LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (“Agreement”)
(“Agreement”)
This
document dated October27th, 2009, is an agreement between CRESTMARK BANK, a Michigan
banking corporation (“Crestmark”), and GENERAL EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES, INC.,
an Illinois corporation (“GEE”), and TRIAD PERSONNEL SERVICES,
INC., an Illinois corporation (“TPS”) (GEE and TPS are sometimes
individually and collectively referred to herein as “Borrower”). In this
Agreement, Crestmark and the Borrower are collectively the “Parties”. Any person
who guaranties the obligations of Borrower (each a “Guarantor” and/or “Validity
Guarantor”) is required to sign this Agreement. The Parties have the addresses
shown on the Schedule which is attached to this Agreement. These are the
addresses of the Parties for all purposes and may be changed by one party giving
notice to the other party in writing of the new address.
1.
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PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Agreement is to set out the terms for the loan from
Crestmark to the Borrower detailed in the Schedule (“Loan”). The Schedule
is part of this Agreement. The note to be signed by the Borrower, any
guaranty(s), and any other documents now or hereafter signed by any of the
Parties in connection with this Agreement, the Loan or any document issued
by Crestmark or the bank holding the lockbox (“Lockbox Bank”) are also all
part of this Agreement. All of the documents together are referred to
collectively as the “Loan
Documents”.
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2.
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DISCRETION.
Whether Crestmark makes an advance to or for Borrower’s benefit under the
Loan Documents is in Crestmark’s sole discretion. Any disbursement of
money or advance of credit by Crestmark, including but not limited to
amounts advanced for the payment of interest, fees, expenses and amounts
necessary to protect, maintain and preserve Crestmark’s Collateral under
the Loan Documents (“Protective Disbursements”), is referred to
collectively as an “Advance”. If an Advance is made, it will be made in
accordance with the Advance Formula described in this Agreement and
detailed in the Schedule. Crestmark may choose to make Protective
Disbursement in excess of the Maximum Amount or Advance Formula (each as
hereafter defined) in its sole discretion. Each time Crestmark makes an
“Advance”, including a “Protective Disbursement”, the Advance will be
debited against an account in the Borrower’s name on Crestmark’s books
(“Loan Account”), and each payment will be credited against the Loan
Account in the manner described in this
Agreement.
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3.
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BORROWER’S
OBLIGATIONS; LOAN.
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A.
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The
Borrower must repay all Advances with respect to the Loan with interest,
which is due monthly as specified in the note, along with all other fees
and expenses of Crestmark set forth herein or in the Schedule. The
Borrower must also comply with its representations, promises, covenants
and reporting requirements set forth in this Agreement, in the Schedule
and in the other Loan Documents. Borrower’s failure to do any of the
foregoing is known as a default
(“Default”).
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B.
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The
total amount Borrower owes to Crestmark will be the aggregate of the
Advances made by Crestmark, including Protective Disbursements, the
expenses and fees shown on the Schedule, any and all costs incurred by
Crestmark (including its actual attorney’s fees), and interest at the rate
shown in the note on all amounts Advanced. All of these amounts together
are referred to as the
“Indebtedness”.
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C.
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Borrower
understands that the entire Indebtedness is repayable on the demand of
Crestmark.
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D.
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The
interest rate may be changed to the Extra Rate described in the note in
Crestmark’s discretion if the Borrower is in Default or if the Borrower
fails to pay the Indebtedness on
demand.
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E.
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The
total Indebtedness will not, at any time, exceed the maximum amount set
forth on the Schedule (“Maximum Amount”), and the Borrower understands
that if at any time it should owe more to Crestmark than the Maximum
Amount it must repay that amount immediately, whether or not demand to
repay the whole of the Indebtedness has been made. Further, Protective
Disbursements must be immediately repaid whether or not the Maximum Amount
has been exceeded.
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F.
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Advances
with respect to the Loan may be measured against a percentage of Eligible
Accounts, Eligible Inventory and/or a Borrowing Base typically based on a
value attributed to equipment or real estate (“Advance Formula”) depending
on the agreement of the Parties as reflected in the Schedule. The
percentage and the definition of which accounts or inventory are
“Eligible” are found in the Schedule. If applicable, the Borrowing Base
will also be stated in the Schedule. The Indebtedness may not exceed the
lesser of the Maximum Amount or the Advance Formula. In the event the
Borrower’s Indebtedness exceeds availability (an “Over Advance”),
Crestmark may, in its sole discretion, charge an Over Advance Fee as
reflected in the Schedule. There may be availability for an Advance
(“Availability”) as long as the then outstanding Indebtedness is less than
the lower of the Maximum Amount or the Advance Formula. GEE is required to
provide detailed invoice information in form and substance acceptable to
Crestmark prior to funding. TPS will initially be on a borrowing base
certificate. In the event that as to TPS, cash on hand in less than three
(3) months average losses (calculated on a monthly basis), then TPS will
also convert to the full detail basis, similar to
GEE.
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4.
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SECURITY
INTEREST.
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A.
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Before
Crestmark makes any Advance to the Borrower, the Borrower must give
Crestmark security for repayment of the Indebtedness. This security is
known as a “Security Interest”. Borrower, by signing this Agreement,
grants to Crestmark a Security Interest in all of its accounts, goods,
inventory, equipment, chattel paper, instruments, investment property,
specifically identified commercial tort claims, documents, deposit
accounts, letter of credit rights, general intangibles and supporting
obligations for any of the foregoing (the “Collateral”), to secure
repayment of the Indebtedness. The Collateral also includes all monies on
deposit with Crestmark, or on deposit in the Lockbox Account which is
described later. If any of the foregoing is at any time disposed of or
sold, Crestmark also has a Security Interest in all of the proceeds of any
of the foregoing.
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B.
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Crestmark
has the right to perfect its Security Interest by filing what is known as
a financing statement or by taking possession of certain Collateral. In
connection with the Security Interest, Borrower gives Crestmark all of the
rights of a secured creditor under the Uniform Commercial Code (the
“UCC”). All expenses of Crestmark relating to the Security Interest are
part of the Indebtedness. Borrower hereby authorizes Crestmark to file UCC
financing statements as it deems necessary to perfect its security
interest in the Collateral.
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C.
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In
connection with the Security Interest, Borrower must notify all persons
who owe it on account (“Account Debtor”) of the Crestmark Security
Interest on a form approved by Crestmark and all Account Debtors must be
instructed to make all payments on the account, whether by credit cards,
check or electronic transfer, to the Lockbox Account, or as instructed by
Crestmark in its sole discretion.
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D.
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The
Security Interest gives Crestmark rights with respect to the Collateral
and the Security Interest and this Agreement imposes duties upon the
Borrower which relate to the Collateral. Some of the rights and duties
are: (i) the right of Crestmark at any time to notify any persons who may
hold any part of the Collateral, such as Account Debtors, of Crestmark’s
Security Interest. Borrower should understand that Crestmark will verify
accounts with the Account Debtors; (ii) the Borrower must cooperate with
Crestmark in obtaining control of any Collateral in the possession of
third persons, particularly Collateral consisting of deposit accounts,
investment property, letter of credit rights or other collateral which is
evidenced by electronic entries; (iii) except for the right of Borrower to
sell its inventory in the ordinary course of business, the Borrower agrees
not to sell or transfer any of its Collateral or grant any other Security
Interest in the Collateral, except as Crestmark may specifically agree to
in writing. Borrower remains liable to perform all of its obligations with
respect to the Collateral such as the recognition of any warranties in
inventory sold and Crestmark is under no responsibility to perform any of
the obligations of the Borrower; and (iv) Borrower must notify Crestmark
immediately if it knows that any Account Debtor disputes an
account.
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5.
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LOAN
ADVANCES.
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A.
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Advances
with respect to the Loan are always discretionary with Crestmark. In
connection with any request for an Advance, if the request is based upon
specific Eligible Accounts, the Borrower must also furnish to Crestmark at
the same time invoices, credit memos, purchase orders, evidence of
delivery, proof of shipment, timesheets or any other documents Crestmark
requests, in its sole discretion, with respect to the accounts that
Borrower is tendering to Crestmark to support the Advance (“Account
Documents”). At the request of Crestmark Borrower will provide a Borrowing
Certificate in form approved by Crestmark before the Advance is made.
Crestmark will endeavor to provide the requested funds by 4:00 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time on the date that it receives the request so long as
the complete package of information for the request has been received by
10:30 a.m. All requests for funding will be subject to Crestmark’s then
standard fees for electronic funds transfer, wire transfers and check
services.
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B.
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All
documents related to the accounts must be marked by Borrower to show
assignment to Crestmark and the Borrower must notify each Account Debtor
by mail, in accordance with a form approved by Crestmark that the account
has been assigned to Crestmark and that all payments on the account
whether made by mail or electronically or otherwise must be made payable
to the Borrower at the address provided in the letter, which is the
Lockbox Account. The address for payments will be the Lockbox Bank
specified in the Schedule. All expenses for notification of each Account
Debtor will be paid by the Borrower. All expenses plus any applicable
administration fees of the Lockbox will be paid by Borrower. All accounts
specifically submitted to Crestmark with Account Documents for which an
Advance is made will be known as Crestmark Accounts (the “Crestmark
Accounts”).
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C.
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Borrower
agrees that Crestmark has the right to determine, in its sole discretion,
whether any account is an Eligible Account, or which inventory constitutes
Eligible Inventory, but no account or inventory will be eligible for
Advance unless the eligibility requirements set forth in the Schedule are
met.
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6.
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RESERVES.
If Crestmark believes in its sole discretion that the prospect for
repayment of the Indebtedness is impaired or that its Collateral margin is
insufficient, Crestmark may establish cash reserves and credit balances to
protect its interests and the repayment of the Indebtedness. Money in the
reserve account will not earn interest for Borrower, and Crestmark may
apply the funds in the Reserve to reduce the Indebtedness at any time
Crestmark elects.
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7.
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FEES
AND EXPENSES. In connection with the Loan there are several types
of fees that may be charged. The fees to be charged with respect to the
Loan are shown on the Schedule. In addition, all expenses of every kind
incurred by Crestmark in connection with the Loan, or any Advance or for
collection of the Indebtedness, or inspection and examination are to be
paid by Borrower, including but not limited to Crestmark’s actual
attorney’s fees, postage and UCC search charges. Crestmark may charge
other usual and customary fees as indicated on the Schedule to Loan and
Security Agreement attached hereto and made a part hereof by
reference.
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8.
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MINIMUM
BALANCE. Borrower agrees that it will maintain a minimum Loan
balance in the amount shown on the Schedule for the period shown and
Borrower understands that the Interest Rate and Maintenance Fee has been
calculated on that minimum loan
balance.
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9.
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LOAN
ACCOUNT. All of the Indebtedness which is owed by Borrower will be
shown in the Loan Account and Borrower will receive a monthly interest
statement. The statement is binding on Borrower unless Borrower provides a
written objection to Crestmark that is actually received by Crestmark
within ten (10) business days of the time the Loan Account statement is
mailed.
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10.
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CALCULATION
OF INDEBTEDNESS. Each time an Advance is made, the amount of the
Indebtedness will be increased by the amount of the Advance. Five (5)
business days after checks or other credit instruments are deposited in
the Lockbox Account, Crestmark will credit the Loan Account with the net
amount of cash actually received and will no longer charge Interest and
Maintenance Fee upon such amount after the expiration of the clearance
days set forth above. Also, on the date the deposit is made the Borrower
will receive immediate credit on the funds deposited in determining
Availability. Should a check or other credit instrument not be collected
after the Borrower has been given credit, then the credit will be
reversed. The Borrower should understand, however, that if Crestmark has
some question about the collectability of funds it does not have to give
credit until the funds are actually collected and in such event if the
deposit is held for a longer period of time then the Maintenance Fee will
still be payable.
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11.
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PAYMENTS.
When Crestmark receives a payment from an Account Debtor, it will try to
apply it against the appropriate Debtor. If it is not clear which accounts
the payment is suppose to be applied against, Crestmark will contact the
Borrower for assistance. Unless there is clear error, the application of
repayment by Crestmark is final. Any payments received by Crestmark if
made with respect to a Crestmark Account will be applied to the Advance on
that account, then to the Maintenance Fee for that account, then to the
interest on that account, then to expenses, then either to the reserve or
to Borrower in the form of
availability.
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12.
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LOCKBOX. Borrower will direct
all Account Debtors and any other person or party that is liable to the
Borrower (collectively a “Debtor”) to mail or send all payments due
Borrower to the account (“Lockbox Account”) at the bank identified on the
Schedule as the Lockbox Bank. If notwithstanding the notice to the Debtors
Borrower receives any funds from a Debtor, including but not limited to
any cash, checks, drafts or wire transfers from the collection,
enforcement, sale or other disposition of the Collateral whether derived
in the ordinary course of business or not, or if Borrower receives any
proceeds of insurance, tax refunds or any and all other funds of any kind,
Borrower must hold such funds in trust for Crestmark, shall not mix such
funds received with any other funds, and shall immediately deposit such
funds in the Lockbox Account in the form received. That means if the funds
are received by mail, the checks will be sent to the Lockbox Account, and
if the funds are received electronically, the funds will be transferred to
the Lockbox Account electronically. Crestmark will have sole control over
the Lockbox Account. The Lockbox Bank will process all deposits and
Borrower has no right to the Lockbox Account, it belongs to Crestmark.
Borrower gives Crestmark an irrevocable Power of Attorney which is coupled
with an interest to endorse all items delivered to the Lockbox Account
with Borrower’s name. Crestmark is the owner of all deposits in the
Lockbox Account, and has no duty as to collection or protection of funds
as long as it is not grossly negligent or commits actual
fraud.
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13.
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REPRESENTATIONS.
Borrower makes the following statements (representations) to Crestmark and
such statements must be true at all times until the Indebtedness is paid
in full. If Borrower learns that a statement once made is no longer true,
it has the duty to immediately notify Crestmark in
writing:
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A.
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Borrower
is in good standing under the laws of the state shown on the Schedule ,
has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement, and the persons
signing this Agreement and all persons who sign any documents with
Crestmark have the appropriate authority. Borrower’s identification
numbers and addresses are as shown on the
Schedule.
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B.
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Borrower’s
entry into the Loan Documents do not violate any agreement which Borrower
has or which binds Borrower.
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C.
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The
Loan Documents are fully enforceable against
Borrower.
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D.
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There
is no litigation pending or threatened against Borrower and Borrower is
not in default of any order or judgment of any court or any governmental
agency of any kind.
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E.
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The
financial information furnished to Crestmark has been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, all financial
statements are true, and any projections of the business operations of
Borrower that have been given or will be given to Crestmark in the future
will be based upon Borrower’s reasonable assumptions and
estimates.
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F.
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The
Borrower is the owner of all of the Collateral and there are no other
liens or claims against the Collateral, except the Security Interest of
Crestmark or as shown on the
Schedule.
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G.
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All
of the Collateral is personal property and none of the Collateral will be
affixed to real estate.
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H.
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Borrower
has filed and will file all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns
that it is required to file and has paid and will pay all taxes and all
other governmental charges as they become
due.
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I.
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That
Borrower is solvent, is able to pay its debts as they become due, and has
sufficient capital to carry on its business. This Agreement, the Loan
Documents and the loans made by Crestmark do not render Borrower
insolvent, and the Security Interest granted to Crestmark does not render
Borrower insolvent.
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14.
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BORROWER’S
PROMISES. Borrower makes the following promises to Crestmark and
these promises are effective until the Indebtedness is fully
paid:
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A.
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To
pay all Indebtedness when due and perform all terms, conditions and
obligations of the Loan Documents.
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B.
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To
permit Crestmark, or its representatives, access to the Collateral on
Borrower’s premises and to Borrower’s computer systems, books of account
and financial records.
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C.
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To
notify Crestmark promptly of any litigation, administrative or tax
proceeding or other action threatened or instituted against the Borrower
or its property, or of any other material matter which may adversely
affect Borrower’s financial condition. The amount of claims as to which
Borrower must notify Crestmark is specified in the
Schedule.
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D.
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To
pay when due all taxes, assessments and governmental charges, provided
that the Borrower has the right to contest the same as long as it has, in
the opinion of Crestmark, sufficient cash reserves to pay the charge when
due.
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E.
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To
maintain its business by complying with the Financial Covenants described
in the Schedule.
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F.
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To
maintain property and liability insurance on its business activities in
such amount and in such form as Crestmark may from time to time require,
and with respect to such insurance, Crestmark shall be named as “Lender
Loss Payee” under the property policy and additional insured under the
liability policy and receive evidence of the insurance on an annual basis,
as well as workers’ compensation insurance in such amount and in such form
as Crestmark may from time to time require, and with respect to such
workers’ compensation insurance, Crestmark shall be named as “Certificate
Holder” under the policy and receive evidence of the insurance on an
annual basis. All insurance which protects Crestmark shall have at least a
30-day notice to Crestmark prior to any cancellation. With respect to the
insurance, Borrower appoints Crestmark as its attorney-in-fact to
negotiate any and all claims under all insurance policies and Crestmark
also has the power to negotiate any payments on the insurance policies.
Further, Borrower shall at all times maintain workers’
compensation
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G.
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To
comply with all laws, ordinances and regulations or other requirements of
any governmental authority or agency applicable to Borrower’s
business.
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H.
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To
maintain and preserve all Collateral in good repair, working order and
condition, and with respect to accounts, pursue collections
thereof.
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I.
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To
provide Crestmark with evidence of ownership of any
Collateral.
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J.
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To
provide Crestmark, promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of
all proxy statements, financial statements and reports which GEE or any
subsidiary sends to its stockholders, and copies of all regular, periodic
and special reports, and all registration statements which GEE or any
subsidiary files with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) or any governmental authority which may be substituted therefore,
or with any national security
exchange.
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K.
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To
provide Crestmark, immediately upon receipt, with copies of any notice
received from the SEC or any state securities authority, taking or
threatening to take any action against
GEE.
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15.
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NEGATIVE
COVENANTS. Borrower agrees until the Indebtedness is paid in full,
it will not:
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A.
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Change
its state of organization or its name, or move its executive office
without giving Crestmark at least 60 days prior written notice or at any
time adopt any assumed name.
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B.
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Declare
or pay any dividend or make any other distribution with regard to its
equity or purchase or retire any of its equity, provided if it is taxed as
an S Corporation or other “pass through” entity, Borrower may distribute
profits to its equity holders in an amount necessary to enable such
holders to pay personal, state and federal taxes directly attributable to
the profits earned by Borrower for such
year.
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C.
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Make
any loan or assume any obligations or liabilities, as guarantor, surety,
indemnitor or otherwise.
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D.
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Enter
into any transaction with its equity holders or any affiliates of Borrower
except on terms at least as favorable as would be usual and customary in
similar transactions if the person with whom the transaction is entered
into was not related to Borrower.
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E.
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Release,
redeem, require, purchase or acquire any of its equity
interest.
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F.
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Default
in the payment of any debt to any other
person.
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G.
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Suffer
or permit any judgment, decree or order not fully covered by insurance to
be entered against the Borrower or a Guarantor and/or Validity Guarantor,
or permit or suffer any warrant or attachment to be filed against
Borrower, any Guarantor and/or Validity Guarantor, or against any property
or asset of Borrower or Guarantor and/or Validity
Guarantor.
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X.
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XXX
will not suffer or permit its common stock to be de-listed by any major
stock exchange.
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16.
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FINANCIAL
REPORTS. Borrower promises that until the Indebtedness is fully
paid and this Agreement is terminated, it will keep books in a manner
satisfactory to Crestmark and Crestmark will have the right at any time to
verify any of the Collateral, documentation or books in whatever manner
and as often as Crestmark deems necessary. Borrower will furnish to
Crestmark the financial reports identified on the Schedule, certified to
by the president or chief financial officer of the Borrower. All financial
reports will be prepared in accordance with generally acceptable
accounting principles and will be true and
accurate.
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17.
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CRESTMARK’S
REMEDIES. Crestmark has all the remedies available at law or in
equity (including those under the UCC) in the event Borrower either
violates this Agreement or fails to pay the Indebtedness on demand,
including but not limited to the following: to charge the Extra Rate; to
notify Account Debtors to make the payments directly to Crestmark; to
settle or compromise any disputed account, xxx on any account and make any
agreement to deal with the accounts as if it were the owner; to offset any
of Borrower’s or Guarantor’s and/or Validity Guarantor’s funds under the
control of Crestmark against the Indebtedness; and to require the Borrower
to gather up the Collateral and make it available to Crestmark for
Crestmark to conduct public or private UCC foreclosure sales. If Crestmark
should proceed against the Collateral and sell any of the Collateral on
credit, the Borrower will be credited on the Indebtedness only with the
amount actually received by Crestmark and the Borrower waives any and all
provisions as to notice or a particular method of sale of any of the
Collateral. The Borrower will pay all expenses in connection with the
assembly or sale of the Collateral. Crestmark does not have to incur its
own expenses in realizing upon the Collateral, but all the expenses are
for the account of the Borrower. Borrower recognizes that at no time is
Crestmark its agent in dealing with the Collateral, but Crestmark acts
only in its own interest.
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18.
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STANDARDS
APPLICABLE TO REMEDIES. If Crestmark should exercise any remedies,
Borrower agrees that it is not commercially unreasonable for Crestmark: to
fail to exercise remedies against any Collateral or any particular Account
Debtor; to proceed against Account Debtors either directly or through
collection agencies; to advertise disposition of Collateral through
publications or media of general circulation; to hire professional
auctioneers to dispose of Collateral; to dispose of Collateral in
wholesale or retail markets; to disclaim warranties with respect to
Collateral; or to obtain services of attorneys or other professionals. The
foregoing section is to provide an exhaustive list and nothing contained
in the foregoing grants any rights to the Borrower, which are not granted
by applicable law or the Loan Documents. Borrower agrees that under no
circumstances is Crestmark the agent or representative of the
Borrower.
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19.
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APPLICATION
OF PROCEEDS. Once collection efforts are commenced by Crestmark,
any proceeds of sale or disposition of Collateral may be applied by
Crestmark first to expenses authorized by this Agreement including
Crestmark’s actual attorneys’ fees which Borrower must pay, and the
balance to payment of the Indebtedness in such manner as Crestmark may
elect. Borrower and Guarantor and/or Validity Guarantor remain liable for
any deficiency.
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20.
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NOTICES.
Any notice is effective by either party if sent in writing or facsimile
with confirmation of receipt or by certified mail or personal delivery or
expedited mail services to the addresses shown on the
Schedule.
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21.
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MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS.
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A.
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This
Agreement is binding upon and is for the benefit of the Borrower,
Guarantor and/or Validity Guarantor and Crestmark, and their respective
successors and assigns. However, under no circumstances may Borrower
assign this Agreement or its rights and duties hereunder. Crestmark may
assign this Agreement and its rights under the Loan Documents and Borrower
will make payments to any such assignee if so
directed.
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B.
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Crestmark
has the right at any time to assign, transfer, negotiate or sell
participations in this Agreement or the Indebtedness or the rights of
Crestmark hereunder. In connection with any assignment, Borrower consents
to disclosure of any and all books, records, files, Loan Documents and all
other documents in the possession or under the control of
Crestmark.
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C.
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No
delay or failure of Crestmark in exercising any right or remedy will
affect such right or remedy. No delay or failure of Crestmark to demand
strict adherence to the terms of this Agreement will be deemed to waive
Crestmark’s rights to demand such adherence at any time in the
future.
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D.
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This
Agreement and the Loan Documents will be interpreted and determined under
the laws of the State of Michigan without any regard to any conflict of
laws provisions.
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E.
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Borrower
and Guarantor and/or Validity Guarantor, at Crestmark’s request, will
make, execute and acknowledge any and all further instruments or
agreements necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement the Loan
Documents.
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F.
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Borrower
hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Crestmark harmless against any
and all liabilities of any kind, nature or description and damages whether
they are direct, indirect or consequential and actual attorney’s fees
incurred or suffered directly or indirectly by Crestmark or asserted
against Crestmark by anyone whosoever, including Borrower or Guarantor
and/or Validity Guarantor, which arise out of the Loan Documents or the
relationship and transaction between the
Parties.
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G.
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Neither
Crestmark or its affiliates directors, officers, agents, attorneys or
employees are liable to Borrower or Guarantor and/or Validity Guarantor or
affiliates for any action taken or omitted by it or any of them under the
Loan Documents except for such liability as may be imposed by law for
gross negligence or actual fraud, and no claim shall be made by Borrower
or Guarantor and/or Validity Guarantor or any of Borrower’s affiliated,
directors, officers, agents, employees for any special or consequential
damages or punitive damages arising out of, or related to the Loan
Documents or the transactions between the
Parties.
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H.
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This
Agreement is the complete Agreement between the parties and there are no
other agreements. This Agreement may be amended only in
writing.
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I.
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If
any provision of this Agreement is in conflict with any law or statue or
is otherwise unenforceable, then the provision will be deemed null and
void only to the extent of such provision and the provision will be deemed
severable and the remainder of this Agreement shall be in full force and
effect.
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J.
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Any
payment made to Crestmark by either Borrower or Guarantor and/or Validity
Guarantor which is subsequently invalidated, declared fraudulent or
preferential or otherwise set aside under any bankruptcy, state, federal
or equitable law, then to the extent of such invalidity such payment will
be deemed not to have been made and the obligation will continue in full
force and effect.
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K.
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USA Patriot Act Notification –
The following notification is provided to Borrower pursuant to
Section 3265 of the USA Patriot Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section
5318:
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT. To help the government fight the
funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all
financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies
each person or entity that opens an account, including any deposit account,
treasury management account, loan or other extension of credit. We will ask for
the name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to
identify all Borrower’s owners. We will also ask to see your driver’s license or
other identifying documents.
22.
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JURISDICTION. BORROWER AND GUARANTOR
AND/OR VALIDITY GUARANTOR AGREE THAT ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE BORROWER’S OR
GUARANTOR’S AND/OR VALIDITY GUARANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS TO CRESTMARK SHALL BE
PROSECUTED EITHER IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF OAKLAND COUNTY MICHIGAN OR THE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN, UNLESS
CRESTMARK, IN ITS SOLE DESCRETION, ELECTS SOME OTHER JURISDICTION AND
BORROWER AND GUARANTOR AND/OR VALIDITY GUARANTOR SUBMIT TO THE
JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT SELECTED BY CRESTMARK. BORROWER AND
GUARANTOR AND/OR VALIDITY GUARANTOR WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO CONTEST
THE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF ANY ACTION BROUGHT IN THIS MATTER AND
BORROWER AND GUARANTOR AND/OR VALIDITY GUARANTOR MAY BRING ANY ACTION
AGAINST CRESTMARK ONLY IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF OAKLAND OR
THE FEDERAL COURT OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN
DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN.
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23.
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WAIVER.
ALL PARTIES, INCLUDING BORROWER AND GUARANTOR AND/OR VALIDITY GUARANTOR
EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE ANY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO A TRIAL
BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM, DISPUTE OR CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PARTIES
OR UNDER THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND AGREE THAT ANY LITIGATION SHALL BE HEARD
BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION SITTING WITH OUT A JURY. BORROWER AND
GUARANTOR AND/OR VALIDITY GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE HAD THE
OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE EFFECT OF THIS PROVISION WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR
CHOICE.
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24.
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RELEASE.
BORROWER AND GUARANTOR AND/OR VALIDITY GUARANTOR RELEASE AND FOREVER
DISCHARGE CRESTMARK, ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES AND
DIRECTORS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER FROM THE
BEGINNING OF TIME TO DATE OF THIS
AGREEMENT.
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25.
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JOINT
AND SEVERAL OBLIGATIONS; DEALINGS WITH MULTIPLE BORROWERS. If more
than one person or entity is named as Borrower hereunder, all obligations,
representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities set forth herein or
in any other loan documents between the Borrower, Crestmark and any
guarantors of the Borrower’s obligations to Crestmark (collectively the
“Loan Documents”) to which such person or entity is a party shall be joint
and several. Crestmark shall have the right to deal with any individual of
any Borrower with regard to all matters concerning the rights and
obligations of Crestmark and Borrower hereunder and pursuant to applicable
law with regard to the transactions contemplated under the Loan Documents.
All actions or inactions of the officers, managers, members and/or agents
of any Borrower with regard to the transactions contemplated under the
Loan Documents shall be deemed with full authority and binding upon all
Borrowers hereunder. Each Borrower hereby appoints each other Borrower as
its true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full right and power, for
purposes of exercising all rights of such person hereunder and under
applicable law with regard to the transactions contemplated under the Loan
Documents. The foregoing is a material inducement to the agreement of
Crestmark to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The Borrower represents that GENERAL EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES,
INC., an Illinois corporation, and TRIAD PERSONNEL SERVICES,
INC., an Illinois corporation are operated as part of one
consolidated business entity and are directly dependent upon each other
for and in connection with their respective business activities and
financial resources. Each Borrower will receive a direct economic and
financial benefit from the obligations incurred under this Agreement and
the incurrence of such obligations is in the best interests of each
Borrower.
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The
parties have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first written
above.
CRESTMARK:
CRESTMARK BANK, a Michigan
banking corporation
By:/s/ Xxxxx X. Finger
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Xxxxx X.
Finger
Its:
First Vice President
BORROWER:
GENERAL
EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES, INC.
An
Illinois corporation
By:/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
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Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx
Its:
Chief Executive Officer
TRIAD
PERSONNEL SERVICES, INC.
An
Illinois corporation
By:/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
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Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx
Its:
Chief Executive Officer
The
undersigned Validity Guarantor by signing this Agreement agree that they have
read and understand the Agreement and Validity Guarantor agrees to all of its
terms.
VALIDITY
GUARANTOR:
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
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Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
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/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
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Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
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