The Georgia Stock Option Plan of National Penn Ranchers, Inc. is a comprehensive employee benefits program offered by the bank to its employees in the state of Georgia. This plan provides employees with the opportunity to acquire ownership in National Penn Ranchers through stock options, which are a type of financial instrument that gives employees the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price within a specified time period. The Georgia Stock Option Plan is structured to incentivize and reward employees for their performance and dedication. It plays a vital role in attracting and retaining top talent by offering them a chance to directly benefit from the bank's growth and success. This plan aligns the interests of the employees with the long-term goals of National Penn Ranchers, contributing to a culture of ownership and shared success. Under the Georgia Stock Option Plan, employees are granted the right to purchase a specific number of company stocks at a predetermined exercise price. This exercise price is typically set at the fair market value of the company's stock at the time of the grant. The options usually have a vesting period, which means they cannot be exercised immediately but rather gradually over a certain period of time. This incentivizes employees to stay with the company for an extended period as they await the full realization of their stock options. There are different types of stock options that may be included in the Georgia Stock Option Plan. These may include incentive stock options (SOS) and non-qualified stock options (SOS). SOS are subject to specific tax rules and can provide tax advantages to employees if certain conditions are met. SOS, on the other hand, do not follow the same tax regulations as SOS, but still offer valuable stock ownership opportunities to employees. Through the Georgia Stock Option Plan, National Penn Ranchers aims to foster a sense of loyalty, productivity, and motivation among its employees. It encourages them to contribute their best efforts to achieve the bank's objectives, knowing that their hard work can directly impact their financial well-being through the potential appreciation of stock options. This plan serves as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent while driving the overall growth and success of National Penn Ranchers, Inc.