securities |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
Name |
|
Exercisable # |
|
Unexercisable # |
|
Price ($) |
|
Date |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.44 |
|
|
January 3, 2010 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.13 |
|
|
January 2, 2011 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.58 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
32,000 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
7.70 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
10.83 |
|
|
January 3, 2015 |
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
10.60 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
5,063 |
|
|
|
15,187 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,250 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,563 |
|
|
|
64,937 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
1,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.44 |
|
|
January 3, 2010 |
|
|
|
1,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.13 |
|
|
January 2, 2011 |
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
7.70 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
10.83 |
|
|
January 3, 2015 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10.60 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
11,250 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,813 |
|
|
|
50,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert G. Rinehart, Jr. |
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
11.31 |
|
|
February 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
12.12 |
|
|
May 22, 2013 |
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
2,812 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,188 |
|
|
|
12,062 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kirk S. Nichols |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.13 |
|
|
January 2, 2011 |
|
|
|
832 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.40 |
|
|
January 2, 2012 |
|
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.58 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
1,800 |
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
7.70 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
|
10.83 |
|
|
January 3, 2015 |
|
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
800 |
|
|
|
12.15 |
|
|
April 19, 2015 |
|
|
|
1,250 |
|
|
|
1,250 |
|
|
|
10.60 |
|
|
January 2, 2013 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
12.92 |
|
|
September 1, 2013 |
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
2,812 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,895 |
|
|
|
11,662 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Kirk Layton |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
12.02 |
|
|
August 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
2,812 |
|
|
|
13.27 |
|
|
January 2, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
|
17.61 |
|
|
January 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,438 |
|
|
|
8,812 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
Option Exercises
Two named executive officers exercised stock options during 2008. The table below shows the
details of those transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Acquired |
|
Realized on |
Name |
|
Date |
|
on Exercise |
|
Exercise |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
2/21/2008 |
|
|
|
23,350 |
|
|
$ |
307,520 |
|
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
11/21/2008 |
|
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
$ |
8,365 |
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2/12/2008 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
$ |
216,150 |
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2/12/2008 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
304,600 |
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2/13/2008 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
$ |
89,220 |
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
5/29/2008 |
|
|
|
6,750 |
|
|
$ |
33,075 |
|
Pension Benefits
The LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. Retirement Plan (the Salaried Plan) covers a portion of the
salaried employees of the Company. The table below illustrates the estimated annual benefits
payable as a single life annuity upon retirement pursuant to the current Salaried Plan formula for
various levels of compensation and years of service, assuming retirement after attainment of age 65
during 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of Service |
Average Annual |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
15 |
|
20 |
|
25 |
|
30 |
|
35 |
$100,000 |
|
$ |
12,750 |
|
|
$ |
17,000 |
|
|
$ |
21,250 |
|
|
$ |
25,500 |
|
|
$ |
29,750 |
|
125,000 |
|
|
15,938 |
|
|
|
21,250 |
|
|
|
26,563 |
|
|
|
31,875 |
|
|
|
37,188 |
|
150,000 |
|
|
19,125 |
|
|
|
25,500 |
|
|
|
31,875 |
|
|
|
38,250 |
|
|
|
44,625 |
|
175,000 |
|
|
22,313 |
|
|
|
29,750 |
|
|
|
37,188 |
|
|
|
44,625 |
|
|
|
52,063 |
|
200,000 |
|
|
25,500 |
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
42,500 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
59,500 |
|
225,000 |
|
|
28,688 |
|
|
|
38,250 |
|
|
|
47,813 |
|
|
|
57,375 |
|
|
|
66,938 |
|
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 the 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.
21
The following table shows the years of credited service and present value of accumulated
benefits for each of the named executive officers who are participants in the Salaried Plan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of |
|
Present Value of |
|
Payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credited |
|
Accumulated |
|
During Last |
Name |
|
Plan Name |
|
Service (1) |
|
Benefit (2) |
|
Fiscal Year |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
Salaried Plan |
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
$ |
24,965 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert G. Rinehart,
Jr. |
|
Salaried Plan |
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
$ |
51,844 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(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 7, Compensation and Benefit Agreements to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 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. All stock options granted pursuant to the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan shall become
immediately exercisable, without regard to any contingent vesting provision, upon the occurrence of
any of the following events: (i) the sale, liquidation or other disposition of all or substantially
all of the Companys assets; (ii) a merger or consolidation of the Company with one or more
corporations as a result of which, immediately following such merger of consolidation, the
Companys shareholders as a group hold less than a majority of the outstanding capital stock of the
surviving corporation; or (iii) as the result of a tender or exchange offer made directly to the
Companys shareholders, any person or entity, including any person as such term is used in
Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), becomes
the beneficial owner, as defined in the Exchange Act, of shares of the Companys common stock
representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Companys voting securities.
22
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
Luke E. Sims
William H. Williams
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The current members of the Compensation Committee are identified above. All members of this
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.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
As of December 31, 2008, there were no equity compensation plans that had not been approved by
the Companys shareholders. Under the current equity compensation plans, 796,839 shares of the
Companys common stock may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding options, which have a
weighted average exercise price of $11.12 per share. The Company also has approximately 396,000
shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding shares
listed above).
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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 of
all 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.
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 2008 were met.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Independent Auditors
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP acted as the independent registered public accounting firm for the
Company in 2008. Representatives of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP are expected to be present at the
Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire. Such representatives
are also expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms Fees
In connection with the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
and its related entity RSM McGladrey, Inc., 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 $294,309 and $279,363 in 2008 and
2007, respectively, including fees for the annual audits and the reviews of the
Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The increase in 2008 reflects fees
associated with new accounting pronouncements and an acquisition. |
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Audit-Related Fees. Fees for audit-related services totaled $5,300 and $12,300
in 2008 and 2007, respectively. These services related to responding to technical and
accounting questions and the related research, and meetings with management. |
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All Other Fees. There were no other services provided by McGladrey & Pullen,
LLP or RSM McGladrey, Inc., not included above, in either 2008 or 2007. |
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. In connection with the
approval of the annual audit services and related Audit Fees, the Audit Committee also pre-approves
certain Audit-Related Fees relating to the independent registered public accounting firm responding
to and researching technical accounting questions and other matters related to the financial
statements under audit. All of the services provided by the independent registered public
accounting firm during 2008 and 2007, 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.
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Shareholder Proposals
Proposals which shareholders of the Company intend to present at and have included in the
Companys proxy statement for the 2010 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 indented to be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2010
Annual Meeting must be received by us no later than November 27, 2009, and no earlier than
September 28, 2009. 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, 2008 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 2008 Form 10-K, on our website
at www.lacrossefootwearinc.com, or through the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
By Order of the Board of Directors
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
/s/
David P. Carlson
David P. Carlson
Secretary
March 27, 2009
26
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
2009 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 27, 2009, at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 27,
2009, 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.
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 below.
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Proposal 1 |
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Election of Directors:
Terms expiring at the 2012
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1 - Luke E. Sims
2 - John D. Whitcombe
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FOR all nominees listed to the left
(except as specified below)
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed to the left |
Annual Meeting
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3 - William H. Williams |
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Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee,
write the number(s) in the box provided to the right:
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IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
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Date:
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, 2009
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Number of Shares:
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Signature(s) in Box
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
partnership name by authorized person.