in our own words
 

Proxy Voting Policy

June, 1999

In the one-dimensional corporate world where shareholder concerns have always reigned supreme, Wainwright Bank prefers the concept of stakeholders. In the Bank's model of inclusion, employees, customers and communities have an equal place at the table alongside stockholders. The Bank believes each of these constituencies is best served when all are served.

The Bank has endeavored to use both its cultural and financial capital to further a vision of a just, tolerant and sustainable society. Over the years the same voices of intolerance have been arrayed against the civil rights movement, the women's movement, gay rights and the civil liberties of people with AIDS. Wainwright believes the rights of these groups are all connected threads that weave the fabric of a just society.

With this guiding philosophy Wainwright has implied a moral contract with its stakeholders. This commitment can be further promoted by exercising its right to proxy voting for its investment portfolio. Proxy voting is the basic mechanism through which shareholders can influence the governance of corporations. In this respect it is a far more precise tool for affecting ethical and moral change than simply divesting a holding in a company.

To further support its Social Agenda, Wainwright Bank subscribes to the following Proxy Voting Policy:

  1. Wainwright Bank will exercise its rights as a shareholder to vote its proxies on proposals put forth by management and shareholders. On matters of corporate practice or governance the Bank will vote in line with its support of social justice issues.
  2. Proxy voting will be the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer. The process will be managed by the Chief Financial Officer. On issues of corporate practice, governance or other matters such as mergers they will consult with the Asset/Liability Committee. They may draw on the resources of entities that monitor shareholder proposals such as Trillium Asset Management, the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility and the Council of Institutional Investors.
  3. The Board of Directors will be provided an update of activities annually.
  4. The Bank may seek to further dialogues between shareholders, nonprofit groups and corporate managements through business and community activities, convenings and informal meetings.
  5. The Bank will encourage greater shareholder participation in matters of corporate governance and practices by facilitating dialogues about corporate accountability and proxy voting with other corporate and nonprofit entities.

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