Def 14a
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by
the Registrant x
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12 |
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Bank of South Carolina Corporation
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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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): |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Total fee paid: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided
by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for
which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form
or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Date Filed: |
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PROXY MATERIAL OF
BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 14, 2009
To Our Shareholders:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Bank of South Carolina Corporation (the Company)
will be held at 256 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009,
at 2:00 p.m., for the following purposes:
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To elect seventeen (17) Directors to serve until the Companys 2010
Annual Meeting of Shareholders; |
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To ratify the appointment of Elliott Davis, LLC, as independent
certified public accountants for 2009; |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting. |
Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 27, 2009, will be entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
You may revoke your Proxy at any time prior to its exercise by written notice to the Company
prior to the meeting or by attending the meeting personally and voting. The Board of
Directors of the Company solicits the accompanying form of Proxy.
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY AND PROMPTLY RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/Richard W. Hutson
Richard W. Hutson
Secretary
February 26, 2009
BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA CORPORATION
256 Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement, which is first being mailed to Shareholders on or about March 10, 2009, is
provided in conjunction with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Bank of South
Carolina Corporation (the Company) for use at the 2009 Annual Shareholders Meeting of the
Company. The Notice of Meeting, Proxy Form and Annual Report are enclosed in this package.
The Proxy
The Board of Directors of the Company selected the persons named as proxies on the enclosed Proxy
Form. No officer or employee of the Company or any subsidiary may be named as proxy.
The solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors is conducted by Directors, officers
and regular employees of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, The Bank of South Carolina
(the Bank), at no additional compensation over regular salaries. The cost of printing and
mailing of all proxy materials has been paid by the Company. Brokers and others involved in
handling and forwarding the proxy materials to their customers having beneficial interests in the
stock of the Company registered in the names of Nominees will be reimbursed for their reasonable
expenses in doing so.
Voting Rights
The Common Stock of the Company is its only class of voting securities. On February 27, 2009,
there were issued and outstanding 3,976,599 shares of Common Stock (no par value). Each share is
entitled to one vote; provided, however, that Shareholders have cumulative voting rights for the
election of Directors. The right to cumulate votes means that the Shareholders are entitled to
multiply the number of votes they are entitled to cast by the number of Directors for whom they are
entitled to vote and cast the product for a single candidate or distribute the product among two or
more candidates.
CUMULATIVE VOTING SHALL APPLY FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors includes a solicitation for
discretionary authority to cumulate votes.
The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business February 27, 2009, as the
record date for the determination of Shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual
Meeting. Proxies properly executed by Shareholders of record on February 27, 2009, and received in
time for the meeting, will be voted as specified on all business to be acted upon at the meeting
and any adjournment thereof.
Right of Revocation
Any Shareholder executing a Proxy for the meeting on the Proxy Form provided may revoke the Proxy
in writing delivered to the President of the Company prior to the meeting or by attending the
meeting and voting in person.
Principal Shareholders of the Company
To the extent known to the Board of Directors of the Company, as of February 27, 2009, the only
Shareholders of the Company having beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the shares of Common
Stock of the Company are as set forth below:
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Name & Address of |
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Amount & Nature of |
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Percent of |
Beneficial Owner |
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Beneficial Ownership |
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Class |
Hugh C. Lane, Jr. (1)
30 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401 |
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492,014 |
(2) |
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12.37 |
% |
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The Bank of South Carolina
Employee Stock Ownership
Plan and Trust (the ESOP)
256 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401 |
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226,533 |
(3) |
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5.70 |
% |
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(1) |
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To the extent known to the Board of Directors, the Marital Trust for the benefit of Beverly
G. Lane, Beverly G. Lane Trust, Beverly G. Jost, Kathleen L. Schenck, Charles G. Lane and Hugh
C. Lane Jr., collectively, have beneficial ownership of 663,164 shares or 16.68% of the
outstanding shares. As more fully described in the following footnotes, Hugh C. Lane, Jr. is
the only one of the above who has a beneficial ownership interest in more than 5% percent of
the Companys Common Stock. Hugh C. Lane, Jr. disclaims any beneficial interest in those
shares in which other members of his family have a beneficial interest other than those shares
his wife owns directly and those for which he serves as trustee or she serves as custodian (as
more fully described in the following footnote). |
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To the extent known to the Board of Directors, Hugh C. Lane, Jr., an Executive Officer and
Director of the Bank and the Company, directly owns and has sole voting and investment power
with respect to 262,469 shares; as trustee for three trust accounts holding an aggregate of
115,533 shares, he has sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares; as a
co-trustee for two trust accounts holding 2,298 shares, he has joint voting and investment
power with respect to such shares; as a trustee for the Mills Bee Lane Memorial Foundation, he
has shared voting and investment power with respect to 9,831 shares; as trustee for the ESOP,
he has joint voting and investment power with respect to 3,962 unallocated shares; he is
indirectly beneficial owner of 12,764 shares owned by his wife and an aggregate of 48,965
shares held by his wife as custodian for their son, and 36,192 shares owned by the ESOP in
which he has a vested interest. All of the shares beneficially owned by Hugh C. Lane, Jr. are
currently owned. Hugh C. Lane, Jr. has had beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the Banks
Common Stock since October 23, 1986, and more than 10% since November 16, 1988. |
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The Trustees of the ESOP, Thomas C. Stevenson, III, a Director of the Bank and the Company,
Sheryl G. Sharry, an officer of the Bank and Hugh C. Lane, Jr., an Executive Officer and
Director of the Bank and the Company, disclaim beneficial ownership of the 226,533 shares
owned by the ESOP with 222,571shares allocated to members of the plan each of whom under the
terms of the plan has the right to direct the Trustees as to the manner in which voting rights
are to be exercised. The Trustees have joint voting and investment power with respect to
3,962 unallocated shares held in the ESOP. |
Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock of the Company
The following table sets forth the number of shares of Common Stock (the only class of outstanding
equity securities of the Company) known by the Company to be beneficially owned by each Nominee for
election as Director and by the Executive Officers and Directors of the Company as a group as of
February 27, 2009. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, the persons named
possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown opposite their names. As
of February 27, 2009, no Executive Officer, Director or Nominee beneficially owned more than
2
10% of the outstanding shares of the Company other than Hugh C. Lane, Jr. As of February 27,
2009, the Executive Officers, Directors and Nominees beneficially owned 994,646 shares,
representing approximately 25.01% of the outstanding shares.
As of February 27, 2009, the beneficial ownership of Common Stock of the Company by all current
Directors and each Nominee for Director was as set forth in the following table:
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Name & Address of |
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Amount & Nature of |
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Percent of |
Beneficial Owner |
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Beneficial Ownership |
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Class |
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David W. Bunch
6605 Seewee Road
Awendaw, SC 29429
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450 |
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.011 |
% |
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C. Ronald Coward
537 Planters Loop
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
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50,295
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(1) |
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1.265 |
% |
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Graham M. Eubank, Jr.
791 Navigators Run
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
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550 |
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.014 |
% |
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Fleetwood S. Hassell
30 New Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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61,046
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(1) |
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1.535 |
% |
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Glen B. Haynes, DVM
101 Drayton Drive
Summerville, SC 29464
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3,276 |
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.082 |
% |
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William L. Hiott, Jr.
1831 Capri Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
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147,227
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(1) |
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3.702 |
% |
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Katherine M. Huger
1 Bishop Gadsden Way, C-17
Charleston, SC 29412
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8,051
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(1) |
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.202 |
% |
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Richard W. Hutson, Jr.
124 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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1,525 |
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.038 |
% |
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Charles G. Lane
10 Gillon Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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173,976 |
(1) |
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4.375 |
% |
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Hugh C. Lane, Jr.
30 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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492,014
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(1) |
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12.373 |
% |
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Louise J. Maybank
8 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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44,907
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(1) |
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1.129 |
% |
3
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Name & Address of |
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Amount & Nature of |
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Percent of |
Beneficial Owner |
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Beneficial Ownership |
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Class |
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Dr. Linda J. Bradley McKee, CPA
3401 Waterway Blvd.
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
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861 |
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.022 |
% |
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Alan I. Nussbaum, MD
37 Rebellion Road
Charleston, SC 29407
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703 |
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.018 |
% |
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Edmund Rhett, Jr., MD
17 Country Club Drive
Charleston, SC 29412
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2,387
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(1) |
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.060 |
% |
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Malcolm M. Rhodes, MD
7 Guerard Road
Charleston, SC 29407
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1,787 |
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.045 |
% |
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David R. Schools
317 Coinbow Drive
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
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100 |
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.003 |
% |
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Thomas C. Stevenson, III
173 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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25,171
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(1) |
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.633 |
% |
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(1) |
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To the extent known to the Board of Directors, each of the following Directors and Nominees
for election as Directors (each of whom directly owns and has sole voting and investment power
of all shares beneficially owned by him or her except as set forth in this footnote)
indirectly owns the following number of shares: C. Ronald Coward an aggregate of
1,663 shares owned by a company of which he is chairman and director; Fleetwood S.
Hassell an aggregate of 10,520 shares owned by his wife, held by him as trustee for
the revocable trust of his father, held by him as a co-trustee with Charles G. Lane for the
children of Hugh C. Lane, Jr. and 24,069 shares owned by the ESOP, in which he has a vested
interest; William L. Hiott, Jr. an aggregate of 8,050 shares directly owned by his
wife and 23,289 shares owned by the ESOP, in which he has a vested interest; Katherine M.
Huger 731 shares owned by her husband; Charles G. Lane an aggregate of
68,273 shares owned by his wife, held by her as custodian for two of their children, held by
him as a co-trustee with Hugh C. Lane, Jr. under one trust for a sisters children, held by him
as a co-trustee with Fleetwood S. Hassell for the children of Hugh C. Lane, Jr., held by him
as co-trustee under the Irrevocable Trust of Hugh C. Lane and held by him as a trustee of
Mills Bee Lane Memorial Foundation; Hugh C. Lane, Jr. an aggregate of 193,353 shares
owned by his wife, held by his wife as custodian for their son, held by him as a co-trustee
with Charles G. Lane under one trust for a sisters children, held by him as trustee under the
Hugh C. Lane Trust for the benefit of three of the grandchildren of Hugh C. Lane, held by him
as trustee for the Beverly Glover Lane Trust, held by him as a trustee for the Hugh C. Lane
Irrevocable Trust, held by him as trustee for the Marital Trust for the benefit of Beverly
Glover Lane, held by him as a trustee of Mills Bee Lane Memorial Foundation, held by him as
trustee of the ESOP (unallocated shares), and 36,192 shares owned by the ESOP in which he has
a vested interest; Louise J. Maybank 15,506 shares held by her as a co-trustee for
a Family Charitable Trust; Edmund Rhett, Jr.MD 756 shares owned by his wife; and
Thomas C. Stevenson, III- an aggregate of 24,440 shares held by him as co-trustee
under a Marital Trust, held by him as co-trustee of a QTip Trust, and held by him as trustee
of the ESOP (unallocated shares). All such indirectly owned shares are included in the
totals of the number of shares set forth in the above table and beneficially owned by the
Directors and Nominees. |
4
As a group, all Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers (including Hugh C. Lane, Jr., President
and Chief Executive Officer; Fleetwood S. Hassell Executive Vice President; and William L. Hiott,
Jr., Executive Vice President and Treasurer) are seventeen in number and beneficially own an
aggregate of 994,646 shares, representing 25.01% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of the
Company. All of these shares beneficially owned by the Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers
are currently owned.
Independence of Directors
With the exception of Hugh C. Lane, Jr., Fleetwood S. Hassell, and William L. Hiott, Jr., all
Executive Officers of the Company, and Charles G. Lane, brother of Hugh C. Lane, Jr., all of the
Directors proposed to be elected are independent and they constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors.
Election of Directors
Fifteen Directors, constituting the current Board of Directors, will be elected at the Annual
Meeting, each to hold office for one year and until a successor shall have been duly elected or
appointed and shall have qualified. In addition the Nominating Committee of the Company Board of
Directors recommended at its December 17, 2008 meeting to approve David W. Bunch and David R.
Schools, for nomination to the Board of Directors. This recommendation was approved by the Board
of Directors and will be voted on at the annual meeting. In the absence of instructions to the
contrary, shares of Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies will be voted for the
seventeen Nominees listed on pages 6 and 7, all of whom are recommended by the Nominating Committee
and the Board of Directors of the Company and have consented to be named and to serve if elected.
The Company does not presently know of anything that would preclude any Nominee from serving;
however, should any Nominee for any reason become unable or unwilling to serve as a Director, the
number of Directors to be elected will be reduced accordingly.
The name of each Nominee designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for election as a
Director of the Company and certain information provided by such Nominee to the Company are set
forth in the table below. Seven of the current Nominees served as initial Directors of the Bank
from October 22, 1986, when the Banks charter was issued until the first Annual Meeting of
Shareholders on April 14, 1987, and were elected to serve a one year term at such Annual Meeting.
All of the above seven Directors of the Bank were elected to serve one-year terms at subsequent
Annual Meetings. All of the above seven Directors of the Bank were elected Directors of the Company
upon its organization in 1995. Alan I. Nussbaum, MD and Edmund Rhett, Jr., MD, were first elected
as Directors of the Company during 1999. Dr. Linda J. Bradley McKee, CPA was first elected as a
Director of the Company during 2002. They were all re-elected as Directors of the Company to serve
one year terms at subsequent Annual Meetings. Graham M. Eubank, Jr., Richard W. Hutson, Jr. and
Malcolm M. Rhodes, MD were elected pursuant to the By-Laws of the Company on December 16, 2004, and
were elected to serve one year terms at subsequent annual meetings. Fleetwood S. Hassell was
elected pursuant to the By-Laws of the Company on December 15, 2005, and was elected to serve one
year terms at subsequent annual meetings. Glen B. Haynes, DVM was elected pursuant to the By-Laws
of the Company on December 14, 2006 and was elected to serve a one year term at subsequent annual
meetings. All of current Nominees, except David W. Bunch and David R. Schools, served as Directors
of the Company from April 8, 2008, the date of the last Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
5
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Positions and |
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Offices Held |
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Business Experience |
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With |
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1987-2009 and |
Name |
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Age |
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Corporation |
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Relationship |
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Other Directorships |
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David W. Bunch
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58 |
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None
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None
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President, Hughes Motors, Inc.
(retail truck) 1997-2009
Vice-President, Bunch Leasing Co., Inc.
(leasing truck) 1997-2009
Vice-President, Florence Truck Center, Inc.
(retail truck) 1997-2009
Partner, Bunch & Sons (real estate)
1972-2009
Managing Member, Wando Properties,
LLC (real estate) 1986-2009
President, Double D. Leasing Co., Inc.
(leasing truck) 1976-2009 |
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C. Ronald Coward
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73 |
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Director
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None
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Chairman, Coward Hund
Construction Company, Inc.
(construction) 2004-2009;
President, 1976-2004 |
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Graham M. Eubank, Jr.
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41 |
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Director
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None
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President, Palmetto Ford, Inc.
(retail automobile) 2000-2009;
Vice President 1996-2000 |
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Fleetwood S. Hassell
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49 |
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Executive
Vice President
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Brother-in-law
Charles G.
Lane, Director
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The Bank of South Carolina
(banking) 1986-2009 |
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Glen B. Haynes, DVM
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54 |
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Director
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None
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Westbury Veterinary Clinic
(Veterinary) 1984 2009 |
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William L. Hiott, Jr.
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64 |
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Executive
Vice President,
Treasurer,
Director
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None
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The Bank of South Carolina
(banking) 1986-2009 |
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Katherine M. Huger
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67 |
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Director
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None
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Emerita Professor of
Economics, Charleston Southern University; Assistant Professor
of
Economics, Charleston Southern
University (education) 1972-2004 |
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Richard W. Hutson, Jr.
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51 |
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Secretary
Director
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None
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Manager, William M. Means Company
Insurance, LLC (insurance) 1998-2009;
Sole Proprietor, William M. Means
Insurance Co. (insurance) 1992-1998 |
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Positions and |
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Offices Held |
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Business Experience |
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1987-2009 and |
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|
|
|
|
Charles G. Lane
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
Director
|
|
Brother of
Hugh C.
Lane, Jr.;
Brother-in-law
Fleetwood S.
Hassell,
Executive
Vice President
|
|
Managing Member Holcombe, Fair &
Lane, LLC (real estate) 1996 2009;
Associate Holcombe & Fair
Realtors 1987 1996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hugh C. Lane, Jr.
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
President,
Chief Exec.
Officer,
Director
|
|
Brother of
Charles G.
Lane
|
|
The Bank of South Carolina (banking)
1986-2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Louise J. Maybank
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
Director
|
|
None
|
|
Active in community programs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Linda J. Bradley
McKee, CPA
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
Director
|
|
None
|
|
Director, MS in Accountancy
Program College of Charleston
(education) 1998 2007; Chairman,
Dept. of Accountancy 1999-2004;
Associate Professor
1999 2009;
Assistant Professor
1993 1999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan I. Nussbaum, MD
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
Director
|
|
None
|
|
Physician in private practice with
Rheumatology Associates, PA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edmund Rhett, Jr., MD
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
Director
|
|
None
|
|
Physician in private practice
as Edmund Rhett, Jr., PA 2007-2009;
Physician in private obstetrical practice
with Low Country Obstetrics & Gynecology, PA 1977-2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Malcolm M. Rhodes, MD
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
Director
|
|
None
|
|
Physician in private practice with
Parkwood Pediatric Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David R. Schools
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
|
President and CEO, Piggly Wiggly
Carolina Company 2007-2009
Senior Vice President, Piggly Wiggly
Carolina Company 1999-2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas C. Stevenson, III
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
Director
|
|
None
|
|
President, Fabtech, Inc. (metal
fabrication) 1991-2009; Private
Investor 1990-91; Chairman of the
Board Stevenson Hagerty, Inc.
(diversified holding company) 1984-
1990 |
7
Committees of the Board of Directors
Hugh C. Lane, Jr. presently serves as President of the Board of Directors. The Board has four
committees: the Executive/Long-Range Planning Committee, resulting from the merger of the Executive
Committee and the Long-Range Planning Committee in 2004, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating
Committee, and the Audit and Compliance Committee. The Compensation Committee and the Nominating
Committee were established at the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors on December 18,
2003.
The Executive/Long-Range Planning Committee consists of the President of the Company and six
designated Directors. The President of the Company chairs the Committee. At present, the fixed
membership of the Committee consists of C. Ronald Coward, Fleetwood S. Hassell, William L. Hiott,
Jr., Charles G. Lane, Hugh C. Lane, Jr., Alan I. Nussbaum, MD, and Thomas C. Stevenson, III. During
2008, this Committee held four meetings. In addition to long-range and strategic planning, the
principal function of the Committee is to exercise all authority of the Board of Directors in the
management and affairs of the Company and the Bank. In addition, the Executive Committee acts on
behalf of the entire Board of the Company between the regular Board Meetings.
The Audit and Compliance Committee reviews and examines detailed reports of the internal auditor
for the Bank; meets periodically with the internal auditor; reviews reports of regulatory bodies
having jurisdiction over the Company and the Bank; evaluates internal accounting controls;
recommends and approves the engagement and continuation of engagement of independent auditors, the
scope of their work and the fees for their services; and meets with and considers recommendations
of the independent auditors for the Company and the Bank. The Audit and Compliance Committee
consists of Dr. Linda J. Bradley McKee, CPA, C. Ronald Coward, Graham M. Eubank, Jr., Glen B.
Haynes, Richard W. Hutson, Jr., Alan I. Nussbaum, MD, and Malcolm M. Rhodes, MD, all independent
Directors of the Company. The Audit and Compliance Committee met five times during 2008.
The Compensation Committee consists of Thomas C. Stevenson, III and Graham M. Eubank, Jr., both
independent Directors of the Company. The function of the Compensation Committee is to recommend
the compensation of Executive Officers to the Directors of the Company. The Compensation Committee
did not meet in 2008.
The Nominating Committee consists of C. Ronald Coward, Graham M. Eubank, Jr. and Edmund Rhett, Jr.,
MD all independent Directors of the Company. The function of the Nominating Committee is to
recommend a slate of proposed Directors to the Board of Directors of the Company. The Nominating
Committee has adopted a written Charter. The Charter was attached as Exhibit A to the 2005 Proxy
Statement. The Nominating Committee met two times during 2008.
Report of the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors
Membership and Role of the Audit and Compliance Committee
The Audit and Compliance Committee (the Audit Committee) presently consists of seven members of
the Board of Directors. During 2008, the Audit Committee held five meetings. The Audit Committee
operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The charter was attached as
Exhibit A to the 2004 Proxy Statement. Members are considered to be independent of the Company
under applicable rules and regulations, including Rule 4200(a) (15) of the National Association of
Securities Dealers.
Review of the Companys Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements of
the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The Audit Committee has discussed with
Elliott Davis, LLC, the Companys independent public accountants, the matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees).
8
The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from Elliott Davis,
LLC required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees) and the Audit Committee has discussed the independence of Elliott Davis, LLC with that
firm. Based on the Audit Committees review and discussions mentioned above, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Board of Directors that the Companys audited financial statements be included
in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Submitted by:
Alan I. Nussbaum, MD, Chairman
C. Ronald Coward
Graham M. Eubank, Jr.
Glen B. Haynes
Richard W. Hutson, Jr.
Dr. Linda J. Bradley McKee, CPA
Malcolm M. Rhodes, MD
Nominations for Director
Nominations, other than those made by the Nominating Committee of the Company, shall be made in
writing and shall be delivered or mailed to the President of the Company not less than 14 days nor
more than 50 days prior to any meeting of Shareholders calling for election of Directors; provided
however, that if less than 21 days notice of the meeting is given to Shareholders, such nomination
shall be mailed or delivered to the President of the Company not later than the close of business
on the 7th day following the day on which the Notice of Meeting was mailed. Nominations
not made according to these procedures will be disregarded.
Nominating Committee Policy for Shareholder Nominations
The Nominating Committee has a policy with regard to consideration of any Director candidates
recommended by security holders and that policy is to consider any and all such recommendations.
The Nominating Committee has adopted specific minimum qualifications which the Nominating Committee
believes must be met by a Nominating Committee recommended Nominee for a position on the Companys
Board of Directors, and those are that such Nominee must be generally recognized as successful in
such Nominees business or community efforts, have a generally recognized reputation for honesty
and integrity, have demonstrated such Nominees commitment to the community in which the Company
and its subsidiary Bank operates and have demonstrated in meetings with the Nominating Committee
such Nominees commitment to the best interests of the Company, its subsidiary Bank, and their
officers, directors, employees and shareholders. The Nominating Committees process for
identifying and evaluating Nominees for Director of the Company and its subsidiary Bank, including
Nominees recommended by security holders, is to investigate whether or not such Nominee meets the
specific minimum qualifications adopted as a policy by the Nominating Committee through contacts
the members of the Nominating Committee have in their community. There are no differences in the
manner in which the Nominating Committee evaluates Nominees for Director based on whether the
Nominee is recommended by a security holder.
The Company does not utilize or pay a fee to any third party to evaluate Nominees for Director.
Directors Meetings
The Board of Directors of the Company held seven meetings (including all regularly scheduled and
special meetings) during the year ended December 31, 2008. No Directors attended fewer than 75% of
the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and (ii) the total
number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which he served.
9
Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth all remuneration (including remuneration under any contract,
authorization or arrangement, whether or not set forth in a formal document) paid during the years
ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 by the Bank to the three Executive Officers of the Company
and the Bank, and one retired Executive Officer of the Company and Bank, whose cash remuneration
from the Bank exceeded $100,000.00 dollars for their services in all capacities. Such Executive
Officers receive no compensation from the Company as Executive Officers or as Directors or in any
other capacity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
All |
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
|
Salary(1) |
|
|
Bonus(2) |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Compensation(3) |
|
|
Total |
|
Hugh C. Lane, Jr.
President and Chief
Executive
Officer |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
210,101.45 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,572.15 |
|
|
|
229,773.60 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
200,001.37 |
|
|
|
1,600.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,136.27 |
|
|
|
219,737.64 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
190,000.00 |
|
|
|
1,600.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,630.52 |
|
|
|
213,230.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William L. Hiott, Jr.
Executive Vice
President and
Treasurer |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
180,101.45 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,777.48 |
|
|
|
196,978.93 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
175,001.53 |
|
|
|
1,600.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,887.26 |
|
|
|
192,488.79 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
167,000.00 |
|
|
|
1,600.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,033.98 |
|
|
|
187,633.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fleetwood S. Hassell
Executive Vice
President |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
145,101.29 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,517.02 |
|
|
|
158,718.31 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
135,001.45 |
|
|
|
1,600.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,288.81 |
|
|
|
148,890.26 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
120,000.00 |
|
|
|
1,600.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,728.00 |
|
|
|
135,328.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nathaniel I. Ball, III
Retired Executive
Vice President and
Secretary |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
140,600.00 |
(4) |
|
|
140,600.00 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
149,649.09 |
|
|
|
146,649.09 |
|
|
|
|
1) |
|
The Compensation Committee consisting of Graham M. Eubank, Jr., and Thomas C. Stevenson,
compared salaries for similar positions at similar sized banks within South Carolina as well
as the overall bank and individual performance. Once the salary levels were established by
the Compensation Committee, the salaries were recommended to the Board of Directors for
approval. |
|
2) |
|
The bonus consists of a $100 bonus presented to all employees at Christmas in 2006, 2007 and
2008 and a $1,500 bonus presented in January 2006 and 2007, respectively to all employees
employed before July 1, 2005 and July 1, 2006. |
|
3) |
|
On November 2, 1989, the Bank adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust Agreement
(the Plan) to provide retirement benefits to eligible employees for long and faithful
service. The other compensation represents the amount contributed to the Banks ESOP. |
|
4) |
|
Nathaniel I. Ball, III, retired on July 31, 2005. The amount reported in 2007 and 2006
represents severance pay. |
10
An employee of the Bank is eligible to become a participant in the ESOP upon reaching 21 years
of age and credited with one year of service (1,000 hours of service). The employee may enter
the plan on the January 1st that occurs nearest the date on which the employee first
satisfies the age and service requirements described above. No contributions by employees are
permitted. The amount and time of contributions are at the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors of the Bank. The contribution for all participants is based solely on each
participants respective regular or base salary and wages paid by the Bank including
commissions, bonuses and overtime, if any.
A participant becomes vested in the ESOP based upon the employees credited years of service.
The vesting schedule is as follows;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year of service
|
|
0% Vested |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 Years of Service |
|
25% Vested |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 Years of Service
|
|
50% Vested |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 Years of Service
|
|
75% Vested |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 Years of Service
|
|
100% Vested |
The Plan became effective as of January 1, 1989 and amended effective January 1, 2007 and
approved by the Board of Directors on January 18, 2007. This amendment was made to comply with
the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
The Board of Directors of the Bank approved the contribution of $288,000 to the ESOP for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The contribution was made during 2008. Thomas C.
Stevenson, III, Sheryl G. Sharry and Hugh C. Lane, Jr., currently serve as Plan Administrators
and as Trustees for the Plan. The Plan currently owns 226,533 shares or 5.70% of the Companys
Common Stock.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the Company had no plans or arrangements
pursuant to which any Executive Officer, Director or Principal Shareholder received contingent
remuneration or personal benefits other than the contingent remuneration and life, disability,
dental and health insurance benefits. Life, disability, dental and health insurance benefits
are available for all employees of the Bank who work at least 30 hours a week.
OPTION AWARDS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Plan Awards: Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Securities |
|
of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised Options |
|
Unexercised Options |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option Exercise |
|
Option Expiration |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Unearned Options |
|
Price |
|
Date |
Hugh C. Lane, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William L. Hiott,
Jr. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fleetwood S. Hassell |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
On April 14, 1998, the Shareholders of the Company approved an Incentive Stock Option Plan for the
benefit of eligible officers and employees of the Bank and reserved a total 180,000 shares. On
April 16, 1998, the Bank granted options to purchase Common Stock in the aggregate amount of
146,000 shares to 52 employees of the Bank (including officers, such Directors as are also
employees and other employees) pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option Plan. These grants included
those to Hugh C. Lane, Jr., William L. Hiott, Jr., and Fleetwood S. Hassell, Executive Officers and
Directors and Nathaniel I. Ball, III, (retired) Executive Officer and Director. As adjusted for a
10% stock dividend paid on May 15, 1998, 198,000 shares were being held in reserve.
As of July 10, 2000, all of the option holders, including the above Executive Officers, terminated
their existing stock options. There was no obligation on the part of the Company or The Bank of
South Carolina to issue additional or replacement options. No options were exercised in 1998, 1999
or 2000. On May 14, 2001, the Bank granted options to purchase Common Stock in the aggregate
amount of 152,350 shares to 45 employees of the Bank (including officers, such Directors as are
also employees and other employees) pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option Plan. These grants
included those to Hugh C. Lane, Jr., William L. Hiott, Jr., and Fleetwood S. Hassell, Executive
Officers and Directors and Nathaniel I. Ball, III, (retired) Executive Officer and Director.
Except for those options granted to Hugh C. Lane, Jr. as described below, all of the options were
granted at an exercise price of $13.50 per share. No additional options were granted during 2001.
Options to purchase 9,500 shares were granted at an exercise price of $14.925 per share to 4
employees of the Bank during 2002. Options to purchase 13,500 shares with an exercise price of
$14.20 per share were granted to 13 employees in 2003. Options to purchase 4,000 shares with an
exercise price of $14.00 were granted to one employee in 2004. No options were exercised during
2001, 2002, 2003 or 2004. Options to purchase 32,500 shares with an exercise price of $16.62 were
granted to twenty-one employees in 2006. Options to purchase 5,000 shares with an exercise price of
$15.99 and options to purchase 5,000 shares with an exercise price of 15.51 were granted to two
employees in 2007. During 2008, options to purchase 4,500 shares with an exercise price of $14.19
were granted to two employees.
As adjusted for a 10% stock dividend effective on July 15, 2003, a 10% stock distribution effective
April 29, 2005 and a 25% stock dividend effective on April 28, 2006, there are currently 38,541
shares being held in reserve. There are currently outstanding options to purchase 13,532 shares at
an option price of $9.39 per share, options to purchase 62,616 shares at an option price of $8.92
per share, options to purchase 17,250 shares at an option price of $16.62 per share, options to
purchase 5,000 shares at an option price of $15.99 per share, options to purchase 5,000 shares at
an option price of $15.51 per share and options to purchase 2,000 shares at an option price of
$14.19 resulting in total outstanding options to purchase 105,398 shares at the prices set forth
above.
As adjusted for a 10% stock dividend effective on July 15, 2003, a 10% stock distribution effective
April 29, 2005 and a 25% stock dividend effective April 28, 2006, options to purchase 44,853 shares
with an exercise price of $8.92 per share, options to purchase 11,343 shares with an exercise price
of $9.87, options to purchase 4,537 shares with an exercise price of $9.39 per share, options to
purchase 5,500 shares with an exercise price of $9.26 per share, options to purchase 15,250 shares
with an exercise price of $16.62 per share and options to purchase 2,500 shares with an exercise
price of $14.19 have expired. There were 32,500 options granted during 2006 with an exercise price
of $16.62. During 2007, there were 5,000 options granted with an exercise price of $15.99 and 5,000
options granted with an exercise price of $15.51. There were 4,500 options granted during 2008 with
an exercise price of $14.19.
12
On October 2, 2005, Nathaniel I. Ball, III (retired) Executive Officer and Director, in accordance
with the Incentive Stock Option Plan, exercised his options to purchase 16,637 shares of common
stock. The stock was purchased with the redemption of 10,300 shares of Bank of South Carolina
Corporation common stock (personally held) with a price of $18.00 a share and the payment of $225
cash. On May 14, 2006 in accordance with the Incentive Stock Option Plan, options to purchase
67,220 shares of common stock became exercisable. Hugh C. Lane, Jr. exercised his option to
purchase 24,956 shares at $9.82 per share. Twenty-four employees, including William L. Hiott, Jr.
Executive Vice President and Treasurer and Fleetwood S. Hassell, Executive Vice President,
exercised their option to purchase 39,846 shares of common stock at $8.92 per share. William L.
Hiott purchased 4,159 shares and Fleetwood S. Hassell purchased 2,495 shares. On December 4, 2006
Janice Flynn, former Senior Vice President exercised her options to purchase 6,655 shares at $8.92
per share and 3,025 shares at $9.87 per share. Her shares became fully vested due to permanent
disability. On May 14, 2007 in accordance with the Incentive Stock Option Plan, options to
purchase 27,488 shares at $8.92 per share became exercisable. Twenty employees, including William
L. Hiott, Jr., Executive Vice President and Treasurer and Fleetwood S. Hassell, Executive Vice
President, exercised their options to purchase 24,257 shares of common stock at $8.92 per share.
William L. Hiott, Jr. purchased 4,159 shares and Fleetwood S. Hassell purchased 2,495 shares. On
May 14, 2008 in accordance with the Incentive Stock Option Plan, options to purchase 27,488 shares
at $8.92 per share became exercisable. Fourteen employees, including William L. Hiott, Jr.
Executive Vice President and Treasurer and Fleetwood S. Hassell, Executive Vice President,
exercised their options to purchase 20,268 shares of common stock at $8.92 per share. On May 15,
2008 in accordance with the Incentive Stock Option Plan, options to purchase 3,174 at 9.39 per
share became exercisable. Eight employees exercised their options to purchase 2,347 shares of
common stock at 9.39 per share. All stock options were fully vested and fully exercisable.
Hugh C. Lane, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, was granted the option to purchase 16,500
shares of Common Stock of the Company pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option Plan at a price of
$14.85 per share. The option was exercisable on May 14, 2006 and would have expired if not
exercised on that date. William L. Hiott, Jr., Executive Vice President and Treasurer, was granted
the option to purchase 13,750 shares of Common Stock of the Company and Fleetwood S. Hassell,
Executive Vice President was granted the option to purchase 8,250 pursuant to the Incentive Stock
Option Plan at a price of $13.50 per share. All of these options became exercisable in five 20%
increments beginning May 14, 2006, with an additional 20% to be exercisable on and for the year
following each successive anniversary. The right to exercise each such 20% of each option is
cumulative and will not expire until the 10th anniversary of the date of the grant.
As adjusted for a 10% stock dividend effective on July 15, 2003, a 10% stock distribution effective
on April 29, 2005 and a 25% stock dividend effective April 28, 2006, William L. Hiott, Jr.,
Executive Vice President and Treasurer, has the option to purchase 8,319 shares at a price of $8.92
per share and Fleetwood S. Hassell, Executive Vice President, has the option to purchase 4,992
shares at a price of $8.92 per share and 5,000 shares at a price of $16.62. The options to
purchase 5,000 shares at a price of $16.62 per share were granted to Fleetwood S. Hassell on May
17, 2006 and will be exercisable on May 17, 2011.
In the event of a prospective reorganization, consolidation or sale of substantially all of the
assets or any other form of corporate reorganization in which the Company would not be the
surviving entity or in the event of the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of the beneficial
ownership of 24% of the Common Stock of the Company or the making, orally or in writing, of a
tender offer for, or any request or invitation for tender of, or any advertisement making or
inviting tenders of the Company stock by any person, all options in effect at that time would
accelerate so that all options would become immediately exercisable and could be exercised within
one year immediately following the date of acceleration but not thereafter.
In the case of termination of employment of an option holder other than involuntary termination
without just cause, retirement, death or legal disability, the option holder may exercise the
option only with respect to those shares of Common Stock as to which he or she has become vested.
The option holder may exercise the option with respect to such shares no more than 30 days after
the date of termination of employment (but in any event prior to the expiration date).
In the event that the option holders employment is terminated without just cause, the option shall
become fully vested and fully exercisable as of the date of his or her termination without regard
to the five year vesting schedule. The option holder may exercise the option following an
involuntary termination without just cause until the expiration date of the option.
13
In the event the option holder remains in the continuous employ of the Company or any subsidiary
from the date of the grant until the option holders retirement, the option shall become fully
vested and fully exercisable as of the date of his or her retirement without regard to the five
year schedule. The option holder may exercise the option following his or her retirement until the
expiration date.
In the event the option holder remains in the continuous employ of the Company or a subsidiary from
the date of the grant until his or her death, the option shall become fully vested and fully
exercisable as of the date of death without regard to the five year vesting schedule. The person or
persons entitled to exercise the option following the option holders death may exercise the option
until the expiration date.
In the event the option holder remains in the continuous employ of the Company or any subsidiary
from the date of the grant until the date of his or her legal disability, the option shall become
fully vested and fully exercisable as of the date of his or her termination of employment on
account of his or her legal disability without regard to the five year vesting schedule. The option
holder may exercise the option following such termination of employment until the expiration date.
The Stock Incentive Plan provides for adjustment in the number of shares of Common Stock authorized
under the Plan or granted to an employee to protect against dilution in the event of changes in the
Companys capitalization, including stock splits and dividends.
Shown below is information with respect to unexercised options to purchase Common Stock of the
Company held by the named Executive Officers at December 31, 2008.
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Number of Securities |
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Value of Unexercised |
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Underlying Unexercised |
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In-the-Money |
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# of Shares |
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Options/SARS |
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Options/SARS |
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Acquired |
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Value |
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at Year-End (#) |
|
at Year-End (#) |
|
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On Exercise |
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Realized ($) |
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Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
Hugh C. Lane, Jr. |
|
|
24,956 |
|
|
|
245,068 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Fleetwood S. Hassell |
|
|
7,485 |
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|
|
66,766 |
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|
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0 |
|
|
|
9,992 |
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|
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0 |
|
|
$ |
127,629 |
|
William L. Hiott, Jr. |
|
|
12,477 |
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|
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111,295 |
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|
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0 |
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|
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8,319 |
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0 |
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$ |
74,205 |
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Transactions
and Relations with Directors, Executive Officers, and their Associates and Affiliates
of Directors
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
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FEES |
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EARNED |
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OR PAID |
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NAME |
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IN CASH |
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TOTAL |
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C. Ronald Coward |
|
$ |
7,150 |
|
|
$ |
7,150 |
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Graham M. Eubank, Jr. |
|
$ |
4,950 |
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|
$ |
4,950 |
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T. Dean Harton (Deceased) |
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$ |
900 |
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|
$ |
900 |
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Fleetwood S. Hassell |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Glen B. Haynes, DVM |
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$ |
7,750 |
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$ |
7,750 |
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William L. Hiott, Jr. |
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|
|
|
|
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Katherine M. Huger |
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$ |
5,400 |
|
|
$ |
5,400 |
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Richard W. Hutson, Jr. |
|
$ |
4,950 |
|
|
$ |
4,950 |
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Charles G. Lane, Jr. |
|
$ |
5,500 |
|
|
$ |
5,500 |
|
Hugh C. Lane, Jr. |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Louise J. Maybank |
|
$ |
6,300 |
|
|
$ |
6,300 |
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Dr. Linda J. Bradley McKee, CPA |
|
$ |
4,650 |
|
|
$ |
4,650 |
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Alan I. Nussbaum, MD |
|
$ |
6,850 |
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|
$ |
6,850 |
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Edmund Rhett, Jr. MD |
|
$ |
5,350 |
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|
$ |
5,350 |
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Malcolm M. Rhodes, MD |
|
$ |
5,050 |
|
|
$ |
5,050 |
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Thomas C. Stevenson, III |
|
$ |
7,050 |
|
|
$ |
7,050 |
|
14
Non-officer Directors of the Company received $150.00 for each meeting of the Board of Directors of
the Company attended and non-officer Directors of the Bank received $300.00 for each meeting of the
Board of Directors of the Bank attended and $150.00 for each Company or Bank Board Committee
meeting attended.
The Company does not have any existing continuing contractual relationships with any Director,
Nominee for election as Director or Executive Officer of the Company or the Bank, or any
Shareholder owning, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the shares of Common Stock of the
Company, or any associate of the foregoing persons. Directors, Executive Officers, Nominees for
election as Directors, and members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing have had in the
past, have at present, and will have in the future, customer relationships with the Bank. Such
transactions have been and will continue to be made in the ordinary course of business, made on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the
time for comparable transactions with other persons, and such transactions did not and will not
involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.
William L. Hiott, Jr. Executive Vice President and Treasurer and Fleetwood S. Hassell, Executive
Vice President, failed to file one Form 4 in a timely manner.
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The appointment of Elliott Davis, LLC as independent public accountants was approved by the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors and ratified by the Shareholders at the 2006, 2007 and 2008
Annual Shareholders Meetings. At the 2009 Annual Shareholders Meeting the following resolution
will be subject to ratification by a simple majority vote of shares represented at the meeting:
RESOLVED, that the selection of Elliott Davis, LLC as the independent certified public
accountants of Bank of South Carolina Corporation (the Company) and its sole subsidiary,
The Bank of South Carolina (the Bank), for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, is
hereby ratified.
If ratification is not achieved, the selection of an independent certified public accountant will
be reconsidered and made by the Board of Directors. Even if selection is ratified, the Board of
Directors reserves the right to, and in its discretion may, direct the appointment of any other
independent certified public accounting firm at any time if the Board decides that such a change
would be in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders.
The services provided by Elliott Davis, LLC included the examination and reporting of the financial
status of the Company and the Bank. These services have been furnished at customary rates and
terms. There are no existing direct or indirect agreements or understandings that fix a limit on
current or future fees for these audit services.
Elliott Davis, LLC assisted in the preparation of the Companys and Banks tax returns for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2006 through 2008. These non-audit services were routine in nature
and did not compose more than 25% of the total fees paid to Elliott Davis, LLC in 2006, 2007 or
2008.
A representative of Elliott Davis, LLC is expected to attend the Annual Shareholders Meeting with
the opportunity to make a statement, if desired, and is expected to be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
Before the independent certified public accountants of the Company and the Bank are engaged to
render non-audit services for the Company or the Bank, each engagement is approved by the Audit
Committee. All of the audit and tax services provided by Elliott Davis, LLC for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2008 were preapproved by the Audit Committee.
15
Audit Fees
Elliott Davis, LLCs aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the
Companys annual financial statements and for the reviews of the financial statements included in
the Companys Form 10-KSB and 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB and 10-Q were $60,750 in
2008, $54,800 in 2007 and $33,500 in 2006.
Tax Fees
Elliott Davis, LLCs fees for tax compliance services were $9,300 in 2008, $7,000 in 2007 and
$7,695 in 2006.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has determined that the provision of tax services is
compatible with maintaining the accountants independence.
OTHER MATTERS
Management is not aware of any matters to come before the meeting that will require the vote of
Shareholders other than those matters indicated in the Notice of Meeting and this Proxy Statement.
However, if any other matter calling for Shareholder action should properly come before the meeting
or any adjournments thereof, those persons named as proxies in the enclosed Proxy Form will vote
thereon according to their best judgment.
PENDING LITIGATION
In the opinion of management, there are no legal proceedings pending other than routine litigation
incidental to its business including amounts which are not material to the financial condition of
the Company and the Bank. To the knowledge of management, no proceedings have been instituted or
are contemplated by or against any government authority against or by the Company or the Bank.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has adopted a process by which security holders may send communications to
the Board of Directors of the Company. That process is for any security holder to send a written
communication to Hugh C. Lane, Jr., President, Bank of South Carolina Corporation, 256 Meeting
Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, or to fax such communication to Hugh C. Lane, Jr.,
President, at (843) 724-1513. A security holder is free to address any communication to any
Director at the address of such Director set forth in this Proxy Statement. Any communication from
a security holder received by the President shall be sent to all Members of the Executive Committee
and, if any member of the Executive Committee so directs, will be sent to all members of the Board
of Directors.
16
ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, is mailed herewith to all Shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2010 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
Shareholder proposals, if any, for inclusion in the Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual
Shareholders meeting, must be addressed to and received in the office of the President no later
than December 4, 2009.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/Richard W. Hutson, Jr.
Richard W. Hutson, Jr.
Secretary
February 26, 2009
17
PROXY CARD
BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA CORPORATION
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS APRIL 14, 2009
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS THAT I, the undersigned Shareholder of Bank of South Carolina
Corporation (the Company) do hereby appoint Edmund Rhett, Jr., MD, Richard W. Hutson, Jr. and
Louise J. Maybank, (no officer or employee of the Company or any subsidiary may be appointed), or
any one of them, with full power to act alone, my true and lawful attorney(s) with full power of
substitution, to vote on behalf of the undersigned all shares of common stock of the Company which
the undersigned would be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to
be held at The Bank of South Carolina, 256 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina on Tuesday,
April 14, 2009, at 2:00 p.m., or at any adjournments or postponements thereof, with all the powers
the undersigned would possess if personally present upon the following matters:
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR proposals 1, 2 and 3.
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1. |
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
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o
FOR all nominees listed below (except as marked to the
contrary below).
o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below. |
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David W. Bunch, C. Ronald Coward, Graham M. Eubank, Fleetwood S. Hassell, Glen B. Haynes, DVM,
William L. Hiott, Jr., Katherine M. Huger, Richard W. Hutson, Jr., Charles G. Lane, Hugh C.
Lane, Jr., Louise J. Maybank, Dr. Linda J. Bradley McKee, CPA, Alan I. Nussbaum, MD, Edmund
Rhett, Jr., MD, Malcolm M. Rhodes, MD., David R. Schools, Thomas C. Stevenson, III. |
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(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write the nominees
name in the space provided below.)
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2. |
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APPROVAL OF ELLIOTT DAVIS, LLC as the Companys independent auditors for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2009. |
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o FOR
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o AGAINST
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o ABSTAIN |
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3. |
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The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
Each properly executed proxy will be voted in accordance with specifications made hereon. If no
specification is made, the shares represented by this Proxy will be voted FOR the nominees, FOR
Elliott Davis, LLC and in the discretion of the Proxies, on any other business as may properly come
before the meeting.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Companys 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the accompanying Notice of Meeting and Proxy
Statement and hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore given.
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Dated: |
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, 2009 |
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Signature(s) of Shareholder(s) |
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Please date and sign exactly as name appears hereon.
Executors, Administrators, Trustees, etc., must so indicate when signing.
If shares are held jointly, both owners should sign. |
BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA CORPORATION
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY
MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON
APRIL 14, 2009
THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANNUAL REPORT ARE AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT THE BANK OF SOUTH CAROLINA
CORPORATION WEBSITE: WWW.BANKSC.COM.
The materials available on the website include the Proxy Statement, the Annual Report, the Notice
of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Proxy Card.