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

 

Filed by the Registrant  ☒Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

☐Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a‑6(e)(2))

☒Definitive Proxy Statement

☐Definitive Additional Materials

☐Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a‑12

 

Sterling Real Estate Trust

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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April 30, 2015 

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of Sterling Real Estate Trust  (“Trust”), which will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., Central Standard Time, at the Holiday Inn located at 3803 13th Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103.  A social reception will precede the shareholder meeting commencing at 5:00 p.m.

The enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders provides information regarding each business proposal to be voted on at the meeting.  These proposals and the vote the Board of Trustees recommends are:

 

Please see the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Proxy Statement and form of Proxy, which follow this letter, as well as the enclosed 2014 Annual Report.  The Proxy Statement contains a more extensive discussion of each proposal, and therefore you should read the Proxy Statement carefully.

The annual meeting will also feature a report on the operations of the Trust, followed by a question and answer period.  After the annual meeting, you will have the opportunity to speak informally with the trustees and officers of the Trust.

The Board encourages shareholders to attend the meeting in person.  Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own.  We encourage you to vote by proxy so your shares will be represented and voted at the annual meeting even if you cannot attend.  If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person even if you have previously returned a proxy to us by mail.

 

 

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 18, 2015 

To the Shareholders of Sterling Real Estate Trust:  

The 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Sterling Real Estate Trust  (“Trust”) will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015, starting at 6:00 p.m., Central Standard Time, at the Holiday Inn located at 3803 13th Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103, for the following purposes:

These items are described in the proxy statement, which is part of this notice.  We have not received notice of other matters that may properly be presented at the annual meeting.

Our Board of Trustees has chosen the close of business on April 15, 2015, as the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof, all in accordance with the accompanying proxy statement.

IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY CALLING (701) 353‑2729 OR EMAILING BVANDERHAGEN@SRETRUST.COM, SO YOU MAY BE PRE‑REGISTERED.  OTHERWISE, MEETING CREDENTIALS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE MEETING BY PERSONS IDENTIFYING THEMSELVES AS SHAREHOLDERS AS OF THE RECORD DATE.  FOR A RECORD OWNER, POSSESSION OF A PROXY CARD WILL BE ADEQUATE IDENTIFICATION.  FOR A BENEFICIAL‑BUT‑NOT‑RECORD OWNER, A COPY OF A BROKER’S STATEMENT SHOWING SHARES HELD FOR HIS OR HER BENEFIT ON APRIL 15, 2015, WILL BE ADEQUATE IDENTIFICATION.

 

Fargo, North Dakota

April 30, 2015 

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

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STERLING REAL ESTATE TRUST

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 18, 2015 

This proxy statement and related documents are furnished by our Board of Trustees for the solicitation of proxies from the holders of our common shares of beneficial interest in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held at the Holiday Inn located at 3803 13th Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103, on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, subject to any adjournment or postponement thereof.  The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, this Proxy Statement, form of Proxy and the Annual Report will be mailed to shareholders starting on or about April 30, 2015.  

Record Date and Share Ownership

Owners of record of common shares of beneficial interest at the close of business on April 15, 2015 will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting or adjournments or postponements thereof.  As of the close of business on April 15, 2015, there were outstanding 7,365,984.142 common shares, which is the only class of securities of the Trust entitled to vote at the annual meeting (all such common shares being referred to herein as the “shares” and all holders thereof being referred to as our “shareholders”).  Each share is entitled to one vote.  There is no cumulative voting for the election of trustees.

We will make available a list of holders of record of our shares as of the close of business on April 15, 2015 for inspection during normal business hours at our offices, 1711 Gold Drive South, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58103.  This list will also be available at the annual meeting.  For information regarding security ownership by the Board of Trustees, management and by the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our securities, see “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.” 

Voting Shares

When the proxy materials are delivered, shareholders will receive a proxy card and postage‑paid return envelope.  Shareholders can ensure their shares are voted at the annual meeting by signing, dating and returning the proxy in the return envelope.  All proxies are to be submitted either by mail or in person at the annual meeting.  If shares are held in street name, such shareholders will receive instructions from their broker, bank or other nominee, and such instructions must be followed to have their shares voted upon.

All properly executed written proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation (and not revoked later) will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with the instructions of the shareholder.  Below is a list of the different votes shareholders may cast at the annual meeting pursuant to this solicitation.

In voting on the election of trustees to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified, shareholders may vote in one of the following ways:

In voting on ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015, shareholders may vote in one of the following ways:

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Shareholders should specify their choice for each matter on the proxy.  If no specific instructions are given, proxies which are signed and returned will be voted FOR the election of the trustees as set forth herein, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015.  

In addition, if other matters not described in this proxy statement are properly presented at the annual meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote in accordance with their best judgment with respect to such matters.  This includes a motion to adjourn or postpone the annual meeting to solicit additional proxies.  We do not currently know of any other matters to be presented at the annual meeting.

Revocability

A shareholder submitting a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time prior to its exercise by voting in person at the annual meeting, by giving Brittaney van der Hagen, Investor Relations Coordinator, a written notice bearing a later date than the proxy or by giving a later dated proxy.  Attendance at the annual meeting will not in itself constitute a revocation of a proxy.  Any written notice revoking a proxy should be sent to Brittaney van der Hagen, Investor Relations Coordinator, at Sterling Real Estate Trust, 1711 Gold Drive South, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58103.

Quorum

A quorum of shareholders is required to hold an annual meeting.  According to our bylaws, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the annual meeting, represented in person or by proxy, constitute a quorum.  If a shareholder has returned valid proxy instructions or attends the annual meeting in person, that shareholder’s shares will be counted for the purpose of determining whether there is a quorum, even if the shareholder wishes to abstain from voting on some or all matters introduced at the annual meeting.  Abstentions and “broker non‑votes” (shares held by a broker, bank or other nominee that does not have authority, either express or discretionary, to vote on a particular matter) are counted for determining whether there is a quorum.  If a quorum is not present, the annual meeting may be adjourned from time to time until a quorum is present.

Required Vote

A plurality of the votes cast is required for the election of the trustees to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.  This means the trustee nominee with the most votes for a particular slot is elected for that slot.  Only votes “FOR” or “WITHHELD” affect the outcome.  If you withhold your authority to vote for a particular nominee on your proxy card, your vote will have no effect on the outcome because only a plurality of votes actually cast is required to elect a trustee.  A broker non‑vote will also have no effect on the outcome for the same reason.

With respect to all other matters you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.” Shares voted by proxies will be voted in accordance with the specifications marked thereon, and, if no specification is made, will be voted “FOR” each matter.  Shares represented by proxies that are marked “ABSTAIN” are considered shares entitled to vote on the particular matter and will have the same effect as a vote against the matter.  A broker non‑vote will not have the effect of a vote against the matter, because broker non‑votes are considered shares that are not entitled to vote on the particular matter.

Attending the Meeting

If you were a shareholder as of the close of business on April 15, 2015, you may attend the annual meeting in person.  If you want to vote your shares in person and your shares are held in street name, you will have to get a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares.

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Expenses of Solicitation

The expense of solicitation of proxies will be borne by us, which is estimated to be approximately $8,000.  We have not retained a proxy solicitor to solicit proxies; however, we may choose to do so prior to the annual meeting.  Proxies may also be solicited by certain of our trustees, officers and other employees, without additional compensation, personally or by written communication, telephone or other electronic means.  We are required to request brokers, banks and nominees who hold shares in their name to furnish our proxy material to beneficial owners of the shares and will reimburse such brokers, banks and nominees for their reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses in so doing.

The Board of Trustees is not aware of any business other than the aforementioned matters that will be presented for consideration at the annual meeting.  If other matters properly come before the annual meeting, it is the intention of the person(s) named in the proxy to vote thereon in accordance with his/their best judgment.

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We are permitted to send only one copy of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report to eligible shareholders who share a single address unless we have instructions to the contrary from any shareholder at that address.  This practice, known as “householding,” reduces printing and mailing costs.  If you or another shareholder of record sharing your address would like to receive an additional copy of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report, we will promptly deliver it to you upon your request in one of the following manners:

Attention:  Brittaney van der Hagen

Sterling Real Estate Trust 

1711 Gold Drive South

Suite 100

Fargo, ND 58103

If you are receiving multiple mailings at one address and would like to request householded mailings, you may do so by contacting Ms. van der Hagen at (701) 353‑2729.

Our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 are included in our Form 10‑K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2015 and in our Annual Report that will be mailed to our shareholders either before or concurrent with this Proxy Statement.  In addition, our Form 10‑K will be sent to our shareholders upon request.  The Form 10‑K and the Annual Report do not form any part of the material for the solicitation of proxies.

The following table shows, as of April 15, 2015, the beneficial ownership of common shares of the Trust and of limited partnership units of our operating partnership, which are exchangeable for common shares on a one‑for‑one basis or cash, at the option of the Trust, by (1) any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common shares of the Trust, (2) each trustee and nominee for trustee of the Trust, (3) each executive officer of the Trust and (4) all of the trustees and executive officers of the Trust as a group.  The calculation of the percentage of outstanding shares is based on 7,365,984.142 common shares outstanding on April 15, 2015.  Except as otherwise indicated by footnote, each shareholder named has sole voting and investment power with respect to such common shares and limited partnership units.

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*Less than 1% of the outstanding common shares of beneficial interest.

 

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Our Board of Trustees has determined that seven (7) of our nine (9) current trustees—Messrs. Fearing, Furness, Hansen, Haugen, Hunt, Savageau and Wolf—are independent under the standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market, and that the members of our Audit Committee are independent pursuant to Rule 10A‑3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

We operate under the direction of our Board of Trustees.  The Board is responsible for the overall management and control of our affairs.  Our Chairman of the Board, Bruce W. Furness, is an independent trustee under the independence standards described above.

The Board has retained Sterling Management, LLC as our Advisor to manage our day‑to‑day affairs and the acquisition and disposition of our investments, subject to the board’s supervision and approval.  Kenneth P. Regan, our Chief Executive Officer; Bradley J. Swenson, our President and Secretary; and Angie D. Stock, our Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer are also officers, employees, owners or governors of our Advisor.  Among others, such executive officers oversee our Advisor’s day‑to‑day operations with respect to us.  However, when doing so, such executive officers are acting on behalf of our Advisor in performing the Advisor’s obligations under the Advisory Agreement.  Generally, the only services performed by our executive officers in their capacity as executive officers are those required by law or regulation, such as executing documents as required by North Dakota law and providing certifications required by the federal securities laws.

Under our board leadership structure, the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board are separate.  The separation of officers allows the Chairman of the Board to focus on board management matters and to maintain the objectivity of the Board in its risk oversight role and management oversight role of the Advisor, specifically with respect to reviewing and assessing the Advisor’s performance.

Our Board of Trustees held four regularly scheduled meetings and one special meeting during 2014.  In 2014, the Board of Trustees did not act by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting.  During 2014, all trustees attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Trustees and committees to which they were assigned.

In order to control expenses, and in light of the fact a limited number of our shareholders attend our annual or special meetings of shareholders in person, we do not require trustees to attend shareholder meetings.  Our trustees are invited, and frequently one or more of our trustees is in attendance at such meetings.  At the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders, seven of our trustees were present.

Our Board of Trustees next regular meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2015, prior to the annual shareholder meeting.

We have a standing Audit Committee, Nomination and Governance Committee, Disclosure Committee and Executive Committee, each of which is more fully described below.

Our entire Board of Trustees considers all major decisions concerning our business, including property acquisitions and dispositions.  However, we have established an Audit Committee, so audit functions can be addressed in more depth than may be possible at a full Board meeting, as well as a Nomination and Governance Committee, Disclosure Committee and Executive Committee.

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Copies of each committee charter may be found on our website at www.sretrust.com. Except for information specifically incorporated herein by reference, the information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this proxy statement.

The Audit Committee’s primary functions are to oversee our accounting, financial reporting, disclosure processes and the audits of our financial statements.  The committee selects the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements, monitors the effectiveness of the audit effort, and the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal and financial accounting organization, controls and financial reporting.  The committee also oversees and evaluates the independent registered public accounting firm, meets with the independent registered public accounting firm to review the scope and results of the audit, approves non‑audit services provided to us by our independent certified public accountants, and considers various accounting and auditing matters related to our system of internal controls, financial management practices and other matters.  The committee complies with the provisions of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002.

The Audit Committee currently consists of Board members Clifford Fearing, Timothy Haugen, Timothy Hunt and Lance R. Wolf, and is chaired by Mr. Hunt.  Mr. Hunt has served as Chair of this committee since June 2011.  The members of the Audit Committee are independent trustees, as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules and as defined by the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002.  Our Board of Trustees has determined we have at least two Audit Committee financial experts as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S‑K: Timothy Haugen and Timothy Hunt.

The Audit Committee meets at least quarterly to review and approve the financial reports, discuss accounting, reporting and internal control matters, and review other pertinent matters as they arise.  The Audit Committee also discusses auditing issues via telephone conference and during regularly scheduled Board meetings, as appropriate, after which time the conversations are incorporated into Board’s minutes.  The committee held six meetings during 2014.  

The Nomination and Governance Committee’s primary functions are to assist the Board in overseeing company governance matters, including the development of company governance guidelines; periodic evaluation of the Board, its committees and individual trustees; identification and selection of trustee nominees; and oversight of our policies and practices relating to ethical and compliance issues.

The committee is responsible for assessing the appropriate mix of skills and characteristics required of Board members and periodically reviews and recommends for approval by the Board any updates to the criteria as deemed necessary.  Such criteria may include integrity, independence, diversity and extent of experience, length of service, number of other Board and committee memberships, leadership qualities and ability to exercise sound judgment.  The committee evaluates the qualifications of each trustee candidate against these criteria in making its recommendation to the Board concerning nominations for election or reelection as a trustee.

The Nomination and Governance Committee currently consists of Board members Bruce Furness, James Hansen, Richard Savageau and James Wieland, and is chaired by Mr. Savageau.  The current slate of trustee nominees was recommended to the Board of Directors by the Nomination and Governance Committee.

The Nomination and Governance Committee meets at least twice a year, and holds additional meetings when pertinent matters arise.  This committee also discusses governance issues via telephone conference and during regularly scheduled Board meetings, after which time the conversations are incorporated into the Board’s minutes.  The committee held two meetings during 2014.  

The Disclosure Committee’s primary functions are to assist the Board in overseeing the integrity of our public filings and compliance with our public disclosure and reporting requirements.

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The Disclosure Committee currently consists of Board members Clifford Fearing and Lance R. Wolf, and is chaired by Mr. Wolf.

The Disclosure Committee meets at least four times a year, in conjunction with audit committee meetings.  This committee also discusses disclosure issues via telephone conference and during regularly scheduled Board meetings, after which time the conversations are incorporated into the Board’s minutes.  The committee held six meetings during 2014.  

The Executive Committee’s primary functions are to assist the Board in handling matters which should not be postponed until the following scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees, including investments, acquisitions, dispositions and financing activities.

The Executive Committee currently consists of Board members Bruce W. Furness, James Hansen, Timothy Hunt, Richard Savageau and James S. Wieland, and is chaired by Mr. Furness.

The Executive Committee meets periodically when necessary or deemed desirable by the committee or the Chair of the Committee.  The committee held one meeting during 2014.  

The Board of Trustees may determine to establish additional committees of the Board in the future.

We do not have a separate compensation committee, or other Board committee performing equivalent functions, as we have no employees and do not compensate our executive officers.  Therefore, there is no current or prior relationship to any other company required to be described under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules relating to disclosure of executive compensation.

When candidates for our Board of Trustees are considered, the Nomination and Governance Committee will consider all relevant experience and qualifications of the nominees, and each candidate is evaluated based upon various criteria including integrity, independence, diversity and extent of experience, length of service, number of other board or committee memberships, leadership qualities and the ability to exercise sound judgment.  Additional considerations include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A role of the Nomination and Governance Committee is to review the qualifications and backgrounds of any candidates for our Board of Trustees, its current members, as well as the overall composition of the Board.  Only members of the Nomination and Governance Committee who are deemed independent trustees may perform the nomination responsibilities of the committee.

In the case of any trustee candidate, the questions of independence and financial expertise are important to determine what roles the candidate can perform, and the Nomination and Governance Committee will consider whether the candidate meets the applicable independence standards and the level of the candidate’s financial expertise.  Any new candidates will be interviewed, and the Nomination and Governance Committee will approve the final nominations.  Our Chairman of the Board, acting on behalf of the Nomination and Governance Committee, will extend the formal invitation to the selected candidates.

The Nomination and Governance Committee will consider candidates proposed by our shareholders.  Shareholders may nominate trustee candidates for consideration by the Nomination and Governance Committee by writing to our Secretary, who will forward the nomination to the Chairman of the Nomination and Governance Committee.  The shareholder will be required to comply with the requirements of our Amended and Restated Bylaws regarding time frames during which to submit trustee candidates and the submission process.  The submission must provide, among other things, the candidate’s name, biographical data and qualifications, including five‑year employment history with employer names and a description of the employer’s business; whether such individual can read and understand fundamental financial statements; other board memberships (if any); ownership of our shares or limited partnership units in our operating partnership; and such other information as is reasonably available and sufficient to enable the Nomination and Governance Committee to evaluate the minimum qualifications stated above under the section of this proxy statement entitled “Qualifications of Candidates for Election to the Board.” The submission must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Nomination and Governance Committee and to serve if elected by the shareholders.  If a shareholder nominee is eligible, and if the nomination is proper, the Nomination and Governance Committee then will deliberate and make a decision as to whether the nominee will be approved and subsequently submitted to our shareholders for a vote.  The Nomination and Governance Committee will not change the manner in which it evaluates candidates, including the applicable minimum criteria set forth above, on the basis of whether the candidate was recommended by a shareholder.

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Our Board of Trustees has adopted a policy of meeting in executive session, with only independent trustees being present, on a regular basis and at least two times each year.  The Board of Trustees met in executive session four times during 2014.  

Our Board of Trustees believes it is important for us to have a process whereby our shareholders may send communications to our Board.  Accordingly, shareholders who wish to communicate with our Board of Trustees or a particular trustee may do so by sending a letter to Brittaney van der Hagen, Investor Relations Coordinator, at Sterling Real Estate Trust, 1711 Gold Drive South, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58103.  The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating the enclosed letter is a “Shareholder‑Board Communication” or “Shareholder‑Trustee Communication.” All such letters must identify the author as a shareholder and clearly state whether the intended recipients are all members of our Board of Trustees or only certain specified individual trustees.  Ms. van der Hagen copies all such letters and circulates them to the appropriate trustee or trustees.

Our Advisor is responsible for managing the day‑to‑day risks we face, but the Board is actively involved in overseeing our risk management.  The Board’s role in our risk oversight process includes receiving regular reports from management and the Advisor, which include consideration of operational, financial, legal, regulatory and strategic risks we face.  The Board does not view risk in isolation, as risks are considered in virtually every business decision made and as part of our business strategy.  Accordingly, the Board also works to oversee risk through its consideration and authorization of significant matters, such as the adoption of basic policies such as the Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy; and through its oversight of the Advisor’s implementation of its duties.  In addition, each of the Trust’s Board committees considers risk within its area of responsibility, as follows:

 

 

 

 

As a critical part of its risk management oversight role, the Board encourages full and open communication between the Advisor and the Board of Trustees.  Trustees are free to communicate directly with the Advisor, and Advisor management attends the Board’s regular meetings and is available to address any questions or concerns raised by the Board on risk management‑related and other matters.

In January 2014, the Nomination and Governance Committee modified the compensation for independent trustees to provide for payments of compensation in common shares instead of cash.  The full Board ratified the amended schedule at the March 27, 2014 meeting.  Effective January 1, 2014, the following schedule applies to independent trustee compensation, calculated annually, and payable on or about July 15 each year for the Trustees’ prior year of service: 

 

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Non-independent Trustees do not receive compensation for their service on the Board or Committees.  Our trustees are also reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings.

 

The chart below shows the shares each trustee will receive for meeting attendance during the year ended December 31, 2014.  

 

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On July 28, 2014 the Company issued total shares of 1,560 for meetings attended from January 1, 2014 through June 19, 2014.  As of December 31, 2014, 2,160 shares had been earned for meetings attended from June 20, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and will be issued in July 2015. 

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

 

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As an externally advised trust, our day‑to‑day operations are generally performed by our Advisor.  Our President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Secretary are also officers, employees, owners or governors of our Advisor.  Among others, such executive officers oversee our Advisor’s day‑to‑day operations with respect to us.  However, when doing so, such executive officers are acting on behalf of our Advisor in performing the Advisor’s obligations under the Advisory Agreement.  Generally, the only services performed by our executive officers in their capacity as executive officers are those required by law or regulation, such as executing documents as required by North Dakota law and providing certifications required by the federal securities laws.

As of the date of this report, each of the persons below currently serves as one of our executive officers:

 

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*As of April 15, 2015

The following is a summary of the background and business experience of our executive officers other than Mr. Regan (whose background and business experiences are described in connection with his status as a trustee):

Bradley J. Swenson has served as our President since December 2011.  He has also served as the President and a governor of Sterling Management, LLC since August 2010.  Mr. Swenson has more than 23 years of leadership and management experience in corporate governance, operational strategy, ethics and compliance, real estate and the law.  Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Swenson practiced law in both the public and private sectors.  In 1999, he was appointed Assistant Special Counsel to investigate the FBI stand‑off and fire at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas.  Upon completion of the investigation in 2001, Swenson joined the law firm of Dorsey and Whitney where he served Of Counsel until joining Ulteig as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 2004.  Mr. Swenson was later named Ulteig’s Chief Operating Officer serving in that role until 2010.  Mr. Swenson received a B.A. degree in English from the North Dakota State University and a J.D. degree from the University of Denver, College of Law.  Mr. Swenson currently serves or has held leadership positions on numerous boards including the Board of Directors for the NDSU Research and Technology Park, the Board of Directors for the National Center for Employee Ownership, the Board of Trustees for the F‑M Symphony, the Board of Directors for F‑M Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors of the Downtown Community Partnership, the Executive Board for the Northern Lights Council, the Advisory Board for the Center for Ethical Leadership at Concordia College, the Executive Committee of the NDSU Alumni Association, and the Editorial Boards for the North Dakota and Missouri Bars.

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Angie D. Stock has served as our Chief Accounting Officer since September 2013.  She has also served as the Chief Accounting Officer of Sterling Management, LLC, our Advisor, since September 2013.  Mrs. Stock is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  Mrs. Stock’s professional work experience includes 10 years in public accounting with a focus in financial auditing for public and private companies in a variety of industries.  Mrs. Stock received a B.S. degree in Accounting from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

We have provided below certain information about the executive officers and Board of Governors of the Advisor.

 

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*As of April 15, 2015

The following is a summary of the background and business experience of the executive officers and governors of the Advisor other than Messrs. Swenson, Regan, Stock and Wieland (whose background and business experiences are described in connection with their status as a trustee or executive officer).

James D. Echtenkamp has served as a governor of Sterling Management, LLC since 2007.  He is a partner and principal of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., one of our property managers.  Prior, he practiced law with Arthur, Chapman & McDonough from 1983 through 1989.  He also served as a tax consultant for Touche Ross & Co. from 1981 to 1983.  Mr. Echtenkamp received a B.S.B.A degree in accounting from the University of North Dakota and a J.D. degree from Drake University, School of Law.  He also holds a real estate broker’s license in Minnesota and Nebraska, a series 62 and 63 securities license in Minnesota, and is licensed to practice law (inactive status) in Iowa and Minnesota.  As of April 15, 2015, Mr. Echtenkamp’s spouse owned 58,829.723 shares of the Trust, a family member owned 2,105.198 shares of the Trust and a family trust owned 34,387.549 shares of the Trust.  In addition, as of such date, Mr. Echtenkamp owned 121,268.052 limited partnership units, his spouse owned 135,506.318 limited partnership units, James D. Echtenkamp LLC owned 4,074.031 limited partnership units and a family trust owned 4,086.211 limited partnership units, which may be exchanged for common shares of the Trust pursuant to the Exchange Right.

Dale D. Lian has served as a governor of Sterling Management, LLC since January 2007.  He is the President of GOLDMARK Development Corporation, which has provided development services to us from time to time.  In this position, he oversees new construction and development and manages its financing and banking relationships.  Prior, he was a certified public accountant with Charles Bailly and Co., Fargo, where he focused on tax and accounting for small businesses.  He also serves on the Board of Directors of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., GOLDMARK Schlossman Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc., both affiliates of the Advisor.  Mr. Lian received a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of North Dakota.  He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) which license is currently inactive; and he maintains a real estate license in North Dakota.  He also has a series 62 securities license and is a registered representative of Gardner Financial Services Inc. As of April 15, 2015, Mr. Lian owned 2,038 shares of the Trust and 210,477.86 limited partnership units, and Dale D. Lian, LLC owned 3,444.521 units, all of which may be exchanged for common shares of the Trust pursuant to the Exchange Right.  180,000 units owned by Mr. Lian are pledged to a bank as collateral.

Bradley S. Williams has served as a governor of Sterling Management, LLC since 2007.  Mr. Williams is the Managing Director and a partner of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., one of our property managers, from 2005 to the present.  In this position, he oversees the management of more than 15,000 units of multifamily housing and over one million square feet of commercial property.  He is also a partner and member of LBW Management, LLC, a business operation consultant, from 2004 to the present.  Prior, he was the Senior Vice President ‑ Corporate Development for

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Varistar Corporation, a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ: OTTR), an electric services and non‑electric services (including plastics, manufacturing and health services) business, from 2000 to 2004.  From 1999 to 2000, Mr. Williams was the Senior Vice President ‑ Managing Director Europe for PepsiAmericas, Inc. (which was subsequently acquired by Pepsi‑Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company, Inc. (NYSE: PEP)).  Mr. Williams began his tenure with Pohlad Beverage Group in 1981 at an operation located in Joplin, Missouri.  From 1988 to 1999, he was part of the Senior Management Team for Pohlad and the President and Chief Operating Officer of Dakota Beverage Company, Inc.  Mr. Williams is approximately a 3% owner and serves as a trustee of the Missouri Valley Real Estate Investment Trust, a private REIT focusing on multifamily housing in South Central United States, and as a governor of such REIT’s advisor.  Mr. Williams received a B.S.B.A. degree from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.  As of April 15, 2015, Mr. Williams beneficially owned 11,442.889 units, none of which may be exchanged within the next 60 days for common shares of the Trust pursuant to the Exchange Right.

 

We are an externally advised trust and as such, although we have a Board of Trustees and executive officers responsible for our management, we have no paid employees.  Our President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Secretary are all employees of our Advisor, and receive compensation directly from the Advisor.  Our Chairman of the Board is not an employee of our Advisor and receives compensation only for serving as a trustee.

The following is a brief description of the fees and compensation that may be received by the Advisor.  The compensation payable to the Advisor is subject to the terms and conditions of the Advisory Agreement, which must be renewed on an annual basis and approved by a majority of the independent trustees.  As a result, such amounts may be increased or decreased in future renewals of the Advisory Agreement.  The Advisory Agreement was last approved by the Board and a majority of the independent trustees on March 27, 2015.  The fees listed below reflect the fees payable to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement as amended and restated.

 

 

 

 

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TC = Total Project Cost

The expenses listed below reflect the expenses incurred by the Advisor in connection with the services it provides to the Company and the Operating Partnership payable to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement as amended and restated.

 

 

The table below sets forth information regarding compensation earned in or with respect to our fiscal years 2014 and 2013 by the Advisor.

 

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We are subject to various conflicts of interest arising out of our relationship with our Advisor and its affiliates, some of whom serve as our executive officers and trustees.  These conflicts include the compensation arrangements

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between us and the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement, whereby the Advisor receives a management fee, acquisition fees, disposition fees, financing fees and development fees when engaged as a property manager for our properties.

Under our Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, we may not enter into any contract or transaction, including the purchase or sale of property to, the Advisor, trustees or their affiliates unless a majority of our trustees as well as a majority of our independent trustees approve the transaction as fair and reasonable to us and on terms and conditions not less favorable to us than those available from unaffiliated third parties.  Our Amended and Restated Bylaws also provide our trustees, officers, employees and agents, in a personal capacity or in a capacity as an affiliate, employee or agent of any other person, may have business interests and engage in business activities similar and even competitive to or in addition to those relating to our business.

For more information on related party transactions described below and amounts paid, see the footnotes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC.

Advisor

The Advisor is owned in part (33%) by Kenneth Regan, our Chief Executive Officer and one of our trustees; (5%) by Bradley J. Swenson, our President; and (33%) by James Wieland, one of our trustees, and indirectly through Wieland Investments, LLLP, to which Mr. Wieland serves as the general partner.  In addition, Messrs. Regan, Swenson and Wieland serve on the Board of Governors of the Advisor and Messrs. Regan and Wieland are substantial owners of limited partnership units in the operating partnership.

During 2014, the Advisor earned $1,855,000 in advisory management fees, $2,628,000 in acquisition fees, $358,000 in development fees, $16,000 in disposition fees and $269,000 in financing fees. 

Property Management Fees

Kenneth Regan, our Chief Executive Officer and one of our trustees, is an executive officer, chairman and co‑owner of GOLDMARK Property Management.  In addition, James Wieland, our trustee, and Dale Lian and James D. Echtenkamp, governors of our Advisor, serve on the Board and are co‑owners or principals of GOLDMARK Property Management.  We have engaged GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. to serve as our primary property manager.  Under this agreement, we have agreed to pay GOLDMARK Property Management a property management fee of 5% of the monthly gross income from such properties managed.  During 2014, GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. earned $6,439,000 in property management fees. 

Brokerage Fees

GOLDMARK SCHLOSSMAN is affiliated with GOLDMARK Property Management, one of our property managers, which is owned by Kenneth Regan, our Chief Executive Officer and one of our trustees, James Wieland, our trustee, and Dale Lian, a governor of our Advisor, serve on the board and are co‑owners of GOLDMARK SCHLOSSMAN.  GOLDMARK SCHLOSSMAN Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc. assisted in identifying prospective acquisitions for us, and received real estate brokerage commissions.  During 2014, GOLDMARK SCHLOSSMAN Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc. earned $1,408,000 in real estate brokerage commissions. 

Trustee Fees

During 2014,  we paid trustee fees in shares of our common stock.  There is no cash retainer paid to trustees.  Instead, we pay trustees specific amounts for meetings attended.  In March 2014, our Board revised the Trustee Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2014.    

The plan provides:

 

 

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Common shares earned in accordance with the plan are calculated on an annual basis.  Shares earned pursuant to the Trustee Compensation Plan are issued on or about July 15 for Trustees’ prior year of service.  Non-independent Trustees are not compensated for their service on the Board or Committees.  See Trustee Compensation table on page 11 for additional details.

 

Rental Agreements

Under an operating lease agreement, we lease space to our Advisor, Sterling Management, LLC.  During 2014, we received rental income of $42,000.

Under an operating lease agreement, we lease space to GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc.  During 2014, we received rental income of $179,000.

Under an operating lease agreement, we lease space to GOLDMARK SCHLOSSMAN Commercial Real Estate Services.  During 2014, we received rental income of $50,000. 

Purchase of Properties

In January 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 24 unit apartment complex in Grand Forks, North Dakota for approximately $1,320.  The purchase was financed with the issuance of limited partnership units valued at approximately $1,320. 

 

In January 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 64 unit apartment complex in Fargo, North Dakota for approximately $3,520.  The purchase was financed with the issuance of limited partnership units valued at approximately $1,848 and cash.  The interest was purchased from an entity affiliated with Mr. Wieland, a related party, who received limited partnership units valued at approximately $739. 

 

In January 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 30 unit apartment complex in Hutchinson, Minnesota for approximately $1,080.  The purchase was financed with the issuance of limited partnership units valued at $1,080.  The property was purchased from entities affiliated with Messrs. Regan, Wieland and Furness, related parties, who received limited partnership units valued at approximately $216, $216 and $108, respectively.

 

In January 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 24 unit apartment complex in Crookston, Minnesota for approximately $1,104.  The purchase was financed with the issuance of limited partnership units valued at $1,104.  The property was purchased from entities affiliated with Messrs. Regan, Wieland and Furness, related parties, who received limited partnership units valued at approximately $221, $221 and $110, respectively.

 

In May 2014, the operating partnership entered into an agreement to merge the Eagle Run Partnership, LLP into the partnership for approximately $1,566.  Following the transaction, Eagle Run Partnership, LLP ceased to exist.  The merger was financed with the issuance of limited partnership units valued at $690 and through assumption of mortgage debt of approximately $876.  The interest was acquired from an entity affiliated with Messrs. Regan and Wieland, related parties, who received limited partnership units valued at approximately $221, and $110, respectively.

 

In June 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 128 unit apartment complex in Moorhead, Minnesota for approximately $4,848.  The purchase was financed with the combination of an assumed loan of $704, the issuance of

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limited partnership units valued at approximately $3,906 and cash. The interest was purchased from an entity affiliated with Messrs. Regan and Wieland, related parties, who received limited partnership units valued at approximately $1,730 and $905, respectively. 

 

In June 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 142 unit apartment complex in West Fargo, North Dakota for approximately $6,840.  The purchase was financed with the combination of the issuance of limited partnership units valued at approximately $4,448 and cash. The interest was purchased from an entity affiliated with Mr. Wieland, a related party, who received limited partnership units valued at approximately $2,738. 

 

In August 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 54 unit apartment complex in Fargo, North Dakota for approximately $2,646.  The purchase was financed with the combination of the issuance of limited partnership units valued at approximately $1,760 and cash. The interest was purchased from entities affiliated with Messrs. Regan and Wieland, related parties, who received limited partnership units valued at approximately $488 and $169, respectively.

 

In October 2014, the operating partnership purchased an 80 unit apartment complex in Hutchinson, Minnesota for approximately $4,320.  The purchase was financed with the combination of an assumed loan of $1,056, the issuance of limited partnership units valued at approximately $1,305 and cash. The interest was purchased from entities affiliated with Messrs. Regan and Wieland, related parties, who received limited partnership units valued at approximately $585 and $342, respectively.

 

In October 2014, the operating partnership purchased 16 acres of development land in Bismarck, North Dakota adjacent to a Company development project currently in the construction phase for approximately $2,246.  The purchase was financed with $2,246 of cash.

 

In December 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 240 unit apartment complex in New Brighton, Minnesota for approximately $16,800.  The purchase was financed with a combination of an $11,090 loan and cash.

 

In December 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 462 unit apartment complex in Fridley, Minnesota for approximately $30,400.  The purchase was financed with a combination of a $19,685 loan and cash.

 

In December 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 240 unit apartment complex in Maplewood, Minnesota for approximately $15,600.  The purchase was financed with a combination of a $10,195 loan and cash.

 

In December 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 120 unit apartment complex in Coon Rapids, Minnesota for approximately $7,500.  The purchase was financed with a combination of a $4,920 loan and cash.

 

In December 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 180 unit apartment complex in Roseville, Minnesota for approximately $12,850.  The purchase was financed with a combination of an $8,353 loan and cash.

 

In December 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 180 unit apartment complex in Roseville, Minnesota for approximately $12,850.  The purchase was financed with a combination of an $8,353 loan and cash.

 

In December 2014, the operating partnership purchased a 72 unit apartment complex in Golden Valley, Minnesota for approximately $7,500.  The purchase was financed with a combination of a $4,882 loan and cash.

 

Our Board of Trustees has approved, and we have adopted, a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, which is comprised of the following:

 

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While each component has a specific purpose, together they provide an integrated approach to the way we conduct our business.  We recognize adherence to the principles in the Code of Ethics is essential to our efforts to gain and keep the confidence and support of all of our shareholders, and to do what is legal and what is ethical.  It is also necessary both to manage our business effectively and to meet the constantly changing needs of the marketplace.  We believe it is a critical part of the way we do business.

Our Code of Ethics was filed with the SEC and is available on our website at www.sretrust.com.  You may request a copy of our Code of Ethics, without charge, by contacting Brittaney van der Hagen, Investor Relations Coordinator, in one of the following manners: (1) by writing: Attention: Brittaney van der Hagen, Sterling Real Estate Trust, 1711 Gold Drive South, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58103, (2) by calling (701) 353‑2729 or (3) by emailing a request to bvanderhagen@sretrust.com.  Except for information specifically incorporated herein by reference, the information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this proxy statement.

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and trustees and persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership (Form 3) and reports of changes in ownership (Form 4) with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  As a matter of practice, our Advisor assists our trustees and executive officers with these reporting requirements, and typically files these reports on their behalf.  We are required to disclose whether we have knowledge any person required to file such reports may have failed to do so in a timely manner.

Based solely on review of the copies of such forms furnished to us, we believe all of the trustees and executive officers of the Trust have timely satisfied their Section 16(a) reporting obligations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Our shareholders are asked to act upon a proposal to elect the trustee nominees.  Our Board of Trustees is presently composed of nine (9) trustees.  The term of the current trustees will expire at the annual meeting.

The Board of Trustees has nominated nine (9) nominees for election to the Board of Trustees: Clifford Fearing, Bruce W. Furness, James R. Hansen, Timothy Haugen, Timothy Hunt, Kenneth P. Regan, Richard Savageau, James S. Wieland and Lance R. Wolf.  All nominees currently serve as members of our Board of Trustees.  Each trustee is to serve until the next annual meeting of our shareholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until the trustee’s earlier death, resignation or termination.  All the nominees have indicated a willingness to serve if elected.

A plurality of the votes cast is required for the election of the trustees to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.  This means the trustee nominee with the most votes for a particular slot is elected for that slot.  Only votes “for” or “withheld” affect the outcome.  Abstentions are not counted for purposes of the election of trustees.

Unless a contrary choice is specified, proxies solicited by our Board of Trustees will be voted FOR approval of the election of each of the trustee nominees.

A shareholder has one vote per share for each trustee nominee.  Cumulative voting does not apply in the election of trustees.  Proxies may not be voted for a greater number of persons than the trustee nominees.

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Our Board of Trustees recommends a vote FOR each of the trustee nominees to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

Biographical and other information concerning our current trustees and the trustee nominees for election at the annual meeting is set forth below.

 

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*As of April 15, 2015 

Kenneth P. Regan has served as a trustee since July 2007 and as our Chief Executive Officer since May 2007.  He has also served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Sterling Management, LLC, our Advisor, since May 2007.  Mr. Regan has over 32 years of experience in the real estate industry.  In March 1981, he cofounded the GOLDMARK companies with James Wieland.  Mr. Regan is the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and co‑owner of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., one of our property management firms.  He is also an owner of GOLDMARK SCHLOSSMAN Real Estate Services, Inc. and GOLDMARK Development Corporation.  During his service to the GOLDMARK companies, Mr. Regan has been active in the acquisition, development, operation and management of multifamily and commercial real estate.  Prior to co‑founding the GOLDMARK companies, he began his real estate career in 1979 with Warner and Company, located in Fargo, ND.  Prior to that, Mr. Regan worked as an Assistant National Bank Examiner for the OCC Division of the U.S. Treasury.  He received a B.S.B.A. degree in Business Management from the University of North Dakota, and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI).  Mr. Regan is also a member of the FM Apartment Association, FM Area Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

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Mr. Regan was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific experience and expertise in property investment, management, brokerage and development.  Mr. Regan’s knowledge of the investment real estate industry allows him to provide great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Regan’s past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee, Chief Executive Officer and Sterling investor, all provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

Bruce W. Furness has served as our Chairman of the Board since June 2011 and served as Vice Chairman of the Board from May 2008 to June 2011.  Mr. Furness currently serves as the Chair of our Executive Committee and as a member of our Nomination and Governance Committee.  Previously, Mr. Furness served as the Vice President for business relations and development of the State Bank & Trust of Fargo from June 2006 through March 2008, when he was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer of the North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance Agency, until he retired in March 2009.  Mr. Furness was elected to the Fargo City Commission in 1992, and served as the Mayor of the City of Fargo, ND from April 1994 to June 2006.  He worked with the Greater North Dakota Association from 1992 through 1995.  In addition, he was employed by International Business Machines (IBM) (NYSE: IBM) for 30 years, including management positions in several locations.  Mr. Furness served as a director for Bell State Bank & Trust of Fargo, ND (and as a member of their audit committee) from 1988-2011 (24 years).  He currently serves as a director for Lake Agassiz Water Authority, City of Fargo Renaissance Zone Authority, Charism Neighborhood Support Centers, the FM Area Foundation and the Metro Sports Foundation.  Mr. Furness received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Jamestown College and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Montana State University.

Mr. Furness was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific governance and management experience and his expertise in the computer industry and municipal sector.  Mr. Furness’ perspective on banking, business and real estate, his distinguished service to the City of Fargo as Mayor and the State of North Dakota as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance agency allows him to provide great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Furness’ past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee, Chairman of the Board and Sterling investor all provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

Clifford Fearing has served as one of our trustees since March 2005.  He currently serves on our Audit Committee and our Disclosure Committee.  Mr. Fearing has over 36 years of accounting experience.  From 1997 to April 1999, he served as the Financial Officer of Fairview Health Services until he retired in 1999.  Prior to that, he worked at the University of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics as Accounting Supervisor from 1969 until 1974, when he became Chief Financial Officer until 1996.  From May 1967 through February 1969, Mr. Fearing was an acquisition accountant for International Multifoods.  Mr. Fearing worked as a tax accountant for Boulay, Heutmaker, Zibell & Co. from October 1966 through April 1967 and as a junior auditor for Lybrand, Ross Brothers and Montgomery, Inc. from August 1965 through September 1966.  Mr. Fearing received a B.A. degree in Accounting from the University of Minneapolis, Duluth.

Mr. Fearing was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific accounting and health care industry knowledge.  Mr. Fearing’s expertise in acquisitions, business and real estate allows him to provide great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Fearing’s past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee and Sterling investor provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

James R. Hansen has served as one of our trustees since May 2010.  Mr. Hansen currently serves on our Executive Committee and our Nomination and Governance Committee.  After serving in the U.S. Army, Mr. Hansen began his career in the automotive industry, where he was a partner of Hansen Automotive Group in Grand Forks until the business was sold in 2006.  He is the owner and manager of Hansen Investments, Inc., which included an ABRA Body and Glass franchise since 2002 and an Avis Auto rental franchise since 1989.  He was the owner and manager of Hansen Cycle and Marine, Inc., which sold and serviced Honda motorcycles and marine products, from 1989 to 2008; the owner and manager of Hansen Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc., which sold and serviced new and used Ford Motor Company products, from 1954 to 2006; and partner in Auto Finance Super Center, Inc., which sold and financed used vehicles in Grand Forks, Fargo and Bismarck, ND, from 1986 to the present.  He is also a partner in Northstar Telecom, Inc., which sells Verizon cellular telephones in Grand Forks and Fargo, ND and Thief River Falls, MN, from 2002 to the present.  Mr. Hansen received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota.

Mr. Hansen was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific business operations and management knowledge across various industries.  Mr. Hansen’s expertise in business and real estate allows him to provide

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great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Hansen’s past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee and Sterling investor provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

Timothy L. Haugen has served as one of our trustees since June 2013.  Mr. Haugen currently serves on our Audit Committee.  Mr. Haugen has over 38 years of experience in corporate and business accounting, is a Certified Public Accountant previously served as Vice President of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for Sanford Health, Fargo, North Dakota.  From 1988 to 2010, Mr. Haugen served as Administrator for the clinic and surgery center divisions of Orthopedic Associates where he was responsible for all administrative duties, including accounting, marketing, human resources, contracting, planning, payroll and accounts payable.  Prior to his time with Orthopedic Associates, Mr. Haugen worked for St. Luke’s Hospital, as a Budget and Cost Accountant and for the State of North Dakota as a Tax Auditor.  Mr. Haugen currently serves on the board of the Hospice of the Red River Valley and has previously served on the board for Vision Services of North Dakota and Community Living Services.  Mr. Haugen received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota.

Mr. Haugen was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific accounting and medical industry knowledge.  Mr. Haugen’s expertise in business, financing and planning and construction allows him to provide great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Haugen’s past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee and Sterling investor provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

Timothy Hunt has served as one of our trustees since October 2003.  Mr. Hunt currently serves as the Chair of our Audit Committee and as a member of our Executive Committee.  Mr. Hunt has over 30 years of experience in healthcare administration, including 24 years as Chief Executive Officer of Alexandria Clinic, PA.  Throughout his career as a hospital and clinic CEO, he has gained experience in the planning and construction of multiple healthcare facilities.  He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Administrators, and a past Board member of the Minnesota Medical Group Management Association.  Mr. Hunt also serves as the administrator of a large, corporate retirement plan, and has experience in the investment and management of personal real estate income properties.  Mr. Hunt received a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota.

Mr. Hunt was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific executive management and healthcare administration knowledge.  Mr. Hunt’s expertise in planning and construction of health care facilities allows him to provide great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Hunt’s past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee and Sterling investor provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

Richard Savageau has served as one of our trustees since May 2009.  He currently serves as Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee.  Previously, Mr. Savageau served in various positions with Caterpillar, Inc. (NYSE: CAT) ‑ Butler Machinery Company: President from 1986 through 1998, Executive Vice President from 1981 to 1986, Vice President & CFO from 1979 to 1981, General Manager I & I Division from 1975 to 1977 and Finance Manager from 1970 to 1975.  He also served as the Finance Manager for General Motors Acceptance Corporation (now known as Ally Financial, Inc.), a wholly‑owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation, from 1960 to 1965.  From 1965 to 1970, he was a Sales Executive with A.H. Robins Pharmaceutical.  Mr. Savageau has served and currently serves on several boards, including St. Johns Hospital Fargo, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Riverview Seniors Living Center, Grow Parochial Fund, Associated Equipment Dealers, F‑M Credit Manager, St. Anthony’s Parish and School, Dean Real Estate.  More recently, he has presided over several commercial and residential real estate developments.  Mr. Savageau received a B.S. degree in Science and Mathematics from North Dakota State University, and a degree in Education at the North Dakota State University.  He also served in the U.S. Army in the Infantry Medical Corp.

Mr. Savageau was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific executive leadership, real estate development and accounting knowledge.  Mr. Savageau’s expertise in business and real estate allows him to provide great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Savageau’s past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee and Sterling investor provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

James S. Wieland has served as one of our trustees since June 2007.  He currently serves on our Executive Committee and our Nomination and Governance Committee.  Mr. Wieland also serves on the Board of Governors of

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Sterling Management, LLC, our Advisor, since January 2007, and is an owner of the Advisor, indirectly through Wieland Investments, of which Mr. Wieland is the general partner.  Mr. Wieland has over 34 years of experience in property investment, management, brokerage and development.  In March 1981, he cofounded the GOLDMARK companies with Kenneth Regan.  Mr. Wieland is the Vice President and co‑owner of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., one of our property managers, and is the President, Managing Partner and co‑owner of GOLDMARK SCHLOSSMAN Real Estate Services, Inc. and Vice President and co‑owner of GOLDMARK Development Corporation.  During his service to the GOLDMARK companies, Mr. Wieland has been active in the acquisition, development, operation and management of multifamily and commercial real estate.  Mr. Wieland currently serves and has served on various boards, including for Bell State Bank and Trust (since 1985), Dakota Renaissance Ventures, Space Age Technology, Jamestown Community Hospital, North Dakota State University Team Makers, NDSU College of Business, Cass County Electric Cooperative, Northern Capital Trust, Production Publications, Inc. and the Walton Bean Cooperative.  Mr. Wieland received a B.S. degree in Business Economics and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the North Dakota State University.

Mr. Wieland was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific experience and expertise in property investment, management, brokerage and development.  Mr. Wieland’s expertise in business and real estate allows him to provide great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Wieland’s past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee and Sterling investor provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

Lance R. Wolf has served as one of our trustees since May 2010.  He currently serves as Chair of our Disclosure Committee and as a member of our Audit Committee.  Currently, Mr. Wolf serves as the Executive Vice President and Director of Retail Banking of Gate City Bank since 2000, and chairs its Compliance Committee.  Prior to that, he served in various positions with Gate City Bank or its affiliates: Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Banking at Gate City Federal Savings Bank from 1993 to 2000; Vice President of Gate City Federal Savings Bank from 1986 to 1993; Branch Coordinator from 1983 to 1993; and Branch Manager of Gate City Federal Savings Bank from 1979 to 1983.  Mr. Wolf also serves on the Open Compliance Committee for the American Bankers Association and the Board of Regents of the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND.  Mr. Wolf received a B.S. degree in physical education, biology and chemistry from the North Dakota State University.

Mr. Wolf was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific regulatory compliance and retail banking knowledge.  Mr. Wolf’s expertise in business and real estate allows him to provide great insight to the Board.  In addition, Mr. Wolf’s past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee and Sterling investor provide many benefits to the Trust and its Board.

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The Audit Committee has appointed Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015, subject to ratification by our shareholders.  Baker Tilly audited our consolidated financial statements for the current fiscal years ending December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.    Widmer Roel PC audited our financial statements for the year ended 2012.

Our shareholders are asked to act upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of Baker Tilly as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015.  

A representative of Baker Tilly is expected to be present at the annual meeting, by telephone, and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires.  The Baker Tilly representative will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

The following table summarizes the fees we were billed for audit and non‑audit services provided by Baker Tilly for the fiscal years 2013 and 2014:  

 

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None of the services described above were approved pursuant to the exception provided in Rule 2‑01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S‑X promulgated by the SEC.

The Audit Committee has a policy for the pre‑approval of audit services, requiring its prior approval for all audit and non‑audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm.  Our independent registered public accounting firm may not provide certain prohibited services.  The Audit Committee’s prior approval must be obtained before the scope or cost of pre‑approved services is increased.

Consistent with these policies and procedures, the Audit Committee approved all of the services rendered by Baker Tilly during fiscal years 2013 and 2014, as described above.

Following a competitive bidding process undertaken by the Audit Committee of Sterling Board of Trustees, the Audit Committee approved the selection of Baker Tilly to serve as Sterling’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.  Effective March 29, 2013, Baker Tilly was engaged as Sterling’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.  At no time during the two

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fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the subsequent interim period through March 29, 2013 did Sterling (or anyone acting on its behalf) consult with Baker Tilly with respect to either (1) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on Sterling’s consolidated financial statements; or (2) any other matter that was either the subject of a disagreement, as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S K and the related instructions, or a reportable event as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S K.

Widmer Roel, PC (“Widmer Roel”), the Company’s prior independent registered public accounting firm, term ended on March 29, 2013.  Widmer Roel’s reports on Sterling’s consolidated financial statements for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the subsequent interim period through the date of dismissal, there were (1) no disagreements between Sterling and Widmer Roel on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to Widmer Roel’s satisfaction, would have caused Widmer Roel to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its report for such years; and (2) there were no reportable events as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S K.

Approval of the ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015 will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the annual meeting.

Unless a contrary choice is specified, proxies solicited by our Board of Trustees will be voted FOR ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015.  

Our Board of Trustees recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015.

 

The following Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

The Audit Committee oversees our financial reporting process on behalf of our Board of Trustees.  The committee is currently comprised of four trustees.  The committee is governed by our Audit Committee charter.  All of the Audit Committee members are independent within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, and “independent,” as that term is defined in Section 10A of the Exchange Act.  Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including our systems of internal controls.  In fulfilling its responsibilities, the committee reviewed the financial statements in the quarterly reports on Form 10‑Q and the Annual Report on Form 10‑K with management, including a discussion of the quality and acceptability of our financial reporting and controls.

The committee reviewed with our independent registered public accounting firm, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of our audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting standards, their judgments as to the quality and acceptability of our financial reporting and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the committee under generally accepted auditing standards, including the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”).  In addition,

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the committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the auditors’ independence from management and us, including the matters in the registered public accounting firm’s written disclosures and the letter required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB.  Furthermore, the committee has considered whether the provision of non‑audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014,  was compatible with maintaining their independence.

The committee also discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for its audit.  The committee met with members of the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examination, its evaluation of our internal controls and the overall quality of our financial reporting.

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the committee recommended to our Board of Trustees the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 for filing with the SEC.  The committee has appointed Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP to serve as our principal independent public accountants for the year ending December 31, 2015.  

Management is responsible for our financial reporting process including its system of internal control, and for the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Our independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing those financial statements.  The committee’s responsibility is to monitor and review these processes.  It is not the committee’s duty or responsibility to conduct auditing or accounting reviews or procedures.  The members of the committee may not be, and, except for our Audit Committee financial expert, do not represent themselves to be or to serve as, accountants or auditors by profession or experts in the fields of accounting or auditing.  Therefore, the committee has relied, without independent verification, on management’s representation the financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with U.S.  generally accepted accounting principles and on the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on our financial statements.  The committee’s oversight does not provide it with an independent basis to determine management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or policies, or appropriate internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.  Furthermore, the committee’s considerations and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm do not assure our financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the audit of our financial statements has been carried out in accordance with U.S. generally accepted auditing standards or our independent accountants are in fact “independent.” 

In addition to the responsibilities discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the committee’s responsibilities include reviewing significant accounting policies, policy decisions and changes, along with significant accounting, reporting and operational issues.  The committee also reviews corporate policies and significant instances (if any) of the lack of compliance with laws and regulations, ethics, conflicts of interest and the investigation of misconduct or fraud.  The committee is responsible for the resolution of any disagreements between management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding financial reporting, review and approval of the annual internal audit plan and reports of the internal audit function and the establishment of procedures to receive, retain and treat complaints and whistle‑blower information regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

The committee is pleased to submit this report to the shareholders with regard to the above matters.

Timothy Hunt, Chairman

Clifford Fearing

Timothy Haugen

Lance R. Wolf

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Pursuant to the applicable rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, a shareholder may nominate individuals for election to the Board of Trustees or present a shareholder proposal for consideration at the 2016 annual meeting as well as inclusion in our 2016 proxy statement.  Shareholder nominations and proposals may be made only by a person who was a shareholder of record both at the time of giving written notice and at the time of the 2016 annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the 2015 annual meeting and who has complied with all applicable requirements of Rule 14a 8 promulgated under the Exchange Act and with the requirements of Article II, Section 11(a) of our Amended and Restated Bylaws.

A shareholder who wishes to make a shareholder nomination or proposal to be considered for the 2016 annual meeting must deliver the notice specified under Article II, Section 11(a) of our Amended and Restated Bylaws.  To be timely, a shareholder’s notice of the shareholder proposal or nominee must be in writing and received by our Secretary at our principal executive office no earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of mailing of the notice for the 2015 annual meeting.  However, if the date of the 2016 annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the 2015 annual meeting, timely notice must be received no earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of the 2016 annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of the 2016 annual meeting or the tenth day after a public announcement of the date of the 2015 annual meeting is first made.  A public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder’s notice as described above.

Provided the date of the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders is not advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the 2015 annual meeting, a shareholder who wishes to make a shareholder nomination or proposal to be considered for the 2016 annual meeting must deliver the notice specified between December 31, 2015 and January 30, 2016.  Any notice should be mailed to: Brittaney van der Hagen, Sterling Real Estate Trust, 1711 Gold Drive South, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58103.

Shareholders interested in submitting such a proposal or making a nomination are advised to contact knowledgeable counsel with regard to the detailed requirements of such securities rules and to review applicable requirements in our Amended and Restated Bylaws.  Please see “Corporate Governance, Board of Directors and Committees ‑ Shareholder Nominations” for more information on shareholder nominations.

The form of proxy and this proxy statement have been approved by our Board of Trustees and are being mailed and delivered to shareholders by its authority.

 

Fargo, North Dakota

April 30, 2015

 

 

 

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PROXY

FOR THE STERLING REAL ESTATE TRUST ANNUAL MEETING

OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD JUNE 18, 2015

This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Sterling Real Estate Trust (“Sterling”).

The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints Bradley J. Swenson and Angie D. Stock, or either of them, as proxy or proxies, with full power of substitution and revocation, to vote all common shares of Sterling of record in the name of the undersigned at the close of business on April 15, 2015 at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 6:00 p.m., Central Standard Time, at the Holiday Inn located at 3803 13th Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103, or any adjournment or postponements thereof, upon matters listed below. I authorize the proxy to vote as his/her discretion may dictate on the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment or postponements thereof.

Please mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided.

Proposal No. 1:

The Board of Trustees recommends you vote “For” the following trustee nominees.

Election of the following to the Board of Trustees until the next annual meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualified:

 

Proposal No. 2:  

To ratify the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP to serve as independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015.  

 

 

When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owner should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer.

 

 

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