Definitive Proxy Statement

SCHEDULE 14A—INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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Check the appropriate box:

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COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14a-6(e)(2))
x  Definitive Proxy Statement
¨  Definitive Additional Materials
¨  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12

 

Heritage Financial Corporation


(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 


(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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x  No fee required.
¨  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

 

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LOGO

 


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 


To be held April 27, 2006

 


To Our Stockholders:

You are invited to attend the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders of Heritage Financial Corporation (Heritage) to be held at the Phoenix Inn Suites, 417 Capitol Way N., Olympia, Washington, on April 27, 2006 at 10:30 a.m., Pacific Time. At the annual meeting, you will be asked to:

 

  1. Elect four (4) persons to serve on the Board of Directors of Heritage until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2009.

 

  2. Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2006, a copy of which is included as Exhibit A to the attached Proxy Statement.

 

  3. Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Director Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of 2006, a copy of which is included as Exhibit B to the attached Proxy Statement.

 

  4. Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Plan of 2006, a copy of which is included as Exhibit C to the attached Proxy Statement.

 

  5. Approve whatever other business as may properly be brought before the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2006 are entitled to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment of the annual meeting.

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO

Edward D. Cameron

Secretary

Olympia, Washington

March 23, 2006

We urge you to complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible, whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting in person. If you do attend the annual meeting, you then may withdraw your proxy and vote in person. The proxy may be withdrawn at any time prior to voting.


LOGO

201 5th Avenue S.W.

OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98501

 


PROXY STATEMENT

 


Heritage is sending this proxy statement to you for the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Heritage to be voted at the annual meeting. This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card are being mailed to stockholders on or about March 23rd, 2006.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING

When and Where is the Annual Meeting?

The annual meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m., Pacific Time, on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at the Phoenix Inn Suites, 417 Capitol Way N., Olympia, Washington.

What Matters will be Voted on at the Annual Meeting?

At the annual meeting, you will be asked to:

 

    Elect four (4) persons to serve on the Board of Directors of Heritage until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2009;

 

    Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2006;

 

    Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Director Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of 2006;

 

    Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Plan of 2006; and

 

    Approve whatever other business may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Who is Entitled to Vote?

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date, March 10, 2006, are entitled to receive notice of the annual meeting and to vote at the annual meeting. On March 10, 2006, there were 6,340,361 shares of Heritage common stock outstanding, held by approximately 1,130 holders of record. Each share of Heritage common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter considered at the meeting, including one vote for each director to be elected. Stockholders are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.

What Constitutes a Quorum?

The presence at the annual meeting, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the outstanding shares eligible to vote at the annual meeting is required for a quorum to exist at the annual meeting. For this purpose, abstentions and broker non-votes are counted in determining the shares present at the annual meeting.

 

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What Vote is Required to Elect the Directors?

The four nominees for election as directors who receive a simple majority of votes cast will be elected directors. Votes may be cast in favor of some or all of the nominees for election to the Board of Directors or withheld as to some or all of the nominees.

What Vote is Required to Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2006, the Heritage Financial Corporation Director Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of 2006 and the Heritage Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Plan of 2006?

The affirmative vote of a majority of Heritage’s outstanding stock is required to approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2006, the Heritage Financial Corporation Director Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of 2006 and the Heritage Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Plan of 2006.

How Do I Vote?

If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return it to Heritage, it will be voted as you direct. If you give no directions on your proxy, the shares represented by your proxy, if properly signed, will be voted FOR the nominees for directors listed in this proxy statement. If any other matters are properly presented at the annual meeting for consideration, the persons named in the proxy will have discretion to vote on those matters according to their best judgment. “Street name” stockholders who wish to vote at the annual meeting will need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that holds their shares.

Can I Change My Vote After I Return My Proxy Card?

Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy, your proxy may be withdrawn at any time before it is voted by

 

    delivering written notice to Edward D. Cameron, Heritage’s Secretary, at 201 5th Avenue S.W., Olympia, Washington 98501, before 5:00 p.m. on April 26, 2006, or

 

    completing a later dated proxy, or

 

    attending the annual meeting and voting in person.

Who Pays the Costs of Soliciting Proxies?

The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Heritage. Heritage will bear the costs of soliciting proxies for the annual meeting. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, Heritage’s directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies personally or by telephone or fax. No director, officer or employee of Heritage who solicits proxies will receive any compensation for their solicitation other than their regular compensation for the positions they hold. Heritage does not intend to pay any compensation to any other persons for the solicitation of proxies. However, it will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses to mail proxy materials for beneficial owners.

 

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STOCK OWNERSHIP

Who are the Largest Owners of Heritage Stock?

The following table sets forth information concerning the number of shares of Heritage common stock held as of March 10, 2006 by the only stockholders who are known to management to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent (5%) of Heritage’s outstanding shares:

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

  

Amount and Nature

of Beneficial Ownership (1)

    Percent of Class  

Donald V. Rhodes

201 Fifth Avenue, S.W.

Olympia, WA 98501

   438,164 (2)   6.91 %

(1) Of common stock.
(2) Includes 7,140 options, which are exercisable at $10.60 per share, 14,280 options exercisable at $8.04 per share, 15,750 options exercisable at $9.29 per share, 12,600 options exercisable at $11.67 per share and 682 options exercisable at $20.49 per share. Includes 19,637 vested shares in the Heritage 401(k) ESOP.

How Much Stock Do Heritage’s Directors and Executive Officers Own?

The following table shows the beneficial ownership of Heritage common stock as of March 10, 2006 by:

 

    Each director and director nominee;

 

    The chief executive officer and those persons who served as executive officers in 2005 and received salaries and bonuses totaling in excess of $100,000 during 2005; and

 

    All directors and executive officers as a group.

For purposes of this table and according to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a person is the beneficial owner of any shares if he or she has voting and/or investment power over those shares. The table includes shares owned by spouses, other immediate family members in trust, shares held in retirement accounts or funds for the benefit of the named individuals, and other forms of ownership, over which shares the persons named in the table possess voting and/or investment power.

 

     Shares Beneficially
Owned at March 10, 2006
 

Name

   Number    Percent of Outstanding
Common Stock
 

D. Michael Broadhead (1)

   76,075    1.20 %

Lynn M. Brunton (2)

   134,061    2.11 %

Edward D. Cameron (3)

   28,973    *  

Brian S. Charneski (4)

   30,240    *  

Gary B. Christensen (5)

   33,103    *  

John A. Clees (6)

   86,433    1.36 %

Kimberly T. Ellwanger

   2,625    *  

Peter N. Fluetsch (7)

   27,930    *  

Daryl D. Jensen (8)

   172,667    2.72 %

Jeffrey S. Lyon (9)

   16,638    *  

Gregory D. Patjens (10)

   48,452    *  

Donald V. Rhodes (11)

   438,164    6.91 %

James P. Senna (12)

   85,575    1.35 %

Brian L. Vance (13)

   190,997    3.01 %

Philip S. Weigand (14)

   135,087    2.13 %

Directors, nominees and executive officers as a group (15 persons) (15)

   1,507,020    23.77 %

  * Represents less than 1.0% of Heritage’s outstanding common stock.

 

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(1) Includes 2,415 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $8.57 per share, 7,245 options exercisable at $9.67 per share, 7,245 options exercisable at $11.67 per share, 7,245 options exercisable at $20.36 per share, 3,780 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 1,890 options exercisable at $20.49 per share. Includes 4,982 vested shares in the Heritage 401(k) ESOP.
(2) Includes 1,575 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $20.36 per share, 1,050 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 525 options exercisable at $20.49 per share.
(3) Includes 1,050 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $9.29 per share, 4,253 options exercisable at $11.67 per share, 1,260 options exercisable at $20.49 per share, 2,520 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 4,725 options exercisable at $20.36 per share. Includes 3,825 vested shares in the Heritage 401(k) ESOP.
(4) Includes 1,260 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $7.62 per share, 1,260 options exercisable at $9.67 per share, 1,575 options exercisable at $11.67 per share, 1,575 options exercisable at $20.36 per share, 1,050 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 525 options exercisable at $20.49 per share.
(5) Includes 105 shares issuable upon the exercise of options, which are exercisable at $8.57 per share, 210 options exercisable at $7.35 per share, 315 options exercisable at $9.67 per share, 473 options exercisable at $11.67 per share, 473 options exercisable at $20.36, 315 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 157 options exercisable at $20.49 per share.
(6) Mr. Clees has no options available for exercise within 60 days of the record date.
(7) Includes 1,575 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $20.36 per share, 525 options exercisable at $20.49 per share and 1,050 options exercisable at $20.10 per share.
(8) Includes 2,048 shares issuable upon the exercise of options, which are exercisable at $11.67 per share, 2,048 options exercisable at $20.36 per share, 682 options exercisable at $20.49 per share and 1,365 options exercisable at $20.10 per share.
(9) Includes 1,260 shares issuable upon the exercise of options at $9.67 per share, 1,575 options exercisable at $20.36 per share, 525 options exercisable at $20.49 per share, 1,050 options exercisable at $20.10 and 1,575 options exercisable at $11.67 per share.
(10) Includes 4,830 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $8.04 per share, 2,415 options exercisable at $8.33 per share, 4,253 options exercisable at $11.67 per share, 4,725 options exercisable at $20.36 per share, 1,260 options exercisable at $20.49 per share, 2,520 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 7,245 options exercisable at $9.29 per share. Includes 4,509 vested shares in the Heritage 401(k) ESOP.
(11) Includes 7,140 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $10.60 per share, 14,280 options exercisable at $8.04 per share, 15,750 options exercisable at $9.29 per share, 12,600 options exercisable at $11.67 per share and 682 options exercisable at $20.49 per share. Includes 19,637 vested shares in the Heritage 401(k) ESOP.
(12) Includes 420 options, which are exercisable at $8.09 per share, 840 options exercisable at $7.44 per share, 1,260 options exercisable at $9.67 per share, 1,575 options exercisable at $11.67 per share, 1,575 options exercisable at $20.36 per share, 1,050 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 525 options exercisable at $20.49 per share.
(13) Includes 3,780 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $8.04 per share, 8,400 options exercisable at $9.29 per share, 15,750 options which are exercisable at $11.67 per share, 22,050 options exercisable at $20.36 per share, 8,400 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 5,250 options exercisable at $20.49 per share. Includes 11,930 vested shares in the Heritage 401(k) ESOP.
(14) Includes 1,575 shares issuable upon exercise of options, which are exercisable at $11.67 per share, 1,260 shares exercisable at $7.44 per share, 840 shares exercisable at $8.09 per share, 1,260 shares exercisable at $9.67 per share, 1,575 options exercisable at $20.36 per share, 1,050 options exercisable at $20.10 per share and 525 options exercisable at $20.49 per share.
(15) Includes 228,009 shares issuable upon exercise of options. Includes 44,883 vested shares in the Heritage 401(k) ESOP.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table provides information about the executive officers of Heritage. All officers are appointed by the Board of Directors and serve at the pleasure of the Board for an unspecified term.

 

Name

   Age   

Position

   Has Served Heritage,
Heritage Bank or Central
Valley Bank Since

Donald V. Rhodes (1)

   70    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage; Chairman of Heritage Bank; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Central Valley Bank    1986

Brian L. Vance (2)

   51    President of Heritage and President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank    1996

Gregory D. Patjens (3)

   56    Executive Vice President, Heritage Bank    1999

Edward D. Cameron (4)

   65    Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary of Heritage and Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary of Heritage Bank    1999

D. Michael Broadhead (5)

   61    President—Central Valley Bank    1986

(1) For background information on Mr. Rhodes, see page 6 of the proxy statement.
(2) For background information on Mr. Vance, see page 6 of the proxy statement.
(3) Mr. Patjens joined Heritage Bank on March 16, 1999. Mr. Patjens was employed for over 25 years with Key Bank and its predecessor, Puget Sound National Bank in positions with responsibilities for a variety of administrative and bank operations functions. Prior to leaving Key Bank, Mr. Patjens was Senior Vice President for Key Services, National Client Services.
(4) Mr. Cameron became the Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary of Heritage in January of 2003. Mr. Cameron was named Corporate Secretary of Heritage in June 2002. Prior to that he was Vice President and Treasurer of Heritage. Mr. Cameron was the Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Heritage Bank in August 1999. Prior to that since April 1999, Mr. Cameron was Vice President, Investment Manager at Heritage Bank. Prior to that, he had over 25 years of banking experience, most recently as Senior Vice President, Investment Manager at Security Pacific Bank.
(5) Mr. Broadhead joined Central Valley Bank in 1986 and has been President of Central Valley Bank since 1990. Heritage acquired Central Valley Bank in March 1999.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Heritage’s Articles of Incorporation call for the Board of Directors to fix the exact number of directors from time to time within a range of no fewer than five nor more than 25 persons. The Board of Directors has fixed the number of directors at 11 persons.

Directors are divided into three classes with each class having three year terms that expire in successive years. Approximately one third of the members of the Board of Directors are elected by the stockholders annually. The directors whose terms will expire at the 2006 annual meeting are Lynn M. Brunton, Gary B. Christensen, John A. Clees and Philip S. Weigand. All with the exception of Ms. Brunton have been nominated by the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors for reelection at the 2006 annual meeting. Ms. Brunton has indicated her decision to retire at the expiration of her term. If elected, directors Christensen, Clees and Weigand will hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders in the year 2009.

 

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In addition, the Nominating Committee of the Board nominated Ms. Kimberly T. Ellwanger for election to the Board. If elected Ms. Ellwanger will hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders in the year 2009.

Each nominee has indicated that he/she is able and willing to serve on the Board of Directors. If any nominee becomes unable to serve, the shares represented by all properly completed proxies will be voted for the election of the substitute recommended by the Board of Directors. At this time, the Board of Directors knows of no reason why any nominee might be unavailable to serve.

Information about the nominees for election at the annual meeting as well as information about those directors continuing in office after the annual meeting is as follows:

Nominees for Election at This Annual Meeting for a Term Expiring in 2009

Gary B. Christensen, Director Since 2005.    Mr. Christensen, 57, is the owner of R.E. Powell Distributing a fuel, lubricant and propane distributorship headquartered in Yakima, Washington. In 2004 R.E. Powell Distributing was named one of five inductees into the University of Washington sponsored “Leadership Circle” at the 6th Annual UW Minority Business of the Year Awards dinner. Mr. Christensen serves as a director for Central Valley Bank and serves on the Board of Directors for Yakima County Economic Development.

John A. Clees, Director Since 2005.    Mr. Clees, 58, is Tax Services Director at the consulting and accounting firm of RSM McGladrey in Olympia, Washington. Mr. Clees previously served on Heritage’s Board of Directors from 1990 to 2000 and served as a non-voting consultant to Heritage’s audit committee from 2000 until June 2005. Prior to this, Mr. Clees was the President of Clees Miles CPA Group, Olympia, Washington from 1995 until the Group was sold to RSM McGladrey. Prior to that time, he was the managing partner of Gattis, Clees and Company, an accounting firm with offices in Seattle and Olympia, Washington.

Kimberly T. Ellwanger.    Ms. Ellwanger, 47, was Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Associate General Counsel at Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington from 1991 until she retired in October of 1999. Prior to that Ms. Ellwanger was a Partner at Perkins Coie in Seattle, Washington where she practiced business and tax law from 1985 to 1991. She has been involved in numerous civic and professional activities including such organizations as The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound where she currently serves as Board Chair. She also previously served as Chair of both the Washington Council on International Trade and the Dean’s Advisory Committee of the University of Washington Law School. Ms. Ellwanger graduated with high honors from the University of Washington School of Law and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College with an honors degree in economics.

Philip S. Weigand, Director Since 1985.    Mr. Weigand, 68, is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Marine Corps with 20 years of active service. Since 1988, Mr. Weigand has been a real estate agent with Virgil Adams Real Estate, located in Olympia, Washington. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees, St. Martins University in Lacey, Washington.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of Ms. Ellwanger and Messrs. Christensen, Clees and Weigand.

Incumbent Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2007.

Brian S. Charneski, Director since 2000.    Mr. Charneski, 44, is the President of L&E Bottling Company located in Olympia, Washington. He also serves as Chairman and CEO of Snack Time Foods, headquartered in Tumwater, Washington. Mr. Charneski is a director of Columbia Beverage Company headquartered in Tumwater, Washington, L&E Bottling Company and ET Financial Services, Inc.

Peter N. Fluetsch, Director since 1999.    Mr. Fluetsch, 68, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sunset Air, Inc. in Lacey, Washington, a heating and air conditioning contractor that he founded in 1976.

James P. Senna, Director since 1976.    Mr. Senna, 71, is a retiree.

 

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Brian L. Vance, Director since 2003.    Mr. Vance, 51, currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank and President of Heritage. Mr. Vance has been employed by Heritage Bank since 1996. Prior to joining Heritage Bank, Mr. Vance was employed for over 20 years with West One Bank, a bank with offices in Idaho and Washington. Prior to leaving West One, he was Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Banking Operations for the south Puget Sound region. On March 24, 2003, Mr. Vance was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank. On August 17, 1998, the Board of Directors of Heritage Bank approved the appointment of Mr. Vance as President and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank to be effective as of October 1, 1998. Prior to that, Mr. Vance was named Executive Vice President of Heritage Bank.

Incumbent Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2008.

Daryl D. Jensen, Director Since 1985.    Mr. Jensen, 67, was the President of Sunset Life Insurance Company of America from 1973 until his retirement in 1999. Currently, Mr. Jensen is Vice President of Western Institutional Review Board, located in Olympia, WA. He serves as a director of Sunset Life Insurance Company and Kansas City Life Insurance Company. Mr. Jensen is also a director of Generations Bank, located in Missouri, and a director of Panorama City Corporation, a large retirement community located in Lacey, Washington. Mr. Jensen has served as a director of Central Valley Bank since 1989.

Jeffrey S. Lyon, Director since 2000.    Mr. Lyon, 53, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GVA Kidder Mathews, headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Lyon serves as a director for GVA Worldwide and a director for Kidder Mathews-Segner Inc. Mr. Lyon is a member of the Real Estate Advisory Board of Washington State University, a member of the Business Advisory Board for the Milgard School of Business at the University of Washington, Tacoma and is also Chairman of the Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board. Mr. Lyon has over 32 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry in the Puget Sound area.

Donald V. Rhodes, Director Since 1989.    Mr. Rhodes, 70, currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage; Chairman of Heritage Bank; and since 1986, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Central Valley Bank, a subsidiary of Heritage which was acquired on March 5, 1999. Mr. Rhodes joined Heritage Bank in 1989 as President and Chief Executive Officer and was elected Chairman in 1990.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES

How Often Did the Board Meet During 2005?

During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Board of Directors of Heritage held 12 meetings. No director of Heritage attended fewer than 75% of the total meetings of the Board and committees on which a director served during this period. It is Heritage’s policy that its directors attend the annual meeting of stockholders. At the 2005 annual meeting, ten Heritage directors were in attendance.

What Committees Has the Board Established?

The Board of Directors of Heritage has an Executive Committee, an Audit and Finance Committee, a Personnel and Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee.

Audit and Finance Committee.    The Audit and Finance Committee:

 

    Reviews and approves the selection of Heritage’s independent auditors;

 

    Reviews the plan, scope and audit results of the internal auditors and the independent auditors;

 

    Reviews the reports of bank regulatory authorities; and

 

    Reviews the annual and other reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the annual report to Heritage’s stockholders.

 

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The Audit and Finance Committee consists of directors Jensen (chair), Charneski, Christensen, Clees, Fluetsch, Lyon and Weigand. None of the members of the Audit and Finance Committee are officers or employees of Heritage or any Heritage subsidiary. Our Board has determined that all members of the Audit and Finance Committee are considered “independent” under the NASDAQ’s listing standards. There were five meetings of the Audit and Finance Committee during the year ended December 31, 2005.

Personnel and Compensation Committee.    The Personnel and Compensation Committee reviews and recommends compensation arrangements for all officers. The members of the Personnel and Compensation Committee are directors Fluetsch (chair), Brunton, Clees and Jensen. None of the members of the Committee are officers or employees of Heritage or any subsidiary of Heritage. Our Board has determined that all members of the Personnel and Compensation Committee are considered “independent” under the NASDAQ’s listing standards. There were two meetings of the Personnel and Compensation Committee during the year ended December 31, 2005.

Nominating Committee.    Heritage’s Board has established a Nominating Committee which reviews and recommends nominees to serve as directors and officers of Heritage. Heritage’s Nominating Committee consists of directors Jensen (chair), Brunton, Clees and Fluetsch. None of the members of the Nominating Committee are officers or employees of Heritage or any Heritage subsidiary. Our Board has determined that all members of the Nominating Committee are considered “independent” under the NASDAQ’s listing standards. The Nominating Committee provides oversight on a broad range of issues surrounding the composition and operation of the Board of Directors of Heritage Financial Corporation. The Nominating Committee has a Charter which is available on Heritage’s website at www.hf-wa.com. There was one meeting of the Nominating Committee during the year ended December 31, 2005.

The Nominating Committee’s Charter has established general criteria for considering director candidates. The Nominating Committee will consider the following criteria in selecting nominees:

 

    Ability to represent all Heritage stockholders;

 

    Expected period of time available for service;

 

    Independence;

 

    Current knowledge and contacts in Heritage’s market area;

 

    Ability to work effectively with the Board group; and

 

    Ability to commit adequate time to serve as a Heritage director.

How Can a Stockholder Nominate Someone for the Board?

According to Heritage’s Articles of Incorporation, any stockholder nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Directors at the 2007 annual meeting must be made in writing to Heritage’s chairman not fewer than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. If fewer than 21 days notice of the annual meeting is given to stockholders, stockholder nominations must be mailed or delivered to Heritage’s chairman by the close of business on the seventh day after the day the notice of the annual meeting is mailed. Stockholder nominations must contain the following information if known to the nominating stockholder:

 

    The name and address of each proposed nominee;

 

    The principal occupation of each proposed nominee;

 

    The total number of shares of Heritage common stock that will be voted for each shareholder proposed nominee;

 

    The name and address of the nominating stockholder; and

 

    The number of shares of Heritage common stock owned by the nominating stockholder.

 

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Heritage’s Nominating Committee, in its discretion, may disregard any nominations that do not comply with the above-listed requirements. Upon the Nominating Committee’s instructions, the vote teller may disregard all votes cast for a nominee if the nomination does not comply with the above-listed requirements.

How Can Stockholders Communicate with the Board of Directors?

Heritage has implemented a stockholder communication process to facilitate communication with its Board of Directors. All stockholder communications to the Board of Directors should be forwarded to the attention of Edward D. Cameron, Secretary, Heritage Financial Corporation, 201 Fifth Avenue S.W., Olympia, Washington 98501. E-mail address:    ecameron@heritagebankwa.com.

How are Directors Compensated?

During the year ended December 31, 2005, Heritage’s non-officer directors received a monthly retainer of $1,000 and a monthly fee of $625 for each Board meeting attended. Non-officer directors also received $150 for each committee meeting attended, other than the Audit and Finance Committee, with the Chair of the committee receiving $200 per meeting attended. Non-officer directors of the Audit and Finance Committee received $500 for each meeting attended with the Chair of the committee receiving $1,000 per meeting. Directors who are officers or employees of Heritage or its subsidiaries receive no additional compensation for service as directors or members of Board committees. In 2005, the Directors (with the exception of Director Vance) were each granted Non-Qualified Stock Options to purchase 1,575 shares at a strike price of $20.49. In addition, Directors Jensen and Christensen each received Non-Qualified Stock Options to purchase 473 shares at a strike price of $20.49 for their service as Directors of Central Valley Bank.

AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Report of the Audit and Finance Committee

This report of Heritage’s Audit and Finance Committee describes the manner in which the committee reviews Heritage’s financial reporting process.

What are the Responsibilities of the Audit and Finance Committee?

The committee monitors Heritage’s internal financial controls and its financial reporting process. The committee:

 

    Reviews and discusses the audited financial statements with management.

 

    Reviews and discusses reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

    Discusses with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees).

 

    Receives written disclosures as required by Independent Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) and discusses with the independent auditors the auditors’ independence.

 

    Recommends to the Board of Directors whether the audited financial statements should be included in Heritage’s annual report on Form 10-K.

Who are the Members of Heritage’s Audit and Finance Committee?

Heritage’s Audit and Finance Committee consists of directors Daryl D. Jensen (chair), Brian S. Charneski, Gary B. Christensen, John A. Clees, Peter N. Fluetsch, Jeffrey S. Lyon and Philip S. Weigand. None of the members of the Audit and Finance Committee are officers or employees of Heritage or any Heritage subsidiary.

 

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Our board has determined that all members of the Audit and Finance Committee are considered “independent” under the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NASDAQ’s listing standards, and further, our board of directors has determined that Mr. Jensen meets the definition of an audit committee financial expert, as set forth in Item 401(h)(2) of Regulation S-K.

Audit and Finance Committee Report

The Audit and Finance Committee of the Heritage Board of Directors is composed of seven independent directors and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The committee is responsible for the selection of Heritage’s independent auditors.

Management is responsible for Heritage’s internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of Heritage’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and for issuing a report thereon. The Audit and Finance Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.

In this context, the Audit and Finance Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent auditors. Management represented to the Audit and Finance Committee that Heritage’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with auditing principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the Audit and Finance Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the independent auditors. The Audit and Finance Committee discussed with the independent auditors matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees).

Heritage’s independent auditors also provided to the Audit and Finance Committee the written disclosures required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and the Audit and Finance Committee discussed with the independent auditors that firm’s independence.

Based on the Audit and Finance Committee’s discussion with management and the independent auditors and the Audit and Finance Committee’s review of the representation of management and the report of the independent auditors to the Audit and Finance Committee, the Audit and Finance Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in Heritage’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Daryl D. Jensen, Chair of the Committee and designated audit committee financial expert

Brian S. Charneski, Member

Gary B. Christensen, Member

John A. Clees, Member

Peter N. Fluetsch, Member

Jeffrey S. Lyon, Member

Philip S. Weigand, Member

 

10


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Report of the Personnel and Compensation Committee

This report of Heritage’s Personnel and Compensation Committee describes in general terms the process the committee undertakes and the factors it considers to determine the appropriate compensation for Heritage’s officers.

What Are The Responsibilities of the Personnel and Compensation Committee?

The committee establishes and monitors compensation programs for executive officers of Heritage and its subsidiaries. The committee:

 

    reviews and approves individual officer salaries, bonus plan allocations, and stock option grants and other equity-based awards; and

 

    establishes the compensation and evaluates the performance of the chief executive officer, while the chief executive officer evaluates the performance of the other executive officers and recommends individual compensation levels for approval by the committee.

None of the members of the committee are officers or employees of Heritage or any Heritage subsidiary.

What is Heritage’s Philosophy of Executive Officer Compensation?

The committee’s compensation philosophy is intended to reflect and support the goals and strategies that Heritage has established. Currently, Heritage’s strategic focus is on expanding our commercial banking relationships. The key elements of this strategy are geographic and product expansion, loan portfolio diversification, development of relationship banking and maintenance of asset quality. The committee believes these goals, which are intended to create long-term stockholder value, must be supported by a compensation program that:

 

    attracts and retains highly qualified executives;

 

    provides levels of compensation that are competitive with those offered by other financial institutions;

 

    motivates executives to enhance long-term stockholder value by helping them to build their own ownership in Heritage; and

 

    integrates Heritage’s long-term strategic planning and measurement processes.

Heritage’s compensation program includes competitive salary and benefits, opportunities for employee ownership of Heritage stock through participation in an employee stock ownership plan and, for certain employees, an annual incentive cash bonus based upon attainment of company and individual performance goals and opportunities for stock ownership of Heritage stock through stock option and restricted stock programs.

To determine compensation packages for individual executives, the committee considers various subjective and objective factors, including:

 

    individual job responsibilities and experience;

 

    individual performance in terms of both qualitative and quantitative goals;

 

    Heritage’s overall performance, as measured by attainment of strategic and budgeted financial goals and prior performance; and

 

    industry surveys, prepared by an independent consulting firm, of compensation for comparable positions with similar institutions in the State of Washington, the Pacific Northwest and the United States.

 

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The components of Heritage’s compensation program are the following:

Base Salary.    Salary levels of executive officers are designed to be competitive within the banking industry. To set competitive salary ranges, the committee periodically evaluates current salary levels of other financial institutions with size, lines of business, geographic dispersion and market place position similar to Heritage’s. Base salaries for Heritage’s executive officers other than the chief executive officer are based upon recommendations by the chief executive officer, taking into account the subjective and objective factors described above. The committee reviews and approves or disapproves those recommendations.

Annual Incentive Bonus.    Executive officers have an annual incentive opportunity with cash bonus awards based on the overall performance of Heritage and on attainment of individual performance targets. The annual awards are determined by formulas established by the committee following each fiscal year and are based upon an assessment of Heritage’s performance (for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily with respect to Heritage Financial Corporation’s net income and return on average equity) as compared to both budgeted and previous fiscal year performance and upon an evaluation by the chief executive officer of an executive’s individual performance and contribution to Heritage’s overall performance. The committee then reviews and approves the bonus recommendations and presents them to the Board of Directors for approval.

Stock Option and Other Stock-Based Compensation.    Equity-based compensation is intended to more closely align the financial interests of Heritage’s executives with long-term stockholder value, and to assist in the retention of executives who are key to the success of Heritage and its subsidiaries. Equity-based compensation generally has been in the form of incentive stock options and restricted stock awards pursuant to Heritage’s existing stock option plans. The committee determines from time to time which executives, if any, will receive stock options or awards and determines the number of shares subject to each option or award. Grants of stock options and awards are based on various subjective factors relating primarily to the responsibilities of individual executives, their expected future contributions to Heritage and prior option grants.

How Is Heritage’s Chief Executive Officer Compensated?

The base compensation for Heritage’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, Donald V. Rhodes, was determined by the committee with final approval by the Board based on the same criteria as the compensation for the other executive officers. During the first quarter of 2002, Heritage entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Rhodes, effective June 1, 2001, providing for an annual base salary of not less than $234,000 beginning on April 1, 2001. The term of the agreement continued until June 30, 2004. Mr. Rhodes executed a new agreement on August 26, 2004 to be effective January 1, 2005 that provides for an annual base salary of $150,000 beginning on January 1, 2005. In addition to base salary, the agreement provides for Mr. Rhodes’ participation in employee benefit plans and other fringe benefits applicable to senior executives of Heritage Bank except that Mr. Rhodes will not be eligible to participate in the Management Incentive Plan or receive options other than director restricted options. The term of the agreement will continue until December 31, 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2005, the annual salary of Mr. Rhodes was $150,000.

The committee believes that for the year ended December 31, 2005, the compensation for Mr. Rhodes, as well as for the other executive officers, was consistent with Heritage’s overall compensation philosophy and clearly related to the realization of Heritage’s goals and strategies for the period.

 

Respectfully submitted by:

 

Peter N. Fluetsch, Chair of the Committee

Lynn M. Brunton, Member

John A. Clees, Member

Daryl D. Jensen, Member

 

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Stock Performance Graph

The chart shown below depicts total return to stockholders during the period beginning December 31, 2000 and ending December 31, 2005. Total return includes appreciation or depreciation in market value of Heritage common stock as well as actual cash and stock dividends paid to stockholders. Indices shown below, for comparison purposes only, are the S&P 500(TM) stock index, which is a broad nationally recognized index of stock performance by publicly traded companies and the SNL Securities Bank Index which is comprised of publicly traded commercial banks with assets of $500 million to $1 billion. The chart assumes that the value of the investment in Heritage’s common stock and each of the three indices was $100 on December 31, 2000, and that all dividends were reinvested.

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

LOGO

 

     Period Ending
Index    12/31/00    12/31/01    12/31/02    12/31/03    12/31/04    12/31/05

Heritage Financial Corporation

   100.00    121.62    187.69    232.86    246.79    295.13

S&P 500

   100.00    88.11    68.64    88.33    97.94    102.74

SNL $500M-$1B Bank Index

   100.00    129.74    165.63    238.84    270.66    282.26

SOURCE: SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA

©2006

 

13


Summary Compensation Table

The following table shows the aggregate compensation for services rendered to Heritage or its subsidiaries in all capacities paid or accrued for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same periods ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, to Heritage’s chief executive officer and each of the four other most highly compensated executive officers whose aggregate cash and cash equivalent forms of compensation exceeded $100,000 in 2005.

 

          Long-Term
Compensation Awards
    
     Annual Compensation        
      Restricted
Stock
Awards ($)
   Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
  

All Other

Compensation (1)

Name and Principal Position

   Period    Salary    Bonus         

Donald V. Rhodes

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

Heritage Financial Corp.

   2005
2004
2003
   $
$
$
150,152
240,000
240,000
   $
$
$
-0-
87,150
94,920
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   2,048

-0-
-0-

   $
$
$
21,142
20,117
20,354

Brian L. Vance

President and Chief

Executive Officer

Heritage Bank

   2005
2004
2003
   $
$
$
192,452
176,400
168,600
   $
$
$
84,649
56,697
54,100
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   15,750
12,000
21,000
   $
$
$
21,284
20,117
19,934

Gregory D. Patjens

Executive Vice President

Heritage Bank

   2005
2004
2003
   $
$
$
135,552
130,125
126,770
   $
$
$
26,156
23,707
21,729
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   3,780
3,600
4,500
   $
$
$
15,205
14,240
15,702

D. Michael Broadhead

President

Central Valley Bank

   2005
2004
2003
   $
$
$
136,112
130,830
126,390
   $
$
$
30,000
20,690
28,500
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   5,670
5,400
6,900
   $
$
$
16,176
15,804
15,645

Edward D. Cameron

Senior Vice President,

Secretary and Treasurer

   2005
2004
2003
   $
$
$
113,279
105,000
97,200
   $
$
$
25,604
20,076
19,069
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   3,780
3,600
4,500
   $
$
$
13,571
12,248
12,166

(1) Amounts in calendar 2005 represent for Messrs. Rhodes, Vance, Patjens, Broadhead and Cameron: (i) matching contributions under Heritage’s 401(k) ESOP in the amount of $6,300, $6,300, $3,750, $4,758 and $4,001, respectively; (ii) additional discretionary and non-discretionary contributions under Heritage’s 401(k) ESOP of approximately $14,286, $14,286, $10,834, $10,790 and $9,072, respectively; and (iii) life insurance premiums paid by Heritage for the benefit of each executive in the amount of $556, $698, $621, $627 and $498, respectively.

Option Grants During 2005

In October 1998, the stockholders approved the adoption of the 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan, providing for the award of incentive stock options to employees and nonqualified stock options to directors of Heritage Financial Corporation at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Under the plan, on the date of grant, the exercise price of the option must at least equal the market value per share of Heritage Financial Corporation’s common stock. The plan provides for the granting of options for up to 414,750 common shares and restricted stock awards of up to 69,413 shares. All awards made under the plan require vesting over a three year period beginning on the date of grant. Under the plan, the options must be exercised within five years of vesting. In 2005, 3,050 restricted stock awards were granted under the 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan. There are 3,197 restricted stock awards available under the Plan that have not been awarded.

In April 2002, the stockholders approved the adoption of the Heritage Financial Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2002, the Heritage Financial Corporation Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of 2002 and the Heritage Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Plan of 2002. These plans provided for the award of incentive stock options and restricted stock to employees and Non-Qualified stock options and restricted stock to

 

14


directors of Heritage Financial Corporation at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Under the plans, on the date of grant, the exercise price of the option must at least equal the market value per share of Heritage Financial Corporation’s common stock. The plan provides for the granting of incentive options for up to 451,500 common shares, Non-Qualified options for up to 73,500 common shares and restricted stock awards of up to 52,500 common shares. All awards are subject to a vesting schedule as determined by the Board of Directors. Under the plans, the options must be exercised within five years of vesting. In 2005, 114,517 options were granted under the Heritage Financial Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2002 and 20,007 options were awarded under the Heritage Financial Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of 2002. Taking into account Heritage Financial Corporation’s five percent stock dividend to stockholders of record on September 30, 2005, distributed on October 14, 2005, there are 52,921 Incentive Stock Options available that have not been awarded, 16,193 Non-Qualified Stock Options available that have not been awarded and 52,500 restricted stock awards available that have not been awarded.

The following table summarizes options granted to each of the executives listed in the summary compensation table for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

Name

   Number of Securities
Underlying Options
Granted (#)
   Percentage of total
options granted
to employees
during year
    Exercise
Price
($/share)
   Expiration
Date
    Grant Date
Present Value ($)

Donald V. Rhodes

   2,048    0.18 %   $ 20.49    (1 )   $ 5,834

Brian L. Vance

   15,750    1.36 %   $ 20.49    (1 )   $ 44,875

Gregory D. Patjens

   3,780    0.33 %   $ 20.49    (1 )   $ 10,770

D. Michael Broadhead

   5,670    0.49 %   $ 20.49    (1 )   $ 16,155

Edward D. Cameron

   3,780    0.33 %   $ 20.49    (1 )   $ 10,770

(1) One-third of the options granted vest on each of the first, second and third anniversary dates of the grants and each grant expires five years after it becomes vested.

Option Exercises and Period End Option Values.

The following table summarizes option exercises during the year ended December 31, 2005 by each of the executives listed in the summary compensation table and the period end value of unexercised options granted:

 

Name

   Shares
Acquired On
Exercise
   Value
Realized
   Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at December 31, 2005
(Exercisable/Unexercisable)
   Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options
At December 31, 2005(1)
(Exercisable/Unexercisable)

Donald V. Rhodes

   10,644    $ 218,149    49,770 / 2,048    $731,160 /$8,018

Brian L. Vance

   -0-    $ -0-    46,830 / 31,500    $467,217 /$127,576

Gregory D. Patjens

   1,680    $ 35,287    25,568 / 7,875    $338,674 /$32,023

D. Michael Broadhead

   945    $ 23,134    24,570 / 11,865    $280,043 /$48,247

Edward D. Cameron

   -0-    $ -0-    9,713 / 7,875    $88,252 /$32,023

(1) Values are calculated by subtracting the exercise price from the fair market value of the underlying stock. For purposes of this table, fair market value is deemed to be $24.41, the last sale price of Heritage’s common stock on the NASDAQ National Market on December 31, 2005.

Other Employee Benefits and Proposed Changes in Those Benefits.

On October 1, 1999, Heritage combined its defined contribution retirement plan, its salary savings 401(k) Plan and its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) into the ESOP and amended the ESOP to give it 401(k) features. The ESOP was renamed the Heritage Financial Corporation 401(k) ESOP (“KSOP”). On that date, account balances in each employee’s account in the defined contribution retirement plan and the 401(k) Plan were transferred to the KSOP, and each employee having account balances in those plans was given the ability to allocate up to 20% of those balances to purchase Heritage stock.

 

15


Under the KSOP, eligible employees have the right to defer a portion of their compensation to be contributed to the KSOP which is matched 50% by Heritage up to certain specified limits. Employees can elect whether to have their deferred compensation amount placed in a Heritage stock account to be invested in Heritage stock by the KSOP trustee (subject to availability) or in other available investment accounts and invested by the KSOP trustee in investments other than Heritage stock as directed by the participants. In addition to the matching contributions Heritage makes, Heritage makes a nondiscretionary 2% contribution and has the discretion to make additional contributions to the KSOP.

On December 31, 2005, the KSOP owned 403,361 shares of Heritage common stock, of which 337,787 shares were allocated to participants’ accounts and 65,574 shares were held in an unallocated account. Shares held in the suspense account are released to participant accounts on a pro rata basis as the KSOP’s loan payable to Heritage is repaid.

Executive Employment and Severance Agreements

In the first quarter of 2002, Donald V. Rhodes executed an employment agreement with Heritage and Heritage Bank effective June 1, 2001. The agreement with Mr. Rhodes provided for an annual base salary of not less than $234,000 beginning on April 1, 2001. In addition to base salary, the agreement provided for Mr. Rhodes’ participation in employee benefit plans and other fringe benefits applicable to senior executives of Heritage Bank. The term of the agreement continued until June 30, 2004. Mr. Rhodes was required to notify Heritage prior to 180 days before the end of the term of the employment agreement if Mr. Rhodes did not desire to seek to renew or renegotiate the employment agreement. Mr. Rhodes did provide timely notice that he wished to extend the term of his employment agreement until December 31, 2004 and Heritage Financial Corporation agreed to the extension. Mr. Rhodes executed a new agreement on August 26, 2004 to be effective January 1, 2005 that provides for an annual base salary of $150,000 beginning on January 1, 2005. In addition to base salary, the agreement provides for Mr. Rhodes’ participation in employee benefit plans and other fringe benefits applicable to senior executives of Heritage Bank except that Mr. Rhodes will not be eligible to participate in the Management Incentive Plan or receive options other than director restricted options. The term of the agreement will continue until December 31, 2006. If Employer terminates this Agreement for “Cause”, as defined in the agreement, effective before the end of the term hereof, Employer shall pay Executive upon the effective date of such termination only such salary earned and expenses reimbursable hereunder incurred through such termination date. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Cause, and in the case of termination for Cause, Executive’s unvested stock options, if any, shall terminate immediately. If Employer terminates this Agreement without “Cause” or Executive terminates this Agreement for “Good Reason”, both as defined in the agreement, and either termination is effective before the end of the term hereof, Employer shall pay Executive all reimbursable expenses incurred through such termination date and, in addition, a severance benefit in an amount equal to the amount of his then-current base salary which would otherwise have been paid to Executive during the then-remaining term of the Agreement. In such event, all forfeiture provisions regarding restricted stock awards or vesting requirements regarding options shall lapse or be considered completed as of the effective date of termination. Notwithstanding the above, in the event Executive’s employment is terminated as a result of a sale or a merger of Heritage Financial Corporation (a “Transaction”), Executive will be compensated under the terms of this Agreement through the date of closing of the Transaction without provision for severance thereafter.

In 2002, Brian L. Vance executed an employment agreement with Heritage and Heritage Bank effective June 1, 2001. The agreement with Mr. Vance provides for an annual base salary of not less than $150,000 per year effective on April 1, 2001. In addition to the base salary, the agreement provides for Mr. Vance’s participation in employee benefit plans and other fringe benefits applicable to senior executives of Heritage Bank. The term of the agreement expired on June 30, 2004 and is currently subject to automatic one year renewal extensions unless prior notice otherwise is given. In the event that Mr. Vance is terminated by Heritage at any time for “cause” or by Mr. Vance without “good reason”, both as defined in the agreement, no termination benefit will be payable. If Mr. Vance is terminated without cause or he terminates the agreement for good reason,

 

16


a severance benefit will be payable in an amount equal to his then current annual base salary or the amount of such salary which would otherwise have been paid to Mr. Vance during the then remaining term of his agreement, whichever is greater.

The agreement with Mr. Vance also provides for the payment of a severance benefit to Mr. Vance in the event of his termination of employment without cause in some cases preceding and for any reason within one year after a change of control of Heritage or Heritage Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Vance is entitled to receive two times his then current annual base salary following the termination or the amount due him until the end of the term of his agreement, whichever is greater. In those circumstances, Mr. Vance also is entitled to all benefits in his agreement, to be fully vested as to unvested options, and to have restrictions lapse on any restricted stock or other restricted securities.

For purposes of the agreements, “change in control” generally includes the acquisition by any person of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of Heritage; replacement of incumbent directors or election of newly elected directors constituting a majority of the Board of Heritage where the replacement or election has not been supported by the Board; dissolution, or sale of 50% or more in value of the assets, of either Heritage or Heritage Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries; or the merger of Heritage into any corporation, 25% or more of the outstanding common stock of which is owned by persons other than owners of the common stock of Heritage prior to such merger.

The employment agreement with Mr. Vance provides that in the event he receives an amount under the provisions of the agreements that results in imposition of a tax on the executive under the provisions of the Code Section 4999 (relating to golden Parachute payments), the employer is obligated to reimburse the executive for that amount, exclusive of any tax imposed by reason of receipt of reimbursement under the employment agreements.

The agreements restrict the right of Messrs. Rhodes and Vance to compete against Heritage or Heritage Bank in the State of Washington for a period of two years following termination of employment, except if employment is terminated by Heritage without cause or by Mr. Rhodes or Mr. Vance for good reason.

Effective on March 5, 1999, Central Valley Bank and D. Michael Broadhead entered into an employment agreement. The term of the agreement expired on December 31, 2002 and is currently subject to automatic one year renewal extensions unless prior notice otherwise is given. The agreement calls for Mr. Broadhead to serve as President of Central Valley Bank at a base annual salary of no less than $110,000 plus customary fringe benefits. Also, under the agreement, on December 31, 2005 (regardless of whether Mr. Broadhead is employed by Central Valley Bank at the time), Mr. Broadhead is eligible to receive a payment of $40,000 plus $10,000 for each full year of his service at Central Valley Bank or its successor—up to a $200,000 maximum payment. Mr. Broadhead’s estate is also entitled to a death benefit payment of no less than $100,000 nor more than $200,000 if he dies prior to the receipt of the December 31, 2005 service payment.

In the event Mr. Broadhead’s employment is terminated by Central Valley Bank at any time for “cause” or if Mr. Broadhead resigns without “good reason” and his resignation does not coincide with a change in control of Heritage, Mr. Broadhead will not be entitled to any severance benefit payable to him. The agreement does provide for the payment of a severance benefit to Mr. Broadhead (in addition to his service payment described above) in the event of his termination of employment in some cases preceding, and for any reason following by up to one year, a change in control of Heritage. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Broadhead is entitled to receive an amount of up to 36 months of his base salary in effect at the time if his employment is terminated without cause by Central Valley Bank from the time after a change in control transaction is announced up to one year following the completion of the change in control or if Mr. Broadhead resigns for any reason within a year after the change in control is completed.

The agreement restricts the right of Mr. Broadhead to compete against Heritage or Central Valley Bank in Yakima County, Washington for a period of up to three years unless Mr. Broadhead is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason.

 

17


PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF THE HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN OF 2006

Background

In October 1994, Heritage Bank’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1994 Plan”), providing for the award of restricted stock to a key officer, incentive stock options to employees and non-qualified stock options to directors of Heritage Bank, all at the discretion of the Board of Directors. In October 1996, the stockholders of Heritage Bank approved the adoption of the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1997 Plan”), which generally was similar to the 1994 Plan. The 1997 Plan did not affect options granted under the 1994 Plan.

In October 1998, Heritage’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1998 Plan”). By adopting the 1998 Plan, the Board of Directors of Heritage terminated the 1994 Plan and the 1997 Plan.

Under the 1998 Plan, Heritage reserved 414,750 shares of common stock for the issuance of stock options which could be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options and, as a part of a Management Recognition Plan, up to an additional 69,431 shares of common stock were reserved for award as restricted stock.

In April 2002, Heritage’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 2002 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“2002 Plan”). Under the 2002 Plan, Heritage reserved 451,500 shares of common stock for the issuance of stock options, 73,500 shares of common stock for the issuance of nonqualified stock options and up to an additional 52,500 shares of common stock were reserved for award as restricted stock.

The 2006 Incentive Stock Option Plan

Subject to stockholder approval, the Board of Directors has adopted a Heritage Financial Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2006 (“2006 Incentive Plan”). The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders approve the 2006 Incentive Plan. The Board believes that the 2006 Incentive Plan will benefit Heritage and its existing and any future subsidiaries by providing employees of, and persons offered employment by, Heritage and its subsidiaries with a proprietary interest in Heritage as an incentive to contribute to the success of Heritage and to reward employees for outstanding performance and attainment of targeted objectives. The purpose of the 2006 Incentive Plan is to promote Heritage’s success by aligning employee financial interests with long term stockholder value. A copy of the 2006 Incentive Plan is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit A.

Description of the 2006 Incentive Stock Option Plan

The following is a summary of the principal provisions of the 2006 Incentive Plan and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by the express terms of the 2006 Incentive Plan.

Purpose

The purpose of the 2006 Incentive Plan is to:

 

    Enhance the long term profitability and stockholder value of Heritage by offering stock based incentives to employees of Heritage or its subsidiaries;

 

    Attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of responsibility with Heritage and its subsidiaries; and

 

    Encourage employees to acquire and maintain stock ownership in Heritage.

 

18


Administration

The 2006 Incentive Plan presently is administered by Heritage’s Board of Directors. In addition to its authority to grant stock options, as described below, the Board of Directors is authorized to administer and interpret the 2006 Incentive Plan subject to its express provisions.

Shares Subject to the 2006 Incentive Stock Option Plan

Under the 2006 Incentive Plan, a maximum of 400,000 shares of common stock would be reserved for issuance upon the exercise of incentive stock options.

Limitations

The aggregate fair market value of all shares exercised by a participant for the first time in any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000.

Persons Who May Participate

Awards may be granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan to those employees of, and persons offered employment by, Heritage or its subsidiaries as the Board of Directors from time to time selects. If the 2006 Incentive Plan is approved by the stockholders at the annual meeting, there will be approximately 211 employees, including executive officers, eligible to participate in the 2006 Incentive Plan.

Type of Awards

Awards granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan will be incentive stock options (“ISOs”) intended to meet all of the requirements of an “Incentive Stock Option” as defined in §422 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Terms and Conditions of Awards

Each Award granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan must be evidenced by a written agreement duly executed on behalf of Heritage. Each agreement will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of the 2006 Incentive Plan. An agreement may also contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the 2006 Incentive Plan as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

Stock Option Grants

The exercise price for each option granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan will be determined by the Board of Directors, but will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of Heritage’s common stock on the date of grant of an ISO. For any participant who immediately before the grant owns 10% or more of the total combined voting stock of Heritage, Heritage Bank, Central Valley Bank, or any other subsidiary of Heritage, the exercise price shall be 110% of the optioned stock’s then fair market value.

The exercise of an option must be paid in cash or already owned shares of Heritage common stock, or, if approved by the Board of Directors, delivery of an interest bearing promissory note, payable to Heritage or Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank with interest, collateral, and under terms prescribed by Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank, in payment of all or part of the exercise price.

The term of the outstanding options will be fixed by the Board of Directors. No ISO granted pursuant to the 2006 Incentive Plan will be exercisable after five years from the date of grant. Each option will be exercisable pursuant to a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board of Directors. An option will not be deemed to be granted until the option is vested.

 

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The 2006 Incentive Plan provides that options generally will be exercisable for up to one year after termination of service as a result of a death or disability, and for up to three months after all other terminations except for terminations for “cause” as defined in the 2006 Incentive Plan, in which case an option will immediately terminate. The options will also immediately terminate if a participant competes with the Bank or any other subsidiary of Heritage, with competition being determined under the provisions of the Plan.

Transferability

No option under the 2006 Incentive Plan will be assignable or otherwise transferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the recipient’s lifetime, may be exercised only by the recipient of the option.

Amendment and Termination of the 2006 Incentive Stock Option Plan

The 2006 Incentive Plan may be modified, amended or terminated by the Board of Directors, except that stockholder approval is required for any amendment that:

 

    Increases the number of shares subject to the 2006 Incentive Plan (other than in connection with certain automatic adjustments such as stock splits or stock dividends); or

 

    Changes the class of eligible employees to anything other than the employees defined in the Plan; or

 

    Reduces the basis upon which the minimum option price is determined; or

 

    Extends the period within which the options under the Plan may be granted; or

 

    Provides for an option that is exercisable during a period of more than five years from the date it is granted.

The Board of Directors may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No such suspension or termination shall affect options then in effect.

Adjustment of Shares

In the event of any changes in the outstanding stock of Heritage by reason of a merger, acquisition, stock dividends, stock splits or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Heritage’s common stock effected without receipt of consideration by Heritage, the Board of Directors subject to any required action by the stockholders, shall make proportional adjustments in:

 

    The maximum number of shares subject to the 2006 Incentive Plan:

 

    The number of securities subject to any outstanding award; and

 

    The per share price of such securities.

The determination by the Board of Directors of the applicable adjustments is final.

Corporate Transactions

In the event that Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank has a change of control in which:

 

    An offeror other than Heritage purchases shares of the Common Stock of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

    Any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act) other than Heritage is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of Heritage’s, Heritage Bank’s or Central Valley Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

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    The membership of the Board of Directors of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any 24 month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

    Shareholders of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Heritage’s or the Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to the transaction, all options will become 100% vested, subject to the other terms of the Plan.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

The federal income tax consequences to Heritage and to any person granted an Award under the 2006 Incentive Plan under existing applicable provisions of the Code and regulations thereunder are generally as follows:

Upon exercise of an ISO during employment or within three months after the optionee’s termination of employment (or within 12 months thereafter in the case of permanent and total disability as defined within the Code), for federal tax purposes the optionee will recognize no income at the time of the exercise (although the optionee at that time will have income for alternative minimum income tax purposes as if the option were not an ISO) and no deduction will be allowed to Heritage for federal income tax purposes in connection with the grant or exercise of the option. If the acquired shares are sold or exchanged after the later of:

 

    One year after the date of exercise of the option; and

 

    Two years after the date of grant of the option

the difference between the amount realized by the optionee on that sale or exchange and the option price will be taxed to the optionee as a long term capital gain or loss. If the shares are disposed of before such holding period requirements are satisfied, then the optionee will recognize taxable ordinary income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to the excess, on the date of exercise of the option, of the fair market value of the shares received over the option price paid (or, generally, if less, the excess of the amount realized on the sale of the shares over the price), and the optionee will have capital gain or loss, long term or short term, as the case may be, in an amount equal to the difference between:

 

    The amount realized by the optionee upon that disposition of that share; and

 

    The option price paid by the optionee (increased by the amount of ordinary income, if any, so recognized by the optionee on the transaction).

If payment of the option exercise price is made entirely in cash, the tax basis of the shares will be equal to the amount that was paid for the stock, and the shares holding period will begin on the day after the exercise date. If the optionee uses already owned shares to exercise an option in whole or in part, the transaction will not be considered to be a taxable disposition of the already owned shares. The optionee’s tax basis of the already owned shares will be carried over to the equivalent number of shares received upon exercise; the tax basis of the additional shares received upon exercise will be the amount that was originally paid for the stock that was carried over, and the holding period for such additional shares will begin on the date after the exercise date.

Under §162 (m) of the Internal Revenue Code, certain compensation payments in excess of $1 million are subject to a limitation on deductibility for Heritage. The limitation on deductibility applies with respect to that portion of a compensation payment for a taxable year in excess of $1 million to either Heritage’s Chief Executive Officer or any one of the other four most highly compensated executive officers. Certain performance-based compensation is not subject to the limitation on the deductibility. Options can qualify for this performance-based exception, but only if they are granted at fair market value, the total number of shares that can be granted to an executive for any period as stated, and stockholder and Board of Directors approval is obtained. The 2006 Incentive Plan has been drafted to allow compliance with those performance-based criteria.

 

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Accounting for Stock Options

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. This Statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. Adoption of the Statement impacts the Company’s consolidated financial statements by requiring compensation expense to be recorded for the unvested portion of stock options, which have been granted or are subsequently granted.

Awards Under the 2006 Incentive Plan

Awards of options for the purchase of 100,350 shares have conditionally been made under the 2006 Incentive Plan. In the event the 2006 Incentive Plan is not approved by the stockholders of Heritage, those options already granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan shall be null and void. Since Awards under the 2006 Incentive Plan are discretionary, Heritage cannot currently determine a number of shares that will be subject to Awards in the future pursuant to the 2006 Incentive Plan.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF THE 2006 INCENTIVE PLAN.

PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF THE HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

DIRECTOR NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN OF 2006

Background

In October 1994, Heritage Bank’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1994 Plan”), providing for the award of restricted stock to a key officer, incentive stock options to employees and non-qualified stock options to directors of Heritage Bank, all at the discretion of the Board of Directors. In October 1996, the stockholders of Heritage Bank approved the adoption of the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1997 Plan”), which generally is similar to the 1994 Plan. The 1997 Plan did not affect options granted under the 1994 Plan.

In October 1998, Heritage’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1998 Plan”). By adopting the 1998 Plan, the Board of Directors of Heritage terminated the 1994 Plan and the 1997 Plan.

Under the 1998 Plan, Heritage reserved 414,750 shares of common stock for the issuance of stock options which could be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options and, as a part of a Management Recognition Plan, up to an additional 69,431 shares of common stock were reserved for award as restricted stock.

In April 2002, Heritage’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 2002 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“2002 Plan”). Under the 2002 Plan, Heritage reserved 451,500 shares of common stock for the issuance of incentive stock options, 73,500 shares of common stock for the issuance of nonqualified stock options and up to an additional 52,500 shares of common stock were reserved for award as restricted stock.

The 2006 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan

Subject to stockholder approval, the Board of Directors has adopted a Heritage Financial Corporation Director Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of 2006 (“2006 Nonqualified Plan”). The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders approve the 2006 Nonqualified Plan. The Board believes that the 2006 Nonqualified Plan will benefit Heritage and its existing and any future subsidiaries by providing directors of Heritage and its subsidiaries with a proprietary interest in Heritage as an incentive to contribute to the success of Heritage. The purpose of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan is to promote Heritage’s success by aligning director financial interests with long term stockholder value. A copy of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit B.

 

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Description of the 2006 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan

The following is a summary of the principal provisions of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by the express terms of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan.

Purpose

The purpose of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan is to:

 

    Enhance the long term profitability and stockholder value of Heritage by offering stock based incentives to directors of Heritage or its subsidiaries;

 

    Attract and retain the best available personnel as directors of Heritage and its subsidiaries; and

 

    Encourage directors to acquire and maintain stock ownership in Heritage.

Administration

The 2006 Nonqualified Plan presently is administered by Heritage’s Board of Directors. In addition to its authority to grant stock options, as described below, the Board of Directors is authorized to administer and interpret the 2006 Nonqualified Plan subject to its express provisions.

Shares Subject to the 2006 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan

Under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan, a maximum of 75,000 shares of common stock would be reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options.

Persons Who May Participate

Awards may be granted under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan to those directors of Heritage or its subsidiaries as the Board of Directors from time to time selects. If the 2006 Nonqualified Plan is approved by the stockholders at the annual meeting, there will be approximately eleven directors eligible to participate in the 2006 Nonqualified Plan.

Types of Awards

Awards granted under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan will be non-qualified stock options (“NSOs”).

Terms and Conditions of Awards

Each Award granted under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan must be evidenced by a written agreement duly executed on behalf of Heritage. Each agreement will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan. An agreement may also contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the 2006 Nonqualified Plan as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

Stock Option Grants

The exercise price for each option granted under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan will be determined by the Board of Directors, but will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of Heritage’s common stock on the date of grant of a nonqualified stock option.

The options must be granted within ten years from the effective date of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan. The effective date of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan shall be the date that the Plan is approved by the shareholders at the 2006 annual shareholders meeting. The term of the outstanding options will be fixed by the Board of Directors. No nonqualified option pursuant to the 2006 Nonqualified Plan will be exercisable after five years from the date

 

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of grant. Each option will be exercisable pursuant to a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board of Directors. An option will not be deemed granted until the option is vested.

The 2006 Nonqualified Plan provides that options generally will be exercisable for up to one year after termination of service as a result of a death or disability, and for up to three months after all other terminations including termination due to a director’s failure to win re-election as a director, except for terminations for “cause” as defined in the 2006 Nonqualified Plan, in which case an option will immediately terminate.

Transferability

No option under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan will be assignable or otherwise transferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the recipient’s lifetime, may be exercised only by the recipient of the option.

Amendment and Termination of the 2006 Nonqualified Plan

The 2006 Nonqualified Plan may be modified, amended or terminated by the Board of Directors, except that stockholder approval is required for any amendment that:

 

    Increases the number of shares subject to the 2006 Nonqualified Plan (other than in connection with certain automatic adjustments such as stock splits or stock dividends); or

 

    Changes the class of eligible employees to anything other than the employees defined in the Plan; or

 

    Reduces the basis upon which the minimum option price is determined; or

 

    Extends the period within which the options under the Plan may be granted; or

 

    Provides for an option that is exercisable during a period of more than five years from the date it is granted.

The Board of Directors may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No such suspension or termination shall affect options then in effect.

Adjustment of Shares

In the event of any changes in the outstanding stock of Heritage by reason of a merger, acquisition, stock dividends, stock splits or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Heritage’s common stock effected without receipt of consideration by Heritage, the Board of Directors subject to any required action by the stockholders, shall make proportional adjustments in:

 

    The maximum number of shares subject to the 2006 Nonqualified Plan:

 

    The number of securities subject to any outstanding award; and

 

    The per share price of such securities.

The determination by the Board of Directors of the applicable adjustments is final.

Corporate Transactions

In the event that Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank has a change of control in which:

 

    An offeror other than Heritage purchases shares of the Common Stock of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

    Any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act) other than Heritage is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank representing 20% percent or more of the combined voting power of Heritage’s, Heritage Bank’s or Central Valley Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

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    The membership of the Board of Directors of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any 24 month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

    Shareholders of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Heritage’s, Heritage Bank’s or Central Valley Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to the transaction, all options will become 100% vested, subject to the other terms of the Plan.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

The federal income tax consequences to Heritage and to any person granted an Award under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan under existing applicable provisions of the Code and regulations thereunder are substantially as follows:

No income will be recognized by a participant upon the grant of a NSO. On the exercise of an NSO, the optionee will recognize taxable ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired over the option price and Heritage will be allowed a deduction in such amount. Upon a later sale of those shares, the optionee will have short term or long term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale and the tax basis of the shares sold. The tax basis of the shares will be equal to the amount paid as the exercise price plus the amount equal to the fair market value of the shares acquired over the exercise price, and the shares holding period will begin on the day after the exercise date.

Under §162 (m) of the Internal Revenue Code, certain compensation payments in excess of $1 million are subject to a limitation on deductibility for Heritage. The limitation on deductibility applies with respect to that portion of a compensation payment for a taxable year in excess of $1 million to either Heritage’s Chief Executive Officer or any one of the other four most highly compensated executive officers. Certain performance-based compensation is not subject to the limitation on the deductibility. Options can qualify for this performance-based exception, but only if they are granted at fair market value, the total number of shares that can be granted to an executive for any period as stated, and stockholder and Board of Directors approval is obtained. The 2006 Nonqualified Plan has been drafted to allow compliance with those performance-based criteria.

Accounting for Stock Options

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. This Statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. Adoption of the Statement impacts the Company’s consolidated financial statements by requiring compensation expense to be recorded for the unvested portion of stock options, which have been granted or are subsequently granted.

Awards Under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan

Awards of options for the purchase of 19,050 shares have conditionally been made under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan. In the event that the 2006 Nonqualified Plan is not approved by the stockholders of Heritage, those options already granted under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan shall be null and void. Since Awards under the 2006 Nonqualified Plan are discretionary, Heritage cannot currently determine a number of shares that will be subject to Awards in the future pursuant to the 2006 Nonqualified Plan.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF THE 2006 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN.

 

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PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN OF 2006

Background

In October 1994, Heritage Bank’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1994 Plan”), providing for the award of restricted stock to a key officer, incentive stock options to employees and non-qualified stock options to directors of Heritage Bank, all at the discretion of the Board of Directors. In October 1996, the stockholders of Heritage Bank approved the adoption of the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1997 Plan”), which generally was similar to the 1994 Plan. The 1997 Plan did not affect options granted under the 1994 Plan.

In October 1998, Heritage’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“1998 Plan”). By adopting the 1998 Plan, the Board of Directors of Heritage terminated the 1994 Plan and the 1997 Plan.

Under the 1998 Plan, Heritage reserved 414,750 shares of common stock for the issuance of incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options and, as a part of a Management Recognition Plan, up to an additional 69,431 shares of common stock were reserved for award as restricted stock. All of the 414,750 shares of Common Stock reserved for the issuance of Stock Option have been granted under the 1998 Plan.

In April 2002, Heritage’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 2002 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Plan (“2002 Plan”). Under the 2002 Plan, Heritage reserved 451,500 shares of common stock for the issuance of incentive stock options, 73,500 shares of common stock for the issuance of nonqualified stock options and up to an additional 52,500 shares of common stock were reserved for award as restricted stock.

The 2006 Restricted Stock Plan

Subject to stockholder approval, the Board of Directors has adopted a Heritage Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Plan of 2006 (“2006 Restricted Stock Plan”). The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders approve the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan. The Board believes that the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan will benefit Heritage and its existing and any future subsidiaries by rewarding employees of Heritage and its subsidiaries for outstanding performance and attainment of targeted objectives. The purpose of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan is to promote Heritage’s success by aligning employee financial interests with long term stockholder value. A copy of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit C.

Description of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan

The following is a summary of the principal provisions of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by the express terms of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan.

Purpose

The purpose of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan is to:

 

    Enhance the long term profitability and stockholder value of Heritage by offering stock based incentives to employees of Heritage or its subsidiaries;

 

    Attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of responsibility with Heritage and its subsidiaries; and

 

    Encourage employees to acquire and maintain stock ownership in Heritage.

Administration

The 2006 Restricted Stock Plan is administered by Heritage’s Board of Directors (or a committee designated by the Board of Directors). In addition to its authority to grant awards of restricted stock, as described below, the Board of Directors is authorized to administer and interpret the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan subject to its express provisions.

 

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Shares Subject to the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan

Under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan, a maximum of 25,000 shares of common stock would be reserved for award as restricted stock.

Persons Who May Participate

Awards may be granted under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan to those employees of, and persons offered employment by, Heritage or its subsidiaries as the Board of Directors from time to time selects. If the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan is approved by the stockholders at the annual meeting, there will be approximately 211 employees, including executive officers, eligible to participate in the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan.

Type of Awards

Awards granted under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan will be restricted stock awards.

Terms and Conditions of Awards

Each Award granted under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan must be evidenced by a written agreement duly executed on behalf of Heritage. Each agreement will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan. An agreement may also contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

Restricted Stock Awards

As part of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan, the Board of Directors is authorized to make awards of common stock on such terms and conditions and subject to such restrictions, if any (whether based on performance standards, periods of service or otherwise), as the Board of Directors may determine. Restrictions may include repurchase or forfeiture rights in favor of Heritage.

Transferability

No Award under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan will be assignable or otherwise transferable prior to the date the restricted shares vest, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

Amendment and Termination of the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan

The 2006 Incentive Plan may be modified, amended or terminated by the Board of Directors, except that stockholder approval is required for any amendment that:

 

    Increases the number of shares subject to the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan (other than in connection with certain automatic adjustments such as stock splits); or

 

    Changes in any respect the class of persons who are eligible to be participants; or

 

    Extends the maximum period for granting Awards; or

 

    Otherwise materially increases the benefits accruing to participants under the Plan.

Adjustment of Shares

In the event of any changes in the outstanding stock of Heritage by reason of stock dividends, stock splits or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Heritage’s common stock effected without receipt of consideration by Heritage, the Board of Directors subject to any required action by the stockholders, shall adjust any or all of the number and kind of shares of common stock which thereafter may be awarded under the Plan or which are subject to outstanding Awards.

 

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Corporate Transactions

In the event that Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank has a change of control in which:

 

    An offeror other than Heritage purchases shares of the Common Stock of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

    Any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act) other than Heritage is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank representing 20% percent or more of the combined voting power of Heritage’s, Heritage Bank’s or Central Valley Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

    The membership of the Board of Directors of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any 24 month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

    Shareholders of Heritage, Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Heritage’s, Heritage Bank’s or Central Valley Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to the transaction, the transferability and forfeiture restrictions shall lapse and all shares will become fully vested, subject to the other terms of the Plan.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

The federal income tax consequences to Heritage and to any person granted an Award under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan under existing applicable provisions of the Code and regulations thereunder are substantially as follows:

Upon the receipt of shares under stock awards subject to vesting and other substantial restrictions, a participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income when the shares cease to be subject to such restrictions in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at that time over the amount, if any, paid for such shares. However, within 30 days after the date the shares are transferred, a participant may elect under § 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to recognize taxable ordinary income at the time of receipt in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid for such shares and any appreciation after the date of transfer will be taxed as long term or short term capital gain when the shares are sold. In that case, no additional income will be recognized by a participant upon the lapse of restrictions on the shares and any appreciation after the date of transfer will be taxed as long or short term capital gain when the shares are sold. However, if the shares are subsequently forfeited, a participant may not deduct the ordinary income recognized at the time of receipt of the shares and the participant will have a capital loss equal to the amount, if any, paid for such shares.

Upon the receipt of shares that are not subject to restrictions, other than restrictions on transfer, a participant generally will recognize taxable ordinary income at the time of receipt. The participant’s holding period for the shares will begin at the time taxable income is recognized under these rules, and the tax basis on the shares will be the amount of ordinary income so recognized plus the amount, if any, paid for the shares. Any dividends received on the restricted shares prior to the date the participant recognizes income as described above will be taxable ordinary income when received.

Awards Under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan

No Awards have been made under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan. Since Awards under the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan are discretionary, Heritage cannot currently determine a number of shares that will be subject to Awards in the future pursuant to the 2006 Restricted Stock Plan.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF THE 2006 RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN.

 

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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders to file reports of their ownership and any changes in ownership of Heritage securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders are required by regulation to provide Heritage with a copy of any Section 16(a) reports they file. Based on Heritage’s review of copies of these reports received by it and written representations made to Heritage by these persons, Heritage believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders were complied with during the year ended December 31, 2005.

INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

During the year ended December 31, 2005, several directors and executive officers of Heritage and Heritage Bank and their associates, were customers of Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank, and it is anticipated that these persons will continue to be customers of Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank in the future. All transactions between Heritage Bank and Central Valley Bank and its executive officers and directors, and their associates, were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and, in the opinion of management, did not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The firm of KPMG LLP performed the audit of the consolidated financial statements of Heritage and its subsidiaries for the period ended December 31, 2005. The Audit and Finance Committee has retained KPMG LLP as independent auditors of Heritage and its subsidiaries for the year ending December 31, 2006, subject to the terms of an engagement letter with that firm. Stockholders are not required to take action on this retention. Representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the annual meeting. They will have the opportunity to present a statement if they desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Fees for services provided by KPMG during 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

     2005    2004

Audit fees (1)

   $ 280,290    $ 250,820
             

Other Fees:

     

Audit related

   $ —      $ —  

Tax fees

     44,800      35,530

All other fees

     —        —  
             

Total

   $ 44,800    $ 35,530
             

(1) Fee includes amounts related to the audits of the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting and quarterly reviews.

 

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STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2007 ANNUAL MEETING

Stockholders interested in presenting a proposal for consideration at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2007 may do so by following the procedures prescribed in Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. To be eligible for inclusion, stockholder proposals must be received by Heritage no later than November 17, 2006.

OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the annual meeting. If other matters are properly brought before the annual meeting, the persons appointed in the proxy intend to vote the shares represented by the proxy according to their best judgment.

We urge you to sign and return the enclosed proxy as soon as possible, whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting in person. If you do attend the annual meeting, you then may withdraw your proxy and vote in person. The proxy may be withdrawn at any time prior to voting.

MISCELLANEOUS

Heritage’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2005 has been mailed along with this proxy statement to all stockholders of record as of March 10, 2006. Any stockholder who has not received a copy of this annual report may obtain a copy by writing to Heritage. The annual report is not to be treated as part of the proxy solicitation material or having been incorporated by reference in this proxy statement.

A copy of Heritage’s Form 10-K that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2006 will be provided to you without charge if you are a stockholder of Heritage as of March 10, 2006. Please make your written request to Edward D. Cameron, Secretary, Heritage Financial Corporation, 201 5th Avenue S.W., Olympia, Washington 98501.

 

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Exhibit A

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN OF 2006

 

1. Purpose of Plan

The purpose of this Stock Option Plan (“Plan”) is to aid Heritage Bank and Central Valley Bank (collectively, “Banks”) and any other Subsidiary of Heritage Financial Corporation (“Company”) or the Bank (“Other Subsidiary”), in securing and retaining employees of outstanding ability by making it possible to offer them an increased incentive, in the form of a proprietary interest in Heritage Financial Corporation, to join or continue in the service of the Bank and/or Other Subsidiary and to increase their efforts for its welfare and success.

 

2. Definitions

As used in this Plan, the following words shall have the following meanings:

 

  (a) “Banks” means Heritage Bank, a Washington state bank and Central Valley Bank, a Washington state bank;

 

  (b) “Board” means the Boards of Directors of the Banks;

 

  (c) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

 

  (d) “Common Stock” means the no par common stock of Heritage Financial Corporation;

 

  (e) “Company” means Heritage Financial Corporation, a Washington corporation;

 

  (f) “Disability” means the Participant’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months;

 

  (g) “Employee” means any person in the regular year-round, full-time and year-round, part-time common law employment of the Banks or any Subsidiary, as an executive or non-executive officer or employee thereof;

 

  (h) “Incentive Stock Option” means a stock option to purchase shares of Common Stock, which is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option defined in Code Section 422;

 

  (i) “Option” means an Incentive Stock Option;

 

  (j) “Parent” means any corporation in an unbroken chain of corporations if each of the corporations owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain;

 

  (k) “Participant” means a person to whom an Option is granted that has not expired and ceased to be exercisable under the Plan; and

 

  (l) “Subsidiary” means any corporation other than the Banks in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with either of the Banks if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

 

3. Administration of Plan

The Plan shall be administered by the Company’s Board of Directors. In the event that a director of the Board is eligible to be selected for the grant of an Option, during such membership as a director, such director shall recuse himself or herself and not participate in the discussion nor vote on the award of the Option to him or her. The Company’s Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to administer, construe and interpret

 

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the Plan, to make rules for carrying it out and to make changes in such rules. The affirmative votes of a majority of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors shall be required to resolve any differences of opinion in regard to the administration of the plan.

 

4. Granting of Options and $100,000 Limitation

The Board may from time to time grant Options under the Plan to such Employees and subject to the limitations of paragraph (a) of Section 7, for such number of shares as the Board may determine after receiving recommendations from the Compensation Committee or the executive officers of the Banks and/or Other Subsidiary that employs the Participant. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board may impose such terms and conditions as it deems advisable on the grant of an Option. Any of the foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, the following limitations shall apply to the grant of any Incentive Stock Option:

 

  (a) The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, of the stock exercised by a Participant for the first time during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000.

 

  (b) Any Option granted to a Participant, who immediately before such grant owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock either of Heritage, the Bank, or any Subsidiary shall not be an Incentive Stock Option, unless (i) at the time such Option is granted the Option price per share is not less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the optioned stock’s then fair market value; and (ii) the Option shall not be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of the grant of the Option.

 

5. Terms of Options

The terms of each Option granted under the Plan shall be as determined from time to time by the Board and shall be set forth in an Incentive Stock Option Agreement in a form attached hereto as Exhibit “A” for Participants who are employees of Heritage Bank or Central Valley Bank and a similar form for Participants who are employees of Other Subsidiaries and approved by the Board; provided, however, the terms of such agreement shall not exceed the following limitations:

 

  (a) Subject to paragraph (b) of Section 4 with regard to 10% owners, the Option price per share shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the fair market value of the optioned stock at the time the Option is granted.

 

  (b) Subject to paragraph (e) of this Section, the Option shall be exercisable in whole or in part from time to time during the period beginning on date of grant of the Option, and ending no later than the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, unless an earlier expiration date shall be stated in the Option or the Option shall cease to be exercisable pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section 5.

 

  (c) Payment in full of the Option price for shares purchased pursuant to an Option shall be made upon exercise of the Option (in whole or in part) and shall be made in cash, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.

 

  (d) If a Participant’s employment with Heritage Bank, Central Valley Bank and/or Other Subsidiary terminates, the following rules shall apply:

 

  (i) If a Participant’s employment with Heritage Bank, Central Valley Bank and/or Other Subsidiary terminates other than by reason of the Participant’s death, disability or retirement after reaching age 65, the Participant’s Option shall thereupon expire and cease to be exercisable upon the expiration of the earlier of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, or three (3) months from the date of such termination.

 

  (ii) If the Participant’s employment with Heritage Bank, Central Valley Bank and/or Other Subsidiary terminates by reason of his death, the Participant’s Option shall terminate and cease to be exercisable upon the expiration of the earlier of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, or one (1) year from the date of death. Such Option may be exercised by the duly appointed personal representative of the deceased Participant’s estate.

 

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  (iii) If a Participant’s employment with Heritage Bank, Central Valley Bank or Other Subsidiary terminates by reason of Disability, the Participant’s Option shall terminate and cease to be exercisable upon the expiration of the earlier of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, or one (1) year from the date of such termination in the case of disability.

 

  (iv) If a Participant’s employment with Heritage Bank, Central Valley Bank and/or Other Subsidiary terminates by reason of retirement after reaching age 65 (other than for Disability), the Participant’s Option shall expire and cease to be exercisable upon the expiration of the earlier of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, or three (3) months from the date of such termination.

 

  (v) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if a Participant’s employment with Heritage Bank, Central Valley Bank and/or Other Subsidiary is terminated for cause (fraud, embezzlement, failure to perform job responsibilities, etc.) as determined by the Board, in the Board’s sole discretion, or if a Participant competes with the Banks or Other Subsidiary, any Option granted to that Participant shall be immediately revoked and terminated and the Participant shall have no further rights under this Plan. For purposes of this Plan, competition with the Banks or Other Subsidiary shall include direct or indirect ownership of or employment with a financial services business within a 100 mile radius of any office operated by the Banks or any Subsidiaries.

 

  (e) Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the options granted hereunder shall vest as set forth in a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board at the time the Options are granted and such vesting schedule shall be set forth in the Incentive Stock Option Agreement executed at the time the Option is granted. In the event that an Option includes a vesting schedule, the Option will be deemed to be granted on the date the Option vests for purposes of determining the term of the Option.

In the event that the Company has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

 

  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of the Company changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of the Company approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to any such transaction, the vesting schedule shall not be applicable and the holder of any options granted hereunder shall be 100% vested in such options, subject to the other terms and conditions herein.

In the event that Heritage Bank has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of the Common Stock of Heritage Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other then the Company is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Heritage Bank representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of Heritage Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

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  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of Heritage Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of Heritage Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Heritage Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to any such transaction, the vesting schedule shall not be applicable and the holder of any options granted hereunder as a result of his or her employment with Heritage Bank shall be 100% vested in such options, subject to the other terms and conditions herein.

In the event that Central Valley Bank has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of the Common Stock of Central Valley Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Company is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Central Valley Bank representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of Central Valley Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of Central Valley Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of Central Valley Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Central Valley Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to any such transaction, the vesting schedule shall not be applicable and the holder of any options granted hereunder as a result of his or her employment with Central Valley Bank shall be 100% vested in such options, subject to the other terms and conditions herein.

 

6. Exercise of Options

The holder of an Option who decides to exercise the Option in whole or in part shall give notice to the Secretary of the appropriate Bank of such exercise in writing on a form approved by the Board. Options must be exercised in 50 share increments. Any exercise shall be effective as of the date specified in the notice of exercise, but not earlier than the date the notice of exercise and payment in full of the Option price in cash is actually received and in the hands of the Secretary of the appropriate Bank. However, in lieu of making a cash payment, the holder of an Option (a) may deliver or cause to be withheld from the Option shares, shares of Common Stock (valued at their fair market value on the date of exercise, determined by the Board of Directors) in satisfaction of all or any part of the exercise price or (b) if approved by the Board of Directors, delivery of an interest bearing promissory note, payable to the Company or the appropriate Bank with interest, collateral, and under terms prescribed by the Company, in payment of all or part of the exercise price at the time of exercise.

 

7. Limitations and Conditions

 

  (a) The total number of shares of Common Stock that may be optioned as Incentive Stock Options under the Plan is 400,000 shares of the Company’s no par common stock. Such total number of shares may consist, in whole or in part, of unissued shares or reacquired shares. The foregoing numbers of shares may be increased or decreased by the events set forth in Section 9.

 

  (b)

There shall be no limitations on the amount of shares of Common Stock that may be optioned as Incentive Stock Options under the Plan as set forth in Section 7(a) above, on an annual basis. The amount of shares to be optioned, within the total limitation set forth in Section 7(a) above, shall be

 

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determined solely at the discretion of the Board as set forth herein. If there is a proposed acquisition, merger, change of control or other takeover of the Bank that employs the Participant as provided for in Section 5(e) of this Plan, the Board, at its sole discretion, may issue any options authorized under this Plan but unissued prior to such time.

 

  (c) Any shares that have been optioned that cease to be subject to an Option (other than by reason of exercise of the Option) shall again be available for option and shall not be considered as having been theretofore optioned.

 

  (d) No Option shall be granted under the Plan after April 27, 2016 (10 years after the effective date, which effective date is the date this Plan is approved by the Company’s shareholders), and the Plan shall terminate on such date, but Options theretofore granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the Plan. At the time an Option is granted or amended or the terms or conditions of an Option are changed, the Board may provide for limitations or conditions on the exercisability of the Option.

 

  (e) An Option shall not be transferable by the Participant otherwise than by Will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Participant, an Option shall only be exercisable by the Participant.

 

  (f) No person shall have any rights of a stockholder as to shares under option until, after proper exercise of the Option, such shares shall have been recorded on the Company’s official stockholder records as having been issued or transferred.

 

  (g) The Banks shall not be obligated to deliver any shares until there has been compliance with such laws or regulations as the Banks may deem applicable. Each Bank shall use its best efforts to effect such compliance. In addition to the foregoing and not by way of limitation, the Banks may require that the person exercising the Option represent and warrant at the time of such exercise that any shares acquired by exercise are being acquired only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares, if, in the opinion of counsel for the Banks, such a representation is required under the Securities Act of 1933 or any other applicable law, regulation or rule of any governmental agency.

 

8. Transfers and Leaves of Absence

For the purposes of the Plan: (a) a transfer of a Participant’s employment without an intervening period from Heritage Bank to Central Valley Bank or other subsidiary or vice versa, or from one Subsidiary to another or from Parent to Subsidiary or vice versa, shall not be deemed a termination of employment, and (b) an Employee who is granted in writing a leave of absence of no more than ninety (90) days, or if more than ninety (90) days, which guarantees his employment with the appropriate Bank or Other Subsidiary at the end of such leave, shall be deemed to have remained in the employ of the appropriate Bank or Other Subsidiary during such leave of absence.

 

9. Stock Adjustments

In the event of any merger, consolidation, stock dividend, split-up, combination or exchange of shares or recapitalization or change in capitalization, the total number of shares set forth in paragraph (a) of Section 7 shall be proportionately and appropriately adjusted. In any such case, the number and kind of shares that are subject to any Option (including any Option outstanding after termination of employment) and the Option price per share shall be proportionately and appropriately adjusted without any change in the aggregate Option price to be paid therefor upon the exercise of the Option. The determination by the Board as to the terms of any of the foregoing adjustments shall be conclusive and binding.

 

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10. Amendment and Termination

 

  (a) The Board shall have the power to amend the Plan, including the power to change the amount of the aggregate fair market value of the shares for which any Employee may be granted Incentive Stock Options under Section 4 to the extent provided in Code Section 422. It shall not, however, except as otherwise provided in the Plan, increase the maximum number of shares authorized for the Plan, nor change the class of eligible employees to other than Employees as defined herein, nor reduce the basis upon which the minimum Option price is determined, nor extend the period within which Options under the Plan may be granted, nor provide for an Option that is exercisable during a period of more than five (5) years from the date it is granted. It shall have no power (without the consent of the person or persons at the time entitled to exercise the Option) to change the terms and conditions of any Option after the Option is granted in a manner that would adversely affect the rights of such persons except to the extent, if any, provided in the Option.

 

  (b) The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No such suspension or termination shall affect Options then in effect.

 

11. No Employment Right

The grant of an Option hereunder shall not constitute an agreement or understanding, expressed or implied, on the part of Heritage Bank, Central Valley Bank or any Subsidiary, to employ the Participant for any specified period and shall not confer upon any employee the right to continue in the employment of the appropriate Bank or any Subsidiary, nor affect any right which the Bank or Subsidiary may have to terminate the employment of such employee.

 

12. Effective Date

The Plan is adopted on and shall be effective as of                     , 2006.

 

Heritage Bank

By: 

    

Printed Name: 

    

Title: 

    

Central Valley Bank

By: 

    

Printed Name: 

    

Title: 

    

 

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Exhibit B

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

DIRECTOR NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN OF 2006

 

1. Purpose of Plan

The purpose of this Non-qualified Stock Option Plan (“Plan”) is to aid Heritage Financial Corporation (“Company”), Heritage Bank and Central Valley Bank (collectively the “Banks”), or any subsidiary of either entity (“Other Subsidiary”) in securing and retaining members of the Boards of Directors for each entity of outstanding ability by making it possible to offer them an increased incentive, in the form of a proprietary interest in Heritage Financial Corporation, to join or continue in the service as a director and to increase their efforts for its welfare and success.

 

2. Definitions

As used in this Plan, the following words shall have the following meanings:

 

  (a) “Board” or “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the entity indicated herein;

 

  (b) “Common Shares” means the no par common shares of the Company;

 

  (c) “Company” means Heritage Financial Corporation a Washington Corporation;

 

  (d) “Banks” means Heritage Bank, a Washington state bank and Central Valley Bank, a Washington state bank;

 

  (e) “Disability” means the Participant’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months;

 

  (f) “Stock Option” means a stock option to purchase Common Shares;

 

  (g) “Option” means a Stock Option;

 

  (h) “Parent” means any corporation in an unbroken chain of corporations if each of the corporations owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain;

 

  (i) “Participant” means a person to whom an Option is granted that has not expired and ceased to be exercisable under the Plan; and

 

  (j) “Subsidiary” means any corporation other than the Banks in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Banks if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

 

3. Administration of Plan

The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Board of Directors of the Company shall have the power and authority to administer, construe and interpret the Plan, to make rules for carrying it out and to make changes in such rules. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be required to resolve any differences of opinion in regard to administration of the Plan.

 

4. Granting of Options

The Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time grant Options under the Plan to the Directors of the Company, the Banks, or the Other Subsidiaries, subject to the limitations of paragraph (a) of Section 7, for such number of shares as such Board may determine after receiving recommendations from the compensation committee for the Company. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, such Board may impose such terms and conditions as it deems advisable on the grant of an Option.

 

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5. Terms of Options

The terms of each Option granted under the Plan shall be as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company and shall be set forth in a Stock Option Agreement in a form attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and approved by such Board; provided, however, the terms of such agreement shall not exceed the following limitations:

 

  (a) The Option price per share shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the fair market value of the optioned stock at the time the Option is granted. Subject to paragraph (d) of this Section, the Option shall be exercisable in whole or in part from time to time during the period beginning on date of grant of the Option, and ending no later than the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, unless an earlier expiration date shall be stated in the Option or the Option shall cease to be exercisable pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 5.

 

  (b) Payment in full of the Option price for shares purchased pursuant to an Option shall be made upon exercise of the Option (in whole or in part) and shall be made in cash.

 

  (c) If a Participant’s service as a member of the Board of Directors terminates, the following rules shall apply:

 

  (i) If a Participant’s service as a member of the Board of Directors terminates other than by reason of the Participant’s death, disability or retirement after reaching age 65, and including termination due to the Participant’s not being reelected as a Director by the shareholder or shareholders, the Participant’s Option shall thereupon expire and cease to be exercisable upon the expiration of the earlier of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, or three (3) months from the date of such termination.

 

  (ii) If the Participant’s service as a member of the Board of Directors terminates by reason of his death, the Participant’s Option shall terminate and cease to be exercisable upon the expiration of the earlier of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, or one (1) year from the date of death. Such Option may be exercised by the duly appointed personal representative of the deceased Participant’s estate.

 

  (iii) If a Participant’s service as a member of the Board of Directors terminates by reason of Disability, the Participant’s Option shall terminate and cease to be exercisable upon the expiration of the earlier of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, or one (1) year from the date of such termination in the case of disability.

 

  (iv) If a Participant’s service as a member of the Board of Directors terminates by reason of voluntary retirement or after reaching the age, if any, specified for retirement in the appropriate Bylaws (other than for Disability), the Participant’s Option shall expire and cease to be exercisable upon the expiration of the earlier of five (5) years from the date of grant of the Option, or three (3) months from the date of such termination.

 

  (v) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if a Participant’s service as a member of the Board of Directors is terminated for cause (fraud, embezzlement, failure to perform responsibilities, etc.) as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, any Option granted to that Participant shall be immediately revoked and terminated and the Participant shall have no further rights under this Plan.

 

  (d) Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the Options granted hereunder shall vest as set forth in a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company at the time the Options are granted and such vesting schedule shall be set forth in the Stock Option Agreement executed at the time the Option is granted. In the event that an Option includes a vesting schedule, the Option will be deemed to be granted on the date the Option vests for purposes of determining the term of the Option.

 

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In the event that the Company has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

 

  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of the Company changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of the Company approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to any such transaction, the vesting schedule shall not be applicable and the holder of any options granted hereunder shall be 100% vested in such options, subject to the other terms and conditions herein.

In the event that Heritage Bank has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of the Common Stock of Heritage Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Company is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Heritage Bank representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of Heritage Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of Heritage Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of Heritage Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Heritage Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to any such transaction, the vesting schedule shall not be applicable and the holder of any options granted hereunder as a result of serving on the Board of Directors of Heritage Bank shall be 100% vested in such options, subject to the other terms and conditions herein.

In the event that Central Valley Bank has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of the Common Stock of Central Valley Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Company is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Central Valley Bank representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of Central Valley Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of Central Valley Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of Central Valley Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Central Valley Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

 

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then immediately prior to any such transaction, the vesting schedule shall not be applicable and the holder of any options granted hereunder as a result of serving on the Board of Directors of Central Valley Bank shall be 100% vested in such options, subject to the other terms and conditions herein.

 

6. Exercise of Options

The holder of an Option who decides to exercise the Option in whole or in part shall give notice to the Secretary of the Company of such exercise in writing on a form approved by such Board. Options must be exercised in 50 share increments. Any exercise shall be effective as of the date specified in the notice of exercise, but not earlier than the date the notice of exercise and payment in full of the Option price is actually received and in the hands of the Secretary of the Company.

 

7. Limitations and Conditions

 

  (a) The total number of Common Shares that may be optioned as Stock Options under the Plan is 75,000 shares of the Company’s no par common stock. Such total number of shares may consist, in whole or in part, of unissued shares or reacquired shares. The foregoing numbers of shares may be increased or decreased by the events set forth in Section 8.

 

  (b) There shall be no limitations on the amount of Common Shares that may be optioned as Stock Options under the Plan as set forth in Section 7(a) above, on an annual basis. The amount of shares to be optioned, within the total limitation set forth in Section 7(a) above, shall be determined solely at the discretion of the Board as set forth herein. If there is a proposed acquisition, merger, change of control or other takeover of the Company or the Bank as defined in Section 5(d) of this Plan, the Board of Directors of the Company, at its sole discretion, may issue any Options authorized under this Plan but unissued prior to such time.

 

  (c) Any shares that have been optioned that cease to be subject to an Option (other than by reason of exercise of the Option) shall again be available for option and shall not be considered as having been theretofore optioned.

 

  (d) No Option shall be granted under the Plan after April 27, 2016 (10 years after the effective date, which effective date is the date this Plan is approved by he Company’s shareholders), and the Plan shall terminate on such date, but Options theretofore granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the Plan. At the time an Option is granted or amended or the terms or conditions of an Option are changed, the Board may provide for limitations or conditions on the exercisability of the Option.

 

  (e) An Option shall not be transferable by the Participant otherwise than by Will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Participant, an Option shall only be exercisable by the Participant.

 

  (f) No person shall have any rights of a stockholder as to shares under option until, after proper exercise of the Option, such shares shall have been recorded on the Company’s official stockholder records as having been issued or transferred.

 

  (g) The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any shares until there has been compliance with such laws or regulations as the Company may deem applicable. The Company shall use its best efforts to effect such compliance. In addition to the foregoing and not by way of limitation, The Company may require that the person exercising the Option represent and warrant at the time of such exercise that any shares acquired by exercise are being acquired only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares, if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any other applicable law, regulation or rule of any governmental agency.

 

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8. Stock Adjustments

In the event of any merger, consolidation, stock dividend, split-up, combination or exchange of shares or recapitalization or change in capitalization, the total number of shares set forth in paragraph (a) of Section 7 shall be proportionately and appropriately adjusted. In any such case, the number and kind of shares that are subject to any Option (including any Option outstanding after termination of service as a member of the Board of Directors) and the Option price per share shall be proportionately and appropriately adjusted without any change in the aggregate Option price to be paid therefor upon the exercise of the Option. The determination by the Board of Directors of the Company as to the terms of any of the foregoing adjustments shall be conclusive and binding.

 

9. Amendment and Termination

 

  (a) The Board of Directors of the Company shall have the power to amend the Plan. It shall not, however, except as otherwise provided in the Plan, increase the maximum number of shares authorized for the Plan, nor change the eligible persons to other than members of the Board of Directors of the Company, the Banks or the Other Subsidiaries, nor reduce the basis upon which the minimum Option price is determined, nor extend the period within which Options under the Plan may be granted, nor provide for an Option that is exercisable during a period of more than five (5) years from the date it is granted. It shall have no power (without the consent of the person or persons at the time entitled to exercise the Option) to change the terms and conditions of any Option after the Option is granted in a manner that would adversely affect the rights of such persons except to the extent, if any, provided in the Option.

 

  (b) The Board of Directors of the Company may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No such suspension or termination shall affect Options then in effect.

 

10. Effective Date

The Plan is adopted on and shall be effective as of                     , 2006.

 

   
Secretary of Heritage Financial Corporation

 

B-5


Exhibit C

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN OF 2006

 

1. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN. The purpose of this Plan is to increase the proprietary and vested interest of key Employees of The Company in the growth, development, and financial success of the Company by granting them awards of Restricted Shares.

 

2. DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

 

  a. “Affiliate” shall mean the Banks or any present or future corporation that would be a “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as defined in Section 424(f) and (g) of the Code.

 

  b. “Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Shares under the Plan.

 

  c. “Banks” shall mean Heritage Bank, a Washington state bank and Central Valley Bank, a Washington state bank.

 

  d. “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Bank.

 

  e. “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

  f. “Committee” shall mean the Board or the committee of the Board designated by the Board to administer the Plan.

 

  g. “Common Stock” shall mean the Company’s no par value common stock.

 

  h. “Company” shall mean Heritage Financial Corporation, a Washington corporation.

 

  i. “Designated Beneficiary” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.b. hereof.

 

  j. “Disability” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

 

  k. “Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.a. hereof.

 

  l. “Employee” shall mean any person who is currently employed by the Company or an Affiliate, including officers and officers who are members of the board.

 

  m. “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

  n. “Participant” means an Employee to whom an award of Restricted Shares is granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

  o. “Plan” shall mean this Restricted Stock Plan.

 

  p. “Restricted Shares” shall mean shares which are awarded to an Employee that are subject to the transfer and forfeitability restrictions described in Section 5.c.

 

  q. “Retirement” shall mean termination of services as an Employee at or after age 65.

 

3. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

 

  a. Number of Shares Reserved. The maximum number of shares that may be subject to Awards under this Plan shall be 25,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.b. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available a sufficient number of its shares of Common Stock to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. In the event that a trust is established in connection with the Plan pursuant to Section 7.d., the Company may authorize the trustees of the trust to purchase shares in the open market with funds contributed by the Company or the Bank and such shares shall be included in the number of shares that may be the subject of Awards. In the event that Restricted Shares are forfeited for any reason, such shares shall thereafter again be available for award pursuant to the Plan.

 

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  b. Changes in the Company’s Shares. In the event that the Committee shall determine that any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, stock split, spin-off, combination, or exchange of Common Stock or other similar corporate event affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is required in order to preserve the benefits or potential benefit intended under this Plan, the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of the number and kind of shares of Common Stock which thereafter may be awarded under the Plan, or which are subject to outstanding Awards.

 

4. ADMINISTRATION.

 

  a. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall have the power to interpret the Plan and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation, and application of the Plan as are consistent with its terms and provisions and to interpret, amend, or revoke any such rules. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee shall be binding upon all persons, including the Company, stockholders, directors, Participants and Designated Beneficiaries. The Secretary of the Company shall be authorized to implement the Plan in accordance with its terms, and to take such actions of a ministerial nature as shall be necessary to effectuate the intent and purposes thereof. No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the wares hereunder, and all members of the Board shall be fully protected by the Company in respect to any such action, determination, or interpretation.

 

  b. Designated Beneficiaries. If a Participant dies prior to receiving any payment due under the Plan, such payment shall be made to his Designated Beneficiary. A Participant’s Designated Beneficiary shall be the beneficiary specifically designated by a Participant in writing to receive amounts due the Participant in the event of the Participant’s death. A married Participant must obtain the written consent of his or her spouse to name someone other than the spouse as the sole primary (non-contingent) Designated Beneficiary. In the absence of an effective designation by the Participant (including lack of required spousal consent), Designated Beneficiary shall mean the Participant’s surviving spouse, if none, his estate.

 

5. RESTRICTED SHARES.

 

  a. Eligibility; Awards Under the Plan. Employees (including officers and employee directors of the Company) shall be eligible to participate in the Plan upon designation of the Committee. To the extent that Common Stock is available for grant under the Plan, the Committee may determine which of the Employees shall be granted an Award and the number of Restricted Shares covered by each Award. In selecting those Employees to whom Awards will be granted and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Awards, the Committee shall consider the position and responsibilities of the eligible Employees, the length and value of their services to the Company and its Affiliates, the compensation paid to the Employees and any other factors the Committee may deem relevant, and the Committee may request the written recommendation of the chief executive officer and other senior executive officers of the Company and its Affiliates.

 

  b. Fractions of Shares. Whenever under the terms of the Plan a fractional share would be required to be issued, the fractional shares shall be rounded up to the next full share.

 

  c. Terms of Awards. The Restricted Shares awarded hereunder shall be awarded only pursuant to a written agreement, which shall be executed by the Participant and a duly authorized officer of the Company and which shall contain the following terms and conditions:

 

  (1) An award of Restricted Shares must be accepted by the Participant within a period of sixty (60) days (or such other period as the Board may specify at grant) after the award date by the execution of a Restricted Share award agreement in the form provided by the Company;

 

C-2


  (2) A Participant shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge, assign, or otherwise encumber Restricted Shares awarded under the Plan prior to the date on which such shares vest, except in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution;

 

  (3) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Participant shall have, with respect to the Restricted Shares, all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including the right to vote such Shares and to receive any cash dividends declared thereon. Stock dividends, if any, issued with respect to Restricted Shares shall be treated as additional Restricted Shares that are subject to the same restrictions and other terms and conditions that apply with respect to the Restricted Shares with respect to which such dividends are paid; and

 

  (4) Subject to the applicable provisions of the Restricted Share Award agreement and this Section, a Participant’s interest in Shares shall immediately become fully vested and nonforfeitable, and the restrictions set forth herein shall lapse upon the sooner of (i) five (5) years from the date of the award of the Restricted Stock, (ii) upon the Participant’s Retirement, death, or Disability, or (iii) upon the effective date of a change in control as outlined in Section 6.

 

  d. Stock Certificates. A stock certificate registered in the name of each Participant receiving a Restricted Share Award (or in the name of a trustee for the benefit of each Participant) shall be issued in respect of such shares. Such certificate shall bear whatever appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Award as the Board shall determine. The Board may, in its sole discretion, require that the stock certificates evidencing Restricted Shares be held in custody by the Company (or in trust by a trustee) until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed.

 

6. CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS.

In the event that the Company has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

 

  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of the Company changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of the Company Heritage Financial Corporation approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to any such transaction, the transferability and forfeiture restrictions placed on any Restricted Shares by Section 4.2 as a result of being an employee or serving on the Board of Directors of the Company shall lapse and such Shares shall be deemed fully vested and owned by the Participant as of such date.

In the event that Heritage Bank has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of the Common Stock of Heritage Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Company is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Heritage Bank representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of Heritage Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

C-3


  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of Heritage Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of Heritage Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Heritage Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to any such transaction, the transferability and forfeiture restrictions placed on any Restricted Shares by Section 4.2 as a result of being an employee or serving on the Board of Directors of Heritage Bank shall lapse and such Shares shall be deemed fully vested and owned by the Participant as of such date.

In the event that Central Valley Bank has a change of control in which:

 

  (i) an offeror other than the Company purchases shares of the Common Stock of Central Valley Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares;

 

  (ii) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Company is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Central Valley Bank representing twenty (20%) percent or more of the combined voting power of Central Valley Bank’s then outstanding securities;

 

  (iii) the membership of the Board of Directors of Central Valley Bank changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Plan) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period; or

 

  (iv) shareholders of Central Valley Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale, or disposition of all or substantially all of Central Valley Bank’s assets or a plan of partial or complete liquidation.

then immediately prior to any such transaction, the transferability and forfeiture restrictions placed on any Restricted Shares by Section 4.2 as a result of being an employee or serving on the Board of Directors of Central Valley Bank shall lapse and such Shares shall be deemed fully vested and owned by the Participant as of such date.

 

7. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

  a. Effective Date; Shareholder Approval; Term. The Plan shall become effective (and Awards may thereafter be made) on the date of adoption by the Board or the date of shareholder approval, whichever is earlier. Any Award made prior to shareholder approval is fully contingent on such approval being obtained within twelve (12) months following Board approval, and shall be void ab initio if shareholder approval is not timely obtained. Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall continue in effect until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date.

 

  b. Amendment, Suspension, or Termination of the Plan. The Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended, or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Board; provided, however, that amendments to the Plan shall not be effective unless approved by the affirmative vote of the stockholders of the Company owning a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company at a meeting of stockholders of the Company held within twelve (12) months of the date of adoption of such amendment, where such amendment will:

 

  (1) increase the total number of shares of Common Stock reserved for the purpose of the Plan;

 

  (2) change in any respect the class of persons who are eligible to be Participants;

 

  (3) extend the maximum period for granting Awards as provided herein; or

 

  (4) otherwise materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan.

 

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From and after the Effective Date, neither the amendment, suspension, nor termination of the Plan shall, without the consent of the Participant, alter or impair any rights or obligations under any Award theretofore granted. No Awards may be granted during any period of suspension nor after termination or expiration of the Plan.

 

  c. Regulations and Other Approvals. The obligation of the Company to deliver Common Stock with respect to any Award granted under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including all applicable federal and state securities laws, and the obtaining of all such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board. The Board may make such changes as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with the rules or requirements of any governmental authority. Each Award is subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Board determines, in its sole discretion, that the listing, registration, or qualification of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Plan is required by any securities exchange or under any United States, state, or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, issuance of Common Stock, then no such Stock shall be issued, in whole or in part, unless listing, registration, qualification, consent, or approval has been effected or obtained free of any conditions as acceptable to the Board. In the event that the disposition of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Plan is not covered by a then current registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, and is not otherwise exempt from such registration, such Stock shall be restricted against transfer to the extent required by the Securities Act of 1933 or regulations thereunder, and the Board may require any individual receiving Common Stock pursuant to the Plan, as a condition precedent to receipt of such Stock, to represent to the Company in writing that the Stock acquired by such individual are acquired for investment only and not with a view to distribution. The certificate for any Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Plan shall include any legend that the Board deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer.

 

  d. Trust Arrangement. All benefits under the Plan represent an unsecured promise to pay by the Company. The Plan shall be unfunded and the benefits hereunder shall be paid only from the general assets of the Company resulting in the Participants having no greater rights that the Company’s general creditors; provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent or prohibit the Company from establishing a trust or other arrangement for the purpose of providing for the payment of the benefits payable under the Plan.

 

  e. Governing Law. The Plan and the rights to all persons claiming hereunder shall be construed and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to the choice of law principles thereof.

 

  f. Titles; Construction. Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of the Plan. The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter and the singular shall include the plural, when the context so indicates.

 

8. EFFECTIVE DATE.

The Plan is adopted on and shall be effective as of                     , 2006.

 

   
Secretary of Heritage Financial Corporation

 

C-5


 

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

April 27, 2006

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY

 

The undersigned stockholder of HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (“Heritage”) hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints Donald V. Rhodes and Daryl D. Jensen, and each of them, jointly and severally, as true and lawful agents and proxies, with full power of substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, to act and vote all the common stock of Heritage standing in my name and on its books on March 10, 2006 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Phoenix Inn, Olympia, Washington, on April 27, 2006 at 10:30 a.m., and at any adjournment thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, as follows:

  THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED ABOVE. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE PROPOSALS SET FORTH ABOVE.
 

Management knows of no other matters that may properly be, or which are likely to be, brought before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting, this Proxy will be voted according to the discretion of the named proxies.

 

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the April 27, 2006 Annual Meeting, and the accompanying documents forwarded therewith, and ratifies all lawful action taken by the above-named agents and proxies.

  (Continued and to be signed on the other side)


Ú DETACH PROXY CARD HERE Ú

 

1.      ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:

         LOGO

 

¨        FOR all the nominees listed below.

  

 

¨        WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE

         for all nominees listed below (in the manner described below).

  

 

INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, strike a line through the nominee’s name listed below.

 

Election of four (4) directors to serve on the Board of Directors until 2009.

  

 

Gary B. Christensen

   John A. Clees    Kimberly T. Ellwanger    Philip S. Weigand   

 

2.      Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2006.

  

 

¨        FOR

  

¨        AGAINST

  

¨        ABSTAIN

     

 

3.      Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Director Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of 2006.

  

 

¨        FOR

  

¨        AGAINST

  

¨        ABSTAIN

     

 

4.      Approve the Heritage Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Plan of 2006.

  

 

¨        FOR

  

¨        AGAINST

  

¨        ABSTAIN

     

 

5.      In their discretion, upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

  
      Date:_________________________________   
           
      Signature   
           
      Signature, if held jointly   
      NOTE: Signature(s) should agree with name(s) on Heritage stock certificate(s). Executives, administrators, trustees and other fiduciaries, and persons signing on behalf of corporations, partnerships or other entities should so indicate when signing. All joint owners must sign.