AMENDED
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the registrant [_]
Filed by a party other than the registrant [X]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary proxy statement.
[_] Confidential, for use of the Commission only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)).
[X] Definitive proxy statement. (AMENDED)
[_] Definitive additional materials.
[_] Soliciting material under Rule 14a-12.
AQUACELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
HAROLD W. PAUL, LLC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computes
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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AQUACELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
10410 TRADEMARK STREET
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730
__________________________
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
_________________________
December 7, 2004
_________________________
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders ("Annual
Meeting") of AquaCell Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at The
Center Club, 650 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626 on December 7,
2004, at 10:30 a.m., for the following purposes, all as more fully described in
the attached Proxy Statement:
1. To elect one director to serve for the ensuing three-year period and
until his successor is elected and qualified;
2. To ratify the appointment of Wolinetz, Lafazan & Company, PC as
independent registered public accounting firm for 2005;
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting and any and all adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on October 12, 2004,
as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of,
and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
You are earnestly requested to date, sign and return the accompanying form
of proxy in the envelope enclosed for that purpose (to which no postage need be
affixed if mailed in the United States) whether or not you expect to attend the
meeting in person. The proxy is revocable by you at any time prior to its
exercise and will not affect your right to vote in person in the event you
attend the meeting or any adjournment thereof. The prompt return of the proxy
will be of assistance in preparing for the meeting and your cooperation in this
respect will be appreciated.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Karen B. Laustsen
-----------------------------------
Karen B. Laustsen, Secretary
Rancho Cucamonga, California
October 14, 2004
AQUACELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
10410 TRADEMARK STREET
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730
__________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
__________________________
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 7, 2004
__________________________
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy is furnished to
stockholders of AquaCell Technologies, Inc. ("Company") in connection with the
solicitation of proxies, in the accompanying form, by the Board of Directors of
the Company for use in voting at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
at The Center Club, 650 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626 on
December 7, 2004, at 10:30 a.m., and at any and all adjournments thereof. Any
proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it
by giving notice to the Secretary of the Company in person, or by written
notification actually received by the Secretary, at any time prior to its being
exercised. Unless otherwise specified in the proxy, shares represented by
proxies will be voted FOR the election of the nominees listed herein.
The Company's executive offices are located at 10410 Trademark Street,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. On or about October 14, 2004, this Proxy Statement
and the accompanying form of proxy, together with a copy of the Annual Report of
the Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, are to be mailed to each
stockholder of record at the close of business on October 12, 2004.
VOTING SECURITIES
-----------------
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on October 12, 2004,
as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of,
and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of
business on that date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any and
all adjournments thereof. As of October 12, 2004, the Company had issued and
outstanding 15,048,769 shares of Common Stock, the Company's only class of
voting securities outstanding. Each stockholder of the Company will be entitled
to one vote for each share of Common Stock registered in his name on the record
date. The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of all of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock constitutes a quorum at the Annual Meeting.
Proxies relating to "street name" shares that are returned to the Company but
marked by brokers as "not voted" will be treated as shares present for purposes
of determining the presence of a quorum on all matters but will not be treated
as shares entitled to vote on the matter as to which authority to vote is
withheld by the broker ("broker non-votes"). The election of directors requires
a plurality vote of those shares voted at the Annual Meeting with respect to the
election of directors. "Plurality" means that the individuals who receive the
largest number of votes cast "FOR" are elected as directors. Consequently, any
shares not voted "FOR" a particular nominee (whether as a result of a direction
to withhold authority or a broker non-vote) will not be counted in such
nominee's favor. All other matters to be voted on will be decided by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented at the
Annual Meeting and entitled to vote. On any such matter, an abstention will have
the same effect as a negative vote, but because shares held by brokers will not
be considered entitled to vote on matters as to which the brokers withhold
authority, a broker non-vote will have no effect on the vote.
The following table sets forth certain information as of October 12, 2004
(on which date 15,048,769 shares of the Company's Common Stock were
outstanding), with respect to (i) those persons or groups known to the Company
to beneficially own more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, (ii) each
director and nominee, (iii) each executive officer whose compensation exceeded
$100,000 in fiscal 2004, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a
group. The information is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 based upon information furnished by
the persons listed or contained in filings made by them with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Except as indicated below, the stockholders listed possess
sole voting and investment power with respect to their shares.
1
Shares of Percentage of
Common Stock Common Stock,
Name and Address Beneficially Owned Warrants and Options
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
James C. Witham................. 2,017,030 (1) 13.40 %
10410 Trademark Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Karen B. Laustsen............... 576,172 3.83 %
10410 Trademark Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Gary S. Wolff................... 488,367 3.25 %
10410 Trademark Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Glenn A. Bergenfield............ 439,500 (2)(3) 2.87 %
10410 Trademark Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Dr. William DiTuro.............. 402,500 (2)(4) 2.62 %
10410 Trademark Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
All officers and directors as
a group (five persons).......... 3,923,569 25.09 %
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
(1) Includes an aggregate of 480,000 shares owned of record by Witham Group,
LLC and JW Acquisitions, LLC which are entities in which Mr. Witham
controls 100% of the outstanding equity.
(2) Includes 140,000 options exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 75,000 series A convertible preferred shares and 75,000 common
stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days.
(4) Includes 80,000 series A convertible preferred shares and 80,000 common
stock purchase warrants exercisable within 60 days.
PROPOSAL NO. 1
--------------
ELECTION OF A DIRECTOR
----------------------
Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for three classes of
directors. Directors Witham and Bergenfield have been appointed to Class I and
will serve until the meeting of stockholders in 2006; directors Laustsen and
DiTuro have been appointed to Class II and will serve until the meeting of
stockholders in 2005; and director Wolff has been appointed to Class III and
will serve until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2004. After these
directors' terms expire, newly elected directors shall serve for three year
terms or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
One person will be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve as a director for
a term of three years. The Board of Directors has nominated Gary S. Wolff as the
candidate for election. Unless authority is withheld, the proxies solicited by
the Board of Directors will be voted FOR the election of the nominee. In case
this nominee becomes unavailable for election to the Board of Directors, an
event which is not anticipated, the persons named as proxies, or their
substitutes, shall have full discretion and authority to vote or refrain from
voting for any other candidate in accordance with their judgment.
2
Information About the Nominee
-----------------------------
Name Age Position
---- --- --------
Gary S. Wolff............ 66 Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Director
Mr. Gary S. Wolff is a founder of AquaCell and has served as its Treasurer,
Chief Financial Officer and as a Director since March, 1997. Prior to founding
AquaCell, Mr. Wolff served as Chief Financial Officer and a Director of U.S.
Alcohol, a publicly held company from April, 1987 through July, 1996. Mr. Wolff
also served as Chief Financial Officer and as a Director of U.S. Drug Testing,
Inc. and as Treasurer and a Director of Good Ideas Enterprises, Inc. He is
licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the States of New York and New
Jersey and during the period from July, 1996 through March, 1997 he was self-
employed as a sole practitioner of accounting.
Information About the Other Directors and Executive Officers
------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's other directors and executive officers are as follows:
Name Age Position
---- --- --------
James C. Witham.......... 63 Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Karen B. Laustsen........ 44 President, Chief Operating Officer,
Secretary and Director
Glenn A. Bergenfield..... 51 Director
Dr. William DiTuro....... 49 Director
Mr. James C. Witham founded AquaCell in March, 1997 and serves as its
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding AquaCell, Mr. Witham
founded JW Acquisition Co. in May, 1996 and served as its Chief Executive
Officer until March, 1997. From April, 1987 through May, 1996, Mr. Witham
founded and served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of U.S.
Alcohol Testing. Mr. Witham also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of U.S. Alcohol's two publicly held subsidiaries, U.S. Drug Testing, Inc. and
Good Ideas Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Witham is the husband of Karen B. Laustsen,
President of AquaCell.
Ms. Karen B. Laustsen is a founder of AquaCell and has served as its
President, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary, and as a Director since March,
1997. Prior to founding AquaCell, Ms. Laustsen served as President of JW
Acquisition Co. from May, 1996 through March, 1997. From April, 1987 through
May, 1996, Ms. Laustsen served as Executive Vice President and a Director of
U.S. Alcohol Testing of America, Inc. Ms. Laustsen also served on the Board of
Directors of U.S. Drug Testing, Inc. and Good Ideas Enterprises, Inc. Ms.
Laustsen is the wife of James C. Witham, Chairman of AquaCell.
Mr. Glenn A. Bergenfield has been a Director of AquaCell since July 1997.
For the past fifteen years, Mr. Bergenfield has been self-employed as a sole
practitioner of law in the State of New Jersey. Mr. Bergenfield served as a
Director of U.S. Alcohol, and as a Director of U.S. Drug Testing, Inc. and Good
Ideas Enterprises, Inc.
Dr. William DiTuro has been a Director of AquaCell since July 1997. Dr.
DiTuro has been self-employed as a sole practitioner of general pediatrics since
1986 and has served as a clinical instructor of pediatrics at the Robert Wood
Johnson Medical School. Dr. DiTuro served as a Director of U.S. Alcohol, U.S.
Drug Testing, Inc. and Good Ideas Enterprises, Inc.
The executive officers of the Company are elected annually by the Board of
Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board.
3
Independence of Directors
-------------------------
The Company is listed on the American Stock Exchange ("Amex") and follows
Amex rules in determining whether a director is independent. The Board of
Directors also consults with counsel to ensure that the Board's determinations
are consistent with those rules and relevant securities and other laws regarding
director independence. Consistent with these considerations, the Board of
Directors has affirmatively determined that Glenn Bergenfield and William DiTuro
will be independent directors for the ensuing year. The remaining directors are
not independent because they are employed by the Company.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
-------------------------------------------------
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 the Board of Directors held 6
meetings which all directors attended. The Board of Directors maintains an
executive committee currently consisting of directors Witham, Laustsen and
Wolff, which has all of the authority of the Board of Directors except as
limited by applicable law. In addition we have an audit committee, a nominating
committee and a compensation committee which are required to consist of a
majority of outside directors. The audit committee, currently consisting of
directors Bergenfield and DiTuro, oversees actions taken by our independent
auditors and reviews our internal audit controls. The nominating committee,
consisting of directors Bergenfield and DiTuro, oversees the selection of
persons chosen to be nominated to the Board of Directors. The compensation
committee, currently consisting of directors Witham, Bergenfield and DiTuro,
reviews the compensation levels of our employees and makes recommendations to
the Board regarding compensation.
Audit Committee Information and Report
--------------------------------------
General
-------
The Company's audit committee was established in June 2000 and is currently
comprised of Glenn Bergenfield and William DiTuro. The audit committee met 2
times in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
Each member of the audit committee is an "independent director" and is
"financially literate" as defined under the Amex listing standards. The Amex
listing standards define an "independent director" generally as a person, other
than an officer of the company, who does not have a relationship with the
company that would interfere with the director's exercise of independent
judgment. The Amex's listing standards define "financially literate" as being
able to read and understand fundamental financial statements (including a
company's balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement).
Independent Auditors' Fees
--------------------------
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, the aggregate fees billed for
professional services rendered for the audit of the Company's annual financial
statements and the reviews of its financial statements included in the Company's
quarterly reports totaled approximately $57,000. For our fiscal year ended June
30, 2003, those fees were $51,000.
Tax Fees
--------
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and June 2003, there were no fees
billed for tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning.
All Other Fees
--------------
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, there were no
other fees billed by the Company's independent auditors.
4
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
----------------------------------------------------
In accordance with Section 10A(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
before the Company engages its independent accountant to render audit or
permitted non-audit services, the engagement is approved by the audit committee.
The audit committee approved all of the fees referred to in the section entitled
"Independent Auditors' Fees" above for 2004.
Financial Expert on Audit Committee
-----------------------------------
The Board of Directors does not believe that any of the audit committee
members qualify as an "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of
all applicable rules. While the Board of Directors believes that each audit
committee member is financially literate and has an understanding of generally
accepted accounting principles and financial statements, the ability to assess
the general application of such principles in connection with the Company's
financial statements, including estimates, accruals and reserves, experience in
analyzing or evaluating financial statements of similar breadth and complexity
as the Company's financial statements, an understanding of internal controls and
procedures for financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee
functions, none of the audit committee members has acquired these attributes
through education or experience as, or actively supervising, a principal
financial or accounting officer or a pubic accountant or auditor.
Pursuant to the audit committee's written charter, which was adopted on
June 1, 2000, the audit committee's responsibilities include, among other
things:
* annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of the committee's
formal charter;
* reviewing the annual audited financial statements with the Company's
management and its independent auditors and the adequacy of its internal
accounting controls;
* reviewing analyses prepared by the Company's management and independent
auditors concerning significant financial reporting issues and judgments
made in connection with the preparation of its financial statements;
* making recommendations concerning the engagement of the independent
auditor;
* reviewing the independence of the independent auditors;
* reviewing the Company's auditing and accounting principles and practices
with the independent auditors and reviewing major changes to its
auditing and accounting principles and practices as suggested by the
independent auditor or its management; and
* reviewing all related party transactions on an ongoing basis for
potential conflict of interest situations.
A copy of the audit committee charter is attached as Appendix A.
================================================================
The Company's audit committee has met and held discussions with management
and its independent auditors. Management represented to the committee that the
Company's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, and the committee has reviewed and
discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the
independent auditors. The committee discussed with the independent auditors the
matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(Communication with Audit Committees). The Company's independent auditors also
provided the audit committee with the written disclosures required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees) and the committee discussed with the independent auditors and
management the auditors' independence, including with regard to fees for
services rendered during the fiscal year and for all other professional services
rendered by the Company's independent auditors. Based upon the committee's
discussion with management and the independent auditors and the committee's
review of the representations of management and the report of the independent
auditors to the audit committee, the committee recommended that the Board of
5
Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in its annual
report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
Glenn Bergenfield
William DiTuro
Code of Ethics
--------------
In May 2004, the Board of Directors adopted a Code of Ethics that applies
to the Company's directors, officers and employees, as well as those of its
subsidiaries. The Company will provide any stockholder, without charge, upon
request, a copy of its Code of Ethics. Requests should be sent in writing to
AquaCell Technologies, Inc., 10410 Trademark Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.
Attention: Secretary.
Executive Compensation
----------------------
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation for the
fiscal years indicated for services in all capacities awarded to, earned by or
paid to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers
whose compensation was in excess of $100,000 during the fiscal year ended June
30, 2004.
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
---------------------------- -------------------------
Salary ($) Options All Other
Name and Principal Position Year (1) (2) Bonus ($) Granted (3) Compensation
------------------------------------ ---- ---------- --------- ----------- ------------
James C. Witham..................... 2004 277,000 50,000 150,000 --
Chairman of the Board and 2003 316,000 -- -- --
Chief Executive Officer 2002 265,000 -- -- --
------------------------------------ ---- ---------- --------- ----------- ------------
Karen B. Laustsen................... 2004 167,000 25,000 75,000 --
President, Chief Operating Officer, 2003 190,000 -- -- --
Secretary and Director 2002 160,000 -- -- --
------------------------------------ ---- ---------- --------- ----------- ------------
Gary S. Wolff....................... 2004 149,000 25,000 75,000 --
Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer 2003 170,000 -- -- --
and Director 2002 142,000 -- -- --
------------------------------------ ---- ---------- --------- ----------- ------------
(1) Aggregate salaries actually paid in fiscal year 2003 were $109,000.
$567,000 of accrued and unpaid salaries were utilized to pay principal on
certain notes receivable from third parties that were personally guaranteed
by the Company's executive officers.
(2) All of the salaries actually paid to the officers during fiscal 2003
represented vacation pay.
(3) Options were issued in January, 2004 and vest at the rate of 20% per year
over a five-year period.
6
The following table summarizes the number of options granted to the
executive officers named above during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options / SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
Individual Grants
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Realizable Value at
% of Total Assumed Annual Rates of
Options/Shares Stock Price Appreciation For
Granted to Option Term ($) (1)
Options/Shares Employees Exercise Price ------------------------------------ Expiration
Name Granted (#) in Fiscal Year ($/Share) 5% ($) 10% ($) Date
-------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------
James C. Witham........... 150,000 (2) 30.6 % $1.24 76,500 177,000 1/05/2011
Chairman of the Board
-------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------
Karen B. Laustsen......... 75,000 (2) 15.3 % $1.24 38,250 88,500 1/05/2011
President
-------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------
Gary S. Wolff............. 75,000 (2) 15.3 % $1.24 38,250 88,500 1/05/2011
Chief Financial Officer
-------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------
(1) The above information concerning five percent and ten percent assumed
annual rates of compounded stock price appreciation is mandated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. There is no assurance provided to any
executive officer or to any other optionee that there will be appreciation
of the stock price over the option term or that the optionee will realize
any gains with respect to the options.
(2) Represents options granted from the 1998 Incentive Stock Plan that vest 20%
per year over a five year period.
The following table summarizes the number of exercisable and unexercisable
options held by the executive officers named above at June 30, 2004, and their
value at that date if such options were in-the-money.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 Year End Option Values
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value of securities underlying
Number of securities underlying unexercised in-the-money options
unexercised options at June 30, 2004 at June 30, 1004 (1)
------------------------------------ --------------------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
--------------------------- --------------- ------------------ --------------- --------------
James C. Witham.......... -- 150,000 -- -0-
Karen B. Laustsen........ -- 75,000 -- -0-
Gary S. Wolff............ -- 75,000 -- -0-
--------------------------- --------------- ------------------ --------------- --------------
(1) At June 30, 2004, the closing price of the stock was less than the price of
the options.
The executive officers named above did not exercise any options during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
Employment Agreements
---------------------
On February 12, 2001, we entered into five-year employment agreements with
each of Mr. Witham and Ms. Laustsen, and a two-year employment agreement with
Mr. Wolff that was extended through June 30, 2005. These agreements provide for
base salaries of $265,000, $160,000, and $142,000, respectively, and also
provide for bonuses to be paid based upon established financial performance
targets. Each of these employment agreements contains standard noncompete,
confidentiality and benefit provisions, including provisions for severance
compensation in the event of a termination without cause or transactions that
result in a change in control of
7
AquaCell. Each of these contracts provide that after the first year, the base
salary amounts will be subject to increase by 50% of the amount of any bonus,
with such bonus to be based on net sales and net income earned during the prior
year. The terms of the employment agreements, including bonus criteria were
reviewed and approved by the compensation committee.
The Company employs Michael Witham as Operations Manager by a written
employment agreement pursuant to which he is paid $110,000 annually. Michael
Witham is the son of James Witham, the Company's Chief Executive Officer.
The following table sets forth certain information at June 30, 2004 with
respect to the Company's equity compensation plans that provide for the issuance
of options, warrants or rights to purchase the Company's securities.
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Number of Securities to be Weighted-Average Future Issuance under
Issued upon Exercise of Exercise Price of Equity Compensation Plans
Outstanding Options, Outstanding Options, (excluding securities
Plan Category Warrants and Rights Warrants and Rights reflected in the first column)
------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- -----------------------------
Equity Compensation
Plans Approved by 906,000 $ 1.09 1,094,000
Security Holders
------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- -----------------------------
Directors Equity
Compensation 160,000 $ 1.20 340,000
Plans Approved by
Security Holders
------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- -----------------------------
Report of the Compensation Committee Concerning Compensation of Executive
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officers
--------
The compensation committee of the Board of Directors met three times during
the 2004 fiscal year. The compensation committee has not developed a formal
compensation policy for the Company's executive officers.
During 2004, Mr. Witham served as the Company's Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer. The compensation package provided to Mr. Witham and
the other executive officers are based upon five (5) year and two (2) year
employment agreements.
Bonus compensation, if any, to executive officers is based generally upon
the Company's fiscal performance and the availability of resources as well as
the executive officer's individual performance and level of responsibility.
Stock option awards under the Company's stock option plans are intended to
attract and retain the best available talent and encourage the highest level of
performance by affording key employees an opportunity to acquire proprietary
interests in the Company. The executive officers are also each entitled to
receive options.
James C. Witham
Glenn Bergenfield
William DiTuro
Summary of 1998 Incentive Stock Plan
------------------------------------
Our 1998 Incentive Stock Plan, covering 2,000,000 shares of our Common
Stock, is administered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors.
Among the compensation committee's powers will be the authority to:
8
* interpret the plan;
* establish rules and regulations for its operation;
* select officers, other key employees, consultants and advisors to
receive awards; and
* determine the form, amount and other terms and conditions of awards.
Directors, officers, key employees and independent contractors will be
eligible to participate in the plan. The selection of participants is within
the discretion of the compensation committee.
The plan provides for the grant of any or all of the following types of
awards:
* stock options, including nonqualified stock options and incentive stock
options;
* stock awards;
* stock appreciation rights;
* performance shares; and
* performance units.
Awards may be granted by themselves, in combination or in tandem with other
awards as determined by the compensation committee.
* Under the plan, the compensation committee may grant awards in the form
of nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options, shares of our
Common Stock, stock appreciation rights, performance shares or
performance units. The compensation committee, with regard to each
stock option, will determine the number of shares subject to the option,
the manner and time of the option's exercise and vesting, and the
exercise price per share of stock subject to the option. The following
limitations are applicable under the plan: no incentive stock options
may be exercisable later than ten years after the date they are granted
and no nonqualified stock options may be exercisable later than fifteen
years after the date they are granted;
* the aggregate fair market value at the time of grant of shares of Common
Stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for
the first time by a participant during any calendar year cannot be more
than $100,000;
* the exercise price of a stock option will not be less than 100% of the
fair market value of the shares of Common Stock on the date the option
is granted for incentive stock options or less than 85% of the market
value for non qualified stock options (or, in either case, not less than
110% of fair market value if the optionee is an officer, director or a
10% stockholder);
* the option price must be paid by a participant by check or, in the
discretion of the compensation committee, by delivery of our Common
Stock; and
* awards may be subject to such terms, conditions, restrictions or
limitations, as the compensation committee deems appropriate, including
restrictions on transferability and continued employment.
Under the plan, each stock appreciation right will entitle the holder to
elect to receive the appreciation in the fair market value of the shares subject
to the stock appreciation right up to the date the right is exercised. Stock
appreciation rights may be granted independent of, or in connection with, stock
options. In the case of stock appreciation rights issued independent of stock
options, the appreciation shall not be measured from a value less than 85% of
the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. If the stock
appreciation rights are issued in
9
connection with stock options, the appreciation shall be measured from not less
than the option price. No stock appreciation right may be exercised earlier
than six months after the date of grant or later than the earlier of the term of
the related option or fifteen years after the date it was granted.
Performance shares and units may be awarded either alone or in addition to
other awards and will consist of:
* in the case of performance shares, the right to receive shares of Common
Stock or cash of equal value at the end of a specified performance
period; or
* in the case of performance units, the right to receive a fixed dollar
amount, payable in cash or shares of Common Stock or a combination of
both at the end of a specified performance period.
The compensation committee may condition the performance shares or units on
the attainment of specified performance goals or such other facts or criteria as
the committee shall determine.
The plan provides that awards shall not be transferable otherwise than by
law or by will or the laws of descent and distribution. However, the
compensation committee may permit the transferability of an award to members of
the participant's immediate family or trusts or family partnerships for the
benefit of such family members.
The Board of Directors has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the
plan at any time, subject to the rights of participants under any outstanding
awards. However, no amendment to the plan may be made without the approval of
our stockholders if such approval is required by law or regulatory authority.
Summary of 2002 Directors Stock Option Plan
-------------------------------------------
The 2002 Directors Plan is intended to encourage stock ownership by non-
employee directors and thereby enhance their proprietary interest in the
Company. The Company currently has two (2) non-employee directors serving on
the Board of Directors, whose service as directors is compensated solely by the
issuance of stock options. These directors do not receive any cash compensation
for their service as directors.
A summary of the significant provisions of the 2002 Directors Plan is set
forth below.
Shares Subject to the 2002 Directors Plan
No more than 500,000 shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to the
exercise of options granted under the 2002 Directors Plan. If any option
expires or terminates for any reason, without having been exercised in full, the
unpurchased shares subject to such option will be available again for purposes
of the 2002 Directors Plan.
Participation
The Committee is authorized to grant non-qualified options under the 2002
Directors Plan from time to time to such non-employee directors of the Company
as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine.
Terms of Options
The Committee has the discretion to fix the term of each option granted
under the 2002 Directors Plan, except past the maximum length of term of each
option is ten (10) years, subject to earlier termination as provided in the 2002
Directors Plan.
Administration of the 2002 Directors Plan
The 2002 Directors Plan is administered by a committee (the "Committee")
consisting of two or more persons who are appointed by, and serve at the
pleasure of, the Board and each of whom is a "disinterested person" as that term
is defined in Rule 16b of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
10
Subject to the express provisions of the 2002 Directors Plan, the Committee
has the sole discretion to determine to whom among those eligible, and the time
or times at which, options will be granted, the number of shares to be subject
to each option and the manner in and price at which options may be exercised.
In making such determinations, the committee may take into account the nature
and period of service of eligible directors, their level of compensation, their
past, present and potential contributions to the Company and such other factors
as the Committee in its discretion deems relevant.
The Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the 2002 Directors Plan at
any time, except that no amendment may be adopted without the approval of
shareholders which would (i) increase the maximum number of shares which may be
issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the Plan; (ii) change
the eligibility requirements for participation in the 2002 Directors Plan; or
(iii) extend the term of any incentive stock options or the period during which
any incentive stock options may be granted under the 2002 Directors Plan.
Unless the 2002 Directors Plan is terminated earlier by the Board, the 2002
Directors Plan will terminate on December 31, 2012.
Nominating Committee Information
--------------------------------
In August 2004, the Board of Directors established a nominating committee
comprised of Glenn Bergenfield and William DiTuro, each an independent director
under Amex listing standards. The nominating committee will be responsible for
overseeing the selection of persons to be nominated to serve on the Company's
Board of Directors. The nominating committee will consider persons identified
by its members, management, stockholders, investment bankers and others. The
nominating committee does not yet have a formal written charter, not has it
established any formal selection criteria for nominees. However, the nominating
committee intends to adopt a written charter by the date of the Annual Meeting,
which will include the criteria, if any, established. The Company has not yet
established a method by which stockholders may propose to the nominating
committee candidates for selection as nominees for directors. The Company
intends to establish such a procedure by the date of the Annual Meeting.
Since the nominating committee was not formed until August 2004, it did not
meet during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
-------------------------------------------------
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires AquaCell's
directors and executive officers to file with the SEC initial reports of
ownership and changes in ownership of AquaCell's Common Stock during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2004. AquaCell believes that its officers and directors
complied with all these filing requirements during the fiscal year. The Company
has relied upon the representations of its directors and executive officers.
The Company does not believe any other stockholders are subject to Section 16(a)
filing requirements.
11
Stock Performance Graph
The graph depicted below shows a comparison of cumulative stockholder
returns for the Company, the American Stock Exchange Index and the Company's
peer group.
Comparison of Cumulative Return for
The Period February 12, 2001 to June 30, 2004
[TOTAL RETURN GRAPH]
Total Return to Shareholders
(Includes reinvestment of dividends)
ANNUAL RETURN PERCENTAGE
Years Ending
------------------------------------
Company Name / Index Jun01 Jun02 Jun03 Jun04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AQUACELL TECHNOLOGIES INC -10.00 -81.56 261.45 -70.33
AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE -2.12 -2.70 8.53 28.95
PEER GROUP 19.95 28.22 -26.38 45.21
INDEXED RETURNS
Years Ending
------------------------------------
Base
Period
Company Name / Index 12Feb01 Jun01 Jun02 Jun03 Jun04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AQUACELL TECHNOLOGIES INC 100 90.00 16.60 60.00 17.80
AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE 100 97.88 95.23 103.36 133.29
PEER GROUP 100 119.95 153.80 113.23 164.42
Peer Group Companies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IONICS INC
PENTAIR INC
VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT -ADR (Name change from Vivendi Environmental 5/2003)
12
PROPOSAL NO. 2
--------------
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
------------------------------------------------------------
On August 6, 2004, the Board of Directors selected Wolinetz, Lafazan &
Company, PC as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005.
Although neither federal nor state law requires the approval of the
auditors by stockholders, the Board believes that, in view of the importance of
financial statements to the stockholders, the selection of independent public
accountants should be passed on by stockholders. Accordingly, approval of the
following resolution will be requested at the Meeting:
"RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors appointment of Wolinetz,
Lafazan & Company, PC to serve as the Company's independent public
accountants for fiscal year ending June 30, 2005 be, and the same
hereby is ratified and approved."
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the foregoing resolution. In
the event that stockholders disapprove of the selection, the Board of Directors
will consider the selection of other auditors.
A representative of Wolinetz, Lafazan & Company, PC will be present at the
Annual Meeting or available by telephone. The Company has been informed that the
representative does not intend to make any statement to the stockholders at the
Annual Meeting, but will be available to respond to appropriate questions from
stockholders.
2005 ANNUAL MEETING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL AND NOMINATIONS
--------------------------------------------------------
In order for any stockholder proposal to be presented at the annual meeting
of stockholders to be held in 2005 or to be eligible for inclusion in the
Company's proxy statement for such meeting, they must be received by the Company
at its principal executive offices by July 9, 2005. Each proposal should
include the exact language of the proposal, a brief description of the matter
and the reasons for the proposal, the name and address of the stockholder making
the proposal and the disclosure of that stockholder's number of shares of common
stock owned, length of ownership of the shares, representation that the
stockholder will continue to own the shares through the stockholder meeting,
intention to appear in person or by proxy at the stockholder meeting and
material interest, if any, in the matter being proposed.
The Company has not yet established a method by which stockholders may
propose to the nominating committee candidates for selection as nominees for
directors. The Company intends to establish such a procedure by the date of the
Annual Meeting.
OTHER STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors provides a process for stockholders and interested
parties to send communications to the Board. Stockholders and interested
parties may communicate with the Board of Directors, any committee chairperson
or the non-management directors as a group by writing to the Board or committee
chairperson in care of AquaCell Technologies, Inc., 10410 Trademark Street,
Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730. Each communication will be forwarded,
depending on the subject matter, to the Board, the appropriate committee
chairperson or all non-management directors.
DISCRETIONARY VOTING OF PROXIES
-------------------------------
Pursuant to Rule 14a-4 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, stockholders are advised that the Company's management will be
permitted to exercise discretionary voting authority under proxies it solicits
and obtains for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders with respect to any
proposal presented by a stockholder at such meeting, without any discussion of
the proposal in our proxy statement for such meeting, unless we receive
13
notice of such proposal at the Company's principal office in Rancho Cucamonga,
California, not later than September 23, 2005.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
-----------------------------------
We are a public company and file annual, quarterly and special reports,
proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public
reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can
request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the
copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about
the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available
to the public at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, you can
read and copy our SEC filings at the office of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. at 1735 K Street, Washington, D.C. 20006.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement. We have not authorized anyone else to
provide you with information that is different from what is contained or
incorporated in this Proxy Statement. This document is dated October 14, 2004.
You should not assume that the information in this Proxy Statement is accurate
as of any later date, and the mailing of this Proxy Statement to stockholders
shall not create any implication to the contrary.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
-----------------------------------------------
The Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to "incorporate by
reference" the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to those documents. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below:
* Our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2004, which accompanies this Proxy Statement.
We will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this Proxy
Statement is delivered, upon request, a copy of any and all documents
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. Requests for such copies
should be made to Gary S. Wolff, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, 10410
Trademark Street, Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730 or by calling (800) 326-
5222.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
-----------------------
The solicitation of proxies in the enclosed form is made on behalf of the
company and the cost of this solicitation is being paid by the Company. In
addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally or by
telephone or telephone using the services of directors, officers and regular
employees of the Company at nominal cost. Banks, brokerage firms and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries will be reimbursed by the Company for
expenses incurred in sending proxy material to beneficial owners of the
Company's stock.
OTHER MATTERS
-------------
The Board of Directors knows of no matter which will be presented for
consideration at the Annual Meeting other than the matters referred to in this
Proxy Statement. Should any other matter properly come before the Annual
Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to
vote such proxy in accordance with their best judgment.
Karen B. Laustsen, Secretary
Rancho Cucamonga, California
October 14, 2004
14
Appendix A
==========
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
=======================
OF
==
AQUACELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
===========================
I. ORGANIZATION
===============
There shall be a committee of the Board of Directors ("Board") for AQUACELL
==============================================================================
TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Corporation"), to be known as the
==============================================================================
Audit Committee ("Committee"). The Committee shall be composed of directors who
===============================================================================
are independent of the management of the Corporation and are free of any
========================================================================
relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with their
==========================================================================
exercise of independent judgment as a Committee member.
=======================================================
The Committee shall be comprised of at least two (2) members who shall be
============================================================================
independent directors until such time as the Corporation is no longer
=====================================================================
considered a "Small Business Filer" under Securities and Exchange Commission
============================================================================
Rules, at which time the Committee shall consist of at least three (3) members,
===============================================================================
each of whom is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements,
=============================================================================
or will become able to do so within a reasonable period of time after his or
============================================================================
her appointment. In addition, the Corporation will continue to have at least
============================================================================
one member of the Committee that has past employment history in finance or
==========================================================================
accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or any other
============================================================================
comparable experience or background which results in the individual's financial
===============================================================================
sophistication. Committee members may enhance their familiarity with finance
============================================================================
and accounting by participating in educational programs conducted by the
========================================================================
Corporation or an outside consultant.
=====================================
The members of the Committee shall be elected by the Board at the annual
===========================================================================
organizational meeting of the Board or until their successors shall be duly
===========================================================================
elected and qualified. Unless a chair is elected by the full Board, the members
===============================================================================
of the Committee may designate a chair by majority vote of the full Committee
=============================================================================
membership.
===========
II. PURPOSE
===========
The Committee shall provide assistance to the directors in fulfilling their
==============================================================================
responsibility to the shareholders, potential shareholders, and investment
==========================================================================
community relating to corporate accounting, reporting practices of the
======================================================================
Corporation, and the quality and integrity of the financial reports of the
==========================================================================
Corporation. It shall be the responsibility of the Committee to maintain free
=============================================================================
and open means of communication between the directors, the independent
======================================================================
auditors, and the financial management of the Corporation. Consistent with this
===============================================================================
function, the Committee should encourage continuous improvement of, and should
==============================================================================
foster adherence to, the Corporation's policies, procedures and practices at
============================================================================
all levels.
===========
While the Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this
============================================================================
Charter, it is not the duty of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to
============================================================================
determine that the Corporation's financial statements are complete and accurate
===============================================================================
and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This is
============================================================================
the responsibility of management and the independent auditor. Nor is it the
===========================================================================
duty of the Committee to conduct investigations, to resolve disagreements, if
=============================================================================
any, between management and the independent auditor or to assure compliance
===========================================================================
with laws and regulations and the Corporation's business conduct guidelines.
============================================================================
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee believes its policies
============================================================================
and procedures should remain flexible in order to best react to changing
========================================================================
conditions and to ensure to the directors and shareholders that the corporate
=============================================================================
accounting and reporting practices of the Corporation are in accordance with
============================================================================
all requirements and are of the highest quality.
================================================
The Committee's primary duties and responsibilities are to:
==============================================================
. Serve as an independent and objective party to monitor the Corporation's
=============================================================================
financial reporting process and internal control system.
=============================================================
A-1
===
. Review and appraise the audit efforts of the Corporation's independent
===========================================================================
accountants and financial management of the corporation.
=============================================================
. Provide an open avenue of communication among the independent accountants,
===============================================================================
financial and senior management, and the Board.
====================================================
The Committee will primarily fulfill these responsibilities by carrying out
==============================================================================
the activities enumerated in Section IV of this Charter.
========================================================
III. MEETINGS
=============
The Committee shall meet at least four (4) times annually, or more
=====================================================================
frequently as circumstances dictate. As part of its responsibility to foster
============================================================================
open communication, the Committee should meet at least annually with
====================================================================
management, and the independent accountants in separate executive sessions to
=============================================================================
discuss any matters that the Committee or each of these groups believe should
=============================================================================
be discussed privately. In addition, the Committee or its chair should meet
===========================================================================
with the independent accountants and management annually to review the
======================================================================
Corporation's financials in accordance with Section IV (3) below.
=================================================================
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
===============================
To fulfill its responsibilities and duties the Committee shall:
==================================================================
Documents / Reports Review
============================
1. Review and update this Charter periodically (at least annually) as
=========================================================================
conditions dictate.
==========================
2. Review the Corporation's annual financial statements and any reports or
==============================================================================
other financial information submitted to any governmental body, or the
=============================================================================
public, including any certification, report, opinion, or review rendered
===============================================================================
by the independent accountants.
======================================
3. Review with financial management and the independent accountants, the
============================================================================
Annual Report on Form 10-K prior to its filing or prior to the release
=============================================================================
of earnings. The chairman of the Committee may represent the entire
==========================================================================
Committee for purposes of this review.
=============================================
4. Issue annually a report to be included in the Corporation's proxy
========================================================================
statement as required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
========================================================================
Commission.
==================
5. Discuss with management and/or the Corporation's general counsel any
===========================================================================
legal matters (including the status of pending litigation) that may have
===============================================================================
a material impact on the Corporation's financial statements, and any
===========================================================================
material reports or inquires from regulatory or governmental agencies.
=============================================================================
Independent Accountants
=========================
6. Recommend to the Board the selection of the independent accountants,
===========================================================================
considering independence and effectiveness and approve the fees and
==========================================================================
other compensation to be paid to the independent accountants. On an
==========================================================================
annual basis, the Committee should review and discuss with the
=====================================================================
accountants all significant relationships the accountants have with the
==============================================================================
Corporation to determine the accountants' independence. The committee
============================================================================
shall be responsible for obtaining a formal written statement from the
=============================================================================
independent accountants delineating all relationships between the
========================================================================
accountants and the Corporation consistent with Independence Standards
=============================================================================
Board Standard 1.
========================
7. Review the performance of the independent accountants and approve any
============================================================================
proposed discharge of the independent accountants when circumstances
===========================================================================
warrant.
===============
8. Periodically consult with the independent accountants out of the
=======================================================================
presence of financial management about internal controls and the
=======================================================================
fullness and accuracy of the Corporation's financial statements.
=======================================================================
A-2
===
Financial Reporting Processes
===============================
9. In consultation with the independent accountants and the financial
=========================================================================
management, review the integrity of the Corporation's financial
======================================================================
reporting processes, both internal and external.
=======================================================
10. Consider the independent accountants judgments about the quality and
===========================================================================
appropriateness of the Corporation's accounting principles as applied in
===============================================================================
its financial reporting.
===============================
11. Consider and approve, if appropriate, major changes to the Corporation's
===============================================================================
auditing and accounting principles and practices as suggested by the
===========================================================================
independent accountants, or financial management.
========================================================
Process Improvement
=====================
12. Establish regular and separate systems of reporting to the Committee by
==============================================================================
each of financial management, and the independent accountants regarding
==============================================================================
any significant judgments made in financial management's preparation of
==============================================================================
the financial statements and the view of each as to appropriateness of
=============================================================================
such judgments.
======================
13. Following completion of the annual audit, review separately with each of
===============================================================================
financial management, and the independent accountants, any significant
=============================================================================
difficulties encountered during the course of the audit, including any
=============================================================================
restrictions on the scope of work or access to required information.
===========================================================================
14. Review any significant disagreement among financial management and the
=============================================================================
independent accountants in connection with the preparation of the
========================================================================
financial statements.
============================
15. Review with the independent accountants and financial management the
===========================================================================
extent to which changes or improvements in financial or accounting
=========================================================================
practices, as approved by the Committee, have been implemented; provided
===============================================================================
such review shall be conducted at an appropriate time subsequent to
==========================================================================
implementation of changes or improvements, as decided by the Committee.
==============================================================================
Compliance
============
16. Review activities, organizational structure, and qualifications of
=========================================================================
financial management of the corporation.
===============================================
17. Perform any other activities consistent with this Charter, the
=====================================================================
Corporation's by-laws and governing law, as the Committee or the Board
=============================================================================
deem necessary or appropriate.
=====================================
A-3
===
PROXY CARD
AQUACELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD DECEMBER 7, 2004
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned Stockholder(s) of AQUACELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), hereby appoints James C. Witham, Proxy, with full
power of substitution in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to vote
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on December 7,
2004 and at all adjournments thereof, according to the number of votes that the
undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present, upon the following
matters.
(Continued and to be signed below)
DETACH PROXY CARD HERE
================================================================================
PROXY
1. Election of a Director: Gary S. Wolff
[ ] FOR the nominee listed above
[ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for the nominee listed above
2. To ratify the appointment of Wolinetz, Lafazan & Company, PC as Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2005.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
3. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting or any and all
adjournments thereof.
COMPANY ID:
PROXY NUMBER:
ACCOUNT NUMBER:
Signature ___________________ Signature ___________________ Date _________, 2004
Note: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint
owners, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.