EXHIBIT 10(l)
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of the __ day of _______, 2001 and to be effective as of the 1st
day of January, 2002 (the "Effective Date"), between Visual Data Corporation, a
Florida corporation, whose principal place of business is 0000 X.X. 00xx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000 (the "Company") and Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, an individual
whose address is 0000 X.X. 00xx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000 (the
"Executive").
RECITALS
A. The Company is a Florida corporation and is principally engaged in
the business of acquisition, marketing, development, distribution, and product
production of video information including hotel, resort and attraction specific
travel related information (the "Business").
B. The Company presently employs the Executive and desires to continue
to employ the Executive and the Executive desires to continue in the employ of
the Company.
C. The Company has established a valuable reputation and goodwill in
the Business.
D. The Executive, by virtue of the Executive's employment with the
Company has become familiar with and possessed with the manner, methods, trade
secrets and other confidential information pertaining to the Company's business,
including the Company's client base.
E. Any and all options granted to Executive preceding this Agreement
shall continue and not expire as a result of any options issued under this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein made,
the Company and the Executive do hereby agree as follows:
1. RECITALS. The above recitals are true, correct, and are herein
incorporated by reference.
2. EMPLOYMENT. The Company hereby employs the Executive, and the
Executive hereby accepts employment, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth.
3. AUTHORITY AND POWER DURING EMPLOYMENT PERIOD.
a. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. During the term of this
Agreement, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the
Company and shall have general executive operating supervision over the affairs
of the Company, its subsidiaries and divisions, subject to the guidelines and
direction of the Board of Directors of the Company.
b. TIME DEVOTED. Throughout the term of the Agreement, the
Executive shall devote substantially all of the Executive's business time and
attention to the business and affairs of the Company consistent with the
Executive's senior executive position with the Company, except for reasonable
vacations and except for illness or incapacity, but nothing in the Agreement
shall preclude the Executive from engaging in personal business including as a
member of the board of directors of related companies, charitable and community
affairs, provided that such activities do not interfere with the regular
performance of the Executive's duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.
4. TERM. The Term of employment hereunder will commence on the date as
set forth above and terminate two (2) years from the Effective Date, and such
term shall automatically be extended for successive one (1) year terms
thereafter only upon the parties mutual consent, in writing, to extend the terms
of the Agreement.
5. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.
a. SALARY. The Executive shall be paid a base salary (the
"Base Salary"), payable semi-monthly, at an annual rate of no less than One
Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($175,000) beginning January 1, 2002, with
annual incremental increases of ten (10%) percent per year, to be effective on
the anniversary date of this Agreement.
b. STOCK OPTIONS. The Executive shall be granted options
("Options") to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $.75; such Options will be exercisable for a period of four
(4) years from the date of vesting, unless sooner terminated as described
herein. The Options shall vest, for the first year of this Agreement, in an
installment of 50,000 options; and shall vest for the following year in an
installment of 50,000 options. The options shall vest on each anniversary of the
Effective Date of this Agreement, subject to anti-dilution provisions relating
to adjustments in the event that the Company, among other things, declares stock
dividends, effects forward or reverse stock splits. In addition, the Options
shall automatically vest upon the happening of the following events: (i) change
of control of the Company, as defined herein; or (ii) termination of the
Executive other than for Cause, as defined herein. The unvested Options shall
automatically terminate upon the happening of the following: (i) the Executive's
termination for Cause, as defined herein; and (ii) the Executive's voluntary
termination.
2
c. EXECUTIVE BENEFITS. The Executive shall be entitled to
participate in all benefit programs of the Company currently existing or
hereafter made available to executives and/or other salaried employees,
including, but not limited to, pension and other retirement plans, group life
insurance, hospitalization, surgical and major medical coverage, sick leave,
disability and salary continuation, vacation and holidays, cellular telephone
and all related costs and expenses, long-term disability, and other fringe
benefits.
d. VACATION. During each fiscal year of the Company, the
Executive shall be entitled to reasonable vacation time and to utilize such
vacation as the Executive shall determine; provided however, that the Executive
shall evidence reasonable judgment with regard to appropriate vacation
scheduling. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall be entitled to four
(4) weeks vacation per year, with unused vacation accruing to the following
year.
e. BUSINESS EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. During the Term of
employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive proper reimbursement for
all reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Executive (in accordance
with the policies and procedures established by the Company for its senior
executive officers) in performing services hereunder, provided the Executive
properly accounts therefor.
f. AUTOMOBILE EXPENSES. The Company shall provide the
Executive with an automobile allowance not to exceed $750.00 per month. The
Company shall pay all insurance premiums and maintenance for the automobile that
is the subject of the automobile allowance.
g. MEMBERSHIPS, DUES AND CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. The Company
shall provide to the Executive: (i) a membership in a social, charitable or
religious organization or club, which membership shall be either in the name of
the Executive or in the name of the Company, as determined by the Executive; or
(ii) an equivalent dollar amount of charitable donations or contributions shall
be made, which amounts and which charities shall be determined in the sole
discretion of the Executive; provided that such Membership, Dues and Charitable
Contributions shall not exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per year.
h. PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT - MOVING ALLOWANCE. This Agreement is
entered into on the basis that the principal place of business of the Company,
and the location from which Executive is to be based for the performance of his
services hereunder, is Pompano Beach, Florida. In the event that the Company
shall change the location of Company's principal office, or otherwise require
Executive to be based and/or to operate from another location which is more than
fifty (50) miles further from Executive's then-current residence to the
Company's current headquarters office at 0000 X.X. 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000, Company shall reimburse Executive for all moving and relocation
expenses paid or incurred in connection with Executive's relocation to a new
residence closer to Company's new principal office.
3
6. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.
a. DEATH. In the event of the death of the Executive during
the Term, salary shall be paid to the Executive's designated beneficiary, or, in
the absence of such designation, to the estate or other legal representative of
the Executive for a period of six (6) months from and after the date of death.
Other death benefits will be determined in accordance with the terms of the
Company's benefit programs and plans.
b. DISABILITY.
(1) In the event of the Executive's disability, as
hereinafter defined, the Executive shall be entitled to compensation in
accordance with the Company's disability compensation practice for
senior executives, including any separate arrangement or policy
covering the Executive, but in all events the Executive shall continue
to receive the Executive's salary for a period, at the annual rate in
effect immediately prior to the commencement of disability, of not less
than 180 days from the date on which the disability has been deemed to
occur as hereinafter provided below. Any amounts provided for in this
Section 6(b) shall not be offset by other long-term disability benefits
provided to the Executive by the Company.
(2) "Disability," for the purposes of this Agreement,
shall be deemed to have occurred in the event (A) the Executive is
unable by reason of sickness or accident to perform the Executive's
duties under this Agreement for an aggregate of 180 days in any
twelve-month period or (B) the Executive has a guardian of the person
or estate appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction. Termination
due to disability shall be deemed to have occurred upon the first day
of the month following the determination of disability as defined in
the preceding sentence.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if,
following a termination of employment hereunder due to disability as
provided in the preceding paragraph, the Executive becomes reemployed,
whether as an Executive or a consultant to the Company, any salary,
annual incentive payments or other benefits earned by the Executive
from such reemployment shall offset any salary continuation due to the
Executive hereunder commencing with the date of re-employment.
c. TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY FOR CAUSE.
4
(1) Nothing herein shall prevent the Company from
terminating Employment for "Cause," as hereinafter defined. The
Executive shall continue to receive salary only for the period ending
upon such termination. Any rights and benefits the Executive may have
in respect of any other compensation shall be determined in accordance
with the terms of such other compensation arrangements or such plans or
programs.
(2) "Cause" shall mean and include those actions or
events specified below in subsections (A) through (E) to the extent the
same occur, or the events constituting the same take place, subsequent
to the date of execution of this Agreement: (A) Committing or
participating in an injurious act of fraud, gross neglect or
embezzlement against the Company; (B) committing or participating in
any other injurious act or omission wantonly, willfully, recklessly or
in a manner which was grossly negligent against the Company, monetarily
or otherwise; (C) engaging in a criminal enterprise involving moral
turpitude; (D) conviction of an act or acts constituting a felony under
the laws of the United States or any state thereof; or (E) any
assignment of this Agreement by the Executive in violation of Section
14 of this Agreement. No actions, events or circumstances occurring or
taking place at any time prior to the date of this Agreement shall in
any event constitute or provide any basis for any termination of this
Agreement for Cause;
(3) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this
Agreement, this Agreement will not be deemed to have been terminated
for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the
Executive a notice of termination stating that the Executive committed
one of the types of conduct set forth in this Section 6(c) contained in
this Agreement and specifying the particulars thereof and the Executive
shall be given a thirty (30) day period to cure such conduct, if
possible.
d. TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY OTHER THAN FOR CAUSE. The
foregoing notwithstanding, the Company may terminate the Executive's employment
for whatever reason it deems appropriate; provided, however, that in the event
such termination is not based on Cause, as provided in Section 6(c) above, the
Company may terminate this Agreement upon giving three (3) months' prior written
notice. During such three (3) month period, the Executive shall continue to
perform the Executive's duties pursuant to this Agreement, and the Company shall
continue to compensate the Executive in accordance with this Agreement.
Subsequent to such three (3) month period, the Executive shall be entitled to
receive Compensation and Benefits, in accordance with this Agreement, for a
period of: (i) three months if the termination occurs preceding the second
anniversary of the initial Term of this Agreement; or (ii) six months if the
termination occurs after the second anniversary of the initial Term of this
Agreement; including all benefits the Executive is entitled to under this
Agreement or additional benefits as provided by the Company to other Executives.
All options granted to the Executive prior to the date termination shall become
fully vested upon termination and will have the right of exercise through the
termination date of the individual option grant, or the maximum allowable by
law.
5
e. VOLUNTARY TERMINATION. In the event the Executive
terminates the Executive's employment on the Executive's own volition (except as
provided in Section 6(g)) prior to the expiration of the Term of this Agreement,
including any renewals thereof, such termination shall constitute a voluntary
termination and in such event the Executive shall be limited to the same rights
and benefits as provided in connection with a termination for Cause as provided
in Section 6(c). Notwithstanding the provisions of this Subsection (e), in the
event the Executive gives the Company two (2) months written notice of her
intent to voluntarily terminate this Agreement, she will be entitled to continue
to receive compensation in accordance with this Agreement during such period as
well as for one month subsequent to termination.
f. Omitted.
g. TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CHANGE OF CONTROL.
(1) In the event that a "Change in Control" of the
Company shall occur at any time during the Term hereof, the Executive
shall have the right to terminate the Executive's employment under this
Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice given at any time within
one year after the occurrence of such event, and such termination of
the Executive's employment with the Company pursuant to this Section
6(g)(1), and, in any such event, such termination shall be deemed to be
a Termination by the Company other than for Cause and the Executive
shall be entitled to such Compensation and Benefits as set forth in
Subsection 6(h) of this Agreement.
(2) For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in
Control" of the Company shall mean a change in control (A) as set forth
in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code or (B) of a nature that
would be required to be reported in response to Item 1 of the current
report on Form 8K, as in effect on the date hereof, pursuant to Section
13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 0000 (xxx "Xxxxxxxx
Xxx"); provided that, without limitation, such a change in control
shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as:
(A) any "person", other than the Executive,
(as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined
in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly,
of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%)
or more of the combined voting power of the Company's
outstanding securities then having the right to vote at
elections of directors; or,
(B) there is a failure to elect three or
more (or such number of directors as would constitute a
majority of the Board of Directors) candidates nominated by
management of the Company to the Board of Directors; or
6
(C) the individuals who at the commencement
date of the Agreement constitute the Board of Directors cease
for any reason to constitute a majority thereof unless the
election, or nomination for election, of each new director was
approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the directors
then in office who were directors at the commencement of the
Agreement; or
(D) the business of the Company for which
the Executive's services are principally performed is disposed
of by the Company pursuant to a partial or complete
liquidation of the Company, a sale of assets (including stock
of a subsidiary of the Company) or otherwise.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, this Section 6(g)(2) will not
apply where the Executive gives the Executive's explicit written waiver stating
that for the purposes of this Section 6(g)(2) a Change in Control shall not be
deemed to have occurred. The Executive's participation in any negotiations or
other matters in relation to a Change in Control shall in no way constitute such
a waiver which can only be given by an explicit written waiver as provided in
the preceding sentence.
(3) In the event that, within twelve (12) months of
any Change in Control of the Company or any "Attempted Change in
Control," as hereinafter defined of the Company, the Company terminates
the employment of the Executive under this Agreement, other than for
Cause as defined in Section 6(d), then, in any such event, such
termination shall be deemed to be a Termination by the Company other
than for Cause and the Executive shall be entitled to such Compensation
and Benefits as set forth in Subsection 6(h) of this Agreement.
An "Attempted Change in Control" shall be deemed to have
occurred if any substantial attempt, accompanied by significant work efforts and
expenditures of money, is made to accomplish a Change in Control, as described
in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C) or (D) above whether or not such attempt is made
with the approval of a majority of the then current members of the Board of
Directors.
h. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE
EMPLOYMENT. In the event of any termination of Executive's employment other than
for Cause under Section 6(d), on the effective date of any such termination, the
Executive shall be entitled to receive the following:
(1) All life, disability, health insurance and other
benefits pursuant to Section 5, to which she was entitled to continue
to receive thirty (30) days prior to the Effective Date of such
termination, for a period of six (6) months and which benefits shall be
made for such period (as determined herein) following the effective
date of such termination; plus
7
(2) All Options granted herein or any previous
grants, vested or unvested, that the Executive is the holder of will be
immediately vested hereunder. Executive will have the right to exercise
all Options through the termination date of the individual option
grant, or the maximum allowable by law.
7. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE AND NON-DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.
a. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE. The Executive acknowledges and
recognizes the highly competitive nature of the Company's business and the
goodwill, continued patronage, and specifically the names and addresses of the
Company's Clients (as hereinafter defined) constitute a substantial asset of the
Company having been acquired through considerable time, money and effort.
Accordingly, in consideration of the execution of this Agreement, in the event
the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of disability pursuant to
Section 6(b) or for Cause pursuant to Section 6(c), then the Executive agrees to
the following:
(1) That during the Restricted Period (as hereinafter
defined) and within the Restricted Area (as hereinafter defined), the
Executive will not, individually or in conjunction with others,
directly or indirectly, engage in any Competitive Business Activities
(as hereinafter defined), whether as an officer, director, proprietor,
employer, partner, independent contractor, investor (other than as a
holder solely as an investment of less than 1% of the outstanding
capital stock of a publicly traded corporation), consultant, advisor or
agent.
(2) That during the Restricted Period and within the
Restricted Area, the Executive will not, directly or indirectly,
compete with the Company by soliciting, inducing or influencing any of
the Company's Clients which have a business relationship with the
Company at the time during the Restricted Period to discontinue or
reduce the extent of such relationship with the Company.
b. NON-DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION. In the event Executive's
employment has been terminated pursuant to either Section 6(b) or Section 6(c)
hereof, Executive agrees that, during the Restricted Period, Executive will not
use or disclose any Proprietary Information of the Company for the Executive's
own purposes or for the benefit of any entity engaged in Competitive Business
Activities. As used herein, the term "Proprietary Information" shall mean trade
secrets or confidential proprietary information of the Company which are
material to the conduct of the business of the Company. No information can be
considered Proprietary Information unless the same is a unique process or method
material to the conduct of Company's Business, or is a customer list or similar
list of persons engaged in business activities with Company, or if the same is
otherwise in the public domain or is required to be disclosed by order of any
court or by reason of any statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance or other
governmental requirement. Executive further agrees that in the event his
employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 6(b) or 6(c) above, all Documents
in his possession at the time of his termination shall be returned to the
Company at the Company's principal place of business.
8
c. DOCUMENTS. "Documents" shall mean all original written,
recorded, or graphic matters whatsoever, and any and all copies thereof,
including, but not limited to: papers; books; records; tangible things;
correspondence; communications; telex messages; memoranda; work-papers; reports;
affidavits; statements; summaries; analyses; evaluations; client records and
information; agreements; agendas; advertisements; instructions; charges;
manuals; brochures; publications; directories; industry lists; schedules; price
lists; client lists; statistical records; training manuals; computer printouts;
books of account, records and invoices reflecting business operations; all
things similar to any of the foregoing however denominated. In all cases where
originals are not available, the term "Documents" shall also mean identical
copies of original documents or non-identical copies thereof.
d. COMPANY'S CLIENTS. The "Company's Clients" shall be deemed
to be any partnerships, corporations, professional associations or other
business organizations for whom the Company has performed Business Activities.
e. RESTRICTIVE PERIOD. The "Restrictive Period" shall be
deemed to be twelve (12) months following termination of this Agreement pursuant
to Sections 6(b) or 6(c) of this Agreement.
f. RESTRICTED AREA. The "Restricted Area" shall, if this
Agreement has been terminated pursuant to Section 6(b) or 6(c), be the area
commonly included as part of the "Standard Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx" xx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx.
g. COMPETITIVE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES. The term "Competitive
Business Activities" as used herein shall be deemed to mean the Business.
h. COVENANTS AS ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THIS AGREEMENT. It is
understood by and between the parties hereto that the foregoing covenants
contained in Sections 7(a) and (b) are essential elements of this Agreement, and
that but for the agreement by the Executive to comply with such covenants, the
Company would not have agreed to enter into this Agreement. Such covenants by
the Executive shall be construed to be agreements independent of any other
provisions of this Agreement. The existence of any other claim or cause of
action, whether predicated on any other provision in this Agreement, or
otherwise, as a result of the relationship between the parties shall not
constitute a defense to the enforcement of such covenants against the Executive.
i. SURVIVAL AFTER TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the covenants in Sections
7(a) and (b) shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Executive's
employment with the Company.
j. REMEDIES.
9
(1) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
Company's remedy at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the
provisions of Section 7(a) or (b) herein would be inadequate and a
breach thereof will cause irreparable harm to the Company. In
recognition of this fact, in the event of a breach by the Executive of
any of the provisions of Section 7(a) or (b), the Executive agrees
that, in addition to any remedy at law available to the Company,
including, but not limited to monetary damages, all rights of the
Executive to payment or otherwise under this Agreement and all amounts
then or thereafter due to the Executive from the Company under this
Agreement may be terminated and the Company, without posting any bond,
shall be entitled to obtain, and the Executive agrees not to oppose the
Company's request for equitable relief in the form of specific
performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent
injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available to
the Company.
(2) The Executive acknowledges that the granting of a
temporary injunction, temporary restraining order or permanent
injunction merely prohibiting the use of Proprietary Information would
not be an adequate remedy upon breach or threatened breach of Section
7(a) or (b) and consequently agrees, upon proof of any such breach, to
the granting of injunctive relief prohibiting any form of competition
with the Company. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as
prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to
it for such breach or threatened breach.
8. INDEMNIFICATION.
a. The Executive shall continue to be covered by the Articles
of Incorporation and/or the Bylaws of the Company with respect to matters
occurring on or prior to the date of termination of the Executive's employment
with the Company, subject to all the provisions of Florida and Federal law and
the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company then in effect. Such
reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, that may be covered by the
Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws of the Company shall be paid by the
Company on a current basis in accordance with such provision, the Company's
Articles of Incorporation and Florida law. To the extent that any such payments
by the Company pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws
may be subject to repayment by the Executive pursuant to the provisions of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or pursuant to Florida or Federal
law, such repayment shall be due and payable by the Executive to the Company
within twelve (12) months after the termination of all proceedings, if any,
which relate to such repayment and to the Company's affairs for the period prior
to the date of termination of the Executive's employment with the Company and as
to which Executive has been covered by such applicable provisions.
b. The Company specifically acknowledges and agrees that the
Executive has personally guaranteed certain obligations on behalf of the Company
and further that the Executive is personally liable for certain obligations of
the Company. The Company shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless from
10
any and all obligations that the Executive may incur, including, without
limitation, costs and attorneys fees in connection with such guaranties or
personal liabilities. Any costs or expenses that may be incurred by the
Executive in connection with such liabilities or guaranties shall be reimbursed
to the Executive, upon receipt by the Company of documented evidence of such
liabilities, within three (3) business days of the receipt of such documented
evidence.
9. WITHHOLDING. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, all payments
required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive's
estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts, if
any, relating to tax and other payroll deductions as the Company may reasonably
determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. In
lieu of withholding such amounts, the Company may accept other arrangements
pursuant to which it is satisfied that such tax and other payroll obligations
will be satisfied in a manner complying with applicable law or regulation.
10. CERTAIN TAX MATTERS. The Company shall indemnify and hold the
Executive harmless from and against (i) the imposition of excise tax (the
"Excise Tax") under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (or any successor provision thereto, the "Code"), on any payment made
under this Agreement (including any payment made under this paragraph) and any
interest, penalties and additions to tax imposed in connection therewith, and
(ii) any federal, state or local income tax imposed on any payment made pursuant
to this paragraph. The Executive shall not take the position on any tax return
or other filing that any payment made under this Agreement is subject to the
Excise Tax, unless, in the opinion of independent tax counsel reasonably
acceptable to the Company, there is no reasonable basis for taking the position
that any such payment is not subject to the Excise Tax under U.S. tax law then
in effect. If the Internal Revenue Service makes a claim that any payment or
portion thereof is subject to the Excise Tax, at the Company's election, and the
Company's direction and expense, the Executive shall contest such claim;
provided, however, that the Company shall advance to the Executive the costs and
expenses of such contest, as incurred. For the purpose of determining the amount
of any payment under clause (ii) of the first sentence of this paragraph, the
Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal
rate of federal income taxation applicable to individuals in the calendar year
in which such indemnity payment is to be made and state and local income taxes
at the highest marginal rates of taxation applicable to individuals as are in
effect in the jurisdiction in which the Executive is resident, net of the
reduction in federal income taxes that is obtained from deduction of such state
and local taxes.
11. NOTICES. Any notice required or permitted to be given under the
terms of this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent postage
prepaid by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested; by overnight
delivery; by courier; or by confirmed telecopy, in the case of the Executive to
the Executive's last place of business or residence as shown on the records of
the Company, or in the case of the Company to its principal office as set forth
11
in the first paragraph of this Agreement, or at such other place as it may
designate.
12. WAIVER. Unless agreed in writing, the failure of either party, at
any time, to require performance by the other of any provisions hereunder shall
not affect its right thereafter to enforce the same, nor shall a waiver by
either party of any breach of any provision hereof be taken or held to be a
waiver of any other preceding or succeeding breach of any term or provision of
this Agreement. No extension of time for the performance of any obligation or
act shall be deemed to be an extension of time for the performance of any other
obligation or act hereunder.
13. COMPLETENESS AND MODIFICATION. This Agreement constitutes the
entire understanding between the parties hereto superseding all prior and
contemporaneous agreements or understandings among the parties hereto concerning
the Employment Agreement. This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded or
canceled, and any of the terms, covenants, representations, warranties or
conditions hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument executed by the
parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party to be charged.
14. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall
constitute but one agreement.
15. BINDING EFFECT/ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon the
parties hereto, their heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. This
Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive but shall be assignable by
the Company in connection with the sale, transfer or other disposition of its
business or to any of the Company's affiliates controlled by or under common
control with the Company.
16. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall become valid when executed and
accepted by Company. The parties agree that it shall be deemed made and entered
into in the State of Florida and shall be governed and construed under and in
accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Anything in this Agreement to
the contrary notwithstanding, the Executive shall conduct the Executive's
business in a lawful manner and faithfully comply with applicable laws or
regulations of the state, city or other political subdivision in which the
Executive is located.
17. FURTHER ASSURANCES. All parties hereto shall execute and deliver
such other instruments and do such other acts as may be necessary to carry out
the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
18. HEADINGS. The headings of the sections are for convenience only and
shall not control or affect the meaning or construction or limit the scope or
intent of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
12
19. SURVIVAL. Any termination of this Agreement shall not, however,
affect the ongoing provisions of this Agreement which shall survive such
termination in accordance with their terms.
20. SEVERABILITY. The invalidity or unenforceability, in whole or in
part, of any covenant, promise or undertaking, or any section, subsection,
paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or word or of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining
portions thereof.
21. ENFORCEMENT. Should it become necessary for any party to institute
legal action to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
successful party will be awarded reasonable attorneys' fees at all trial and
appellate levels, expenses and costs.
22. VENUE. Company and Executive acknowledge and agree that the U.S.
District for the Southern District of Florida, or if such court lacks
jurisdiction, the 15th Judicial Circuit (or its successor) in and for Palm Beach
County, Florida, shall be the venue and exclusive proper forum in which to
adjudicate any case or controversy arising either, directly or indirectly, under
or in connection with this Agreement and the parties further agree that, in the
event of litigation arising out of or in connection with this Agreement in these
courts, they will not contest or challenge the jurisdiction or venue of these
courts.
23. CONSTRUCTION. This Agreement shall be construed within the fair
meaning of each of its terms and not against the party drafting the document.
13
THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE EXECUTIVE HAS READ ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS
AGREEMENT, UNDERSTANDS THE AGREEMENT, AND AGREES TO ABIDE BY ITS TERMS AND
CONDITIONS.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of date
set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
Witness: The Company:
VISUAL DATA CORPORATION
By:
---------------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
President
Witness: The Executive
------------------------------------
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
14
EXHIBIT A
