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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Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material pursuant to § 240.14a-11(c) or § 240.14a-12 |
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
(Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of the
transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by
registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date
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Date Filed:
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
801 Travis Street, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
to be held Wednesday, May 30, 2007
To the Stockholders of Blue Dolphin Energy Company:
The annual meeting of stockholders (the Annual Meeting) of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the
Company) will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., local time, at The Downtown Club
at Houston Center, 1100 Caroline Street, First City Tower Garage, Level C / 11th Floor in the
Metropolitan Room for the following purposes:
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To elect five directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until
their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or
removal; |
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To amend the Companys 2000 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of
common stock reserved for issuance pursuant under the plan from 650,000 shares to 1,200,000
shares; and |
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To consider and transact any other business that may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
Additional information regarding the meeting and the above proposals is set forth in the
accompanying Proxy Statement. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 2,
2007, as the record date for the meeting, and only holders of common stock on the record date are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement
thereof. You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Even if you plan to
attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote your shares at your earliest convenience in order to
ensure that your shares will be represented at the meeting. You can vote by signing, dating and
returning the enclosed proxy card or by submitting your proxy voting instructions through the
Internet. If you hold your shares through a broker or other nominee, you should contact your
broker to determine whether you may submit your proxy by telephone or Internet.
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For the Board of Directors
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/s/ Ivar Siem
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IVAR SIEM, |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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Houston, Texas
April 26, 2007
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
April 26, 2007
To Our Stockholders:
It is a pleasure to write to you on the heels of a long and difficult turn around process, and
report that I believe the Company is now in better shape than we have ever been. This letter gives
me the opportunity to put into perspective our development over the last few years and what it
means to you, our stockholders, and why both the short and long-term potential for the Company
holds much promise.
Over the last two years, the elimination of all debt, the issuance of additional equity to provide
a cash platform and a smaller and more relevant Board of Directors has become a reality. It now
remains to rebuild the management team, which during the past difficult years had been trimmed to a
minimum.
With the upswing in the industry, we have experienced increased exploration activity around our
pipeline assets. This has led to several new discoveries in our market area, and we in turn have
been able to capture the transportation business of these producers.
Specifically, the increased activity around our pipeline assets has translated into five new
transportation agreements since mid 2005 four for deliveries into the Blue Dolphin Pipeline
System, and one for deliveries into the GA 350 Pipeline. We are currently negotiating additional
transportation agreements with the operators of four new discoveries two for deliveries into the
Blue Dolphin Pipeline System and two for deliveries into the GA 350 Pipeline. While the Omega
Pipeline is inactive, it holds great potential for us. Approximately twenty federal blocks within
the market area of the pipeline are currently under lease and several of these were acquired at
unusually high cost by the lessees. This could indicate that a new exploration trend may be
developing. We are well positioned should the exploration companies be successful in finding oil
and gas in this area.
Our income from sales of oil and gas production is declining in line with the natural depletion of
the reservoirs. The history of a portion of our current production goes back to our prospect
generating activity. We were not able to continue our generating program when we lost third party
funding in connection with the downturn in the market in 2000. However, we are currently
evaluating a revival of the generating program. In addition to the obvious benefit of
participating in discoveries, we would be able to focus our efforts in areas where we have or are
acquiring pipelines and thereby support the underlying value of those assets.
At our upcoming Annual Meeting, the size of our Board of Directors will be reduced to five members.
In addition to this change, I am very pleased that we have two new members, Erik Ostbye, elected
by stockholders in May 2006, and John Goodpasture, appointed to the Board of Directors in December
2006. Both bring extensive and relevant experience to the Company. We have already benefited from
their extensive networks and insight into our market areas and their knowledge will be valuable in
growing the Company in the years ahead.
This has been an exciting year. We have clearly put our major problems behind us. We should now
be able to devote our efforts to improving and developing our business. We appreciate your
patience and support and look forward to another exciting and successful coming year.
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With regards,
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/s/ Ivar Siem
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IVAR SIEM, |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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801 Travis Street, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002
Phone (713) 227-7660 Fax (713) 227-7626 www.blue-dolphin.com
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
801 Travis Street, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
PROXY STATEMENT
2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement and accompanying Notice and Proxy Card are being furnished to the stockholders
of Blue Dolphin Energy Company, a Delaware corporation (the Company), in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company for use at the annual meeting of
stockholders (the Annual Meeting) and any adjournment or postponement thereof. The Annual
Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., local time, at The Downtown Club at
Houston Center, 1100 Caroline Street, First City Tower Garage, Level C / 11th Floor in the
Metropolitan Room. This Proxy Statement and accompanying Notice and Proxy Card are first being
mailed to stockholders on or about May 3, 2007. The Companys Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 is being mailed with this Proxy Statement.
At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to (i) elect five directors to serve until the
next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or
until their earlier resignation or removal; (ii) consider and vote upon the proposal to approve an
amendment to the Blue Dolphin Energy Company 2000 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of
authorized shares reserved for issuance from 650,000 shares to 1,200,000 shares; and (iii) consider
and transact any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
Record Date and Quorum
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 2, 2007, as the record date (the
Record Date) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Annual Meeting. A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be
open for examination by any stockholder during normal business hours for a period of ten days prior
to the Annual Meeting at the Companys principal executive office, 801 Travis Street, Suite 2100,
Houston, Texas 77002. On the Record Date, there were 11,559,643 shares of common stock, par value
$.01 per share (the Common Stock), issued and outstanding. Stockholders are entitled to one vote
per share of Common Stock held on the Record Date on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting.
The holders of a majority of the total shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, whether
present in person or represented by proxies, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes (e.g. shares held by brokers and
other nominees as to which they have not received voting instructions from the beneficial owners
and lack the discretionary authority to vote on a particular matter) are counted as present for
purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.
Voting and Revocability of Proxy
All shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting by properly executed proxies will be
voted in accordance with the instructions indicated on the proxies. If no instructions are
indicated with respect to any shares for which properly executed proxies have been received, such
proxies will be voted FOR election of all nominees to the Board of Directors, FOR approval of
the amendment to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and in the discretion of the proxy holder on any other matters properly
brought before the Annual Meeting.
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Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time
before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by any of the following actions:
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by providing written notice of revocation to the Company; |
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delivering to the Company a signed proxy of a later date; or |
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by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. |
Any written notice revoking a proxy should be sent to Blue Dolphin Energy Company, Attention:
Secretary, 801 Travis Street, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002.
Reimbursement of Solicitation Expenses
The Company will bear all costs of this solicitation. Proxies will be solicited primarily by mail,
but directors, officers and other employees of the Company may also solicit proxies in person or by
telephone in the ordinary course of business for which they will not receive additional
compensation. The Company has requested that brokerage houses, nominees, fiduciaries and other
custodians send proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Common Stock, for which the Company
will reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Director Nominees
Messrs. Laurence N. Benz, John N. Goodpasture, Harris A. Kaffie, Erik Ostbye and Ivar Siem (each a
Director Nominee) have been nominated by the Board of Directors to serve as directors until the
next annual meeting of stockholders, or in each case until their successors have been duly elected
and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal. All of the Director Nominees have
previously been elected by the stockholders, except Mr. Goodpasture. Michael S. Chadwick, who is a
director, is not standing for re-election. Each Director Nominee has consented to be nominated and
has expressed his intention to serve if elected. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe
that any of the Director Nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected. However, should
any Director Nominee become unable or unwilling to serve as a director at the time of the Annual
Meeting, the person or persons exercising the proxies will vote for the election of a substitute
Director Nominee designated by the Board of Directors.
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
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The following sets forth, as of April 20, 2007, each Director Nominees name, all positions held
with the Company, principal occupation, age and year in which the Director Nominee first became a
director of the Company.
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Name, Age and Principal Occupation |
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Ivar Siem, 60, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Siem has served as Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company since 1989 and was appointed as
Chief Executive Officer in 2004. Since 2000 he has also
served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and President
of Drillmar, Inc., a well construction and intervention
company. From 1995 to 2000 Mr. Siem served on the Board of
Directors of Grey Wolf, Inc., during which time he served
as Chairman from 1995 to 1998 and as interim President in
1995 during its restructuring. Since 1981, he has been an
international consultant in energy, technology and finance.
From 1974 to 1981, Mr. Siem managed the oil and gas
interests of Fred. Olsen and from 1977 he managed their
drilling operation, Dolphin International, Inc. Mr. Siem
holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from
the University of California, Berkeley, and has completed
an executive MBA program at Amos Tuck School of Business,
Dartmouth University.
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1989 |
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Laurence N. Benz, 45, Director. Dr. Benz was elected as a
director of the Company in 2004. Since 1987 he has served
as the President of Kentucky Orthopedic Rehabilitation LLC,
which he founded. From 1984 through 1989, he served as a
Captain in the Army Medical Specialists Corps of the United
States Army. Dr. Benz is the founder and organizer of
multiple private companies representing healthcare,
banking, telecommunications, real estate and consulting
services. He also serves on the Board of Directors for
multiple private companies. Dr. Benz received a Masters in
Physical Therapy from Baylor University, a Masters in
Business Administration from Ohio State University and a
Doctorate in Physical Therapy from MGH Institute of Health
Professionals in Boston, Massachusetts.
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2004 |
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John N. Goodpasture, 58, Director. Mr. Goodpasture was
appointed as a director of the Company in December 2006,
following his recommendation to the Board of Directors by
Mr. Siem. Since 2001 he has served as Vice President of
Corporate Development for Texas Eastern Products Pipeline
Company, L.L.C., the general partner of TEPPCO Partners,
L.P. From 1999 to 2001 he was Vice President of Business
Development for Enron Transportation Services. From 1980
to 1999 Mr. Goodpasture held various executive-level
positions with Seagull Energy Corporation, including
President of Seagull Pipeline & Marketing Company.
Previously he held a variety of management positions at
Union Carbide Corporation, where he began his career in
1970. Mr. Goodpasture also serves on the Board of Directors
of End Hunger Network of Houston. He earned a Bachelor of
Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech
University in Lubbock, Texas.
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2006 |
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Harris A. Kaffie, 57, Director. Mr. Kaffie has served as a
director of the Company since 1989. Mr. Kaffie is a
private investor with diverse investments and business
activities across such areas as energy, finance, venture
capitalism, real estate development, farming, ranching and
minerals. Since 1994, he has been associated with Kaffie
Brothers, a real estate, farming and ranching company,
where he serves as a partner. He also serves on the Board
of Directors of several privately held companies. Mr.
Kaffie received a Bachelor of Business Administration from
Southern Methodist University in 1972.
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1989 |
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Erik Ostbye, 55, Director. Mr. Ostbye was elected as a
director of the Company in 2006. Since 1983 Mr. Ostbye has
been associated with the Arne Blystad Group of companies: from 2003 to 2007 he was Vice President of Finance of
Sokana Chartering, LLC, from 1988 to 2003 he served as Vice
President of Finance of Blystad Shipping (USA) Inc. and
from 1983 to 1988 he was Financial Manager of Arne Blystad
AS. Following the sale of the Blystad tanker operation to
Eitzen Chemical USA in 2006, Mr. Ostbye has continued his
work for the Blystad Group of companies as a U.S.
representative. Mr. Ostbye also serves on the Board of
Directors of several privately held companies. He holds a
Sivilokonom/MBA from the Norwegian School of Management
(BI).
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2006 |
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Vote Required for Approval
A plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders present and entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting, in person or by proxy, is necessary for the election of directors. Accordingly,
abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors.
Recommendation
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
THE ELECTION OF ALL OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.
Executive Officers
The following sets forth the age and background of each executive officer and the year in which the
executive officer first joined the Company:
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Name, Age and Principal Occupation |
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Joined Company |
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Michael J. Jacobson, 60, President. Mr. Jacobson has
served as President of the Company since 1990 having also
served in dual capacities as Chief Executive Officer from
1990 to 2004 and as Secretary from 2005 to 2006. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Jacobson served in various senior
management positions in the energy industry, including
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial and
Administrative Officer for Creole International, Inc. and
its subsidiaries, international providers of engineering
and technical services to the energy sector, Vice President
of Operations for the parent holding company, and Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Volvo Petroleum,
Inc. and certain Fred. Olsen oil and gas interests. Mr.
Jacobson began his career with Shell Oil Company in 1968,
where he served in various analytical and management
capacities in the exploration and production organization
until 1974. Mr. Jacobson received his Bachelor of Science
in Finance from the University of Colorado.
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1990 |
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Gregory W. Starks, 42, Vice President, Treasurer and
Secretary. Mr. Starks was appointed Vice President and
Secretary of the Company in 2006 and Treasurer in 2005. He
previously served as Accounting Manager and Assistant
Secretary after joining the Company in 2000. From 1990 to
2000 he held various corporate accounting positions at
PanEnergy Corporation and Duke Energy Corporation. Mr.
Starks is a Certified Public Accountant and received a
Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of
Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration
from the University of Houston.
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COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board of Directors
During 2006, the Board of Directors held four regular meetings and four special meetings. Each
director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and
committees on which he served. The Board of Directors has two standing committees, an Audit
Committee and a Compensation Committee.
Audit Committee
At the beginning of 2006, the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Benz, Kaffie and James M.
Trimble with Dr. Benz serving as Chairman. In May 2006, the Board of Directors appointed Messrs.
Benz, Kaffie and Ostbye to serve as members of the Audit Committee, with Dr. Benz elected to
continue serving as Chairman. The Board of Directors has determined that Dr. Benz qualifies as an
Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Audit Committees duties include overseeing the financial
reporting and internal control functions. The Audit Committee Charter is not available on the
Companys website, however, it
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was included as Exhibit A in the Companys Definitive Proxy Statement as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 20, 2005. The Audit Committee met five times
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
Compensation Committee
At the beginning of 2006, the Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Chadwick, Kaffie and
Trimble. In May 2006, the Board of Directors appointed Messrs. Chadwick, Kaffie and F. Gardner
Parker to serve as members of the Compensation Committee. In November 2006, following the
resignation of Mr. Parker from the Board of Directors, Mr. Goodpasture was appointed to serve on
the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee does not have a charter, however, its
duties are to oversee and set the Companys compensation policies, to approve compensation of
executive officers and to administer its stock incentive plan. The Compensation Committee met two
times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
Nomination Procedures
The Board of Directors currently does not have a standing nominating committee and consequently has
no nominating committee charter. In July 2005, the Board of Directors adopted a Board of
Directors Nomination Procedures policy, which is used by independent members of the Board of
Directors when choosing nominees to stand for election. Given the size of the Board of Directors
and that a majority of the members are independent, as defined under NASDAQ Stock Market listing
standards, the Board of Directors believes that it is not appropriate to have a standing nominating
committee.
The Board of Directors will consider for possible nomination qualified nominees recommended by
stockholders. As addressed in the Board of Directors Nomination Procedures policy, the manner in
which independent directors evaluate nominees for director as recommended by a stockholder will be
the same as that for nominees received from other sources. Stockholders who wish to propose a
qualified candidate for consideration should submit complete information as to the identity and
qualifications of that person to the Secretary of the Company no later than March 1, 2008, for the
2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The information should be sent to: Blue Dolphin Energy
Company, Attention: Secretary, 801 Travis Street, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002. (See
Nominations and Proposals by Stockholders for the 2008 Annual Meeting in this Proxy Statement for
more information.)
The Board of Directors will continue to nominate qualified incumbent directors whom the Board of
Directors believes will continue to make important contributions to the Board of Directors and the
Company. The Board of Directors generally requires that nominees be persons of sound ethical
character, be able to represent all stockholders fairly, have demonstrated professional
achievement, have meaningful experience and have a general appreciation of the major business
issues facing the Company.
Director Attendance at the Annual Meeting
The Board of Directors policy regarding director attendance at the Annual Meeting is that they are
welcome to attend, and that the Company will make appropriate arrangements for directors that
choose to attend. In 2006, all incumbent directors of the Company, and five of the six Director
Nominees, attended the Annual Meeting.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in a written charter
adopted by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is comprised solely of directors who meet
NASDAQs definition of independence as is currently applicable to the Company as determined by the
Board of Directors. The Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the written charter annually and
recommends any changes to the Board of Directors for approval. In addition, the Audit Committee
periodically reviews
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relevant requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, proposed and adopted rules of the SEC and
new listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market regarding Audit Committee procedures and
responsibilities to ensure Company compliance. The Audit Committee charter was last amended by
the Board of Directors in January 2005. No changes to the Audit Committee charter have been made
since that time.
The Audit Committees primary duties and responsibilities are to:
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assess the integrity of the Companys financial reporting process and systems of
internal control regarding accounting; |
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assess the independence and performance of the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm; and |
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provide an avenue of communication among the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm, management and the Board of Directors. |
Management is responsible for the Companys internal controls and the financial reporting process.
The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent
audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements in accordance with standards of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board and to issue a report thereon. The Audit Committees
responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.
At the beginning of 2006, the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Benz, Kaffie and Trimble with
Dr. Benz serving as Chairman. In May 2006, the Board of Directors appointed Messrs. Benz, Kaffie
and Ostbye to serve as the Audit Committee, with Dr. Benz elected to continue as Chairman of the
Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that Dr. Benz qualifies as an Audit
Committee Financial Expert. The Audit Committee met five times during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 with the Companys management and management represented to the
Audit Committee that the Companys financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Audit Committee discussed with
UHYLLP (UHY), the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, the matters
required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit
Committees, and related amendments.
The Audit Committee received written disclosures and the letter from UHY as required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussion with Audit Committees, and the
Audit Committee discussed with UHY their independence from the Company. The Audit Committee
considered the non-audit services provided by UHY and determined that the services provided are
compatible with maintaining UHYs independence. The Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit
and non-audit services provided to the Company by its independent accountants.
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
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Fees paid to UHY in fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 by the Company were as follows:
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2006 |
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2005 |
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Audit fees |
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$ |
98,866 |
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$ |
93,439 |
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Audit-related fees |
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5,700 |
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11,783 |
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Tax fees |
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29,758 |
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43,672 |
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All other fees |
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Total |
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$ |
134,324 |
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$ |
148,894 |
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Audit fees include fees related to the audit of our consolidated financial statements and
review of our quarterly reports that are filed with the SEC. Audit-related fees include fees
related to consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards for share based
payments to employees and non-employees, current and deferred taxes and revenue recognition. Tax
fees primarily include fees for preparation of federal and state income tax returns as well as tax
planning services.
Based on discussions with management and UHY, review of the representation of management and review
of the report of UHY to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that the Companys audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC.
The Audit Committee:
Laurence N. Benz, Chairman
Harris A. Kaffie
Erik Ostbye
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that the majority of directors have no material
relationship with the Company (either directly or indirectly or as a shareholder or officer of an
organization that has a relationship with the Company) and are independent, and that all members of
the Audit and Compensation Committees are independent, pursuant to NASDAQ Stock Market listing
standards.
Code of Conduct
All directors, officers and employees must act ethically at all times and in accordance with the
Code of Conduct policy adopted by the Board of Directors in July 2005. The Audit Committee has
established procedures to enable anyone who has a concern about the Companys conduct or policies,
or any employee who has a concern about the Companys accounting, internal accounting controls or
auditing matters, to communicate that concern directly to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The
Companys Code of Conduct policy prohibits any employee from retaliating or taking any adverse
action against anyone for raising or helping to resolve an integrity concern. Violations and/or
concerns may be sent anonymously by mail to Laurence N. Benz (Audit Committee Chairman, Blue
Dolphin Energy Company), 13201 Magisterial Drive, Louisville, KY
40223, via email to larry@kort.com
or such other contact information that the Company may post on its website from time to time.
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Code of Ethics
In April 2003, the Board of Directors adopted a Code of Ethics that is applicable to the principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or
persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics is posted on our website
(www.blue-dolphin.com) and is available to any stockholder, without charge, upon written request to
Blue Dolphin Energy Company, Attention: Secretary, 801 Travis Street, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas
77002. Any amendments to, or waivers to, provisions of the Code of Ethics will be disclosed on our
website.
Communicating with the Directors
Any stockholder who desires to contact the Board of Directors or specific members of the Board of
Directors may do so by writing to: Blue Dolphin Energy Company, Attention: Secretary for Board of
Directors, 801 Travis Street, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002.
PROPOSAL NO. 2 AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS 2000 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
As of April 10, 2007, 99,540 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant pursuant to the
Blue Dolphin Energy Company 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2000 Plan) from the 650,000 shares
currently reserved for grant. The Board of Directors does not believe that such remaining amount
under this plan is sufficient to carry out its compensation policy. Accordingly, on April 5, 2007,
the Board of Directors unanimously adopted an amendment to the 2000 Plan, subject to stockholder
approval, increasing the aggregate number of shares reserved for grant pursuant to the 2000 Plan
from 650,000 to 1,200,000. The amendment to the 2000 Plan is intended to: (i) further the
Companys efforts in attracting, retaining and motivating officers, key employees and non-employee
consultants of the Company and (ii) continue to closely align the interests of participants in the
2000 Plan with those of stockholders by encouraging stock ownership and by tying compensation to
the performance of the Company and the Common Stock.
The Company has granted 550,460 stock options since the 2000 Plan was originally approved by
stockholders effective April 14, 2000. If approved, 649,540 shares of Common Stock will be
available for future grants pursuant to the 2000 Plan. The amendment will not change any other
material term of the 2000 Plan.
The amendment appears as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.
Participation in the 2000 Plan
The grant of incentive and non-qualified stock options, shares of restricted stock and stock
bonuses under the 2000 Plan to key employees, consultants, and non-employee directors, including
our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and each of the other named executive officers, is subject
to the discretion of the Compensation Committee. As of April 24, 2007, the fair market value of
the Common Stock was $3.62 per share, which was the closing bid price as reported by The NASDAQ
Capital Market.
Summary Description of the 2000 Plan
Shares Subject to Plan As amended under the 2000 Plan, the Company may issue incentive
awards for up to 1,200,000 shares of Common Stock from the inception of the 2000 Plan, and all of
these shares will be available for Incentive Stock Options (ISOs). The number of securities
available under the 2000 Plan and outstanding incentive awards are subject to adjustments to
prevent the dilution of rights of plan participants resulting from stock dividends, stock splits,
recapitalization or similar transactions or resulting from a change in applicable laws or other
circumstances.
9
Administration The 2000 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors. The Compensation Committee may delegate its duties under the 2000 Plan, except for
the authority to grant incentive awards or take other action on persons who are subject to Section
16 of the Exchange Act or Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. In the case of an incentive
award to an outside director, the Board of Directors acts as the Compensation Committee. Subject
to the express provisions of the 2000 Plan, the Compensation Committee is authorized to, among
other things, select grantees under the 2000 Plan and determine the size, duration and type, as
well as the other terms and conditions (which need not be identical), of each incentive award. The
Compensation Committee also construes and interprets the 2000 Plan and any related agreements. All
determinations and decisions of the Compensation Committee are final, conclusive and binding on all
parties. The Company will indemnify members of the Compensation Committee against any damage,
loss, liability, cost or expenses in connection with any claim by reason of any act or failure to
act under the 2000 Plan, except for an act or omission constituting willful misconduct or gross
negligence.
Eligibility Employees, including executive officers (regardless of whether they are
directors), consultants of the Company and non-employee directors are eligible to participate in
the 2000 Plan.
Types of Incentive Awards Under the 2000 Plan, the Compensation Committee may grant
incentive awards (Incentive Awards), which can be:
|
(1) |
|
ISOs, as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code; |
|
|
(2) |
|
nonstatutory stock options (NSOs); |
|
|
(3) |
|
stock appreciation rights (SARs); |
|
|
(4) |
|
shares of restricted stock; |
|
|
(5) |
|
performance units and performance shares; and |
|
|
(6) |
|
other stock-based awards. |
ISOs and NSOs together are called Options. The terms of each Incentive Award are reflected in
an incentive agreement between the Company and the participant.
Options Generally, Options must be exercised within 10 years of the grant date. The
exercise price of each ISO may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common
Stock on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee has the discretion to determine the
exercise price of each NSO granted under the 2000 Plan. To the extent the aggregate fair market
value of shares of Common Stock for which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by any employee
during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, those Options must be treated as NSOs.
The exercise price of each Option is payable in cash or, in the Compensation Committees
discretion, by the delivery of shares of Common Stock owned by the optionee, or the withholding of
shares that would otherwise be acquired on the exercise of the Option by cashless exercise
through a broker, or by any combination of the foregoing.
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
10
Cumulative Grants under the 2000 Plan
The following table summarizes certain information covering cumulative options granted, before
consideration of forfeitures and exercises, pursuant to the 2000 Plan, to:
|
|
|
each executive officer; |
|
|
|
|
each Director Nominee for election; |
|
|
|
|
each person who has received 5% of the options reserved for issuance; |
|
|
|
|
all current executive officers as a group; |
|
|
|
|
all current directors who are not executive officers, as a group; and |
|
|
|
|
all current employees, including current officers who are not executive officers, as a
group in each case, from inception of the Incentive Plan through December 31, 2006. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative |
|
Average per Share |
Name |
|
Status |
|
Awards Granted |
|
Exercise Price |
Laurence N. Benz
|
|
Non-Employee Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Michael S. Chadwick
|
|
Non-Employee Director
|
|
|
83,571 |
|
|
$ |
0.92 |
|
John N. Goodpasture
|
|
Non-Employee Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Harris A. Kaffie
|
|
Non-Employee Director
|
|
|
83,571 |
|
|
$ |
0.92 |
|
Erik Ostbye
|
|
Non-Employee Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Ivar Siem
|
|
Executive Officer and Director
|
|
|
59,250 |
|
|
$ |
1.44 |
|
Michael J. Jacobson
|
|
Executive Officer
|
|
|
73,938 |
|
|
$ |
1.17 |
|
Gregory W. Starks
|
|
Executive Officer
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.99 |
|
G. Brian Lloyd
|
|
Former Employee
|
|
|
65,500 |
|
|
$ |
0.98 |
|
John P. Atwood
|
|
Former Employee
|
|
|
44,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.19 |
|
Roland B. Keller
|
|
Former Employee
|
|
|
41,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.06 |
|
|
|
All Current Non-Employee Directors as a Group
|
|
|
167,142 |
|
|
$ |
0.92 |
|
|
|
All Current Executive Officers as a Group
|
|
|
157,188 |
|
|
$ |
1.25 |
|
|
|
All Other Current Employees as a Group
|
|
|
22,488 |
|
|
$ |
0.95 |
|
SARs Upon the exercise of a SAR, the holder receives cash, the aggregate value of
which equals the amount by which the fair market value per share of the Common Stock on the
exercise date exceeds the exercise price of the SAR, multiplied by the number of shares underlying
the exercised portion of the SAR. A SAR may be granted in tandem with or independently of a NSO.
SARs are subject to such conditions and are exercisable at such times as determined by the
Compensation Committee, but the exercise price per share must be at least the fair market value of
a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.
Restricted Stock Restricted stock may be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, a
restriction on transferability or rights of repurchase or first refusal of the Company, as
determined by the Compensation Committee. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise,
during the period of restriction, the grantee will have all other rights of a stockholder,
including the right to vote and receive dividends on the shares.
Performance Units and Performance Shares For each performance period (to be determined
by the Compensation Committee), the committee will establish specific financial or non-financial
performance objectives, the number of performance units or performance shares and their contingent values. The
values may vary depending on the degree to which such objectives are met.
11
Other Stock-Based Awards Other stock-based awards are denominated or payable in, valued
in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise related to, shares of Common Stock. Subject to
the terms of the 2000 Plan, the Compensation Committee may determine any terms and conditions of
other stock-based awards, provided that, in general, the amount of consideration to be received by
the Company shall be either: (i) no consideration other than for services actually rendered or to
be rendered (in the case of the issuance of shares) or (ii) in the case of an award in the nature
of a purchase right, consideration (other than for services rendered) at least equal to 50% of the
fair market value of the shares covered by such grant on the grant date.
Termination of Employment and Change in Control Except as otherwise provided in the
applicable incentive agreement, if a participants employment or other service with the Company (or
its subsidiaries) is terminated other than due to the participants death, Disability, or for Cause
(each capitalized term being defined in the 2000 Plan), the participants then exercisable Options
will remain exercisable until the earlier of (a) the expiration date of such options and (b) 90
days after termination. If the participants termination is due to Disability or death, the
participants then exercisable Options will remain exercisable until the earlier of (a) the
expiration date of such options and (b) one year following termination in the event of death or
Disability. On retirement, the participants then exercisable Options will remain exercisable for
six months (except for ISOs, which will remain exercisable for three months). On a termination
for Cause, all the participants Options will expire on the termination date.
Unless otherwise provided in the participants incentive agreement, upon a change in control of the
Company, any restrictions on restricted stock and other stock-based awards will be deemed
satisfied, all outstanding Options and SARs may become immediately exercisable and all the
performance shares and units and any other stock-based awards may become fully vested and deemed
earned in full. These provisions could in some circumstances have the effect of an anti-takeover
defense because, as a result of these provisions, a change in control of the Company could be more
difficult or costly.
Incentive Awards Transferability Incentive Awards may not be assigned, sold or otherwise
transferred by a participant, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or be
subject to any lien, assignment or charge, provided, however, if permitted in the participants
incentive agreement, a NSO may be transferred to immediate family (as defined in the 2000 Plan).
Amendment and Termination The Companys Board of Directors may amend or terminate the
2000 Plan at any time. However, the 2000 Plan may not be amended, without stockholder approval, if
the amendment would have any of the following effects:
|
(1) |
|
increase the number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under the 2000 Plan,
except in connection with a recapitalization of the Common Stock; |
|
|
(2) |
|
amend the eligibility requirements for employees to purchase Common Stock under the 2000
Plan; or |
|
|
(3) |
|
extend the term of the 2000 Plan. |
Without a participants written consent, no termination or amendment of the 2000 Plan shall
adversely affect in any material way any outstanding Incentive Award granted to the participant.
Vote Required for Approval
The affirmative vote of a majority of the Common Stock represented in person or by proxy and
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required to approve the amendment to the 2000 Plan.
Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST this proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on
the approval of this proposal.
12
Recommendation
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 2000 PLAN.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2006 with respect to shares
of Common Stock that may be issued under our 2000 Plan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
for Future Issuance |
|
|
Securities to be |
|
|
|
|
|
under Equity |
|
|
Issued Upon |
|
Weighted-Average |
|
Compensation Plans |
|
|
Exercise of |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
(Excluding |
|
|
Outstanding |
|
Outstanding |
|
Securities |
|
|
Options, Warrants |
|
Options, Warrants |
|
Reflected in the |
Plan Category |
|
and Rights |
|
and Rights |
|
First Column) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plan approved |
|
|
143,997 |
|
|
$ |
1.56 |
|
|
|
99,540 |
|
by stockholders(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
outstanding options granted under the 2000 Plan. |
At the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors does not know of any matter to be acted
upon at the Annual Meeting other than those matters as described in Proposal Nos. 1 and 2 and set
forth in the Notice. If other business comes before the Annual Meeting, the persons named on the
proxy will vote the proxy in accordance with their best judgment.
EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Executive Compensation Policy and Procedures
Compensation for the Companys executive officers consists of base salary, cash bonuses and
incentive awards that have historically consisted of stock options. The Compensation Committee has
the authority to approve the final determination of compensation in all forms for executive
officers based on its experience and informal consideration of competitive market practices
regarding the compensation of
executive officers in companies of similar size and complexity. The Compensation Committee has not
used compensation consultants in the past in making its determinations. The Company believes that
stock ownership by its executive officers and other employees furthers the alignment between the
interests of
13
the executive officers and other employees and the stockholders, thereby enhancing the
Companys efforts to improve stockholder returns.
The Companys stock incentive plan provides that upon a change of control, the Compensation
Committee may accelerate the vesting of options, cancel options and make payments in respect
thereof in cash in accordance with the terms of the stock incentive plan, adjust the outstanding
options as appropriate to reflect such change of control or provide that each option shall
thereafter be exercisable for the number and class of securities or property that the optionee
would have been entitled to receive had the option been exercised. The stock incentive plan
provides that a change of control occurs if any person, entity or group acquires or gains ownership
or control of more than 50% of the outstanding Common Stock or, if after certain enumerated
transactions, the persons who were directors before such transactions cease to constitute a
majority of the Board of Directors.
The compensation of executive officers is reviewed on an annual basis, as well as when changes in
responsibilities occur. The Compensation Committee may not delegate its authority to approve
compensation determinations for executive officers. The Compensation Committee approves changes in
compensation for Messrs. Jacobson and Starks based on the recommendations of Mr. Siem as principal
executive officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee determines
the compensation for Mr. Siem.
Compensation for Named Executives
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to the Companys principal executive officer
and the two most highly compensated executive officers other than the principal executive officer
whose annual salary exceeded $100,000 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (collectively, the
Named Executive Officers) for services rendered to the Company:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Stock Awards |
|
Option Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ivar Siem(1)
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
Michael J. Jacobson
President |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
180,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
205,000 |
|
Gregory W. Starks
Vice President, Treasurer
and Secretary |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
116,181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
116,181 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Siems current salary is based on part-time employment with the
Company in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer. |
14
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
Name |
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
Exercisable |
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable |
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options |
|
Option Exercise Price |
|
Option Expiration Date |
|
Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested |
|
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested |
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested |
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ivar Siem |
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
|
5/17/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael J. Jacobson |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
|
5/17/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.80 |
|
|
|
2/3/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gregory W. Starks |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
|
5/17/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director Compensation Policy and Procedures
Directors who are also employees of the Company are not paid any fees or other compensation for
services as a member of the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors.
Compensation for members of the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors is
approved by the Board of Directors based on recommendations by Mr. Siem as principal executive
officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. As with employee stock ownership, the Company
believes that stock ownership by members of the Board of Directors furthers the alignment between
the interests of the directors and the stockholders, resulting in an enhancement of the Companys
efforts to improve stockholder returns.
Compensation for Non-Employee Directors
Non-employee directors are paid an annual retainer of $20,000, payable quarterly in the Companys
Common Stock with the number of shares based upon the fair value on the date of payment. The
shares are restricted from sale for a period of two years from the date of grant. The Audit
Committee chairman receives an additional annual retainer of $5,000 and other Audit Committee
members receive an additional annual retainer of $2,500. The Audit Committee retainer is payable
semi-annually in cash. No additional compensation is paid to directors serving on the Compensation
Committee. Directors are entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related
to in-person meeting attendance.
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
15
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to non-employee directors in fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or Paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name |
|
in Cash |
|
Stock Awards |
|
Option Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Laurence N. Benz |
|
$ |
9,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
Michael S. Chadwick |
|
$ |
6,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
12,000 |
|
John N. Goodpasture(1) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Harris A. Kaffie |
|
$ |
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13,500 |
|
Erik Ostbye(1) |
|
$ |
3,750 |
|
|
$ |
3,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,750 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
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Mr. Ostbye joined the Companys Board of Directors on May 17, 2006 and
Mr. Goodpasture joined the Companys Board of Directors on December 12, 2006; therefore
amounts reflected for them are for a partial year. |
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
16
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The table below sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership for shares
of Common Stock (the only class of voting security issued and outstanding) as of April 20, 2007, as
held by: (i) all persons or institutions known by us to be beneficial owners of 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each director and Director Nominee, (iii) each executive
officer; and (iv) all executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated,
each of the following persons or institutions have sole voting and dispositive power with respect
to such shares.
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Shares Owned Beneficially |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
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Number |
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Percent(1) |
Columbus Petroleum Limited, Inc.(2) |
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911,712 |
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7.9 |
% |
Spencer Finance Corp. and Arne Blystad(3) |
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842,743 |
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7.3 |
% |
Spencer Energy AS(3) |
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586,743 |
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5.1 |
% |
Ivar Siem(4) |
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639,265 |
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5.5 |
% |
Harris A. Kaffie(4) |
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814,556 |
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7.0 |
% |
Laurence N. Benz |
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51,989 |
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* |
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Michael S. Chadwick(4) |
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4,516 |
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* |
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Erik Ostbye |
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1,516 |
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* |
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John N. Goodpasture |
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639 |
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* |
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Michael J. Jacobson(4) |
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102,220 |
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* |
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Gregory W. Starks(4) |
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44,225 |
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* |
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Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (8 Persons) |
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1,658,926 |
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14.4 |
% |
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* |
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Less than 1%. |
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(1) |
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Based upon 11,559,643 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on April
20, 2007. |
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(2) |
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Based upon a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on September 8, 2004, the address
of Columbus Petroleum Limited, Inc. was Aeulestrasse 74, FL-9490, Vaduz, Liechtenstein. |
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(3) |
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Based on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on April 9, 2007, Spencer Finance
Corp. and Arne Blystad jointly exercise voting and investment authority over the shares
owned by Spencer Finance Corp. Spencer Energy AS is a subsidiary of Spencer Finance
Corp., and as such, the 586,743 shares held by Spencer Energy AS are included in the
842,743 shares controlled by Spencer Finance Corp. and Arne Blystad. The principal
business address for Spencer Finance Corp., Arne Blystad and Spencer Energy AS was
Haakon VII gt. 1, 0161 Oslo, Norway. |
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(4) |
|
Includes shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options that may be
exercised within 60 days of April 20, 2007 as follows: Mr. Siem 8,000; Mr. Kaffie
83,571; Mr. Chadwick 3,000; Mr. Jacobson 33,938; Mr. Starks 1,000 and all
directors and executive officers as a group 129,509. |
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
17
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company owns 0.07% of the common stock of Drillmar, Inc. (Drillmar) and 0.02% of Drillmar
Energy, Inc. (Drillmar Energy). The Companys Chairman, Ivar Siem, and one of its directors,
Harris A. Kaffie, beneficially own 26.6%, and 22.1%, respectively, of Drillmars common stock and
34.5% and 10.1%, respectively, of Drillmar Energys common stock. Messrs. Siem and Kaffie are
both directors of Drillmar and Drillmar Energy and Mr. Siem is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President of Drillmar and Drillmar Energy.
On March 31, 2006, the Company purchased 334 shares of common stock in Drillmar Energy for $334 in
a private placement offering by Drillmar to its shareholders on a proportionate basis to their
current ownership percentage in Drillmar. This investment represented 0.07% of the total offering,
which is approximately equal to the Companys current ownership in Drillmar.
On May 25, 2006, the Company purchased 2 shares of common stock in Drillmar for $563 in a private
placement offering by Drillmar to its shareholders on a proportionate basis to their current
ownership percentage in Drillmar. This investment represented 0.07% of the total offering.
On September 25, 2006, the Company participated in an issuance of callable notes by Drillmar in
proportion to our 0.07% interest in Drillmar. We were issued a note in the amount of $280. The
note is callable by Drillmar at any time on or after three months from the date of issuance and
accrues interest at 3% per annum, which is due and payable at maturity. The note matures on
January 1, 2009.
The Company entered into an agreement with Drillmar effective February 1, 2003, whereby the Company
provided and charged for office space. This agreement terminated December 31, 2006. We also
provided professional, accounting and administrative services to Drillmar at hourly rates based
upon our cost. Since our implementation of staff reductions in mid 2004, no such services have
been provided.
In 2002, the Company recorded a full impairment of its investment in Drillmar and a full reserve
for the accounts receivable amount owed to the Company from Drillmar of approximately $200,000 due
to Drillmars working capital deficiency and delays in securing capital funding. During 2004, the
Company collected $165,000 of the accounts receivable from Drillmar and collected the remaining
balance of approximately $45,000 in 2005.
In January 2003, Drillmar stockholders approved a restructuring plan whereby Drillmar was able to
issue up to $3.0 million of convertible notes that will convert into common stock representing over
99% of Drillmars outstanding shares. In November 2003, the Company converted a contingent
obligation due from Drillmar for providing office space, accounting and administrative services
from May 2002 through January 2003 totaling $162,000 (9 months at $18,000 per month) into a
convertible note. In December 2005, we collected $178,555 from Drillmar for this convertible note,
including interest at 6% per annum.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Companys directors,
executive officers, and stockholders who own more than 10% of our Common Stock, to file reports of
stock ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and to furnish us with copies of all such
reports as filed. Based solely on a review of the copies of the Section 16(a) reports furnished to
us, the Company believes that during 2006, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its
directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders were complied with, except for one
late Form 4 for Mr. Chadwick related to a sale of 6,033 shares of Common Stock on August 28, 2006.
18
NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS BY STOCKHOLDERS
FOR THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING
The Company has tentatively set the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for May 15, 2008.
Accordingly, stockholders should submit nominations and proposals in accordance with the guidance
set forth below.
Nominations for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
The Companys Certificate of Incorporation provides that no person shall be eligible for nomination
and election as a director unless written notice of such nomination is received from a stockholder
of record by the Secretary of the Company 90 days before the anniversary date of the previous
years annual meeting. Further, such written notice is to be accompanied by the written consent of
the nominee to serve, the name, age, business and residence addresses, and principal occupation of
the nominee, the number of shares beneficially owned by the nominee, and any other information
which would be required to be furnished by law with respect to any nominee for election to the
Board of Directors. Stockholders who desire to nominate persons to serve on the Board of Directors
at the 2008 Annual Meeting must submit nominations to the Company, at its principal executive
office, so that such notice is received by the Company no later than March 1, 2008. In order to
avoid controversy as to the date on which any such nomination is received by the Company, it is
suggested that stockholders submit their nominations, if any, by certified mail, return receipt
requested.
Proposals for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Stockholders who desire to present proposals, other than notices of nomination for the election of
directors, to stockholders of the Company at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and to have
such proposals included in the Companys proxy materials, must submit their proposals to the
Company, at its principal executive office, by December 27, 2007. In order to avoid controversy as
to the date on which any such proposal is received by the Company, it is suggested that
stockholders submit their proposals, if any, by certified mail, return receipt requested.
Moreover, any stockholder who intends to submit a proposal for consideration at the Companys 2008
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but not for inclusion in the Companys proxy materials, must notify
the Company. Pursuant to the rules of the SEC, such notice must: (i) be received at the Companys
executive offices no later than March 12, 2008 and (ii) satisfy the rules of the SEC.
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
UHY has been engaged by the Companys Board of Directors as its independent registered public
accounting firm since 2002. The Company expects that they will continue to serve as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm. Through May 17, 2007, UHY has had a continuing
relationship with UHY Advisors, Inc. from which it leases auditing staff who are full time,
permanent employees of UHY Advisors, Inc. and through which UHYs partners provide non-audit
services. UHY has only a few full time employees. Therefore, few, if any, of the audit services
performed were provided by permanent full time employees of UHY. UHY manages and supervises the
audit services and audit staff, and is exclusively responsible for the opinion rendered in
connection with its examination. Representatives of UHY are expected to be present at the Annual
Meeting, with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and to respond to
appropriate questions.
19
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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/s/ Gregory W. Starks
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GREGORY W. STARKS, |
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Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary |
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Houston, Texas
April 26, 2007
20
Appendix A
SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
2000 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the Company) hereby amends the Blue Dolphin Energy Company
2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2000 Plan) as follows, effective April 5, 2007.
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1. |
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The first paragraph of Section 1.4 is amended to read as follows in its
entirety: |
Subject to adjustment under Section 6.5, there shall be available for
Incentive Awards under the Plan that are granted wholly or partly in Common Stock
(including rights or Stock Options that may be exercised for or settled in Common Stock)
One Million Two Hundred Thousand (1,200,000) Shares of Common Stock. One Million Two
Hundred Thousand (1,200,000) of the Shares reserved under the Plan shall be available for
grants of Incentive Stock Options. The number of Shares of Common Stock that are the
subject of Incentive Awards under this Plan, that are forfeited or terminated, expire
unexercised, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock or in a manner such that all or
some of the Shares covered by an Incentive Award are not issued to a Grantee or are
exchanged for Incentive Awards that do not involve Common Stock, shall again immediately
become available for Incentive Awards hereunder. The Committee may from time to time adopt
and observe such procedures concerning the counting of Shares against the Plan maximum as
it may deem appropriate.
The following officer of the Company has caused this amendment to be executed effective as of
April 5, 2007, subject to shareholder approval.
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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A-1
IF YOU RETURN YOUR PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXY, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE YOUR SHARES AS
YOU DIRECT. IF YOU DO NOT SPECIFY ON YOUR PROXY HOW YOU WANT TO VOTE YOUR SHARES,
THE PROXIES WILL VOTE THEM FOR ALL DIRECTOR NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1, FOR PROPOSAL
2, AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME
BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
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DATED: |
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Signature |
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(Signature if held jointly) |
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Please sign EXACTLY as your name appears
hereon. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give your full title as such. If more than
one trustee, all should sign. If shares are
held jointly, both owners must sign. |
BLUE
DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS MAY 30, 2007
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
and the Proxy Statement, revokes all previous proxies and appoints Michael J. Jacobson and
Gregory W. Starks, and each of them, the proxy of the undersigned, with full power of
substitution to vote all shares of common stock of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the
Company) that the undersigned is entitled to vote, either on his or her own behalf or on
behalf of any entity or entities, at the Annual Meeting to be held at The Downtown Club at
Houston Center, 1100 Caroline Street, First City Tower Garage, Level C / 11th Floor in the
Metropolitan Room on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. local time, and at any
adjournment or postponement thereof, with the same force and effect as the undersigned might
or could do if personally present thereat.
MARK VOTES IN BLUE OR BLACK INK ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED
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For
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Withhold
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For All
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PLEASE CHECK BOX IF YOU PLAN |
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1. To Elect Directors |
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Except |
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TO ATTEND THE MEETING o |
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Director Nominees: |
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Laurence N. Benz, John N. Goodpasture, Harris A. Kaffie, Erik Ostbye and Ivar Siem |
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INSTRUCTION: |
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To withhold authority to vote for fewer than all of the nominees, mark
For All Except and write that nominees name in the space provided
here: |
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2. To amend the Companys 2000 Stock Incentive Plan |
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For Against Abstain |
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o o o |
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3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting and regardless of the number of shares you
own, please date, sign and return this proxy card in the enclosed envelope (which requires no
postage if mailed in the United States). The shares represented by this proxy shall be
voted in the manner set forth on the reverse side.