def14a-90722_bcb.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

BCB Bancorp, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
  
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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¨           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.

 
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BCB Bancorp, Inc.
104-110 Avenue C
Bayonne, New Jersey 07002

March 17, 2008


Dear Fellow Shareholder:

We cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BCB Bancorp, Inc.  The annual meeting will be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on April 24, 2008.

The enclosed notice of annual meeting and proxy statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the annual meeting.  During the annual meeting we will also report on the operations of BCB Bancorp, Inc.  Directors and officers, as well as a representative of our independent registered public accounting firm, will be present to respond to any questions that shareholders may have.

The annual meeting is being held so that shareholders may vote upon the election of four directors and the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008.

The Board of Directors has determined that approval of the matters to be considered at the annual meeting is in the best interests of shareholders.  For the reasons set forth in the proxy statement, the Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the matters to be considered.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we urge you to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope as soon as possible, even if you currently plan to attend the annual meeting.  This will not prevent you from voting in person, but will assure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend the annual meeting.  Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares that you own.  Please sign and return the enclosed proxy card promptly.  Your cooperation is appreciated, since a majority of the common stock must be represented at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.


Sincerely,

/s/ Mark D. Hogan

Mark D. Hogan
Chairman of the Board

 
 

 

BCB Bancorp, Inc.
104-110 Avenue C
Bayonne, New Jersey 07002
(201) 823-0700

NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To Be Held On April 24, 2008

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BCB Bancorp, Inc., will be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, on April 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time.

A Proxy Card and a Proxy Statement for the annual meeting are enclosed.

The annual meeting is being held so that shareholders may vote on the following matters:

 
1.
The election of four directors;
 
2.
The ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008; and

Such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting.

Any action may be taken on the foregoing proposals at the annual meeting on the date specified above, or on any date or dates to which the annual meeting may be adjourned.  Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2008, are the shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournments thereof.

EACH SHAREHOLDER, WHETHER HE OR SHE PLANS TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, IS REQUESTED TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD WITHOUT DELAY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.  ANY PROXY GIVEN BY THE SHAREHOLDER MAY BE REVOKED ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL MEETING.  A PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY FILING WITH OUR CORPORATE SECRETARY A WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION, SUBMITTING A DULY EXECUTED PROXY BEARING A LATER DATE, OR BY VOTING IN PERSON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.  HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A SHAREHOLDER WHOSE SHARES ARE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE, YOU WILL NEED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FROM THE RECORDHOLDER IN ORDER TO VOTE PERSONALLY AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

 
By Order of the Board of Directors
   
 
/s/ Mark D. Hogan
   
 
Mark D. Hogan
 
of the Board
Bayonne, New Jersey
March 17, 2008

IMPORTANT:  THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE US THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES.  A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.  NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.


 
 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

BCB Bancorp, Inc.
104-110 Avenue C
Bayonne, New Jersey 07002
(201) 823-0700


ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be Held on April 24, 2008


 
INTRODUCTION
 


This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of BCB Bancorp, Inc. to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, on April 24, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., eastern time, and all adjournments of the annual meeting.  The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and this Proxy Statement are first being mailed to shareholders on or about March 17, 2008.

At the annual meeting shareholders will vote on the election of four directors, the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008 and such other matters as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournments thereof.
 

 
REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 

 
Shareholders who complete proxies retain the right to revoke them in the manner described below.  Unless so revoked, the shares represented by such proxies will be voted at the annual meeting and any adjournments thereof.  Proxies solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors will be voted in accordance with the directions given thereon.  Where no instructions are indicated, validly completed proxies will be voted “FOR” the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement for consideration at the annual meeting.

Proxies may be revoked by sending written notice of revocation to our Corporate Secretary at the address shown above, the submission of a later dated proxy or by voting in person at the annual meeting.  The presence at the annual meeting of any shareholder who had returned a proxy shall not revoke such proxy unless the shareholder delivers his or her ballot in person at the annual meeting or delivers a written revocation to our Corporate Secretary prior to the voting of such proxy.

If your shares of common stock are held in “street name” by a broker, bank or other nominee, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow in order to have your shares voted at the annual meeting.  If you wish to change your voting instructions after you have returned your voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee you must contact your broker, bank or other nominee. If you want to vote your shares of common stock held in street name in person at the annual meeting, you will have to get a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares.

 

 
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF


 
Holders of record of our common stock as of the close of business on March 10, 2008, our record date, are entitled to one vote for each share then held.  As of the record date, we had 5,078,858 shares of common stock issued. The presence in person or by proxy of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote

 
 

 

is necessary to constitute a quorum at the annual meeting.  Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining that a quorum is present.

Persons and groups who beneficially own in excess of 5% of the common stock are required to file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding such beneficial ownership.  We are aware of one group who beneficially owned in excess of 5% of the common stock on the Record Date, that being Wellington Management Company, LLP, 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 owning 268,000 shares or 5.76% of our outstanding common stock.  Wellington Management Company LLP is an investment advisor who holds such shares of record on behalf of its clients.

In accordance with New Jersey law, a list of shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting shall be made available at the annual meeting.

 

 
VOTING PROCEDURES AND METHOD OF COUNTING VOTES
 

 
As to the election of directors, the proxy card being provided by the Board of Directors enables a shareholder to vote “FOR” the election of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors, or to “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY” to vote for the nominees being proposed.  Under New Jersey law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast, without regard to either broker non-votes, or proxies as to which authority to vote for the nominees being proposed is withheld.

As to the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm, by checking the appropriate box a shareholder may: (i) vote “FOR” the item; (ii) vote “AGAINST” the item; or (iii) “ABSTAIN” from voting on such item.  Under our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the ratification of this matter shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast, without regard to broker non-votes or proxies marked “ABSTAIN.”

The Board of Directors will designate an inspector of elections.

Regardless of the number of shares of common stock owned, it is important that holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock be represented by proxy or present in person at the annual meeting.  Shareholders are requested to vote by completing the enclosed proxy card and returning it signed and dated in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.  Shareholders are urged to indicate their vote in the spaces provided on the proxy card.  PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON THE PROXY.  WHERE NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, SIGNED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

 

 
PROPOSAL I - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 
Our Board of Directors is currently composed of 11 members and is divided into three classes, with one class of directors elected each year.  Our directors will generally be elected to serve for a three-year period and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified. Four directors will be elected at the annual meeting, each to serve for a three-year period and until his successor has been elected and shall qualify. The Board of Directors has nominated Robert Ballance, Joseph Brogan, Donald Mindiak and August Pellegrini, Jr. for election as directors at the annual meeting.  Each nominee of the Board of Directors has consented to being named in this Proxy Statement.
 
The table below sets forth certain information, as of March 10, 2008, regarding the composition of our Board of Directors, including the terms of office of Board members, and information regarding our executive officers and the executive officers of BCB Community Bank (formerly Bayonne Community Bank), our principal operating subsidiary. It is intended that the proxies solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors (other than proxies in which the vote is withheld as to the nominee) will be voted at the annual meeting for the election of the nominees identified below.  If a nominee is unable to serve, the shares represented by proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute as the Board of Directors may recommend.  At this time, the Board of Directors knows of no reason

 
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why any of the nominees might be unable to serve, if elected.  Except as indicated herein, there are no arrangements or understandings between the nominee and any other person pursuant to which such nominee was selected.  None of the shares beneficially owned by directors, executive officers or nominees to the Board of Directors have been pledged as security or collateral for any loans.

Name
Position(s) Held With the Company or
the Bank
Age
Director
Since(1)
Current
Term
Expires
Shares
Beneficially
Owned(2)
Percent
of
Class(2)
             
NOMINEES
             
Robert Ballance
Director
49
2000
2007
112,973(3)
2.4%
Joseph Brogan
Director
69
2000
2007
220,270(4)
4.7
Donald Mindiak
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and Director
49
2000
2007
147,857(5)
3.2
Dr. August Pellegrini, Jr.
Director
48
2000
2007
102,281(6)
2.2
             
DIRECTORS
             
Judith Q. Bielan
Director
43
2000
2009
127,439(7)
2.7
James E. Collins
Senior Lending Officer and Director
59
2003
2009
162,921(8)
3.5
Thomas M. Coughlin
Chief Operating Officer and Director
48
2002
2008
156,174(9)
3.4
Mark D. Hogan
Chairman of the Board
42
2000
2009
202,158(10)
4.3
Joseph Lyga
Director
48
2000
2008
92,496(11)
2.0
Alexander Pasiechnik
Director
46
2000
2008
95,366(12)
2.0
Joseph Tagliareni
Director
53
2006
2008
36,926(13)
*
             
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS
             
Olivia Klim
Executive Vice President
62
N/A
N/A
32,564(14)
*
Amer Saleem
Vice President
53
N/A
N/A
9,184(15)
*
All directors and executive officers
as a group (13 persons)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1,498,609
30.2%
________________________
*      Less than 1%.
(1)
Includes service as a director of BCB Community Bank.
(2)
Includes shares underlying options that are exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(3)
Mr. Ballance has sole voting and dispositive power over 74,268 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 953 shares with his spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 2,494 shares with his children.  Includes 35,258 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(4)
Mr. Brogan has sole voting and dispositive power over 79,120 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 10,681 shares with his spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 99,196 shares with his grandchildren.  Includes 31,273 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(5)
Mr. Mindiak has sole voting and dispositive power over 106,016 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 2,950 shares with his spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 1,811 shares with his children.  Includes 37,080 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(6)
Dr. Pellegrini has sole voting and dispositive power over 67,167 shares.  Includes 35,114 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(7)
Ms. Bielan has sole voting and dispositive power over 79,129 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 11,886 shares with her spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 1,890 shares with her children.  Includes 34,534 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(8)
Mr. Collins has sole voting and dispositive power over 120,178 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 851 shares with his spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 3,441 shares with his children.  Includes 38,451 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(9)
Mr. Coughlin has sole voting and dispositive power over 134,660 shares. Includes 21,514 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(10)
Mr. Hogan has sole voting and dispositive power over 146,610 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 15,615 shares with his spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 1,988 shares with his children.  Includes 37,945 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(11)
Mr. Lyga has sole voting and dispositive power over 56,525 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 1,040 shares with his spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 377 shares with his child.  Includes 34,554 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(12)
Mr. Pasiechnik has sole voting and dispositive power over 60,676 shares.  Includes 34,690 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(13)
Mr. Tagliareni has sole voting and dispositive power over 22,920 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 10,966 shares with his spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 1,040 shares with his children.  Includes 2,000 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
   
 
(footnotes continued on next page)

 
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(14)
Ms. Klim has sole voting and dispositive power over 14,331 shares and shared voting and dispositive power over 2,983 shares with her spouse.  Includes 15,250 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(15)
Mr. Saleem has sole voting and dispositive power over 2,385 shares and shared voting and dispositive power over 945 shares with his spouse.  Includes 5,854 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.

Biographical Information Regarding Directors, Executive Officers and Nominees

Set forth below is biographical information regarding our directors and executive officers.  Unless otherwise noted, each director has held the indicated position for at least five years.

Directors

Robert Ballance, 49, is a Battalion Chief with the Bayonne Fire Department and the owner of Bob’s Carpet located in Bayonne.  Mr. Ballance is a director of the Bayonne Fire Exempt Association; a member of the Bayonne Elks B.P.O.E.; and has served as the Treasurer of Bayonne Fire Department Local #11.  Mr. Ballance attended Saint Vincent DePaul Grammar School and Marist High School in Bayonne.

Judith Q. Bielan, Esq., 43, is an attorney practicing law for 18 years.  Ms. Bielan currently owns her own law firm, Bielan, Miklos, Makrogiannis & Demeter, P.C., which she formed in 1996.  Ms. Bielan was a partner with Cavanaugh and Bielan, P.C. from 1993 to 1996, and associated with the firm of Schumann, Hanlon, O’Connor and McCrossin from 1989 to 1993.  She is a member of the New York and New Jersey State Bars as well as an Officer of the Hudson County Bar Association. Ms. Bielan serves on the Hudson County Bar Association’s Family Law Committee and serves on the Advisory Board for Holy Family Academy. She also coaches Bayonne PAL Junior Boys’ Basketball.  Ms. Bielan is a lifetime resident of Bayonne, having attended Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School and Holy Family Academy.  In addition, she holds degrees from Montclair State College and Seton Hall Law School.

Joseph Brogan, 69, has over 45 years of experience in the insurance industry and is the founder of Brogan Insurance Agency located in Bayonne.  Mr. Brogan is the former head of the State Farm Agents Association and is a current member of the Knights of Columbus and the Fraternal Order of Elks.  Mr. Brogan attended Saint Aloysius Grammar School, Jersey City, and Seton Hall Preparatory School, has received a B.S. from Saint Peter’s College and attended graduate school at Fordham and New Jersey City University.

James E. Collins, 59, is Senior Lending Officer of BCB Community Bank, and has worked in the banking industry since 1972.  He is the former Vice President of Lending at First Savings Bank of New Jersey and served as that bank’s Community Reinvestment Officer and as a member of the Budget, Asset and Liability, Asset Classification and Loan Committees.  In addition, Mr. Collins has served as Treasurer of the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, as the past President of Ireland’s 32 and as citywide director for Bayonne’s C.Y.O. Sports Programs.  Currently, Mr. Collins serves as a Director for Windmill Alliance, Inc.  Mr. Collins attended St. Mary’s, Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School and Marist High School, received a B.S. from St. Peter’s College and attended graduate school at the Institute for Financial Education.  Mr. Collins is a certified Real Estate Appraiser and a member of the Review Appraisers Association.

Thomas M. Coughlin, 48, is Chief Operating Officer of BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank, and has been employed in the banking industry for 21 years. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank.  Mr. Coughlin was formerly Vice President of Chatham Savings Bank and, prior to that, Controller and Corporate Secretary of First Savings Bank of New Jersey.  While at First Savings Bank of New Jersey, Mr. Coughlin served in various capacities on several executive managerial committees, including, but not limited to, the Budget, Asset/Liability and Loan Review Committees.  Mr. Coughlin, who received his CPA designation in 1982, is the past President of the American Heart Association and has served as Trustee of D.A.R.E. and the Bayonne P.A.L.  Mr. Coughlin attended Saint Vincent DePaul Grammar School and Bayonne High School, and received a B.S. degree from Saint Peter’s College.

Mark D. Hogan, C.P.A., 42, is a sole practitioner with an office located in Bayonne.  In addition, Mr. Hogan is a registered representative providing financial planning for his clientele.  Mr. Hogan has achieved the following licenses and designations:  NASD Series 7, 24 and 63, New Jersey Life and Health Insurance broker, New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance broker. Mr. Hogan attended Saint Peter’s Preparatory School and received a B.S. degree in Finance from Pace University.  He is a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public

 
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Accountants.  Mr. Hogan serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank.

Joseph Lyga, 48, has served on the Bayonne Fire Department since 1985, having achieved the rank of Fire Captain.  In addition, Mr. Lyga has been a self-employed contractor for the last 23 years.  Mr. Lyga has served as President and Secretary/State Delegate of the Bayonne Fire Department Local #211 and has served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Bayonne Fire Department Local #11.  Mr. Lyga is also a member of the Sicilian Citizens Club and the Friends of Nick Capodice.  Mr. Lyga attended Saint Mary’s, Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School, Marist High School, New Jersey City University and the Chubb Institute where he studied computer programming and network design.

Donald Mindiak, 49, has been employed in the banking industry for over 30 years and has been President and Chief Executive Officer of BCB Community Bank since October 1999 and BCB Bancorp, Inc. since May 2003.  He was named Chief Financial Officer of BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank in May of 2007.  Before joining BCB Community Bank, he was employed by Summit Bank as a Manager of Strategic Planning and Support.  Prior to his employment at Summit Bank, Mr. Mindiak was employed at First Savings Bank of New Jersey in Bayonne.  During his tenure at First Savings Bank of New Jersey, he served as Treasurer and prior to that position as Controller.  Mr. Mindiak served as an active member of the Asset/Liability, Budget, Investment and Rate Setting Committees while at First Savings Bank of New Jersey and was the former Chairman of the Asset Classification Committee.  Mr. Mindiak has been a member of several trade organizations including:  the Community Bankers Association, the Hudson County Savings League, the New Jersey Savings League and America’s Community Bankers.  In addition, Mr. Mindiak serves as member of the Board of Governors of the New Jersey League of Community Bankers.  Mr. Mindiak received a B.A. degree from Rutgers, Newark College of Arts and Sciences and an M.B.A. degree in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Alexander Pasiechnik, 46, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Victoria T.V. Sales and Appliances.  Mr. Pasiechnik was born in Bayonne and attended Saint Mary’s, Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School, Marist High School, and Saint Peter’s College.

Dr. August Pellegrini, Jr., 48, has practiced general dentistry in Bayonne for 22 years and is past President of both the New Jersey Dental Association and the Hudson County Dental Society.  Dr. Pellegrini is also a Hudson County delegate to the New Jersey Dental Association House of Delegates, and is a past member of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Foundation of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities.  Dr. Pellegrini is a faculty member at UMDNJ, New Jersey Dental School, in the Department of General and Hospital Dentistry.  Dr. Pellegrini is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Dr. Pellegrini attended Horace Mann Grammar School, Marist High School, Rutgers College and Temple University School of Dentistry.

Joseph Tagliareni, 53, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of J&J Printing, located in Bayonne, and has over thirty years of printing experience.  Mr. Tagliareni is a member of many civic organizations including: the Bayonne Chapter of UNICO National, the Knights of Columbus, New Era Civic Club, the United Christians and Jews Association, the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, the Hometown Fair Committee, and the Chandelier Golf Committee.  Mr. Tagliareni is the Vice President and a board member of the Bayonne Family YMCA and serves on the school board of Saint Mary’s, Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School.  Mr. Tagliareni is a committeeman for the First Ward in Bayonne.  Mr. Tagliareni attended Lincoln School and Bayonne High School.  Mr. Tagliareni was a member of our Board of Directors from 2003 through 2004. Mr. Tagliareni declined to stand for re-election at the 2004 annual meeting.

Executive Officers who are not Directors

The following is biographical information regarding our executive officers or executive officers of BCB Community Bank who are not also directors.  Unless otherwise noted, each officer has held the indicated position for at least five years.

Olivia M. Klim, 62, has been has been employed in the banking industry for 39 years and is currently Executive Vice President of Business Development of BCB Community Bank.  Prior to joining BCB Community Bank in October 2000, Mrs. Klim was employed by First Savings Bank of New Jersey, a division of Richmond County Financial, as a Business Development Officer responsible for the business development and operational

 
5

 

functions at that bank’s offices in Bayonne, New Jersey.  Prior to her employment at First Savings, Mrs. Klim was employed at First Fidelity Bank as a Branch Administrator.  Mrs. Klim is a Commissioner of the Bayonne Municipal Utilities authority, and serves in various capacities for the local Chapter of the Deborah Foundation, the College Opportunity Program, the American Institute of Banking for Women, and the Bayonne Bullet Proof Vest Funding Campaign.  Further, Mrs. Klim serves on the Loan Review Committee for the Bayonne Economic Development Corporation.  Mrs. Klim is a graduate of the Bayonne School system and attended St. Peter’s College, and the Cohen & Brown School for Sales & Investments.

Amer Saleem, 53, is a Vice President of Commercial Lending of BCB Community Bank.  Prior to joining BCB Community Bank in 2002, Mr. Saleem was an Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending of 1st Constitution Bank, Cranbury, New Jersey.  Mr. Saleem holds a B.A. degree in Economics, Diploma in Accounting from City of London Polytechnic, London, England and an M.B.A. degree in Finance from Long Island University, New York.  Mr. Saleem has over 20 years of banking experience, specializing in commercial lending.  Mr. Saleem is a member of the Officers’ Lending Committee.

Board Independence

The Board of Directors has determined that, except as to Messrs. Collins, Coughlin and Mindiak, each member of the Board of Directors is an “independent director” within the meaning of the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.  Messrs. Collins, Coughlin and Mindiak are not considered independent because they are executive officers of BCB Bancorp, Inc. or BCB Community Bank.

The Board of Directors has also determined that each member of the Audit Committee of the Board meets the independence requirements applicable to that committee prescribed by the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Internal Revenue Service.  There were no transactions not required to be reported under “—Transactions With Certain Related Person” that were considered in determining the independence of our directors.

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis and may hold additional special meetings.  Our standing committees include the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  BCB Community Bank’s standing committees include an Asset/Liability Management Committee, a Loan Committee, an Investment Committee and a Budget Committee.  During the year ended December 31, 2007, our board of directors held 12 regular meetings and 3 special meetings.  No director attended fewer than 75%, in the aggregate, of the total number of board meetings held and the total number of committee meetings in which he or she served during fiscal 2007.  At last year’s annual meeting all directors with the exception of Director Bielan were in attendance.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Directors Ballance, Lyga and Pellegrini.  Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is considered “independent” as defined in the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.  Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the charter was last distributed to shareholders as part of the proxy statement for the year ended December 31, 2006.  The charter has not been amended.  The full board of directors, acting as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met 1 time during 2007.

The functions of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include the following:

 
·
to lead the search for individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and to select director nominees to be presented for shareholder approval;

 
·
to review and monitor compliance with the requirements for board independence;

 
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·
to review the committee structure and make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding committee membership;

 
·
to develop and recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval corporate governance guidelines; and

 
·
to develop and recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval a self-evaluation process for the Board of Directors and its committees.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board of Directors willing to continue in service.  Current members of the Board of Directors with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue in service are first considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board of Directors with that of obtaining new perspectives.  If any member of the Board of Directors does not wish to continue in service, or if the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, or if the size of the Board of Directors is increased, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would solicit suggestions for director candidates from all board members.  In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is authorized by its charter to engage a third party to assist in the identification of director nominees.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would seek to identify a candidate who at a minimum satisfies the following criteria:

 
·
has the highest personal and professional ethics and integrity and whose values are compatible with ours;

 
·
has had experiences and achievements that have given them the ability to exercise and develop good business judgment;

 
·
is willing to devote the necessary time to the work of the Board of Directors and its committees, which includes being available for board and committee meetings;

 
·
is familiar with the communities in which we operate and/or is actively engaged in community activities;

 
·
is involved in other activities or interests that do not create a conflict with their responsibilities to us and our shareholders; and

 
·
has the capacity and desire to represent the balanced, best interests of our shareholders as a group, and not primarily a special interest group or constituency.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also take into account whether a candidate satisfies the criteria for “independence” under the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards, and if a nominee is sought for service on our Audit Committee, the financial and accounting expertise of a candidate, including whether an individual qualifies as an audit committee financial expert.

Procedures for the Shareholder Recommendations for the Nomination of Directors

Our Board of Directors has adopted procedures for the submission of director nominees by shareholders.  If a determination is made that an additional candidate is needed for the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates submitted by our shareholders.  Shareholders can submit the names of candidates for director by writing to our Corporate Secretary, at 104-110 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002.  The Chairman of the Board must receive a submission not less than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of our proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting.  If the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 30 days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, the shareholder’s suggestion must be so delivered not later than the close of business on the tenth day

 
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following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made.  The submission must include the following information:

 
·
the name and address of the shareholder as they appear on our books, and number of shares of our common stock that are owned beneficially by such shareholder (if the shareholder is not a holder of record, appropriate evidence of the shareholder’s ownership will be required);
 
 
·
the name, address and contact information for the candidate, and the number of shares of our common stock that are owned by the candidate (if the candidate is not a holder of record, appropriate evidence of the shareholder’s ownership should be provided);
 
 
·
a statement of the candidate’s business and educational experience;
 
 
·
such other information regarding the candidate as would be required to be included in the proxy statement pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A;
 
 
·
a statement detailing any relationship between the candidate and us;
 
 
·
a statement detailing any relationship between the candidate and any of our customers, suppliers or competitors;
 
 
·
detailed information about any relationship or understanding between the proposing shareholder and the candidate; and
 
 
·
a statement that the candidate is willing to be considered and willing to serve as a director if nominated and elected.
 
There have been no material changes to these procedures since they were previously disclosed in our proxy statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

We have no written procedural or informational requirements for the presentation of a shareholder nomination at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  It is expected that any person making a shareholder nomination at the annual meeting will provide the information set forth above regarding themselves and the proposed nominee.

Shareholder Communications with the Board

A shareholder who wants to communicate with our Board of Directors or with any individual director can write to our President and Chief Executive Officer, 104-110 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, Attention:  Board Administration.  The letter should indicate that the author is a shareholder and if shares are not held of record, should include appropriate evidence of stock ownership.  Depending on the subject matter, management will:
 
 
·
forward the communication to the director or directors to whom it is addressed;
 
 
·
attempt to handle the inquiry directly, for example where it is a request for information about the company or it is a stock-related matter; or
 
 
·
not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature, relates to an improper or irrelevant topic, or is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or otherwise inappropriate.
 
At each Board of Directors meeting, management presents a summary of all communications received since the last meeting that were not forwarded and makes those communications available to the directors.

 
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Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics that is applicable to our officers, directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.  Our Code of Ethics has been filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Audit Committee
 
The Audit Committee consists of directors Hogan, Bielan, Brogan and Pellegrini.  Each current member of the Audit Committee is considered “independent” as defined in the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards and under SEC Rule 10A-3.  The duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee include, among other things:
 
 
·
retaining, overseeing and evaluating a firm of independent certified public accountants to audit the annual financial statements;
 
 
·
in consultation with the independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditor, reviewing the integrity of our financial reporting processes, both internal and external;
 
 
·
approving the scope of the audit in advance;
 
 
·
reviewing the financial statements and the audit report with management and the independent registered public accounting firm;
 
 
·
considering whether the provision by the external auditors of services not related to the annual audit and quarterly reviews is consistent with maintaining the auditor’s independence;
 
 
·
reviewing earnings and financial releases and quarterly reports filed with the SEC;
 
 
·
consulting with the internal audit staff and reviewing management’s administration of the system of internal accounting controls;
 
 
·
approving all engagements for audit and non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm; and
 
 
·
reviewing the adequacy of the audit committee charter.
 
The Audit Committee met six times during 2007.  The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee reports to the Board of Directors on its activities and findings.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Hogan qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is used in the rules and regulations of the SEC.
 
Audit Committee Report

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Audit Committee has prepared the following report.  As part of its ongoing activities, the Audit Committee has:

 
·
Reviewed and discussed with management our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007;
 
 
·
Discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as amended; and
 
 
·
Received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence.
 

 
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Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 to be filed with the SEC.  In addition, the Audit Committee approved the appointment of Beard Miller Company LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, subject to the ratification of the appointment by our shareholders.

This report 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 the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

The Audit Committee:
Mark D. Hogan, (Chairman)
Judith Q. Bielan
Joseph Brogan
Dr. August Pellegrini, Jr.

The Audit Committee has approved a list of procedures for the engagement of outside auditors to perform non-audit tasks.  The following services cannot be provided by the auditor: financial information systems design and implementation; internal audit outsourcing; appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, and contribution in kind reports; management functions or human resources; bookkeeping; broker or dealer or investment banking services; legal services unrelated to the audit; actuarial services; and services determined by the Audit Committee to be impermissible.  All permissible non-audit services must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee.  The authority to approve audit and non-audit services may be delegated by the committee to one or more of its members, provided that any delegated approvals must be reported to the full Audit Committee and all approvals of non-audit services will be disclosed in our periodic reports.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Our common stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.  Executive officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners are required to file beneficial ownership reports with the SEC disclosing beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of our common stock.  SEC rules require disclosure in our Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K of the failure of an executive officer, director or 10% beneficial owner to file such forms on a timely basis. Based on our review of such ownership reports, with the exception of two Form 4 filings filed on behalf of Director Bielan, we believe that no other officer or director failed to timely file such ownership reports for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Compensation Committee.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the Compensation Committee, which consisted of Robert Ballance, Joseph Brogan, Mark D. Hogan, Joseph Lyga and Alexander Pasiechnik, met six times to review the performance of the executive officers and determine compensation programs and adjustments.  Each member of the Compensation Committee is considered “independent” as defined in the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.  The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee.  Messrs. Mindiak, Coughlin and Collins do not participate in the Board of Directors determination of their respective compensation as executive officers.

Roles and Responsibilities.  The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee is to conduct reviews of our general executive compensation policies and strategies in order to oversee and evaluate our overall compensation structure and programs.  Direct responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 
·
Evaluating and approving goals and objectives relevant to compensation of the chief executive officer and other executive officers, and evaluating the performance of the executives in light of those goals and objectives;
 
 
·
Determining and approving the compensation level for the chief executive officer;
 

 
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·
Determining and approving compensation levels of other key executive officers; and
 
 
·
Recommending to the Board compensation policies for outside directors.
 
The Compensation Committee approves the compensation paid to the Chief Executive officer and our other executive officers.  The performance of the Chief Executive Officer is reviewed annually by the Committee.  The Chief Executive Officer presents annually to the Committee his assessment of the performance of the other executive officers and his recommendations for their salary adjustments and performance awards.  The Committee exercises its discretion in determining the levels of compensation to be paid to those executives.

The Compensation Committee approves equity compensation awards to all our officers.  The Committee has given the Chief Executive Officer the authority to determine the non-equity compensation of all or our officers other than those officers mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

Performance evaluations are generally measured on criteria applicable to us as a whole and to specific responsibilities of each executive.  Criteria considered include earnings, return on equity, return on assets, asset quality, capital management, risk management, franchise expansion, corporate governance, expertise and general management skills, and each executive’s contribution to our successful operation.  These criteria are evaluated not only on current year performance, but also on the trend of performance over the past few years and within the context of unusual operating and performance issues.  Also, taken into consideration are factors outside of the control of management, such as the state of the economy, the interest rate environment, regulatory mandates and competition.

Strict numerical formulas are not used to determine changes in compensation, instead, competitive considerations as set forth below are utilized in the decision process.

Executive Compensation

Summary Compensation Table.  The following table shows the compensation of Donald Mindiak, our principal executive and financial officer and our two highest compensated executive officers who received total compensation of at least $100,000 for services to us or any of our subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Summary Compensation Table
Name and
Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
awards
 ($)
Option
awards
 ($)
Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation ($)  (1)
Change in
pension value
and non-
qualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
($)
All other
compensation
($)  (2)(3)
Total
($)
Donald Mindiak
President, Chief
Executive Officer,
Chief Financial
Officer and Director
2007
2006
 
$150,000
$136,500
$65,000
$80,000
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$    5,990
$    4,131
$220,990
$220,631
James E. Collins
Senior Lending
Officer and Director
2007
2006
$122,500
$120,000
$50,000
$50,000
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$   13,000
$          —
$          —
$   3,203
$   3,588
$175,703
$186,588
Thomas M. Coughlin
Chief Operating
Officer and Director
2007
2006
$120,000
$117,500
$65,000
$50,000
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$          —
$    4,242
$    3,603
$189,242
$171,103
__________________
(1)       Loan production incentive compenation based on total dollar value of loan closings.
(2)       Employer matching 401-K contributon for 2007 and 2006.
(3)       For the years ended December 31, 007 and 2006, the named executive officers did not receive perquisites or personal benefits, which exceeded $10,000.

 
 
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Change in Control Agreements.  BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank have entered into change in control agreements with each of the Named Officers.  These agreements provide certain benefits in the event of a change in control of BCB Bancorp or BCB Community Bank.  Each of the agreements provides for a term of 36 months.  Commencing on each anniversary date, the change in control agreement automatically renews for an additional year unless advance written notice of non-renewal is provided to the Named Officer.  The change in control agreements enable BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank to offer to the Named Officers certain financial protection in the event of a change in control (as defined in the agreements).  This type of protection is frequently offered by other financial institutions, and BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank may be at a competitive disadvantage in attracting and retaining key employees if they do not offer similar protection.

Following a change in control of BCB Bancorp, Inc. or BCB Community Bank, the Named Officers are entitled to payment under their agreements even if the Named Officer’s employment does not terminate as a result of the change in control.  In the event that a Named Officer who is a party to a change in control agreement is entitled to receive payments pursuant to the agreement, he or she will receive a cash lump sum payment up to a maximum of 2.999 times the Named Officer’s average annual compensation for services performed for BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank that was includible in gross income for the most recent five taxable years ending before the date of the change in control.  Such payment is subject to applicable withholding taxes.  The lump sum payments under the change in control agreements are limited so that they will not constitute an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

In addition to the lump sum payment, the Named Officers are entitled to receive health coverage for themselves and their dependents, at a level that is comparable to the health benefits provided immediately before the change in control, at no cost to the Named Officers for a period of 36 months from the date of the change in control.  The value of the health benefits could cause an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.  To the extent the Named Officers experience an excess parachute payment, BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank shall pay each Named Officer, pursuant to a written agreement, an amount equal to the Named Officer’s tax liability that results from the excess parachute payment.  The Board believes that these agreements are in the best interests of BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank because they will provide the intended benefits to the Named Officers without any reduction for tax penalties related to the payments.  This arrangement provides a further incentive for the Named Officers to achieve successful results in the management and operation of BCB Bancorp, Inc. and BCB Community Bank.


 
12

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Year End.  The following table sets forth information with respect to our outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2007 for our named executive officers.  All of the options granted became fully vested on December 31, 2005.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
 
Option awards
Name
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable
Equity incentive
plan awards:
number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
earned options
(#)
Option exercise
price ($)
Option
expiration
date
Donald Mindiak
President, Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial
Officer and Director
 
37,080
 
 
11,094
14,580
11,406
$  5.29
    9.34
   11.84
7-8-2012
8-14-2013
8-11-2014
James E. Collins
Senior Lending Officer and
Director
 
38,451
 
11,344
15,701
11,406
    5.29
    9.34
   11.84
7-8-2012
8-14-2013
8-11-2014
Thomas M. Coughlin
Chief Operating Officer and
Director
 
21,514
 
 
3,834
9,287
8,393
   15.65
   15.65
   15.65
7-8-2012
8-14-2013
8-11-2014

During the year ended December 31, 2007 there were no grants of plan-based awards for our named executive officers. We did not provide any pension benefits at and for the year ended December 31, 2007 for the named executive officers.  We did not provide any defined contribution or other nonqualified deferred compensation plans at and for the year ended December 31, 2007 for the named executive officers.

Benefit Plans

2003 Stock Option Plan.  Our 2003 Stock Option Plan provided for the grant of options to purchase 358,910 shares of common stock, adjusted for stock dividends.  Pursuant to the 2003 Stock Option Plan, 2,000 options were granted to non-employee directors in 2007.  The term of the options is ten years from the date of grant, and the number of shares subject to awards will be adjusted in the event of any merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares or other change in our corporate structure.  The stock options granted vested 100% upon grant.  To the extent described below, the awards include an equal number of reload options (“Reload Options”), limited stock appreciation rights (“Limited Rights”) and dividend equivalent rights (“Dividend Equivalent Rights”).  A Limited Right gives the option holder the right, upon a change in our control, to receive the excess of the market value of the shares represented by the Limited Rights on the date exercised over the exercise price.  The Limited Rights are subject to the same terms and conditions as the stock options.  Payment upon exercise of Limited Rights will be in cash, or in the event of a merger transaction, for shares of the acquiring corporation or its parent, as applicable.  Limited Rights have been granted to employees only.  The Dividend Equivalent Rights entitle the option holder to receive an amount of cash at the time that certain extraordinary dividends are declared equal to the amount of the extraordinary dividend multiplied by the number of options that the person holds.  For these purposes, an extraordinary dividend is defined as any dividend where the rate of dividend exceeds our weighted average cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities for the current and preceding three quarters.  The Reload Options entitle the option holder, who has delivered shares that he or she owns as payment of the exercise price for option stock, to a new option to acquire additional shares equal in amount to the shares he or she has delivered.  Reload Options may also be granted to replace option shares retained by the employer for payment of the option holder’s withholding tax.  The option price at which additional shares of stock can be purchased by the option holder through the exercise of a Reload Option is equal to the market value of the previously owned stock at the time it was surrendered.  The option period during which the Reload Option may be exercised expires at the same time as that of the original option that the holder has exercised.

 
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2002 Stock Option Plan.  Our 2002 Stock Option Plan provided for the grant of options to purchase 241,980 shares of common stock, adjusted for stock dividends.  Pursuant to the 2002 Stock Option Plan, no options were granted to non-employee directors in 2007.  The term of the options is ten years from the date of grant, and the number of shares subject to awards will be adjusted in the event of any merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares or other change in our corporate structure.  The stock options granted vest at the rate of 20% per year.  To the extent described below, the awards include an equal number of reload options (“Reload Options”), limited stock appreciation rights (“Limited Rights”) and dividend equivalent rights (“Dividend Equivalent Rights”).  A Limited Right gives the option holder the right, upon a change in our control, to receive the excess of the market value of the shares represented by the Limited Rights on the date exercised over the exercise price.  The Limited Rights are subject to the same terms and conditions as the stock options.  Payment upon exercise of Limited Rights will be in cash, or in the event of a merger transaction, for shares of the acquiring corporation or its parent, as applicable.  Limited Rights have been granted to employees only.  The Dividend Equivalent Rights entitle the option holder to receive an amount of cash at the time that certain extraordinary dividends are declared equal to the amount of the extraordinary dividend multiplied by the number of options that the person holds.  For these purposes, an extraordinary dividend is defined as any dividend where the rate of dividend exceeds our weighted average cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities for the current and preceding three quarters.  The Reload Options entitle the option holder, who has delivered shares that he or she owns as payment of the exercise price for option stock, to a new option to acquire additional shares equal in amount to the shares he or she has delivered.  Reload Options may also be granted to replace option shares retained by the employer for payment of the option holder’s withholding tax.  The option price at which additional shares of stock can be purchased by the option holder through the exercise of a Reload Option is equal to the market value of the previously owned stock at the time it was surrendered.  The option period during which the Reload Option may be exercised expires at the same time as that of the original option that the holder has exercised.

In December 2005, in response to changes in the accounting of limited rights and other cash settlement features set forth in the 2003 Stock Option Plan and the 2002 Stock Option Plan, both stock option plans were amended to eliminate the ability to award limited rights, to eliminate outstanding limited rights with the consent of the award recipient, to eliminate the right to receive a cash settlement of an option following a transaction in which our shareholders are to receive securities that are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, and to provide that no provision of the plan shall operate to require the cash settlement of a stock option in circumstances that are not in our discretion.


 
14

 

Director Compensation

Directors’ Summary Compensation Table.  Set forth below is summary compensation for each of our non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2007. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we did not provide any stock awards, option grants to our directors other than an award of 2,000 options to purchase shares of common stock from our 2003 Stock Option Plan to Director Tagliareni. Furthermore, we do not provide any non-equity incentive plan compensation or pension compensation to our directors.

Director Compensation
Name
Fees earned or paid
in cash ($)
Change in pension
value and non-
qualified deferred
compensation
earnings
($)
All other
compensation ($)(1)
Total
($)
Mark D. Hogan
$37,250
$37,250
Robert Ballance
$38,250
$38,250
Judith Q. Bielan
$30,500
$30,500
Joseph Brogan
$32,500
$32,500
Joseph Lyga
$39,000
$39,000
Alexander Pasiechnik
$38,750
$38,750
Dr. August Pellegrini, Jr.
$29,250
$29,250
Joseph Tagliareni
$39,250
$39,250
_______________________
(1)
For the year ended December 31, 2007, no director received perquisites or personal benefits, which exceeded $10,000.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, we did not pay board fees but BCB Community Bank’s Board of Directors received fees totaling $284,750.  Directors received fees of between $29,250 and $39,250 based on their tenure.  Directors Collins, Coughlin and Mindiak, as members of executive management, do not receive directors’ fees.

Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.  The Board of Directors of BCB Community Bank adopted the 2005 Director Deferred Compensation Plan (the “2005 Deferred Plan”), which became effective on October 1, 2005.  The 2005 Deferred Plan is designed to comply with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.  Pursuant to the 2005 Deferred Plan, directors of BCB Community Bank may elect to defer, on a pre-tax basis, receipt of all or any portion of the fees and retainers received for their service on the Board of Directors and on committees of the Board of Directors, but only to the extent such amounts are attributable to services not yet performed.  BCB Community Bank credits the deferred amounts to a bookkeeping account. Interest is paid on such deferred amounts at a rate equal to the rate payable on BCB Community Bank’s highest paying time deposit, as determined as of the first day of each month, or as adjusted from time to time.  BCB Community Bank may establish a rabbi trust to which BCB Community Bank may deposit such deferrals and interest, but such deposits shall remain subject to the claims of BCB Community Bank’s creditors.
 
Directors may make a deferral election during the first 30 days of becoming eligible for the 2005 Deferred Plan with respect to amounts earned that year, specifying the amount deferred and the time and form of payment.
 

 
15

 

Deferral amounts continue in effect until the director files a notice of adjustment with BCB Community Bank.  In addition, if the amount of director fees and/or retainers is increased, the director may increase the amount of his deferral by filing a notice of adjustment with BCB Community Bank.  Such adjustments take effect as of January 1 following the date the notice is given to BCB Community Bank.  Such deferral election is irrevocable with respect to the calendar year for which it is filed, provided, however, that a director may delay distributions or modify a previous deferral election if: (i) the new deferral election is not effective for 12 months, (ii) the original distribution date is at least 12 months from the date of the change in the election, and (iii) the new distribution date must be at least five years after the original distribution date.
 
Deferred fees will be paid out on the date designated by the director in his or her deferral election form or upon the director’s death, disability or separation from service as a director of BCB Community Bank, if such date is earlier than his or her designated distribution date.  However, payments upon termination of employment to directors who are “key employees” under the Internal Revenue Code will not be made until the first day of the seventh month following such termination of employment.  Distributions may also be made earlier than the designated distribution date if the distribution is necessary to satisfy a financial hardship, as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.  At the election of the director, the distribution may be paid out in a lump sum or in equal installments over a period not to exceed ten years.

Related Party Transactions

BCB Community Bank leases the property related to its 860 Broadway branch office from a limited liability company owned by directors Hogan, Ballance, Bielan, Brogan, Collins, Coughlin, Lyga, Pasiechnik, Pellegrini and Tagliareni.  Based upon a market rental value appraisal obtained prior to entering into the lease agreement, we believe that the terms and conditions of the lease are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party that was unaffiliated with BCB Community Bank.  During 2007, total lease payments of $165,000 were made to the limited liability company.  Payments under the lease currently total $13,750 per month.  Each director’s percentage ownership in the limited liability corporation is divided equally among 10 individuals.

Other than as described in the preceding two paragraphs, no directors, executive officers or immediate family members of such individuals have engaged in transactions with us involving more than $120,000 (other than through a loan) during the preceding year.  In addition, no directors, executive officers or immediate family members of such individuals were involved in loans from us involving more than $120,000 which were not made in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and conditions, including interest rate and collateral, as those of comparable transactions prevailing at the time with other persons, and do not include more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

We require that any transaction in which a director, officer or a member of their immediate family has an interest, and in which BCB Community Bank is involved must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.  Any such transaction must be made on terms no less favorable to us than it would be if we entered into a similar relationship with an unaffiliated third party.  Any lending relationship between a director, officer or a member of their immediate family and BCB Community Bank must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.  All such loans are made on substantially the same terms as loans to third parties, consistent with banking regulations governing the origination of loans to directors, officers and employees of BCB Community Bank.  The entire board is responsible for overseeing the application of these polices and procedures, which are part of our written policies.

Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits an issuer from: (1) extending or maintaining credit; (2) arranging for the extension of credit; or (3) renewing an extension of credit in the form of a personal loan for an officer or director.  There are several exceptions to this general prohibition, one of which is applicable to us.  Sarbanes-Oxley does not apply to loans made by a depository institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is subject to the insider lending restrictions of the Federal Reserve Act.  All loans to our directors and officers are made in conformity with the Federal Reserve Act regulations.

 
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MARKET INFORMATION
 

 
On December 14, 2005, our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. Previously, our common stock was traded on the Over the Counter Electronic Bulletin Board.  We currently have three market makers in accordance with Nasdaq rules.  However, no market maker has an obligation to continue to make a market for our common stock and could discontinue making a market at any time.  As of March 10, 2008, we had approximately 1,500 shareholders of record.


 
PROPOSAL II - RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 

 
Our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2007 was Beard Miller Company LLP.  The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has approved the engagement of Beard Miller to be our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008, subject to the ratification of the engagement by our shareholders at this annual meeting.  The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved Beard Miller as our independent registered public accounting firm upon completion of the combination described above.  Representatives of Beard Miller are expected to attend the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Shareholder ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our bylaws or otherwise.  However, the Board of Directors is submitting the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm to the shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice.  If the shareholders fail to ratify the independent registered public accounting firm selected by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm.  Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such change is in our best interests and the best interests of our shareholders.

Fees Paid to Beard Miller

Set forth below is certain information concerning aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Beard Miller during 2007 and 2006:

Audit Fees.  The aggregate fees billed to us by Beard Miller for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements was $79,868 and $70,889 during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Audit Related Fees.  There were no fees billed to us by Beard Miller for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of and review of the financial statements and that are not already reported in “—Audit Fees,” above for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

Tax Fees.  The aggregate fees billed to us by Beard Miller for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning was $8,000 and $7,000 during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  These services include the calculation of and preparation of all pertinent federal and state tax forms relative to us and our subsidiaries, and the maintenance of all applicable schedules and work papers relative to the same.

All Other Fees.  There were no fees billed to us by Beard Miller that are not described above during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services, which relate primarily to costs incurred with the management consulting services rendered, is compatible with maintaining Beard Miller’s

 
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independence.  The Audit Committee concluded that performing such services does not affect Beard Miller’s independence in performing its function as auditor for us.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services.  Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget.  The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to its Chairman when expedition of services is necessary.  The independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the full Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date.  All of the fees paid in the audit-related, tax and all other categories were approved per the pre-approval policies.

Required Vote and Recommendation of the Board of Directors

In order to ratify the selection of Beard Miller as independent registered public accounting firm for the 2008 year, the proposal must receive the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy.
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF BEARD MILLER COMPANY LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

 

 
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
 

 
In order to be eligible for inclusion in our proxy materials for next year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, any shareholder proposal to take action at such meeting must be received at our executive office, 104-110 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, no later than November 16, 2008.  Any such proposals shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.
 

 
OTHER MATTERS
 

 
Our Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the annual meeting other than the matters described above in the Proxy Statement.  However, if any other matter should properly come before the annual meeting, the Proxy Committee of the Board of Directors will have authority to vote its proxies in its discretion with respect to any matter as to which the Board of Directors is not notified at least five business days before the date of the Proxy Statement.
 

 
MISCELLANEOUS/FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
We will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies.  We will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of our common stock.  Our directors, officers and regular employees may solicit proxies personally or by telegraph or telephone without additional compensation.


 
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A FORM 10-K CONTAINING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 IS BEING FURNISHED TO SHAREHOLDERS.  THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES OUR ANNUAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.  COPIES OF ALL OF BCB BANCORP, INC.’S FILINGS WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ARE AVAILABLE AT THE COMMISSION’S WEB SITE (www.sec.gov), AND ARE AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE BY WRITING TO BCB BANCORP, INC. AT 104-110 AVENUE C, BAYONNE, NEW JERSEY 07002, ATTENTION: CORPORATE SECRETARY.

 
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
   
 
/s/ Mark D. Hogan
   
 
Mark D. Hogan
 
Chairman of the Board
Bayonne, New Jersey
March 17, 2008


 
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PROXY CARD

REVOCABLE PROXY

BCB BANCORP, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
April 24, 2008

The undersigned hereby appoints the Board of Directors with full powers of substitution to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to vote all shares of common stock of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, New Jersey 07002 on April 24, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time.  The Board of Directors are authorized to cast all votes to which the undersigned is entitled as follows:

 
1.
 
 
 
The election as directors of all nominees listed below (except as marked to the contrary below).
 
Robert Ballance
 
Joseph Brogan
 
Donald Mindiak
 
August Pellegrini, Jr.
 
INSTRUCTION:  To withhold your vote for one or more nominees, write the name of the nominee(s) on the lines below.
 
______________________________________
______________________________________
 
 
FOR
o
 
VOTE
WITHHELD
o
   
                 
2.
 
The ratification of the appointment of Beard Miller Company LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the year ending December 31, 2008.
 
FOR
o
 
AGAINST
o
 
ABSTAIN
o
                 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the listed proposals.

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSALS STATED ON THIS PROXY.  IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT SUCH ANNUAL MEETING, A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO VOTE IN THEIR DISCRETION WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER AS TO WHICH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS NOT NOTIFIED AT LEAST FIVE BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

The annual meeting may be postponed or adjourned for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 


Should the undersigned be present and elect to vote at the annual meeting or at any adjournment thereof and after notification to our Corporate Secretary at the annual meeting of the shareholder’s decision to terminate this proxy, then the power of said attorneys and proxies shall be deemed terminated and of no further force and effect.  This proxy may also be revoked by sending written notice to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or by the filing of a later proxy prior to a vote being taken on a particular proposal at the annual meeting.

The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company prior to the execution of this proxy of a notice of the annual meeting and a Proxy Statement dated March 17, 2008 and the Annual Report on Form 10-K with audited financial statements.


     
o
Check Box if You Plan
Dated:
     
to Attend annual meeting
         
         
         
PRINT NAME OF SHAREHOLDER
   
PRINT NAME OF SHAREHOLDER
         
         
         
SIGNATURE OF SHAREHOLDER
   
SIGNATURE OF SHAREHOLDER


Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy card.  When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title.




Please complete and date this proxy card and return it promptly
in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope.