Full House Resorts, Inc.
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OMB APPROVAL |
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OMB Number: 3235-0059 |
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Expires:
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, 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):
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
filing. |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
4670 Fort Apache Road, Suite 190
Las Vegas, Nevada 89147
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held on 31st day of May, 2007
Dear Stockholder:
You are invited to attend our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held at 10:00
a.m., local time, on the 31st day of May, 2007, at the Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard Bel-Air, 11461
Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049, for the following purposes:
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to elect seven members to our board of directors to serve until our 2008 annual
meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
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to ratify the appointment of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern, Certified Public
Accountants and Business Advisors, a Professional Corporation as our independent auditors
for 2007; and |
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to transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting,
including any adjournments or postponements thereof. |
Our board of directors has fixed the close of business on April 20, 2007 as the record date
for determining those stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting and
any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Whether or not you expect to be present, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card
in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope as promptly as possible. No postage is required if mailed in
the United States.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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J. Michael Paulson |
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Chairman of the Board |
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Las Vegas, Nevada
April 30, 2007
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE
MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO
ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING. EVEN IF YOU EXECUTE A PROXY CARD, YOU MAY NEVERTHELESS
ATTEND THE MEETING, REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT IF
YOUR SHARES ARE HELD OF RECORD BY A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE, AND YOU WISH TO VOTE AT THE
MEETING, YOU MUST OBTAIN FROM THE RECORD HOLDER A PROXY ISSUED IN YOUR NAME.
2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement contains information relating to our 2007 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on May 31, 2007, at the Luxe Hotel Sunset
Boulevard Bel-Air, 11461 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049 and to any adjournments or
postponements. This proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy are first being mailed to
stockholders on or about May 4, 2007.
ABOUT THE MEETING
What Is The Purpose Of The Annual Meeting?
At the annual meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying
notice of meeting, including
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the election of seven directors, |
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the ratification of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern as our independent auditors. |
The stockholders also will transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting.
Who Is Entitled To Vote?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date, April 20, 2007, are
entitled to receive notice of the annual meeting and to vote the shares of our common stock that
they held on that date at the meeting, or any postponement or adjournment of the meeting. Each
outstanding share of common stock entitles its holder to cast one vote on each matter to be voted
upon.
Who Can Attend The Meeting?
All stockholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend. Please
note that if you hold shares in street name, that is, through a broker or other nominee, you will
need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting your stock ownership as of the record
date. You will also need a photo ID to gain admission.
What Constitutes A Quorum?
The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of 40% of the total number
of shares of our common stock and preferred stock outstanding on the record date will constitute a
quorum, permitting the meeting to conduct its business. As of the record date, 19,322,276 shares of
our common stock were outstanding and held by approximately 142 stockholders of record. Proxies
received but marked as abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of the
number of shares considered to be present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum but
will not be counted as votes cast for or against any given matter.
If less than 40% of outstanding shares entitled to vote are represented at the meeting, a
majority of the shares present at the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another date, time or
place, and notice need not be given of the new date, time or place if the new date, time or place
is announced at the meeting before an adjournment is taken.
How Do I Vote?
If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return it to us, it will be
voted as you direct. If you are a registered stockholder and you attend the meeting, you may
deliver your completed proxy card in person. Street name stockholders who wish to vote at the
meeting will need to obtain a proxy from the institution that holds their shares.
Prior to the annual meeting, we will select one or more inspectors of election. These
inspectors will determine the number of shares of common stock represented at the meeting, the
existence of a quorum, the validity of proxies and will count the ballots and votes and will
determine and report the results to us.
May I Change My Vote After I Return My Proxy Card?
Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy, you may change your vote at any time before the
proxy is exercised by filing with our Secretary either a notice of revocation or a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date. The powers of the proxy
1
holders will be suspended if you attend the meeting in person and so request, although
attendance at the meeting will not by itself revoke a previously granted proxy.
What Are The Boards Recommendations?
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of our board of directors. Unless you give other
instructions on your proxy card, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will vote in
accordance with the recommendations of our board of directors. The recommendation of the board of
directors is set forth with the description of each item in this proxy statement. In summary, the
board of directors recommends a vote:
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FOR the election of the nominated slate of directors (see pages 4-12). |
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FOR the ratification of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern as independent auditor (see pages 13-14). |
The board of directors does not know of any other matters that may be brought before the
meeting nor does it foresee or have reason to believe that the proxy holders will have to vote for
substitute or alternate board nominees. In the event that any other matter should properly come
before the meeting or any nominee is not available for election, the proxy holders will vote as
recommended by the board of directors or, if no recommendation is given, in accordance with their
best judgment.
What Vote Is Required To Approve Each Item?
Election Of Directors. A plurality of the votes cast at the meeting is required for the
election of directors. A properly executed proxy marked WITHHOLD AUTHORITY with respect to the
election of one or more directors will not be voted with respect to the director or directors
indicated, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes for directors.
Ratification of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern. An affirmative vote of a majority of the votes
cast at the meeting is required for the ratification of the independent auditor. A properly
executed proxy marked ABSTAIN with respect to ratification will not be voted with respect to
ratification, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
Other Items. For any other item which may properly come before the meeting, the affirmative
vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting, either in person or by proxy, and voting will
be required for approval, unless otherwise required by law. A properly executed proxy marked
ABSTAIN with respect to any of those matters will not be voted, although it will be counted for
purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
If you hold your shares in street name through a broker or other nominee, your broker or
nominee may not be permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to some matters that may be
acted upon. Thus, if you do not give your broker or nominee specific instructions, your shares may
not be voted on those matters and will not be counted in determining the number of shares necessary
for approval. However, shares represented by these broker non-votes will be counted in
determining whether there is a quorum.
Who Pays For The Preparation Of The Proxy Statement?
We will pay the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the proxy statement, notice of
meeting and enclosed proxy card. In addition to the use of mail, our employees may solicit proxies
personally and by telephone. Our employees will receive no compensation for soliciting proxies
other than their regular salaries. We may request banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward copies of the proxy material to their principals and to request authority
for the execution of proxies and we may reimburse those persons for their expenses incurred in
connection with these activities. We will compensate only independent third party agents that are
not affiliated with us but solicit proxies. At this time, we do not anticipate that we will be
retaining a third party solicitation firm, but should we determine, in the future, that it is in
our best interests to do so, we will retain a solicitation firm and
pay for all costs and expenses
associated with retaining this solicitation firm.
You should review the information provided in this proxy statement in conjunction with our
2006 Annual Report to Stockholders, which accompanies this proxy statement. Our principal executive
offices are located 4670 South Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas, Nevada 89147 and our
telephone number is (702) 221-7800. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting
will be available at our offices for a period of ten days prior to the meeting and at the meeting
itself for examination by any stockholder.
2
SECURITY OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth information as of the record date concerning the beneficial
ownership of our common stock by:
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each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, |
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each director, |
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each of the named executive officers (as defined below), and |
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all executive officers and directors as a group. |
Unless otherwise listed above, the address for each of our officers and directors is c/o Full House
Resorts, 4670 South Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas, Nevada 89147
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Number of Shares |
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Percentage of Class |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
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Owned (1) |
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Outstanding(1) |
Lee A. Iacocca |
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1,433,471 |
(2) |
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7.4 |
% |
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LKL Family Limited
Partnership
10900 Wilshire
Boulevard, Suite 310
Los
Angeles, California
90024 |
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1,056,471 |
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5.4 |
% |
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J. Michael Paulson |
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3,283,500 |
(3) |
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17.0 |
% |
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Allen E. Paulson
Living Trust
514 Via De La
Valle, Suite 210
Solana
Beach, California
92075 |
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3,181,500 |
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16.4 |
% |
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Andre Hilliou |
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282,500 |
(4) |
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1.5 |
% |
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Carl G. Braunlich |
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2,000 |
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Mark J. Miller |
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112,000 |
(9) |
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0.6 |
% |
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Kathleen M. Caracciolo |
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Kenneth R. Adams |
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1,400 |
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Greg Violette |
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282,500 |
(5) |
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1.5 |
% |
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T. Wesley Elam |
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44,500 |
(6) |
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0.2 |
% |
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Barth Aaron |
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35,000 |
(6) |
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0.2 |
% |
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James Meier |
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20,000 |
(7) |
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0.1 |
% |
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All Officers and
Directors as a Group
(11 Persons) |
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5,496,871 |
(8) |
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28.4 |
% |
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William P. McComas |
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1,549,030 |
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8.0 |
% |
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Shares are considered beneficially owned, for purposes of this table only, if held by the
person indicated as beneficial owner, or if such person, directly or indirectly, through any
contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise, has or shares the power to
vote, to direct the voting of and/or dispose of or to direct the disposition of, such
security, or if the person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days, unless
otherwise indicated in these footnotes. Any securities outstanding which are subject to
options or warrants exercisable within 60 days are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage of outstanding securities of the class owned by such person, but are
not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class owned by
any other person. |
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Includes options to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock, 1,056,471 shares held by the LKL
Family Limited Partnership of which Lee A. Iacocca is the General Partner and 300,000 shares
of restricted stock which vest over three years beginning May, 2007. |
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Includes 3,181,500 shares held by the Allen E. Paulson Living Trust of which Mr. J.
Michael Paulson is the trustee. |
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Includes 137,500 shares of restricted stock half of which vest in January 2008 and the
remainder in January 2009. |
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There is a dispute as to whether the 137,500 unvested shares granted to Mr. Violette vested
on the date of his employment termination. It is our position that they did not and therefore
were forfeited. However, Mr. Violette has disputed this position and until resolved we
account for the shares as remaining outstanding. |
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Includes 23,333 shares of restricted stock half of which vest in January 2008 and the
remainder in January 2009. |
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Includes 13,333 shares of restricted stock half of which vest in January 2008 and the
remainder in January 2009. |
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Includes options to purchase 75,000 share of common stock. |
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Includes 110,000 shares of restricted stock which vest ratably in February of 2008, 2009 and
2010. |
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 ten percent of our outstanding common stock, to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of common stock. These persons are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies
of all such reports they file.
To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and
written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all Section 16(a)
reports were timely filed by our officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial
owners, except that the filing of Form 4s with respect to one restricted stock grant to each of our
executive officers and directors were not filed timely on Forms 4, Mr. Iacocca did not timely file
a Form 4 with respect to a change in the ownership of LKL Family Limited Partnership in December
31, 2004 and Form 3 filings for new directors Kenneth Adams and Kathleen Caracciolo were not filed
timely.
PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our bylaws provide that the number of directors constituting our board of directors shall be
fixed from time to time by the board. Our board of directors currently consists of six directors,
however our board has determined to increase the number of directors to seven. The nominees to be
voted on by stockholders at this meeting are Kenneth R. Adams, Carl G. Braunlich, Kathleen M.
Caracciolo, Andre M. Hilliou, Lee A. Iacocca, Mark J. Miller and J. Michael Paulson.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE NOMINEES.
All nominees have consented to be named and have indicated their intent to serve if elected.
We have no reason to believe that any of these nominees are unavailable for election. However, if
any of the nominees become unavailable for any reason, the persons named as proxies may vote for
the election of such person or persons for such office as our board of directors may recommend in
the place of such nominee or nominees. It is intended that proxies, unless marked to the contrary,
will be voted in favor of the election of Kenneth R. Adams, Carl G. Braunlich, Kathleen M.
Caracciolo, Andre M. Hilliou, Lee A. Iacocca, Mark J. Miller and J. Michael Paulson.
4
The names, ages and positions of all our nominees for director and executive officers as of
April 20, 2007 are listed below, followed by a brief account of their business experience during
the past five years.
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Name |
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Age |
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Position |
J. Michael Paulson
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52 |
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Chairman |
Kenneth R. Adams
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64 |
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Director |
Carl G. Braunlich
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54 |
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Director |
Kathleen M. Caracciolo
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52 |
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Director |
Lee A. Iacocca
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82 |
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Director |
Andre M. Hilliou
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59 |
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Director/ Chief Executive Officer |
Barth F. Aaron
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58 |
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Secretary |
James. D. Meier
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42 |
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Treasurer and Vice President Finance |
Mark J. Miller
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50 |
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Sr. VP and Chief Financial Officer Director Nominee
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T. Wesley Elam
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53 |
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Sr. Vice President of Operations and Project Management |
J. Michael Paulson has been our Chairman and one of our directors since March 2004. Mr.
Paulson has been involved in the real estate development and investment business since 1986 as the
Founder, Owner and President of Nevastar Investments Corp. and Construction Specialist of Nevada,
Inc. Mr. Paulson previously served as director, president and general manager of Gold River Resort and
Casino, Inc. and Gold River Operating Corporation since 2000. Mr. Paulson also serves as a director
or officer of various businesses involving thoroughbred racing and breeding operations, oil
exploration and real estate, gaming and equity investments. Mr. Paulson worked in the aerospace
industry for 17 years, including 11 years with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.
Kenneth
R. Adams joined our Board in January 2007. Mr. Adams is a principal in the
gaming consulting firm, Ken Adams Ltd., which he founded in 1990. He is also an editor of the
Adams Report monthly newsletter, the Adams Daily Report daily electronic newsletter and the Adams
Review, each of which focus on the gaming industry. Since August 1997, Mr. Adams has been a
partner in Johnny Nolons Casino in Cripple Creek Colorado, a limited stakes casino with a
restaurant and bar. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Vision Gaming & Technology,
Inc., a privately-held gaming machine company, and the Downtown Improvement Agency for Reno,
Nevada.
Kathleen M. Caracciolo joined our Board in January 2007. Ms. Caracciolo has also been
appointed the Chairperson of our Audit Committee. Ms. Caracciolo is a certified public accountant
who since July 2003 has served as Vice President, Chief of Finance for Atlantic City Coin & Slot
Service Co. Inc., which designs, manufactures and distributes electronic gaming devices. Between
January and June 2003, Ms. Caracciolo worked as a consultant. From April 1999 to December 2002,
she served as Vice President of Finance for the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, a
government agency responsible for enhancing the economy of the region with coordination of the
operations of the Atlantic City Convention Center. Prior to that, Ms. Caracciolo held various
finance positions with several Atlantic City Casinos, including Atlantic City Showboat, Inc. and
Caesars Atlantic City, Inc.
Dr. Carl G. Braunlich has been one of our directors since May 2005. Since August 2006, he has
been an Associate Professor at University of Nevada Las Vegas. Dr. Braunlich holds a Doctor of
Business Administration in International Business from United States International University, San
Diego, CA. Prior to joining the faculty of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Dr. Braunlich was a
Professor of Hotel Management at Purdue University since 1990. Previously he was on the faculty at
United States International University. Dr Braunlich has held executive positions at the Golden
Nugget Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ and at Paradise Island Hotel and Casino, Nassau,
Bahamas. He has been a consultant to Wynn Las Vegas, Harrahs Entertainment, Inc., Showboat Hotel
and Casino, Bellagio Resort and Casino, International Game Technology, Inc., Atlantic Lottery
Corporation, Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling. He was on
the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling and has served on several
Problem Gambling Committees, including those of the Nevada Resort Association and the American
Gaming Association.
Lee A. Iacocca has been one of our directors since April 1998. Mr. Iacocca currently serves as
the President of Iacocca & Associates, a consulting firm. In 1997, he founded EV Global Motors, to
design, market and distribute the next generation of electric vehicles. Mr. Iacocca is former Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chrysler Corporation, retiring from
those positions in 1992. He retired as a Chrysler Director in September 1993 and continued to serve
as a consultant to Chrysler until 1994. He is Chairman of the Iacocca Foundation, a philanthropic
organization dedicated to educational projects and the advancement of diabetes research, and is
Chairman of the Committee for Corporate Support of Joslin Diabetes Foundation. Mr. Iacocca is also
Chairman Emeritus of the Statue of LibertyEllis Island Foundation and serves on the Advisory Board
of Reading Is Fundamental, the nations largest reading motivation program.
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Andre M. Hilliou became President and Chief Executive Officer of Full House in March 2004 and
has been one of our directors since May 2005. From 2001 until joining us, he served as Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Vision Gaming and Technology. Mr. Hilliou held executive positions with
various companies including Chief Executive Officer of American Bingo and Gaming, Inc. and Chief
Executive Officer of Aristocrat, Inc. He also spent 16 years with the Showboat Corporation,
reaching the level of Senior Vice President of Operations for its Atlantic City, New Jersey
property, and Chief Executive Officer of Showboats Sydney Harbour Casino.
Mark J. Miller became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on February 19, 2007.
He was one of our directors from May 2005 until the announcement of his employment with us in
January 2007. From September 2003 until December 2006, Mr. Miller served as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Aero Products International, a leading maker of premium,
air-filled bedding products. From December 1998 until May 2003, Mr. Miller was Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer and then, Chief Operating Officer of American Skiing Company,
owner and operator of nine well-known ski resorts located in New England, Colorado, California and
Utah. From 1994 until 1998, he was an Executive Vice President of Showboat, Inc. with
responsibility for operational support for new casino development. Previously, Mr. Miller served in
various positions within the Showboat organization, including President and Chief Executive Officer
of Atlantic City Showboat, Inc. Mr. Miller holds a Master Degree in Accountancy from Brigham Young
University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Barth F. Aaron was appointed as our Secretary in March 2004. He has served as our General
Counsel since March 2004. From April 2002 until May 2005, Mr. Aaron was General Counsel of Vision
Gaming and Technology, Inc. From January 2001 until April 2002, Mr. Aaron served as Corporate
Director of Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management for Penn National Gaming, Inc. From August
1996 until May 2000, Mr. Aaron was Corporate General Counsel for Aristocrat, Inc., the U.S.
subsidiary of Australias largest slot machine manufacturer, where he was a legal consultant from
May 2000 until January 2001. Mr. Aaron has been a Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey
Division of Gaming Enforcement and is admitted to practice law in the states of Nevada, New Jersey
and New York.
James D. Meier was named Vice President of Finance in February 2007. Prior to such date, Mr.
Meier served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 2005 and as our Controller from July 2004
until January 2005. Prior to joining us, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Capital One, LLC,
a gaming development and finance company. From 2001 to 2003, he served as the Controller/Chief
Financial Officer of Phoenix Leisure Corporation and prior to that he was financial reporting
manager for Ameristar Casinos, Inc. beginning in 2000. He has held financial and accounting positions
at Nevada Palace Hotel and Casino and until 1999 was an auditor with Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern.
Mr. Meier is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with a Masters
Degree in Hotel Administration from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He received his Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Administration from Minnesota State University.
T. Wesley
Elam became our Senior Vice President of Operations and Project Management in April 2005.
Prior to joining us, he served as general manager of the Argosy Casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
beginning in December 1998. From September 1994 until August 1998 he served as chief operating
officer for the Star City Casino in Sydney, Australia, responsible for the openings and operations
of both the temporary and permanent casino/hotel. Prior to that, he served as controller for Casino
Windsor, Ontario, Canada, overseeing the construction and opening of the temporary casino, which
was a fast track project of only six months. Previously, he served in various executive positions
with responsibilities for opening and operations of the Trump Taj Mahal Casino, Atlantic City
Showboat Casino, Trump Castle Casino and Tropicana Casino. Mr. Elam holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada Reno.
The term of office of each director ends at the next annual meeting of stockholders or when
his successor is elected and qualified. Our officers serve at the discretion of the board of
directors; however, we have employment agreements with several of our executive officers.
6
Director Compensation
For service as a director, each non-executive director receives cash compensation of $20,000
per year plus $1,000 for each meeting attended in excess of four per year. The chairperson of each
committee of the board receives cash compensation of $10,000 per year for such service and each
committee member receives $1,000 for each committee meeting attended. In addition, beginning in
May 2005, non-executive directors also receive 2,000 shares of fully vested common stock at each
annual meeting.
The table below summarizes the compensation paid by us to our non-employee directors for
services rendered for 2006. Directors who are employed by us do not receive additional
compensation for serving as directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
Name |
|
Paid in Cash |
|
Stock Awards(1) |
|
Option Awards(2) |
|
Compensation(3) |
|
Total |
J. Michael Paulson |
|
$ |
54,500 |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
61,000 |
|
Carl G. Braunlich |
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
26,500 |
|
Lee A. Iacocca |
|
$ |
32,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
5,110 |
|
|
$ |
43,610 |
|
William P. McComas(4) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Mark J. Miller(4) |
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
26,500 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts shown in this column represent the dollar amount recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with
SFAS No. 123(R) related to restricted stock awards granted in and prior to 2006 pursuant to
our various share-based payment plans, and include amounts from awards. Assumptions used in
the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 11 to our consolidated financial
statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006. |
|
(2) |
|
The amounts shown in this column represent the dollar amount recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with
SFAS No. 123(R) of stock option awards (options held by McComas and Iacocca were issued and
expensed in previous years). |
|
(3) |
|
In September 2006, we entered into a Consulting Agreement with Mr. Iacocca, pursuant to which
we issued to him 300,000 shares of restricted stock and Mr. Iacocca agreed to forfeit 250,000
options. The dollar amount shown in this column represents the dollar amount recognized for
financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in
accordance with SFAS 123(R) related to this transaction. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. McComas and Mr. Miller resigned from our board of directors in January 2007 and Ms.
Caracciolo and Mr. Adams were appointed to fill the vacancies in January 2007. |
Independent Directors
Under the corporate governance standards of the American Stock Exchange, or AMEX, at least 50%
of our board of directors and all of the members of our audit committee, compensation committee and
the nominating committee must meet the test of independence as defined by the listing requirements
of AMEX, subject to certain exceptions. Our board of directors, in the exercise of its reasonable
business judgment, has determined that J. Michael Paulson, Kenneth R. Adams, Carl G. Braunlich, and
Kathleen M. Caracciolo qualify as independent directors pursuant to the AMEX and SEC rules and
regulations. Our board of directors had determined that Mr. Miller was an independent director
prior to his agreement to serve as our chief financial officer and that Mr. Iacocca was an
independent director prior to entering into a consulting agreement with us. In making the
determination of independence, our board considered whether an independent director has a material
relationship with Full House, either directly or as a partner or shareholder of an organization
that has a relationship with Full House or any other relationships that, in our boards judgment,
would interfere with the directors independence. As described below under the heading Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions, our board considered the negotiations regarding payments
with respect to transactions from 2001 between us and a trust of which Mr. Paulson is the trustee,
and determined that these matters did not impair Mr. Paulsons independence. In the late 1980s
and early 1990s, Messrs. Hilliou and Miller and Ms. Caracciolo were employed by Showboat, Inc. or
a subsidiary thereof and were professionally associated through such employment. The board
determined that this relationship does not impair Ms. Caracciolos independence.
7
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
Meetings. During fiscal year 2006, the board of directors held four regular meetings and one
special meeting. Each of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the number of
meetings of the board of directors which were held during the period such person served on the
board of directors and the number of meetings of committees of the board of directors held during
the period that such person served on such committee. We have no specific requirements regarding
the attendance at the annual meeting of stockholders by our directors. In 2006, all of our
directors attended the annual meeting in person.
We have three standing committees: the audit committee, the nominating committee and the
compensation committee.
Audit Committee
Prior to January 2007, our audit committee was comprised of three members, Mr. Miller, Dr.
Braunlich and Mr. Paulson. On January 10, 2007, Mr. Miller was replaced by Kathleen M. Caracciolo
as Chair and financial expert on the Committee. Our board had determined that both Mr. Miller and
Ms. Caracciolo, are audit committee financial experts as defined by the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our board of directors in its reasonable judgment has
determined that each member of the audit committee is independent as defined under the applicable
AMEX listing standards and federal law, except that Mr. Miller was no longer independent after
agreeing to become our chief financial officer and resigned from our board of directors and the
audit committee. Our audit committee held four meetings in 2006.
The audit committees functions include overseeing and monitoring the activities of our
financial reporting process, our systems of internal controls over financial reporting and the
integrity of our financial statements, the independent auditors qualifications, independence and
performance, and to assist our board of directors in ensuring our compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements in our financial reporting process. Our board of directors has adopted a
written charter for the audit committee setting out the functions that it is to perform. The text
of the charter is available on our website at www.fullhouseresorts.com.
Please refer to the audit committee report, which is set forth on page 15, for a further
description of our audit committees responsibilities and its recommendations with respect to our
audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Compensation Committee
The compensation committee is comprised of three members, Messrs. Paulson, Iacocca, and Dr.
Braunlich. Dr. Braunlich acts as chair of the compensation committee. Our board of directors, in
its reasonable judgment has determined that each member of the compensation committee is
independent as defined under the applicable AMEX listing standards, except that Mr. Iacocca no
longer met the definition of independent upon entering into a consulting agreement with us in
September 2006. The board considered the nature of the consulting relationship with Mr. Iacocca in
which we agreed to provide equity compensation for services similar to those Mr. Iacocca had
previously provided to us without compensation. In addition, the board considered Mr. Iacoccas
substantial business experience generally and with Full House, his business relationships which
have in the past provided us with development opportunities and his stock ownership and determined
that it was in the best interest of Full House for Mr. Iacocca to continue as a member of our board
of directors compensation committee. Our compensation committee held two meetings in 2006.
The compensation committees functions include reviewing and making recommendations to the
board of directors regarding all forms of compensation to be provided to our executive officers and
directors. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee
setting out the functions that it is to perform and has recently amended the charter. The text of
the charter is available on our website at www.fullhouseresorts.com.
In order to fulfill the function of reviewing executive compensation for the board of
directors, our compensation committee has retained the services of HVS International, an
internationally recognized executive employment consultant which provides advice on
industry-specific comparisons and trends. The compensation committee selected the consultant
without recommendation from management and directs the consultant with respect to the services
requested. During 2006, our compensation consultant was requested to survey comparably sized
gaming companies and provide information on executive base and incentive compensation and
employment agreement terms. Management provides recommendations to the committee on the amount and
type of executive compensation as well as individual performance objectives for bonuses and
incentive compensation, and the committee reviews these recommendations along with the information
provided by the executive employment consultant to formulate the committees recommendations to the
board of directors. The compensation
8
committee determines the fulfillment of the individual performance objectives and approves
individual bonus and incentive compensation amounts. In March 2007, the compensation committee
determined to offer employment agreements to several of our key executives. The compensation
committee provided forms of agreements to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and
certain other executive officers and negotiated the terms of these agreements with these
executives. In the judgment of the compensation committee, these employment agreements help ensure
the retention of these key executives.
Independent
director compensation was based on recommendations provided by management in 2005.
These recommendations were determined by management to be at the low end of comparably sized
companies in the gaming industry but recommended as a needed retention incentive.
Nominating Committee
Our nominating committee is comprised of two members, Messrs. Paulson and Iacocca. Mr. Paulson
acts as chair of the nominating committee. Each member of the nominating committee is independent
as defined under the applicable AMEX listing standards, except that Mr. Iacocca no longer met the
definition of independent upon entering into a consulting agreement with us in September 2006. The
board considered the nature of the consulting relationship with Mr. Iacocca in which we agreed to
provide equity compensation for services similar to those Mr. Iacocca had previously provided to us
without compensation. In addition, the board considered Mr. Iacoccas substantial business
experience generally and with Full House, his business relationships which have in the past
provided us with development opportunities and his stock ownership and determined that it was in
the best interest of Full House for Mr. Iacocca to continue as a member of our board of directors
nominating committee. The nominating committee held two meetings during 2006 at which it
considered the qualifications of Mr. Adams and Ms. Caracciolo. These nominees for appointment to
the Board were approved by the Board as whole, sitting as the nominating committee. In addition,
the Board as a whole met and approved the slate of nominees standing for election by the
shareholders.
Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the nominating committee setting out
the functions that it is to perform and has recently amended the charter. The text of the charter
is available on our website at www.fullhouseresorts.com.
Our nominating committees functions include assisting our board of directors with respect to
nominating new directors. To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the committee, among other
things;
|
|
|
determines periodically, as appropriate, desired board qualifications, expertise and
characteristics, including such factors as business experience, skills and knowledge
with respect to gaming, finance, marketing, financial reporting, regulatory and any other
areas as may be expected to contribute to an effective board; |
|
|
|
|
determines periodically, as appropriate, whether there are any specific, minimum
qualifications that the nominating committee believes must be met by a nominee approved by
the nominating committee for a position on the board and whether there are any specific
qualities or skills that the nominating committee believes are necessary for one or more
directors to possess; |
|
|
|
|
conducts searches for potential board members with corresponding attributes as needed; |
|
|
|
|
evaluates, proposes and approves nominees for election or appointment to the board; and |
|
|
|
|
considers, evaluates and, as applicable, proposes and approves, stockholder nominees for election to the board. |
The nominating committee will consider stockholder recommendations for director candidates and
will do so in the same manner that it considers all director candidates. There are no specific,
minimum qualifications that must be met by a director nominee recommended by a stockholder except
as provided for by applicable law. A stockholder wishing to recommend a prospective director
nominee for consideration should send notice to Full House Resorts, Inc., Attention: Nominating
Committee c/o Company Secretary, 4670 Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas, Nevada 89147. To be
included in our proxy for our next annual meeting, the notice of recommendation must be made in
writing and received by our Secretary by January 4, 2008. Although the committees charter permits
the committee to engage a search firm to identify director candidates, we did not pay any third
parties a fee to assist in the process of identifying or evaluating director candidates in 2006.
Ms. Caracciolo was recommended to our nominating committee by another director and our chief
executive officer. Each of Mr. Adams and Mr. Miller were recommended to our nominating committee
by our chief executive officer.
9
Code of Conduct and Ethics
Our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct and ethics applicable to each of our
directors, officers and employees. In addition, our board of directors has adopted a separate code
of ethics applicable to the Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers. The full text of
the code of conduct and ethics and the code of ethics are available at our website at
www.fullhouseresorts.com.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No executive officer of Full House serves as a member of the compensation committee of the
board of directors of any entity one or more of whose executive officers serves as a member of our
board of directors.
Communications with the Board of Directors
Our board of directors believes it important that interested parties have the opportunity to
communicate their concerns directly to our board of directors. Stockholders may contact or
communicate with an individual director or our board of directors as a group, including the
non-employee directors as a group, by addressing that letter to Full House Resorts, Inc.,
Attention: Board of Directors c/o Company Secretary, 4670 South Fort Apache Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas,
Nevada 89147. Each communication should specify the applicable addressee or addressees to be
contacted.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In accordance with the SECs proxy disclosure rules, total compensation in 2006 is defined
as the sum of the following:
|
|
|
Salary: Base salary paid during 2006. |
|
|
|
|
Bonus: Non-performance based awards (i.e., guarantees, sign on, retention bonuses). |
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards: Restricted stock (including dividends earned on outstanding restricted shares that are not part of FAS 123(R) value) dollar amounts reflect the fair value at
grant date as calculated pursuant to the guidance set forth under FAS 123(R), as
presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB. |
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Awards: Short and long-term performance based awards,
reflecting only annual incentives for 2006. |
|
|
|
|
All Other Compensation: All other compensation not captured elsewhere in the Summary
Executive Compensation Table. We have reported these amounts, even if the value of an
individual item is less than $10,000. |
Summary Executive Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, and
our two highest paid executives other than our Chief Executive Officer, or, collectively, the named
executive officers, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
SUMMARY EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
All Other |
|
|
Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards(1) |
|
Compensation(2) |
|
Compensation(3) |
|
Total |
Andre M. Hilliou
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
207,500 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
353,776 |
|
|
$ |
83,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,800 |
|
|
$ |
649,076 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greg Violette
Executive Vice
President of
Development |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
182,500 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
353,776 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
536,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Wesley Elam
Vice President of
Operations and Project
Management |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
160,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
22,117 |
|
|
$ |
64,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
271,117 |
|
10
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts shown in this column represent the dollar amount recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with
SFAS No. 123(R) related to restricted stock awards granted in 2006 pursuant to our various
share-based payment plans. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included
in Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006. |
|
(2) |
|
The amount shown in this column for each named executive officer is the attributable
performance-based 2006 bonus granted under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan. These
amounts were earned in fiscal year 2006, but paid in 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
The amounts shown in this column represent incidental expenses relating to maintaining an
office. |
During 2006, the Compensation Committee approved, and the executive officers were paid,
the salaries, bonuses and restricted stock awards reported in the above table which were determined
to be at the low end of executive compensation for equivalent positions for companies of similar
size and status.
Employment Agreements
In April 20, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with each of Messrs. Hilliou,
Miller and Elam. The term of each of these agreements is one year beginning April 10, 2007, with
automatic successive one-year renewals unless either we or the relevant executive provides notice
of termination at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term. The agreements set an
initial annual base salary of $207,500 for Mr. Hilliou, $250,000 for Mr. Miller and $200,000 for
Mr. Elam, in each case subject to increase by our board of directors at the beginning of each
calendar year. In addition, each executive is eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus equal
to up to 100% of his base salary subject to the achievement of annual objectives established by our
compensation committee. In addition to the shares of restricted stock previously granted to each
executive, each executive may receive additional grants as determined by our compensation
committee. The agreement further provides that we will maintain a policy of term life insurance on
each executive for the benefit of beneficiaries designated by the executive. The amount of such
policy shall be determined by us, but shall not be less than two years of the executives base
compensation.
In the event of termination of any of these employment agreements upon the death of the
executive or by us because of illness or incapacity of the executive that continues for 90 days, in
addition to all amounts owed through the date of termination, we shall pay to the executive an
amount equal to his prior years annual bonus pro rated through the date of termination.
In the event the agreement is terminated by us for cause, or by the executive without good
reason, we shall only be obligated to pay the executive all base salary and benefits accrued
through the date of termination and the executive shall forfeit any unvested shares of restricted
stock.
In the event the agreement is terminated by us without cause or by executive for good
reason , in addition to amounts owed through the date of termination, we shall:
|
|
|
Continue to pay the executives base salary for a period of six months plus
an additional one month of base salary for each year of employment (up to a maximum of 12
months base salary), |
|
|
|
|
Pay an annual bonus for the year of termination equal to the average annual bonus for
the executive for the previous two years, pro rated through the date of termination
(subject to a minimum of 50%), and |
|
|
|
|
Continue, at our expense, all of the executives health, dental and other insurance
benefits until the earlier of the end of the term or the date the executive becomes
subsequently employed. |
For purposes of the employment agreements, cause means (1) the executives material fraud,
dishonesty, willful misconduct, or willful and continuing failure in the performance of his duties
under the employment agreement; (2) the executives breach of any material provision of the
employment agreement which has not been cured within 30 days following the notice thereof, or (3)
the commission by the executive of any felony criminal act or the commission of any crime involving
fraud, dishonesty or moral corruptness, including denial or removal of the executives licensing
from any governmental gaming agency or licensing authority. For purposes of the employment
agreements good reason means (1) our failure to comply with any material provision of the
employment agreement which has not been cured within 30 days following the notice thereof, or (2)
our direction to the executive to do, perform, or omit to perform any act, or the executives
knowledge of such acts or omissions performed by our other employees without appropriate redress,
which acts or omissions are known to be fraudulent, illegal or could otherwise materially impact
negatively upon the executives personal and professional reputation.
11
Change of Control Provisions
Each of the employment agreements provides that upon a change of control, the executive may
terminate his employment agreement only if the change of control materially affects his position
and compensation under the agreement. To the extent any executive so terminates his agreement, or
in the event the executive is not retained under contract following a change of control:
|
|
|
we will pay to the executive a cash payment equal to the greater of (a) one years base
salary or in the case of Mr. Hilliou two years base salary and (b) the remaining base
salary due under the agreement; |
|
|
|
|
we will pay to the executive a cash payment equal to his average annual bonuses paid
under his employment agreement for the three prior years (or the average of the annual
bonuses paid to date, if the term of employment is less than three years); and |
|
|
|
|
all unvested shares or other stock-based grants awarded pursuant to our 2006 Incentive
Compensation Plan or other benefit plan will accelerate and vest upon the date of the
change of control. |
For purposes of the employment agreements, a change of control means (1) a person, entity or
group acquires beneficial ownership of 50% or more of our then outstanding voting securities, (2)
individuals who constitute our board as of April 10, 2007 and directors whose nominations are
approved by a majority of such incumbent board members cease to constitute a majority of our board
of directors, or (3) approval by our stockholders of (A) a business combination in which our
shareholders prior to the transaction do not own at least 50% of the combined voting power of the
voting securities of combined business and at least a majority of our incumbent board comprises a
majority of the board of the combined business, (B) a liquidation or dissolution of our company, or
(C) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets.
The following describes the amounts payable upon termination of employment of the named
executive officers as if such employment terminated on April 20,
2007. We used this date because
these agreements were executed on April 20, 2007, but became
effective on April 10, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued |
|
Vesting of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical |
|
Restricted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits |
|
Stock |
|
Total |
Employee |
|
Payment |
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
Payments |
Andre M. Hilliou |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death or Disability |
|
$ |
27,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
814,688 |
|
|
$ |
842,355 |
|
Without Cause or with Good Reason |
|
$ |
197,125 |
|
|
$ |
10,977 |
|
|
$ |
814,688 |
|
|
$ |
1,022,790 |
|
Change of control |
|
$ |
498,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
814,688 |
|
|
$ |
1,312,688 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark J. Miller |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death or Disability |
|
$ |
41,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
434,500 |
|
|
$ |
476,167 |
|
Without Cause or with Good Reason |
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
16,073 |
|
|
$ |
434,500 |
|
|
$ |
700,573 |
|
Change of control |
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
434,500 |
|
|
$ |
809,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Wesley Elam |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death or Disability |
|
$ |
21,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
92,169 |
|
|
$ |
113,502 |
|
Without Cause or with Good Reason |
|
$ |
165,333 |
|
|
$ |
5,451 |
|
|
$ |
92,169 |
|
|
$ |
262,953 |
|
Change of control |
|
$ |
264,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
92,169 |
|
|
$ |
356,169 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Following a termination by us without cause or by the executive with good reason, we have
agreed to provide him, his spouse and his dependents medical, dental and life insurance
benefits for the term or until the executive is otherwise employed. The amounts in this
column represent the estimated cost to us of those payments over a twelve month period. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the value of the unvested shares owned by the executive as of April 20, 2007,
calculated by multiplying the number of shares by the closing price of our stock on that date. |
12
Restricted Stock
Upon stockholder approval of our 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan in May 2006, we granted
275,000 shares of restricted stock to each of Andre Hilliou and Greg Violette, which vests in four
equal annual amounts beginning on the grant date of May 31, 2006 and then in January of the
succeeding three years. In addition, we granted 35,000 restricted shares to T. Wesley Elam,
vesting in three equal annual installments beginning in January 2007. During 2006, we established
certain performance targets for the award of incentive compensation to our executive officers. The
performance targets were based on the status of our projects and not on the financial performance
of the company. For example, a performance target of Mr. Violette was to obtain at least one new
Indian gaming project and a performance target for Mr. Elam was to execute a binding purchase
agreement and close on the transaction for an acquisition. It is noted that the employment of Mr.
Violette was terminated on February 19, 2007. While we did not have employment agreements with our
executive officers during 2006, in March 2007 the Compensation Committee approved entering into
written employment agreements with our key executive employees. Employment agreements were entered
into with Mr. Hilliou, Mr. Miller and Mr. Elam.
The following table sets forth Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End, or December 31,
2006, for our named executive officers.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
Number of |
|
Value of |
|
|
Shares or |
|
Shares or |
|
|
Units of |
|
Units of |
|
|
Stock that |
|
Stock that |
|
|
have not |
|
have not |
Name |
|
Vested |
|
Vested(1) |
Andre M. Hilliou |
|
|
68,750 |
(2) |
|
$ |
261,250 |
|
|
|
|
68,750 |
(3) |
|
$ |
261,250 |
|
|
|
|
68,750 |
(4) |
|
$ |
261,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greg Violette |
|
|
68,750 |
(2) |
|
$ |
261,250 |
|
|
|
|
137,500 |
(5) |
|
$ |
522,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Wesley Elam |
|
|
11,666 |
(2) |
|
$ |
44,331 |
|
|
|
|
11,667 |
(3) |
|
$ |
44,331 |
|
|
|
|
11,667 |
(4) |
|
$ |
44,335 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Value based on closing price of our common stock on December 29, 2006 of $3.80.
|
|
(2) |
|
Restricted stock vested January 6, 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
Restricted stock that vests January 6, 2008.
|
|
(4) |
|
Restricted stock that vests January 6, 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
There is a dispute as to whether the unvested shares granted to Mr. Violette vested on the
date of his employment termination. It is our position that they did not and therefore were
forfeited. However, Mr. Violette has disputed this position and until resolved we account for
the shares as remaining unvested and outstanding. |
13
2006 Incentive Compensation Plan
On May 31, 2006, our stockholders approved our 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan. The 2006
Incentive Compensation Plan is administered by our compensation committee. In consideration of
their services, officers, directors, employees and consultants of us or a related entity are
eligible to receive a variety of awards under the plan, including, incentive stock options,
nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, dividend
equivalents, bonus stock and performance awards. The total number of shares issuable under the
plan is 1,100,000. As of December 31, 2006, we had issued 968,000 shares of stock and restricted
stock under the plan to our executive officers and directors, including the issuance of shares to
Mr. Iacocca in connection with his consulting agreement.
Prior Stock Option Plans
At December 31, 2006, we had a total of 325,000 options outstanding that were issued pursuant
to compensation plans that expired on June 30, 2002. Because options have historically been granted
with exercise prices equal to market value on the grant date, no compensation cost has been
recognized for options granted under these prior plans, except with respect to options granted
under the 1992 plan to a consultant / principal shareholder, or under an informal director stock
plan. Since all options that are outstanding as of December 31, 2006 have vested, applying the fair
value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 results in pro forma net income (loss) that is the
same as historical reported net income (loss) during the years ended 2005 and 2004.
A summary of the status of Full Houses stock option plans as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
and changes during the years then ended is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
WEIGHTED- |
|
|
WEIGHTED- |
|
|
|
AVERAGE |
|
|
AVERAGE |
|
|
|
EXERCISE |
|
|
EXERCISE |
|
|
|
SHARES |
|
|
PRICE |
|
|
SHARES |
|
|
PRICE |
|
Outstanding at beginning of year |
|
|
575,000 |
|
|
|
2.88 |
|
|
|
575,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.88 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
3.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at end of year |
|
|
325,000 |
|
|
|
2.25 |
|
|
|
575,000 |
|
|
|
2.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at year-end |
|
|
325,000 |
|
|
|
2.25 |
|
|
|
575,000 |
|
|
|
2.88 |
|
As of December 31, 2006, the 325,000 options outstanding and exercisable had a
weighted-average remaining contractual life of 0.5 years. In January 2007, 250,000 of these
options were exercised.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
In 2001, we agreed to make, and subsequently made, a payment for architectural drawings
relating to a development project in Mississippi. The Allen E. Paulson Living Trust, of which J.
Michael Paulson, chairman of our board, is trustee, previously agreed to pay us $125,000, which is
half the amount we paid. After reviewing the facts and circumstances, during the second quarter of
2006, management reassessed the probability of payment and provided an allowance for the receivable
until this matter is resolved.
In September 2006, we entered into a consulting agreement with Lee Iacocca, one of our
directors, under the terms of which Mr. Iacocca will provide consulting services to us related to
marketing and advertising for a period of three years. In consideration of these services, we
granted to Mr. Iacocca 300,000 restricted shares of our common stock valued at $1,119,000 based on
the closing price on the grant date with no discount, which vest in equal amounts over the three
year term of the agreement or immediately on his death. In addition, Mr. Iacocca forfeited 250,000
options to purchase our common stock at an exercise price of $3.69 per share that were fully
vested.
The 300,000 shares we agreed to grant to Mr. Iacocca was initially recorded as deferred
compensation expense, reported as a reduction of stockholders equity which will subsequently be
amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis as services are provided over the
three year vesting period. The forfeiture of the 250,000 options will have no effect on our
financial statements, since the options are fully vested.
14
PROPOSAL TWO: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern was retained as our independent auditors for the year ending
December 31, 2006. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF PIERCY BOWLER
TAYLOR & KERN AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2007.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR MATTERS
Independent Auditors
Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern audited Full Houses annual consolidated financial statements for
the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Representatives of Piercy Bowler Taylor &
Kern are expected to attend the meeting, and be available to answer questions. We do not expect
them to make a statement.
During fiscal years 2006 and 2005, Full House retained Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern to provide
services in the following categories and amounts:
Audit Fees
Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern billed us an aggregate of $111,650 in 2006 and $30,273 in 2005 in
fees for professional services in connection with the audit of our financial statements for those
fiscal years and the reviews of the financial statements included in each of our Quarterly Reports
on Form 10-QSB during each fiscal year.
Audit Related Fees
As part of our plans to acquire Stockmans Casino, Inc. we engaged Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern
to re-audit Stockmans financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, for
inclusion in a registration statement filed on Form SB-2, and to provide recommendations with
respect to the related SEC reporting requirements. Accordingly, we were billed $131,661 for these
services during 2006. We did not engage Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern for any audit related
professional services during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Tax Fees
We did not engage Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern for any tax related professional services for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 or December 31, 2005.
All Other Fees
We did not engage Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern for any other services for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006 or December 31, 2005.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The audit committees policy is to review and pre-approve any engagement of our independent
auditor to provide any audit or permissible non-audit service to us. All of the services provided
by our independent auditors were approved by our audit committee and the audit committee believes
that the provision of these services is consistent with maintaining the accountants independence.
Audit Committee Report
The following report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should
not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any of Full Houses filings under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to
the extent that we specifically incorporate such report by reference.
The Audit Committee oversees Full Houses financial reporting process. Management has the
primary responsibility for the financial statements and the financial reporting process including
the system of internal controls.
In fulfilling our oversight responsibilities, we reviewed and discussed the financial
statements with management. In addition, we discussed with the independent auditors matters deemed
significant by the independent auditors, including those matters required to be discussed pursuant
to Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as amended.
The independent auditors also provided us with the written disclosures and the letter required
by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees),
and we discussed with the independent
15
auditors matters relating to their independence and considered whether their provision of
non-audit services is compatible with maintaining their independence.
Based on our review with management and the independent auditors of Full Houses audited
consolidated financial statements and the independent auditors report on such financial
statements, and based on the discussions and written disclosures described above and our business
judgment, we recommended that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in Full
Houses Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006 for filing with the SEC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathleen M. Caracciolo
|
|
|
|
|
Carl G. Braunlich |
|
|
|
|
J. Michael Paulson |
|
|
16
GENERAL INFORMATION
Other Matters. Our Board of Directors does not intend to present any matter for action at the
annual meeting other than the matters described in this proxy statement. If any other matters
properly come before the annual meeting, it is intended that the holders of the proxies hereby
solicited will act in respect to such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
Information Concerning Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations. Any stockholder
satisfying the Securities and Exchange Commission requirements and wishing to submit a proposal to
be included in the proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders should submit the
proposal in writing to the Corporate Secretary, Full House Resorts, Inc., 4670 South Fort Apache
Road, Suite 190, Las Vegas Nevada 89147. We must receive a proposal by January 4, 2008 in order to
consider it for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Stockholders who wish to present director nominations or any other business at the 2008
Annual Meeting of Stockholders are required to notify the Corporate Secretary of their intent no
later than January 4, 2008. We retain discretion to vote proxies we receive with respect to
proposals received after March 20, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Michael Paulson |
|
|
|
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 30, 2007
17
PROXY
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
This Proxy is Solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a stockholder in Full House Resorts,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (Full House), hereby appoints Andre M. Hilliou and Carl G.
Braunlich, and each of them acting jointly, if more than one be present, to be the true and lawful
attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, to vote all shares of Full House as the undersigned is
entitled to vote, with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the
annual meeting of stockholders of Full House to be held on May 31, 2007 or any adjournment thereof,
on the following matters and, in their discretion, on such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting. This proxy will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned
stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR the following Proposals.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
MAY 31, 2007
PROPOSAL ONE: Election of Directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o FOR all nominees listed below
|
|
o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees |
|
|
|
|
listed below |
A VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES IS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
NOMINEES ARE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth R. Adams
|
|
Carl G. Braunlich |
|
|
Kathleen M. Caracciolo
|
|
Andre M. Hilliou |
|
|
Lee A. Iacocca
|
|
Mark J. Miller |
|
|
J. Michael Paulson |
|
|
* To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, print that nominees name on the
line provided below:
Exceptions:
PROPOSAL TWO: Ratification of Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern as independent auditors of Full House for
2007.
A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION IS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o FOR ratification
|
|
o AGAINST ratification |
OTHER MATTERS: Granting the proxies discretionary authority to vote upon any other unforeseen
matters which are properly brought before the meeting as management may recommend.
The undersigned hereby revokes any and all other proxies heretofore given by the undersigned
and hereby ratifies all that the above-named proxies may do at such meeting or any adjournments
thereof, by virtue hereof.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dated:
|
|
|
|
|
,2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature(s) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such and also state the name of the
stockholder of record for whom you act. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by
President or other authorized officer.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.