Services and Duties As Administrator, and subject to the supervision and control of the Trustees of each Trust, EIS will hereafter provide facilities, equipment and personnel to carry out the following administrative services for operation of the business and affairs of each Trust and each of its series:
(a) Prepare, file and maintain each Trust’s governing documents, including the Declaration of Trust (which has previously been prepared and filed), the By laws, minutes of meetings of Trustees and shareholders, and proxy statements for meetings of shareholders;
(b) Prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the appropriate state securities authorities the registration statements for each Trust and each Trust’s shares and all amendments thereto, reports to regulatory authorities and shareholders, prospectuses, proxy statements, and such other documents as may be necessary or convenient to enable the Trust to make a continuous offering of its shares;
(c) Prepare, negotiate and administer contracts on behalf of each Trust with, among others, each Trust’s distributor, and custodian and transfer agent;
(d) Supervise each Trust’s fund accounting agent in the maintenance of each Trust's general ledger and in the preparation of each Trust's financial statements, including oversight of expense accruals and payments and the determination of the net asset value of each Trust's assets and of each Trust’s shares, and of the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders;
(e) Calculate performance data of each Trust for dissemination to information services covering the investment company industry;
(f) Prepare and file each Trust's tax returns;
(g) Examine and review the operations of each Trust's custodian and transfer agent;
(h) Coordinate the layout and printing of publicly disseminated prospectuses and reports;
(i) Prepare various shareholder reports;
(j) Assist with the design, development and operation of new series of each Trust;
(k) Coordinate shareholder meetings;
(l) Provide general compliance services; and
(m) Advise each Trust and its Trustees on matters concerning the Trust and its affairs. The foregoing, along with any additional services that EIS shall agree in writing to perform for each Trust hereunder, shall hereafter be referred to as "Administrative Services." Administrative Services shall not include any duties, functions, or services to be performed for each Trust by such Trust’s investment adviser, distributor, custodian or transfer agent pursuant to their agreements with such Trust.
Positions and Duties As of the Effective Date, the Executive will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of his duties, consistent with the Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).
Services and Duties of USBFS USBFS shall provide the following transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent services to the Fund:
A. Receive and process all orders for the purchase, exchange, transfer, and/or redemption of Fund shares in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, other applicable regulations, and as specified in the Fund's prospectus (the "Prospectus”).
B. Process purchase and redemption orders with prompt delivery, where appropriate, of payment and supporting documentation to the shareholder based on the shareholder’s or the Trust’s custodian instructions, and record the appropriate number of shares being held in the appropriate shareholder account.
C. Process redemption requests received in good order and, where relevant, deliver appropriate documentation to the Trust's custodian.
D. Pay proceeds upon receipt from the Trust's custodian, where relevant, in accordance with the instructions of redeeming shareholders.
E. Process transfers of shares in accordance with the shareholder's instructions, after receipt of appropriate documentation from the shareholder as specified in the Prospectus.
F. Prepare and transmit payments, or apply reinvestments for income dividends and capital gains distributions declared by the Trust with respect to a Fund, after deducting any amount required to be withheld by any applicable laws, rules and regulations and in accordance with shareholder instructions.
G. Serve as the Fund’s agent in connection with systematic plans including, but not limited to, systematic investment plans, systematic withdrawal plans, and systematic exchange plans.
H. Make changes to shareholder records, including, but not limited to, address and plan changes (e.g., systematic investment and withdrawal, dividend reinvestment).
I. Handle load and multi-class processing, including rights of accumulation and purchases by letters of intent in accordance with the Prospectus.
J. Record the issuance of shares of each Fund and maintain, pursuant to Rule 17Ad-10(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), a record of the total number of shares of each Fund which are authorized, issued and outstanding.
K. Prepare ad-hoc reports as necessary at prevailing rates.
L. Mail shareholder reports and Prospectuses to current shareholders.
M. Prepare and file U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate information returns required with respect to dividends and distributions for all shareholders.
N. Provide shareholder account information upon shareholder or Trust requests and prepare and mail confirmations and statements of account to shareholders for all purchases, redemptions and other confirmable transactions as agreed upon with the Trust.
O. Mail and/or obtain shareholders’ certifications under penalties of perjury and pay on a timely basis to the appropriate federal or state authorities any taxes to be withheld on dividends and distributions paid by the Trust, all as required by applicable federal and state tax laws and regulations.
P. Answer correspondence from shareholders, securities brokers and others relating to USBFS’ duties hereunder within required time periods established by applicable regulation.
Q. Reimburse the Fund for all material losses resulting from “as of” processing errors for which USBFS is responsible in accordance with the “as of” processing guidelines set forth on Exhibit B hereto.
R. Calculate average assets held in shareholder accounts for purposes of paying Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder servicing fees as directed by a Fund
S. Provide service and support to financial intermediaries including but not limited to trade placements, settlements, and corrections.
SCOPE AND DUTIES During the term of this Agreement, NTX will perform the following services for CLIENT:
Services and Duties of the Distributor A. The Distributor agrees to sell Shares on a best efforts basis as agent for the Trust upon the terms and at the current offering price (plus sales charge, if any) described in the Prospectus. As used in this Agreement, the term “Prospectus” shall mean the current prospectus, including the statement of additional information, as both may be amended or supplemented, relating to the Fund and included in the currently effective registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) of the Trust filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and the 1940 Act. The Trust shall in all cases receive the net asset value per Share on all sales. If a sales charge is in effect, the Distributor shall remit the sales charge (or portion thereof) to broker-dealers who have sold Shares, as described in Section 2(G), below. In no event shall the Distributor be entitled to all or any portion of such sales charge.
B. During the continuous public offering of Shares, the Distributor will hold itself available to receive orders, satisfactory to the Distributor, for the purchase of Shares and will accept such orders on behalf of the Trust. Such purchase orders shall be deemed effective at the time and in the manner set forth in the Prospectus.
C. The Distributor, with the operational assistance of the Trust’s transfer agent, shall make Shares available for sale and redemption through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Fund/SERV System.
D. The Distributor acknowledges and agrees that it is not authorized to provide any information or make any representations other than as contained in the Prospectus and any sales literature specifically approved by the Trust.
E. The Distributor agrees to cooperate with the Trust or its agent in the development of all proposed advertisements and sales literature relating to the Fund. The Distributor agrees to review all proposed advertisements and sales literature for compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and shall file with appropriate regulators those advertisements and sales literature it believes are in compliance with such laws and regulations. The Distributor agrees to furnish to the Trust any comments provided by regulators with respect to such materials and to use its best efforts to obtain the approval of the regulators to such materials.
F. The Distributor, at its sole discretion, may repurchase Shares offered for sale by shareholders of the Fund. Repurchase of Shares by the Distributor shall be at the price determined in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the Prospectus. At the end of each business day, the Distributor shall notify the Trust and its transfer agent, by any appropriate means, of the orders for repurchase of Shares received by the Distributor since the last report, the amount to be paid for such Shares and the identity of the shareholders offering Shares for repurchase. The Trust reserves the right to suspend such repurchase right upon written notice to the Distributor. The Distributor further agrees to act as agent for the Trust to receive and transmit promptly to the Trust’s transfer agent, shareholder requests for redemption of Shares.
G. The Distributor may, in its discretion, enter into agreements with such qualified broker-dealers as it may select, in order that such broker-dealers also may sell Shares of the Fund. The form of any dealer agreement shall be approved by the Trust. To the extent there is a sales charge in effect, the Distributor shall pay the applicable sales charge (or portion thereof), or allow a discount, to the selling broker-dealer, as described in the Prospectus.
H. The Distributor shall devote its best efforts to effect sales of Shares of the Fund but shall not be obligated to sell any certain number of Shares.
I. The Distributor shall prepare reports for the Board regarding its activities under this Agreement as from time to time shall be reasonably requested by the Board, including reports regarding the use of any 12b-1 payments received by the Distributor.
J. The Distributor agrees to advise the Trust promptly in writing of the initiation of any proceedings against it by the SEC or its staff, the NASD or any state regulatory authority.
K. The Distributor shall monitor amounts paid under Rule 12b-1 plans and pursuant to sales loads to ensure compliance with applicable NASD rules.
Position and Duties (i) During the Employment Period, (A) the Executive's position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date and (B) the Executive's services shall be performed at the location where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective Date or any office or location less than 35 miles from such location.
(ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive's reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities. During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Effective Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the Company.
Responsibilities and Duties (a) As President and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive shall serve under the board of directors of the Bank and will perform all duties and will have all powers associated with these positions, as set forth in any job description provided to the Executive by the Bank or as may be set forth in the bylaws of the Bank. The Executive shall report directly to the board of directors of the Bank.
(b) During the period of his employment hereunder, except for reasonable periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and other reasonable leaves of absence approved by the board of directors of the Bank, the Executive will devote all of his business time, attention, skill and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties under this Agreement, including activities and duties directed by the board of directors. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, subject to the approval of the board of directors, the Executive may serve as a member of the board of directors of business, community and charitable organizations, provided that in each case the service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, adversely affect the reputation of the Bank or any of its affiliates, or present any conflict of interest. Nothing in this Section 1.2 shall prevent the Executive from managing personal investments and affairs, provided that doing so also does not interfere with the proper performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.
Employment and Duties The Employee is hereby employed as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Bank and shall have all such authority, powers, duties, and responsibilities as may be given to the Employee from time to time by the Bank’s Board of Directors. The Employee shall devote substantially all of the Employee’s working time and efforts to the affairs of the Bank and will at all times faithfully, industriously, loyally, and to the best of the Employee’s ability, experience, and talents, perform all of the lawful duties that may be required of and from him pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Employee agrees to be physically present in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to perform his job duties during the Monday to Friday workweek, subject to required business travel and the Bank’s PTO policy. Travel and lodging expenses incurred by the Employee commuting weekly from his residence in Minnesota shall be reimbursed in an amount not to exceed $3,500.00 per month. Such reimbursed amounts may be taxable to Employee as income. Exhibit A to this Agreement provides a list of those material outside positions, investments, and activities presently engaged in by the Employee. The Employee’s ongoing participation in these outside interests is permitted so long as such interests individually or in the aggregate do not conflict or interfere with the performance of the Employee’s duties, violate any applicable laws or regulations, or involve activities contrary to the best interests of the Bank. The Employee’s participation in any other material outside interests, including without limitation service on any outside Board of Directors, is subject to prior approval by the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Bank in consultation with the Board.
Term and Duties (a) The term of this Agreement and the period of Executive’s employment hereunder shall begin as of the Effective Date and shall continue for thirty-six (36) full calendar months thereafter. Commencing on the first anniversary date following the Effective Date and continuing on each anniversary date thereafter (the “Anniversary Date”), this Agreement shall renew for an additional year such that the remaining term shall be thirty-six (36) months, provided, however, that in order for this Agreement to renew, the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”) must take the following actions within the time frames set forth below prior to each Anniversary Date: (i) at least sixty (60) days prior to the Anniversary Date, conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation and review of Executive for purposes of determining whether to extend this Agreement; and (ii) affirmatively approve the renewal or non-renewal of this Agreement, which such decision shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting. If the decision of such disinterested members of the Board is not to renew this Agreement, then the Board shall provide Executive with a written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal Notice”) at least thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days prior to any Anniversary Date, such that this Agreement shall terminate at the end of thirty-six (36) months following such Anniversary Date. The failure of the disinterested members of the Board to take the actions set forth herein before any Anniversary Date will result in the automatic non-renewal of this Agreement, even if the Board fails to affirmatively issue the Non-Renewal Notice to Executive. If the Board fails to inform Executive of its determination regarding the renewal or non-renewal of this Agreement, the Executive may request, in writing, the results of the Board’s action (or non-action) and the Board shall, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such request, provide a written response to Executive. Reference herein to the term of this Agreement shall refer to both such initial term and such extended terms.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Bank or the Company has entered into an agreement to effect a transaction which would be considered a Change in Control as defined under Section 5 hereof, then the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for thirty-six (36) months following the date on which the Change in Control occurs.
(c) During the period of his employment hereunder, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of absence, Executive will devote all of his business time, attention, skill and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties under this Agreement, including activities and duties related to the Executive Position. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, subject to the approval of the Board, Executive may serve as a member of the board of directors of business, community and charitable organizations, provided that in each case such service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, adversely affect the reputation of the Bank or any other affiliates of the Bank, or present any conflict of interest.
(d) Nothing in this Agreement shall mandate or prohibit a continuation of Executive’s employment following the expiration of the term of this Agreement.
Retention and Duties (a) The Company hereby engages and employs Executive for the Period of Employment on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. Executive hereby accepts and agrees to such engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.
(b) During the Period of Employment, Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer, and shall have the powers, authorities and duties customarily vested in such office in the Company’s industry.
(c) During the Period of Employment, Executive shall (i) devote substantially all of his business time, energy and skill to the performance of his duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner to the best of his abilities, and (iii) remain employed with the Company on a full-time basis. Executive agrees to perform his duties and responsibilities within, and subject to, the work hours, attendance and general employment policies and practices, and such other reasonable policies, practices and restrictions as the Company shall from time to time establish for its similarly situated executives, and shall at all times carry out such policies, practices and restrictions.
(d) Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance by Executive of his duties hereunder do not and shall not constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound or any judgment, order or decree to which Executive is subject; (ii) Executive has no information relating to any other person or entity which would prevent Executive under the terms of any other agreement or arrangement from entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder, or would give rise to a violation of such other agreement or arrangement; (iii) Executive is not bound by any employment, consulting, non-competition, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement) with any other person or entity which would prevent Executive under the terms of any other agreement or arrangement from entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder, or would give rise to a violation of such other agreement or arrangement; and (iv) Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of Executive set forth herein and Executive consents to such reliance.
