SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
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TAYLOR DEVICES INC
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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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 22, 2021, at 11:00 am. 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 22, 2021, Meeting Date.
1.
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To elect one Class 1 director of the Company to serve
a three-year term to expire in 2024, or until the election and qualification of their successors. [John Burgess]
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2.
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To elect one Class 1 director of the Company to serve a three-year term to expire in 2024, or until the election and qualification of their successors. [F. Eric Armenat]
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3.
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To ratify the appointment of Lumsden & McCormick, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2022.
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4.
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To transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.
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The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business
on August 23, 2021, 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.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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/s/Mark V. McDonough
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DATED:
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September 10, 2021
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Mark V. McDonough
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North Tonawanda, New York
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Secretary
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY
MATERIALS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The
Proxy Statement and the 2021 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 22, 2021
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 22, 2021, 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 10, 2021.
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 23, 2021, as the record date for determining the holders of common stock entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. On
August 23, 2021, the Company had outstanding and entitled to vote a total of 3,496,765 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. The Board of Directors, acting upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, named
Mr. John Burgess and Mr. F. Eric Armenat 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. Burgess and Armenat 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 1 Directors Whose Terms Will Expire in
2021
John
Burgess, 76, 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, 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 a 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.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR"
THE NOMINEE.
PROPOSAL 2
ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
F.
Eric Armenat, 62, has served as a director since 2018.
Mr. Armenat has 40 years of business experience across
a myriad of industries both private and public. He most recently served as 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 management and industry experience
enable 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.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR"
THE NOMINEE.
Class 2 Director Whose Term Will Expire in 2023
Timothy
J. Sopko, 55
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.
Class 3 Director Whose Term Will Expire in 2022
Robert M. Carey, 76, brings over forty-five
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.
Class 3 Director Whose Term Will Expire in 2022
Alan
R. Klembczyk, 55, 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 3rd 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, 2021, the Board
of Directors met three times with all 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 October 23, 2020.
The
Executive Committee, between meetings of the Board of Directors and to the extent permitted by law, exercises all the powers
and authority of the Board in the management of the business of the Company. The Executive Committee is comprised of Messrs. Carey, 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. Carey, 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 2021, with all members in
attendance.
The
Compensation Committee, comprised of Messrs. Carey, Burgess and Armenat and chaired by Mr. Armenat, 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 2021, with all members in attendance.
The
Nominating Committee, comprised of Messrs. Carey, Burgess and Armenat and chaired by Mr. Carey, 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 2021, 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. Carey, Burgess and Armenat are independent directors within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the applicable Nasdaq Capital
Market listing standards.
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.
The Board of Directors recommended Mr. Burgess as
management’s proposed Class 1 Director nominee and Mr. F. Eric Armenat as management’s proposed Class 1 Director nominees
to stand for election by shareholders at this Annual Meeting. In addition to other criteria, any nominee recommended 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. Carey, 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/about-us/investors. 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, 2021
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:
1.
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Reviewed and discussed the Company's audited financial
statements with management of the Company;
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2.
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Reviewed
and discussed with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standards No. 16 (Communication with Audit Committees);
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3.
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Received the written disclosures and the letter from
Lumsden & McCormick, LLP, as required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Lumsden & McCormick's communications
with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Lumsden & McCormick their independence; and
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4.
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Based on the foregoing, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Company's Board of Directors that the Company's audited financial statements be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2021 for filing with the SEC.
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Respectfully submitted,
John Burgess
F. Eric Armenat
Robert M. Carey
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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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. A non-employee
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. A non-employee 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. A non-employee
Assistant Secretary of the meeting receives an additional fee of $250 per meeting for secretarial services.
Pursuant to the formula set forth in the 2018 Taylor
Devices, Inc. Stock Option Plans on April 22, 2021, 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 22, 2021 was $11.95, which was the fair
market value for a share of common stock according to the terms of the 2018 Plan. The fair market value is the mean between the high and
low prices for a share of common stock as quoted by NASDAQ on the date of the grant. If there is only one price quoted for the day of
the grant, the fair market value shall be such price; and if no such price is quoted for the day of the grant, the fair market value shall
be the previous closing price. In the event that no previous closing price is available, then the fair market value of one share of Common
Stock on the day the option is granted shall be determined by the Committee or by the Board.
Director Compensation Table
Name
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Fees earned
or
paid in cash
($)
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Stock
awards
($)
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Option awards
($)
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Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($)
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Nonqualified deferred compensation earnings
($)
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All other compensation
($)
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Total
($)
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John Burgess
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$21,000
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-
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$17,438
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-
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-
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$1,000
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$39,438
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F. Eric Armenat
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$21,000
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-
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$17,438
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-
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-
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$1,000
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$39,438
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Robert M. Carey
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$10,000
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-
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$17,438
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-
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-
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$1,000
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$28,438
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Randall L Clark (Retired)
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$11,000
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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$11,000
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Assumptions made in the valuation of option awards
are described in Note 14 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders accompanying
this Proxy Statement.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Overview of Compensation Program
The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee
is to annually review and approve the Company's overall compensation philosophy and establish corporate goals and objectives in accordance
with such philosophy.
Duties and Responsibilities
In keeping with its primary purpose, the committee
annually evaluates the performance of the Company's executive officers; determines and approves the compensation of the CEO, including
individual elements of salary, bonus, supplemental retirement, incentive and equity compensation, and determines and approves executive
officer (non-CEO) compensation, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans. In its deliberations, the committee considers company
performance, compensation at comparable companies, past years' compensation to the company's executive officers and other relevant factors.
The following table sets forth certain information
concerning compensation of, and stock options held by the Company's Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer as
of May 31, 2021.
Summary Compensation Table
Name and
principal position
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Year
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Salary
($)
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Bonus
($)
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Stock
awards
($)
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Option
awards
($)
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Nonequity
incentive plan
compensation
($)
|
Change in pension value and nonqualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
($)
|
All other
compensation
($)
|
Total
($)
|
Timothy J. Sopko
Chief Executive Officer
|
2021
2020
|
$250,000
$250,000
|
-
$108,731
|
None
None
|
$17,438$14,254
|
-
-
|
None
None
|
$23,668
$17,015
|
$291,106
$390,000
|
Alan R. Klembczyk
President
|
2021
2020
|
$235,000
$235,000
|
-
$102,208
|
None
None
|
$17,438$14,254
|
-
-
-
|
None
None
|
$11,361
-
|
$263,799
$351,462
|
Mark V. McDonough
Chief Financial Officer
|
2021
2020
|
$220,000
$220,000
|
-
$95,683
|
None
None
|
$17,438$14,254
|
-
-
|
None
None
|
$11,346
-
|
$248,783
$329,937
|
Pursuant to its Management Bonus Policy, for the fiscal
year ended May 31, 2021, the Company did not pay bonuses to the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above. Under
the policy, the Compensation Committee may approve payment for performance based on an amount, calculated in the aggregate for all participants,
and of no more than 15% of net income of the Company for the fiscal year then ended.
Option awards include 5,000 options awarded to Mr.
Sopko in 2021 and 2020; 5,000 options awarded to Mr. Klembczyk in 2021 and 2020; and 5,000 options awarded to Mr. McDonough in 2021 and
2020. See also Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Assumptions made in the valuation of option awards
are described in Note 14 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders accompanying
this Proxy Statement.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2020 Year-End
|
Option Awards
|
Stock Awards
|
Name
|
Number of securities underlying unexercised options
(#)
exercisable
|
Number of securities underlying unexercised options
(#) unexercisable
|
Equity incentive plan awards: Number of securities
underlying unexercised
unearned options
(#)
|
Option exercise price
($)
|
Option expiration date
|
Number of shares or units of stock that have not
vested
(#)
|
Market value of shares or units of stock that have
not vested
($)
|
Equity incentive plan awards: Number of unearned
shares, units or other rights that have not vested
(#)
|
Equity incentive plan awards: Market or payout value
of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested
($)
|
Timothy J. Sopko
|
5,000
5,000
|
None
|
None
|
$ 9.8500
$11.9500
|
04/18/30
04/22/31
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Alan R. Klembczyk
|
3,000
3,000
3,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
|
None
|
None
|
$12.8000
$19.2550
$12.2792
$11.9750
$ 9.8500
$11.9500
|
08/12/25
08/03/26
08/04/27
04/18/29
04/18/30
04/22/31
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Mark V. McDonough
|
4,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
|
None
|
None
|
$ 8.0550
$ 7.7400
$ 8.9851
$12.2000
$16.4000
$13.8000
$10.3000
$11.9750
$ 9.8500
$11.9500
|
08/07/22
04/18/23
04/18/24
04/18/25
04/18/26
04/18/27
04/18/28
04/18/29
04/18/30
04/22/31
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Employment and Change in Control Agreements
As of August 9, 2021, Mr.
Sopko and, 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. Sopko, Klembczyk and McDonough base salaries of $250,000, $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 23, 2021, 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.
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
Percentage of
Common Stock Owned
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
1717 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
|
|
345,193
|
|
|
9.87
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ira Sochet
121 14th Street
Belleair Beach, FL 33786
|
|
459,015
|
|
|
13.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
Percentage of Common Stock Owned
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Burgess
|
|
75,000
|
(1)
|
|
2.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Randall L. Clark (Retired)
|
|
69,555
|
(1) (2)
|
|
1.96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark V. McDonough
|
|
57,000
|
(1)
|
|
1.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan R. Klembczyk
|
|
26,123
|
(1)
|
|
0.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. Eric Armenat
|
|
15,000
|
(1)
|
|
0.43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy J. Sopko
|
|
13,000
|
(1)
|
|
0.37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert M. Carey
|
|
7,500
|
(1)
|
|
0.21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All of the Directors and Executive Officers as a group
|
|
263,178
|
|
|
7.12
|
|
(1)
|
Includes options granted to directors and officers which have not been exercised: 50,000 by Mr. Burgess, 49,000 by Mr. McDonough, 15,000 by Mr. Armenat, 45,000 by Mr. Clark, 24,000 by Mr. Klembczyk, 10,000 by Mr. Sopko and 5,000 by Mr. Carey. These options were granted pursuant to the 2008 Taylor Devices, Inc. Stock Option Plan ("2008 Plan"), the 2012 Taylor Devices, Inc. Stock Option Plan ("2012 Plan"), the 2015 Taylor Devices, Inc. Stock Option Plan ("2015 Plan") and the 2018 Taylor Devices, Inc. Stock Option Plan “2018 Plan).
|
|
(2)
|
Includes 15,000 shares, held beneficially and of record
by Suzanne Jones Clark, wife of Mr. Clark. As to these shares, Mr. Clark disclaims any beneficial ownership.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indemnification Insurance for Directors and Officers
On August 23, 2021, 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 $52,755. 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, 2021.
|
|
|
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
Plan Category
|
|
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants, and rights
(a)
|
|
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
|
|
Number of securities remaining available for future
issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 Stock Option Plan
2012 Stock Option Plan
2015 Stock Option Plan
2018 Stock Option Plan
|
|
19,750
67,000
105,750
75,250
|
|
$ 9.61
$11.57
$12.61
$10.73
|
|
-
-
-
84,000
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (1)
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
218,783
|
Total
|
|
267,750
|
|
|
|
302,783
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The Company's 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Employee Plan") permits eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at fair market value through payroll deductions and without brokers' fees. Such purchases are without any contribution on the part of the Company.
|
OTHER PLANS
The Company adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
in 2004. As of August 23, 2021, there are 218,459 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, 2022. 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 $116,000 and $106,000 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2021
and 2020.
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 $92,000 and $90,000 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
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, 2021 and 2020.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Lumsden & McCormick,
LLP for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $11,000 and $12,000 for the fiscal years ended May
31, 2021 and 2020.
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 $13,000 and $4,000 for
the fiscal years ended 2021 and 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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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 $7,000,
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 2022 Annual Meeting
Procedures for a nomination by a shareholder for election
as a director are described under "Nominees by Shareholders” on page 8 of this Proxy Statement.
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented
to the year 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Secretary of the Company no later than May 14, 2022, for inclusion
in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy. Shareholders wishing to propose a matter for consideration at the 2022 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.
Financial and Other Information
The financial statements of the Company for the fiscal
year ended May 31, 2021, are contained in the Company's 2021 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.
|
By Order of the Board of Directors
|
|
|
|
/s/Mark V. McDonough
|
Dated:
|
September 10, 2021
|
Mark V. McDonough
|
|
North Tonawanda, New York
|
Secretary
|
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