def14a
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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o   Definitive additional materials.
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LaBarge, Inc.
 
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
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(LABARGE INC. LOGO)
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING
AND PROXY STATEMENT
NOVEMBER 12, 2008

 


 

(LABARGE INC. LOGO)
LaBarge, Inc.
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
NOVEMBER 12, 2008
To the Stockholders:
     The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of LaBarge, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri, on November 12, 2008, at 4:00 p.m., St. Louis time. Stockholders who do not attend the Annual Meeting in person are invited to listen to the webcast of the meeting, which will be accessible on the Internet at www.labarge.com.
     At the Annual Meeting, Common Stockholders will be asked:
  1.   To elect two Class A Directors for a term ending in 2011;
 
  2.   To consider and act upon the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accountants for fiscal 2009; and
 
  3.   To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
     Only Stockholders whose names appear of record at the Company’s close of business on September 19, 2008 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
We encourage you to vote via Internet or telephone, or you may mail your proxy.
     If you receive more than one proxy card because you own shares registered in different names or at different addresses, please vote each proxy as soon as possible by following the instructions on the proxy card regarding voting by Internet, telephone or mail.
         
  By Order of the Board of Directors
 
 
  /s/ DONALD H. NONNENKAMP   
  Donald H. Nonnenkamp   
  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary   
 
October 10, 2008
ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT, PLEASE VOTE YOUR PROXY. STOCKHOLDERS CAN HELP THE COMPANY AVOID UNNECESSARY EXPENSE AND DELAY BY PROMPTLY VOTING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. THE PRESENCE, IN PERSON OR BY PROPERLY SUBMITTED PROXY, OF A MAJORITY OF THE COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING ON THE RECORD DATE IS NECESSARY TO CONSTITUTE A QUORUM AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

 


 

LaBarge, Inc.
9900 Clayton Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63124
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held on November 12, 2008
     This Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of proxy are being furnished to the Common Stockholders of LaBarge, Inc. (the “Company”) on or about October 10, 2008, in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on November 12, 2008 at the time, place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting, and at any adjournment of that meeting.
     Holders of shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), of the Company at its close of business on September 19, 2008 (the “Record Date”) will be entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, 15,773,253 shares of Common Stock were outstanding. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record on the Record Date on each matter that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
     Directors will be elected by a plurality of the voting power represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The passage of any other proposal will be determined by the affirmative vote of the majority of the voting power represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. In the election of directors, abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome except in determining the presence of a quorum; they will not be counted toward the number of votes required for any nominee’s election. An instruction to “abstain” from voting on any other proposal will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes will not be considered as present and entitled to vote on the proposals. Therefore, under applicable Delaware law, broker non-votes will have no effect on the number of affirmative votes required to adopt such proposal.
     Stockholders of record on the Record Date are entitled to cast their votes in person or by properly submitted proxy at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders wishing to vote their shares by proxy may do so either (i) by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed envelope, or (ii) by Internet or telephone. Instructions for voting by Internet or telephone are contained on the proxy card. The presence, in person or by properly submitted proxy, of a majority of the Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. If a quorum is not present at the time the Annual Meeting is convened, the Company may adjourn the Annual Meeting.
     All Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting by properly submitted proxies received prior to or at the Annual Meeting and not properly revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated in such proxies. If no instructions are indicated, such proxies will be voted FOR election of the Board’s nominees as directors, FOR ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP, and, at the discretion of the named proxies, on any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors of the Company does not know of any matters other than the matters described in the Notice of Annual Meeting attached to this Proxy Statement that will come before the Annual Meeting.
     Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by (i) filing with the Secretary of the Company, at or before the Annual Meeting, a written notice of revocation bearing a date later than the date of the proxy, (ii) submitting a new proxy with a later date, including a proxy given via the Internet or by telephone, or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of a proxy). Any written notice revoking a proxy should be sent to: Corporate Secretary, LaBarge, Inc., 9900 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124.
     The proxies are solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company. In addition to the use of the Internet, telephone and mail, proxies may be solicited personally or by facsimile transmission by directors, officers or regular employees of the Company. The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company.
     A copy of the Company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008 is being mailed to each Stockholder along with this Proxy Statement.
The date of this Proxy Statement is October 10, 2008.

 


 

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
     The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes, designated as Class A, Class B and Class C. Each Director is elected for a three-year term and the term of each Class expires in a different year. Under the Company’s bylaws, the Board of Directors has the authority to fix the number of directors. The number of directors currently is fixed at six.
     The Board of Directors has nominated for election two Class A Directors: Messrs. Thomas A. Corcoran and Craig E. LaBarge. Each of the nominees is currently serving as a Director of the Company and has consented to continue to serve as a Director if elected. Unless proxy cards are marked to withhold authority to vote for any Director nominee, the proxies intend to vote all properly executed proxies FOR election of each of the Director nominees.
     The following biographical information is furnished with respect to each nominee and each current Director whose term continues after the Annual Meeting.
                                 
    Term                
    Expiration           Director   Positions(s) with the
    Date   Age   Since   Company
 
                               
Class A Nominees
                               
Thomas A. Corcoran
    2011       64       2005     Director
Craig E. LaBarge
    2011       57       1981     Chief Executive Officer,
                            President and Director
 
                               
Continuing Class B Directors
                               
John G. Helmkamp, Jr.
    2009       61       1998     Director
Lawrence J. LeGrand
    2009       57       1998     Director
 
                               
Continuing Class C Directors
                               
Robert G. Clark
    2008       49       2001     Director
Jack E. Thomas, Jr.
    2008       56       1997     Director
     Mr. Corcoran became a Director in June 2005 and serves as a member of the Audit Committee, Human Resources Committee and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Corcoran is currently President of Corcoran Enterprises, LLC, a private management-consulting firm, and serves as senior advisor to The Carlyle Group, a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm. Prior to joining The Carlyle Group as senior advisor, Mr. Corcoran served as President and Chief Executive Officer for Gemini Air Cargo, Inc., and Allegheny Teledyne Inc. He previously spent 32 years at Lockheed Martin Corporation and its predecessor companies where he held various senior management positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer for the corporation’s Space and Strategic Missiles, and Electronics Systems sectors. Mr. Corcoran is a Director of L-3 Communications Holding LLC.
     Mr. LaBarge has been a Director since 1981. He assumed the positions of Chief Executive Officer and President in 1991. Prior to that time, he was Vice President—Marketing of the Electronics Division of the Company (1975 to 1979), President of the Electronics Division of the Company (1979 to 1986), Vice President of the Company (1981 to 1986) and President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company (1986 to 1991). Mr. LaBarge is a Director of U.S. Bank, N.A., in St. Louis.
     Mr. Helmkamp has been a Director since 1998 and serves as a member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. He retired from the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Illinois State Bank and Trust in 1996 where he served in those capacities for more than five years.
     Mr. LeGrand became a Director in 1998 and serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. He has been Executive Vice President of Plancorp, Inc., a financial planning and investment advisory firm, since 2001. He served as Executive Vice President of LMI Aerospace from 1998 to 2001. Prior to that time, Mr. LeGrand was a partner of KPMG LLP for more than 20 years.

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     Mr. Clark became a Director in 2001 and serves as a member of the Human Resources Committee and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Since 1984, he has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Clayco, Inc., a design/build construction, real estate and architectural firm doing business in the United States and Canada.
     Mr. Thomas became a Director in 1997 and serves as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Since 1982, he has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Coin Acceptors, Inc., a world leader in the design and manufacture of coin mechanisms, bill validators, control systems and vending machines. Mr. Thomas is a Director of U.S. Bank, N.A. in St. Louis, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Vendors, Inc. and is also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Money Controls, Ltd.
The Board of Directors Recommends that you vote
“FOR” election of its Nominees for Director.
Meetings of the Board of Directors and Fees
     The Board of Directors of the Company held five meetings in fiscal 2008. Each Director attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and its Committees on which he served in fiscal 2008. It is the Company’s policy that directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and at the last Annual Meeting, held on November 14, 2007, all directors were in attendance.
     Members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company receive $1,500 for each Board meeting attended, $1,000 for each Audit Committee meeting attended, $750 for each Human Resources Committee and Nominating Committee meeting attended, and $500 for attendance at the Company’s Annual Meeting. All directors who are not employees receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500, with Committee Chairs receiving an additional $1,000. In addition, all non-employee Directors received a $20,000 cash payment in recognition of their contributions to the record financial results achieved in fiscal 2008. The following table discloses our non-employee Directors’ compensation for fiscal 2008:
2008 Director Compensation
                 
    Fees Earned or   Total
Name   Paid in Cash ($)   ($)
Robert G. Clark
    38,000       38,000  
Thomas A. Corcoran
    44,500       44,500  
John G. Helmkamp, Jr.
    43,000       43,000  
Lawrence J. LeGrand
    47,000       47,000  
Jack E. Thomas, Jr.
    43,000       43,000  
Committees
     The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Human Resources and Nominating Committees. The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Corcoran, Helmkamp and LeGrand (Chairman). The Human Resources Committee is composed of Messrs. Clark, Corcoran and Thomas (Chairman). The Nominating Committee is composed of Messrs. Clark, Corcoran and Thomas (Chairman).
     Based on the independence standards as defined by the Company Guide of The American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”), the Board has determined in its business judgment that each of the following Directors and Director nominees is independent, as such term is defined in the AMEX listing standards: Messrs. Clark, Corcoran, Helmkamp, LeGrand and Thomas. In addition, each of the members of the Audit Committee meets the more stringent independence standards and the financial literacy standards set forth in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the AMEX listing standards. The Board has made an affirmative determination as to each independent Director that no relationships exist that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a Director. In making these determinations, the Directors reviewed and discussed information provided by the Directors and the Company with regard to each director’s business and personal activities as they may relate to the Company and management.

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Audit Committee
     The Audit Committee, which met five times in fiscal 2008, oversees the Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes, audits of the Company’s financial statements and internal control matters, and appoints the independent registered public accountants to audit the Company’s financial statements. The Committee’s report on its activities for fiscal 2008 is on pages 18 and 19. Fees paid to the independent registered public accountants in fiscal 2008 are provided on page 17. The Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s Web site at www.labarge.com.
Nominating Committee
     The Nominating Committee, which met one time in fiscal 2008, is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors, recommending Director nominees for each Annual Meeting and nominees to fill Board vacancies and to address related matters. The Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s Web site at www.labarge.com.
Human Resources Committee
     The Human Resources Committee, which met two times in fiscal 2008, serves as the Board’s compensation committee. The Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s Web site at www.labarge.com.
     The Human Resources Committee oversees compensation for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives. In doing so, the Committee is responsible for considering and approving the annual salary and incentive compensation, including performance awards under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan, and other benefits of executive management.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
     During the 2008 fiscal year, Messrs. Clark, Corcoran and Thomas served as members of the Human Resources Committee. None of the Company’s executive officers serves as a director or member of the compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any other entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors or the Human Resources Committee. None of Messrs. Clark, Corcoran or Thomas has ever been an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Communication with the Board of Directors
     Stockholders may communicate with any and all members of the Company’s Board of Directors by transmitting correspondence by mail addressed to one or more Directors by name (or to the Chief Executive Officer, for a communication addressed to the entire Board of Directors) at the following address and fax number: Name of the Director(s), c/o Corporate Secretary, LaBarge, Inc., 9900 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124, fax number: 314-812-9438. Communications from the Company’s Stockholders to one or more Directors will be monitored by the Company’s Corporate Secretary and the Chief Executive Officer, who will bring any significant issues to the attention of the appropriate Board members.
Director Nominations
     Director candidates are nominated by the Board. The Nominating Committee recommends Director nominees to the Board. The Nominating Committee investigates and assesses the background and skills of potential candidates for Directors. The Committee seeks to create a Board that will bring a broad range of experience, knowledge and judgment to the Company. The Committee does not have specific minimum qualifications that must be met by a candidate for election to the Board of Directors in order to be considered for nomination by the Committee. When the Committee reviews a potential new candidate, the Committee looks specifically at the candidate’s qualifications in light of the needs of the Board and the Company at that time given the current mix of Director attributes.
     Upon identifying a candidate for serious consideration, one or more members of the Nominating Committee initially interview the candidate. If a candidate merits further consideration, all other Committee members (individually or as a group) interview the candidate and the candidate meets the Company’s executive officers and ultimately meets many of the other Directors. The Nominating Committee elicits feedback from all persons who met the candidate and then determines whether or not to nominate the candidate. The process is the same whether the candidate is recommended by a Stockholder, another Director, management or otherwise. The Company does not pay a fee to any third party for the identification or evaluation of candidates.

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     Stockholders who wish to recommend Director candidates for consideration by the Nominating Committee for the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders should notify the Nominating Committee no later than March 16, 2009. Submissions are to be addressed to the Nominating Committee, c/o Corporate Secretary, LaBarge, Inc., 9900 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124, which submissions will then be forwarded to the Committee. The Nominating Committee would then evaluate the possible nominee using the criteria established by it and would consider such person in comparison to all other candidates. The Nominating Committee is not obligated to nominate any such individual for election. No Stockholder nominations have been received by the Company for this year’s Annual Meeting. Accordingly, no rejections or refusals of such candidates have been made by the Company.
Executive Officers
     The following table sets forth certain information, as of September 19, 2008, with respect to the executive officers of the Company.
             
Name   Age   Position(s) with the Company
 
Craig E. LaBarge
    57     Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
Randy L. Buschling
    48     Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    56     Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
William D. Bitner
    53     Vice President, Operations
Teresa K. Huber
    45     Vice President, Operations
John R. Parmley
    54     Vice President, Sales and Marketing
     Mr. LaBarge — For biographical information, see “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” on page 2.
     Mr. Buschling joined the Company in 1998. He is currently Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. He served as Senior Vice President of the Company’s Manufacturing Services Group from 1999 to 2002 and as Vice President, Aerospace and Defense Business Unit from 1998 to 1999. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Buschling was General Manager of Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company’s Systems Division for more than five years.
     Mr. Nonnenkamp joined the Company in 1999 and currently serves as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Previously, he was Vice President and Treasurer for Esco Technologies, Inc. from 1993 to 1999. Prior to joining Esco, Mr. Nonnenkamp served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Clark Oil and Refining Corporation.
     Mr. Bitner joined the Company in January 2007 and began serving as Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining LaBarge, Mr. Bitner was Vice President and General Manager of Burger Boat Company, designer and builder of custom motor yachts, from 2005 to 2006. Previously, he was employed by Rolls-Royce Corporation, an aerospace manufacturing company, in various management positions from 2000 to 2005.
     Ms. Huber joined the Company in 2004 through the acquisition of Pinnacle Electronics LLC, a contract manufacturing company, on February 17, 2004 and became Vice President, Operations in 2005. Prior to joining LaBarge, Ms. Huber was Chief Operating Officer of Pinnacle Electronics from 2002 to 2004. Previously, Ms. Huber was employed by Sony Electronics, Inc. in various management positions from 1992 to 2002.
     Mr. Parmley joined the Company in 1997 and became Vice President, Sales and Marketing for the Manufacturing Services Group in 1999. He was Account Manager, Aerospace and Defense Business Unit from 1997 to 1999. Previously, Mr. Parmley was employed by Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc., where he served in various sales and management positions from 1991 to 1997.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Compensation Objectives and Philosophy
     The fundamental objectives of our executive compensation program are to attract and retain talented executives; align executive compensation with the interests of our stockholders; foster and promote the short-term and long-term financial success of the Company; materially increase stockholder value by motivating performance through incentive compensation; and, encourage executive ownership in the Company. These objectives are furthered by a compensation philosophy that is based on the following:
    Competition with peer companies: Compensation packages should be competitive and consistent with the general market. As such, the Human Resources Committee works with its compensation and benefits consultant to design compensation packages that fall

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      within certain ranges compared with competitive companies, with sufficient flexibility to address individual responsibilities and performance.
    Accountability and recognition for individual and company performance: Compensation should depend, in significant part, on each executive officer’s performance in order to motivate and reward success. The Committee has provided for a sizeable portion of the overall compensation packages to be tied to performance through the payments of short-term incentive awards in the form of cash bonuses and the grant of long-term incentive awards in the form of performance units that are settled in restricted Common Stock.
    Alignment of stockholder interests: Certain elements of the compensation packages should be tied to stock performance to align our executive officers’ interests with those of our stockholders. In order to create this tie, a portion of the compensation packages include stock-based awards in the form of performance units that are settled in restricted Common Stock.
Compensation Determination Process
     Our Human Resources Committee serves as our compensation committee and is responsible for considering and approving the annual salary, incentive compensation and other benefits of our Chief Executive Officer and other members of executive management. The Committee is made up of independent directors and typically meets following each fiscal year-end to: (i) consider and approve salary changes and annual incentive bonuses, if any; (ii) determine and approve long-term incentive awards, if any; and (iii) establish goals for both the annual and long-term incentive programs.
     To assist the Committee in evaluating and determining executive compensation, the Company, at the direction of the Committee, has retained the services of Hay Group, a highly regarded international independent compensation and benefits consulting firm. Hay Group periodically evaluates the executive officer positions, measuring each position on the practical and technical skills required; problem-solving environment and challenges faced; and accountability and decision-making impact. The evaluation of all of these factors results in a point total for each executive officer position (“Hay Points”), which allows the Committee and Hay Group to rank the positions and measure the distance between jobs within the Company.
     Hay Group uses the Hay Points to compare the compensation of the Company’s executive officers with the compensation of officers who hold positions with similar Hay Points in companies comprising the Hay General Industry Market, a group of approximately 800 industrial companies throughout the United States, 40% of which are manufacturing companies. Using this comparison, Hay Group constructs median ranges of base salaries, base salaries plus annual incentive bonus opportunities (“Total Cash Compensation”) and total compensation, which includes Total Cash Compensation and long-term incentives, for each of the Company’s executive officer positions. The actual compensation of the Company’s executive officers, and the relative position within the median ranges, is dependent on individual performance, Company performance versus established goals and other factors, as described herein.
     The Committee believes that base salaries, Total Cash Compensation and total compensation should approximate the median of the Hay General Industry Market for performance at target levels, in furtherance of our compensation principles noted above. Other than the specific Company performance criteria considered in determining the annual and long-term incentive payments, our compensation programs are flexible, although we do rely on the Hay Group market analyses to ensure that our compensation practices remain equitable and competitive. For example, individual performance, expertise and experience are all considered when determining each element of total compensation.
     The Committee considers the specific threshold, target and maximum Company performance levels relating to fiscal 2008 to be confidential, the disclosure of which would cause the Company competitive harm. Target goals relating to the Company’s annual and long-term incentives are set at aggressive levels each year to motivate executive officers to succeed and focus on longer-term financial objectives. These targets, individually or together, are designed to be challenging and as such, the Committee believes that the Company’s target performance would not be achieved all of the time. Historically, not all target performance levels have been achieved. Furthermore, the Committee believes that reaching maximum levels, and therefore the maximum payout, would be achieved less often than reaching the target performance levels, but recognizes that the payout should be appropriate for the performance, regardless of how often it may happen.

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     The mix of our cash and non-cash compensation, and short- and long-term compensation, is not subject to a specific policy. Instead, the Committee considers the current trends in the market based on the Hay Group data in light of our compensation philosophies and objectives outlined above, and makes gradual changes over time as necessary to further these compensation goals.
     Each year, taking into account the evaluations of Hay Group, current performance and the Company’s compensation objectives, the Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Committee regarding proposed salary changes, annual incentive bonuses and long-term incentive awards, if any, for each executive officer. The Chief Executive Officer also assists the Committee in setting Company performance goals on which part of each officer’s total compensation is based. The Committee considers this input from the Chief Executive Officer and the recommendations of the Hay Group, as well as other factors it believes are relevant, and determines the compensation packages of the executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer.
Elements of Compensation
Base Salaries:
     In line with the Company’s philosophy that compensation should be competitive, the Committee aims for base salaries to approximate the median of the Hay General Industry Market. As such, changes in executive officer salaries are, in part, market-driven. However, salaries are also dependent on individual evaluations conducted each year by the Committee. During this process, the Chief Executive Officer provides input to the Committee. No specific individual performance criteria are or have been established by the Committee. Rather, each executive officer, including the Chief Executive Officer, is evaluated based on (i) general individual performance over the past year; (ii) the scope of each officer’s duties and responsibilities; and (iii) experience and expertise.
     Fiscal 2008 salaries are disclosed in the 2008 Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement and were established based on the criteria described above. The salaries of the executive officers approximated the median of the Hay General Industry Market.
     At the end of fiscal 2008, the Committee established the fiscal 2009 salaries for the executive officers based on the same factors as described above. The fiscal 2009 salaries are as follows:
         
Name   Fiscal 2009 Salaries
Craig E. LaBarge
  $ 555,000  
Randy L. Buschling
    375,000  
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    315,000  
John R. Parmley
    260,000  
Teresa K. Huber
    230,000  
Annual Incentives:
     Executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, have the opportunity to earn annual incentive bonuses in the form of cash payments following the end of each fiscal year. Annual incentive bonuses depend, in part, on each executive officer’s individual performance during the fiscal year and other circumstances considered during the annual evaluation, as discussed above. As with salary determinations, the Committee does not set specific individual performance criteria.
     The main consideration of the Committee in awarding annual incentive bonuses is the achievement of certain Company performance goals established at the beginning of each fiscal year. The measurements used may vary among the executive officers and relate to each officer’s specific job responsibilities, changing each year as the Committee, with the input of the Chief Executive Officer, sees fit. Annually, goals and correlating annual incentive bonus opportunities are established at the threshold, target and maximum levels. The Committee’s goal is that, for performance at the target level, Total Cash Compensation will approximate the median of the Hay General Industry Market. However, in any case, payout will be zero if threshold performance levels are not met and will not exceed such levels serve as a guide rather than strict payout formulas, as payouts vary depending on individual circumstances the maximum payout, or 150% of the payout for target performance.

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     The measurements used for determining fiscal 2008 annual incentive bonuses were as follows:
     
    2008 Annual Incentive Bonus Company
Name   Performance Goal Categories
Craig E. LaBarge
 
•   Net income
•   Total bookings (i.e., new orders)
•   Cash flow
 
   
Randy L. Buschling
 
•    Net income
•   Total bookings
•   Cash flow
 
   
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
 
•   Net income
•   Cash flow
•   Investor relations activities
 
   
John R. Parmley
 
•    Net income
•   Total bookings
•   Cash flow
 
   
Teresa K. Huber
 
•   Net income
•   Business unit bookings
•   Business unit operating income
•   Business unit cash flow
     Annual incentive bonuses for fiscal 2008 are disclosed in the 2008 Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement. In addition to the results of individual evaluations described above, amounts reflect the following fiscal 2008 financial achievement levels: (i) the Company’s 2008 net income exceeded the maximum level; (ii) the Company’s bookings exceeded the maximum level; (iii) the Company’s cash flow exceeded the maximum level; (iv) investor relations activities exceeded the maximum level; (v) Ms. Huber’s business units bookings exceeded the maximum level; (vi) Ms. Huber’s business unit operating income exceeded the maximum level; and (vii) Ms. Huber’s business unit cash flow met the target. Based on the individual performances and the Company’s overall financial performance, each executive officer’s total cash compensation exceeded the median of the Hay General Market Industry.
Long-Term Incentives:
     Executive officers are eligible to earn long-term incentive awards pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the terms of which are more fully described later in this proxy statement. Under the terms of the Plan, the Company has the flexibility to utilize a variety of vehicles in designing appropriate long-term incentives. Since the Plan was approved in 2004, the Committee has elected to utilize performance units, which pay out in shares of restricted Common Stock. The number of shares of restricted Common Stock, if any, that each executive officer will receive is tied to the Company’s fiscal year net income performance.
     The Committee meets following each fiscal year-end to approve net income goals at threshold, target and maximum levels for three years hence (the “Performance Period”). At this meeting, the Committee also enters into performance unit award agreements with each executive officer, pursuant to which each executive officer is granted a specified number of performance units, the value of which will be determined based on the Company’s actual net income performance for the Performance Period. If actual net income results are less than the threshold goal for the Performance Period, the value of each performance unit will be zero. If actual net income results are at threshold, the value of each performance unit will be $0.50. If actual net income results are at target, the value of each performance unit will be $1.00. If actual net income results are at or above maximum, the value of each performance unit will be $1.50. If actual results are greater than threshold but less than target, or greater than target but less than maximum, the value of each performance unit will be adjusted proportionately. Target long-term incentive opportunities are designed to approximate the median of the Hay General Industry Market for target net income performance and also take into account the individual circumstances considered in the annual evaluations.
     Following the end of the Performance Period, the Committee meets to determine the value of each performance unit (the “Unit Value”) based upon the net income results for the Performance Period. Each executive officer is issued a number of shares of restricted Common Stock equal to the Unit Value times the number of performance units granted to him or her for the Performance Period, divided by the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock as of the last trading day of the Performance Period. The restricted Common Stock then vests upon the first to occur of: (i) two additional years of employment; (ii) death or Disability; or (iii) a Change in Control (all as defined in the Plan).

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     The design of the Company’s long-term incentive program provides that each executive officer will have three outstanding grants of performance units at all times. For example, the Committee met following the end of fiscal 2008 to establish threshold, target and maximum net income goals for 2011 and grant each executive officer performance units, the value of which will be determined based on the Company’s net income results for fiscal 2011. Therefore, in the current fiscal year (fiscal 2009), each executive officer has outstanding performance units for fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011. These performance units will be valued, and restricted stock will be issued, if appropriate, once the net income results for these fiscal years are calculated. The Committee believes that the practice of setting three-year rolling grants is appropriate for the business, as it provides incentive for the executive officers to focus on the long-term health of the Company and serves as a retention tool. The Committee further believes that converting performance units to restricted Common Stock has certain advantages, including: (i) encouraging ownership of the Company’s Common Stock by executive officers; (ii) providing a retention incentive through the two-year vesting period; and (iii) allowing for lower dilution, as compared to the granting of stock options.
     As customary, the Committee met following the end of fiscal 2008 to determine the value of performance units based on fiscal 2008 net income performance and, thus, the number of shares of restricted Common Stock to be issued to each executive officer. The Company exceeded its maximum long-term net income goal in fiscal 2008. As such, the value of each performance unit was $1.50. The following table discloses the number of shares of restricted Common Stock issued to each executive officer based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2008, which was $13.00.
         
    Number of Shares of Restricted Common
    Stock Based on Fiscal 2008 Net Income
Name   Performance
Craig E. LaBarge
    51,923  
Randy L. Buschling
    34,615  
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    23,077  
John R. Parmley
    11,538  
Teresa K. Huber
    10,385  
Perquisites and Other Benefits
     Our executive officers receive the following benefits in addition to the compensation discussed above: (i) eligibility to participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan; (ii) Company-paid interest on deferred compensation; (iii) life insurance policies; (iv) use of Company-leased vehicles, or a vehicle allowance; (v) club dues; and (vi) limited financial planning services. The Committee believes these perquisites are reasonable and competitive and considers the value to be modest. As such, the Committee has not given significant weight to the value of perquisites when designing executive compensation packages.
     Executive officers are eligible to receive the same health, dental, disability and group life insurance benefits, and participate in the 401(k) on the same terms, as are available to all other full-time employees of the Company.
Retirement and Other Post-Termination Benefits
     We maintain Executive Severance Agreements with each of our named executive officers. Each Executive Severance Agreement and the Plan contain Change in Control provisions, pursuant to which executive officers receive the benefits more fully described below.
     Both the Executive Severance Agreements and the Plan define “Change in Control” as the first to occur of any of the following events: (i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, or other combination or reorganization involving the Company, irrespective of which party is the surviving entity, excluding any merger, consolidation, share exchange, or other combination involving the Company solely in connection with the acquisition by the Company of any other entity; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; (iii) any acquisition (other than pursuant to will, the laws of descent and distribution, gift to a parent, child, spouse or descendant, or pursuant to an employee benefit plan) or agreement to acquire by any person or entity, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Company; (iv) during any period of two consecutive years during the term hereof, individuals who at the date of the Agreement, in the case of Executive Severance Agreements, or the Plan, in the case of the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election of each director at the beginning of such director’s term has been approved by at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then in office; any such director so approved shall thereafter be an Incumbent Director; (v) a majority of the Board or a majority of the stockholders of the

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Company approve, adopt, agree to recommend, or accept any agreement, contract, offer, or other arrangement providing for any of the transactions described above; (vi) any series of transactions resulting in any of the transactions described above; or (vii) any other set of circumstances which the Board of Directors deems to constitute a Change in Control.
Executive Severance Agreements
     Each Executive Severance Agreement provides that, following a Change in Control, the Company will continue to employ the executive officer for a period not less than one year at his or her place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control or within 50 miles thereof.
     During the Change in Control payment period, the executive officer would be entitled to a base salary in the amount not less than the annualized base salary paid or payable to him or her during the month immediately preceding the month in which the Change in Control occurs. He or she would also be entitled to an annual bonus equal to the same percentage of his or her base salary as the average bonuses paid to the executive officer in each of the five fiscal years most recently ended were to his or her base salary in those years, after disregarding the highest and lowest of such percentages. The executive officer would also be entitled, during such one-year period, to all pension, welfare and other employee benefits, fringe benefits and perquisites in amounts and on terms no less favorable than those to which he or she was entitled on the date of the Change in Control. The Agreements also provide that, in the event of termination of the executive officer’s employment during such one-year period for reasons other than death, Disability, or Cause (as defined by the Agreements) or voluntarily by the executive officer for Good Reason (as defined by the Agreements), the executive officer would be entitled to a lump sum payment from the Company equal to the sum of: (i) his or her salary and other compensation not yet paid by the Company through the date of termination; (ii) a bonus prorated for the portion of the year through the date of termination; (iii) the product of three times the sum of (x) the executive officer’s salary plus (y) the bonus to which he or she would have been entitled for the full fiscal year; plus (iv) accrued vacation pay. The Company would also be required to provide to the executive officer, for three years after termination, all medical, hospitalization, disability and certain other benefits in amounts and on terms not less favorable than those to which he or she was entitled at the time of termination. If the foregoing amounts were not paid when due, they would bear interest at the rate of 15% per annum. The Agreements provide for appropriate adjustments of such payments if they would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2004 Long Term Incentive Plan
     As noted above, executive officers receive performance units to be settled in restricted Common Stock, pursuant to the Plan, as part of the Company’s long-term incentive portion of compensation packages. Once issued, the restricted Common Stock vests upon the first to occur of: (i) two additional years of employment; (ii) death or Disability; or (iii) a Change in Control, as defined above. If a Change in Control occurs at any time prior to the end of the second fiscal year following the Performance Period (as defined above), the restricted Common Stock shall become fully vested and immediately transferable. If a Change in Control occurs at any time before the end of the Performance Period, the net income goals with respect to the Performance Period shall be deemed to have been achieved at the maximum level as of the date of the Change in Control, whether or not the Performance Period is complete, and the performance units shall be distributable at the end of the twelve-month period immediately following the Change in Control, subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment for reason other than Retirement, death, Disability or for Good Reason during such twelve-month period, as defined in the Plan.
Deferred Compensation Plan
     Executive officers are also eligible to participate in a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that allows them to defer payments of portions of their salaries and annual bonuses until post-retirement. If an executive officer retires from the Company and has participated in the deferred compensation plan for at least five years, is at least 50 years old and has a deferred compensation balance of at least $50,000, he or she will receive monthly payments from the Company over a three or fifteen-year period, at the individual’s option, the amount of which depends on his or her balance. If all of the above criteria are not met, the executive officer will receive his or her plan balance in one lump sum upon retirement.
Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatments of Executive Compensation
Accounting Treatment
     The Committee has taken into account certain accounting consequences and rules when determining the types of awards that executive officers should receive as part of their long-term incentive components of compensation packages. As such, the Committee makes awards of performance units under the Company’s 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan that are settled in shares of restricted Common Stock that the executive officers receive upon vesting.

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Tax Treatment
     Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, generally imposes a $1 million limit on the amount that public companies may deduct from compensation paid to the named executive officers. In fiscal 2008, no executive officer received compensation that triggered the applicability of Section 162(m).
Report of the Human Resources Committee
     The Company’s Human Resources Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K. Based upon such review and discussions, the Human Resources Committee has recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
     
Committee Members:
  Jack E. Thomas, Jr., Chairman
 
  Robert G. Clark
 
  Thomas A. Corcoran
2008 Summary Compensation Table
     The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of the named executive officers for the fiscal years ended July 1, 2007 and June 29, 2008.
                                                                 
                                            Change in        
                                            Pension Value        
                                            Non-qualified        
Name               Stock   Option   Deferred   All Other    
and Principal   Fiscal   Salary   Bonus   Awards   Awards   Compensation   Compensation   Total
Position   Year   ($)   ($) (a)   ($) (b)   ($)(c)   Earnings ($) (d)   ($) (e)   ($)
Craig E. LaBarge
    2008       534,506       405,000       547,278                   34,112       1,520,896  
Chief Executive
    2007       494,520       230,750       498,824       12,575             33,439       1,270,108  
Officer and President
                                                               
Randy L. Buschling
    2008       352,011       232,500       345,151             6,325       28,902       964,889  
Vice President and
    2007       336,414       146,913       268,373       9,198       4,722       28,152       793,772  
Chief Operating Officer
                                                               
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    2008       300,011       180,000       226,907             3,160       33,237       743,315  
Vice President, Chief
    2007       286,520       105,900       179,760       7,358       2,393       35,003       616,934  
Financial Officer and
Secretary
                                                               
John R. Parmley
    2008       246,505       150,000       111,612             6,006       29,363       543,486  
Vice President,
    2007       235,404       105,760       105,572       4,925       4,722       27,416       483,799  
Sales and Marketing
                                                               
Teresa K. Huber
    2008       214,005       140,000       107,273                   12,323       473,601  
Vice President,
    2007       203,008       104,401       78,033       3,016             12,045       400,503  
Operations
                                                               
 
(a)   Bonus amounts are earned in the fiscal year shown and paid in the subsequent fiscal year.
 
(b)   Amounts shown equal the dollars expensed under FAS 123R under the Company’s 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan for awards earned. Each of these awards is expensed over three years (the year in which the performance takes place, plus two additional years for vesting).
 
(c)   Amounts shown are the balance of expenses of option awards granted in fiscal year 2004 expensed under FAS 123R.

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(d)   Represents the above-market or preferential earnings on compensation that is deferred on a basis that is not tax-qualified, including such earnings on non-qualified defined contribution plans. Amounts shown represent interest earned at a rate that exceeded 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate.
 
(e)   Includes amounts for 401(k) employer match, use of auto, club dues and financial planning and the following amounts for life insurance premiums: Mr. LaBarge, $14,504; Mr. Buschling, $15,136; Mr. Nonnenkamp, $17,619; and Mr. Parmley, $18,505 for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008 and the following amounts for life insurance premiums for the fiscal year ended July 1, 2007: Mr. LaBarge, $14,510; Mr. Buschling, $15,142; Mr. Nonnenkamp, $17,097; and Mr. Parmley, $18,511.
2008 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
     The following table sets forth additional information about plan-based awards granted in the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008:
                                 
            Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive
            Plan Awards (#) (a)
Name   Grant Date   Threshold   Target   Maximum
Craig E. LaBarge
    8/22/2007       250,000       500,000       750,000  
Randy L. Buschling
    8/22/2007       160,000       320,000       480,000  
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    8/22/2007       107,500       215,000       322,500  
John R. Parmley
    8/22/2007       54,000       108,000       162,000  
Teresa K. Huber
    8/22/2007       54,000       108,000       162,000  
 
(a)   Represents awards under the Company’s 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan granted in fiscal year 2008 and are applicable for performance during fiscal year 2010. Awards are made in the form of performance units, the value of which will be determined based on the Company’s net income performance in fiscal 2010, as more fully described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. The performance units will be paid out in restricted Common Stock based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on June 25, 2010. If the threshold net income performance goal for fiscal 2010 is not achieved, no shares of restricted Common Stock will be issued.
     As discussed above and in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, performance units granted under the Company’s 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan are paid out in restricted Common Stock depending on the achievement of net income levels and the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the last day of the fiscal year during which net income performance is measured. Any restricted Common Stock that is issued is subject to a two-year vesting schedule as discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. During the restriction period, executive officers may exercise full voting rights and are entitled to dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the shares on the same terms as those of the Company’s Common Stockholders.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2008 Fiscal Year-End
     The following table sets forth information on outstanding options and stock awards held by the named executive officers as of June 29, 2008, including the number of shares underlying both exercisable and unexercisable portions of each stock option, as well as the exercise price and the expiration date of each outstanding option, and the market value of stock awards:
                                                         
    Option Awards   Stock Awards
                                            Equity Incentive   Equity Incentive
              Market Value   Plan Awards:   Plan Awards:
    Number of                   Number of   of Shares or   Number   Market or Payout
    Securities                   Shares or Units   Units of   of Shares,   Value of Shares
    Underlying                   of Stock That   Stock That   Unearned or   Unearned or Other
    Unexercised   Option Exercise   Option   Have Not   Have Not   Other Rights   Rights Units That
    Options (#)   Price   Expiration   Vested   Vested   Units That Have   Have Not
Name   Exercisable   ($)   Date   (#)   ($) (a)   Not Vested (#) (b)   Vested ($) (c)
Craig E. LaBarge
    294,118       2.50       2009       43,042 (d)     559,546       475,000 (f)     712,500  
 
    110,294       2.50       2010       51,923 (e)     674,999       500,000 (g)     750,000  
 
    92,900       2.85       2011                                  
 
    65,000       3.56       2013                                  
 
    62,552       8.54       2014                                  
Randy L. Buschling
    68,632       2.50       2009       28,695 (d)     373,035       320,000 (f)     480,000  
 
    63,636       2.50       2010       34,615 (e)     449,995       320,000 (g)     480,000  
 
    20,000       2.85       2011                                  
 
    49,550       2.85       2011                                  
 
    75,000       3.56       2013                                  
 
    45,750       8.54       2014                                  
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    28,221       2.50       2009       19,130 (d)     248,690       215,000 (f)     322,500  
 
    20,000       2.50       2009       23,077 (e)     300,001       215,000 (g)     322,500  
 
    36,364       2.50       2010                                  
 
    34,085       2.85       2011                                  
 
    47,000       3.56       2013                                  
 
    36,600       8.54       2014                                  
John R. Parmley
    34,309       2.50       2009       9,565 (d)     124,345       108,000 (f)     162,000  
 
    31,821       2.50       2010       11,538 (e)     149,994       108,000 (g)     162,000  
 
    23,260       2.85       2011                                  
 
    37,500       3.56       2013                                  
 
    24,500       8.54       2014                                  
Teresa K. Huber
    15,000       8.54       2014       7,652 (d)     99,476       108,000 (f)     162,000  
 
                            10,385 (e)     135,005       108,000 (g)     162,000  
 
(a)   Valued at closing stock price of $13.00 per share on June 27, 2008 (the last trading day in fiscal 2008).
 
(b)   Performance units awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.
 
(c)   Unearned and unvested performance units are valued assuming the Company achieves in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 the same percentage of those years’ net income target goals, as was achieved in fiscal year 2008.
 
(d)   Represents shares of restricted stock that have not yet vested. Shares will vest on June 28, 2009.
 
(e)   Represents shares of restricted stock that have not yet vested. Shares will vest on June 27, 2010.

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(f)   Represents restricted stock awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. Earned based on fiscal year 2009 performance.
 
(g)   Represents restricted stock awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. Earned based on fiscal year 2010 performance.
2008 Option Exercises and Stock Vested
     The following table sets forth the exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards during fiscal 2008 for the named executive officers.
                                 
    Option Awards   Stock Awards
    Number of Shares   Value Realized on   Number of   Value Realized
    Acquired on   Exercise   Shares Acquired   on Vesting
Name   Exercise (#)   ($)   on Vesting (#)   ($) (a)
Craig E. LaBarge
                32,491       420,433  
Randy L. Buschling
                17,329       225,277  
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    11,000       151,030       10,831       140,803  
John R. Parmley
                6,932       90,116  
Teresa K. Huber
                5,178       67,314  
 
(a)   Valued at closing stock price of $13.00 per share on June 27, 2008 (the last trading day in fiscal 2008).
2008 Non-qualified Deferred Compensation
     The following table discloses contributions, earnings and balances under the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plans for each of the named executive officers as of June 29, 2008:
                         
    Executive        
    Contributions in   Aggregate Earnings   Aggregate Balance
Name   Last FY ($)   in Last FY ($) (a)   at Last FYE ($)
Craig E. LaBarge (b)
                 
Randy L. Buschling
    36,728       22,520       349,508  
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    13,903       11,487       183,370  
John R. Parmley
    56,378       22,795       365,598  
Teresa K. Huber (b)
                 
 
(a)   Interest paid by the Company at a rate equal to prime.
 
(b)   Mr. LaBarge and Ms. Huber do not defer any portion of their compensation.
Summary Compensation Table reports the above-market or preferential earnings on compensation that is deferred on a basis that is not tax-qualified, including such earnings on non-qualified defined contribution plans. Amounts shown represent interest earned at a rate that exceeded 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate.

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Employment Agreements and Other Post-Termination Agreements with Executive Officers
     In 2005, the Company entered into an Executive Severance Agreement each, (an “Agreement” and collectively, the “Agreements”) with each of Messrs. Craig E. LaBarge, Randy L. Buschling, Donald H. Nonnenkamp, John R. Parmley and Ms. Teresa K. Huber, (collectively the “Executive Officers,” or individually the “Executive Officer”). Each Agreement provides that, following a Change in Control (as defined by the Agreement), the Company will continue to employ the Executive Officer for a period not less than one year at his or her place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control or within 50 miles thereof. During that period, the Executive Officer would be entitled to a base salary in the amount not less than the annualized base salary paid or payable to him or her during the month immediately preceding the month in which the Change in Control occurs. He or she would also be entitled to an annual bonus equal to the same percentage of his or her base salary as the average bonuses paid to the Executive Officer in each of the five fiscal years most recently ended, after disregarding the highest and lowest of such percentages. The Executive Officer would also be entitled, during such one-year period, to all pension, welfare and other employee benefits, fringe benefits and perquisites in amounts and on terms no less favorable than those to which he or she was entitled on the date of the Change in Control.
     Each Agreement also provides that, in the event of termination of the Executive Officer’s employment during such one-year period for reasons other than death, disability, or Cause (as defined by the Agreement) or voluntarily by the Executive Officer with Good Reason (as defined by the Agreement), the Executive Officer would be entitled to a lump sum payment from the Company equal to the sum of: (i) his or her salary and other compensation not yet paid by the Company through the date of termination; (ii) a bonus prorated for the portion of the year through the date of termination; (iii) the product of three times the sum of (x) the Executive Officer’s salary plus (y) the bonus to which he or she would have been entitled for the full fiscal year; and (iv) accrued vacation pay. The Company would also be required to provide to the Executive Officer for three years after such a termination all medical, hospitalization, disability and certain other benefits in amounts and on terms not less favorable than those to which he or she was entitled at the time of termination. If the foregoing amounts were not paid when due, they would bear interest at the rate of 15% per annum. The Agreements provide for appropriate adjustments of such payments if they would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
     To estimate the amount payable by the Company upon a Change in Control, it is assumed that the named executive officers are terminated immediately upon the Change in Control rather than employed for one year. The following payments would be due to: Mr. LaBarge, $2,982,336; Mr. Buschling, $1,909,206; Mr. Nonnenkamp, $1,584,711; Mr. Parmley, $1,318,089; and Ms. Huber, $1,146,969.
     In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the named executive officers are entitled to receive accelerated payments under the Company’s 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. Currently, those Change-in-Control payments would be as follows: Mr. LaBarge, $2,212,500; Mr. Buschling, $1,440,000; Mr. Nonnenkamp, $967,500; Mr. Parmley, $486,000; and Ms. Huber, $486,000.
     The Company has entered into a Competitive Practices Agreement with each of its Executive Officers. The Agreements restrict Executive Officers from engaging in competitive practices with the Company for a period of two years following termination of employment.
Related Party Transactions
     To identify and address any concerns regarding related party transactions and ensure their proper disclosure, the Company requires such transactions to be reported in its questionnaires distributed to Directors and officers each year and mandates that all employees and Directors report to the Corporate Secretary all transactions presenting potential conflicts of interest pursuant to its Policy on Business Conduct & Ethics. It is the policy of the Company that the Company’s Audit Committee review and approves all transactions with related persons requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
     During fiscal 2008, no related party transactions were entered into or proposed that require disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

15


 

PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
     KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) has been appointed independent registered public accountants for the Company, for the fiscal year ending June 28, 2009, by the Audit Committee with the approval of the Board of Directors. KPMG has been the Company’s independent accountants since 1980. Although the appointment of the independent registered public accountants does not require the approval of Common Stockholders, the Board of Directors believes Common Stockholders should participate in the appointment through ratification. A representative of KPMG is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement, if he so desires, and he is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions raised orally at the Annual Meeting.
     The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock casting a vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary for the ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accountants. In the event that a majority of the shares are not voted in favor of ratification, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection.
Independent Registered Public Accountants’ Fees
     KPMG served as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008.
     Aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the Company by KPMG for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007 were:
                 
    Fiscal Year Ended
    June 29,   July 1,
    2008   2007
 
Audit fees
  $ 435,500     $ 479,500  
Audit-related fees
             
Tax fees
    62,000        
All other fees
           
 
Total
  $ 497,500     $ 479,500  
 
     Audit fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its benefit plans and the review of documents filed by the Company with the SEC. These fees include audit of internal controls in compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     Tax fees were for professional services rendered in connection with the Company’s IRS audit covering fiscal years 2005 and 2006.
     The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the approval of all audit and non-audit services that are to be performed by the Company’s independent registered public accountants. These policies generally provide that the Company will not engage the independent registered public accountants to render audit or non-audit services unless the service is specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee. [Represents the above-market or preferential earnings on compensation that is deferred on a basis that is not tax-qualified, including such earnings on non-qualified defined contribution plans.] The Audit Committee has granted the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer the authority to engage KPMG for audit-related and tax services not exceeding $25,000. Such engagements are then formally approved by the Audit Committee at its next meeting. All fees billed for fiscal year 2008 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
The Board of Directors Recommends That You Vote
“FOR” Ratification of the Selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered
Public Accountants for Fiscal 2009
.

16


 

Report of the Audit Committee
     The primary role of the Audit Committee is oversight of the Company’s financial reporting process, public financial reports, internal accounting and financial controls, and the independent audit of the annual consolidated financial statements. The Board, in its business judgment, has determined that the members of the Audit Committee are “independent” and “financially literate” as required by the American Stock Exchange. In addition, the Board has determined, in its business judgment, that Lawrence J. LeGrand qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee acts under a charter. A current copy of the charter is available on the Company’s Web site, www.labarge.com. The Committee reviews the adequacy of the charter at least annually.
     Committee members are not professionally engaged in the practice of accounting or auditing, and are not experts under the Securities Act of 1933 in either of those fields, or in auditor independence. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee looks to management and the independent registered public accountants. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal controls. The independent registered public accountants are responsible for auditing the Company’s consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
     In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee meets each quarter with management to review the Company’s quarterly financial results and with the independent registered public accountants to review the results of their quarterly review before the publication of the Company’s earnings press releases. The Audit Committee assists the Board in establishing procedures for receipt and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal controls and other matters, including the confidential anonymous submission by the Company’s employees, received through established procedures, of any concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent auditors the Company’s fiscal 2008 audited consolidated financial statements. Management and the independent registered public accountants told the Audit Committee that the Company’s financial statements were fairly stated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee also has discussed with the independent registered public accountants the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to communication with audit committees. In addition, the Audit Committee has received from the independent auditors the written disclosures and letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accountants’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent registered public accountants the independent auditors’ independence. The Audit Committee has considered whether the independent registered public accountants’ provision of non-audit services to the Company is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence.
     The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accountants the overall scope and plans for their audit. The Audit Committee met with the independent registered public accountants, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.
     The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management its assessment and report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 29, 2008, which it made using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. The Audit Committee has also reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accountants its attestation report on internal control over financial reporting. The Company published these reports in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2008.
     The Audit Committee pre-approved all services provided by the independent auditor in fiscal 2008. Pre-approval includes audit services and other services. In some cases, the full Audit Committee provides pre-approval for up to a year, related to a particular defined task or scope of work and subject to a specific budget. In other cases, the Chairman of the Audit Committee has the delegated authority from the Audit Committee to pre-approve additional services, and the Chairman then communicates such pre-approvals to the full Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has granted the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer the authority to engage the independent auditor for audit —related and tax services not exceeding $25,000. To avoid certain potential conflicts of interest, the law prohibits a publicly traded company from obtaining certain non-audit services from its independent registered public accounting firm. The Company obtains these services from other service providers as needed. See “Proposal 2: Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accountants” for more information regarding fees paid to the independent registered public accountants.

17


 

     Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the Company’s fiscal 2008 audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2008 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
     The Audit Committee has retained KPMG to audit the Company’s financial statements for fiscal 2009.
     
Committee Members:
  Lawrence J. LeGrand, Chairman
Thomas A. Corcoran
John G. Helmkamp, Jr.
Voting Securities and Ownership Thereof By Management and Certain Beneficial Owners
     Set forth below is information, as of September 19, 2008, concerning all persons known to the Company to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date, and beneficial ownership of Common Stock by each Director and nominee for Director of the Company, each named executive officer of the Company and all executive officers and directors as a group (unless otherwise indicated, such ownership represents sole voting and sole investment power).
                 
Name and Address of   Amount and Nature of   Percent
Beneficial Owner (1)   Beneficial Ownership   of Class (2)
Directors and Executive Officers:
               
Randy L. Buschling
    364,587  - (3) (4) (5)     2.3 %
Robert G. Clark
    8,385       *  
Thomas A. Corcoran
    1,500       *  
John G. Helmkamp, Jr.
    355,196  - (6)     2.3 %
Teresa K. Huber
    42,182  - (3) (4) (5)     *  
Craig E. LaBarge
    2,081,126  - (3) (4) (5) (7)     12.7 %
Lawrence J. LeGrand
    1,213,485  - (8) (9)     7.7 %
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
    411,232  - (3) (4) (5)     2.6 %
John R. Parmley
    214,995  - (3) (4) (5)     1.4 %
Jack E. Thomas, Jr.
    3,685       *  
All executive officers and directors as a group (11 persons)
    4,567,532  - (4)     26.7 %
5% Stockholders:
               
Sanfurd G. Bluestein, M.D.
2150 Ocean Blvd., Apt. 4N
Boca Raton, FL 33431
    1,525,300  - (12)     9.8 %
Joanne V. Lockard
c/o Plancorp, Inc.
1350 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Suite 100
Chesterfield, MO 63017
    1,218,270  - (9) (10)     7.7 %
Leo V. Garvin, Jr.
c/o Plancorp, Inc.
1350 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Suite 100
Chesterfield, MO 63017
    1,208,485  - (9)     7.7 %
Wentworth Hauser & Violich, Inc.
301 Battery Street
Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94111
    1,068,300  - (11)     6.8 %
 
*   Less than 1%.

18


 

(1)   The address of each executive officer and Director is c/o LaBarge, Inc., 9900 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124.
 
(2)   Percent of class is calculated on the basis of 15,773,253 Common Shares outstanding on September 29, 2008.
 
(3)   Includes the following number of shares awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan that are restricted until June 28, 2009: Mr. Buschling, 28,695; Ms. Huber, 7,652; Mr. LaBarge, 43,042; Mr. Nonnenkamp, 19,130; and Mr. Parmley, 9,565. Also includes the following shares awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan that are restricted until June 27, 2010: Mr. Buschling, 34,615; Ms. Huber, 10,385; Mr. LaBarge, 51,923; Mr. Nonnenkamp, 23,077; and Mr. Parmley, 11,538.
 
(4)   Includes options exercisable within 60 days for the following number of shares under the 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan and the 1999 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan: Mr. Buschling — 322,568; Ms. Huber — 15,000; Mr. LaBarge — 624,864; Mr. Nonnenkamp — 202,270; Mr. Parmley — 151,390. All executive officers and directors as a group — 1,316,092 shares.
 
(5)   Includes the following number of shares held in employee contribution accounts, Company unrestricted match accounts and Company restricted match accounts, respectively, of the Company’s 401(k) Benefit Plan: Mr. Buschling -0-, 1,970 and 4,416; Ms. Huber: -0-, 284 and 1,076; Mr. LaBarge: 105,019, 231,606 and -0-; Mr. Nonnenkamp: -0-, 1,633 and 3,841; and Mr. Parmley: -0-, 1,947 and 4,414. The named persons have sole voting power with respect to all shares held in their accounts, and have sole dispositive power with respect to the shares held in their Company unrestricted match accounts. Except as noted below, the named persons have no dispositive power with respect to shares held in their Company restricted match accounts. In addition, Messrs. LaBarge and Nonnenkamp as administrators of the Company 401(k) Benefit Plan have shared dispositive power and no voting power (except for shares in their own accounts) as to 139,226 shares held in the Company restricted match accounts. Messrs. LaBarge and Nonnenkamp disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares held in the Company restricted match accounts of employees other than themselves.
 
(6)   Includes 2,600 shares held by Mr. Helmkamp’s spouse in her name, 3,911 shares in her IRA and 22,000 shares held in a trust, of which she acts as trustee. Also includes 45,300 shares held in three trusts for the benefit of Mr. Helmkamp’s children and 43,500 shares held in a charitable remainder trust. Mr. Helmkamp is trustee of the aforesaid trusts. Mr. Helmkamp disclaims beneficial ownership of all these shares.
 
(7)   Includes 70,548 shares held by Mr. LaBarge’s spouse in her name, 34,000 shares held in her IRA and 11,042 shares as custodian for their two minor children. Mr. LaBarge disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
 
    Also includes 18,172 shares held by a trust for two minor children of Mr. LaBarge and 5,334 shares held in trust for a niece of Mr. LaBarge. Mr. LaBarge is a co-trustee of the trusts and disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
    Also includes 725,600 shares owned in Mr. LaBarge’s individual capacity, 750 shares owned jointly with his spouse, and 20,000 shares held in his IRA.
 
(8)   Includes 5,000 shares held in Mr. LeGrand’s individual capacity.
 
(9)   Includes 520,000 shares of Common Stock held by the Pierre L. LaBarge Pledge Trust for which Ms. Lockard and Messrs. Garvin and LeGrand, as personal representatives of Pierre L. LaBarge’s estate, each has shared voting and shared dispositive power. Includes: (a) 107,079 shares of Common Stock held by the Pierre L. LaBarge Generation-Skipping Trust; (b) 126,090 shares of Common Stock held by the Craig E. LaBarge Generation-Shipping Trust, (c) 107,079 shares of Common Stock held by the Mark LaBarge Generation-Skipping Trust; (d) 107,079 shares of Common Stock held by the Jon L. LaBarge Generation-Skipping Trust; (e) 107,079 shares of Common Stock held by the Denise M. LaBarge Generation-Skipping Trust; (f) 107,079 shares of Common Stock held by the Marie A. LaBarge Miller Generation-Skipping Trust. Ms. Lockard and Messrs. Garvin and LeGrand serve as co-trustees for each of these trusts. Each of the co-trustees has shared voting and shared dispositive power.
 
(10)   Includes 2,406 shares owned jointly with Ms. Lockard’s spouse as to whom she has shared voting and dispositive power and 7,379 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) Benefit Plan as to which she has sole voting power.
 
(11)   Based on information submitted on Form 13G filed on February 14, 2008.
 
(12)   Based on information submitted on Form 13G/A filed on February 5, 2008, and Form 4 filed on May 14, 2008. Represents (i) 733,000 shares held directly by Mr. Bluestein, (ii) 137,000 shares held by Oppenheimer

19


 

    & Co. Inc., custodian for Sanfurd G. Bluestein IRA, (iii) 175,000 shares held by the Bluestein Family Partnership, LP, over which Mr. Bluestein shares voting and investment control, (iv) 179,500 shares held by the Bluestein Family Foundation Inc., over which Mr. Bluestein shares voting and investment control, (v) 175,000 shares held by Joel Bluestein, Mr. Bluestein’s son, over which Mr. Bluestein shares voting and investment control, (vi) 10,800 shares held by Doris Hasnas, Mr. Bluestein’s sister, over which Mr. Bluestein shares voting and investment control, (vii) 55,000 shares held by the Jessica Ann Bishop Trust #2, Joel Bluestein Trustee, U/A/D 11/23/1998 F/B/O Jessica Bishop, over which Mr. Bluestein shares voting and investment control, and (viii) 60,000 shares held by the JR Trusts, LLC.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
     Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that the Company’s directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock file reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the SEC and the AMEX to report their beneficial holdings of the Company’s shares and changes thereto.
     Based solely on its review of copies of such forms received by it and written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required to be filed by those persons, the Company believes that during fiscal 2008, all filing requirements were timely complied with.
OTHER MATTERS
Stockholder Proposals for Next Year
     Any Stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the next Annual Meeting, which is expected to be held in November 2009, must be received by the Company in writing at its principal office at the address listed on page 1 hereof no later than June 12, 2009. The deadline for written notice of a proposal for which the Stockholder will conduct his or her own solicitation is August 26, 2009.
SEC Form 10-K
     Stockholders may obtain a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008 without charge by writing to the Corporate Secretary at the address listed on page 1, or by visiting the Company’s Web site at www.labarge.com.
Code of Ethics
     The Company has adopted a Policy on Business Conduct & Ethics applicable to its employees, including officers, and directors. This Policy on Business Conduct & Ethics can be viewed on the Company’s Web site at www.labarge.com. Any future amendments of the Policy on Business Conduct and Ethics will be promptly disclosed on the Company’s Web site. The Company will disclose on its Web site any waiver from a provision of the Policy on Business Conduct & Ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K.
Other Matters and Householding
     As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors of the Company does not intend to present, nor has it been informed that other persons intend to present, any matters for action at the Annual Meeting, other than those specifically referred to herein. If, however, any other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named on the proxy card to vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with their judgment as to the best interest of the Company on such matters.

20


 

     The Company and some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may participate in the practice of householding proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of this proxy statement may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household unless you provide us with contrary instructions. A separate copy of this proxy statement or the annual report will be delivered to you if you write to the Secretary at the address listed on page 1 or call (314) 997-0800.
         
  By Order of the Board of Directors
 
 
  /s/ DONALD H. NONNENKAMP   
  Donald H. Nonnenkamp   
  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary   
St. Louis, Missouri
October 10, 2008

21


 

(LABARGE INC. LOGO)
LaBarge, Inc.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NOVEMBER 12, 2008
4:00 P.M.
     The undersigned hereby appoints Craig E. LaBarge and Donald H. Nonnenkamp, or either of them acting in the absence of the other, proxies for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of LaBarge, Inc. to be held at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri, on November 12, 2008, at 4:00 P.M. St. Louis time, and at any adjournments thereof, in accordance with the instructions on the reverse side of this form, and with discretionary authority with respect to such other matters not known or determined at the time of the solicitation of this proxy, as may properly come before said meeting or any adjournments thereof. Stockholders who do not attend the Annual Meeting in person are invited to listen to the webcast of the meeting, which will be accessible through the Company’s Web site at http://www.labarge.com.
     The undersigned hereby revokes any proxies heretofore given in connection with the Annual Meeting and directs said persons to use this proxy to act or vote as follows:
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE OR PROVIDE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTE VIA
THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
         
(GRAPHIC)
  FOLD AND DETACH HERE   (GRAPHIC)
LaBarge, Inc. — ANNUAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 12, 2008
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
You can vote in one of three ways:
1.   Call toll-free 1-866-860-0411 on a touch-tone phone. There is NO CHARGE to you for this call.
or
2.   Via the Internet at https://www.proxyvotenow.com/lbi and follow the instructions.
or
3.   Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope.
WE ENCOURAGE VOTING ON THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE.
PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
5197

 


 

(LOGO)   REVOCABLE PROXY   (LOGO)
x   PLEASE MARK VOTES
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
  LaBarge, Inc.   ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NOVEMBER 12, 2008     

                     
                Withhold   For All
            For   All   Except
 
Proposal 1.      Election of Directors:   c   c   c
 
             
 
  Class C -   (01) Thomas A. Corcoran
(02) Craig E. LaBarge
     
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write that nominee’s name or number in the space provided below.
 

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of the
nominees listed above.
                 
        For   Against   Abstain
 
Proposal 2.
 
Proposal to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as Independent Registered Public Accountants for the fiscal year ending June 28, 2009.
  c   c   c
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL PROPOSALS.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” ratification of
the selection of KPMG LLP.
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such.


       
 
 
Please be sure to date and sign
this proxy card in the box below.
        Date
 
 
   
       Sign above                                                                                                          

(LOGO)

IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
(LOGO)


FOLD AND DETACH HERE IF YOU ARE VOTING BY MAIL
PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Stockholders of record have three ways to vote:
1. By Mail; or
2. By Telephone (using a touch-tone phone); or
3. By Internet.
A telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed, dated and returned this proxy. Please note telephone and Internet votes must be cast prior to 3 a.m., November 12, 2008. It is not necessary to return this proxy if you vote by telephone or Internet.

Vote by Telephone
Call toll-free on a touch-tone phone anytime prior to
3 a.m., November 12, 2008:
1-866-860-0411
 

Vote by Internet
anytime prior to
3 a.m., November 12, 2008 go to
https://www.proxyvotenow.com/lbi
 


Please note that the last vote received, whether by telephone, Internet or by mail, will be the vote counted.

      
Your vote is important!