-----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, Qu/6+15jCcFfhoH2WKfBcBY7P1G97yO7KltoLk8NZY68uKPi95v/BNIIejpLgw9J m6t5fStn8ayAIqCsIRnTig== 0000783728-98-000001.txt : 19980112 0000783728-98-000001.hdr.sgml : 19980112 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000783728-98-000001 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19970831 FILED AS OF DATE: 19971229 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 19980109 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RIDGEWOOD PROPERTIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000783728 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: 6532 IRS NUMBER: 581656330 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-14019 FILM NUMBER: 98501561 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2859 PACES FERRY RD STE 700 CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30339 BUSINESS PHONE: 4044343670 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2859 PACES FERRY ROAD STREET 2: SUITE 700 CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30339 DEF 14A 1 Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Filed by the registrant (X) Filed by a party other than the registrant ( ) Check the appropriate box: ( ) Preliminary proxy statement (X) Definitive proxy statement ( ) Definitive additional materials ( ) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. ----------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Karen S. Hughes ------------------------------------------ (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement) 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: ----------------------------------------- Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. 2859 Paces Ferry Road Suite 700 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 December 22, 1997 Dear Stockholder: You are cordially invited to attend the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. on Tuesday, January 20, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Ridgewood Hotels, Inc., 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30339. The formal Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the proxy statement are attached. Please read them carefully. It is important that your shares be voted at the meeting. If you do not plan to attend, please complete the enclosed proxy card by indicating your vote on the issues presented and sign, date and return the proxy in the prepaid envelope provided. If you are able to attend the meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw your proxy at that time. Sincerely, N. Russell Walden President RIDGEWOOD HOTELS, INC. 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 700 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 (770) 434-3670 ________________________________ Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders January 20, 1998 __________________________ To the Stockholders of Ridgewood Hotels, Inc.: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (together with any adjournments or postponements thereof, the "Meeting") of Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, January 20, 1998, at the offices of the Company, 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, for the following purposes: 1. To elect three directors of the Company to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until the election and qualification of their successors; and 2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting. Please complete the proxy card which is enclosed and return it promptly. If you are able to attend the Meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw your proxy at that time. The record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting has been fixed as the close of business on December 19, 1997. A list of such shareholders will be open for the examination of any shareholder, for any purpose germane to the Meeting, for a period of at least 10 days prior to the Meeting, during ordinary business hours, at 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, and will be available at the Meeting. A copy of our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 is enclosed. The Annual Report is not a part of the proxy soliciting material enclosed with this Notice. By Order of the Board of Directors Karen S. Hughes, Secretary Atlanta, Georgia December 22, 1997 YOUR ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT. IMPORTANT Whether or not you expect to be present at the Meeting, please mark, date and sign the enclosed proxy and return it in the envelope which has been provided. In the event you are able to attend the Meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote your shares in person. RIDGEWOOD HOTELS, INC. 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 700 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 _______________________________ PROXY STATEMENT For ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To Be Held January 20, 1998 ______________________________________________________ SOLICITATION AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES This Proxy Statement (the "Proxy Statement") and the accompanying form of proxy are being furnished to the shareholders of Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. ("Ridgewood" or the "Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") from holders of its outstanding common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the "Meeting") to be held on January 20, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of the Company, 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This Proxy Statement is first being mailed to shareholders of the Company on or about December 22, 1997. Shares of Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies, unless such proxies previously have been revoked, will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated in the proxies. If no instructions are indicated, such shares will be voted in favor of (FOR) the proposal specified herein, and in the discretion of the proxy holder as to any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting. A shareholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any time prior to the voting thereof at the Meeting by filing with the Secretary of the Company, at or prior to the Meeting, a written revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. In addition, a proxy may be revoked in person by any shareholder present at the Meeting prior to the voting of such proxy. Attendance at the Meeting, however, will not in itself constitute the revocation of a proxy. The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to solicitations by mail, officers and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally and by telephone, telegraph or other means for which they will receive no compensation in addition to their normal compensation. Arrangements may also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation material to the beneficial owners of stock held of record by such persons, and the Company shall reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket and clerical expenses. RECORD DATE AND VOTING SECURITIES The Board has fixed the close of business on December 19, 1997 as the record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. On that date, 1,538,480 shares of the Common Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote. On the Record Date, the Company also had 450,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock") (see "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions") outstanding. The Preferred Stock is held by Alarmguard Holdings, Inc. ("Alarmguard"), and so long as a minimum of 50,000 shares of Preferred Stock is outstanding, Alarmguard shall be entitled to elect one additional director to serve on the Board. The Company has no other outstanding voting securities. The presence at the Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock is necessary to constitute a quorum. Subject to the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock, a quorum being present, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the holders of the shares of Common Stock present, in person or by proxy, at the Meeting, is required for the election of a nominee as a director as set forth in Proposal I hereof. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares of Common Stock to vote on a particular matter, those shares will not be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to that matter. Under Delaware law, the aggregate number of votes entitled to be cast by all shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting, whether those shareholders vote "for", "against" or abstain from voting, will be counted for purposes of determining the minimum number of affirmative votes required for approval of a proposal. The total number of votes cast "for" a proposal will be counted for purposes of determining whether sufficient affirmative votes have been cast. Abstentions from voting on a proposal by a shareholder present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting are treated as votes against a proposal. PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Three directors of the Company are to be elected at the Meeting to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their respective successors shall have been elected and qualified. Unless authority to vote for one or more directors is withheld, it is intended that shares of Common Stock represented by proxies in the accompanying form will be voted for the election of the persons listed below or, if any such person shall unexpectedly become unable or unwilling to accept nomination or election, for the election of such other person(s) as the Board may recommend in his place. All of the persons listed below are currently directors of the Company and are nominees for re-election. The Board unanimously recommends that the Company shareholders vote FOR each of the nominees listed below. Nominees for Director MICHAEL M. EARLEY Mr. Earley, age 42, has been a director of the Company since June 1993. Mr. Earley is a director of Alarmguard and principal of Triton Group Management, Inc. which is currently providing management and consulting services to Alarmguard. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." He was President of Triton Group Ltd. ("Triton"), Alarmguard's predecessor, from July 1994 and its Chief Executive Officer from January 1996 until April 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Earley held various senior management positions including that of Chief Financial Officer with Triton and related entities since 1986. LUTHER A. HENDERSON Mr. Henderson, age 77, has been a director of the Company since its formation in 1985. He served as a director of CMEI, Inc. ("CMEI"), the Company's predecessor, from September 1983 to December 1985. He served as a director of Pier 1 Imports Inc., a commercial retailer, from February 1980 to June 1993. Mr. Henderson is a member of the Board of Directors of Beeba's Creations, Inc. and is President of Pirvest, Inc. N. RUSSELL WALDEN Mr. Walden, age 59, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and has been a director of the Company since its formation in 1985. Mr. Walden was a director of Sunbelt Nursery Group, Inc. from 1983 until 1990. He is the former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of CMEI and a former director of Pier 1 Imports Inc. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Beneficial Ownership of the Company's Securities The following table sets forth information as of the Record Date regarding the beneficial ownership of the capital stock of the Company by (a) each director, director nominee and executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table (elsewhere herein) of the Company, (b) each beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock of the Company, and (c) all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each individual or group named has sole investment and voting power with respect to the securities shown. No other individual or entity is known to own more than 5% of the Company's voting securities.
N. Russell Walden Common Stock 930,000 (1) 55.1% Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. 2859 Paces Ferry Road Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30339 Karen S. Hughes Common Stock 160,440 (1) 10.0% Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. 2859 Paces Ferry Road Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30339 Wayne W. McAteer Common Stock 100,000 6.5% Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. 2859 Paces Ferry Road Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30339 Luther A. Henderson Common Stock 58,800(1) 3.8% 5608 Malvey Avenue Suite 104-A Fort Worth, TX 76107 All executive officers, Common Stock 1,223,520 63.8% directors and beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Common Stock as a group (5 persons) Alarmguard Holdings, Inc. Series A 450,000(2) 100% 125 Frontage Road Convertible Orange, CT 06477 Preferred Stock Michael M. Earley Series A 450,000(2) 100% Convertible Preferred Stock All executive officers Series A 450,000(2) 100% and directors as a Convertible group (1 person) Preferred Stock _________________ (1) Includes shares deemed to be outstanding for those persons who have the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such shares within sixty days of the Record Date through the exercise of stock options. Any shares not outstanding which are subject to such options are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of the class owned by such person but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class by any other person. Of the shares deemed to be beneficially owned by the directors and officers as shown above, the following were the shares deemed to be outstanding for those persons who have the right to acquire beneficial ownership through the exercise of stock options: N. Russell Walden - 150,000 shares; Karen S. Hughes - 60,000 shares; Luther A. Henderson - 18,000 shares; all executive officers and directors as a group - 288,000 shares. (2) Alarmguard holds 450,000 shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share, (the "Preferred Stock"), which were issued in connection with the purchase by the Company of the 4,380,000 shares of Common Stock held by Alarmguard. The Preferred Stock is redeemable by the Company at $8.00 per share. The Preferred Stock accrues dividends at $0.40 per share annually for the first two years and at a rate of $0.80 per share annually thereafter. Dividends are payable quarterly commencing on November 1, 1994. Each share of Preferred Stock is convertible into three shares of the Company's Common Stock effective August 16, 1996 and is subject to certain antidilution adjustments. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive $8.00 per share of Preferred Stock plus all dividends accrued and unpaid thereon. So long as a minimum of 50,000 shares of Preferred Stock is outstanding, Alarmguard shall be entitled to elect one additional director to serve on the Board. Following Alarmguard's sale of the Common Stock, but without consideration of the prospective effect, if any, of the conversion or retirement of the Preferred Stock, N. Russell Walden, President of the Company, was the beneficial owner of 60.3% of the outstanding Common Stock (including shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of stock options). Mr. Walden may be said to have acquired control of the Company as a result of Alarmguard's sale of Common Stock. Alarmguard has beneficial ownership of 1,350,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock since it may elect to convert the Preferred Stock at any time. Mr. Earley's holdings consist of the 450,000 shares of Preferred Stock (and the 1,350,000 shares of Common Stock into which such Preferred Stock may be converted) owned by Alarmguard, with respect to which he may be deemed to have voting and investment control because of his position as a Director of Alarmguard. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
Meetings and Committees of the Board The Board has established an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Stock Option Committee, but does not have a nominating committee. During fiscal year 1997 the Board met on three occasions. Each of the directors attended all of these meetings and attended each of the meetings of the committees on which he served which were held during the periods that he served as a member of such committee. Committees The Audit Committee reviews the professional services and independence of the Company's certified public accountants, the results of the Company's internal audits, and the Company's accounts, procedures and internal controls. The Audit Committee is comprised of Michael M. Earley and Luther A. Henderson. The Audit Committee met once during fiscal year 1997. The Compensation Committee, which did not meet during the 1997 fiscal year, is responsible for reviewing matters relating to compensation and making recommendations to the Board concerning compensation of the Company's officers, directors and employees. The present members of the Compensation Committee are Michael M. Earley and Luther A. Henderson. The Stock Option Committee, which did not meet during the 1997 fiscal year, is responsible for administering the Company's Stock Option Plan. The sole member of the Stock Option Committee is Michael M. Earley. CERTAIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On May 2, 1995 a complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (New Castle County) entitled William N. Strassburger v. Michael M. Early, Luther A. Henderson, John C. Stiska, N. Russell Walden, and Triton Group, Ltd., defendants, and Ridgewood Hotels, Inc., nominal defendant, C.A. No. 14267 (the "Complaint"). The plaintiff is an individual shareholder of the Company who purports to file the Complaint individually, representatively on behalf of all similarly situated shareholders, and derivatively on behalf of the Company. The Complaint challenges the actions of the Company and its directors in consummating the Company's August 1994 repurchases of its common stock held by Triton Group, Ltd. and Hesperus Partners Ltd. in five counts, denominated Waste of Corporate Assets, Breach of Duty of Loyalty to Ridgewood, Breach of Duty of Good Faith, Intentional Misconduct, and Breach of Duty of Loyalty and Good Faith to Class. On July 5, 1995, the Company filed a timely answer generally denying the material allegations of the complaint and asserting several affirmative defenses. This case is in the concluding stages of discovery. No trial date has been set, but the court has certified a class of shareholders as plaintiffs for the non-derivative claims but has not certified the suit as a class action suit. The Company intends to vigorously contest this matter. On August 23, 1996, Great American Resorts filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Cobb County, State of Georgia, entitled Great American Resorts, Inc. and Great American Casinos, Inc. v. Charles Taylor, Deborah Lynn Cannon, Walter D. Hrab and Ridgewood Hotels, Inc., Civil Action File No. 9616398-05, alleging that the Company and the other defendants are liable for breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty stemming from a contract between Great American and one of the Company's subsidiaries. The complaint seeks damages, attorneys' fees and pre-judgment interest. It also seeks an order requiring that certain books and records be turned over to the plaintiffs. On September 27, 1996, the Company filed a timely answer generally denying the material allegations of the complaint and asserting several affirmative defenses. While the discovery deadline has passed, no trial date has been set, nor have the plaintiffs actively pursued the matter. The Company intends to vigorously contest this matter. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION Directors' Compensation Directors who are not employees of the Company receive a retainer of $13,200 per year plus $800 for each Board meeting attended. All directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attending Board and committee meetings. Executive Compensation The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the compensation for the past three years of the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The cash compensation of the Company's other executive officers did not exceed $100,000 for the last fiscal year. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term Compensation Awards Annual Compensation Securities Name and Fiscal Underlying All Other Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Options(#) Compensation(1) N. Russell 1997 $200,000 $ 0 0 $ 2,535 Walden . . . President & 1996 200,000 0 0 3,383 Chief Executive 1995 200,000 0 0 4,500 Officer _______________ (1) The amounts shown in this column consist of Company matching contributions on behalf of the named person under the Ridgewood Hotels Employee Savings Plan.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year There were no stock options granted during fiscal year 1997 to the executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table. Aggregated Stock Option Exercises in Fiscal Year 1997 and Fiscal Year-End Option Values The following table sets forth information concerning the number and value of unexercised options held by the officer named in the Summary Compensation Table as of August 31, 1997.
Number of Securities Value of Underlying Unexercised Shares Unexercised In-the-Money Acquired Options at Fiscal Options at Fiscal on Value Year-End (#) Year-End ($)(2) Name Exercise (#) Realized($)(1) Exer- Unexer- Exer- Unexer- cisable cisable cisable cisable N. Russell 375,000 -0- 150,000 -0- $63,000 $-0- Walden (1) The value determined herein was calculated based on 375,000 shares with an average of the bid and ask price of $1.00 of the Common Stock on the exercise date (January 31, 1997). (2) The value determined herein was calculated based on 150,000 shares considered in-the-money since the average of the bid and ask prices ($2.25) of the Common Stock on August 31, 1997 was greater than the options exercise price of $1.83 per share.
Employment and Termination Agreements Pursuant to an Employment Agreement entered into between N. Russell Walden and the Company (the "Employment Agreement"), Mr. Walden receives a salary which is subject to annual review by the Board, and may be adjusted by the Board in its sole discretion. Mr. Walden currently receives an annual base salary of $200,000. The Employment Agreement contains terms upon which Mr. Walden may be entitled to a bonus. The bonus calculation is based upon pre-tax profits and pre-tax gains from real estate transactions and operations of the Company during the fiscal year. Mr. Walden was entitled to approximately a $33,000 bonus for fiscal year 1997, but elected to forego the bonus in light of the poor economic performance of the Company. The Employment Agreement also provides for certain fringe benefits, as well as benefits under employee benefit plans maintained by the Company. The Employment Agreement may be terminated upon notice by either the Company or Mr. Walden. In August 1991, Mr. Walden entered into a post-employment consulting agreement (the "Consulting Agreement") which provides that in the event of the termination of his employment (other than termination for cause or voluntary resignation for other than good reason), he will be retained by the Company for a period of one year as a consultant. In exchange for consulting services, Mr. Walden will receive an annual fee equal to his annual base salary at the time of termination, payable in equal monthly installments during the term of the Consulting Agreement. The Consulting Agreement also provides for the continuation of certain medical and other employee benefits. In the event Mr. Walden obtains a new job during the term of the Consulting Agreement, the agreement provides a formula by which the payments to Mr. Walden may be reduced. Supplemental Retirement and Death Benefit Plan The Ridgewood Hotels, Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Death Benefit Plan (the "SERP") was adopted, effective January 1, 1987, to provide supplemental retirement benefits for selected employees of the Company. Currently, only one employee of the Company is a participant in the SERP. Although the SERP is an unfunded plan, the Company has acquired cash-value life insurance on the life of the participant and, if mortality, interest and policy dividend assumptions are correct, the Company will recover from the life insurance the cost of the premiums paid thereunder and the cost of the SERP benefits. Estimated annual benefits payable upon separation from employment, determined using the SERP formula, are equal to 50% of the participant's "final three-year average compensation," defined under the SERP as salary plus bonus, commissions and any amounts deferred under any deferred compensation plan, less the total of the participant's (i) Primary Social Security benefit for the period during which benefits are to be paid and (ii) certain benefits provided under the qualified retirement plans of the Company or Triton. Benefits vest at the rate of 10% for each year of credited service for the Company or Triton, with up to five years of credited service permitted at the time the SERP was adopted. Benefits are paid monthly over a 15-year period, and commence within 45 days of a participant's retirement. If the participant's employment terminates before scheduled retirement, benefit payments commence within 30 days of the participant reaching age 65. The form of benefit payment under the SERP may be modified at the discretion of the Pension Committee, which administers the SERP. The SERP also provides for payment of a pre-retirement lump sum death benefit to the participant's beneficiary equal to 600% of the participant's final annual compensation if the participant is in the Company's employ or is less than age 65 and totally and permanently disabled as of his date of death, and a post-retirement lump sum death benefit to the participant's beneficiary equal to 200% of the participant's final annual compensation if death occurs after the participant has retired from the Company or has attained age 65 after becoming totally and permanently disabled. Mr. Walden, the sole participant, is 100% vested in the SERP, and the amount of his remuneration covered by the SERP for 1997 is $200,000. This amount represents actual cash paid during 1997, regardless of when the amounts were earned. BOARD REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Executive Compensation Program The annual compensation for executive officers consists of a base salary and an annual bonus that may be awarded at the discretion of the Board. The Board uses both individual performance, performance of the operations for which the executive is responsible and the overall Company performance when awarding any discretionary bonuses. There were no discretionary bonuses awarded relating to fiscal year 1997. Salaries are based upon a subjective determination of the responsibilities and performance of the executives and are reviewed on an annual basis. Chief Executive Officer Compensation Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, the Chief Executive Officer's base salary for fiscal year 1997 was subjectively determined based upon his responsibilities and performance, and is reviewed on an annual basis by the Compensation Committee. Because of the lack of overall profits for the Company, the Compensation Committee determined that, while the Chief Executive Officer's performance remained excellent through the difficult economic times the Company is experiencing, no increase in salary from the prior fiscal year was warranted. The Chief Executive Officer is subject to an Employment Agreement which specifies how bonuses, if any, are calculated. Bonuses are based on pre-tax profits of the Company and pre-tax gains from real estate sales during the fiscal year. There was approximately a $33,000 bonus earned for fiscal year 1997 under this agreement, but the Chief Executive Officer elected to forego the bonus in light of the poor economic performance of the Company. The foregoing report is submitted by the members of the Board of Directors: Michael M. Earley, Luther A. Henderson and N. Russell Walden. Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation The Company's Compensation Committee consists of Michael M. Earley and Luther A. Henderson. Mr. Walden, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, participated in deliberations concerning executive officer compensation during fiscal year 1997 in his capacity as a member of the Board. He did not, however, participate in any decisions regarding his own compensation as an executive officer of the Company. PERFORMANCE GRAPH Comparison of Shareholder Return on Investment The following graph compares the percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Common Stock for the 1993 through 1997 fiscal years, as of each fiscal year end, with (i) the cumulative total return (assuming reinvestment of dividends) of the Russell 2000 Index, a broad equity market index, and (ii) the cumulative total return (assuming reinvestment of dividends) of a peer group of real estate companies as provided by Dow Jones ("Dow Jones Peer Group"). The returns of each company in the Dow Jones Peer Group has been weighted to reflect relative stock market capitalization as of the beginning of the measurement period. The Dow Jones Peer Group consists of Catellus Development, Federal Realty Investment Trust, Host Marriott Corp., Meditrust, Newhall Land, New Plan Realty Trust, Rockefeller Center Properties, Rouse Co., and Weingarten. The Company believes that the Dow Jones Peer Group represented similar businesses to the Company at the beginning of the five-year period. Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return Among Ridgewood Hotels, The Russell 2000 Index, and Peer Group (Graph Appears Here)
Measurement Period Dow Jones Ridgewood Russell 2000 1992 100 100 109 115 120 119 110 121 1993 123 130 127 133 126 130 129 126 1994 126 100 133 121 89 131 131 82 136 135 80 145 1995 144 77 155 150 57 157 157 59 162 163 41 167 1996 171 27 168 201 27 173 205 32 168 216 91 184 1997 238 64 199
The Company's Common Stock was deleted from the NASDAQ National Market System in June 1989 due to the lack of two required market makers. Due to an absence of an established public trading market in the stock, the Company's yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Common Stock subsequent to June 1989 cannot be determined accurately. However, beginning in fiscal year 1994 the Company was listed in the NASDAQ over-the-counter bulletin board service and has been able to compile data with respect to the bid and ask price of the Common Stock, which data the Company believes is reasonably reliable. The Company's cumulative total shareholder return on the Common Stock represents the average of the bid and ask price for those periods presented. 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, as amended, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (together, the "Acts"), except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Each of the Company's directors has or has had business relationships with Alarmguard and its current or former affiliates. See "PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS -- Nominees for Director." Filings Under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934 Act") requires that the Company's officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of the Common Stock file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required for those persons, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners with respect to Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act were satisfied. Relationship with Independent Auditors The Board annually selects independent public accountants to serve as auditors for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board plans to select auditors for fiscal year 1998 at its annual meeting following the Meeting. The Board appointed Price Waterhouse LLP as auditors for the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries for fiscal year 1997. A representative of Price Waterhouse LLP is expected to be present at the Meeting and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if he so desires and to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders. Stockholders' Proposals for 1999 Annual Meeting Stockholders may submit proposals on matters appropriate for shareholder action at subsequent annual meetings of the Company consistent with Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the 1934 Act. For such proposals to be considered at the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such proposals must be received by the Company not later than August 1, 1998. Such proposals should be directed to Ms. Karen Hughes, Secretary, Ridgewood Properties, Inc., 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30339. The Company reserves the right to decline to include in the Company's proxy statement any shareholder's proposal which does not comply with the rules of the SEC for inclusion therein. OTHER BUSINESS The Board does not know of any matters to be presented for action at the Meeting other than as set forth in this Proxy Statement. If any other business should properly come before the Meeting, the persons named in the proxy intend to vote thereon in accordance with their best judgment. Each shareholder is urged to complete, date and sign the proxy and return it promptly in the enclosed return envelope. By Order of the Board of Directors s/ Karen S. Hughes Karen S. Hughes, Secretary Proxy Card (Front) RIDGEWOOD HOTELS, INC. PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1998 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS The undersigned hereby appoints Luther A. Henderson, N. Russell Walden and Karen S. Hughes, each with the power to act without the other and with full power of substitution, as Proxies to vote, as designated below, all common stock of Ridgewood Properties, Inc. (the "Company") owned by the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the offices of the Company, 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, on Tuesday, January 20, 1998, at 10:00 a.m. (together with any adjournment or postponement thereof (the "Meeting") upon such business as may properly come before the Meeting, including the following: 1. Election of Directors ( ) FOR all nominees listed below (except as indicated to the contrary below): Michael M. Earley, Luther A. Henderson, N. Russell Walden ( ) WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all the nominees (Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write the name of such nominee(s) in the space provided below.) ____________________________________________________________ 2. In their discretion on any other matter that may properly come before the Meeting. (back) THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO SPECIFIC DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1. Dated: ___________________________________ ________________________________________ Signature ________________________________________ (Signature if held jointly) Please date, sign and mail promptly this proxy in the enclosed envelope. Where there is more than one owner, each should sign. When signing as an attorney, administrator, executor, guardian, or trustee, please add your title as such. If executed by a corporation, the proxy should be signed by a duly authorized officer. If executed by a partnership, please sign in the partnership name by an authorized person. This proxy may be revoked prior to the exercise of the powers conferred by the proxy. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----