Company: FRME
Filing Date: 2025-04-01
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0000712534-25-000077
Chunk: 17

Company: FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
Filing Date: 2025-04-01
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 17
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. The Plan is administered by the Nominating and Governance Committee, and the status of director compliance with the Plan is addressed at every Committee meeting.

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Shareholders may communicate directly with the Board by email, at bod@firstmerchants.com , or in a letter or other written communication addressed to the Board and delivered or mailed c/o Secretary, First Merchants Corporation, 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana 47305. All such emails and written communications will automatically be forwarded both to the

16 First Merchants Corporation 2025 Proxy Statement

Chair of the Board and the Chair of its Nominating and Governance Committee, who will share them with each of the other directors.

At the 2024 Annual Meeting, in response to shareholder input, the shareholders were given the opportunity to vote on three (3) corporate governance measures — shareholder ability to amend the Company's Bylaws, a phased-in declassification of the Company's Board of Directors and a requirement related to majority voting in uncontested director elections. All three measures were approved by the shareholders at the 2024 Annual Meeting.

Since last year's Annual Meeting, First Merchants' Board members and executive management engaged in discussions with shareholders representing more than 25 percent of FMC's outstanding common stock. These discussions involved a variety of topics to ensure the Company is addressing shareholder concerns, seeking shareholder input and providing perspective on the Company's strategy.

THE COMPANY'S ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE PROGRAM ( "ESG" )

The Board of Directors has appointed the Nominating and Governance Committee to oversee the Company’s ESG Program. That Committee receives briefings at its meetings on the progress the Company is making on its ESG initiatives. The Committee then briefs the full Board at its quarterly Board meetings.

The Company publishes an annual Corporate Responsibility Report titled Elevating Communities . The Report details progress made on social capital and human capital initiatives. In 2020, the Company launched a new Vision Statement – “To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.” The Corporate Social Responsibility division of the Company was formed to fulfill this Vision Statement and oversee implementation of the Corporate Responsibility Report. That Report describes:

• The Company's partnerships with economic development and affordable housing groups;

• The Company's community home lending programs;

• The Company's community investments and charitable giving;

• The Company's engagement commitments to its employees; and

• The Company's volunteerism program.

Many