2009 Proxy Season

Introduction to 2009 Proxy Season Hot Topic

Over the past two decades there has a steady rise in the number of shareowner-sponsored resolutions offered to all shareowners as part of the annual election of board members and other matters contained in the corporate proxy.  The range of issues covered in these resolutions has broadened considerably as both institutional and individual shareowners express their concerns and expectations in the body of the resolution.

This “Hot Topics” focus on 2009 proxy topics contains news and commentary related to specific shareholder-sponsored resolutions offered for vote, the individual players in the investment community (and their coalitions) that sponsor specific resolutions, and general news related to this year’s proxy campaigns.

When agreement can’t be reached in discussions with corporations in which institutions own shares, the proxy resolution is often the means of expressing demands, raising expectations (by investors, of management and board), and pressuring companies for change in behavior, performance or other factors.  Proxy seasons have become increasingly important:  It’s a very visible means of shareholders speaking out!

“Proxy Season 2008 – the Introduction of the Section”