-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VW+xtL8WApBk7SPX9t9+DId30F6JLUyTCrLSc5FhFEqPkwLgwv+xdaCO8/QXZGAu yQ/UE/20NIGxx2UtL4AL9g== 0000950124-00-001475.txt : 20000324 0000950124-00-001475.hdr.sgml : 20000324 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950124-00-001475 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20000426 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000323 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000007789 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022] IRS NUMBER: 391098068 STATE OF INCORPORATION: WI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-05519 FILM NUMBER: 576321 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 112 NORTH ADAMS ST STREET 2: P O BOX 13307 CITY: GREEN BAY STATE: WI ZIP: 54301 BUSINESS PHONE: 4144333166 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 112 NORTH ADAMS STREET STREET 2: P O BOX 13307 CITY: GREEN BAY STATE: WI ZIP: 54307-3307 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ASSOCIATED BANK SERVICES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19770626 DEF 14A 1 DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT 1 SCHEDULE 14A (RULE 14A-101) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. ) Filed by the registrant [X] Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary proxy statement. [ ] Confidential, for use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2). [X] Definitive proxy statement. [ ] Definitive additional materials. [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12. Associated Banc-Corp - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant) Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box): [X] No fee required. [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (5) Total fee paid: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Filing Party: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Date Filed: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 [ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP LOGO] NOTICE OF 2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS PROXY STATEMENT 1999 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT 3 [ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP LOGO] March 23, 2000 To Our Shareholders: You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Associated Banc-Corp scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2000, at The Walter Theatre, St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wisconsin. The matters expected to be acted upon at the meeting are described in detail in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement. Your Board of Directors and management look forward to personally greeting those shareholders who are able to attend. Please be sure to sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the meeting so that your shares will be voted. In the alternative, you may vote your shares by telephone or via the Internet. Instructions are included with the proxy card. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, even if you previously have returned your proxy card or voted by telephone or on the Internet. The Board of Directors joins me in hoping that you will attend. Sincerely, /s/ H.B. Conlon H. B. Conlon Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 4 ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP 1200 Hansen Road Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304 ------------------------ NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS APRIL 26, 2000 Holders of Common Stock of Associated Banc-Corp: The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Associated Banc-Corp will be held at The Walter Theatre, St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, April 26, 2000, at 11:00 a.m. for the purpose of considering and voting on: 1. The election of four directors. Management's nominees are named in the accompanying Proxy Statement. 2. The ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as independent auditors for Associated for the year ending December 31, 2000. 3. Such other business as may properly come before the meeting and all adjournments thereof. The Board of Directors has fixed March 1, 2000, as the record date for determining the shareholders of Associated entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, and only holders of Common Stock of Associated of record at the close of business on such date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting and all adjournments. /s/ Brian R. Bodager Brian R. Bodager Chief Administrative Officer General Counsel & Corporate Secretary Green Bay, Wisconsin March 23, 2000 YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT YOU ARE URGED TO DATE, SIGN, AND PROMPTLY RETURN YOUR PROXY SO THAT YOUR SHARES MAY BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR WISHES AND IN ORDER THAT THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM MAY BE ASSURED. THE PROMPT RETURN OF YOUR SIGNED PROXY, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU HOLD, WILL AID ASSOCIATED IN REDUCING THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL PROXY SOLICITATION. THE GIVING OF SUCH PROXY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON IN THE EVENT YOU ATTEND THE MEETING. 5 ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP 1200 Hansen Road Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304 ------------------------ PROXY STATEMENT ANNUAL MEETING--APRIL 26, 2000 INFORMATION REGARDING PROXIES This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Associated Banc-Corp, hereinafter called "Associated," to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, April 26, 2000, and at any and all adjournments thereof. Solicitation of proxies by mail is expected to commence on March 23, 2000, and the cost thereof will be borne by Associated. In addition to such solicitation by mail, some of the directors, officers, and regular employees of Associated may, without extra compensation, solicit proxies by telephone or personal interview. Arrangements will be made with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees, and other fiduciaries to send proxy materials to their principals, and they will be reimbursed by Associated for postage and clerical expense. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by three (3) judges of election who are Directors and will determine whether or not a quorum is present. The judges of election will treat abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but as unvoted for purposes of determining the approval of any matter submitted to shareholders for a vote. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter, those shares will not be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to that matter. Shareholders are urged to sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it as promptly as possible in the envelope enclosed for that purpose. Shareholders of record can also give proxies by calling a toll-free telephone number or using the Internet. The telephone and Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate Associated's shareholders' identities, to allow Associated's shareholders to give their voting instructions, and to confirm that Associated's shareholders' instructions have been recorded properly. Associated has been advised by counsel that the procedures that have been put in place for telephone and Internet voting are consistent with the requirements of applicable law. Shareholders who wish to vote over the Internet should be aware that there may be costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies, and that there may be some risk a shareholder's vote might not be properly recorded or counted because of an unanticipated electronic malfunction. Any Associated shareholder of record desiring to vote by telephone or over the Internet will be required to enter the unique control number imprinted on such holder's Associated proxy card, and therefore should have the proxy card in hand when initiating the session. - -- To vote by telephone, dial 1-877-PRX-VOTE (1-877-779-8683) on a touch tone telephone, and follow the simple menu instructions provided. There is no charge for this call. - -- To vote over the Internet, log on to the website http://www.eproxyvote.com/ASBC follow the simple instructions provided. Similar instructions are included on the enclosed proxy card. Proxies may be revoked at any time prior to the exercise thereof by filing with the Secretary of Associated a written revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. 1 6 Shares as to which proxies have been executed will be voted as specified in the proxies. If no specification is made, the shares will be voted "FOR" the election of management's nominees as directors and "FOR" the other proposals listed. The Corporate Secretary of Associated is Brian R. Bodager, 1200 Hansen Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304. RECORD DATE AND VOTING SECURITIES The Board has fixed the close of business on March 1, 2000, as the record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. The securities of Associated entitled to be voted at the meeting consist of shares of its Common Stock, $0.01 par value ("Common Stock") of which 63,164,218 shares were issued and outstanding at the close of business on the Record Date. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters. No other class of securities will be entitled to vote at the meeting. There are no cumulative voting rights. Unless otherwise directed, all proxies will be voted FOR the election of each of the individuals nominated to serve as a Class B Director. The four nominees receiving the largest number of affirmative votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected as directors. CORPORATE ANNUAL REPORT The 1999 Corporate Report of Associated, which includes unaudited historical consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, and per share and selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 1989 through 1999, has been mailed concurrently with this proxy statement to shareholders as of the Record Date. The 1999 Corporate Report and the 1999 Form 10-K Annual Report do not constitute a part of the proxy material. PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Board has the responsibility for establishing broad corporate policies and for the overall performance of Associated, although it is not involved in day-to-day operating details. Members of the Board are kept informed of Associated's business by various reports and documents sent to them on a regular basis, including operating and financial reports made at Board and committee meetings by the Chairman and other officers. Pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation of Associated, the Board is classified into three classes, as nearly equal in size as possible, with each class of directors serving staggered three-year terms, designated as Class A, Class B, and Class C. Three directors in Class B, Messrs. Conlon, Harder, and Quick, all of whom are members of the present Board, are nominated for election at the Annual Meeting. The Class B directors will be elected to a term of three years to expire in April 2003. Messrs. Staven and Wanta informed the Board of Directors of their intention not to seek re-election to the Board of Directors. In order to maintain equity in the size of the classes, one director in Class C, Mr. Sproule, has agreed to move to Class B and has been nominated for election at the Annual Meeting. Associated's Bylaws require that a director retire as of the first Annual Meeting subsequent to the director's 65th birthday. Four directors are over age 65. Associated's Bylaws provide, however, that a retiring director's term may be extended for one-year terms by a two-thirds vote of the Board in circumstances which would be of significant benefit to Associated. At its January 26, 2000, Board meeting, Associated's Board voted unanimously to waive the age limitation for Messrs. Gaiswinkler, Konopacky, Leach, and Sproule. The remaining directors will continue to serve until their terms have 2 7 expired or until their successors have been elected. On January 28, 1998, the four directors who are over age 65 executed letter agreements wherein each agreed to tender their resignation should the Board in subsequent years not waive their age limitation and extend their term of service pursuant to Associated's Bylaws. The nominees have consented to serve, if elected, and at the date of this Proxy Statement, Associated has no reason to believe that any of the named nominees will be unable to act. Correspondence may be directed to nominees at Associated's executive offices. Unless otherwise directed, the persons named as proxies intend to vote in favor of the election of the nominees. The information presented below as to principal occupation and shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of February 29, 2000, is based in part on information received from the respective persons and in part from the records of Associated. NOMINEES FOR ELECTION TO AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES FOR CLASS B, THREE-YEAR TERM EXPIRING APRIL 2003 HARRY B. CONLON has been a director of Associated since 1975. He has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Associated since 1998. He was Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Associated from 1987 to 1998 and was President and Chief Executive Officer from 1975 to 1987. Age: 64. RONALD R. HARDER has been a director of Associated since July 1991. He has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Neenah, Wisconsin, since 1982 and has been an officer since 1973. Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company is a mutual insurance company providing insurance coverage nationwide for jewelers in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, as well as personal jewelry insurance coverage for individuals owning jewelry. He is also a director of Associated Bank, N.A., Neenah, an affiliate of Associated. Age: 56. J. DOUGLAS QUICK has been a director of Associated since July 1991. He has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeside Foods, Inc., Manitowoc, Wisconsin, since 1986. Lakeside Foods, Inc. is a food processor of primarily canned and frozen vegetables. He has been a director of Associated Bank Lakeshore, National Association, an affiliate of Associated, since 1986. Age: 54. JOHN H. SPROULE has been a director of Associated since October 1997. He has been retired from Envirex, Inc., a Rexnord Company, since May 1, 1987, after more than 34 years of service to Rexnord. He was President of Envirex, Inc., Waukesha, Wisconsin, a manufacturer of equipment for treatment of waste and waste water, from 1983 through October 1986. From 1978 until September 1983, he was Executive Vice President and General Manager of Envirex, Inc. From 1977 to 1997 he served on the Board of Directors of First Financial Corporation, a thrift holding company that merged with Associated in 1997. Age: 72. DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE CLASS A DIRECTORS WITH TERMS EXPIRING APRIL 2002 JOHN S. HOLBROOK, JR. has been a director of Associated since May 1992. He is a partner in the Madison, Wisconsin, office of the Quarles & Brady law firm in which he has practiced since 1964. Quarles & Brady has performed legal services for Associated and its respective subsidiaries. From 1990 to 1992, he was a director of F&M Financial Services Corporation, a bank holding company acquired by Associated in 1992. Age: 60. WILLIAM R. HUTCHINSON has been a director of Associated since April 1994. He has been Group Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions, of BP Amoco p.l.c. since January 1999. Previously, he was Vice 3 8 President, Financial Operations, of Amoco Corporation, Chicago, Illinois, since October 1993, and has held the positions of Treasurer, Controller, and Vice President-Mergers, Acquisitions & Negotiations with Amoco Corporation since 1981. He has been a director of Associated Bank Chicago, an affiliate of Associated, since 1981. Mr. Hutchinson also serves as a director of the Smith Barney Mutual Fund Group. Age: 57. DR. GEORGE R. LEACH has been a director of Associated since October 1997. He is presently retired. Before retirement in 1993, he practiced as an optometrist in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, since 1949. He is a Fellow Emeritus of the American Academy of Optometry and a past President of the Wisconsin Optometric Association. From 1965 to 1997 he served on the Board of Directors of First Financial Corporation, a thrift holding company that merged with Associated in 1997. Age: 76. JOHN C. SERAMUR has been a director of Associated since October 1997. He is presently retired. Since October 1997, he has served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Associated. He was President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer of First Financial Corporation, a thrift holding company that merged with Associated in 1997, and its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, since 1966. He served as a director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, is a former member of the Savings Association Insurance Fund Industry Advisory Committee, and is past Chairman of the Wisconsin League of Financial Institutions. Mr. Seramur also serves as a director of Northland Cranberries, Inc. Age: 57. CLASS C DIRECTORS WITH TERMS EXPIRING APRIL 2001 ROBERT S. GAISWINKLER has been a director of Associated since October 1997. He served as Chairman of the Board of First Financial Bank from 1988 to 1998. From 1977 to 1997 he served on the Board of Directors of First Financial Corporation, a thrift holding company that merged with Associated in 1997. From 1977 through March 1988, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of National Savings & Loan Association, which merged into First Financial Bank at such time. He is past Chairman of America's Community Bankers and former member of the Advisory Committees of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and Federal National Mortgage Association. He is also a past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Channels 10/36 Friends, Inc., a citizens group supporting public broadcasting. Mr. Gaiswinkler also served as a member of the State of Wisconsin Savings and Loan Review Board. Age: 68. ROBERT C. GALLAGHER has been a director of Associated since January 1982. He has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Associated since October 1998. He served as Vice Chairman of Associated from July 1996 to April 1999 and as Executive Vice President from January 1982 to April 1999. He had served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Associated Bank Green Bay, National Association, an affiliate of Associated, from 1985 to 1998, as President since 1982, and a director since October 1980. Mr. Gallagher also serves as a director of WPS Resources Corporation. Age: 61. ROBERT P. KONOPACKY has been a director of Associated since October 1997. He is the retired President of Mid-State Photo, Inc., which was merged into a subsidiary of Fuqua Industries. Mr. Konopacky was President of Mid-State Distributors, a wholesale beverage distributor in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, from 1974 through 1987. From 1978 to 1997 he served on the Board of Directors of First Financial Corporation, a thrift holding company that merged with Associated in 1997. Age: 76. JOHN C. MENG has been a director of Associated since January 1991 and has been a director of Associated Bank Green Bay, National Association, an affiliate of Associated, since January 1988. He has been Chairman of the Board of Schreiber Foods, Inc., Green Bay, Wisconsin, since October 1999. Schreiber Foods, Inc. markets cheese products to the food service industry and national retailers. He was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer from May 1999 to October 1999. He had served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Schreiber Foods, Inc. from December 1989 to May 1999. Prior to 1989, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Schreiber Foods, Inc. Age: 55. 4 9 BOARD COMMITTEES AND MEETING ATTENDANCE The Board held four regular meetings during 1999. The directors attended 98.5% of the total number of meetings of the Board and its committees of which they were members. The Audit Committee, composed of Messrs. Harder (Chairman), Hutchinson, Konopacky, Leach, Staven, and Wanta, all of whom are outside directors, held four meetings during 1999. The Audit Committee reviews the adequacy of internal accounting controls, reviews with the independent auditors their plan and results of the audit engagement, reviews the scope and results of procedures for internal auditing, and reviews and approves the general nature of audit services by the independent auditors. The Audit Committee recommends to the Board the appointment of the independent auditors, subject to ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting, to serve as Associated's auditors for the following year. Both the internal auditors and the independent auditors meet periodically with the Audit Committee and have free access to the Audit Committee at any time. The Administrative Committee, composed of Messrs. Quick (Chairman), Gaiswinkler, Holbrook, and Sproule, all of whom are outside directors, held five meetings in 1999. The Administrative Committee's functions include, among other duties directed by the Board, administering Associated's stock option plans (and granting options) and employee fringe benefit programs, reviewing and approving Associated's executive salary and bonus structure, selecting candidates to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors, reviewing the structure and composition of the Board, and considering qualification requisites for continued Board service. The Administrative Committee will also consider candidates recommended in writing by shareholders, if those candidates demonstrate a serious interest in serving as directors. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Associated compensates each nonemployee director for services by payment of an annual retainer and meeting fee. For the year ended December 31, 1999, the annual retainer was $18,000 and the meeting fee was $1,000 for each Board meeting attended. The directors received $750 for each committee meeting attended, with an additional $250 to the committee chairman for each committee meeting attended. Directors who are employees of Associated or its affiliates do not receive separate compensation for their services as directors. Additionally, each nonemployee director was granted 1,500 stock options during 1999. STOCK OWNERSHIP SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS As of February 29, 2000, Associated Trust Company, National Association, a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated Banc-Corp, was, in a fiduciary capacity, the beneficial owner of 5,310,188 shares of Common Stock, constituting 8.41% of Associated's outstanding shares entitled to vote. Such ownership is in the capacity of fiduciary with voting and/or investment power. As a result thereof, Associated may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own such shares. No other person is known to Associated to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. The information set forth below is reflective of the foregoing.
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT TITLE OF OWNERSHIP OF NAME AND ADDRESS CLASS (1)(2)(3) CLASS ---------------- -------- ----------------- ------- Associated Trust Company, N.A. Common 5,310,188 8.41% 401 East Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
- ------------------------------ (1) Shares are deemed to be "beneficially owned" by a person if such person, directly or indirectly, has or shares (i) the voting power thereof, including the power to vote or to direct the voting of such 5 10 shares, or (ii) the investment power with respect thereto, including the power to dispose or direct the disposition of such shares. In addition, a person is deemed to beneficially own any shares which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of within 60 days. (2) In the capacity of fiduciary, Associated Trust Company, National Association, exercises voting power where authority has been granted. In other instances, Associated Trust Company, National Association, solicits voting preferences from the beneficiaries. In the event responses are not received as to voting preferences, the shares will not be voted in favor of or against the proposals. (3) In the capacity of fiduciary, included are 675,136 shares with sole voting power; 31,177 with shared voting power; 4,984,203 with sole investment power; and 325,985 with shared investment power. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT Listed below is information as of February 29, 2000, concerning beneficial ownership of Common Stock of Associated for each director and Named Executive Officer, and by directors and executive officers as a group.
AMOUNT OF TITLE OF CLASS NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS - -------------- ------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------- Common David E. Cleveland(1) 807,003 1.28% Common Harry B. Conlon 357,733 * Common Robert S. Gaiswinkler 139,985 * Common Robert C. Gallagher 297,039 * Common Ronald R. Harder 3,920 * Common John S. Holbrook, Jr. 16,473 * Common William R. Hutchinson 6,167 * Common Robert P. Konopacky 62,656 * Common George R. Leach 57,230 * Common John C. Meng 12,995 * Common Randall J. Peterson(1) 109,890 * Common J. Douglas Quick 16,057 * Common John C. Seramur 405,110 * Common John H. Sproule 78,433 * Common Ralph R. Staven 198,536 * Common Norman L. Wanta 80,535 * Common Gordon J. Weber(1) 151,183 * Common Directors and Executive Officers(2) 2,972,328 4.71%
- ------------------------------ * Denotes percentage is less than 1%. (1) Named Executive Officer, non-director. (2) Includes directors and executive officers as a group (34 individuals). Share ownership includes shares issuable within 60 days upon exercise of stock options owned by certain officers. All shares reported herein are owned with voting and investment power in those persons whose names are provided herein or by their spouses. Some shares may be owned in joint tenancy, by a spouse, or in the names of minor children. 6 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table sets forth information concerning all cash compensation paid or accrued for services rendered in all capacities to Associated and affiliates for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, of those persons who were, at December 31, 1999, the Chief Executive Officer of Associated and the other four most highly compensated executive officers of Associated or its affiliates (the "Named Executive Officers"). SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1) AWARDS ------------------------- ------------ SECURITIES UNDERLYING ALL OTHER OPTIONS/SARS COMPENSATION NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION(2) YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) (#)(3) ($)(4) ------------------------------ ---- --------- -------- ------------ ------------ Harry B. Conlon 1999 $600,000 $330,000 68,767 $64,499(5) Chairman & CEO, 1998 $570,000 $307,800 50,000 $83,683 Associated 1997 $407,692 $225,000 15,000 $73,351 Robert C. Gallagher 1999 $374,998 $165,000 37,456 $36,076(6) President & COO, 1998 $348,848 $175,000 25,000 $49,982 Associated 1997 $325,385 $160,000 12,000 $52,634 Randall J. Peterson 1999 $244,423 $118,336 15,599 $17,667(7) Chief Credit Officer, Associated; 1998 $229,231 $ 98,325 12,500 $20,945 President & CEO, ABGB 1997 $213,654 $ 78,750 10,500 $18,704 Gordon J. Weber 1999 $264,214 $ 89,037 15,731 $16,992(8) CEO, 1998 $245,000 $103,000 12,500 $23,226 Associated Bank Milwaukee 1997 $234,423 $ 88,000 8,400 $26,351 David E. Cleveland 1999 $285,417 $ 61,000 -- $21,743(9) President, 1998 $284,000 $ 35,500 -- $13,852 Riverside Bank 1997 $252,000 $ 35,000 -- $12,899
- ------------------------------ (1) Includes amounts earned and payable during the fiscal year whether or not receipt of such amounts were deferred at the election of the Named Executive Officer. All Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in the Associated Deferred Compensation Plan. During 1999, none of the Named Executive Officers participated in this plan. See "Agreements and Reports." (2) Included in the table are certain executive officers of affiliates of Associated who perform policymaking functions for Associated. Associated Bank Green Bay, National Association ("ABGB"), is a subsidiary bank of Associated headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Associated Bank Milwaukee is a subsidiary bank of Associated headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Riverside Bank is a subsidiary of Associated headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (3) Option grants reflect a 20% stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in 1997 and a 25% stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in 1998. (4) Contributions to the Associated Banc-Corp Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Plan (including the 401(k) Plan) (the "Retirement Plan") were made to the accounts of the Named Executive Officers. Contributions to the Associated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP"), which provides retirement benefits to executives selected by the Administrative Committee without regard to the limitations set forth in Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended 7 12 (the "Code"), were made to the accounts of four of the Named Executive Officers. Contributions calculated as 10% of the amount of stock purchased made to Associated's Employee Stock Purchase Plan were made to the accounts of two of the Named Executive Officers. Life insurance premiums were paid by Associated for Named Executive Officers. (5) Includes Retirement Plan contribution of $3,600, SERP contribution of $48,400, Employee Stock Purchase Plan contribution of $600, and life insurance premiums of $11,899. (6) Includes Retirement Plan contribution of $3,600, SERP contribution of $23,837, and life insurance premiums of $8,639. (7) Includes Retirement Plan contribution of $3,600, SERP contribution of $12,037, Employee Stock Purchase Plan contribution of $260, and life insurance premiums of $1,770. (8) Includes Retirement Plan contribution of $3,600, SERP contribution of $12,007, and life insurance premiums of $1,385. (9) Includes Profit Sharing Plan contribution of $9,600 and SERP contribution of $12,143. STOCK OPTIONS The table below provides information concerning stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers during 1999. OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION INDIVIDUAL GRANTS FOR OPTION TERM - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL SECURITIES OPTIONS/SARS UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR OPTIONS/SARS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION NAME GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($) ---- ------------ ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------- ------------- H. B. Conlon 65,000 5.04% $30.3125 1-27-09 $1,239,118.94 $3,140,170.69 3,767 .29% $39.5000 7-28-09 $ 93,577.32 $ 237,143.30 R. C. Gallagher 35,000 2.72% $30.3125 1-27-09 $ 667,217.89 $1,690,861.14 2,456 .19% $39.5000 7-28-09 $ 61,010.33 $ 154,612.14 R. J. Peterson 14,000 1.09% $30.3125 1-27-09 $ 266,887.16 $ 676,344.46 1,599 .12% $39.5000 7-28-09 $ 39,721.30 $ 100,661.57 G. J. Weber 14,000 1.09% $30.3125 1-27-09 $ 266,887.16 $ 676,344.46 1,731 .13% $39.5000 7-28-09 $ 43,000.36 $ 108,971.34 D. E. Cleveland -- -- -- -- -- --
8 13 OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR-END HOLDINGS The following table provides information concerning the stock option exercises in 1999 and the unexercised stock options held by each Named Executive Officer as of December 31, 1999. AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES (1)
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SARS SHARES OPTIONS/SARS AT FY-END(#)(2) AT FY-END($)(3) ACQUIRED ON VALUE ------------------------------ --------------------------------- NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($)(4) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE ---- ----------- -------------- ----------- ------------- ----------------- ------------- H. B. Conlon 4,063.125 90,794.18 106,823.125 108,349.500 1,231,405.62 293,958.75 R. C. Gallagher 9,000.000 149,800.60 81,333.750 59,122.250 995,829.01 168,229.50 R. J. Peterson 1,000.000 30,104.90 73,917.500 27,431.500 1,146,709.64 76,416.89 G. J. Weber -- -- 86,168.000 27,563.000 1,395,772.47 76,413.85 D. E. Cleveland -- -- -- -- -- --
- ------------------------------ (1) The exercise price for each grant was 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. All granted options are exercisable within ten years from the date of grant. Within this period, each option is exercisable from time to time in whole or in part. (2) Pursuant to the current provisions of the Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan (the "Stock Plan"), all Options and other awards under the Stock Plan shall immediately vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control of Associated. Such vesting of Options shall result in all Options and corresponding SARs becoming immediately exercisable and all Performance Shares and other awards being immediately payable. The definition of Change of Control is substantially the same as under the Associated Change of Control Plan. See "Agreements and Reports." (3) Total value of unexercised options based on the market price of Associated stock as reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market on December 31, 1999, of $34.25 per share. (4) Market price at date of exercise of options, less option exercise price, times number of shares, equals value realized. 9 14 EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLANS The following table sets forth, with respect to the Associated Retirement Account Plan (the "Account Plan") and the SERP, the estimated annual retirement benefit payable at age 65 as a straight-life annuity, based on specified earnings and service levels and a benefit indexing rate of 5%:
AVERAGE TOTAL ANNUAL BENEFIT AFTER SPECIFIED YEARS IN PLAN(2) ANNUAL --------------------------------------------------------- COMPENSATION(1) 20 25 30 35 40 45 - --------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 350,000 69,440 100,240 139,510 189,665 253,680 335,370 400,000 79,360 114,560 159,440 216,760 289,920 383,280 450,000 89,280 128,880 179,370 243,855 326,160 431,190 500,000 99,200 143,200 199,300 270,950 362,400 479,100 550,000 109,120 157,520 219,230 298,045 398,640 527,010 600,000 119,040 171,840 239,160 325,140 434,880 574,920 650,000 128,960 186,160 259,090 352,235 471,120 622,830 700,000 138,880 200,480 279,020 379,330 507,360 670,740 750,000 148,800 214,800 298,950 406,425 543,600 718,650 800,000 158,720 229,120 318,880 433,520 579,840 766,560 850,000 168,640 243,440 338,810 460,615 616,080 814,470 900,000 178,560 257,760 358,740 487,710 652,320 862,380 950,000 188,480 272,080 378,670 514,805 688,560 910,290
- ------------------------------ (1) Reflects amounts disclosed as salary and bonus for each of the Named Executive Officers. (2) The retirement benefits shown above are not subject to any deductions for social security or other offsetting amounts, and the annual retirement benefits are subject to certain maximum limitations under the Code (such limitation was $130,000 for 1999). The following table sets forth, with respect to the Account Plan the SERP for Named Executive Officers, the credited years of service to date and at age 65:
CREDITED YEARS OF CREDITED YEARS OF SERVICE TO DATE SERVICE AT AGE 65 ----------------- ----------------- H. B. Conlon 35 35 R. C. Gallagher 19 22 R. J. Peterson 17 28 G. J. Weber 28 41 D. E. Cleveland 26 26*
- ------------------------------ * Reflects years of service beyond age 65. 10 15 REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION THE COMMITTEE. The Administrative Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") supervises Associated's executive compensation policies and programs. It establishes the base salary and incentive compensation of the chief executive officer and approves base salaries and bonuses of 20 other executive officers. The Committee must have three or more members, and no member may be an employee of Associated or any affiliate. The Committee currently has four members. COMPENSATION POLICY. Associated's policy is to have base salaries for executive officers that generally are near the median level for employees having comparable responsibility for financial institutions of comparable size. Annual bonuses are closely related to corporate-wide and business unit financial performance goals and individual goals, which, if achieved, will be reflected in superior operating results. The financial goals emphasize earnings per share, return on equity, return on assets, loan quality, and expense control. Specific goals are set on an individual basis for each executive officer to reflect differences in responsibilities and other relevant factors. When superior operating results are attained, Associated's policy permits total compensation to exceed median levels for institutions of comparable size. Long-term incentives are provided through stock-based awards which directly relate a portion of the executive officers' long-term remuneration to stock price appreciation realized by Associated's shareholders. The goal of this compensation policy is to provide competitive remuneration to attract and retain high quality executives and appropriate incentives for those employees to enhance shareholder value while avoiding arrangements that could result in expense that is not justified by performance. As long as this basic goal is being achieved, the Committee relies to a great extent on the subjective judgment of the chief executive officer in establishing salary, bonus, and long-term incentive compensation. INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT. To assist it in supervising the compensation policy, the Committee relies upon an independent outside consultant who provides data at least once every two years regarding compensation practices of financial institutions. The independent outside consultant prepared and presented a report to the Committee at its December 1998 meeting. Competitive compensation levels considered by the Committee are based upon the results of several compensation surveys and the analysis of the consultant as to appropriate adjustments to make meaningful comparisons to the compensation of Associated's executive officers. The surveys used by the consultant cover a larger number and greater variety of institutions than are included in the Nasdaq Bank Index referred to under the heading "Shareholder Return Performance Presentation -- Stock Price Performance Graph." Adjustments made by the consultant to the survey data account for differences in corporate size, business lines, and geographic markets. BASE SALARIES. Salaries paid to executive officers (other than the chief executive officer) are based upon the chief executive officer's subjective assessment of the nature of the position and the contribution and experience of the executive officer. In 1999, base salaries for executive officers as a group were near the median of competitive levels identified by the consultant. The chief executive officer reviews all salary recommendations with the Committee. The Committee is responsible for approving or disapproving those recommendations based upon Associated's compensation policy. ANNUAL BONUSES. Annual bonuses are awarded to executive officers at the discretion of the Committee at the end of each year. The amount of bonus, if any, for each executive officer (other than the chief executive officer) is recommended to the Committee by the chief executive officer based upon an evaluation by the chief executive officer of the achievement of the corporate-wide, business unit, and personal performance goals established for each officer by the chief executive officer at the beginning of the year and, where appropriate, modified during the year to reflect changed conditions. Corporate performance goals and business unit goals such as earnings growth, return on assets, and return on equity are considered. In 1999, the Committee did not disapprove of any bonuses recommended to it by the 11 16 chief executive officer because the foregoing goals, including earnings growth, were met. Earnings growth is a required threshold for bonuses. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SALARY AND BONUS. The 1999 base salary for the chief executive officer was established at a level that the Committee believed would approximate a median level based upon the analysis of competitive data by the Committee's consultant. The chief executive officer's bonus for 1999 was established based upon the Committee's overall evaluation of the chief executive officer's performance, including the achievement of corporate financial performance goals and individual goals that were established during the year. The financial goals required increased earnings per share and also included achievement of designated levels of return on assets, return on equity, and loan quality statistics. An earnings per share threshold was established early in the year. This threshold was required to have been met in order for the chief executive officer to have received a bonus. Achievement of other corporate performance goals was considered in general, and no formula giving designated weights to particular goals was used. The chief executive officer's salary and bonus for 1999 reflected the fact that the earnings per share threshold and all other goals were achieved. Based upon its consultant's advice, the Committee believes that the total of 1999 salary and bonus for the chief executive officer was consistent with Associated's policy. STOCK OPTIONS. The Committee administers and grants options under the Stock Plan. Options have been granted at irregular intervals in the past. During 1999, options for 562,550 shares were granted to 260 employees and 12 directors. These options have 10-year terms, vest in stages over the first three years, and have exercise prices equal to 100% of market value on the date of grant. The value of the shares covered by these options (based upon the option price) ranged from about 25% of annual salary to 125% of annual salary. Option recipients and amounts (for employees other than the chief executive officer) were recommended to the Committee by the chief executive officer based upon his judgment of position and performance of each recipient and the ability of that recipient to effect overall corporate performance. The Committee's award of options to the chief executive officer was based upon guidelines presented by the consultant which resulted in a total compensation package in the median of competitive levels identified by the consultant. The options awarded were determined to be comparable with awards for chief executive officers with similar salary and bonus. The Committee approved the establishment of the Associated Banc-Corp 1999 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan on July 28, 1999. Options for 731,446 shares were granted to 3,933 employees under this plan during 1999. These options have 10-year terms, fully vest in two years, and have exercise prices equal to 100% of market value on the date of grant. The value of the shares covered by these options (based upon the option price) equaled 6% of each recipient's annual salary. All active, eligible employees on the date of grant received options. COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 162(M). Section 162(m) of the Code, enacted in 1993, generally disallows a federal income tax deduction to public companies for compensation over $1,000,000 paid to the corporation's chief executive officer and four other most highly compensated executive officers. Qualifying performance-based compensation will not be subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are met. The Committee's policy with respect to Section 162(m) of the Code is to qualify such compensation for deductibility where practicable. Options granted under the Stock Plan have been structured to qualify as performance-based compensation and, accordingly, the compensation realized upon the exercise of such options will be fully deductible by Associated. The Committee does not anticipate that the compensation from Associated to any executive officer during fiscal year ending December 31, 1999, will exceed the limits on deductibility. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE J. Douglas Quick, Chairman Robert S. Gaiswinkler, Member John S. Holbrook, Jr., Secretary John H. Sproule, Member
12 17 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION John S. Holbrook, Jr. is a partner in the Madison, Wisconsin, office of the Quarles & Brady law firm. Quarles & Brady has performed legal services for Associated and some of its subsidiaries and is expected to continue to provide legal services during the current fiscal year. A corporation of which Mr. Quick is an executive officer had loans with subsidiary banks of Associated. See "Interest of Management in Certain Transactions," below. There are no other interlocking relationships as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and no Associated officer or employee is a member of the Committee. SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return (change in year-end stock price plus reinvested dividends) on Associated's Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Bank Index and the S&P 500 Index for the period of five fiscal years commencing on December 31, 1994, and ending December 31, 1999. The Nasdaq Bank Index is prepared for Nasdaq by the Center for Research in Securities Prices at the University of Chicago. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in Associated stock and for each index was $100 on December 31, 1994. [LINE GRAPH]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12/31/1994 12/31/1995 12/31/1996 12/31/1997 12/31/1998 12/31/1999 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated 100.00 147.57 157.25 249.66 199.49 206.61 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nasdaq Bank 100.00 147.36 190.05 315.37 283.33 267.12 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500 100.00 137.11 168.22 223.90 287.35 347.36 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Bloomberg Historical stock price performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of the future price performance. The Stock Price Performance Graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), except to the extent Associated specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts. 13 18 AGREEMENTS AND REPORTS DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS. Associated adopted a nonqualified deferred compensation plan in December 1994 (the "Deferred Compensation Plan") to permit certain senior officers to defer current compensation to accumulate additional funds for retirement. The CEO and 24 senior officers are currently eligible to participate under the Deferred Compensation Plan including each of the Named Executive Officers. During 1999, none of the Named Executive Officers participated in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, each year each officer may elect to defer a portion of his base salary and/or annual incentive compensation. The officer will receive payment of deferred amounts in ten equal annual installments at his anticipated retirement date. In addition, under certain limited circumstances described in the plan, the officer may receive distributions during employment. If the officer's services are terminated voluntarily or involuntarily, he retains all rights to the undistributed amounts credited to his account. All funds deferred have been placed in a trust with an independent third party trustee. Investment results on funds in the trust will vary depending on investments selected and managed by the trustee. CHANGE OF CONTROL PLAN. Associated maintains a Change of Control plan (the "Plan") to provide severance benefits to the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") and certain senior officers in the event of their termination of employment following a Change of Control of Associated (as defined below). The CEO and 20 senior officers are currently designated to participate under the Plan and prior to a Change of Control, from time to time, the CEO is authorized to designate additional participating senior officers. Four of the Named Executive Officers currently participate in the Plan. They are Messrs. Conlon, Gallagher, Peterson, and Weber. If within three years following a Change of Control (or in anticipation of and preceding a Change of Control) a termination of employment occurs either involuntarily or for Good Reason (as defined below), a participant may, at the discretion of Associated, receive either a lump sum payment or installment payments reflected in the Plan schedule in effect at the date of such termination. Such payment will also include legal fees and expenses related to termination of employment or dispute of benefits payable under the Plan, if any. "Good Reason" includes a change in the employee's duties and responsibilities which are inconsistent with those prior to the Change of Control, a reduction in salary, or a discontinuation of any bonus plan or certain other compensation plans, a transfer to an employment location greater than fifty miles from the employee's present office location, or certain other breaches. Benefits are not paid in the event of retirement, death or disability, or termination for Cause which generally includes willful failure to substantially perform duties or certain willful misconduct. The Plan provides participants with benefits in either a lump sum or installment payments, at the election of Associated. The total benefits payable include one to three years (the "Continuation Period") of base salary and incentive compensation and continued health, welfare, and life insurance benefits during the Continuation Period. In addition, upon termination, participants will be entitled to age and service credit for the Continuation Period under all retirement programs and supplemental retirement plans in which they participate. If installment payments are elected by Associated, the salary and incentive compensation payments shall be paid ratably over the Continuation Period. The respective Continuation Period for each participant is specified in the Plan schedule. Currently, Messrs. Conlon and Gallagher are entitled to a three-year Continuation Period, and Messrs. Peterson and Weber are entitled to a two-year Continuation Period. The Plan also provides for gross-up payments for any excise taxes incurred under Section 280G of the Code as a result of any benefits paid to the participants in connection with a Change of Control. The Plan, including the Plan schedule, may be amended, subject to certain limitations, at any time by Associated prior to a Change of Control. A "Change of Control" under the Plan shall occur if an offer is accepted, in writing, with respect to any of the following: (a) a change of ownership of 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of Associated; (b) a merger or consolidation of Associated with or into a corporation, and as a result of such merger or consolidation, less than 75% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation will be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of Associated who owned such securities 14 19 immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, other than affiliates (within the meaning of the Exchange Act) of any party to such merger or consolidation; (c) a sale by Associated of at least 85% of its assets to any entity which is not a member of the control group of corporations, within the meaning of Section 1563 of the Code, of which Associated is a member; or (d) an acquisition by a person, within the meaning of Section 3(a)(9) or 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of Associated (whether directly, indirectly, beneficially, or of record). EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. Mr. Conlon informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire as Chief Executive Officer of Associated as of June 30, 2000. He will continue to serve as "Non-Executive" Chairman of the Board. Associated and Mr. Conlon are currently negotiating the terms of his retirement and intend to enter into an agreement setting forth such terms. 1999 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN. Effective as of July 28, 1999, the Board of Directors has adopted the Associated Banc-Corp 1999 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "NQSO Plan"), commonly known as ValueShares. The Committee administers the NQSO Plan. The purpose of the NQSO Plan is to retain competent personnel and provide employees with long-term incentives for high levels of performance by providing them with the means to acquire a proprietary interest in Associated's success. Under the NQSO Plan, all employees who meet certain eligibility criteria may receive grants of non-qualified stock options. The options will vest in full 24 months following their grant. If an employee's employment terminates for any reason other than death, retirement or disability, all nonvested and any vested but unexercised options will terminate immediately. If an employee retires or becomes disabled after their options vest, the options will remain exercisable. All options granted under the NQSO Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant unless the Committee determines otherwise. In addition, other than in the event of the death of an employee, options may not be transferred to any other person and shall be exercisable during their lifetime only by the employee. SECTION 16(A), BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE. Under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, Associated's directors and executive officers, as well as certain persons holding more than 10% of Associated's stock, are required to report their initial ownership of stock and any subsequent change in such ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nasdaq, and Associated (such requirements hereinafter referred to as "Section 16(a) filing requirements"). Specific time deadlines for the Section 16(a) filing requirements have been established. To Associated's knowledge, based solely upon a review of the copies of such reports furnished to Associated, and upon written representations that no other reports were required, with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, Associated's officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial owners complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements, other than with respect to Messrs. Brian R. Bodager, Harry B. Conlon, David G. Handy, George R. Leach, Randall J. Peterson, and Arthur E. Olsen for whom one transaction was inadvertently reported late. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS Various officers and directors of Associated and its subsidiaries, members of their families, and the companies or firms with which they are associated were customers of, and had banking transactions with, one or more of Associated's subsidiary banks in the ordinary course of each such bank's business during 1999. The percentage of consolidated shareholders' equity represented by loans made in such transactions was 13.7% at December 31, 1999. Additional transactions may be expected to take place in the ordinary course of business in the future. All loans and commitments to loans included in such transactions were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and, in the opinion of the management of Associated's subsidiary banks, did not involve more than a normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. 15 20 PROPOSAL 2 RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Subject to ratification by shareholders at the Annual Meeting, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board, and the Board has approved, the selection of the independent public accounting firm of KPMG LLP to audit Associated's consolidated financial statements for the 2000 fiscal year. KPMG LLP audited Associated's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1999. It is expected that representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. If the foregoing recommendation is rejected, or if KPMG LLP declines to act or otherwise becomes incapable of acting, or if its appointment is otherwise discontinued, the Board will appoint other independent accountants whose appointment for any period subsequent to the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders shall be subject to the ratification by the shareholders at that meeting. THE BOARDS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE SELECTION OF KPMG LLP AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2000. OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE MEETING As of the date of this Proxy Statement, Associated is not aware that any matters are to be presented for action at the meeting other than those described in this Proxy Statement. If any matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the proxy form sent herewith, if executed and returned, gives the designated proxies discretionary authority with respect to such matters. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS Proposals of a shareholder submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Rule 14a-8") for inclusion in the proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 25, 2001, must be received by Associated at its executive offices not later than November 24, 2000. This notice of the annual meeting date also serves as the notice by Associated under the advance-notice Bylaw described below. A shareholder that intends to present business other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 at the next annual meeting, scheduled to be held on April 25, 2001, must comply with the requirements set forth in Associated's Bylaws. To bring business before an annual meeting, the Company's Bylaws require, among other things, that the shareholder submit written notice thereof to Associated's executive offices not less than 60 days nor more than 75 days prior to the meeting. Therefore, Associated must receive notice of a shareholder proposal submitted other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 no sooner than February 10, 2001, and no later than February 27, 2001. If notice is received before February 10, 2001, or after February 27, 2001, it will be considered untimely and the Company will not be required to present such proposal at the April 25, 2001, annual meeting. By Order of the Board of Directors, /s/ Brian R. Bodager Brian R. Bodager Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary Green Bay, Wisconsin March 23, 2000 16 21 ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP 1200 HANSEN ROAD, GREEN BAY, WI 54304 THIS REVOCABLE PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 26, 2000 The undersigned hereby appoints John S. Holbrook, Jr., William R. Hutchinson, and John C. Meng, and each of them, as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of Common Stock of Associated Banc-Corp ("Associated") held of record by the undersigned on March 1, 2000, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2000, or any adjournment thereof on the matters and in the manner indicated on the reverse side of this proxy card and described in the Proxy Statement of Associated. This proxy revokes all prior proxies given by the undersigned. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR Proposals 1 and 2 and any such matters which may come before the meeting. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND FOR PROPOSAL 2. (ADDRESS CHANGE/COMMENTS) ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- (If you have written in the above space, please mark the corresponding box on the reverse side of this card.) YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! PLEASE MARK, SIGN, AND DATE THIS PROXY ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE. /\ FOLD AND DETACH HERE /\ [OBJECT OMITTED] Associated Banc-Corp 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Associated Banc-Corp to be held at The Walter Theatre, St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wisconsin, at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2000. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., we will again present an economic/investment update. Associated's Trust professionals will provide an update on the equity market and interest rate environment as they affect us as investors. A continental breakfast reception of coffee, juice, and pastries is planned for 9:00 a.m. until the start of the meetings. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED. PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES AND SIGN THE PROXY CARD PRINTED ABOVE. TEAR AT THE PERFORATION AND MAIL THE PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE ADDRESSED TO FIRST CHICAGO TRUST COMPANY AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting and/or the economic/investment update, please mark the appropriate box(es) on the proxy card. We will not be mailing admission tickets; however, a name tag will be at the registration table and will be your admittance to the meeting. We look forward to seeing you on April 26th. YOUR COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS WELCOME For your convenience, we are providing space on the proxy card for any questions or comments you may have that you wish to have addressed either personally or at the Annual Meeting. We always appreciate your input and interest in Associated. You may e-mail comments or concerns to shareholders@associatedbank.com. (DIRECTIONS FOR INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING ARE PRINTED ON THE REVERSE OF THIS PROXY AND INVITATION.) 22 [X] PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE AS IN THIS EXAMPLE. ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
1. Election of FOR WITHHELD Nominees: 2. To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Directors Harry B. Conlon, Jr., as independent auditors of Associated Ronald R. Harder, for the year ending December 31, 2000. J. Douglas Quick, and John H. Sproule. For All Except nominee(s) written below. SPECIAL ACTION Comments [ ] - ----------------------------------------- Will Attend Economic/Investment Seminar [ ] Will Attend Shareholders Meeting [ ] Receipt of Notice of said meeting and of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report of Associated is hereby ----------------------------------------- acknowledged. Please sign exactly as name appears hereon and date. When shares are held by joint ----------------------------------------- tenants, both should sign. When signing as SIGNATURE(S) DATE attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title. 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.
/\ FOLD AND DETACH HERE /\ To our Shareholders: Associated Banc-Corp encourages you to vote your shares electronically this year, either by telephone or via the Internet. This will eliminate the need to return your proxy card. You will need your proxy card and Social Security Number (where applicable) when voting your shares electronically. The Voter Control Number that appears in the box above, just below the perforation, must be used in order to vote by telephone or via the Internet. The EquiServe Vote by Telephone and Vote by Internet systems can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, up until the day prior to the meeting. To Vote by Telephone: Using a touch-tone phone, call toll-free 1-877-PRX-VOTE (1-877-779-8683) From outside the United States, call direct 1-201-536-8073 To Vote by Internet: Log on to the Internet and go to the website: http://www.eproxyvote.com/asbc Note: If you vote over the Internet, you may incur costs such as telecommunication and Internet access charges for which you will be responsible. THANK YOU FOR VOTING YOUR SHARES YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! Do Not Return this Proxy Card if you are voting by Telephone or the Internet. -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----