EXHIBIT 99.2
COMMUNITY FIRST BANK
SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT
This SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into
as of this 31st day of July, 2007, by and between Community First Bank, Inc., a
bank chartered under South Carolina law (the "Bank"), and Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Xx., its Director, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Treasurer (the
"Executive").
WHEREAS, the Executive has contributed substantially to the success of
the Bank and the Bank desires that the Executive continue in its employ,
WHEREAS, to encourage the Executive to remain an employee of the Bank,
the Bank is willing to provide salary continuation benefits to the Executive,
payable from the Bank's general assets,
WHEREAS, none of the conditions or events included in the definition of
the term "golden parachute payment" that is set forth in section 18(k)(4)(A)(ii)
of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)(4)(A)(ii)] and in
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule 359.1(f)(1)(ii) [12 CFR
359.1(f)(1)(ii)] exists or, to the best knowledge of the Bank, is contemplated
insofar as the Bank is concerned, and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto intend that this Agreement shall be
considered an unfunded arrangement maintained primarily to provide supplemental
retirement benefits for the Executive, and to be considered a non-qualified
benefit plan for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended ("ERISA"). The Executive is fully advised of the Bank's
financial status.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Executive and the Bank hereby agree as follows.
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 "Accrual Balance" means the liability that should be accrued by the
Bank under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for the Bank's
obligation to the Executive under this Agreement, applying Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 12, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 106. The Accrual Balance shall be calculated using a discount rate
determined by the Plan Administrator, resulting in an Accrual Balance at the
Executive's Normal Retirement Age that is equal to the present value of the
normal retirement benefits. The discount rate means the rate used by the Plan
Administrator for determining the Accrual Balance. In its sole discretion, the
Plan Administrator may adjust the discount rate to maintain the rate within
reasonable standards according to GAAP.
1.2 "Beneficiary" means each designated person, or the estate of the
deceased Executive, entitled to benefits, if any, upon the death of the
Executive, determined according to Article 4.
1.3 "Beneficiary Designation Form" means the form established from time
to time by the Plan Administrator that the Executive completes, signs, and
returns to the Plan Administrator to designate one or more Beneficiaries.
1.4 "Change in Control" shall mean a change in control as defined in
Internal Revenue Code section 409A and rules, regulations, and guidance of
general application thereunder issued by the Department of the Treasury,
including -
(a) Change in ownership: a change in ownership of Community First
Bancorporation, a South Carolina corporation of which the Bank is a wholly owned
subsidiary, occurs on the date any one person or group accumulates ownership of
Community First Bancorporation stock constituting more than 50% of the total
fair market value or total voting power of Community First Bancorporation stock,
(b) Change in effective control: (x) any one person or more than one
person acting as a group acquires within a 12-month period ownership of
Community First Bancorporation stock possessing 30% or more of the total voting
power of Community First Bancorporation stock, or (y) a majority of Community
First Bancorporation's board of directors is replaced during any 12-month period
by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed in advance by a
majority of Community First Bancorporation's board of directors, or
(c) Change in ownership of a substantial portion of assets: a change in
ownership of a substantial portion of Community First Bancorporation's assets
occurs if in a 12-month period any one person or more than one person acting as
a group acquires from Community First Bancorporation assets having a total gross
fair market value equal to or exceeding 40% of the total gross fair market value
of all of Community First Bancorporation's assets immediately before the
acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the
value of Community First Bancorporation's assets, or the value of the assets
being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with
the assets.
1.5 "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
rules, regulations, and guidance of general application issued thereunder by the
Department of the Treasury.
1.6 "Disability" means, because of a medically determinable physical or
mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that can be
expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months, (x) the
Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity, or (y) the
Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of at least
three months under an accident and health plan of the employer. Medical
determination of disability may be made either by the Social Security
Administration or by the provider of an accident or health plan covering
employees of the Bank. Upon request of the Plan Administrator, the Executive
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must submit proof to the Plan Administrator of the Social Security
Administration's or provider's determination.
1.7 "Early Termination" means Separation from Service before Normal
Retirement Age for reasons other than death, Disability, or Termination for
Cause. Early Termination excludes Separation from Service after a Change in
Control.
1.8 "Effective Date" means January 1, 2007.
1.9 "Intentional," for purposes of this Agreement, no act or failure to
act on the part of the Executive shall be deemed to have been intentional if it
was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence. An act or failure to
act on the Executive's part shall be considered intentional if it is not in good
faith and if it is without a reasonable belief that the action or failure to act
is in the best interests of the Bank.
1.10 "Normal Retirement Age" means the Executive's 71st birthday.
1.11 "Plan Administrator" or "Administrator" means the plan
administrator described in Article 8.
1.12 "Plan Year" means a twelve-month period commencing on January 1
and ending on December 31 of each year. The initial Plan Year shall commence on
the effective date of this Agreement.
1.13 "Separation from Service" means the Executive's service as an
executive and independent contractor to the Bank and any member of a controlled
group, as defined in Code section 414, terminates for any reason, other than
because of a leave of absence approved by the Bank or the Executive's death. For
purposes of this Agreement, if there is a dispute about the employment status of
the Executive or the date of the Executive's Separation from Service, the Bank
shall have the sole and absolute right to decide the dispute unless a Change in
Control shall have occurred.
1.14 "Termination for Cause" and "Cause" shall have the same meaning
specified in any effective severance or employment agreement existing on the
date hereof or hereafter entered into between the Executive and the Bank or
between the Executive and Community First Bancorporation. If the Executive is
not a party to a severance or employment agreement containing a definition of
termination for cause, Termination for Cause means the Bank terminates the
Executive's employment for any of the following reasons -
(a) the Executive's gross negligence or gross neglect of duties or
intentional and material failure to perform stated duties after written notice
thereof, or
(b) disloyalty or dishonesty by the Executive in the performance of the
Executive's duties, or a breach of the Executive's fiduciary duties for personal
profit, in any case whether in the Executive's capacity as a director or
officer, or
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(c) intentional wrongful damage by the Executive to the business or
property of the Bank or its affiliates, including without limitation the
reputation of the Bank, which in the judgement of the Bank causes material harm
to the Bank or affiliates, or
(d) a willful violation by the Executive of any applicable law or
significant policy of the Bank or an affiliate that, in the Bank's judgement,
results in an adverse effect on the Bank or the affiliate, regardless of whether
the violation leads to criminal prosecution or conviction. For purposes of this
Agreement applicable laws include any statute, rule, regulatory order, statement
of policy, or final cease-and-desist order of any governmental agency or body
having regulatory authority over the Bank, or
(e) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, or theft by the
Executive in the course of employment. For purposes of this Agreement no act or
failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be deemed to have been
intentional if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence. An
act or failure to act on the Executive's part shall be considered intentional if
it is not in good faith and if it is without a reasonable belief that the action
or failure to act is in the best interests of the Bank, or
(f) the occurrence of any event that results in the Executive being
excluded from coverage, or having coverage limited for the Executive as compared
to other executives of the Bank, under the Bank's blanket bond or other fidelity
or insurance policy covering its directors, officers, or employees, or
(g) the Executive is removed from office or permanently prohibited from
participating in the Bank's affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or
section 8(g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or
(g)(1), or
(h) conviction of the Executive for or plea of no contest to a felony
or conviction of or plea of no contest to a misdemeanor involving moral
turpitude, or the actual incarceration of the Executive for 45 consecutive days
or more.
ARTICLE 2
LIFETIME BENEFITS
2.1 Normal Retirement Benefit. Unless Separation from Service occurs
before Normal Retirement Age and unless the Executive shall have received the
benefit under section 2.4 after a Change in Control, when the Executive attains
Normal Retirement Age the Bank shall pay to the Executive the benefit described
in this section 2.1 instead of any other benefit under this Agreement. If the
Executive's Separation from Service thereafter is a Termination for Cause or if
this Agreement terminates under Article 5, no further benefits shall be paid.
2.1.1 Amount of benefit. The annual benefit under this section 2.1 is
$210,000.
2.1.2 Payment of benefit. Beginning with the month immediately after
the month in which the Executive attains Normal Retirement Age, the
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Bank shall pay the annual benefit to the Executive in equal monthly
installments on the first day of each month. The annual benefit shall
be paid to the Executive for 20 years.
2.2 Early Termination Benefit. Unless the Executive shall have received
the benefit under section 2.4 after a Change in Control, upon Early Termination
the Bank shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this section 2.2
instead of any other benefit under this Agreement. If before the Executive
attains Normal Retirement Age the Executive is involuntarily terminated without
Cause after a Change in Control is announced but before the announced Change in
Control occurs, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefit under section 2.4
instead of any other benefit under this Agreement, including the benefit under
this section 2.2, and the Executive's Separation from Service shall be deemed to
have occurred after the Change in Control.
2.2.1 Amount of benefit. The annual benefit under this section 2.2 is
calculated as the amount that fully amortizes the Accrual Balance
existing at the end of the month immediately before the month in which
Separation from Service occurs, amortizing that Accrual Balance over 20
years and taking into account interest at the discount rate or rates
established by the Plan Administrator.
2.2.2 Payment of benefit. Beginning with the later of (x) the seventh
month after the month in which the Executive's Separation from Service
occurs, or (y) the month immediately after the month in which the
Executive attains Normal Retirement Age, the Bank shall pay the benefit
under this section 2.2 to the Executive in equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month. The annual benefit shall be paid to the
Executive for 20 years.
2.3 Disability Benefit. Unless the Executive shall have received the
benefit under section 2.4 after a Change in Control, upon Separation from
Service because of Disability before Normal Retirement Age the Bank shall pay to
the Executive the benefit described in this section 2.3 instead of any other
benefit under this Agreement.
2.3.1 Amount of benefit. The annual benefit under this section 2.3 is
calculated as the amount that fully amortizes the Accrual Balance
existing at the end of the month immediately before the month in which
Separation from Service occurs, amortizing that Accrual Balance over 20
years and taking into account interest at the discount rate or rates
established by the Plan Administrator.
2.3.2 Payment of benefit. Beginning with the later of (x) the seventh
month after the month in which the Executive's Separation from Service
occurs, or (y) the month immediately after the month in which the
Executive attains Normal Retirement Age, the Bank shall pay the benefit
under this section 2.3 to the Executive in equal monthly installments
on the first day of each month. The annual benefit shall be paid to the
Executive for 20 years.
2.4 Change-in-Control Benefit. If a Change in Control occurs before the
Executive's Normal Retirement Age and before the Executive's Separation from
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Service, the Bank shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this
section 2.4 instead of any other benefit under this Agreement.
2.4.1 Amount of Benefit: The benefit under this section 2.4 is the
Normal Retirement Age Accrual Balance required by section 2.1, without
discount for the time value of money.
2.4.2 Payment of Benefit: The Bank shall pay the Change-in-Control
benefit under section 2.4 of this Agreement to the Executive in a
single lump sum three days after the Change in Control. If the
Executive receives the benefit under this section 2.4 because of the
occurrence of a Change in Control, the Executive shall not be entitled
to claim additional benefits under section 2.4 if an additional Change
in Control occurs thereafter.
2.4.3 Preservation of Change-in-Control benefit if the Executive is
preemptively terminated without Cause. If before the Executive attains
Normal retirement Age the Executive is involuntarily terminated without
Cause after a Change in Control is announced but before the Change in
Control occurs, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefit under
this section 2.4 instead of any other benefit under this Agreement,
including the benefit under section 2.2. The Bank shall pay the
Change-in-Control benefit to the Executive in a single lump sum on the
later of (x) the first day of the seventh month after the month in
which the Executive's Separation from Service actually occurs or (y)
the day of the Change in Control. A Change in Control shall be
considered to have been announced on the date a press release is issued
by the Bank or by Community First Bancorporation concerning the Change
in Control, on the date a Form 8-K Current Report is filed by Community
First Bancorporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission to
report the Change in Control event, on the date an annual or quarterly
report or proxy statement is filed by Community First Bancorporation
with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing the Change in
Control event, or on the date information concerning the Change in
Control is publicly disseminated by the Bank or by Community First
Bancorporation in any other manner, whichever occurs first.
2.5 Lump-sum Payment of Normal Retirement Benefit, Early Termination
Benefit, or Disability Benefit Being Paid to the Executive when a Change in
Control Occurs. If when a Change in Control occurs the Executive is receiving
the Normal Retirement Age benefit under section 2.1, the Bank shall pay the
remaining salary continuation benefits to the Executive in a single lump sum on
the date of the Change in Control. If when a Change in Control occurs the
Executive is receiving or is entitled at Normal Retirement Age to receive the
benefit under sections 2.2 or 2.3, the Bank shall pay the remaining salary
continuation benefits to the Executive in a single lump sum on the later of (x)
the date of the Change in Control or (y) the first day of the seventh month
after the month in which the Executive's Separation from Service occurs. The
lump-sum payment due to the Executive as a result of a Change in Control shall
be an amount equal to the Accrual Balance amount corresponding to the particular
benefit when the Change in Control occurs.
2.6 Annual Benefit Statement. Within 120 days after the end of each
Plan Year the Plan Administrator shall provide or cause to be provided to the
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Executive an annual benefit statement showing benefits payable or potentially
payable to the Executive under this Agreement. Each annual benefit statement
shall supersede the previous year's annual benefit statement. If there is a
contradiction between this Agreement and the annual benefit statement concerning
the amount of a particular benefit payable or potentially payable to the
Executive under sections 2.2, 2.3, or 2.4 hereof, then the amount of the benefit
determined under the Agreement shall control.
2.7 Savings Clause Relating to Compliance with Code Section 409A.
Despite any contrary provision of this Agreement, if when the Executive's
employment terminates the Executive is a specified employee, as defined in Code
section 409A, and if any payments under Article 2 of this Agreement will result
in additional tax or interest to the Executive because of section 409A, the
Executive shall not be entitled to the payments under Article 2 until the
earliest of (x) the date that is at least six months after termination of the
Executive's employment for reasons other than the Executive's death, (y) the
date of the Executive's death, or (z) any earlier date that does not result in
additional tax or interest to the Executive under section 409A. If any provision
of this Agreement would subject the Executive to additional tax or interest
under section 409A, the Bank shall reform the provision. However, the Bank shall
maintain to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of the applicable
provision without subjecting the Executive to additional tax or interest, and
the Bank shall not be required to incur any additional compensation expense as a
result of the reformed provision.
2.8 One Benefit Only. Despite anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, the Executive and Beneficiary are entitled to one benefit only under
this Agreement, which shall be determined by the first event to occur that is
dealt with by this Agreement. Except as provided in section 2.5 or Article 3,
subsequent occurrence of events dealt with by this Agreement shall not entitle
the Executive or Beneficiary to other or additional benefits under this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 3
DEATH BENEFITS
3.1 Death Before Separation from Service. Except as provided in section
5.2, if the Executive dies before Separation from Service, at the Executive's
death the Executive's Beneficiary shall be entitled to an amount in cash equal
to the Accrual Balance existing at the Executive's death, unless the
Change-in-Control benefit shall have been paid to the Executive under section
2.4 or unless a Change-in-Control payout shall have occurred under section 2.5.
No benefit shall be paid if the Change-in-Control benefit shall have been paid
to the Executive under section 2.4 or if a Change-in-Control payout shall have
occurred under section 2.5. If a benefit is payable to the Executive's
Beneficiary, the benefit shall be paid in a single lump sum 90 days after the
Executive's death. However, no benefits under this Agreement shall be paid or
payable to the Executive or the Executive's Beneficiary if this Agreement is
terminated under Article 5.
3.2 Death after Separation from Service. If the Executive dies after
Separation from Service and if Separation from Service was not a Termination for
Cause, at the Executive's death the Executive's Beneficiary shall be entitled to
an amount in cash equal to the Accrual Balance remaining at the Executive's
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death, unless the Change-in-Control benefit shall have been paid to the
Executive under section 2.4 or unless a Change-in-Control payout shall have
occurred under section 2.5. No benefit shall be paid if the Change-in-Control
benefit shall have been paid to the Executive under section 2.4 or if a
Change-in-Control payout shall have occurred under section 2.5. If a benefit is
payable to the Executive's Beneficiary, the benefit shall be paid in a single
lump sum 90 days after the Executive's death. However, no benefits under this
Agreement shall be paid or payable to the Executive or the Executive's
Beneficiary if this Agreement is terminated under Article 5.
ARTICLE 4
BENEFICIARIES
4.1 Beneficiary Designations. The Executive shall have the right to
designate at any time a Beneficiary to receive any benefits payable under this
Agreement at the Executive's death. The Beneficiary designated under this
Agreement may be the same as or different from the beneficiary designation under
any other benefit plan of the Bank in which the Executive participates.
4.2 Beneficiary Designation: Change. The Executive shall designate a
Beneficiary by completing and signing the Beneficiary Designation Form and
delivering it to the Plan Administrator or its designated agent. The Executive's
Beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary
predeceases the Executive or if the Executive names a spouse as Beneficiary and
the marriage is subsequently dissolved. The Executive shall have the right to
change a Beneficiary by completing, signing, and otherwise complying with the
terms of the Beneficiary Designation Form and the Plan Administrator's rules and
procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon the acceptance by the Plan
Administrator of a new Beneficiary Designation Form, all Beneficiary
designations previously filed shall be cancelled. The Plan Administrator shall
be entitled to rely on the last Beneficiary Designation Form filed by the
Executive and accepted by the Plan Administrator before the Executive's death.
4.3 Acknowledgment. No designation or change in designation of a
Beneficiary shall be effective until received, accepted, and acknowledged in
writing by the Plan Administrator or its designated agent.
4.4 No Beneficiary Designation. If the Executive dies without a valid
beneficiary designation, or if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the
Executive, then the Executive's spouse shall be the designated Beneficiary. If
the Executive has no surviving spouse, the benefits shall be made to the
personal representative of the Executive's estate.
4.5 Facility of Payment. If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a
person declared incapacitated, or to a person incapable of handling the
disposition of his or her property, the Bank may pay such benefit to the
guardian, legal representative, or person having the care or custody of the
minor, incapacitated person, or incapable person. The Bank may require proof of
incapacity, minority, or guardianship as it may deem appropriate before
distribution of the benefit. Distribution shall completely discharge the Bank
from all liability for the benefit.
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ARTICLE 5
GENERAL LIMITATIONS
5.1 Termination for Cause. Despite any contrary provision of this
Agreement, the Bank shall not pay any benefit under this Agreement and this
Agreement shall terminate if Separation from Service is a Termination for Cause.
5.2 Removal. If the Executive is removed from office or permanently
prohibited from participating in the Bank's affairs by an order issued under
section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C.
1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall
terminate as of the effective date of the order.
5.3 Default. Despite any contrary provision of this Agreement, if the
Bank is in "default" or "in danger of default," as those terms are defined in
section 3(x) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1813(x), all
obligations under this Agreement shall terminate.
5.4 FDIC Open-Bank Assistance. All obligations under this Agreement
shall terminate, except to the extent determined that continuation of the
contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, when the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to
or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Federal Deposit
Insurance Act section 13(c). 12 U.S.C. 1823(c). Rights of the parties that have
already vested shall not be affected by such action, however.
ARTICLE 6
CLAIMS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
6.1 Claims Procedure. A person or beneficiary ("claimant") who has not
received benefits under this Agreement that he or she believes should be paid
shall make a claim for such benefits as follows -
6.1.1 Initiation - written claim. The claimant initiates a claim by
submitting to the Administrator a written claim for the benefits. If
the claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the claimant,
the claim must be made within 60 days after the notice was received by
the claimant. All other claims must be made within 180 days after the
date of the event that caused the claim to arise. The claim must state
with particularity the determination desired by the claimant.
6.1.2 Timing of Bank response. The Bank shall respond to the claimant
within 90 days after receiving the claim. If the Bank determines that
special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim,
the Bank may extend the response period by an additional 90 days by
notifying the claimant in writing before the end of the initial 90-day
period that an additional period is required. The notice of extension
must state the special circumstances and the date by which the Bank
expects to render its decision.
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6.1.3 Notice of decision. If the Bank denies part or all of the claim,
the Bank shall notify the claimant in writing of the denial. The Bank
shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by
the claimant. The notification shall set forth -
6.1.3.1 the specific reasons for the denial,
6.1.3.2 a reference to the specific provisions of the
Agreement on which the denial is based,
6.1.3.3 a description of any additional information or
material necessary for the claimant to perfect the
claim and an explanation of why it is needed,
6.1.3.4 an explanation of the Agreement's review procedures
and the time limits applicable to such procedures,
and
6.1.3.5 a statement of the claimant's right to bring a civil
action under ERISA section 502(a) following an
adverse benefit determination on review.
6.2 Review Procedure. If the Bank denies part or all of the claim, the
claimant shall have the opportunity for a full and fair review by the Bank of
the denial, as follows -
6.2.1 Initiation - written request. To initiate the review, the
claimant, within 60 days after receiving the Bank's notice of denial,
must file with the Bank a written request for review.
6.2.2 Additional submissions - information access. The claimant shall
then have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents,
records, and other information relating to the claim. The Bank shall
also provide the claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable
access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information
relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant's
claim for benefits.
6.2.3 Considerations on review. In considering the review, the Bank
shall take into account all materials and information the claimant
submits relating to the claim, without regard to whether the
information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit
determination.
6.2.4 Timing of Bank response. The Bank shall respond in writing to the
claimant within 60 days after receiving the request for review. If the
Bank determines that special circumstances require additional time for
processing the claim, the Bank may extend the response period by an
additional 60 days by notifying the claimant in writing before the end
of the initial 60-day period that an additional period is required. The
notice of extension must state the special circumstances and the date
by which the Bank expects to render its decision.
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6.2.5 Notice of decision. The Bank shall notify the claimant in writing
of its decision on review. The Bank shall write the notification in a
manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification
shall set forth -
6.2.5.1 the specific reason for the denial,
6.2.5.2 a reference to the specific provisions of the
Agreement on which the denial is based,
6.2.5.3 a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive,
upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to
and copies of all documents, records, and other
information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA
regulations) to the claimant's claim for benefits,
and
6.2.5.4 a statement of the claimant's right to bring a civil
action under ERISA section 502(a).
ARTICLE 7
MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 Amendments and Termination. Subject to section 7.15 of this
Agreement, this Agreement may be amended solely by a written agreement signed by
the Bank and by the Executive, and except for termination occurring under
Article 5 this Agreement may be terminated solely by a written agreement signed
by the Bank and by the Executive.
7.2 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall bind the Executive, the Bank,
and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, successors, administrators, and
transferees.
7.3 No Guarantee of Employment. This Agreement is not an employment
policy or contract. It does not give the Executive the right to remain an
employee of the Bank nor does it interfere with the Bank's right to discharge
the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee or
interfere with the Executive's right to terminate employment at any time.
7.4 Non-Transferability. Benefits under this Agreement may not be sold,
transferred, assigned, pledged, attached, or encumbered.
7.5 Successors; Binding Agreement. By an assumption agreement in form
and substance satisfactory to the Executive, the Bank shall require any
successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or
otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Bank to
expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to
the same extent that the Bank would be required to perform this Agreement had no
succession occurred.
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7.6 Tax Withholding. The Bank shall withhold any taxes that are
required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Agreement.
7.7 Applicable Law. This Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be
governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, except to the extent
preempted by the laws of the United States of America.
7.8 Unfunded Arrangement. The Executive and Beneficiary are general
unsecured creditors of the Bank for the payment of benefits under this
Agreement. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Bank to pay benefits.
Rights to benefits are not subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer,
assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors. Any
insurance on the Executive's life is a general asset of the Bank to which the
Executive and Beneficiary have no preferred or secured claim.
7.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the Bank and the Executive concerning the subject matter. No rights are
granted to the Executive under this Agreement other than those specifically set
forth.
7.10 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid,
such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement not held
invalid, and each such other provision shall continue in full force and effect
to the full extent consistent with law. If any provision of this Agreement is
held invalid in part, such invalidity shall not affect the remainder of the
provision not held invalid, and the remainder of such provision together with
all other provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect
to the full extent consistent with law.
7.11 Headings. Caption headings and subheadings herein are included
solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or
interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.
7.12 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
delivered by hand or mailed, certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested, with postage prepaid, to the following addresses or to such other
address as either party may designate by like notice. If to the Bank, notice
shall be given to the board of directors, Community First Bancorporation, 000
Xxxxxxx 000 Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000, or to such other or additional
person or persons as the Bank shall have designated to the Executive in writing.
If to the Executive, notice shall be given to the Executive at the Executive's
address appearing on the Bank's records, or to such other or additional person
or persons as the Executive shall have designated to the Bank in writing.
7.13 Payment of Legal Fees. The Bank is aware that after a Change in
Control management of the Bank could cause or attempt to cause the Bank to
refuse to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, or could institute
or cause or attempt to cause the Bank to institute litigation seeking to have
this Agreement declared unenforceable, or could take or attempt to take other
action to deny Executive the benefits intended under this Agreement. In these
12
circumstances the purpose of this Agreement would be frustrated. The Bank
desires that the Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated with
the enforcement of rights under this Agreement, whether by litigation or other
legal action, because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract
from the benefits intended to be granted to the Executive hereunder. The Bank
desires that the Executive not be forced to negotiate settlement of rights under
this Agreement under threat of incurring expenses. Accordingly, if after a
Change in Control occurs it appears to the Executive that (x) the Bank has
failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement, or (y) the
Bank or any other person has taken any action to declare this Agreement void or
unenforceable, or instituted any litigation or other legal action designed to
deny, diminish, or to recover from the Executive the benefits intended to be
provided to the Executive hereunder, the Bank irrevocably authorizes the
Executive from time to time to retain counsel of the Executive's choice, at the
Bank's expense as provided in this section 7.13, to represent the Executive in
the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or
against the Bank or any director, officer, stockholder, or other person
affiliated with the Bank, in any jurisdiction. Despite any existing or previous
attorney-client relationship between the Bank and any counsel chosen by the
Executive under this section 7.13, the Bank irrevocably consents to the
Executive entering into an attorney-client relationship with that counsel, and
the Bank and the Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist
between the Executive and that counsel. The fees and expenses of counsel
selected from time to time by the Executive as provided in this section shall be
paid or reimbursed to the Executive by the Bank on a regular, periodic basis
upon presentation by the Executive of a statement or statements prepared by
counsel in accordance with counsel's customary practices, up to a maximum
aggregate amount of $500,000, whether suit be brought or not, and whether or not
incurred in trial, bankruptcy, or appellate proceedings. The Bank's obligation
to pay the Executive's legal fees provided by this section 7.13 operates
separately from and in addition to any legal fee reimbursement obligation the
Bank may have with the Executive under any separate employment, severance, or
other agreement between the Executive and the Bank. Despite any contrary
provision within this Agreement however, the Bank shall not be required to pay
or reimburse the Executive's legal expenses if doing so would violate section
18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)] and Rule 359.3 of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [12 CFR 359.3].
7.14 Internal Revenue Code Section 280G Gross Up. (a) Additional
Payment to Account for Excise Taxes. If as the result of a Change in Control the
Executive becomes entitled to acceleration of benefits under this Agreement or
under any other plan or agreement of or with the Bank or its affiliates
(together, the "Total Benefits"), and if any of the Total Benefits will be
subject to the Excise Tax as set forth in Code sections 280G and 4999 (the
"Excise Tax"), the Bank shall pay to the Executive the following additional
amounts, consisting of (x) a payment equal to the Excise Tax payable by the
Executive on the Total Benefits under Code section 4999(the "Excise Tax
Payment"), and (y) a payment equal to the amount necessary to provide the Excise
Tax Payment net of all income, payroll and excise taxes. Together, the
additional amounts described in clauses (x) and (y) are referred to in this
Agreement as the "Gross-Up Payment Amount."
13
Calculating the Excise Tax. For purposes of determining whether any of
the Total Benefits will be subject to the Excise Tax and for purposes of
determining the amount of the Excise Tax,
1) Determination of "parachute payments" subject to the Excise
Tax: any other payments or benefits received or to be received
by the Executive as the result of a Change in Control or the
Executive's Separation from Service (whether under the terms
of this Agreement or any other agreement or any other benefit
plan or arrangement with the Bank, any person whose actions
result in a Change in Control, or any person affiliated with
the Bank or such person) shall be treated as "parachute
payments" within the meaning of Code section 280G(b)(2), and
all "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of section
280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax,
unless in the opinion of the certified public accounting firm
that is retained by the Bank as of the date immediately before
the Change in Control (the "Accounting Firm") such other
payments or benefits do not constitute (in whole or in part)
parachute payments, or such excess parachute payments
represent (in whole or in part) reasonable compensation for
services actually rendered within the meaning of Code section
280G(b)(4) in excess of the base amount (as defined in Code
section 280G(b)(3)), or are otherwise not subject to the
Excise Tax,
2) Calculation of benefits subject to the Excise Tax: the amount
of the Total Benefits that shall be treated as subject to the
Excise Tax shall be equal to the lesser of (x) the total
amount of the Total Benefits reduced by the amount of such
Total Benefits that in the opinion of the Accounting Firm are
not parachute payments, or (y) the amount of excess parachute
payments within the meaning of section 280G(b)(1) (after
applying clause (1), above), and
3) Value of noncash benefits and deferred payments: the value of
any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall
be determined by the Accounting Firm in accordance with the
principles of Code sections 280G(d)(3) and (4).
Assumed Marginal Income Tax Rate. For purposes of determining the
amount of the Gross-Up Payment Amount, the Executive shall be deemed to pay
federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in
the calendar years in which the Gross-Up Payment Amount is to be made and state
and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and
locality of the Executive's residence on the date of Separation from Service,
net of the reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained from deduction
of state and local taxes (calculated by assuming that any reduction under Code
section 68 in the amount of itemized deductions allowable to the Executive
applies first to reduce the amount of state and local income taxes that would
otherwise be deductible by the Executive, and applicable federal FICA and
Medicare withholding taxes).
Return of Reduced Excise Tax Payment or Payment of Additional Excise
Tax. If the Excise Tax is later determined to be less than the amount taken into
14
account hereunder when the Executive's employment terminated, the Executive
shall repay to the Bank - when the amount of the reduction in Excise Tax is
finally determined - the portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to
the reduction (plus that portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to
the Excise Tax, federal, state and local income taxes and FICA and Medicare
withholding taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment Amount being repaid by the
Executive to the extent that the repayment results in a reduction in Excise Tax,
FICA, and Medicare withholding taxes and/or a federal, state, or local income
tax deduction).
If the Excise Tax is later determined to be more than the amount taken
into account hereunder when the Executive's employment terminated (due, for
example, to a payment whose existence or amount cannot be determined at the time
of the Gross-Up Payment Amount), the Bank shall make an additional Gross-Up
Payment Amount to the Executive for that excess (plus any interest, penalties,
or additions payable by the Executive for the excess) when the amount of the
excess is finally determined.
(b) Responsibilities of the Accounting Firm and the Bank.
Determinations Shall Be Made by the Accounting Firm. Subject to the provisions
of section 7.14(a), all determinations required to be made under this section
7.14(b) - including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment Amount is required, the
amount of the Gross-Up Payment Amount and the assumptions to be used to arrive
at the determination (collectively, the "Determination") - shall be made by the
Accounting Firm, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to
the Bank and the Executive within 15 business days after receipt of notice from
the Bank or the Executive that there has been a Gross-Up Payment Amount, or such
earlier time as is requested by the Bank.
Fees and Expenses of the Accounting Firm and Agreement with the
Accounting Firm. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne
solely by the Bank. The Bank shall enter into any agreement requested by the
Accounting Firm in connection with the performance of its services hereunder.
Accounting Firm's Opinion. If the Accounting Firm determines that no
Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, the Accounting Firm shall furnish the
Executive with a written opinion to that effect, and to the effect that failure
to report Excise Tax, if any, on the Executive's applicable federal income tax
return will not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar penalty.
Accounting Firm's Determination Is Binding; Underpayment and
Overpayment. The Determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding on the
Bank and the Executive. Because of the uncertainty at the time of the
Determination about whether any of the Total Benefits will be subject to the
Excise Tax, it is possible that a Gross-Up Payment Amount that should have been
made will not have been made by the Bank ("Underpayment"), or that a Gross-Up
Payment Amount will be made that should not have been made by the Bank
("Overpayment"). If after a Determination by the Accounting Firm the Executive
is required to make a payment of additional Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm
shall determine the amount of the Underpayment. The Underpayment (together with
interest at the rate provided in Code section 1274(d)(2)(B)) shall be paid
promptly by the Bank to or for the benefit of the Executive. If the Gross-Up
Payment Amount exceeds the amount necessary to reimburse the Executive for the
15
Excise Tax according to section 7.14(a), the Accounting Firm shall determine the
amount of the Overpayment. The Overpayment (together with interest at the rate
provided in Code section 1274(d)(2)(B)) shall be paid promptly by the Executive
to or for the benefit of the Bank. Provided that the Executive's expenses are
reimbursed by the Bank, the Executive shall cooperate with any reasonable
requests by the Bank in any contests or disputes with the Internal Revenue
Service relating to the Excise Tax.
Accounting Firm Conflict of Interest. If the Accounting Firm is serving
as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity, or group effecting the
Change in Control, the Executive may appoint another nationally recognized
public accounting firm to make the Determinations required hereunder (in which
case the term "Accounting Firm" as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to
refer to the accounting firm appointed by the Executive).
7.15 Termination or Modification of Agreement Because of Changes in
Law, Rules or Regulations. The Bank is entering into this Agreement on the
assumption that certain existing tax laws, rules, and regulations will continue
in effect in their current form. If that assumption materially changes and the
change has a material detrimental effect on this Agreement, then the Bank
reserves the right to terminate or modify this Agreement accordingly, subject to
the written consent of the Executive, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
This section 7.15 shall become null and void effective immediately upon a Change
in Control.
ARTICLE 8
ADMINISTRATION OF AGREEMENT
8.1 Plan Administrator Duties. This Agreement shall be administered by
a Plan Administrator consisting of the Bank's board of directors or such
committee or person(s) as the board shall appoint. The Executive may be a member
of the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall also have the discretion
and authority to (x) make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules
and regulations for the administration of this Agreement and (y) decide or
resolve any and all questions, including interpretations of this Agreement, as
may arise in connection with the Agreement.
8.2 Agents. In the administration of this Agreement, the Plan
Administrator may employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties
as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and
may from time to time consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the Bank.
8.3 Binding Effect of Decisions. The decision or action of the Plan
Administrator concerning any question arising out of the administration,
interpretation, and application of the Agreement and the rules and regulations
promulgated hereunder shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons
having any interest in the Agreement. No Executive or Beneficiary shall be
deemed to have any right, vested or nonvested, regarding the continued use of
any previously adopted assumptions, including but not limited to the discount
rate and calculation method described in section 1.1.
16
8.4 Indemnity of Plan Administrator. The Bank shall indemnify and hold
harmless the members of the Plan Administrator against any and all claims,
losses, damages, expenses, or liabilities arising from any action or failure to
act with respect to this Agreement, except in the case of willful misconduct by
the Plan Administrator or any of its members.
8.5 Bank Information. To enable the Plan Administrator to perform its
functions, the Bank shall supply full and timely information to the Plan
Administrator on all matters relating to the date and circumstances of the
retirement, Disability, death, or Separation from Service of the Executive and
such other pertinent information as the Plan Administrator may reasonably
require.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the
Bank have executed this Salary Continuation Agreement as of the date first
written above.
[SIGNATURES OMITTED]
17
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
COMMUNITY FIRST BANK
SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT
I, Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Xx., designate the following as beneficiary of
any death benefits under this Salary Continuation Agreement -
Primary: ____________________________________________________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
Contingent: ___________________________________________________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
Note: To name a trust as beneficiary, please provide the name of the
trustee(s) and the exact name and date of the trust agreement.
I understand that I may change these beneficiary designations by filing
a new written designation with the Bank. I further understand that the
designations will be automatically revoked if the beneficiary predeceases me, or
if I have named my spouse as beneficiary and our marriage is subsequently
dissolved.
Signature: ----------------------------------------------------
Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Xx.
Date: , 2007
--------------------------------------------
Accepted by the Bank this day of , 2007
------- -----------------
By:-----------------------------------------------------
Print Name:
---------------------------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------------------------
18
SCHEDULE A
COMMUNITY FIRST BANK
SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT
Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Xx.
Early
Termination Disability
annual benefit annual benefit
payable at payable at Change-in-Control
Plan Year Accrual Normal Normal benefit
Plan ending age at Plan Balance @ Retirement Age Retirement Age payable in
Year December 31, Year end 6% (1) (2) (2) a lump sum
--------- ------------ ---------- ------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------
1 2007 67 $ 386,446 $ 42,000 $ 42,000 $2,454,877
2 2008 68 $ 820,562 $ 84,000 $ 84,000 $2,454,877
3 2009 69 $1,306,759 $126,000 $126,000 $2,454,877
4 2010 70 $1,849,809 $168,000 $168,000 $2,454,877
5 2011 71 $2,454,877 $210,000 $210,000 $2,454,877
(1) Calculations are approximations. Benefit calculations are based on
prior year-end accrual balances for illustrative purposes. The accrual balance
reflects payment at the beginning of each month, beginning January 1, 2012. The
Executive attains Normal Retirement Age in December of 2011.
(2) The Early Termination and Disability benefits are calculated as the
annual amount that fully amortizes the Accrual Balance existing at the end of
the month immediately before the month in which Separation from Service occurs,
amortizing that Accrual Balance over the period beginning with the Executive's
Normal Retirement Age and taking into account interest at the discount rate or
rates established by the Plan Administrator. Using a standard discount rate
(6%), Early Termination and Disability benefits are shown for illustrative
purposes only. The Early Termination and Disability benefits shown assume the
Executive's Separation from Service occurs more than six months before the
Executive's Normal Retirement Age and that the Early Termination benefit and the
Disability benefit therefore become payable beginning in the month after the
Executive attains the Normal Retirement Age.
If there is a contradiction between the terms of the Agreement and
Schedule A concerning the amount of a benefit due the Executive under sections
2.2, 2.3, or 2.4 of the Agreement, the amount of the benefit determined under
the Agreement shall control.
