ROBERT J. WAGNER’S EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.11
XXXXXX
X. XXXXXX’X EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This
agreement (the "Agreement") made and entered into this 20th day of December,
2006.
BETWEEN
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AND
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Company
Name: Blackhawk Investments Limited
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Employee’s
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
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Director’s
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
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Address:
00-00 Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx XX 0X 0 XX, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
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Address:
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
XxXxxxxx,
XX 00000
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Phone:
02078222222
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Phone:
000-000-0000
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Fax: 00000000000
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Fax:
000-000-0000
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Email:
xxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx
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Email:
xxxxxxxx00@xxx.xxx
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Web
Address:
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Web
Address:
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hereinafter
referred to as the “Company”)
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(hereinafter
referred to as the
“Executive”)
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(the
Company and the Executive hereinafter collectively referred to as the
“Parties”)
This
agreement establishes an understanding between the parties and as such both
parties agree to be bound by its Terms and Conditions. This agreement
shall not become binding upon the parties until it has been signed by an
authorized representative of the Parties and signed and accepted by authorized
officers.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS,
the parties have agreed to enter into a new Employment Agreement;
WHEREAS,
the Company desires to employ Executive upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS,
Executive desires to be employed by the Company upon the terms and subject
to
the conditions of this Agreement.
NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth
below, and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of
which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive hereby covenant and
agree as follows:
1.
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Definitions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall
have the
following meanings, and all other capitalized terms used in this
Agreement
but not defined in this paragraph 1 shall have the meanings assigned
elsewhere in this Agreement:
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"Base
Salary" means $125,000 American dollars.
"Cause"
means:
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a.
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Executive's
conviction of a felony;
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b.
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Executive's
intentional continuing refusal to perform his normal obligations
and
duties under this Agreement (except by reason of incapacity due
to illness
or accident) if he
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a.
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shall
have failed to remedy the alleged breach caused by such conduct
within 30
days from the date written notice is given by the Company demanding
that
he remedy the alleged breach caused by such conduct, or
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b.
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shall
have failed to take reasonable steps in good faith to that end
during such
30-day period, provided that after the end of such 30-day period
there
shall have been delivered to Executive a certified copy of a resolution
of
the Board of Directors of the Company, taken at a meeting of the
Board of
Directors at which Executive, together with his counsel, is given
the
opportunity to be heard, finding that Executive was guilty of intentional
continuing refusal to substantially perform his obligations and
duties
under this Agreement and specifying the details thereof, and that
Executive has failed to take reasonable steps in good faith to
remedy the
alleged breach caused by such conduct,
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c.
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Executive
engaged in willful fraud or defalcation, either of which involved
funds or
other assets of the Company; or
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d.
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Upon
Executive's breach of any material term of this Agreement (including,
but
not limited to, the non-compete and confidentiality provisions
in
paragraphs 7 and 8).
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"Change
in Control" means and shall be deemed to occur:
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(i)
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in
the event any "person" or more than one such person acting as a
group,
other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under
an
employee benefit plan of the Company, is or becomes the "beneficial
owner", directly or indirectly, of the securities of the Company,
in a
transaction or a series of transactions, representing thirty percent
(30%)
or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding
securities ordinarily having the right to vote for the election
of
directors of the Company;
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(ii)
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during
any period of two consecutive years during the Employment Period,
individuals who at the beginning of the Employment Period constitute
the
Board of Directors of the Company cease for any reason to constitute
at
least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination
for
election by the Company's stockholders, of each director who was
not a
director at the beginning of the Employment Period has been approved
in
advance by directors representing at least two-thirds of the directors
then in office who were (A) directors at the beginning of the Employment
Period, or (B) previously approved in accordance with this subparagraph
(ii);
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(iii)
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the
Company sells or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all
of its
assets; and
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(iv)
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the
Company participates in a merger or consolidation and, immediately
following the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the
Company's
stockholders prior to such merger or consolidation do not own 50%
or more
of the voting shares of stock of the surviving or successor corporation.
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"Code"
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor
thereto.
"Compensation
Committee" means the applicable compensation committee of the Board of Directors
of the Company.
"Disabled"
or "Disability" means a determination, made at the request of Executive or
upon
the reasonable request of the Company set forth in a notice to Executive,
by a
physician selected by the Company and Executive, that Executive is unable
to
perform his duties as specified in this Agreement and in all reasonable medical
likelihood such inability will continue for a period in excess of 180 days,
or
for shorter periods aggregating to more than 180 days in any consecutive
nine-month period.
"Effective
Date" shall be January 1, 2007
"Employment
Period" means the term of Executive's employment pursuant to the provisions
of
this Agreement.
"Good
Reason" means:
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(i)
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a
Change in Control of the Company;
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(ii)
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a
decrease in the total amount of Executive's Salary below the amount
in
effect on the date hereof;
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(iii)
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a
reduction in Executive's title, a material reduction in his authority,
duties or job responsibilities, a material adverse change in his
working
conditions (including the relocation of Executive's office more
than 60
minutes of commuting time from the Company's present executive
offices),
without Executive's consent, as determined by Executive in his
reasonable
judgment;
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(iv)
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a
failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of
this
Agreement if the Company shall have failed to remedy the alleged
breach
within 30 days from the date written notice of such noncompliance
is given
by Executive to the Company; or
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(v)
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any
purported termination of Executive's employment which is not effected
pursuant to a proper Notice of Termination (and for purposes of
this
Agreement no such purported termination shall be effective).
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"Notice
of Termination" means a written notice of either the Company or Executive,
as
applicable, setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances
claimed to provide a basis for termination.
"Termination
Date" means the effective date of employment termination.
TERMS
OF
EMPLOYMENT:
2.
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Term
of Employment. The
Company shall employ Executive, and Executive shall be employed
by the
Company and shall provide services to the Company upon the terms
and
conditions hereinafter set forth. The initial term of Executive's
employment with the Company shall continue, unless earlier terminated
pursuant to Section 5 hereof, through December 31, 2009 (the "Employment
Period"); provided, however, that after expiration of the initial
term,
the Employment Period shall automatically be renewed each January
1 for
successive one-year terms unless the Company or Executive delivers
written
notice to the other party at least sixty (60) days preceding the
expiration of the initial term or any one-year extension date of
the
intention not to extend the term of this Agreement.
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3.
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Performance
of Duties.
Executive shall have the title of Vice-President of the Company,
and he
shall possess such powers and perform such duties as are normally
incident
to such position, and also as provided in the By-laws of the Company
and
in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware
During this period, Executive agrees that he shall perform his
duties
faithfully and efficiently subject to the direction of the Board
of
Directors of the Company, and the Company agrees that Executive
shall be
required to report to the President.
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Executive
agrees that during the Employment Period he shall devote substantially his
full
business time to business affairs of the Company. Executive may serve in
any
capacity with any civic, educational and charitable organization provided,
in
each case, such activities do not materially interfere with the performance
of
his duties hereunder, and such service is consistent with all Company policies
and procedures regarding such service. Executive shall be entitled to retain
all
compensation (whether in the form of cash, equity securities or perquisites)
paid or delivered to Executive in connection with such civic, educational
or
charitable activities. Executive agrees that Executive shall not, without
the
prior consent of the Board of Directors of the Company (which consent shall
not
be unreasonably withheld), agree to serve on any boards of directors other
than
the boards of directors upon which Executive presently serves.
4.
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Compensation.
For
services rendered by Executive, and upon the condition that Executive
fully and faithfully perform all of his duties and obligations
set forth
herein, Executive shall be compensated for his services as follows:
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Salary.
Executive shall
receive an annual salary, payable in monthly or more frequent installments,
in
accordance with the usual payroll practice of the Company, in an amount equal
to
$125,000 ( Salary"), plus $50,000 a year in deferred salary until the company
can sustain said wages, less income tax withholdings and other normal employee
deductions. The Salary shall be reviewed annually as of the end of each fiscal
year commencing January 1, 2007 by the Compensation Committee, and may, at
the
sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, be increased by an amount
that it
deems appropriate. If the Salary is increased by the Compensation Committee,
it
shall not be decreased thereafter during the Employment Period. Any increase
in
salary compensation shall cause a corresponding increase in the "deferred
salary" by the same percentage.
Notwithstanding
the above provisions, salary shall increase a minimum of 20% above the previous
year during the term of this employment agreement.
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a.
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Bonus.
Executive shall
receive a yearly bonus payment in accordance with the Executive
Bonus
program which shall be established by the company Compensation
committee.
The company's Executive Bonus program will be consistent
with industry standard and practice within the technology field.
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b.
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Working
Hours. The
standard working week of Company is 40 hours, based on 8 hours
per day,
Monday to Friday. It is understood, however, that hours may vary
in order
to comply with Company's commitment to the highest standard of
professional performance. Executive’s salary represents payment for all
those hours so worked. The
above example serves as a guideline only. Executive shall not be
in
default under this agreement if he fails to maintain a minimum
effort of 40 hours per week or 8 hours per
working day toward the company’s goals, it being understood by
the company that Executive is being compensated as an Executive
first and
foremost and is not being compensated as an hourly employee and is
not an hourly employee
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c.
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Management
Stock Option
Plan. Should the Company establish a stock option plan or plans
with respect to which executives of the Company participate and
which
exempts other employees of the Company generally, Executive shall
be
entitled to participate in such plans in the same manner as other
executives of the Company.
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d.
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Automobile.
The
Company shall
provide the Executive with a company vehicle for his
use. Executive may choose his own vehicle not to exceed $45,000
US Dollars Before Sales Tax, Title, and registration expenses.
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e.
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Insurance
for the Vehicle with a Minimum of 500k / 500k insurance limits
and
Maintenance shall be included
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f.
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Benefits.
During his
employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to participate,
to the extent he meets all eligibility requirements of general
application, in any and all employee benefit plans, programs and
arrangements which are now or hereafter adopted by the Company
to provide
benefits for its employees, including, but not limited to, medical
and
hospitalization, group term life insurance, disability, and retirement
plans. Additionally, Executive shall receive such other benefits
as
Company may make generally available to its executive officers.
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g.
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.Vacation.
Executive
shall be entitled to a minimum of four (4) weeks of paid
vacation, during each calendar year and to paid holidays and
other paid leave set forth in the Company's policies in effect
from time
to time, to be taken at times agreeable to both the Executive and
the
Company. Any vacation not used during a calendar year may not
be used during any subsequent period. Vacation time shall be prorated
for
any partial calendar year of employment. Unused vacation will be
paid on a
prorated basis based on annual compensation.
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h.
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Holidays.
Executive is
entitled to take national holidays stipulated and in force in the
National
Holidays Law and other holidays as designated by the Company without
deduction from Base Salary. Executive may on exception be required
to work
on a national or other holiday. Reasonable notice of this requirement
will
be given.
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i.
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Family
&
Sick
Leave. Executive shall accrue paid family and sick leave
at a rate of one-half day
(1/2) per
month of employment.
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j.
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Travel
and Expenses. The
Company shall reimburse Executive for the reasonable and necessary
business expenses incurred by him in connection with the performance
of
his duties and obligations as set forth herein consistent with
any
existent Company policy with respect to same. Reimbursement shall
be made
upon the presentation by Executive to the Company of reasonably
detailed
statements of such expenses.
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k.
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Moving
Expenses. The
Company will cover reasonable expenses for moving if required,
including
packing and moving of household goods, up to three month temporary
housing, up to three house hunting trips for the family, and weekly
travel
for you to and if required, until your family is relocated. In
addition
the Company will gross up year end W-2 income to cover non-deductible
relocation expenses.
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l.
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Educational
Costs.
During the term of employment of Executive hereunder, the Company
will pay
all license fees, occupation taxes and reasonable educational costs
and
expenses necessary to maintain Executive's good standing under
any
professional licenses required in connection with Executive's employment
by the Company.
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m.
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Life
Insurance. During
the term of this Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable
efforts
to provide to Executive (i) life insurance payable to Executive's
designated beneficiary or beneficiaries in an amount at least
ten times
Executive's Annual Base Salary and (ii) disability insurance
on behalf of
Executive which, as a goal, shall provide for salary continuation
in the
event of permanent disability in an amount equal to the lesser
of (i) 75%
of Executive's Annual Base Salary, or (ii) $10,000 per month
which ever is
greater.
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n.
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Office
and support
staff. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be
entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings
and other
appointments, and to personal secretarial and other assistance,
at least
equal to the most favorable of the foregoing provided to the Executive
by
the Company at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding
the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided
generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives
of
the Company.
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o.
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Communications.
The
company shall reimburse executive via expense report for high speed
internet at the executives home for the term of this agreement
for rapid
communications. Additionally the company will reimburse the executive
for
his wireless phone use via expense report.
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p.
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Commissions.
Executive
shall
receive a commission payment on gross sales in accordance with
the
commission program which shall be established by the company’s
Compensation committee. The company's commission program will be
consistent with industry standard and practice within the technology
field.
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Payment
of the Salary shall not in any way limit or reduce any other obligation of
the
Company pursuant to this Agreement, and no other compensation, benefit, or
payment hereunder shall in any way limit or reduce the obligation of the
Company
to pay Executive's Base Salary, except that, for the period commencing on
the
date Executive becomes Disabled and ending on the Termination Date, the Base
Salary shall be reduced by any amounts that are payable to Executive prior
to or
during such period under any disability benefit plan of the Company in which
Executive participates.
5.
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Termination.
Executive's
employment hereunder shall terminate at the end of the Employment
Period.
In addition, the Employment Period may be terminated at any time
as
provided herein. After Notice of Termination has been delivered,
and prior
to the Termination Date, Executive shall make reasonable efforts
to
cooperate with Company in achieving a transition of Executive's
duties and
responsibilities.
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a.
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Cause.
The Employment
Period may be terminated at the option of the Company for Cause
effective
upon the date stated in the Notice of Termination to Executive.
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b.
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Death.
The Employment
Period will terminate automatically effective upon Executive's
death.
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c.
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Disability.
In the event
Executive becomes Disabled (as such term is hereinafter defined)
during
the Employment Period, and the Company is unable to make a reasonable
accommodation which would enable Executive to continue to perform
the
essential functions of his employment position with the Company,
the
Employment Period may be terminated at the option of Executive
or the
Company effective 30 days after a Notice of Termination is given
(provided
that Executive shall not have returned to the performance of his
duties on
a full-time basis during such 30-day period). Unless otherwise
agreed by
Executive and the Board of Directors, the determination by the
physician
selected by Company and Executive that Executive is disabled shall
be
binding upon the Company and Executive.
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d.
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Voluntary
Resignation.
Executive may resign his employment at any time with or without
Good
Reason, effective upon Notice of Termination (which shall state
whether
such resignation is with Good Reason) given by Executive to the
Company.
Company will pay executive twenty-four months total compensation
in a lump
sum distribution on or before the fifteenth day following the Date
of
Termination. Benefits as stated in section 4 “a” through “p” shall
continue for 24 months.
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e.
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Termination
without Cause by
the Company. The Company may terminate Executive's employment at
any time, effective upon Notice of Termination (which shall state
that
such termination is without Cause) given by the Company to Executive.
Company will pay executive thirty six months or remainder of employment
contract which ever is greater, the total compensation in a lump
sum
distribution on or before the fifteenth day following the Date
of
Termination.. Other benefits as stated in section 4 “a” through “p” will
continue for a period of 36 months or remainder of contract which
ever is
greater.
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f.
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If,
within 30 days after any Notice of Termination for Cause is given
by the
Company, Executive notifies the Company that a dispute exists concerning
the termination, then the Termination Date shall be the date (the
"Final
Determination") as determined either by mutual written agreement
of the
parties, by a binding and final arbitration award or by a final
judgment,
order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction (the time
for appeal
there from having expired and no appeal having been perfected).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be prohibited
from
removing Executive from his position with the Company pending the
Final
Determination provided that such removal is without prejudice to
Executive's rights to receive all benefits from the Company to
which he
may be entitled upon the Final Determination.
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6.
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Separation
Benefits.
Executive shall be entitled to receive separation benefits upon
such
events and in such amounts as are set forth in this Section 6.
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a.
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Termination.
In the
event that Executive's employment with the Company is terminated
at any
time for any reason during the Employment Period by the Company
then
Executive (or if he shall have died after termination but prior
to
payment, his surviving spouse, or if he leaves no spouse, his personal
representative, as successor in interest) shall be paid by the
Company an
amount equal to the product of Executive's Annual Salary in effect
as of
the Date of Termination, multiplied by a factor of three, payable
in cash
in a lump sum on or before the fifteenth day following the Date
of
Termination.
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b.
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Termination
Upon Death.
If the Employment Period is terminated by Executive's death, the
Company
shall pay Executive's surviving spouse, or if he leaves no spouse,
his
personal representative, as successor in interest, (i) an amount
equal to
the then current Salary (paid in one lump sum payment on or before
the
fifteenth day following the date of Executive's death), and (ii)
any death
benefit payable under any employee benefit plans, programs and
arrangements of the Company in which Executive is a participant
on the
date of his death.
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c.
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Termination
Upon
Disability. If the Employment Period is terminated in accordance
with the terms of paragraph 5(c) because of Executive's Disability,
the
Company shall pay to Executive (or in the event of Executive's
death after
finding of Disability, his surviving spouse, or if he leaves no
spouse,
his personal representative, as successor in interest) all compensation
and benefits specified under paragraph 4 herein, for a period of
one year
from the Date of Termination, payable in the same manner as if
the
Employment Period had not been terminated.
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d.
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Additional
Separation
Benefit. Benefits as stated in section 4 “a” through “p” will
continue for a period of 36 months or remainder of contract which
ever is
greater following (i) the full completion of the Employment Period
or (ii)
following the Date of Termination of the Employment Period for
any reason
by the Company, the Company shall permit, at the Company's expense,
Executive, his spouse and dependents, as applicable (the "Benefit
Participants"), to participate in all group medical health insurance
plans
and employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements now or hereafter
made available to the senior executive employees of the Company
(the
"Plans") (including but not limited to such Plans in which Executive
was
entitled to participate immediately prior to the Date of Termination),
in
the same manner provided to its other senior executive employees;
provided, however, that this paragraph 6(d) shall not apply in
the event
that (i) the Company shall hereafter terminate the applicable Plan,
or
(ii) the participation of the Benefit Participants in such Plan
is
prohibited by law or, if applicable, would disqualify
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such
Plan
as a tax qualified plan pursuant to the Code, or (iii) the participation
of the
Benefit Participants violates the general terms and provisions of such
applicable Plan. In the event that any of the Benefit Participants'
participation in such Plans is prohibited by law or, if applicable, would
disqualify the Plan as a tax qualified plan, or the participation of the
Benefit
Participants violates the general terms and provisions of such applicable
Plan,
the Company shall permit the Benefit Participants to acquire substantially
comparable coverage or benefits, at the Company's expense, from a source
of
Executive's or his spouse's choosing, provided however, that if provision
of
such coverage or benefit would result in a cost of excess of 130% of the
cost to
the Company if provided under a Company Plan, the Company may satisfy its
obligations under this paragraph 6(d) by contributing to the Benefit
Participants 130% of the cost to the Company under the Company Plans.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the Benefit Participants
receive
from the Company the coverage and benefits contemplated by this paragraph
6(d)
if the Benefit Participants receive such coverage and benefits from any other
source.
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e.
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Tax
Withholding. All
payments of salary and other compensation to Executive pursuant
to this
Agreement shall be made after deduction of any taxes required to
be
withheld with respect thereto under applicable federal, state and
local
laws. In the case of Options and Restricted Stock, Executive may
pay such
withholding tax obligations pursuant to any method permitted under
the
terms of Company's Stock Plan.
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f.
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Excise
Tax Gross-Up. If
any payment to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or any other
payment
or benefit from the Company, any Affiliate, any shareholder of
the Company
or any other person is determined to be subject to the excise tax
imposed
by Section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax payable under any
United
States federal, state, local or other law (the "Excise Tax"), then
Executive shall receive a Tax Gross-Up Payment with respect to
all such
excise taxes and similar taxes. The "Tax Gross-Up Payment" shall
mean an
amount payable to the Executive such that, after payment of all
federal,
state and local taxes on such Tax Gross-Up Payment, there remains
a
balance sufficient to pay the Excise Tax being reimbursed. The
Company's
outside auditor (the "Auditor") shall determine whether any payment
under
this Agreement is subject to an Excise Tax and, if so, the amount
and
timing of the Tax Gross-Up Payment.
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7.
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Non-competition.
During
the Employment Period and continuing until the six month termination
anniversary thereof, Executive shall not, without the prior written
authorization of the Board of Directors of the Company, (i) directly
or
indirectly render services of a business, professional or commercial
nature (whether for compensation or otherwise) to any person or
entity
competitive or adverse to the Company's business welfare, (ii)
engage in
any activity, whether alone, as a partner, or as an officer, director,
employee, consultant, independent contractor, or stockholder in
any other
corporation, person, or entity which is competitive with or adverse
to the
Company's business welfare, (iii) hire or solicit for hire any
of the
Company's employees, prospective employees or consultants (iv)
solicit the
business of any client of the Company, or any prospective client
of the
Company that had been serviced or solicited by the Company during
the six
(6) months preceding Executive's termination, or (v) enter into
any
agreements with any supplier of the Company regarding the sale
or
distribution of products of the supplier.
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In
the
event that Executive's employment with the Company is terminated by Executive
or
the Company at any time, for any reason whatsoever, the Company shall have
the
right to inform any of Executive's future employers or prospective employers
of
the existence of this Section 7 of the Agreement. This Section 7 shall not,
however, prevent Executive from investing in securities issued by any such
competitive or adverse corporation provided the holdings thereof by Executive
do
not constitute more than five percent of any one class of such
securities.
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8.
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Confidentiality.
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a.
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Disclosure
and Use.
Executive shall not disclose or use, or authorize anyone else to
disclose
or use, at any time, during the Employment Period, any trade secrets
or
other confidential information of the Company of which Executive
is or
becomes informed or aware of prior to or during the Employment
Period,
except (i) as may be required for Executive to perform his duties
and
obligations under this Agreement, (ii) to the extent such information
has
been disclosed to Executive by a third party who is not affiliated
with
the Company or which otherwise becomes generally available to the
public,
(iii) information which must be disclosed as a result of a subpoena
or
other legal process, provided that the Company is given reasonable
notice
and an opportunity to obtain a protective order, or (iv) unless
Executive
shall first secure the Company's prior written authorization. This
paragraph shall survive the termination of this Employment Period,
whether
by lapse of time or otherwise, and shall remain in effect and be
enforceable against Executive for six months or if Company trade
secrets
or confidential information becomes public prior to the time limit.
Executive shall execute additional agreements and confirmations
of his
obligations to the Company concerning such non-disclosure of Company
trade
secrets and other confidential information as the Company may require
from
time to time, provided that the execution of such additional agreements
and confirmations are (i) reasonable and (ii) are required of all
other
senior executive employees of the Company under similar circumstances.
|
|
b.
|
Return
of Materials.
Upon termination of his employment for any reason, Executive (or
in the
event of termination due to Executive's death, his surviving spouse
or
personal representative, as applicable) shall promptly deliver
to the
Company all materials of a secret or confidential nature relating
to the
Company's business, which are in the possession or under the control
of
Executive. All records, designs, patents, business plans, financial
statements, manuals, memoranda, customer lists, customer database,
rolodex
and other property delivered to or compiled by the Executive by
or on
behalf of the Company (including the respective subsidiaries thereof)
or
its representatives, vendors or customers which pertain to the
business of
the Company (including the respective subsidiaries thereof) shall
be and
remain the property of the Company, and be subject at all times
to its
discretion and control. Upon the request of the Company and, in
any event,
upon the termination of the Executive's employment with the Company,
the
Executive shall deliver all such materials to the Company. Likewise,
all
correspondence, reports, records, charts, advertising materials
and other
similar data pertaining to the business, activities or future plans
of the
Company which are collected by the Executive shall be delivered
promptly
to the Company without request by it upon termination of the Executive's
employment.
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Page
10
of 14
9.
|
Inventions.
Executive
hereby assigns to the Company all of his rights, title, and interest
in
and to all inventions, discoveries, processes, designs, and other
intellectual property, including but not limited to trade secrets,
copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade names (collectively hereinafter
referred to as "Inventions"), and all improvements on existing
Inventions
made or discovered by Executive during the term of his employment
by the
Company. Promptly upon the development or making of any such Invention
or
improvement thereon, Executive shall disclose the same to the Company
and
shall execute and deliver to it such reasonable documents as it
may
request to confirm the assignment of Executive's rights therein
and, if
requested, shall assist the Company in applying for copyright,
patent or
trademark protection and prosecuting any patents which may be available
in
respect thereof. The Company acknowledges and hereby notifies Executive
that this paragraph 9 does not apply to an Invention for which
no
equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of the
Company
was used and which was developed entirely on Executive's own time,
unless
(a) the Invention relates to (i) the business of the Company, or
(ii) the
Company's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development,
or
(b) the Invention results from any work performed by Executive
for the
Company.
|
10.
|
Remedies.
If, at any
time, Executive violates to any material extent any of the covenants
or
agreements set forth in paragraphs 7, 8 or 9, the Company shall
have the
right to terminate all of its obligations to make further payments
under
this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the Company would
be
irreparably injured by a violation of paragraphs 7, 8 or 9, that
damages
for such a breach are not easily calculated, and that any remedy
at law
would be inadequate. Therefore, Executive agrees that the Company
shall be
entitled to an injunction restraining Executive from any actual
or
threatened breach of paragraphs 7, 8 or 9 or to any other appropriate
equitable remedy without any bond or other security being required.
|
It
is
expressly understood between the parties that this injunctive or equitable
relief shall not be Employer's exclusive remedy for breach of this Agreement.
Without limitation, in the event of any breach by Executive of paragraphs
7, 8
or 9 of this Agreement, such Executive shall not be entitled to receive any
salary payments or any other compensation beyond the date of such breach
to
which he would otherwise be entitled, and Executive shall be obligated to
repay
to Employer salary payments received by him at any time after the occurrence
of
such breach.
11.
|
Resolution
of Disputes.
|
|
a.
|
In
the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out
of, or
relating to, this Agreement (other than a controversy arising out
of or
relating to paragraphs 7, 8 or 9 hereof), which cannot be settled
amicably
by the parties, such controversy shall be finally settled by arbitration
conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration
Association Commercial Arbitration Rules and the Supplementary
Procedures
for Large, Complex Disputes, by an independent arbitrator. Either
the
Company or Executive may institute such arbitration proceeding
by giving
written notice to the other party. A hearing shall be held by the
arbitrator in the City of Chicago, Illinois, and a decision of
the matter
submitted to the arbitrator shall be rendered promptly in accordance
with
the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The prevailing
party
shall be entitled to all costs and expenses with respect to such
arbitration, including reasonable attorneys' fees. The decision
of the
arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto.
Judgment
upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof.
|
|
b.
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company
may seek
in a court of competent jurisdiction an injunction prohibiting
Executive's
breach or alleged breach of paragraphs 7, 8 and 9.
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Page
11
of 14
12.
|
Legal
Fees. Should any
litigation or arbitration be commenced concerning any provision
of this
Agreement or Executive's employment or termination of employment,
the
prevailing party shall be entitled, in addition to such other relief
as
may be granted, to its attorneys' fees and costs incurred by reason
of
such litigation or arbitration.
|
13.
|
Executive's
Representations and
Warranties. Executive hereby represents, warrants, and covenants
that:
|
|
a.
|
Executive
has no actual or potential conflict of interest performing Executive's
obligations and duties hereunder, will avoid any such conflict
during the
Employment Period and will immediately report any such conflict
to the
Company;
|
|
b.
|
the
execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Executive
will
not violate any law, order, regulation, agreement, contract, promise
or
duty by which Executive is bound;
|
|
c.
|
this
Agreement is duly executed and is valid and binding on Executive
in
accordance with its terms.
|
14.
|
Proof
of right to work.
For purposes of federal immigration law, you may be required to
provide
the company documentary evidence of your identity and eligibility
for
employment in the United States. Such documentation must be provided
to us
within three (3) business days of your date of hire, or our employment
relationship with you may be terminated.
|
15.
|
Indemnification
and
Insurance. The Company shall indemnify Executive with
respect to matters relating to Executive's services as an officer
and/or
director of the Company or any of its Affiliates, occurring during
the
course and scope of Executive's employment with the Company, to
the extent
and pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Company's By-laws,
and in
accordance with the terms and procedures of any other indemnification
which is generally applicable to executive officers of the Company
and
that may be provided by the Company from time to time. The
foregoing indemnity is contractual and will survive any adverse
amendment
to or repeal of the By-laws. The Company will also cover
Executive under a policy of officers' and directors' liability
insurance
providing coverage that is comparable to that provided now or hereafter
to
any other executive officer or director of the Company. The
provisions of this Section 14 will survive the termination of this
Agreement for any reason.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
16.
|
Amendment
and Termination.
This Agreement may not be amended or cancelled except by
written
instrument signed by both parties and approved by the Board of
Directors
or a committee thereof.
|
17.
|
Modification
and Waiver of
Breach. No waiver or modification of this Agreement shall be
binding unless it is in writing, signed by the parties hereto.
The waiver
by Company or Executive of any term or breach of this Agreement
shall not
prevent a subsequent enforcement of such term or any other term
and shall
not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach.
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Page
12
of 14
18.
|
Notice.
Any notice
required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be
in writing
and shall be deemed given or delivered and received (i) when delivered
personally (which shall be deemed to include delivery via express
courier
such as Federal Express), or (ii) three days after having been
sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or (iii)
upon
receipt when sent by facsimile, telegram or telex followed by a
confirmation letter sent by registered or certified mail, return
receipt
requested, addressed as follows:
|
If
to the Company:
|
If
to Executive:
|
Blackhawk
Investments LTD.
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
c/o
GSC Solicitors
|
0000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
31-32
Xxx Place
|
LaGrange,
IL 60525
|
Xxxxxx
XX0X 0XX
|
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Fax:
00000000000
|
|
Attention:
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Either
the Company or Executive may, at any time, by notice to the other, designate
another address for service of notice on such party.
19.
|
Non-assignment.
The
interests of Executive under this Agreement are not subject to
the claims
of his creditors and may not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned,
alienated or encumbered. Company may assign its rights, duties
or
obligations under this Agreement to any person with whom it has
merged or
consolidated, or to whom it has transferred all, or substantially
all, of
its assets.
|
20.
|
Severability.
If any
provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, either
in
its entirety or by virtue of its scope or application to given
circumstances, such provision shall thereupon be deemed (i) modified
only
to the extent necessary to render such provision valid, or (ii)
not
applicable to given circumstances, or (iii) excised from this Agreement,
as the situation may require, and this Agreement shall be construed
and
enforced as if such provision had been included herein as so modified
in
scope or application, or had not been included herein, as the case
may be.
Should this Agreement, or any one of more of the provisions hereof,
be
held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable within any governmental
jurisdiction or subdivision thereof, the Agreement or any such
provision
or provisions shall not as a consequence thereof be deemed to be
invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any other governmental jurisdiction
or
subdivision thereof.
|
21.
|
Successors.
This
Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the
parties
and their permitted successors and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement,
express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to confer
upon any
person, other than the parties and their respective successors
and assigns
permitted by this Agreement, any right, remedy or claim under,
or by
reason of, this Agreement.
|
22.
|
Entire
Agreement. This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Company and
Executive
with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes
any
prior agreement made between the parties.
|
Page
13
of 14
23.
|
Counterparts.
The
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, any one
of which
shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall
constitute a single instrument.
|
24.
|
Governing
Law. This
Agreement, and all matters or disputes relating to the validity,
construction, performance or enforcement hereof, shall be governed,
construed and controlled by and under the laws of the State of
Illinois
without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
|
25.
|
Cumulative
Rights. All rights and remedies hereunder are cumulative
and are in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by
law,
agreement or otherwise. Executive's obligations to the Company
and the Company's rights and remedies hereunder are in addition
to all
other obligations of Executive and rights and remedies of the Company
created pursuant to any other agreement.
|
26.
|
Headings.
The paragraph
headings contained herein are for convenience of reference only
and are
not to be used in the construction or interpretation hereof.
|
23.
|
Effective
Date. This
Agreement shall be effective on the Effective
Date.
|
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Executive
acknowledges that he has read, understood and accepts the provisions of this
agreement. He also acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to and has
reviewed the terms and conditions of this agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of
the
date written above.
BLACKHAWK
INVESTMENTS
LIMITED
|
Executive
|
By: Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
By:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
____________________
|
___________________________
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
Title:
Director
|
Page
14 of
14