January 19, 2009 Via Hand Delivery
EXHIBIT
10.22
January
19, 2009
Via
Hand Delivery
Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxx
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Dear
Xxx:
On behalf
of Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc., FFE Transportation Services, Inc. and
their affiliated companies (collectively referred to as the “Company”), I am
providing you with this letter describing severance benefits providing for an
amicable transition on terms and conditions acceptable to both you and the
Company. The following sets forth the terms and conditions of our
agreement (the “Agreement”).
1.
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Separation of
Employment. You and the Company agree that your
employment with the Company and all other director, officer and employee
positions, if any, held by you will end effective January 19, 2009 (the
“Separation Date”). We agree that your separation will be
characterized as and constitute a voluntary resignation (or retirement)
from all director, officer and employee positions with the
Company. In order to receive any benefits under this Agreement,
in addition to complying with all of its terms, you must fully cooperate
with the Company in the transition of your responsibilities and
preparation of necessary documents prior your acceptance of the
Agreement. Commencing on the Separation Date, you will have no
power or authority to incur any debt, liability, or obligation on behalf
of the Company.
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2.
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Severance
Payment. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 below
and contingent upon your execution and return of this Agreement on or
before the Expiration Date, you will receive $240,747.00, which will be
subject to statutory deductions and withholdings. This will be
paid in a lump sum on February 5,
2009.
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3.
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Expense
Reimbursements. The Company will reimburse you for
pre-approved reasonable and necessary business expenses prior to the
Separation Date upon presentation of an appropriate itemization of
expenses incurred. Any such reimbursement(s) should be submitted to the
Company no later than January 31, 2009, otherwise the Company shall have
no further obligation to pay you for such
reimbursement(s).
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4.
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Confidentiality. By
accepting the benefits, payments, and other items described above, you
agree that:
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a.
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All
documents (including this Agreement), records, techniques, business
secrets and other information which have come into your possession from
time to time as a result of your employment with the Company
(“Confidential Information and Business Secrets”) are and shall remain
confidential and proprietary to the Company and/or its affiliates for a
period of two (2) years after the date hereof, and, during such period,
you will keep confidential and not divulge to any other party any of the
Company’s and/or its affiliates’ Confidential Information and Business
Secrets, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information and
Business Secrets relating to such matters as the Company’s finances
(including financial results, budgets, forecast, and long-range plans),
operations, materials, processes, plans, designs, models, new products,
apparatus, equipment, or formulas used in the Company’s operations, and
the names of the Company’s customers and suppliers; provided, however,
that Confidential Information and Business Secrets shall not include
information which has become publicly known or made generally available
through no wrongful act by you, is developed by you independent of the
Confidential Information and Business Secrets or which has been rightfully
received by you from a third party not precluded from making such
disclosure or any information or documentation that evidences, describes
or documents compensation, equity or derivative holdings, benefit plans,
insurance (including health insurance), reimbursements or like matters and
other matters related primarily to your employment or necessary for tax
reporting purposes;
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b.
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All
of the Company’s and/or its affiliates’ and related companies’
Confidential Information and Business Secrets are and shall remain the
sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliates and
related companies;
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c.
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You
will return to the Company or destroy all Company property and the
property of any of its affiliates, including all Confidential Information
and Business Secrets which came into your possession during your
employment with the Company;
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d.
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You
will not disparage the Company or any of the Releasees (as that term is
defined in Section 7 below), and in return, neither the Company nor any of
the Releases will disparage you;
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e.
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At
any time prior to October 19, 2009, you will not, whether for your own
account or for the account of any other individual, partnership, firm,
corporation, or business organization, either directly or indirectly
solicit or endeavor to entice away from the Company any person who is
employed by or otherwise engaged to perform services for the Company or
any of the Company Releasees, or to interfere with the business
relationship of the Company with any person who is then a customer of the
Company; and
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f.
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If
you fail to comply with any of the provisions of this Section 6, the
Company will be entitled to a pro rata rebate of the severance paid to
you. In addition, the Company shall be entitled, upon
application to any court of competent jurisdiction, to specific
performance or injunction or other relief in order to enforce or prevent
violation of such provision or provisions through September 30,
2009. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the
Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach
or threatened breach including the recovery of damages from
you.
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5.
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Release of
Claims.
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a.
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In
exchange for the consideration set forth in Section 2, you hereby, on
behalf of yourself, your descendants, ancestors, dependents, heirs,
representatives, executors, administrators, and
assigns:
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i.
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Fully
and forever release and discharge the Company and each of its parent and
holding companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, successors, and
assigns, including but not limited to FFE Transportation Services, Inc.
and Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc., together with all of their past
and present trustees, directors, officers, agents, attorneys, insurers,
employees, stockholders, and representatives (collectively the “Company
Releasees”), from any and all claims, wages, demands, rights, liens,
agreements, contracts, covenants, actions, suits, causes of action,
obligations, debts, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, damages, judgments,
orders, or liabilities of whatsoever kind or nature in law, equity, or
otherwise, whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which
you now own or hold or have or may have at any time heretofore or
hereafter owned or held as against the Company and/or any of the Company
Releasees, arising out of or in any way connected
with:
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1.
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your
employment relationship with the Company and/or any of its past or present
subsidiaries or parent or affiliated companies or
entities;
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2.
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your
Separation from the Company and/or any of its past or present subsidiaries
or parent or affiliated companies or entities;
and
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3.
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any
and all other transactions, occurrences, acts or omissions, and any loss,
damage, or injury whatsoever, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected,
resulting from any act or omission by or on the part of the Company and/or
any of the Company Releasees arising, committed, or omitted prior to the
effective date of this Agreement or at any time during your employment
with the Company or with any of the Xxxxxx Releasees, including, but not
limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Older Workers’ Benefit
Protection Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and
Medical Leave Act, any and all claims for breach of contract, tort, and
personal injury of any kind, including but not limited to any claims for
severance pay, bonus, salary, sick leave, holiday pay, vacation pay, life
insurance, health or medical insurance, or any other fringe benefit,
worker’s compensation or disability, and/or any claims under any other
federal, state, local, or other governmental statute, regulation, and/or
common law.
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Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the foregoing release shall not release or discharge your rights
under this Agreement, claims which may arise after the effective date of this
Agreement, claims for pension and retirement plan benefits (including 401(k)
related benefits), any equity or derivative interest in the Company, continuing
rights under the Company’s health insurance as provided therein or by law
(including COBRA), any rights of indemnification under state law, the Company’s
certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or contract, or rights to
coverage under director, officer, fiduciary and/or similar insurance coverages
as maintained from time to time by the Company (collectively, the “Continuing
Obligations”).
b.
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In
exchange for the consideration set forth herein, the Company hereby, on
behalf of itself, the Company Releasees and its successors and
assigns:
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i.
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Fully
and forever release and discharge you and each of your descendants,
ancestors, dependents, heirs, representatives, executors, administrators
and assigns, together with all of their past and present trustees, agents,
attorneys, insurers and employees (collectively, the “Xxxxxx Releasees”),
from any and all claims, demands, rights, liens, agreements, contracts,
duties, covenants, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts,
costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, damages, judgments, orders and/or
liabilities of whatsoever kind or nature in law, equity or otherwise,
whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which the Company
now owns or holds or has or may have at any time heretofore or hereafter
owned or held as against you and/or any of the Xxxxxx Releasees, arising
out of or in any way connected
with:
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1.
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your
employment relationship and officer and director positions with the
Company and/or any of its past or present subsidiaries or parent or
affiliated companies or entities;
and
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2.
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any
and all other transactions, occurrences, acts or omissions, and any loss,
damage or injury whatsoever, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected,
resulting from any act or omission by or on your part or on the part of
any of the Xxxxxx Releasees arising, committed or omitted prior to the
effective date of this Agreement or at any time during your employment or
tenure of your positions with the Company or with any of the Xxxxxx
Releasees, including any claims under any federal, state, local or other
governmental statute, regulation and/or common
law.
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6.
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Non-Liability. You
and the Company agree that neither this Agreement nor the furnishing of
the consideration for this Agreement shall be deemed or construed at any
time, for any purpose, an admission by you or the Company or by any of the
Company Releasees or Xxxxxx Releasees of any liability or wrongful or
unlawful conduct of any kind
whatsoever
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7.
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Withholdings. All
payments or benefits to you under this Agreement or otherwise are subject
to withholding by the Company from such payments or benefits in accordance
with applicable laws and regulations then in effect, including but not
limited to any federal, state, regional, and local
taxes.
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8.
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Company
Property. You agree to destroy or return to the Company,
on or before the close of business on the Expiration Date, any and all
Company property (including, but not limited to, sales materials,
documents or other company records, parking cards, pass cards, access
cards, keys, calling cards, mobile phones, beepers, pagers, credit cards,
computers, fax machines, copy machines, Palm Pilots or personal digital
assistants, or any other equipment) that you have or may have in your
possession or control. If you do not return any items of
Company property in your possession or control by said date, then the
Company may, in addition to any rights and remedies it may have under this
Agreement or otherwise, withhold any and all payments to be made to you
hereunder.
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9.
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Neutral Reference
Policy. Pursuant to Company policy, the Human Resources
Department will confirm to prospective employers your position held, dates
of employment, and social security number. The Company will not
provide any other information about your employment, including a letter of
reference.
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10.
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Notices. All
notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder must be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been given if delivered by hand ,
reputable local or overnight delivery service or mailed within the
continental United States by first class, registered, or certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage and registry fees prepaid and addressed
as follows:
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a.
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If to the
Company:
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Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxx, Xx.
Chairman,
President, and CEO
Frozen
Food Express Industries, Inc.
0000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000-0000
b.
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If to
you:
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Xxx
Xxxxxx
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Either
party by notice in writing to the other may change the address to which notices,
requests, demands, or other communications to it shall be mailed.
11.
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Offer. This
offer shall remain in effect through the close of business on February 10,
2009 (the “Expiration Date”), after which it shall be deemed to have been
automatically withdrawn.
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12.
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Employee
Acknowledgments and Representations. You hereby
acknowledge and represent that:
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a.
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You
have been advised in writing to seek the advice of an attorney before
signing this Agreement, and you have had an adequate opportunity to seek
legal counsel of your own choosing. The Company and you agree
that the parties have relied upon the advice of their respective attorney
or have knowingly and willingly not sought the advice of such
attorneys. You represent that the terms of this Agreement are
fully understood and knowingly and voluntarily accepted by
you.
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b.
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You
acknowledge that you received this Agreement on January 19, 2009, and that
you have at least twenty-one (21) days to consider its terms and decide
whether to sign it. By signing this Agreement, you will be representing
that you considered its terms for at least twenty-one (21) days or
knowingly and voluntarily waived your right to do
so.
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c.
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This
Agreement will become null and void and of no further force or effect if
the Company does not receive a fully executed copy from you after the
Separation Date but ON
OR BEFORE the close of business on the Expiration
Date.
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13.
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Separation from
Company Associations. You agree that, as of the
Separation Date, you will resign from any and all offices, directorships
and positions held with the Company as well as its parent, subsidiary, and
affiliated companies and divisions, including but not limited to Frozen
Food Express Industries, Inc., FFE Transportation Services, Inc., Xxxx
Motor Lines, Inc., American Eagle Lines, AirPro Holdings, Inc., and
W&B Refrigeration Service Company and relinquish all rights and duties
connected therewith. You further acknowledge that, following
the Separation Date, you shall hold no further positions with the Company
and/or its parent, subsidiary, and affiliated
companies.
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14.
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Miscellaneous.
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a.
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Assignment. This
Agreement shall not be assigned, pledged, or transferred in any way by you
without the Company’s prior written
consent.
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b.
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Modification. No
change, alteration, or modification of this Agreement may be made except
in writing signed by both parties
thereto.
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c.
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Entire
Agreement: The matters set forth in this Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between Consultant and the Company and
supersede all prior agreements, negotiations, and discussions between the
parties hereto and/or their respective counsel with respect to the subject
matter hereof. No other representations, covenants,
undertakings, or other prior or contemporaneous agreements, oral or
written, regarding the matters set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed
to exist or bind any of the parties hereto. Each party
understands and agrees that it has not relied on any statement or
representation by the other party or any of its representatives in
entering into this Agreement.
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d.
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Headings. The
headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall
not be considered as part of this Agreement nor limit or otherwise affect
the meaning hereof.
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e.
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Severability. Should
any provision of this Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by
any court of competent jurisdiction, a provision that most closely
resembles the parties’ intent, but which is legally enforceable, shall be
deemed to have been automatically substituted in the place and stead of
such illegal or unenforceable provision. If a legal provision
which would carry out the parties’ intent cannot, as a practical matter,
be substituted in the place of such unenforceable provision (other than
the general release language), then such provision shall immediately
become null and void, but leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full
force and effect. If, however, any portion of the general
release language were ruled or deemed to be unenforceable for any reason,
then you agree to promptly return to the Company all of the consideration
that has been paid to you under this
Agreement.
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f.
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Rights and Remedies
Cumulative. No failure or delay on the part of any party
hereto in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of or the exercise of
any other right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof
or the exercise of any other right. No right or remedy provided
for herein is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and
every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be
cumulative and in addition to every other right or remedy given hereunder
or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or
otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy
hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or
employment of any other appropriate right or
remedy.
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g.
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All
Commitments. The amounts and benefits payable to you
under or referenced in this Agreement and the Continuing Obligations
constitute all payments or benefits which the Company shall be obligated
to provide for you, and you agree that, except as provided or referenced
herein or with respect to the Continuing Obligations, neither you nor your
estate will have any rights under any bonus plan, incentive compensation
plan, health plan, or any other benefit or compensation plan
whatsoever. Any rights under any savings, benefit or pension
plan, if applicable, are subject to the terms and conditions of such
plans.
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15.
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Governing Law and
Venue. The terms and provisions of this letter agreement
and release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the STATE OF
TEXAS, exclusive of any conflict of law provisions, and venue for
all purposes of this letter agreement and release shall be in a court of
competent jurisdiction sitting in DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS or
the applicable federal district or appellate court having jurisdiction
over actions filed in such county and
state.
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16.
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BY
SIGNING BELOW, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, HAVE HAD
THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF YOUR CHOICE, UNDERSTAND IT,
AND ARE VOLUNTARILY ENTERING INTO IT. READ THIS AGREEMENT
CAREFULLY. IT CONTAINS A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN
CLAIMS.
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If the foregoing is acceptable to you,
please acknowledge your agreement by signing three copies of this letter and
returning two of them to me after the Separation Date but ON OR
BEFORE February 10, 2009. The remaining copy is for your
files.
Sincerely,
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/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx,
Xx.
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Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Xx.
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Chairman,
President,
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Chief
Executive Officer
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Frozen
Food Express Industries, Inc.
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ACCEPTED
AND AGREED:
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/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
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Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
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