lakeshore-def14a_0331.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

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:
o
Preliminary Proxy Statement
o
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
x
Definitive Proxy Statement
o
Definitive Additional Materials
o
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 
LAKE SHORE BANCORP, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
 
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x
No fee required.
o
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 
(1)
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
     
 
(2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
     
 
(3)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
     
 
(4)
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(5)
Total fee paid:
     
o
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
o
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
(1)
Amount Previously Paid:
     
 
(2)
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
     
 
(3)
Filing Party:
     
 
(4)
Date Filed:
     
     

 
 

 



April 7, 2010
 
Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., which will be held on May 19, 2010 in The Lighthouse Room of the Clarion Hotel, 30 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk, New York 14048 at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time.

Shareholders are being asked to elect directors and to transact such other business as may properly come before the 2010 annual meeting. Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each of the nominees for director and FOR the ratification of the appointment of ParenteBeard LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement further describe the business to be transacted at the annual meeting. In addition to the formal items of business, management will report on the operations and activities of Lake Shore Bancorp, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.

We are pleased to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission rule allowing companies to furnish proxy materials to their shareholders over the Internet.  On or about April 7, 2010, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) containing instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and Annual Report and vote online.  The Notice also explains how you may request to receive a paper copy of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report, as well as a paper proxy card.

Whether or not you are able to attend the meeting, and regardless of the number of shares you own, your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly.  You may vote your shares via a toll-free telephone number, over the Internet or on a paper proxy card if you request one.  Instructions regarding the methods of voting are contained on the Notice and proxy card.  Voting by proxy will not prevent you from voting in person at the annual meeting, but will ensure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend.

The Board of Directors and the employees of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. are committed to the Company’s continued success and the enhancement of your investment. As President and Chief Executive Officer, I want to express my appreciation for your confidence and support.

 
Sincerely yours,
   
 
/s/ David C. Mancuso
 
 
David C. Mancuso
 
President and Chief Executive Officer

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL US AT (716) 366-4070.

 
 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

   
Date:
  
May 19, 2010
         
   
Time:
  
8:30 a.m., Eastern Time
         
   
Place:
  
The Lighthouse Room of the Clarion Hotel
     
  
30 Lake Shore Drive East
     
  
Dunkirk, New York 14048

At the annual meeting, we will ask you to:

1.
Elect three Class Two directors to serve for three-year terms expiring at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders. Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the following three candidates have been nominated by our Board of Directors:

Class Two Directors:
       
 
•     Tracy S. Bennett (2013)
   
•     Sharon E. Brautigam (2013)
       
 
•     Michael E. Brunecz (2013)
    
 

2.
Ratify the appointment of ParenteBeard LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2010;  and

3.
Transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Please note that at this time we are not aware of any such business.

The Board of Directors has fixed March 24, 2010 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
   
 
/s/ Beverley J. Mulkin
 
 
Beverley J. Mulkin
 
Secretary

Dunkirk, New York
April 7, 2010

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders.  It is important that your shares be represented regardless of the number of shares you own.  The Board of Directors urges you to vote your shares promptly.  You may vote your shares via a toll-free telephone number, over the Internet or on a paper proxy card if you request one. Voting your shares via proxy will not prevent you from voting in person if you attend the annual meeting.



 
 

 

LAKE SHORE BANCORP, INC.
125 East Fourth Street
Dunkirk, New York 14048
(716) 366-4070

PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
2010 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on May 19, 2010

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

General

The Board of Directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. (“Lake Shore Bancorp,” “Company”, “we,” “us” or “our”) is soliciting proxies from the holders of Lake Shore Bancorp’s issued and outstanding common stock, par value $.01 per share, as of the close of business on March 24, 2010, for use at the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. The annual meeting will be held on May 19, 2010 in The Lighthouse Room at the Clarion Hotel, 30 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk, New York 14048 at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time.

Lake Shore Bancorp, a federally-chartered mid-tier stock holding company, was formed in April 2006 in connection with the reorganization of Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association into the federal mutual holding company form of organization. In connection with the reorganization, Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association changed its name to Lake Shore Savings Bank (“Lake Shore Savings”). We own all of the outstanding common stock of Lake Shore Savings and direct, plan and coordinate Lake Shore Savings’ business activities. As more fully described later in this proxy statement, at the annual meeting we will ask you to elect directors, ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, and transact such other business as may properly come before the 2010 annual meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.  The term “annual meeting,” as used in this proxy statement, includes any adjournment or postponement of such meeting.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on May 19, 2010

On April 7, 2010, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to all shareholders entitled to vote, which contains instructions on how to access this proxy statement and the 2009 annual report and how to vote.  You may also request that a printed copy of the proxy materials be sent to you.  You will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one in the manner set forth in the Notice.  The proxy materials are all available on the internet at the following website:  www.cfpproxy.com/5992.  In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, the materials on the foregoing website are searchable, readable and printable, and the website does not use “cookies,” track user moves or gather any personal information.


 
1

 

Who Can Vote

Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 24, 2010 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. Accordingly, only holders of record of shares of our common stock at the close of business on such date will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting. On March 24, 2010, there were 6,612,500 shares of our common stock issued, 6,089,722 shares outstanding and 3,636,875 of those shares, or 59.7% of our outstanding shares, are owned by Lake Shore, MHC.

Quorum

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. If the holders of at least a majority of the total number of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote are represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting, a quorum will exist. Because Lake Shore, MHC owns greater than a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock, representation of Lake Shore, MHC at the annual meeting will constitute a quorum. We will include proxies marked as abstentions and broker non-votes, as applicable, to determine the number of shares present at the annual meeting.

How Many Votes You Have

Each holder of shares of common stock outstanding on March 24, 2010 will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record at the annual meeting.

How To Vote

You may vote your shares at the annual meeting in person or by proxy. To vote in person, you must attend the annual meeting and obtain and submit a ballot, which we will provide to you at the annual meeting. The Notice provides instructions on how to access your proxy card, which contains instructions on how to vote via telephone or the Internet.  For those shareholders who receive a paper proxy card, instructions for voting via telephone and the Internet are set forth on the proxy card.  Those shareholders who receive a paper proxy card and voting instructions by mail, and who elect to vote by mail, should sign and return the mailed proxy card in the prepaid and addressed envelope that was enclosed with the proxy materials.  All properly executed proxies we receive prior to the annual meeting will be voted in accordance with the instructions marked on the proxy card. In the event you return an executed proxy card without marking your instructions, your executed proxy will be voted FOR the proposals identified in the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

If you are a shareholder whose shares are not registered in your own name, you will need appropriate documentation from your shareholder of record to vote personally at the annual meeting.

If any other matter is presented at the annual meeting, your proxy will vote the shares represented by all properly executed proxies on such matters as a majority of our Board of Directors determines. As of the date of this proxy statement, we know of no other matters that may be presented at the annual meeting, other than those listed in the Notice of Annual Meeting.


 
2

 

Vote by Lake Shore, MHC

As of March 24, 2010, Lake Shore, MHC owned 59.7% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Those shares will be voted in accordance with the instructions of Lake Shore, MHC’s Board of Directors. Lake Shore, MHC is expected to vote FOR the election of each of the nominees for director and FOR ratifying the appointment of ParenteBeard LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2010.

Vote Required

·           Election of Director.  The nominees for director who receive the most votes will be elected. So, if you do not vote for a nominee, or you indicate “withhold authority” for any nominee on your proxy card, your vote will not count “for” or “against” the nominee. You may not vote your shares cumulatively for the election of directors. Because Lake Shore, MHC owns more than 50% of our outstanding shares, we expect that Lake Shore, MHC will control the outcome of the vote on this proposal.

·           Ratification of the Appointment of ParenteBeard LLC.  The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal is required to pass this proposal.  If you “abstain” from voting on this proposal, it will have the same effect as if your vote was not cast with respect to this proposal.  Because Lake Shore, MHC owns more than 50% of our outstanding shares, we expect that Lake Shore, MHC will control the outcome of the vote on this proposal.

Effect of Broker Non-Votes

If your broker holds shares that you own in “street name,” the broker generally may vote your shares on routine matters even if the broker does not receive instructions from you. “Broker non-votes” are proxies received from brokers or other nominees holding shares on behalf of their clients who have not been given specific voting instructions from their clients with respect to non-routine matters. Historically, the election of directors was considered a routine matter by brokers and other nominees allowing them to have discretionary voting power to vote shares they hold on behalf of their clients for the election of directors.  However, the SEC recently approved the elimination of broker discretionary voting in all director elections and starting this year, if a stockholder whose shares of common stock are held in “street name” by a brokerage firm does not instruct the broker how to vote in the election of directors, such stockholder’s broker will not be allowed to vote with respect to such proposal.  As a result, the shares represented by proxies as to which a “broker non-vote” exists will not be treated as voted in the election of directors, but will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal because only a plurality of votes cast is required to elect a director.  Brokers are allowed to vote on behalf of beneficial owners without instruction with respect to the ratification of the appointment of ParenteBeard LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2010.


 
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Revocability of Proxies

You may revoke your grant of proxy at any time before it is voted by:

 
·
filing a written revocation of the proxy with our Secretary;

 
·
submitting a new proxy over the Internet or by telephone;

 
·
submitting a signed proxy card bearing a later date; or

 
·
attending the annual meeting and voting in person, but you also must file a written revocation with the Secretary of the annual meeting prior to the voting.

We are soliciting proxies only for the annual meeting. If you grant us a proxy to vote your shares, the proxy will only be exercised at the annual meeting.

Solicitation of Proxies

We will pay all costs with respect to this Proxy Statement and related materials as well as soliciting proxies from shareholders. Regular employees of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings may solicit proxies in person, by mail, or by telephone, but no employee will receive any compensation for solicitation activities in addition to his or her regular compensation. Expenses may include the charges and expenses of brokerage houses, nominees, custodians, and fiduciaries for forwarding proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares.


 
4

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Principal Shareholders

Based on filings made with the SEC under Section 13(d) and Section 13(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of March 24, 2010, the only persons known by us to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock are set forth in the following table. Addresses provided are those listed in the filings as the address of the person authorized to receive notices and communications. For purposes of the table below and the table set forth under “Security Ownership of Management,” in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner, of any shares of common stock (1) over which he or she has or shares, directly or indirectly, voting or investment power; or (2) of which he or she has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days after March 24, 2010. As used herein, “voting power” is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares.

 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Percent of Class(1)
     
 
Lake Shore, MHC
125 East Fourth Street
Dunkirk, NY 14048
 
3,636,875(2)
 
59.7%
     
 

(1)
Calculated on the basis of 6,089,722 shares of common stock, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 24, 2010.

(2)
Based on information reported by Lake Shore, MHC in a Schedule 13D filing with the SEC on April 13, 2006.


 
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Security Ownership of Management

The following table sets forth information about the shares of common stock beneficially owned by each of our directors and director nominees, each of our “Named Executive Officers” identified in the Summary Compensation Table that appears later in this proxy statement, and all of our directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group as of March 24, 2010. Except as otherwise indicated, each person and each group shown in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock indicated.

Name of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Percent of Class(1)
         
Tracy S. Bennett, Director
 
100
 
*
         
Sharon E. Brautigam, Director
 
10,311 (2)
 
*
         
Michael E. Brunecz, Chairman
 
24,403 (3)
 
*
         
Reginald S. Corsi, Director
 
14,630 (4)
 
*
         
James P. Foley, DDS, Director
 
13,532 (5)
 
*
         
Rachel A. Foley, Chief Financial Officer
 
24,158 (6)
 
*
         
David C. Mancuso, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
73,316 (7)
 
1.20%
         
Daniel P. Reininga, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice Chairman
 
51,538 (8)
 
*
         
Gary W. Winger, Director
 
16,508 (9)
 
*
         
Nancy L. Yocum, Director
 
17,008 (10)
 
*
         
All directors, director nominees and Named Executive Officers as a group  (10 persons)
 
451,814 (11)
 
7.42%
 

*
Less than 1.00% of common stock outstanding.

(1)  
Percentages with respect to each person or group of persons have been calculated on the basis of 6,089,722 shares of common stock, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 24, 2010.

(2)  
Includes 1,546 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Ms. Brautigam has sole voting power but no investment power.  Also includes 350 shares held by Ms. Brautigam’s spouse.

(3)  
Includes 5,161 shares held in Mr. Brunecz’s individual retirement account and 3,054 shares held by Mr. Brunecz’s spouse.  Also includes 2,380 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Brunecz has sole voting power but no investment power.

(4)  
Includes 5,000 shares held in Mr. Corsi’s individual retirement account and 1,001 shares held in Lake Shore Bancorp’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Also includes 1,618 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Corsi has sole voting power but no investment power.

(5)  
Includes 1,904 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Dr. Foley has sole voting power but no investment power.  Also includes 200 shares of common stock jointly held with Dr. Foley’s spouse.

(6)  
Includes 7,140 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Ms. Foley has sole voting power but no investment power.  Also includes 200 shares of common stock jointly held with Ms. Foley’s mother and 1,403 shares held in Lake Shore Bancorp’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

(7)  
Includes 10,000 shares held in Mr. Mancuso’s individual retirement account and 2,668 shares held in Lake Shore Bancorp’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  Also includes 11,900 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Mancuso has sole voting power but no investment power.


 
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(8)  
Includes 16,000 shares held by trust, 900 shares held by Mr. Reininga’s spouse, 3,100 shares held by children of Mr. Reininga and 6,000 shares held by G.H. Graf Realty Corporation, Inc.  Also includes 14,280 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Reininga has sole voting power but no investment power.

(9)  
Includes 1,600 shares held in Mr. Winger’s individual retirement account and 2,022 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Winger has sole voting power but no investment power.

(10)  
Includes 500 shares held by Ms. Yocum’s spouse and 2,022 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Ms. Yocum has sole voting power but no investment power.

(11)  
The amount of shares for all directors, director nominees and Named Executive Officers as a group includes 206,310 shares held by the Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust that have not been allocated to eligible participants as of March 24, 2010, over which the Compensation Committee may be deemed to have sole investment power, except in limited circumstances, thereby causing each committee member to be a beneficial owner of such shares. Each member of the Compensation Committee disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares and accordingly, such shares are not attributed to the members of this committee individually. As of March 24, 2010, 31,740 shares were allocated to participants pursuant to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan.



 
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PROPOSAL ONE:  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 

Our charter provides that we must have between five and 15 directors.  The Board of Directors is currently comprised of nine members, and is divided into three classes of equal numbers. Our directors serve staggered three-year terms such that only one class (one-third of the directors) is elected each year. As previously reported, Mr. Paul J. Kolkmeyer resigned from Class Two of the Board of Directors effective February 3, 2010 and as a result, Mr. Tracy S. Bennett was appointed to the board on February 24, 2010 and has been nominated for election as a Class Two director.

Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, our Board of Directors has nominated the three individuals listed in the table below for election as directors at the annual meeting. If you elect the nominees, they will hold office for the term set forth opposite their names or until their successors have been elected.

We know of no reason why any nominee may be unable to serve as a director. If any nominee is unable to serve, your proxy may vote for another nominee proposed by the Board of Directors.

Name
  
Age(1)
  
Term Expires
  
Class
  
Position(s) Held With Lake Shore Bancorp
  
Director Since(2)
 
Tracy S. Bennett
 
59
 
2013
 
Two
 
Director
 
2010
                     
Sharon E. Brautigam
  
53
  
2013
  
Two
  
Director
  
2004
                     
Michael E. Brunecz
  
72
  
2013
  
Two
  
Chairman of the Board
  
1984
 
(1)  
As of March 24, 2010.

(2)  
Includes service as a director of Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

General

The Board of Directors oversees our business and monitors the performance of our management. In accordance with our corporate governance guidelines, the Board of Directors does not involve itself in our day-to-day operations; our executive officers and management oversee our day-to-day operations. Our directors fulfill their duties and responsibilities by attending regular meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees, and also through considerable telephone contact and other communications with the Chairman and others regarding matters of concern and interest to us. Our directors also discuss business and other matters with the Chairman, other key executives, and our principal external advisors.


 
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Business Experience of Directors

The principal occupation and business experience for the last five years of each director and director nominee is set forth below. All directors have held their current positions for five years unless otherwise indicated.

Name
Age*
Description
Tracy S. Bennett
 
Director since 2010
59
Mr. Bennett is nominated to serve as a director for a term expiring at the 2013 annual meeting.  Mr. Bennett is the Vice President for Administration at the State University of New York at Fredonia (SUNY Fredonia), a position he has held since 1997.  Mr. Bennett is also the President of the SUNY Fredonia Faculty-Student Association and he serves on a number of campus committees.  He owns a tax preparation business in Westfield, New York and is a certified public accountant in New York State.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Mr. Bennett has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Public Accounting from SUNY Albany.  As Vice President for Administration at SUNY Fredonia, he is responsible for the supervision and development of a $90 million campus-wide budget and a $300 million capital budget plan, along with managing numerous employees in the areas of Financial Services, Human Resources, Facilities and Campus Services.  Mr. Bennett has over 30 years of experience in the fields of accounting, business, finance, capital planning, budget development and administration.  He formerly served as the treasurer for the SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union.  Mr. Bennett is currently a member of the Audit Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Bennett’s experience in finance and administration makes him an excellent candidate for director of the Company.
 
Sharon E. Brautigam
 
Director since 2004
53
Ms. Brautigam is nominated to serve as a director for a term expiring at the 2013 annual meeting. She is a partner in the law firm of Brautigam & Brautigam, LLP in Fredonia, New York where her practice is concentrated in real estate transactions, estates, trusts and elder law. Ms. Brautigam’s uncle, Michael E. Brunecz, is Chairman of the Board of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Ms. Brautigam has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Houghton College and a J.D. from Cornell Law School.  Ms. Brautigam has extensive experience representing borrowers as their attorney in connection with residential real estate purchases and


 
9

 


Name
Age*
Description
   
mortgage refinancing.  She has also represented a number of clients in connection with commercial mortgage financing.  She has the legal training and skills to analyze and help insure compliance with the various laws and regulations to which the Company is subject. Ms. Brautigam is currently a member of the Compensation, Executive and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees and is the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Brautigam’s legal expertise in banking, real estate and finance makes her an excellent candidate for director of the Company.
 
Michael E. Brunecz
 
Director since 1984
72
Mr. Brunecz is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings.  He is nominated to serve as a director for a term expiring at the 2013 annual meeting. Mr. Brunecz is the President of Office Concepts, Inc. in Dunkirk, New York, a company involved in the retailing and wholesaling of office furniture. His niece, Sharon E. Brautigam, is a director of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Mr. Brunecz has nine years of management experience in a publicly traded company, Art Metal, Inc.  He has acquired skills and attributes in leadership, capital management, risk management, finance, management oversight and development for short and longer term business plans through his 40 years of experience as a sole proprietor of Office Concepts, Inc.   He has been involved in many community projects in the Dunkirk/Fredonia market area during the past 45 years. Mr. Brunecz has served on every committee of the Board and is currently a member of the Audit, Compensation and Executive committees and is the Chairperson of the Executive Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Brunecz’s experience at public companies and in the Company’s market area makes him an excellent candidate for director of the Company.


 
10

 


Name
Age*
Description
Reginald S. Corsi
 
Director since 2008
68
Mr. Corsi’s current term will expire at the 2011 annual meeting.  Mr. Corsi was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings from 1994 until his retirement in March 2008.  Prior to joining Lake Shore Savings, Mr. Corsi was Vice President of M&T Bank.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Mr. Corsi has 48 years of experience in the banking industry, having served as branch manager, operations officer and commercial loan officer.  He has extensive experience in completing credit reviews of loans and is familiar with managing credit risk.  He has financial acumen, familiarity with bank operations and knowledge of internal controls, and has served as an officer or a member of various boards in the Dunkirk/ Fredonia community while working in the banking industry. Mr. Corsi is currently a member of the Asset Liability Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Corsi’s experience in the banking industry makes him qualified to serve as a director of the Company.
 
James P. Foley DDS
 
Director since 1983
72
Dr. Foley’s current term will expire at the 2011 annual meeting.  Dr. Foley is a dentist in private practice in Dunkirk, New York. He is a retired commander of the U.S. Naval Reserve. Dr. Foley’s daughter, Rachel A. Foley, is the Chief Financial Officer of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Dr. Foley has a Doctorate of Dental Science degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  Dr. Foley was formerly a small business owner in the Dunkirk community for over 40 years.  He has served as an officer or a member of numerous community organizations.  Dr. Foley has been a contributing participant in the Company’s growth during his tenure on the board.  His twenty-seven years of experience as a director allowed him to gain knowledge of credit reviews as a former Loan Committee member, internal controls as a former member of the Audit Committee, and interest rate risk as a current member of the Asset Liability Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Dr. Foley’s business experience and history with the Company make him qualified to serve as a director of the Company.


 
11

 


Name
Age*
Description
David C. Mancuso
 
Director since 1998
64
Mr. Mancuso is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings. He has been employed in various positions by Lake Shore Savings since 1965. He became President and Chief Executive Officer of Lake Shore Savings in 1993. His current term will expire at the 2012 annual meeting.  Mr. Mancuso was a member of the New York State Banking Board from 2001 until 2006.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Mr. Mancuso has 45 years of banking experience and has been involved in many bank functions, including branch manager, operations, compliance, loan officer, and has served in many management functions.  He has an Associates degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Bryant and Stratton.  During the past 17 years he has served as President & CEO and overseen the growth of the Company from two to ten branches, and the conversion of the Company from a mutual organization to a Mutual Holding Company with publicly traded stock.  He has been the major contributor to the Company’s extensive growth over the past 17 years.  He has served as an officer or a member of numerous community organizations within the past 45 years.  Mr. Mancuso is currently a member of the Executive and Asset Liability Committees.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Mancuso’s experience in the banking industry and at the Company and Lake Shore Savings makes him qualified to serve as director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
 
Daniel P. Reininga
 
Director since 1994
51
Mr. Reininga became Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings on January 1, 2010.  His current term as director will expire at the 2011 annual meeting.  He was appointed Vice Chairman of the board in 2003.  Mr. Reininga is the Chairman of G.H. Graf Realty Corporation, Inc., a real estate investment company located in Dunkirk, New York.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Mr. Reininga has a Bachelor of Science degree from Allegheny College and a Masters of Business Administration degree from University of South Florida.  He has completed the American Banker’s Association (ABA) course in Advanced Asset and Liability Management and is a current candidate for June 2010 graduation from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking.  Mr. Reininga has a sound knowledge of bank
 
 
12

 

 
Name
Age*
Description
   
risks, internal controls and bank operations. He has served as Chairman of a family-owned real estate investment company for the past fifteen years.  In connection with the family-owned business he has been responsible for the financial and general management of seven small companies. He is also involved in numerous community and non-profit organizations, either as a board member or a committee member.  Mr. Reininga has previously served on the Audit and Loan Committees and is currently the Chairperson of the Asset Liability Committee and a member of the Executive Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Reininga’s experience in the banking and real estate industries and at the Company and Lake Shore Savings makes him qualified to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board and as the  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
 
Gary W. Winger
 
Director since 1997
65
Mr. Winger’s current term will expire at the 2012 annual meeting.  Mr. Winger has been a principal of Compass Consulting, Inc. in Auburn and Jamestown, New York and Venice, Florida, a firm that provides consulting services in the area of higher education, since July 2002. From 1975 until June 2002, Mr. Winger was the Dean of Administration and Development and Chief Financial and Development Officer of Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, New York.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Mr. Winger has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Ohio Northern University and a Masters of Business Administration, with a specialty in finance, from the University of Pittsburgh.  As a college administrator, Mr. Winger was responsible for finance, human resources, facilities, information technology and development with a $20 million budget and 500 full and part-time employees, resulting in 27 years of senior management experience.  Mr. Winger is currently a member of the Compensation, Executive, Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees and is the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee.  He has previously served on the Asset Liability committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Winger’s business and finance experience makes him qualified to serve as a director of the Company.


 
13

 


Name
Age*
Description
Nancy L. Yocum
 
Director since 1995
63
Ms. Yocum’s current term will expire at the 2012 annual meeting.  Ms. Yocum is a practicing certified public accountant. She is a partner in the firm of Brumfield & Associates in Fredonia, New York where her practice is concentrated in estates and trusts.
 
Experience, Qualifications, & Skills.  Ms. Yocum has an Associate Degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Bryant and Stratton and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Fredonia.  Ms. Yocum has been involved in the financial field since 1975 and has owned and operated her own accounting and tax preparation service business, specializing in estates and trusts, since 1985.  She is an enrolled agent with the IRS and has extensive experience representing both private individuals and businesses in connection with tax matters.  She has served as an officer or a member of numerous community organizations.  She is currently the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Executive Committees.  The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Yocum’s experience in finance and tax matters makes her qualified to serve as a director of the Company.
______________________
*
As of March 24, 2010

Meetings of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors held a total of 12 regular meetings and one special meeting during 2009. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors held during the time in which they served as director, plus meetings of committees on which that particular director served during this period.

It is our policy that all directors and director nominees should attend the annual meeting of shareholders.  In accordance with such policy, all directors attended the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” all of the nominees for election as directors.


 
14

 

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Director Compensation

Meeting Fees.  We pay a fee to each of the non-employee directors for attendance at each Board of Directors meeting. In 2009, directors received $1,200 for each Board meeting attended in person and half of that amount for each Board meeting attended telephonically.  Directors also received fees for membership on the Board’s committees. The chairman and vice chairman of the Board of Directors received annual retainers of $23,000 and $7,500, respectively, and also served as the chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Committee, respectively, without any additional compensation. All other non-employee members of the Executive Committee received annual retainers of $5,000.  The chairperson of the Audit Committee received an annual retainer of $5,000 during 2009.  The chairpersons of the other committees received annual retainers of $4,000 and committee members received annual retainers of $2,500 during 2009. Members of the Board of Directors who are also employees do not receive directors’ fees.

In 2010, the Executive Committee will consist of the chairman and vice chairman of the Board of Directors, along with the chairperson of each of the Board committees.  As of January 1, 2010, the Executive Committee members no longer receive an annual retainer. The fee for the chairperson of the Audit Committee was increased to $6,000 in 2010, and the fee for chairpersons of the other committees was increased to $5,000.  The annual retainer for committee members of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees was increased to $3,000 in 2010.  Mr. Reininga no longer receives director fees following his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2010.

Supplemental Benefit Plan for Non-Employee Directors.  Lake Shore Savings entered into separate supplemental benefit plans in 1999 and 2001 with each of its then non-employee directors, (i.e., the plan excludes Mr. Bennett, Ms. Brautigam, Mr. Corsi and Mr. Kolkmeyer). Under the 1999 plan, each participant is guaranteed monthly payments over a period of fifteen years commencing at age 70 equal to $18,105 per year based upon 21 years of service as a director to Lake Shore Savings (or an earlier retirement age if 21 years of service is attained prior to age 70) with the annual benefit payable reduced proportionately for each year of service as a director less than 21 years attained at age 70.  In 2009, Mr. Brunecz and Dr. Foley each received a distribution of $18,105 under the 1999 plan.

Effective as of January 1, 2007, the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Savings amended the existing supplemental benefit plans entered into in 2001 with each of its then non-employee directors, (i.e., the 2001 plan excluded Mr. Bennett, Ms. Brautigam, Mr. Corsi and Mr. Kolkmeyer), and entered into a new supplemental benefits plan (which included Ms. Brautigam) (collectively, the “2007 Director SERPs”). Under the 2007 Director SERPs, each participant is fully vested in an annual benefit (payable in monthly installments) which is equal to 2% of the director’s average final pay (computed over the three years prior to termination of service) multiplied by the director’s years of service to a maximum of 40% of final average pay (projected as of December 31, 2006) payable over a period of fifteen years commencing at age 72, with the annual benefit payable reduced for termination of service prior to age 72. In addition, in the event of a change of control, the director is treated as having attained age 72 for


 
15

 

purposes of benefit payments. In 2009, Mr. Brunecz and Dr. Foley received a distribution of $2,528 and $1,000, respectively, under the 2007 plan.

In 2009, Mr. Corsi received distributions pursuant to the supplemental benefit plan for executives, as a result of his prior service to the Company.  In 2009, Mr. Corsi received $19,644 under the 1999 plan and $25,370 under the 2007 plan, as further described under “Executive Officer Compensation – Compensation Plans – Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans” below.

In connection with Mr. Reininga’s appointment to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2010, his participation in the supplemental benefit plans for non-employee directors was terminated and he entered into a supplemental benefit plan for executives, as further described under “Executive Officer Compensation – Compensation Plans – Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans” below.

Stock Option and Recognition and Retention Plan.  Our directors are eligible to participate in the Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan and the Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan. These benefit plans are discussed under “Executive Officer Compensation—2006 Stock Option Plan” and “—2006 Recognition and Retention Plan” below.

Non-employee directors are granted awards under the 2006 Stock Option Plan and the 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan for the purpose of aligning non-employee directors’ interests with shareholder interests and to aid in the retention of such directors.  The allocation of awards to non-employee directors is made based on the director’s responsibilities and years of service at the time of grant.  Directors who hold the title of chairman or vice-chairman, or who were a committee chairman, receive a greater allocation of awards than those who did not hold such positions.

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by our non-employee directors during the last fiscal year.


 
16

 

Name
 
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
    ($)(1)
   
Stock Awards
        ($)(2)(4)
   
Option
Awards
        ($)(3)(4)
   
Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(5)
   
All Other
Compensation
      
($)(6)
   
Total
 ($)
 
Sharon E. Brautigam, Director
  $ 19,600     $ -     $ 5,903     $ 2,202     $ 464     $ 28,169  
                                                 
Michael E. Brunecz, Chairman
  $ 38,600     $ -     $ -     $ 29,689     $ 714     $ 69,003  
                                                 
Reginald S. Corsi Director
  $ 15,700     $ 16,204     $ 19,188     $ -     $ 405     $ 51,497  
                                                 
James P. Foley, DDS, Director
  $ 16,300     $ -     $ -     $ 22,885     $ 571     $ 39,756  
                                                 
Paul J. Kolkmeyer, Director(7)
  $ 20,392     $ 16,204     $ 19,188     $ -     $ 405     $ 56,189  
                                                 
Daniel P. Reininga, Vice Chairman(8)
  $ 29,600     $ -     $ -     $ 15,359     $ 714     $ 45,673  
                                                 
Gary W. Winger, Director
  $ 25,433     $ -     $ -     $ 17,961     $ 607     $ 44,001  
                                                 
Nancy L. Yocum, Director
  $ 25,233     $ -     $ -     $ 15,817     $ 607     $ 41,657  

___________________
(1)
Includes retainer payments, meeting fees, and committee and/or chairmanship fees earned during the fiscal year, whether such fees were paid currently or deferred.
   
(2)
This column shows the grant date fair value of restricted stock awards computed in accordance with stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718) for 2009.  For more information concerning the assumptions used for these calculations, please refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  Restricted stock awards were granted to the following individuals on January 13, 2009:  Mr. Corsi – 2,023 shares and Mr. Kolkmeyer – 2,023 shares.  The common stock closing price on the award date was $8.01 per share. The awards vest over five years, with first vesting date being January 13, 2010, and every January 13th thereafter.
   
(3)
This column shows the grant date fair value of stock option awards computed in accordance with stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718) for 2009.  For more information concerning the assumptions used for these calculations, please refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  On January 13, 2009 the following stock option awards were granted:  Ms. Brautigam – 2,529 shares, Mr. Corsi – 8,220 shares and Mr. Kolkmeyer – 8,220 shares.  The exercise price of the stock options was calculated using the Black-Scholes model at $2.3343 per share on the date of grant.  The options vest over five years, with the first vesting date on January 13, 2010, and every January 13th thereafter.  The options expire on January 12, 2019.
   
(4)
The aggregate number of outstanding stock option awards as of December 31, 2009 was as follows:
 


 
17

 


Names
Unvested Stock Awards
Options
Exerciseable
Options
Unexerciseable
Sharon E. Brautigam
1,546
5,438
5,311
       
Michael E. Brunecz
2,380
7,587
5,059
       
Reginald S. Corsi
2,023
3,419
8,220
       
James P. Foley, DDS
1,904
6,071
4,046
       
Paul J. Kolkmeyer
2,023
-
8,220
       
Daniel P. Reininga
2,380
7,587
5,059
       
Gary W. Winger
2,022
6,450
4,299
       
Nancy L. Yocum
2,022
6,450
4,299

(5)
Includes for each individual the increase (if any) for the year in the present value of the individual’s accrued benefit (whether or not vested) under each non-qualified defined benefit plan calculated by comparing the present value of each individual’s accrued benefit under each such plan in accordance with the accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 715) as of the plan’s measurement date in such year to the present value of the individual’s accrued benefit as of the plan’s measurement date in the prior year.
   
(6)
Includes dividends paid on unallocated shares of stock awarded to the director as part of the 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan.  As the dividends are paid on unallocated shares, the payment is treated as compensation to the non-employee director.
   
(7)
Mr. Kolkmeyer resigned from the Board of Directors effective February 3, 2010.  In connection with his resignation, Mr. Kolkmeyer forfeited 1,618 shares of restricted stock and stock options to purchase 6,576 shares of Lake Shore Bancorp common stock.
   
(8)
Mr. Reininga was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2010 and is continuing to serve as a Vice Chairman.


 
18

 

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

General

Our executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. However, one of our executive officers, our President and Chief Executive Officer, does have an employment agreement, as further described under the heading “Employment Agreements” elsewhere in this proxy statement. The name, age, length of service and principal occupation of each of our executive officers is set forth in the table below.

Name
  
Age(1)
  
With Lake
Shore Since(2)
  
Position(s) Held With Lake Shore Bancorp
 
Rachel A. Foley
  
41
  
1999
  
 Chief Financial Officer
             
David C. Mancuso
  
64
  
1965
  
 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
             
Beverley J. Mulkin
  
68
  
1961
  
 Secretary and Treasurer
             
Daniel P. Reininga(3)
 
51
 
1994
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman
 

(1)   
As of March 24, 2010.
(2)  
Includes service with Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association.
(3)  
Mr. Reininga has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 1994 and as Vice Chairman since 2003.  On January 4, 2010, Mr. Reininga was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Business Experience of Executive Officers

The business experience for the last five years of each of our executive officers who are not directors is set forth below.  The business experience of Mr. Mancuso and Mr. Reininga is included above under “Information about our Board of Directors – Business Experience of Directors.”  All executive officers have held their current positions for five years unless otherwise indicated.

Rachel A. Foley is the Chief Financial Officer of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings. She was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Lake Shore Savings in March 2006 after serving as the Controller since March 1999. Prior to joining Lake Shore Savings, Ms. Foley was a Financial Audit Supervisor in the Internal Audit department of M&T Bank. Ms. Foley’s father, Dr. James P. Foley, is a director of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings.

Beverley J. Mulkin is the Secretary/Treasurer of Lake Shore Bancorp. She has also been the Secretary of Lake Shore Savings since 1984 and the Treasurer since 2002.


 
19

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that contain a number of corporate governance initiatives designed to comply with NASDAQ corporate governance listing standards, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of the SEC. We have also adopted charters for the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, each of which was updated in 2008 or 2009, as well as a Code of Conduct and Ethics, in order to implement these rules and standards.  Current versions of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charters, the Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Code of Conduct and Ethics are available at our website, www.lakeshoresavings.com under the “Governance Documents” section of the “Investor Relations” page.  The information set forth on our website shall not be deemed filed with, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement or any of our other filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically so provide.

Board of Directors Independence

The Board of Directors is comprised of a majority of directors who qualify as independent according to NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards. Based upon the term “independent” as defined by NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards, the Board of Directors has determined that the following directors and director nominees are independent:  Tracy S. Bennett, Sharon E. Brautigam, Michael E. Brunecz, Gary W. Winger, and Nancy L. Yocum. All members of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent directors. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Audit Committee meet the additional independence criteria required for audit committee membership under NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards.  Annually, the Board of Directors reviews the relationships that each director has with us and our affiliates as well as the criteria and standards for determining independence. Upon review, the Board of Directors affirmatively determines which directors are considered independent.

Leadership Structure of the Board of Directors

The positions of Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Chairman of the Board of Directors are currently held by two different individuals.  Our Chief Executive Officer serves as a Director and the Chairman of the Board is an independent, non-employee director.  We believe that this structure provides strength to the Company by giving the Chief Executive Officer a respected voice on our Board, while at the same time giving leadership of the Board to an independent person who, together with the other Directors, provides active oversight of management and its implementation of the strategic plans of the Board. Currently, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer serves as our Vice Chairman of the Board.  Each of our Directors serves on one or more of the committees of the Board and actively and regularly participates in the various functions of these committees.  The committee structure enables the duties of the Board to be divided among the Directors.  This division of duties allows each of the Directors to concentrate his or her energies in a focused way on a narrower area of Board responsibility and helps insure that adequate time is being given to the many oversight


 
20

 

responsibilities of the Board. We believe that the size of our Board provides a sufficient number of Directors to serve on each of the Board’s committees, but is not so large as to be cumbersome or excessively expensive to the Company.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all officers, directors and employees of Lake Shore Bancorp and its affiliates, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. A copy of the Code of Conduct and Ethics is available at our website, www.lakeshoresavings.com.  The information set forth on our website shall not be deemed filed with, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement or any of our other filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically so provide.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors has established the following committees:

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee oversees and monitors our financial reporting process and internal control system, reviews and evaluates the audit performed by our independent registered public accounting firm, and reports any substantive issues found during the audit to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm.

Directors Bennett, Brunecz, Winger and Yocum currently serve on the Audit Committee, with Ms. Yocum serving as its chairperson. Former director Kolkmeyer, who resigned in February of 2010, and Mr. Reininga served as a member of the Audit Committee in 2009.  All members of the Audit Committee are independent directors as defined under NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards and meet the other requirements for audit committee members under those standards. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Bennett, Mr. Winger, and Ms. Yocum qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Audit Committee met eight times during 2009.

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee assesses the structure of our management team and our overall performance. It oversees executive compensation and director compensation by approving salary increases and reviewing general personnel matters such as Named Executive Officer performance evaluations. The Compensation Committee annually reviews, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to, the compensation of directors and Named Executive Officers. It is also responsible for approving, evaluating and administering our compensation plans, policies and programs.  The Chief Executive Officer will recommend to the Committee proposed salary increases and incentive goals for the Named Executive Officers.  The Compensation Committee will consider the Chief Executive Officer proposals, and submit to the full Board of Directors for approval their own recommendations on compensation for Named Executive Officers and directors.  The Chief Executive Officer is not involved in decisions regarding his own compensation.   Directors Brautigam, Brunecz and Winger currently serve on the Compensation Committee, with


 
21

 

Mr. Winger serving as its chairman. Former director Kolkmeyer, who resigned in February of 2010, served as a member of the Compensation Committee in 2009. All members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors as defined under NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards. The Compensation Committee met seven times during 2009.

The Compensation Committee hired Lawrence A. Swift of Effective Pay Practices to serve as a consultant and provide recommendations on executive and director salaries and other components of compensation based upon compensation data derived from a peer group of approximately twenty banks whose size, geography, and business focus are similar to Lake Shore Savings Bank.  This data survey gathers salary information from the previous year and then amounts are increased by a percentage to reflect an estimated increase in base salaries for the current year.  Base salaries for the Named Executive Officers are set using a matrix provided by the consultant that provides guidelines for the Compensation Committee to use in determining the appropriate market percentile where each executive’s salary should be placed based upon each executive’s competencies and characteristics.

Executive Committee. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors exercises the powers of the Board of Directors in between Board meetings. Directors Brautigam, Brunecz, Mancuso, Reininga, Winger and Yocum currently serve on the committee, with Mr. Brunecz serving as its chairman. The Executive Committee met twelve times during 2009.

Asset Liability Committee. The Asset Liability Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the asset/liability management process, including its execution and adherence to defined polices and procedures.  The committee is also responsible for monitoring the activity of its financial advisor, which is responsible for recommending certain investments and providing investment advice to the committee.  Directors Corsi, Foley, Mancuso and Reininga currently serve on the committee, with Mr. Reininga serving as its chairman. The Asset Liability Committee met seven times during 2009.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends the nomination of directors to the full Board of Directors to fill the terms for the upcoming year or to fill vacancies during a term. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers recommendations from shareholders if submitted in a timely manner in accordance with the procedures established in Lake Shore Bancorp’s bylaws and applies the same criteria to all persons being considered. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also assists the Board of Directors in monitoring a process to assess Board of Directors effectiveness and in developing and implementing our corporate governance guidelines and it reviews and approves all transactions with affiliated parties.

Directors Brautigam, Winger, and Yocum currently serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with Ms. Brautigam serving as its chairman. All members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent directors as defined under NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met five times during 2009.

It is the policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consider director candidates recommended by shareholders in accordance with our amended and restated


 
22

 

bylaws.  Pursuant to the amended and restated bylaws, any shareholder of record entitled to vote for the election of directors at such meeting who provides timely notice in writing to the secretary of Lake Shore Bancorp may recommend or nominate a director candidate for consideration by the committee.  To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be delivered to or received by the secretary at least 30 days before the date of the annual meeting, provided, however, that in the event less than 40 days notice of the annual meeting is given, a written nomination may be accepted from a shareholder not later than the close of business on the tenth day following notice of the annual meeting.  For additional information about our director nomination requirements, please see our amended and restated bylaws.

Shareholder nominees are analyzed by the committee in the same manner as nominees that are identified by the committee.  We do not pay a fee to any third party to identify or evaluate nominees.  Each of the director nominees were nominated by the non-management, independent directors that comprise the committee.  As of April 7, 2010, the committee had not received any shareholder recommendations for nominees in connection with the annual meeting.

Consideration of Director Candidates

It is the policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to select individuals as director nominees with the goal of creating a balance of knowledge, experience and interest on the Board.  The committee evaluates candidates for their character, judgment, business experience and acumen.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the following skills and characteristics when deciding which individuals to nominate for election as director:

 
·
Skills and Experience:  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recognizes the necessity for directors to bring a variety of skills into the boardroom, including financial expertise, business ownership and development expertise, experience or expertise in dealing with laws and regulations, experience connected with residential and commercial real estate development and lending, and knowledge and experience with technology relevant to the banking industry.  Therefore, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee looks for directors who can provide a necessary range of these skills to the Board.

 
·
Community Involvement:  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recognizes that Lake Shore Savings is a community-based, locally oriented bank with a long history of community involvement.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers it crucial that a director be involved in the local community through their occupations and public service as this local knowledge will insure that directors understand the needs of individuals and businesses in the communities Lake Shore Savings serves. Therefore the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the community contacts and community involvement of any candidate for director.

 
·
Independence:  The Board of Directors can be composed of both independent directors (as defined by NASDAQ rules) and non-independent directors.  The composition of the Board must be in compliance with NASDAQ rules and it is the Company’s policy that a


 
23

 

majority of its directors qualify as independent under NASDAQ rules.  Therefore, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee carefully assesses the independence of all candidates for director.
 
·
Age:  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would like directors to be varied in age, so that each director can bring the unique perspective of his or her generation.  A multi-generational perspective will help insure that Lake Shore Savings remains a viable banking institution both now and for the future.  However, age alone is not a determinative factor in deciding whether to nominate a person as a director.

 
·
Diversity:  Although the Company does not have a formal diversity policy, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recognizes the value of having gender, racial, ethnic, and similar types of diversity represented by its directors, as this diversity will assist Lake Shore Savings in understanding and meeting the needs of all segments of the communities it serves.  However, the diversity any candidate could bring to the Board is not, by itself, a determinative factor in deciding whether to nominate a person as a director.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective director candidates. For a discussion of the specific backgrounds and qualifications of our current directors and director nominees, see “Information about our Board of Directors – Business Experience of Directors.”

Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors

Shareholders may contact our Board of Directors, our independent directors as a group, or an individual director by contacting Katherine A. Kaus, Investor Relations, Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., 125 East Fourth Street, Dunkirk, New York 14048. All comments will be forwarded directly to the Board of Directors, the independent directors as a group, or the individual director, as applicable.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

The discussion provided below reflects the SEC’s executive compensation reporting requirements for “smaller reporting companies” which were adopted in 2008.  For further information regarding our philosophy of compensation, please consult the Executive Compensation Philosophy and Structure document, available in the Investor Relations—Governance Documents section of our website at www.lakeshoresavings.com.

Summary Compensation Table

The table below sets forth the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Lake Shore Bancorp (the “Named Executive Officers”) for fiscal years 2009 and 2008.  No other executive officers of the Company were considered Named Executive Officers for fiscal year 2009.

 
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Name and Principal Position(s)
 
Year
 
Salary(1)
($)
   
Stock
 Awards(2)
($)
   
Option
 Awards(3)
($)
   
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(4)
($)
   
Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred Compensation Earnings(5)
($)
   
All Other
 Compensation(6)
($)
   
Total
 ($)
 
David C. Mancuso
President & Chief Executive Officer
 
2009
  $ 266,000     $ -     $ -     $ 59,866     $ 189,162     $ 43,059     $ 558,087  
   
2008
  $ 255,000     $ -     $ -     $ 21,735     $ 337,899     $ 47,850     $ 662,484  
                                                             
Rachel A. Foley
Chief Financial Officer
 
2009
  $ 130,000     $ 47,660     $ -     $ 26,658     $ 9,565     $ 19,940     $ 233,823  
   
2008
  $ 123,000     $ -     $ -     $ 7,717     $ 6,522     $ 18,710     $ 155,949  
 


(1)  
The figures shown for salary represent amounts earned for the fiscal year, whether or not actually paid during such year.
   
(2)
This column shows the grant date fair value of restricted stock awards computed in accordance with stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718) for 2009.  For more information concerning the assumptions used for these calculations, please refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  A restricted stock award of 5,950 shares was made to Ms. Foley on January 13, 2009.   The closing price on the date of award was $8.01 per share. The awards vest over five years, with first vesting date being January 13, 2010, and every January 13th thereafter.  There were no restricted stock awards in 2008. This amount does not reflect the value of dividends paid on unvested restricted stock, which are included in the Summary Compensation Table under the caption “All Other Compensation.”
   
(3)
No stock options were granted to Named Executive Officers during 2009 or 2008.
   
(4)
Represents the annual bonus paid for each Named Executive Officer as per the Short-term Incentive Plan.  The payment amounts vest on December 31st.  The bonus was paid based on achieving organizational and individual goals.   A threshold must be achieved before a bonus is paid for any of the goals.  Additional amounts are paid if goals are achieved above the threshold level.  The goals and the related weight ranking used to calculate the bonus in 2009 are as follows:  return on average assets (15%), return on assets in comparison to peers (15%), residential lending goals (15%), commercial lending goals (5%), efficiency ratio (10%), corporate goals (20%), and individual goals (20%).  Mr. Mancuso and Ms. Foley received 22.5%% and 20.5%, respectively, of base salary for exceeding the threshold ratios in 2009.
 
The goals and related weight ranking used to calculate the bonus in 2008 for Mr. Mancuso was as follows: return on assets (25%), net income (30%), lending goals (15%), efficiency ratio (10%) and corporate goals (20%).  Mr. Mancuso received 8.5% of his base salary for achieving the threshold ratios in 2008.  The goals and related weight ranking used to calculate the bonus in 2008 for Ms. Foley was as follows:  return on assets (20%), net income (20%), efficiency ratio (10%), corporate goals (20%), and individual department goals (30%). Ms. Foley received 6.3% of her base salary in 2008 for achieving threshold ratios.
   
(5)
Includes for each Named Executive Officer the increase (if any) for the year in the present value of the individual’s accrued benefit (whether or not vested) under each tax-qualified and non-qualified actuarial or defined benefit plan calculated by comparing the present value of each individual’s accrued benefit under each such plan in accordance with the accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 715) as of the plan’s measurement date in such year to the present value of the individual’s accrued benefit as of the plan’s measurement date in the prior year.
   
(6)
The Named Executive Officers participate in certain group life, health, disability insurance and medical reimbursement plans, included in the “All Other Compensation” column on  the Summary Compensation Table,
 
 
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that are generally available to salaried employees and do not discriminate in scope, terms and operation. The figure shown for each Named Executive Officer includes: (i) 401(k) contributions as follows for 2009 and 2008, respectively:  Mr. Mancuso - $31,363 and $33,094, and Ms. Foley - $15,011 and $15,111 ; (ii) ESOP allocations as follows for 2009 and 2008, respectively:  Mr. Mancuso - $4,551 and $4,662, and Ms. Foley - $2,761 and $2,479 ; (iii) tax reimbursement payments related to supplemental executive retirement plans as follows for 2009 and 2008, respectively:  Mr. Mancuso - $2,783 and $4,780, and Ms. Foley - $141 and $96; (iv) dividend payments on unvested restricted stock awards as follows for 2009 and 2008, respectively:  Mr. Mancuso - $3,570 and $4,522, and Ms. Foley - $1,907 and $904;  and (v) insurance premiums for amounts of life insurance in excess of $50,000 recorded as compensation as follows for each of 2009 and 2008:  Mr. Mancuso - $ 792 and Ms. Foley - $120.   In addition, we provide certain non-cash perquisites and personal benefits to each Named Executive Officer that do not exceed $5,000 in the aggregate for any individual, and are not included in the reported figures.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table sets forth information regarding stock awards and stock options outstanding at December 31, 2009.

   
Option Awards(1)
 
Stock Awards(2)
 
Name
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
   
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
   
Option Exercise
Price
($)
 
Option
Expiration Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
   
Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)(3)
 
David C. Mancuso
    37,939       25,292     $ 11.50  
11/14/2016
    11,900     $ 93,534  
                                           
Rachel A. Foley
    10,245       6,828     $ 11.50  
11/14/2016
    8,330     $ 65,473  
                                           
 

(1)  
The option awards were 60% vested on December 31, 2009 and will become 20% vested each December 31st thereafter with full vesting on December 31, 2011.   Option awards are generally forfeited in the event the recipient terminates service before such date. In the event of termination of service due to death, disability or a change of control (as defined in the 2006 Stock Option Plan), all unvested awards will become 100% vested.
   
(2)
Mr. Mancuso’s unvested stock awards will become 20% vested each December 31st, with full vesting on December 31, 2011.  Ms. Foley had 2,380 stock awards that will become 20% vested each December 31st, with full vesting on December 31, 2011.  The remaining 5,950 stock awards will begin vesting over a 5 year period, beginning on January 13, 2010.  Stock awards are generally forfeited in the event the recipient terminates service before such date. In the event of termination of service due to death, disability or a change of control (as defined in the 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan), all unvested awards will become 100% vested.
   
(3)
Market value is calculated on the basis of $7.86 per share, which was the closing sales price for our common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market on December 31, 2009.

Compensation Plans

Short-term Incentive Plan.  Lake Shore Bancorp provides performance-based bonuses to its Named Executive Officers pursuant to the Short-term Incentive Plan, which is designed to link awards to our strategic and operating objectives.  The goal of the plan is to have long-term viability and to be attractive to new hires and help retain current employees.  The plan measures


 
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business plan goals and objectives and clearly defines these prior to the calendar year for which the plan is in effect.  For purposes of the annual bonus, each Named Executive Officer is evaluated on several corporate performance measures which are established at the beginning of the year and relate to strategic business objectives for the ensuing year.  The Named Executive Officers are also evaluated on individual performance measures that take into account individual responsibilities, in addition to the corporate performance measures.  The individual performance measures are recommended to the Compensation Committee by the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee will review the recommendations, make any necessary changes, and present the performance measures to the Board of Directors for approval. The specific targets and vesting schedules are discussed under footnote 4 of the Summary Compensation Table.

Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans.  Lake Shore Savings entered into separate supplemental benefit plans in 1999 and 2001 with certain officers.  Under the 1999 plan, each participant is guaranteed monthly payments over a period of fifteen years commencing at age 63, with the annual benefit payable reduced proportionately in the event the executive terminates or retires early. The annual compensation amount to be received when the applicable Named Executive Officer reaches the age of 63 is $87,097 for Mr. Mancuso.  Ms. Foley is not a plan participant.  In 2009, Mr. Mancuso received distributions of $87,093 under the 1999 plan and $7,258 in 2008.

Effective as of January 1, 2007, the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Savings amended the existing supplemental benefit plans entered into in 2001 with each of its participants and entered into a new supplemental benefits plan (collectively, the “2007 Executive SERPs”). Under the 2007 Executive SERPs, each participant is fully vested in an annual benefit (payable in monthly installments) which is equal to 2% of the executive’s average final pay (computed over the three years prior to termination of service) multiplied by the executive’s years of service to a maximum percentage of final average pay (projected as of December 31, 2006) of 35% for Mr. Mancuso and 40% for Ms. Foley.

The benefit amount is payable over a period of fifteen years commencing at age 65, with the annual benefit payable reduced for termination of service prior to age 65.  In addition, in the event of a change of control, the Named Executive Officer is treated as having attained age 65 for purposes of benefit payments.  Under this plan, if the Named Executive Officer reaches age 65, the annual payment under the plan would be $84,000 for Mr. Mancuso and Ms. Foley.

As previously disclosed, effective January 27, 2010, Mr. Reininga became a participant in the Bank’s existing supplemental benefit plan for executives following the termination of his participation in the Bank’s supplemental benefit plan for directors on December 31, 2009.  Under the supplemental plan for executives, Mr. Reininga is fully vested in an annual benefit of $18,165 payable in monthly installments over a period of fifteen years commencing at age 65, subject to reduction for termination of service prior to age 65.  The calculation of Mr. Reininga’s annual benefit was based on the annual benefit to which Mr. Reininga was entitled pursuant to the non-employee director supplemental benefit plan. 
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plans.  This plan is a tax-qualified plan that covers substantially all employees who have at least one year of service to Lake Shore Savings and have attained age 21. Lake Shore Bancorp has loaned the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust


 
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sufficient funds to purchase a number of shares equal to 8% of the shares sold in Lake Shore Bancorp’s stock offering to persons other than Lake Shore, MHC, or 238,050 shares. These shares were purchased in the open market following completion of the offering at prevailing market prices.

Although contributions to the plan are discretionary, Lake Shore Savings intends to contribute enough money each year to make the required principal and interest payments on the loan from Lake Shore Bancorp. This loan is for a term of 30 years and calls for level annual payments of principal and interest. The plan pledges the shares it purchases as collateral for the loan and holds them in a suspense account.

The plan will not distribute the pledged shares right away. Instead, it will release a portion of the pledged shares annually. Assuming the plan repays its loan as scheduled over a 30-year term, we expect that 1/30th of the shares will be released annually in years 2006 through 2035. Although the repayment period of the loan is scheduled over a 30-year term, we anticipate that we may prepay a portion of the principal which would trigger the release of additional shares. The plan will allocate the shares released each year among the accounts of participants in proportion to their compensation for the year. For example, if a participant’s compensation for a year represents 1% of the total compensation of all participants for the year, the plan would allocate to that participant 1% of the shares released for the year. Participants direct the voting of shares allocated to their accounts. Shares in the suspense account will usually be voted in a way that mirrors the votes which participants cast for shares in their individual accounts.

This plan may purchase additional shares in the future, and may do so using borrowed funds, cash dividends, periodic employer contributions or other cash flow.

401(k) Defined Contribution Plan. The Lake Shore Savings tax-qualified 401(k) defined contribution plan is maintained for employees who have completed nine months of service and attained age 21.  Eligible employees may make pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) Plan in the form of salary deferrals of up to 75% of their total annual compensation subject to certain IRS limitations.  The plan consists of three components: 401(k), Profit Sharing and Safe Harbor. For the 401(k) component, the Company makes a matching contribution equal to 40% of the eligible employee’s salary deferral, up to 6% of such employee’s compensation.  For the profit sharing component, the Company makes a discretionary contribution, up to 5.1% of an eligible employee’s salary, depending on years of service.  Lastly, the Company contributes 3.4% of an eligible employee’s salary based on years of service, which is a discretionary contribution to the Safe Harbor component of the plan.

2006 Stock Option Plan.  The Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant, to certain officers, employees and outside directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Lake Shore Savings or any affiliate approved by the Compensation Committee, of options to purchase common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp at a stated price during a specified period or term. The Compensation Committee, which is the administrative committee for the plan, selects who will receive stock option grants. Any employee of Lake Shore Bancorp or any affiliate approved by the committee may be selected to receive option grants.  The Compensation Committee sets the terms and conditions of the stock options that it grants.  In setting terms and conditions, it must observe the following restrictions: (1) it may not grant options to purchase


 
28

 

more than 74,390 shares to any one employee; (2) it may not grant options to purchase more than 14,878 shares to any one non-employee director or options to purchase more than 89,268 shares of Lake Shore Bancorp’s common stock to all outside directors in the aggregate; (3) it may not grant a stock option with a purchase price that is less than the fair market value of a share of Lake Shore Bancorp’s common stock on the date it grants the stock option; (4) it may not grant a stock option with a term that is longer than ten years; and (5) it may not grant options that become exercisable more rapidly than at the rate of 20% per year measured from the date of the grant, with acceleration permitted only in case of death, disability or change of control.  Stock options were granted under the 2006 Stock Option Plan in 2009.

Upon the exercise of an option, the exercise price of the option must be paid in full. Payment may be made in cash, common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp already owned by the option holder, shares to be acquired by the option holder upon exercise of the option or such other consideration as the Compensation Committee authorizes.  If the option is not exercised during its term, it will expire.

2006 Recognition and Retention Plan.  The Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan provides for the grant of restricted stock awards to certain officers, employees and non-employee directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Lake Shore Savings or any affiliate approved by the Compensation Committee. These restricted stock awards constitute a right to receive a certain number of shares of common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp upon the award holder’s satisfaction of certain requirements such as continued service until vesting, with accelerated vesting upon death, disability, or change in control. As a general rule, if the award holder fails to fulfill the requirements contained in the restricted stock award, the restricted stock award will not vest. Instead, the award will be forfeited and canceled.  Restricted stock awards were made under the 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan in 2009.

The Compensation Committee, which is the administrative committee for the plan, selects who will receive restricted stock awards. Any employee of Lake Shore Bancorp or any affiliate approved by the Compensation Committee may be selected to receive restricted stock awards.  The Compensation Committee sets the terms and conditions of the restricted stock awards that it grants.  In setting terms and conditions, it must observe the following restrictions: (1) it may not grant more than 30% of the shares authorized by the Recognition and Retention Plan to outside directors; (2) it may not grant more than 5% of the shares authorized by the Recognition and Retention Plan to any one outside director or more than 25% of the shares authorized by the Recognition and Retention Plan to any executive officer; (3) it may not allow the restricted stock awards to vest at a more rapid rate than 20% per year; and (4) it cannot permit accelerated vesting for any reason other than death, disability, or a change of control.

As required by the terms of the Recognition and Retention Plan, Lake Shore Bancorp has established a trust and contributed certain amounts of money or property as determined by the Board, in its discretion. No contributions by participants will be permitted. The trustee will invest the assets of the trust primarily in the shares of our common stock that will be used to make restricted stock awards. The trust is not authorized to purchase more than 119,025 shares of common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp and cannot purchase more than this number.


 
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Employment Agreements.  Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings have entered into parallel employment agreements with David C. Mancuso to secure his services as President and Chief Executive Officer. These employment agreements were amended and restated effective as of April 2, 2010.  The employment agreements have a fixed term of three years and may be renewed annually after a review of the executive’s performance. These agreements provide for a minimum annual salary of $275,000, discretionary cash bonuses, and participation on generally applicable terms and conditions in other compensation and fringe benefit plans. The agreements also guarantee customary corporate indemnification and errors and omissions insurance coverage throughout the employment term and for six years after termination.

Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings may terminate Mr. Mancuso’s employment, and Mr. Mancuso may resign, at any time with or without cause. However, in the event of termination during the term without cause, they will owe Mr. Mancuso severance benefits generally equal to the value of the cash compensation and fringe benefits that he would have received if Mr. Mancuso had continued working for the remaining unexpired term of the employment agreements. The same severance benefits would be payable if the executive resigns during the term following:

 
·
a loss of title, office or membership on the Board of Directors;

 
·
material reduction in duties, functions, compensation or responsibilities;

 
·
involuntary relocation of the executive’s principal place of employment to a location over 100 miles in distance from Lake Shore Savings’ principal office in Dunkirk, New York and over 100 miles from the executive’s principal residence; or

 
·
any other material breach of contract by Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings which is not cured within 30 days.

The employment agreements also provide that any severance payable after a change of control will be computed as if the remaining unexpired term of the agreements was three years.

If Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings experience a change in ownership, a change in effective ownership or control or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of their assets as contemplated by section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, a portion of any severance payments under the employment agreements might constitute an “excess parachute payment” under current federal tax laws. Pursuant to the employment agreements, any severance payments made which are subject to section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code would be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of an excise tax and related non-deductibility under section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

Change of Control Agreements. Lake Shore Savings has entered into change of control agreements with Daniel P. Reininga, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Rachel A. Foley, our Chief Financial Officer. These agreements are guaranteed by Lake Shore Bancorp. The term of these agreements is perpetual until Lake Shore Savings gives notice of non-extension, at which time the term is fixed for one year.


 
30

 

Generally, Lake Shore Savings may terminate the employment of any officer covered by these agreements, with or without cause, at any time prior to a change of control without obligation for severance benefits. However, if Lake Shore Savings or Lake Shore Bancorp signs a merger or other business combination agreement, or if a third party makes a tender offer or initiates a proxy contest, it could not terminate an officer’s employment without cause without liability for severance benefits. The severance benefits would generally be equal to the value of the cash compensation and fringe benefits that the officer would have received if he or she had continued working for an additional year. Lake Shore Savings would pay the same severance benefits if the officer resigns after a change of control following a loss of title or office, material reduction in duties, functions, compensation or responsibilities, involuntary relocation of his or her principal place of employment to a location over 35 miles from Lake Shore Savings’ principal office on the day before the change of control and over 35 miles from the officer’s principal residence or other material breach of contract which is not cured within 30 days. These agreements also provide uninsured death and disability benefits.

If Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings experiences a change in ownership, a change in effective ownership or control or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of their assets as contemplated by section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, a portion of any severance payments under the change of control agreements might constitute an “excess parachute payment” under current federal tax laws. Pursuant to the change of control agreements, any severance payments made which are subject to section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code would be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of an excise tax and related non-deductibility under section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.


 
31

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table presents certain information regarding our equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2009 (the 2006 Stock Option Plan and 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan).

Plan Category
 
Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
(a)
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
(b)
   
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
                 
                   
Stock options
    238,258     $ 11.22       59,304  
                         
Restricted stock
    34,536       N/A       39,290  
                         
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
                         
Total
    288,058       N/A       98,594  
 

 
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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

On October 1, 2009, the Company was notified that the audit practice of Beard Miller Company LLP (“Beard”) an independent registered public accounting firm, was combined with ParenteBeard LLC (“ParenteBeard”) in a transaction pursuant to which Beard combined its operations with ParenteBeard and certain of the professional staff and partners of Beard joined ParenteBeard either as employees or partners of ParenteBeard. On October 1, 2009, Beard resigned as the auditors of the Company and with the approval of the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, ParenteBeard was engaged as its independent registered public accounting firm.

Prior to engaging ParenteBeard, the Company did not consult with ParenteBeard regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or contemplated transaction or regarding the type of audit opinions that might be rendered by ParenteBeard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and ParenteBeard did not provide any written or oral advice that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue.

The report of independent registered public accounting firm of Beard regarding the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, and during the interim period from the end of the most recently completed fiscal year through October 1, 2009, the date of resignation, there were no disagreements with Beard on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Beard would have caused it to make reference to such disagreement in its reports.

The Audit Committee has appointed ParenteBeard LLC as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010. ParenteBeard LLC (including its predecessor Beard Miller Company LLP) has audited our financial statements since 2005.


 
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Fees Incurred

The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by ParenteBeard LLC (including its predecessor, Beard Miller Company), our independent registered public accounting firm, for the audit of our annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and fees billed for other services rendered by ParenteBeard LLC during those periods.

   
2009
   
2008
 
Audit Fees(1)
  $ 137,075     $ 84,279  
Audit-related fees(2)
    2,000       17,989  
Tax fees(3)
           
All other fees(4)
    4,500       5,200  
Total
  $ 143,575     $ 107,468  
 

(1)  
Includes professional services rendered for the audit of Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and review of consolidated financial statements contained in Forms 10-Q, and audit of the Company’s Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (ICFR) subject to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, including out-of-pocket expenses.

(2)  
Audit related fees in 2009 and 2008 consisted of internal control reviews and accountancy consultations.

(3)  
No tax fees incurred in 2009 or 2008.

(4)  
All other fees in 2009 and 2008 represented services rendered for the 2009 and 2008 State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) audit.


 
34

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy

Consistent with SEC and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requirements regarding auditor independence, the Audit Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. In recognition of this responsibility, the Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.

Pre-approval of Services. The Audit Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms) to be performed for us by our independent registered public accounting firm, subject to the de minimis exception for non-audit services described below which, if not pre-approved, are approved by the Audit Committee prior to completion of the audit.

Exception. The pre-approval requirement set forth above, shall not be applicable with respect to non-audit services if:

 
·
the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues paid by us to our independent registered public accounting firm during the fiscal year in which the services are provided;

 
·
such services were not recognized by us at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and

 
·
such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit Committee or by one or more members of the Audit Committee who are members of the Board of Directors to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the committee.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Audit Committee pre-approved the services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with their policy.  The de minimis exception (as defined in Rule 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) was applied to less than 2% of the 2009 total fees.

Delegation. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Audit Committee the authority to grant required pre-approvals. The decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated under this paragraph to pre-approve activities under this subsection shall be presented to the full committee at its next scheduled meeting.


 
35

 

 
 
PROPOSAL TWO:  RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT
 
OF PARENTEBEARD LLC
 

The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of ParenteBeard LLC to continue as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, subject to ratification of such appointment by the Company’s shareholders.

Representatives of ParenteBeard  LLC are not expected to attend the annual meeting, but have been given the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of ParenteBeard LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2010.


 
36

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee reviews Lake Shore Bancorp’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the consolidated financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls.

In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding the fair and complete presentation of Lake Shore Bancorp’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The Audit Committee has discussed significant accounting policies applied by Lake Shore Bancorp in its consolidated financial statements, as well as alternative treatments. Management represented to the Audit Committee that Lake Shore Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 as amended (AICPA Professional Standards Vol. 1. AU section 380 The Auditor’s Communication With Those Charged With Governance), and adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200-T.

In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the auditor’s independence from Lake Shore Bancorp and its management. As part of that review, the Audit Committee has received from ParenteBeard LLC the written statements required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Rule 3526 Communications with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, as adopted by the PCAOB in Rule 3600T. In addition, the Audit Committee received the written disclosures required by all relevant professional and regulatory standards relating to ParenteBeard LLC’s independence from Lake Shore Bancorp. The Audit Committee also has considered whether the independent registered public accounting firm’s provision of non-audit services to Lake Shore Bancorp is compatible with the auditor’s independence. The Audit Committee has concluded that the independent registered public accounting firm is independent from Lake Shore Bancorp and its management. The Audit Committee discussed with Lake Shore Bancorp’s internal auditor and independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee meets with the internal auditor and independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations and the overall quality of Lake Shore Bancorp’s financial reporting.

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has approved, that the audited financial statements be included in Lake Shore Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee has selected, and the Board of Directors has ratified, the selection of Lake Shore Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm.
 
 
 
Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. Audit Committee
   
Nancy L. Yocum, Chairperson
   
Tracy S. Bennett
   
Michael E. Brunecz
   
Gary W. Winger
 
This foregoing audit committee report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing of ours under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent we specifically incorporate this report by reference.


 
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE AND
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock, to report to the SEC their initial ownership of our common stock and any subsequent changes in that ownership. We are required to disclose in this proxy statement any late filings or failures to file.

To our knowledge, based solely on our review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our executive officers and directors during 2009 were met, except that Daniel Reininga filed one late Form 4 and David Mancuso filed one late Form 4, in each case, as a result of administrative errors.

Transactions with Related Persons

Lake Shore Savings has outstanding loans to its, our and Lake Shore, MHC’s directors, executive officers and their related interests. These loans: (1) were made in the ordinary course of business; (2) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not related to Lake Shore Savings; and (3) did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

It is the written policy of our Board of Directors that a majority of the disinterested members of the entire Board of Directors must approve in advance any extension of credit to any executive officer, director, or principle shareholder and their related interests if the aggregate of all extensions of credit to that insider and his or her related interests exceeds the greater of $25,000 or 5% of Lake Shore Savings’ unimpaired capital and surplus, whichever is greater. The interested party may not participate either directly or indirectly in the voting on such an extension of credit. Prior approval is required, however, for any and all extensions of credit to any insider if the aggregate of all other extensions to that person and their related interests exceeds $500,000, regardless of its percentage of capital.

In addition, pursuant to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, if an officer or director has an interest in a matter or transaction before the Board of Directors, such individual must disclose to the Board of Directors all material non-privileged information relevant to the Board of Directors’ decision on the matter or transaction, including: (1) the existence, nature and extent of their interest; and (2) the facts known to the individual as to the matter or transaction under consideration. The individual must also refrain from participating in the discussion of the matter or transaction and may not vote on the matter or transaction. In addition to approval by the Board of Directors, such transactions and matters must also be approved by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.


 
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Shareholder Proposals for 2011 Annual Meeting

If you wish to submit proposals to be included in our proxy statement for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders, we must receive them on or before December 10, 2010, pursuant to proxy soliciting regulations of the SEC. Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to require us to include in our proxy statement and proxy card for such meeting any shareholder proposal which does not meet the requirements of the SEC in effect at the time. Any such proposal will be subject to 17 C.F.R. §240.14a-8 of the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  In addition, under our bylaws, any new business to be taken up at the annual meeting must be stated in writing and filed with the secretary of Lake Shore Bancorp at least 30 days before the date of the annual meeting, provided, however, that in the event less than 40 days notice of the annual meeting is given, a written proposal may be accepted from a shareholder not later than the close of business on the tenth day following notice of the annual meeting, and all business so stated, proposed, and filed shall be considered at the annual meeting so long as the business relates to a proper matter for shareholder action. Any shareholder may make any other proposal at the annual meeting and the same may be discussed and considered, but unless stated in writing and filed with the secretary at least 30 days before the meeting, such proposal shall be laid over for action at an adjourned, special or annual meeting of the shareholders taking place 30 days or more thereafter. A shareholder’s notice to the secretary shall set forth as to each such matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (1) a brief description of the proposal desired to be brought; and (2) the name and address of such shareholder and the number of shares of common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp that such shareholder owns of record. This provision shall not prevent the consideration and approval or disapproval at the annual meeting of reports of officers, directors, and committees; but in connection with such reports, no new business shall be acted upon at such annual meeting unless stated and filed as herein provided.

   
By Order of the Board of Directors,
     
   
/s/ Beverley J. Mulkin
 
   
Beverley J. Mulkin
   
Secretary

Dunkirk, New York
April 7, 2010

To assure that your shares are represented at the annual meeting, please vote your shares promptly over the Internet, by phone or on a paper proxy card if you request one.

 
 
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