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Taylor Devices Inc. – ‘DEF 14A’ for 5/31/20

On:  Friday, 9/11/20, at 10:02am ET   ·   Effective:  9/11/20   ·   For:  5/31/20   ·   Accession #:  96536-20-15   ·   File #:  0-03498

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size

 9/11/20  Taylor Devices Inc.               DEF 14A     5/31/20    1:241K

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: DEF 14A     Definitive Proxy Statement                          HTML    119K 

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒ Definitive Proxy Statement

☐ Definitive Additional Materials

☐ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

☒ No fee required

☐ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

☐ 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.

TAYLOR DEVICES, INC.

90 TAYLOR DRIVE

NORTH TONAWANDA, NEW YORK 14120

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF TAYLOR DEVICES, INC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of TAYLOR DEVICES, INC. (the "Company") will be held virtually on October 23, 2020 at 11:00 am.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with NYS Senate Bill 8412 signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on June 17, 2020, there will not be a physical meeting. Shareholders who wish to attend the passcode protected virtual Shareholders Meeting may do so by visiting www.taylordevices.com/annual-shareholders-meeting/. To register for the meeting and to obtain the meeting’s passcode, please email shareholderrelations@taylordevices.com ahead of the October 23, 2020 Meeting Date.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on August 24, 2020 as the record date for determining which shareholders shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. SHAREHOLDERS MAY ATTEND THE MEETING BY PROXY. SHAREHOLDERS ARE REQUESTED TO PROMPTLY SUBMIT THEIR VOTE BY INTERNET, BY TELEPHONE OR BY SIGNING, DATING AND RETURNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. THE PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

The Proxy Statement and the 2020 Annual Report to shareholders are available at www.taylordevices.com/investors.html

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

OF

TAYLOR DEVICES, INC.

90 TAYLOR DRIVE

NORTH TONAWANDA, NEW YORK 14120

_________________________

OCTOBER 23, 2020

This Proxy Statement is furnished to shareholders by the Board of Directors of Taylor Devices, Inc. in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on October 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., and at any adjournments of the meeting, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy are being mailed to shareholders commencing on or about September 11, 2020.

If the enclosed form of proxy is properly executed and returned, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the proxy's instructions. Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the shareholder at any time prior to its use by written notice to the Secretary of the Company.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on August 24, 2020 as the record date for determining the holders of common stock entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. On August 24, 2020, the Company had outstanding and entitled to vote a total of 3,487,245 shares of common stock. Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters to be brought before the meeting.

For shares held in the name of a broker or other nominee, the owner may vote such shares at the meeting if the owner brings with him or her a letter from the broker or nominee confirming his or her ownership as of the record date, and a legal proxy.

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTOR

General

Each year directors comprising one of the three Classes of the Board of Directors of the Company are proposed for election by the shareholders, each to serve for a three-year term, or until the election and qualification of his successor. Randall L. Clark, having served on the Company’s Board for many years, has announced his intention to resign from the Board of Directors, effective at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors, acting upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, named Mr. Robert M. Carey and Mr. Timothy J. Sopko as management’s nominees to be elected at this Annual Meeting.

The persons named on the enclosed form of proxy will vote all shares present at the Annual Meeting for the election of the nominees, unless a shareholder, by his or her proxy, directs otherwise. Should either of Messrs. Carey and Sopko be unable to serve, proxies will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the person or persons acting under such authority. Management expects that the nominees will be able to serve.

The Company believes that the nominees have professional experience in areas relevant to its strategy and operations. The Company also believes that the nominees have other attributes necessary to guide the Company and help the Board function effectively, including high personal and professional ethics, the willingness to engage management and each other in a constructive and collaborative fashion, the ability to devote significant time to serve on the Board and its committees and a commitment to representing the long-term interests of the shareholders. In addition to these attributes, in each individual's biography set forth below, the Company has highlighted specific experience, qualifications and skills that led the Nominating Committee and the Board to conclude that each individual should continue to serve as a director.

Class 2 Director Whose Term Will Expire in 2023

Timothy J. Sopko, 54

Mr. Sopko’s business experience spans more than thirty years in Aerospace (Military and Civil), Industrial as well as Commercial markets with a primary focus in the areas of Engineering, Product Development, Program Management, Operations, and Business Management.

Prior to joining Taylor Devices as CEO in April 2019, Mr. Sopko was Vice President and General Manager of Carleton Technologies Inc. (d.b.a. Cobham Mission Systems) in Orchard Park, New York, a Department of Defense Contractor where he also held the positions of General Manager, Director of Engineering and Programs, Director of Engineering and Director of Business Development. Under Mr. Sopko’s leadership as VP and GM, Carleton successfully grew annual sales from $110m to over $200m.

After nine years of Design Engineering and Program Management in industry (1988-1997), Mr. Sopko co-founded Comprehensive Technical Solutions Inc., a New York State S-corporation which provides product design engineering services to companies across the United States as well as producing and supporting a portfolio of internally funded products.

Mr. Sopko is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of The State University of New York at Buffalo and has been a member of The University’s Mechanical and Aerospace Dean’s Advisory Board since 2012. Mr. Sopko is also an author and/or co-author on several US Patents. The combination of Mr. Sopko’s knowledge and experience in various management positions within the industry is the basis for the Nominating Committee’s appointment of Mr. Sopko to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE NOMINEE.

PROPOSAL 2

ELECTION OF DIRECTOR

Class 3 Director Whose Term Will Expire in 2022

Robert Carey, 75, brings over 45 years of experience ranging from General Management to consultative.

He was the General Manager of the Reichert Analytical Instruments group from 2001 to 2009. The company manufactures and sells internationally a variety of analytical measurement instruments for use in medicine, food processing, and biotechnology research.

Mr. Carey was the Principal at CMA, Ltd from 1990 to 2001. CMA, Ltd provides consulting services to the manufacturing sector in the area of organization, operational change and strategic planning. Mr. Carey was also a Partner in Decision Processes International (DPI) from 1999 to 2001. DPI is an international strategic planning consultancy working with companies of all sizes.

In 1979 Mr. Carey joined Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. (now Integer Holdings) as North American Sales Manager. Mr. Greatbatch held the patents for the implantable pacemaker. The eponymously named company is the world’s leader in implantable power sources. In 1981 Mr. Carey was named Vice President of Wilson Greatbatch and General Manager of the Electrochem Div. Electrochem manufactures, and sells internationally, high energy batteries used in rugged or remote environments such as space, oil and gas drilling, the military and the ocean.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the State University of California, Long Beach and a Master of Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Mr. Carey served in the U.S. Army achieving the rank of Captain.

The Company believes that Mr. Carey’s experience in strategic planning for technical manufacturing companies and his knowledge of lean manufacturing, related statistical techniques, and team based organization structures qualify him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE NOMINEE.

Class 1 Directors Whose Terms Will Expire in 2021

John Burgess, 75, has served as a director since 2007 and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Burgess gained his international strategy, manufacturing operations and organizational development expertise from his more than 40 years experience with middle market public and privately-owned companies. Mr. Burgess served as President and CEO of Reichert, Inc. a leading provider of ophthalmic instruments, and spearheaded the acquisition of the company from Leica Microsystems in 2002, leading the company until its sale in January 2007. Prior to the acquisition, Mr. Burgess served as President of Leica’s Ophthalmic and Educational Divisions before leading the buyout of the Ophthalmic Division and formation of Reichert, Inc.

From 1996 to 1999, Mr. Burgess was COO of International Motion Controls (IMC), a $200 million diversified manufacturing firm. During his tenure there, he led a significant acquisition strategy that resulted in seven completed acquisitions and sixteen worldwide businesses in the motion control market. Previously, Mr. Burgess operated a number of companies for Moog, Inc. and Carleton Technologies, including six years as President of Moog’s Japanese subsidiary, Nihon Moog K.K. located in Hiratsuka, Japan. Moog, Inc. is the global leader in electro-hydraulic servo control technology with focus on the aerospace and defense sectors, and was recognized as one of The 100 Best Companies to Work For in America by Fortune Magazine.

Mr. Burgess earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Bath University in England, and a Master of Business Administration from Canisius College.

Currently Mr. Burgess is an Operating Partner of Summer Street Capital LLC and Director of Bird Technologies Corporation of Solon, Ohio. As a result of the positions and experience described above, Mr. Burgess demonstrates leadership skills with his strong background in financial and accounting matters. He serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee as well as the Audit Committee financial expert. The Company believes that Mr. Burgess' academic background, and his experience in executive positions at a range of companies in industries related to that of the Company, qualify him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

F. Eric Armenat, 61, became Secretary of the Company and appointed as a director on April 27, 2018 to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Reginald B. Newman II. Subsequently, in accordance with the By Laws of the Corporation concerning the election of previously appointed directors, Mr. Armenat was proposed for election by the Board of Directors and on November 2, 2018, was successfully elected to serve a 3-year term as a Class 1 director.

Mr. Armenat has more than 37 years of business experience across a myriad of industries both private and public. He is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Multisorb Filtration Group which he successfully spearheaded the sale of in early 2018 from a private equity owner. Multisorb is the world leader in the active packaging industry solving complex technical challenges in the pharmaceutical, food, and industrial markets.

From 2012 to 2016, Mr. Armenat served and President and Chief Executive Officer for several companies owned by private equity. These companies included healthcare delivery, medical waste collection and disposal as well as active packaging. He was responsible for the successful business improvement and eventual divestiture of the companies.

From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Armenat served as Chief Operating Officer of Avox Systems (Zodiac Aerospace), a leading supplier of aircraft oxygen systems. From 1994 to 2009, he served as Vice President of Operations and then President and General Manager of Carleton Technologies (Cobham Mission Systems), a global leader of technology for the military and commercial aviation markets. Mr. Armenat also worked as an Operations Management Consultant with Ernst and Young beginning in 1984.

Mr. Armenat earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering from Southern Illinois University and his MBA in Finance and Accounting from St. Bonaventure University. He also proudly served in the United States Airforce.

Mr. Armenat’s experience, together with his management and industry experience, enables him to provide the Board with a perspective on the Company’s business, operations and strategic issues. The Company believes that Mr. Armenat's education, positions and experience described above qualify him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Class 3 Director Whose Term Will Expire in 2022

Alan R. Klembczyk, 54, has served the Company as President and as a member of the Board of Directors since June 1, 2018.

After graduating from the University of Buffalo in 1987 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Klembczyk has held key positions in Sales, Engineering and Executive Management at Taylor Devices over the last 32 years including Design Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, Chief Engineer, Vice President of Sales & Engineering and was appointed President of the Company and Member of the Board of Directors in June 2018.

Mr. Klembczyk has been responsible for establishing new Sales & Marketing policies and has been directly involved with defining internal Company policy and strategic direction in cooperation with all levels of Taylor Devices’ Management. He has been an integral part of the team that managed upgrades to the Quality System and obtaining 3^rd party certification to International Standards ISO 9001, ISO 14000 and Aerospace Standard AS9100.

Mr. Klembczyk has served for many years on the Technical Advisory Group for the US Shock and Vibration Information & Analysis Center (SAVIAC) and the Shock and Vibration Exchange (SAVE). In 2019, he received the Distinguished Service Award from SAVE. Additionally, he has been a tutorial and course instructor for various organizations internationally and has participated in technical conferences and symposia. He is a founding member and first co-chair of the Industry Partner Committee of the US Resiliency Council.

Mr. Klembczyk has participated in many research projects for products for military & aerospace, industrial, and structural applications. He has served as Program Manager for many of these projects and has worked with academia including the University at Buffalo’s MCEER: Earthquake Engineering to Extreme Events, among others.

He has published several papers describing unique applications for structural dampers, tuned mass dampers, vibration isolators, shock absorbers, and shock isolators and holds US Patents for some of these components. These papers have been published by SAVE, SAVIAC, the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) and the Applied Technology Council (ATC).

The Company believes that his wide-ranging roles throughout his career at the Company provide him with significant leadership, industry, marketing, and international experience, which qualify him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Committees and Meetings

During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020, the Board of Directors met three times with all of the directors in attendance. All Board members traditionally attend the annual meeting, notwithstanding that the Company does not have a policy with regard to attendance. All five Board members attended the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on November 1, 2019.

The Executive Committee, between meetings of the Board of Directors and to the extent permitted by law, exercises all of the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business of the Company. The Executive Committee is comprised of Messrs. Clark, Burgess and Armenat and chaired by Mr. Burgess.

The Audit Committee represents and assists the Board of Directors with its oversight of the integrity of the Company's financial statements and internal controls, the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent auditor's qualifications and independence and the performance of the Company's internal audit function and independent auditor. Except as otherwise required by applicable laws, regulations or listing standards, all major decisions are considered by the Board of Directors as a whole.

The Audit Committee, comprised of Messrs. Clark, Burgess and Armenat and chaired by Mr. Burgess, is governed by an Audit Committee Charter which was revised and adopted by the Board of Directors. Mr. Burgess also serves as the Audit Committee financial expert. The Audit Committee met five times in fiscal 2020, with all members in attendance.

The Compensation Committee, comprised of Messrs. Clark, Burgess and Armenat and chaired by Mr. Clark, reviews the compensation of the Company's executive officers and makes recommendations in that regard to the Board as a whole. The Committee also administers the Company's stock option plans. The Compensation Committee met twice in fiscal 2020, with all members in attendance.

The Nominating Committee, comprised of Messrs. Clark, Burgess and Armenat and chaired by Mr. Clark, is responsible for identifying and evaluating individuals qualified to become Board members and recommending to the Board candidates to stand for election or re-election as directors. The Nominating Committee met twice in fiscal 2020, with all members in attendance.

The Charters for the Company’s Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees are available online at www.taylordevices.com/investors. Shareholders may also request a printed copy upon written request to: Mark V. McDonough, Corporate Secretary, Taylor Devices, Inc., 90 Taylor Drive, North Tonawanda, New York 14120.

Independence. Messrs. Clark, Burgess and Armenat are independent directors within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the applicable Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards. If elected by the shareholders, Mr. Carey will be an independent director within the meaning of Rule 5605, and the Company anticipates that the Board will appoint Mr. Carey to the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committees.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is governed by the terms of its Charter with respect to the consideration and selection of nominees proposed for election to the Board of Directors, including those recommended by shareholders.

The Criteria and Procedures.

The Company strives to have a Board of Directors which will work diligently to promote the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders. To that end, the Nominating Committee Charter sets forth certain director qualification criteria (the "Criteria") which the Nominating Committee and the Board believes are necessary for a director of the Company to possess, and provides a description of the procedures to be followed when making a recommendation as to any nominee. So long as any individual proposed by shareholders meets the Criteria, the Nominating Committee will consider such recommendations on the same basis as other candidates. The Criteria include integrity, reputation, judgment, knowledge, independence, experience and accomplishments, board interaction, skills and long-term commitment. The Committee is required to apply the Criteria to candidates recommended by a Nominating Committee member, other directors and management, as well as to any candidate meeting the Criteria recommended by shareholders.

During the selection process, the Nominating Committee seeks inclusion and diversity within the Board and adheres to the Company's policy of maintaining an environment free from discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual preference or orientation, marital status or any other unlawful factor. The Board strives to nominate directors with a variety of complementary skills so that, as a group, the Board will possess the appropriate talent, skills and expertise to oversee the Company's business.

The Nominating Committee annually reviews the requirements relating to diversity and recommends to the Board any changes it believes appropriate to reflect best practices. In addition, the Board assesses annually its overall effectiveness by means of a self-evaluation process. This evaluation includes, among other things, an assessment of the overall composition of the Board, including a discussion as to whether the Board has adequately considered diversity, among other factors, in identifying and discussing director candidates.

The Evaluation Process.

The Nominating Committee Charter also describes the process for identifying and evaluating nominees for director, including those nominated by shareholders. In each instance, the Nominating Committee must assess the Board's present and anticipated strengths and needs, based upon the Company's current and future needs. The selection of candidates is intended to provide the Board with an appropriate balance of expertise or experience in accounting and finance, technology, management, international business, compensation, corporate governance, strategy, industry knowledge and general business matters.

Management's Nominees.

Messrs. Burgess, Clark and Armenat recommended Mr. Sopko as management’s proposed Class 2 Director nominee and Mr. Carey as management’s proposed Class 3 Director nominees to stand for election by shareholders at this Annual Meeting. In addition to other criteria, any nominee recommended to fill a vacancy on the Nominating, Audit or Compensation Committee must meet independence standards set forth in of Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Capital Market listing standards.

Nominees by Shareholders.

Shareholders of the Company may make their suggestions for a director nominee to the entire Board of Directors or to any individual director, by a submission directed to the Company's Corporate Secretary's Office. The Corporate Secretary's Office will then forward the recommendation, together with all supporting documentation, to Mr. Clark, as Chairman of the Nominating Committee. Supporting documentation must include a detailed background of the proposed candidate and demonstrate how the candidate meets the Criteria.

Recommendations should be sent c/o Corporate Secretary's Office, Taylor Devices, Inc., 90 Taylor Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120.

Communicating with the Board of Directors

Although the Board of Directors does not have a formal procedure for shareholders to send communications to the Board of Directors, a shareholder may communicate with the Company at its website at www.taylordevices.com/Investors.htm. The Company will relay communications to specified individual directors if an express request to do so is included in the shareholder communication.

Code of Ethics

On August 23, 2003, the Company adopted a Code of Ethics (the "Code") which is a compilation of written standards reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct. Code requirements include, among others, the preparation of full, fair, timely and understandable disclosure in documents that the Company files with and submits to the SEC; compliance with governmental laws, rules and regulations; prompt internal reporting of violations to the Code; and accountability for adherence to the Code. There have been no amendments to the Code since its adoption and it was re-adopted by the Board of Directors on March 12, 2020.

Board Leadership Structure

Subsequent to the retirement of Douglas P. Taylor on May 31, 2018, the Board of Directors appointed long-time independent director John Burgess as Chairman of the Board. The Board also appointed Timothy J. Sopko as Chief Executive Officer in April 2019. In doing so, the Board believes that this is the most effective leadership structure for the Company and is in the best interests of its shareholders. The Board believes that Messrs. Burgess and Sopko are best suited to serve in their respective roles because their collective knowledge and experience within the industry will allow them to identify strategic priorities and opportunities, and thus, more effectively execute the Company's strategy and achieve long-term success.

Board Risk Oversight

Risk management is primarily the responsibility of the Company's management; however, the Board has responsibility for overseeing management's identification and management of those risks. The Board considers risks in making significant business decisions and as part of the Company's overall business strategy. The Board and its committees, as appropriate, discuss and receive periodic updates from senior management regarding significant risks, if any, to the Company in connection with the annual review of the Company's business plan and its review of budgets, strategy and major transactions.

Each Board committee assists the Board in overseeing management of the Company's risks within the areas delegated to that committee, and is tasked with reporting to the full Board, as appropriate. The Audit Committee is responsible for risks relating to its review of the Company's financial statements and financial reporting processes, the evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Compensation Committee is responsible for monitoring risks associated with the design and administration of the Company's compensation programs. The Nominating Committee oversees risk as it relates to the Company's corporate governance processes. Each committee has full access to management. In addition, the Audit Committee meets regularly with the Company's independent auditors.

Report of the Audit Committee for the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2020

The information contained in this Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material, or deemed to be filed with or incorporated by reference in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

As required by the terms of the Audit Committee Charter, the undersigned members of the Audit Committee have:

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Director Compensation

Each non-employee member of the Board of Directors receives a $3,500 quarterly retainer fee.

The Audit Committee meets independently of the Board of Directors not less than four times each year. Each committee member receives a fee of $1,000 per committee meeting. The Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the meeting receives an additional fee of $500 per meeting for secretarial services.

The Nominating Committee meets independently of the Board of Directors not less than twice a year. Each committee member receives a fee of $500 per committee meeting. The Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the meeting receives an additional fee of $250 per meeting for secretarial services.

The Compensation Committee meets independently of the Board of Directors not less than twice a year. Each committee member receives a fee of $500 per committee meeting. The Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the meeting receives an additional fee of $250 per meeting for secretarial services.

Pursuant to the formula set forth in the 2015 and 2018 Taylor Devices, Inc. Stock Option Plans on April 18, 2020, the fixed date of the grant, each director and the Company's Chief Financial Officer were granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company's stock. The exercise price on April 17, 2020 was $9.85, which was the fair market value for a share of common stock according to the terms of the 2018 Plan. The fair market value is the mean between the high and low prices for a share of common stock as quoted by NASDAQ on the date of the grant. If there is only one price quoted for the day of the grant, the fair market value shall be such price; and if no such price is quoted for the day of the grant, the fair market value shall be the previous closing price. April 18, 2020 was a Saturday, so the fair market value was the closing price for the preceding Friday. In the event that no previous closing price is available, then the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the day the option is granted shall be determined by the Committee or by the Board.

Director Compensation Table

Assumptions made in the valuation of option awards are described in Note 14 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders accompanying this Proxy Statement.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Overview of Compensation Program

The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee is to annually review and approve the Company's overall compensation philosophy and establish corporate goals and objectives in accordance with such philosophy.

Duties and Responsibilities

In keeping with its primary purpose, the committee annually evaluates the performance of the Company's executive officers; determines and approves the compensation of the CEO, including individual elements of salary, bonus, supplemental retirement, incentive and equity compensation, and determines and approves executive officer (non-CEO) compensation, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans. In its deliberations, the committee considers company performance, compensation at comparable companies, past years' compensation to the company's executive officers and other relevant factors.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation of and stock options held by the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President as of May 31, 2020.

Summary Compensation Table

Pursuant to its Management Bonus Policy, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020, the Company paid bonuses to the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above. Under the policy, the Compensation Committee may approve payment for performance based on an amount, calculated in the aggregate for all participants, and of no more than 15% of net income of the Company for the fiscal year then ended.

Option awards include 5,000 options awarded to Mr. Sopko in 2020; 5,000 options awarded to Mr. McDonough in 2019 and 2020; and 5,000 options awarded to Mr. Klembczyk in 2019 and 2020. See also Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

Assumptions made in the valuation of option awards are described in Note 14 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders accompanying this Proxy Statement.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2020 Year-End

Employment and Change in Control Agreements

As of June 1, 2018, Messrs. Klembczyk and McDonough (each, an "Executive") entered into Employment Agreements with the Company (together, the "Agreements"). By their terms, the Agreements will automatically renew each year after the date of this agreement (the “Initial Term”) provided however, that either party may elect not to renew this Agreement for any Renewal Period by providing 90 days written notice of such election prior to the end of the Initial Term or any Renewal Period. The Company may terminate the employment of an Executive in its absolute discretion, without Cause (as defined in the applicable Agreement), and for any reason. The Executive may terminate the Agreement and his employment at any time and for Good Reason (as defined in the applicable Agreement).

Each Agreement provides for the payment of a Severance Package of (i) the continuation of the Executive’s base salary for a period of 12 months and (ii) if, the Executive makes a valid election pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA) for continuation of health insurance under the applicable Company plan, reimbursement of premiums for such coverage for a period of up to 12 months. If the Agreement is not renewed by the Executive, no Severance Package shall be paid. If the Agreement is not renewed by the Company, the Executive shall be entitled to the Severance Package. Each Executive has agreed to a non-competition clause for 12 months after termination of employment with the Company, in any location where the Company has made sales within the five years preceding termination.

The Company agrees to pay Messrs. Klembczyk and McDonough base salaries of $235,000 and $220,000 per year, respectively, subject to increase at the discretion of the Board. Executives shall be eligible for an Incentive Compensation Plan based on Company performance as approved by the Board of Directors.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock as of August 24, 2020, with respect to (i) each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's common stock, (ii) each of the Company's directors and nominees for director, (iii) each named executive officer and (iv) all of the directors and executive officers as a group. All information is based solely upon ownership filings made by such persons with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or upon information provided by such persons to the Company.

Indemnification Insurance for Directors and Officers

On August 24, 2020, the Company purchased a director and officer indemnification insurance policy written by the Cincinnati Insurance Company. The renewal was for a one year period at an annual premium of $47,451. The policy provides indemnification benefits and the payment of expenses in actions instituted against any director or officer of the Company for claimed liability arising out of his conduct in such capacities. No payments or claims for indemnification or expenses have been made under any directors' and officers' insurance policies purchased by the Company.

The Company has entered into Indemnity Agreements with its directors and certain officers. Although the Company's by-laws and the New York Business Corporation Law (the "BCL") authorize the Company to indemnify directors and officers, neither require the directors and officers to be indemnified during the pendency of litigation or specify the times at which the Company is obligated to reimburse an indemnified person for expenses. The Indemnity Agreements provide that the Company will advance litigation expenses to the person indemnified while the action is pending, upon the indemnified person's assurance (as required by the BCL) that the advance will be returned if the indemnified person is ultimately found not to be entitled to it.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information regarding equity compensation plans of the Company as of May 31, 2020.

OTHER PLANS

The Company adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan in 2004. As of August 24, 2020, there are 219,879 shares available for sale to qualified employees. The Company also provides a 401(k) plan.

TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS

None.

PROPOSAL 3

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee engaged Lumsden & McCormick, LLP to serve as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2021. Although the Audit Committee is not required to do so, it is submitting its expected selection for ratification to the Annual Meeting in order to ascertain the views of the shareholders. The Audit Committee will not be bound by the vote of the shareholders; however, if the proposed selection is not ratified, the Audit Committee will revisit its selection.

A representative of Lumsden & McCormick, LLP will be present at the meeting, will be available to respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so.

The Audit Committee approves all professional services, including tax related services, provided to the Company by Lumsden & McCormick, LLP. With regard to "Audit and Audit-Related" services, the Committee reviews the annual audit plan and approves the estimated audit budget in advance. The aggregate fees billed by Lumsden & McCormick, LLP for professional services to the Company were $106,000 and $99,000 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019.

Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billed by Lumsden & McCormick, LLP for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the Company's annual financial statements, the review of the Company's quarterly financial statements and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $90,000 and $87,000 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019.

Audit-Related Fees

There were no aggregate fees billed by Lumsden & McCormick, LLP for professional assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Company's financial statements, but not included under Audit Fees, for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019.

Tax Fees

The aggregate fees billed by Lumsden & McCormick, LLP for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $12,000 for each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2020 and 2019.

All Other Fees

The aggregate fees billed by Lumsden & McCormick, LLP for the professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the Company’s 401(k) Plan were $4,000 for the fiscal year ended 2020.

Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee has adopted a policy that requires advance approval of all audit, audit-related, tax services and other services performed by the independent auditor. The policy provides for pre-approval by the Audit Committee of specifically defined audit and non-audit services. Unless the specific service has been previously pre-approved with respect to that year, the Audit Committee must approve the permitted service before the independent auditor is engaged to perform it.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF LUMSDEN & MCCORMICK, LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING MAY 31, 2021 BE RATIFIED AND URGES YOU TO VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Voting

Under the Business Corporation Law of New York ("BCL") and the Company's By-laws, the presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the outstanding common shares is necessary to constitute a quorum of the shareholders to take action at the Annual Meeting. The shares which are present or represented by a proxy will be counted for quorum purposes regardless of whether or not a broker with discretionary authority fails to exercise discretionary voting authority (a "broker non-vote") with respect to any particular matter. A shareholder attending the virtual annual meeting will be deemed to be present in person at the meeting for quorum purposes.

A nominee standing for election must be elected by a plurality of votes cast at the Annual Meeting, and if elected, serve in the class of directors to which he is elected. Withheld votes and broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote for a nominee.

Any other actions properly brought before the meeting, including Proposal 3, ratification of Lumsden & McCormick, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2021, requires a majority of the votes cast at the meeting by shareholders entitled to vote. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the action. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote upon the action.

For voting purposes, all proxies marked "for," "against," "abstain," or "withhold authority" will be counted in accordance with such instruction as to each item.

Expenses

The expenses of this solicitation, including the costs of preparing and mailing this Proxy Statement and accompanying material, will be borne by the Company. The Company has retained the services of Regan & Associates, Inc. if needed to assist in the solicitation of proxies under a contract providing for the payment of $6,500, including out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to solicitation by mail, Regan & Associates, Inc. and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies in person, by mail or by telephone, but no employee of the Company will receive any compensation for solicitation activities in addition to his or her regular compensation. Expenses may also include the charges and expenses of brokerage houses, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries for forwarding proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares.

Shareholder Proposals for the 2021 Annual Meeting

Procedures for a nomination by a shareholder for election as a director are described under "Nominees by Shareholders” on page 7 of this Proxy Statement.

Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented to the year 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Secretary of the Company no later than prior to May 13, 2021 for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy. Shareholders wishing to propose a matter for consideration at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must follow certain specified advance notice procedures set forth in the Company's by-laws, a copy of which is available upon written request to: Mark V. McDonough, Secretary, Taylor Devices, Inc., 90 Taylor Drive, North Tonawanda, New York 14120.

The by-laws designate procedures for the calling and conduct of a meeting of shareholders, including, but not limited to, specifying who may call the meeting, what business may be conducted, the procedures with respect to the making of shareholder proposals, and the procedures and requirements for shareholder nomination of directors.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's executive officers, directors, and beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of the Company’s stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes of ownership of the Company's common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Company. Based solely on a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 furnished to the Company during the 2020 fiscal year, all reporting persons filed the required forms in accordance with the provisions of Section 16(a), except that Ira Sochet, a beneficial owner of more than 10% of the Company’s stock, reported 12 transactions late on three reports and Janney Montgomery Scott did not file a Form 3 report when it became the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the Company’s stock.

Financial and Other Information

The financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 are contained in the Company's 2020 Annual Report which accompanies this Proxy Statement.

OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment.

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TAYLOR DEVICES, INC.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby appoints Timothy J. Sopko and Mark V. McDonough, and each of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies for the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of TAYLOR DEVICES, INC. to be held virtually at www.taylordevices.com/annual-shareholders-meeting/ on October 23, 2020 at 11:00 A.M., and at any adjournment thereof, to vote and act with respect to all common shares of the Company which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, with all the power the undersigned would possess if present in person.

Please mark, sign and date, and promptly return this proxy form using the enclosed envelope. When properly completed, it will be voted exactly as you instruct. If you sign and return this proxy, without otherwise completing it, your shares will be voted FOR Items 1, 2 and 3 and in the discretion of the proxies on any other business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.

The Proxy Statement and the 2020 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at

www.taylordevices.com/investors.html

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Dates Referenced Herein   and   Documents Incorporated by Reference

This ‘DEF 14A’ Filing		Date		Other Filings
		5/31/21		10-K,  DEF 14A
		5/13/21
		10/23/20		3
Filed on / Effective on:		9/11/20
		8/24/20
		6/17/20
For Period end:		5/31/20		10-K,  8-K
		4/18/20		4
		4/17/20
		3/12/20
		11/1/19		8-K
		5/31/19		10-K,  DEF 14A
		11/2/18		8-K
		6/1/18		3,  8-K
		5/31/18		10-K,  DEF 14A
		4/27/18		3,  8-K
		8/23/03
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Filing Submission 0000096536-20-000015   –   Alternative Formats (Word / Rich Text, HTML, Plain Text, et al.)

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