• ESOPs are the gravy on your mashed potatoes. Employees typically have savings through a 401(k) plan and other retirement plans. ESOPs can be considered an extra vehicle to reach your retirement goal.
• ESOPs make you partly responsible for the future of the company. It gives us a common goal to increase the value of our company over time and sustain its future for all of our future benefit.
• Studies show that ESOPs create financially stronger companies by enhancing employee productivity, increasing employee retention, providing a more attractive recruiting compensation package and increasing morale.

Each year, the Board of Directors will decide how much to contribute for that Plan Year. This decision will typically be based on our company’s financial performance and condition. The contribution is divided among the Accounts of eligible participants. Your share is based on the total Covered Compensation paid to you for the entire Plan Year during which you become eligible to participate. Please refer to the ESOP Summary Plan description for further detail.

Your account grows as the company becomes more profitable. Although individuals cannot contribute to their personal account, everyone can help grow the business or improve efficiency to make our company more profitable. Examples Include:

• Winning new business
• Entering billable hours on time
• Brainstorming new projects for clients

Previously, GH provided employees with a printed ESOP certificate that stated their balance. Now, you have 24/7 access to your balance through Menke & Associates, Inc. — this means that you can review your ESOP earnings and information at any time. If you haven’t already, be sure to register to obtain access to your online account.

All “full-time” employees are eligible, except those considered part-time (defined as 1,000 hours or less in the Plan Year). Unless your employment terminates during the Plan Year, you will continue to participate for each Plan Year in which you complete 1,000 or more hours of service. Eligible payroll is your gross W-2 based pay wage, which includes bonuses, overtime and commissions.

Vesting refers to the percentage of your Accounts that is yours and cannot be forfeited. The vesting schedule will follow a six (6)-year graduated schedule. Please refer to the ESOP Summary Plan description for further detail.

• 0% vested after one (1) year of service
• 20% vested after two (2) year of service
• 40% vested after three (3) year of service
• 60% vested after four (4) year of service
• 80% vested after five (5) year of service
• 100% vested after six (6) year of service

The manner in which you leave and how long you have worked at the company will affect how you receive your ESOP account. Please refer to the ESOP Summary Plan description for further detail about your specific circumstances.

• Retirement – upon attainting the Normal Retirement Age, you will be fully vested in all of your Accounts. Payment will begin no later than one year after the close of the Plan Year in which you retired. Accounts with less than $7,000 will be paid as a lump sum. Accounts exceeding $7,000 will be paid in equal annual installments over a period of five years.
• Death or disability – payment will begin no later than the year following the event and you will be considered fully vested. Accounts with less than $7,000 will be paid as a lump sum. Accounts exceeding $7,000 will be paid in equal annual installments over a period of five years.
• Other reason – payment will begin during the 6th Plan Year following the Plan Year in which you separated from service. Accounts with less than $7,000 will be paid as a lump sum. Accounts exceeding $7,000 will be paid in equal annual installments over a period of five years. Note, if you are not yet of normal or early retirement age, the account will need to be rolled into a qualified IRA or be subject to a tax.