ON Securities

The past few weeks have been fairly slow in terms of new developments in securities law, corporate governance and executive compensation. However, summer’s over, and I’m expecting a flurry in the next few weeks. Take a look back at the ON Securities Cheat Sheet – a lot of these developments are likely to change as we head into the fall . . . . Last weekend I saw my all-time favorite film about blogging – okay, maybe the only film I have seen about blogging. “Julie & Julia” follows two parallel true stories . . . . I watched Julie’s story with my “blogger hat” on, and I tried to figure out what made her blog successful. . . .[to read more, click on the title above].

As described previously, on July 1, 2009, the SEC approved by a 3-2 vote an amendment to New York Stock Exchange Rule 452 to eliminate broker discretionary voting in uncontested elections of directors. Of all the recent proposals (see the ON Securities Cheat Sheet), this was the first to be adopted, and this change may have the biggest practical impact on corporate governance for most companies. The rule change is effective for shareholder meetings held on or after January 1, 2010, and it is likely to make it more difficult to get affirmative votes in favor of management’s slate of directors. . . .So what should a company do to prepare? . . . . [To read more, click on the Title above.]

SEC actions on July 1

On July 1, 2009, the SEC voted to take several actions. . . .

However, to understand the impact of the July 1 actions, it is necessary understand other current developments, some of which would have an even greater impact on a broader segment of companies . . .

Maslon Small Public Company Forum’s Inaugural Event is a success (singing fish and all).

On June 24, 2009, I participated in the inaugural event of the Maslon Small Public Company Forum, which included presenters from Maslon, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, Carver Moquist & O’Connor, Feltl and Company and Internal Control & Anti-Fraud Experts, LLC. . . .