SEC Form DEF 14A filed by Mill City Ventures III Ltd.

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

Check the appropriate box:

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205

Wayzata, MN 55391

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 26, 2024

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.:

Please take notice that an annual meeting of shareholders of Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. (the “Company”) will be held, pursuant to due call by the Board of Directors (the “Board”), on November 26, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. local time at 1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205, Wayzata, MN 55391, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, for the purpose of considering and taking appropriate action with respect to the following:

These items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this notice. The record date for the annual meeting is October 10, 2024. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on that date may vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Approximate date of mailing of proxy materials: October 16, 2024

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL

SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 26, 2024:

The proxy statement for the annual meeting and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, each of which is included herewith, are also available to you on the Internet. We encourage you to review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. To view the proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K on the Internet, visit www.annualgeneralmeetings.com/mcvt2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205

Wayzata, MN 55391

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

to be held on November 26, 2024

The Board of Directors has called an annual meeting in conformity with Minnesota Statutes, Section 302A.431, and the requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules. The purpose of the annual meeting is to consider and vote on whether:

VOTING

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the meeting will be tabulated by the election inspector appointed for the meeting, and that inspector will determine whether a quorum is present. If a quorum is present, then for Proposal 1 (the election of directors) the nominees receiving a majority of the “For” votes, cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy, will be elected.

Under applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, relating to the discretionary voting of proxies by brokers, banks and other securities intermediaries that are subject to NYSE rules, such brokers, banks and other securities intermediaries are not permitted to vote shares with respect to certain matters, including the election of directors and executive compensation matters, without instructions from the beneficial owner. Accordingly, we advise all street name holders of shares held in brokerage accounts that, if they do not timely provide instructions to their broker, bank or other securities intermediary, their shares will not be voted in connection with Proposal 1 and will be considered to be broker non-votes.  Such shares will not be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to those matters. Because NYSE rules relating to discretionary voting by brokers apply to all brokers that are members of the NYSE, the prohibition on discretionary voting applies to the meeting even though the Company is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING

Why am I receiving this proxy statement?

This proxy statement contains information relating to the solicitation of proxies for use at our annual meeting to be held at 8:30 a.m., local time, on November 26, 2024, at our offices located at 1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205, Wayzata MN 55391, for the purpose stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. We, the Company, are making this solicitation.

Why did I receive an important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?

We are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders primarily through notice-and-access delivery pursuant to SEC rules. As a result, beginning October 16, 2024, we are mailing to many of our shareholders an Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials on the Internet. Shareholders who have affirmatively requested electronic delivery of our proxy materials will receive instructions via email regarding how to access these materials electronically. All other shareholders, including shareholders who have previously requested to receive a paper copy of the materials, will receive a full paper set of the proxy materials by mail. Using the notice-and-access method of proxy delivery expedites receipt of proxy materials by our shareholders, reduces the cost of producing and mailing the full set of proxy materials, and helps us contribute to sustainable practices.

If you receive a Notice of Internet Availability by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail. Instead, the notice instructs you on how to access the proxy materials and vote on the Internet. If you received a notice by mail and would like to receive paper copies of our proxy materials in the mail, you may send request a printed copy of our proxy materials by calling 1-800-579-1639, by visiting www.ProxyVote.com, or by sending an email to [email protected] with your control number in the subject line. Include your full name and address, plus the number located in the shaded bar on the reverse side, and state that you want a paper copy of the meeting materials.

Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting?

Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on October 10, 2024, the record date for the annual meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting.

What are the voting rights of shareholders?

Each share of common stock outstanding on the record date entitles its holder to cast one vote on the matter to be voted upon.

Who can attend the annual meeting?

Only holders of our common stock at the close of business on October 10, 2024, the record date for the annual meeting, or their duly appointed proxies, are authorized to attend the annual meeting. Cameras, recording devices, and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the annual meeting. If you hold your shares in “street name” (that is, through a bank, broker or other nominee), you will need to bring either a copy of the brokerage statement reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date or a legal proxy from your bank or broker.

What will constitute a quorum at the annual meeting?

The presence at the annual meeting, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the voting power of the shares of common stock outstanding at the close of business on October 10, 2024, will constitute a quorum permitting our shareholders to conduct business at the annual meeting. We will include abstentions in the number of shares of common stock present at the annual meeting for purposes of determining a quorum. As of the record date, there were 6,385,255 shares of our common stock outstanding.

How do I vote my shares of common stock that are held by my bank, broker or other nominee?

If you hold any or all of your shares of common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the voting instructions provided to you by the bank, broker or nominee. Specific voting procedures relating to your shares of common stock held through a bank, broker or other nominee will depend on their particular voting arrangements and procedures.

How do I vote?

If you are a holder of record of our common stock, then you or your duly authorized agent may vote by:

If you are voting online, you will need the unique 15-digit control number printed on your proxy card. For Proposal 1, you may either vote “For” all the nominees to the Board of Directors or you may “Withhold” your votes for any nominee you specify.

May I change my vote after I return my proxy card?

Yes. You may revoke a previously granted proxy, at any time on or prior to the close of business on November 25, 2024, by submitting to our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Joseph A. Geraci II, at 1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205, Wayzata MN 55391, a notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. You may also revoke a previously granted proxy by attending the annual meeting and voting in person.  If your shares are held by your broker or bank as a nominee or agent, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker or bank.

How are votes counted?

If the accompanying proxy card is properly signed and returned to us, and not revoked, it will be voted AS DIRECTED BY YOU. If you hold your shares as a direct registered owner and return a proxy card but do not indicate how your shares are to be voted, your proxy card will be voted FOR all proposals at the annual meeting.  If, however, you hold your shares in “street name” then your broker’s ability to vote shares in any instance where you do not indicate how your shares are to be voted will be limited by applicable rules relating to the discretionary voting of proxies by brokers.

How does the Board of Directors recommend that shareholders vote on the proposals?

Our Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of each of the nominees named in Proposal 1.

Who pays the costs of soliciting proxies?

We will pay the costs of soliciting proxies. Presently, we do not anticipate that we will solicit proxies by any means other than mail. We expect that banks, brokers, fiduciaries, custodians and nominees will forward proxy soliciting materials to their principals and that we will reimburse such persons’ out-of-pocket expenses.

How can I determine the results of the voting at the annual meeting?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the annual meeting, if available. Final results will be reported on a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) within four business days of the date of the annual meeting.

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?

If you receive more than one proxy card, then your shares are registered in more than one name or are registered in different accounts. Please complete, sign and return each proxy card to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

Are proxy materials available on the Internet?

To view this proxy statement on the Internet, please visit www.annualgeneralmeetings.com/mcvt2024.

Are there dissenters’ or appraisal rights?

No.

Whom should I contact if I have any questions?

If you have any questions about the annual meeting, the proxy materials or your ownership of our common stock, please contact our Chief Financial Officer, Joseph A. Geraci II, at (952) 479-1920.

When are shareholder proposals due for the 2025 annual meeting?

Except as noted below, to be timely, proposals and nominations with respect to the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders must be delivered to us no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on the 120th day prior to the anniversary date of the mailing of the notice for the preceding year’s annual meeting (i.e., June 18, 2025). If the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than 30 calendar days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, then shareholder proposals or director nominations must be so received no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on the later of (i) the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.

Notices of business proposals or a nomination(s) of individuals for election as a director at the 2025 annual meeting, other than shareholder proposals to be included in our proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8, should be addressed to Chief Financial Officer, Mill City Ventures III, Ltd., 1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391. We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with all applicable requirements.

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Nominees

Five persons have been nominated for election as directors at the annual meeting, all of whom currently serve as directors. Our directors are elected annually, by a majority of the votes cast, to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their respective successors are elected and duly qualified. There are no familial relationships between any director or officer.

Vote Required

The five nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of the shares entitled to vote at the annual meeting shall be elected to the Board of Directors. Set forth below is certain information concerning the director-nominees.

The biographies of the above-identified individuals are set forth below:

Douglas M. Polinsky co-founded the Company in January 2006 and since that time has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  Since 1994, Mr. Polinsky has been the President of Great North Capital Consultants, Inc., a financial advisory and investment company that he founded. Great North Capital Consultants, Inc. primarily engages in the business of investing in hard money lending with collateral on the loans being first or second mortgages in both residential and commercial properties. In addition, Great North Capital Consultants, Inc. makes direct investments into public and private companies. Since 2015, Mr. Polinsky has been an independent director of Liberated Syndication, Inc., a Nevada corporation with its operations in Pennsylvania. Liberated Syndication, Inc. is a host and publisher of podcasts. Mr. Polinsky is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors of Liberated Syndication. Mr. Polinsky earned a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1981.

Joseph A. Geraci, II co-founded the Company in January 2006 and has been a director and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since that time. Since February 2002 through the present time, Mr. Geraci has been managing member of Isles Capital, LLC, an advisory and consulting firm that assists small businesses, both public and private, in business development. In March 2005, Mr. Geraci also became the managing member of Mill City Advisors, LLC, the general partner of Mill City Ventures, LP, and Mill City Ventures II, LP, each a Minnesota limited partnership that invested directly into both private and public companies. From January 2005 until August 2005, Mr. Geraci served as the Director of Finance for Gelstat Corporation, a purveyor of homeopathic remedies, based in Bloomington, Minnesota.  Mr. Geraci provided investment advice to clients as a stockbroker and Vice President of Oak Ridge Financial Services, Inc., a Minneapolis-based broker-dealer firm, from June 2000 to December 2004. While at Oak Ridge Financial Services, Mr. Geraci’s business was focused on structuring and negotiating debt and equity private placements with both private and publicly held companies. Mr. Geraci was employed at other Minneapolis brokerage firms from July 1991 to June 2000. From his career and investment experiences, Mr. Geraci has established networks of colleagues, clients, co-investors, and the officers and directors of public and private companies. These networks offer a range of contacts across a number of sectors and companies that may provide opportunities for investment, including many that meet the Company’s screening criteria.

In August 2003, the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) found in an administrative hearing that Mr. Geraci, while employed by and affiliated with a NASD member, had violated NASD Conduct Rule 2110 and SEC Rule 10b-5 in August 1999, and barred him from associating with any NASD member in the future.

Howard P. Liszt served as Chief Executive Officer of Campbell Mithun, a national marketing communications agency he joined in 1976, and served there until 2001. Under his leadership, Campbell Mithun grew to be one of the 20 largest agencies in the world. Mr. Liszt has served as a Board member for several industry-leading companies including Land O’ Lakes, ShuffleMaster, Ocular Sciences, Coleman Natural Foods, and Eggland’s Best. Mr. Liszt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Marketing and a Masters of Science in Marketing from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Lyle A. Berman is a 1964 graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business Administration. Mr. Berman began his career with Berman Buckskin, his family’s leather business. He helped grow the business into a major specialty retailer with 27 outlets. In 1990, Mr. Berman participated in the founding of Grand Casinos, Inc. Mr. Berman is credited as one of the early visionaries in the development of casinos outside of the traditional gaming markets of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. In less than five years, the company opened eight casino resorts in four states. In 1994, Mr. Berman financed the initial development of Rainforest Cafe. He served as the Chairman and CEO of Rainforest Cafe from 1994 until 2000. In October 1995, Mr. Berman was honored with the B’nai B’rith “Great American Traditions Award.” In April 1996, he received the Gaming Executive of the Year Award; in 2004, Mr. Berman was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame; and in 2009, he received the Casino Lifetime Achievement Award from Raving Consulting & Casino Journal. In 1998, Lakes Entertainment, Inc. was formed. In 2002, as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Lakes Entertainment, Inc., Mr. Berman was instrumental in creating the World Poker Tour. Since January 2005, Mr. Berman has also served as Chairman of the Board of Pokertek, Inc.

Laurence S. Zipkin is nationally recognized for his expertise in the gaming industry, restaurants, and emerging small growth companies. As an investment banker, Mr. Zipkin was successful in raising capital for various early growth-stage companies and advising clients regarding capital-raising transactions including private placements, initial public offerings, mergers, debt offerings, bridge and bank financings, developing business plans and evaluating cash needs and resources. He has extensive experience in the merger and acquisition field and has represented companies on both the buy and sell sides. From 1987 until selling his brokerage firm in 2007, Mr. Zipkin served as CEO at Oak Ridge Financial Services Group, Inc. (formerly known as Equity Securities Investments, Inc.).  In the 1990’s, Mr. Zipkin was instrumental in the success of the firm by making it a nationally recognized name in gaming and restaurants.  After selling his brokerage firm in 2007, Mr. Zipkin formed a private investment vehicle, LSZ Corp., Inc.  Through this entity, he provides financial advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and capital-raising consulting services, and primarily focuses on real estate investing. Mr. Zipkin attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Finance. 

Under our bylaws, directors serve for annual terms expiring upon the next annual meeting of our shareholders.

When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to enable the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, the Board of Directors focuses primarily on the industry and transactional experience, in addition to any unique skills or attributes associated with a director.  With regard to Messrs. Polinsky and Geraci, the board considered their significant experience, expertise and background with regard to investing in general and the Company in particular. With regard to Mr. Berman, the board considered his background and experience with the public securities markets and his former employment and experience in operational capacities. With regard to Mr. Liszt, the board considered his experience on other boards of public companies, his past experience in the communications and advertising fields, and his organizational experience. With regard to Mr. Zipkin, the board considered his knowledge, experience and skills in the finance, public securities and investment banking fields.

The Board of Directors has determined that three of our directors—Messrs. Liszt, Berman and Zipkin—qualify as independent directors in accordance with the published listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Nasdaq independence definition includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not, and has not been for at least three years, one of our employees and that neither the director, nor any of his family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, our Board of Directors has made a subjective determination as to each director that no relationships exist which, in the opinion of our Board of Directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of each director-nominee named above.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Mr. Douglas M. Polinsky serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and also as our Chief Executive Officer.  Presently, we believe that this board structure is effective in supporting and governing the Company.  In this regard, the Board of Directors has determined in its judgment that the Company benefits from having a combined Chairman and CEO position at this time due to Mr. Polinsky’s unique experience and perspective stemming from his involvement in the founding of the Company.  As a result of his leadership since our inception, Mr. Polinsky has unparalleled knowledge of our business, products, and operations, as well as experience exercising his judgment regarding the various opportunities and challenges particular to our Company.  In addition, Mr. Polinsky is also deeply invested in our long-term success through his position as one of the Company’s largest shareholders.  Finally, we believe that Mr. Polinsky’s dual roles as Chairman and CEO is counter-balanced by the strong and experienced independent directors on our board who comprise a majority of our directors.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Board held four meetings, including telephonic meetings, and took action in writing on three occasions. During that year, all directors attended board meetings and meetings of all committees on which he served at the time. We encourage, but do not require, our directors to attend annual shareholder meetings. One director attended our 2023 annual shareholder meeting in person, and one participated telephonically.

Although risk management is a core responsibility of the Company’s management, the Board of Directors recognizes that it plays a critical role in oversight of risk. The Board of Directors, in order to more specifically carry out this responsibility, has assigned the Audit Committee the primary duty to periodically review the Company’s policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including discussing with management the Company’s major risk exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control those exposures. Those risks include Company risks, such as the collectability of loans made by the Company, and industry and general risks, such as risks related to the impact of the general economy on our business, all as further identified in our Annual Report.

Board Committee Membership

Our Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Governance Committee.  Each committee has a written charter that is available on the Company’s website at http://wwww.millcityventures3.com.

Audit Committee Information. The members of the Audit Committee are Laurence Zipkin, Howard Liszt and Lyle Berman, each of whom is independent for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and applicable Nasdaq rules.  Mr. Berman is the chairperson of the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

The Audit Committee’s charter makes the committee responsible, among other things, for:

The Audit Committee is also responsible for discussing with management the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including the Company’s risk-assessment and risk-management policies.

The board has determined that Mr. Berman is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of applicable SEC rules. Mr. Berman’s relevant experience is detailed in his biography above. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the Audit Committee members is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements and that at least one member of the Audit Committee has past employment experience in finance or accounting.

Compensation Committee Information.  The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Zipkin, Liszt and Berman, each of whom is independent for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and applicable Nasdaq rules. Mr. Liszt is the chairperson of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is responsible for approving the Company’s compensation arrangements with its executive management, including bonus-related decisions and employment agreements with respect to such individuals.  The Compensation Committee met twice during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

The Compensation Committee’s duties, which are specified in the Compensation Committee charter, include, but are not limited to:

Nominating and Governance Committee.  The members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Zipkin, Liszt and Berman, each of whom is independent for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and applicable Nasdaq rules.  Mr. Liszt is the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for advising the Board of Directors on a broad range of issues surrounding the composition and operation of the Board of Directors and its committees, specifically including identifying criteria for suitable board candidates, identifying individuals suited to service on the board (consistent with those criteria), recommending director candidates to the board and to the shareholders, conducting annual reviews of corporate governance matters and making related recommendations to the Board of Directors and its committees.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee took action once during 2023 in connection with the Company’s 2023 annual shareholder meeting.

Communications with Board Members

Our Board of Directors has provided the following process for shareholders and interested parties to send communications to our board or individual directors. All communications should be addressed to Mill City Ventures III, Ltd., 1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205, Wayzata, MN 55391, Attention: Chief Executive Officer. Communications to individual directors may also be made to such director at our Company’s address. All communications sent to any individual director will be received directly by such individuals and will not be screened or reviewed by any Company personnel. Any communications sent to the board in the care of the Chief Executive Officer will be reviewed by that officer to ensure that such communications relate to the business of the Company before being reviewed by the Board of Directors.

Code of Ethics

Our Board of Directors adopted a revised Code of Ethics in March 2021.  Our Code of Ethics is available at our website, www.millcityventures3.com, or without charge, to any shareholder upon written request made to Mill City Ventures III, Ltd., Attention: Chief Financial Officer, 1907 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 205, Wayzata, MN 55391.

Derivatives Trading, Hedging, and Pledging Policies

Our Policy on Avoidance of Insider Trading provides that none of our executive officers, directors or employees, or household and immediate family members of such individuals and entities that such individuals influence or control (collectively, “Insiders”) may acquire, sell, or trade in any interest or position relating to the future price of Company securities, such as a put option, a call option, or execute a short sale, or engage in hedging or monetization transactions or similar arrangements with respect to Company securities. These prohibitions apply to avoid any appearance that an Insider is trading based on material non-public information and focus his or her attention on short-term performance at the expense of the Company’s long-term objectives.

Nominating Process and Board Diversity

In compliance with Nasdaq Rules 5605(f) and 5606, our Board of Directors has self-reported the diversity characteristics summarized in the Board Diversity Matrix table below.  The Company does not have a member of its Board of Directors who currently qualifies as “diverse” under Nasdaq Rules.  Under Nasdaq Rule 5605(f) (and paragraph (2)(D) thereunder, applicable to companies with “smaller” boards consisting of five or fewer directors, such as our Company), the Company must either have at least one director who is diverse (i.e., who identifies as a female, an underrepresented minority, or member of the LGBTQ+ community, as those terms are defined in the rule), or must disclose why it does not have at least one diverse director.  In our case, the Company does not have at least one diverse director because, as a small board with somewhat specialized knowledge and geographically concentrated activities, the Company has experienced challenges in identifying and attracting directors that would be considered “diverse” under Nasdaq Rule 5605(f), and who would be interested and willing to serve as a director of the Company.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for recommending nominees for Board membership to fill vacancies or newly created positions, and for recommending the persons to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors. In connection with the selection and nomination process, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee expects to review the desired experience, skills, diversity and other qualities to ensure appropriate Board of Directors composition, taking into account the current board members and the specific needs of the Company and our board.  The Board of Directors does not have a formal policy specifying how diversity of background and personal experience should be applied in identifying or evaluating director candidates.

Board Diversity Matrix (as of October 6, 2024)

In compliance with Nasdaq’s “Board Diversity Rule,” the table below provides information regarding the diversity of our directors as of the date indicated in the caption above. The information presented below is based on voluntary self-identification responses we received from each director.  Each of the categories listed in the table below has the meaning as it is used in Nasdaq Rule 5605(f).

Total Number of Directors: 5

EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the total compensation paid by the Company during its two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 to those persons who served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during such periods (collectively, the “named executives”).

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Our named executive officers are eligible for retirement benefits under the Company’s defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan. Under this plan, these officers may contribute pre-tax or after-tax compensation to the plan in accordance with current maximum contribution levels proscribed by the Internal Revenue Service.  The Company matches voluntary contributions by its named executive officers up to 5% of their base annual salary, subject to applicable regulatory limitations.

The material terms of employment agreements we have with Douglas M. Polinsky, Chief Executive Officer, and Joseph A. Geraci, II, Chief Financial Officer, are discussed below.

Employment Agreements with Named Executives

We entered into new employment agreements with each of the named executives—Messrs. Polinsky and Geraci—that were effective as of January 1, 2023.  Each employment agreement has a term that lasts for two full years thereafter, and ending on December 31, 2024, subject to extension by mutual agreement of the parties.  Each employment agreement provides the executive with a base annual salary of $200,000.  Each executive is also entitled to have health insurance provided by us and the ability to contribute to our 401(k) retirement plan.

Each employment agreement contains two-year non-competition and non-solicitation covenants, as well as a customary covenants relating to the confidentiality of Company information. In the event that an executive is terminated for cause, as defined in the employment agreements, or in the event that an executive’s services are terminated due to death or disability, the terminated executive will be entitled to receive only his base annual salary through the date of termination. In the event of other non-cause terminations, we will be obligated to pay the terminated executive’s base annual salary through the remainder of the employment term.  Neither employment agreement contains any change-in-control provisions.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth certain information concerning outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2023:

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Director Compensation

During 2023, we paid a total of $270,000 in director fees and bonuses to our independent directors. Presently, each such director receives an annualized cash fee of $40,000, paid in quarterly installments.

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Pay Versus Performance

As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and certain financial performance of the Company.

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Analysis of the Information Presented in the Pay versus Performance Table

In accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following descriptions of the relationships between information presented in the Pay Versus Performance table above.

Compensation Actually Paid and Cumulative TSR

The following graph sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, the Compensation Actually Paid to our Non-PEO NEO, and the Company’s cumulative TSR over the three most recently completed fiscal years.

Compensation Actually Paid and Net Income

The graph below sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, and our Non-PEO NEO, and the Company’s “net income” over the three most recently completed fiscal years.  Because the Company presents its financial statements as an investment company in accordance with the accounting and reporting guidance of ASC 946, “net income” in the table is the “net increase in net assets resulting from operations” as reflected in the Company’s audited financial statements for the applicable year.

* Please see the narrative preceding the chart for an explanation of the presentation of the Company’s net income.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth certain information, as of the date of this proxy statement, with respect to any person (including any “group,” as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) who is known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, and as to those shares of our equity securities beneficially owned by each of our directors and executive officers and all of our directors and executive officers as a group.  As of the date of this proxy statement, we had 6,385,255 shares of common stock outstanding.

Unless otherwise indicated in the table or its footnotes, the business address of each of the following persons or entities is 1907 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 205, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391, and each such person or entity has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock set forth opposite their respective name:

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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

A COPY OF THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 (WITHOUT EXHIBITS) ACCOMPANIES THIS PROXY STATEMENT. NO PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN AND NO PART THEREOF IS TO BE CONSIDERED PROXY SOLICITING MATERIAL. THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON WHOSE PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST OF ANY SUCH PERSON, ANY EXHIBIT DESCRIBED IN THE LIST ACCOMPANYING THE FORM 10-K. REQUESTS FOR COPIES OF SUCH EXHIBIT(S) SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE COMPANY’S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 1907 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 205, WAYZATA MN 55391.

DISCRETIONARY PROXY VOTING AUTHORITY/

UNTIMELY SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

Rule 14a-4(c) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 governs our use of discretionary proxy voting authority with respect to a shareholder proposal that a shareholder has not sought to include in our proxy statement. The Rule provides that if a proponent of a proposal fails to notify us of the proposal at least 45 days before the date of mailing of the prior year’s proxy statement, then the management proxies will be allowed to use their discretionary voting authority when the proposal is raised at the meeting, without any discussion of the matter in the proxy statement.

With respect to our 2025 annual shareholder meeting, if we are not provided notice of a shareholder proposal which the shareholder has not previously sought to include in our proxy statement by September 1, 2025, then our management proxies will be allowed to use their discretionary authority as outlined above.  If, however, the date of our 2025 annual shareholder meeting is changed by more than 30 days from the date of this annual meeting (i.e., if it is held earlier than October 27, 2025, or later than December 26, 2024), then the deadline for submitting a shareholder proposal will be a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials for our 2025 annual shareholder meeting.

SOLICITATION

We will bear the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the notice of meeting, proxy statement, proxy, Annual Report and other material that may be sent to the shareholders in connection with this solicitation. Brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries may be requested to forward soliciting material to the beneficial owners of Company stock, in which case they may be reimbursed by us for their expenses in doing so. Proxies may be solicited personally, by email or by special letter.

OTHER MATTERS/PROPOSALS

The Board of Directors and management know of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the annual meeting. Nevertheless, because it is possible that matters of which the Board of Directors and management are presently unaware may come before the meeting (or any adjournments), the proxies confer discretionary authority with respect to acting thereon, and the persons named in such properly executed proxies intend to vote, act and consent in accordance with their best judgment with respect thereto. Upon receipt of such proxies (in the form enclosed) in time for voting, the shares represented thereby will be voted as indicated thereon and in the proxy statement.

HOUSEHOLDING OF MATERIALS

Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of our proxy statement may have been sent to multiple Company shareholders in each household unless otherwise instructed by such Company shareholders. We will deliver promptly a separate copy of the proxy statement to any Company shareholder upon written or oral request to our Chief Financial Officer, at 1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205, Wayzata MN 55391, telephone: (952) 479-1920. Any shareholder wishing to receive separate copies of our proxy statement or annual report in the future, or any shareholder receiving multiple copies and who would like to receive only one copy per household, should contact their bank, broker, or other nominee record holder, or they may contact us at the above address and phone number.

October 10, 2024

MILL CITY VENTURES III, LTD.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

November 26, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. local time

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints Douglas M. Polinsky and Joseph A. Geraci, II, with full power of substitution, as proxy to represent and vote all shares of common stock of Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. (the “Company”), which the undersigned will be entitled to vote if personally present at the annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company to be held on November 26, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. local time at 1907 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 205, Wayzata Minnesota 55391. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. THE PROXIES ARE FURTHER AUTHORIZED TO VOTE, IN THEIR DISCRETION, UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as directed. If no direction is made, the proxy shall be voted FOR all nominees under Proposal 1 below, and, in the case of other matters that legally come before the meeting, as said proxies may deem advisable.

Please date this proxy and sign your name exactly as it appears hereon.

Signature                                                                                                  

Signature (Co-owner)                                                                            

Dated:                                                 

Note: This proxy card must be signed exactly as the name appears hereon. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as an executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by a duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by an authorized person.

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

Voting Instructions

You may vote your proxy in the following ways:

Login to www.annualgeneralmeetings.com/mcvt2024

Enter your control number (12-digit number located below)

Pacific Stock Transfer Company c/o Proxy Department

6725 Via Austi Parkway Suite 300

Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

If you would like to vote in person, please attend the Annual Meeting to be held on November 26, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. local time

CONTROL NUMBER

You may vote by Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Internet voting is available through 11:59 p.m., Local Time,

on November 25, 2024.

Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.