Exhibit 10.2
GUM TECH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into as of
July __, 2001, by and between Gum Tech International, Inc., a Utah corporation
(the "Company"), and ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ("EXECUTIVE").
ARTICLE 1
DUTIES AND TERM
1.1 EMPLOYMENT. In consideration of their mutual covenants and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy, and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, the Company agrees to employ Executive, and Executive
agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, upon the terms and conditions
herein provided.
1.2 POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Executive will serve as President of the Company, reporting
directly to the Board of Directors of the Company. Executive agrees to perform
services not inconsistent with his position as shall from time to time be
assigned to Executive by the Board.
(b) During the period of Executive's employment hereunder, Executive
will devote substantially all of Executive's business time, attention, skill,
and efforts to the faithful performance of Executive's duties hereunder.
1.3 TERM. The term of Executive's employment under this Agreement will
commence on the date first written above and will continue, unless sooner
terminated, for three years; after the three-year period, Executive's term of
employment will automatically be extended from year to year without further
action by the Company or Executive unless a written notice not to renew this
Agreement is provided by one party to the other at least ninety (90) days prior
to the end of any extended term.
ARTICLE 2
COMPENSATION
For all services rendered by Executive in any capacity during Executive's
employment under this Agreement, the Company will compensate Executive as
follows:
2.1 BASE SALARY. The Company will pay to Executive an annual base salary of
not less than $225,000.00 to be paid in equal semi-monthly payments (the "Base
Salary") during the term hereof; provided, however, that in the event the
Company institutes a salary reduction program that affects all exempt employees
( as defined by standard Company policies in compliance with the Fair Labor
Standards Act) by the same percentage, then Executive's Base Salary may be
reduced by such percentage (and the term "Base Salary" as used in this Agreement
will refer to the Base Salary as so adjusted). The Board, or a committee
thereof, will annually review the Base Salary, and may, in its discretion,
increase the Base Salary.
2.2 BONUS PAYMENTS. An annual bonus, beginning with the first year of
employment, will be $112,500.00, based on meeting specified goals. After the
first year of employment, the annual bonus will be equal to at least one-half of
Executive's Base Salary for the applicable year, based on meeting specified
goals. The goal measurements will be based on 30% revenue, 40% net earnings and
30% business plans/strategies. The Board, or a committee thereof, will establish
in each fiscal year during the term hereof an executive goal measurement plan.
Any bonus under any such plan is referred to herein as the "Annual Incentive
Bonus". This Annual Incentive Bonus shall be paid within ninety (90) days of the
end of the year for which it is calculated. For the period July 1, 2002 through
December 31, 2002, Executive shall be paid a pro rata Annual Incentive Bonus.
After December 31, 2002, Executive's Annual Incentive Bonus will be calculated
on a calendar year basis.
2.3 STOCK OPTIONS. Pursuant to the Executive's Employment Offer Letter,
stock options will be granted and addressed in subsequent Stock Option Plan
documents that will be provided. The Company shall use all reasonable efforts to
establish and maintain one or more stock option plans in which Executive shall
be entitled to participate.
2.4 ADDITIONAL BENEFITS. Executive will be entitled to participate in all
benefit and welfare programs, plans, and arrangements that are from time to time
available to the Company's employees; provided, however, there will be no
duplication of termination or severance benefits, and to the extent that such
benefits are specifically provided by the Company to Executive under other
provisions of this Agreement, the benefits available under the foregoing plans
and programs will be reduced by any benefit amounts paid under such other
provisions. Specifically, without limitation, Executive will receive the
following benefits:
(a) Simple ▇▇▇. The Company offers a voluntary pre-tax salary
reduction plan with a three percent (3%) employer match in which eligible
employees may elect to participate on the first day of the month following 90
days of continuous employment. Eligible employees will have 30 days in which to
sign up for participation once the enrollment criterion of 90 days of continuous
employment has been met, subject to plan restrictions. Employees' pre-tax plan
contribution amounts are limited to $6,000.00 annually. Federal guidelines and
regulations governing Simple Retirement Account (SRA) programs determine maximum
annual contribution amounts.
(b) REIMBURSEMENT OF BUSINESS EXPENSES. The Company will, in
accordance with standard Company policies, pay, or reimburse Executive for, all
reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by Executive in performing
Executive's obligations under this Agreement.
(c) VACATIONS. Executive will be entitled to 15 business days,
excluding Company holidays, of paid vacation during each calendar year of
employment hereunder. For the period July 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001,
Executive shall be entitled to a pro rata portion of vacation days. Executive
may accrue and carry forward vacation days from any particular year of his
employment under this Agreement to the next year.
2.5 RELOCATION EXPENSES. Executive will receive up to $50,000.00 for
relocation expenses from the Grand Rapids, Michigan area to a location
designated by the Company by December 31, 2001. The Company will reimburse
Executive for reasonable travel and temporary living expenses in the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ until a determination has been made regarding the place to be
designated by the Company for Executive's permanent relocation. Also, in the
event that Executive's current residence is not sold within 90 days of
determination by the Company that Executive should permanently relocate from the
Grand Rapids, Michigan area, the Company guarantees the purchase of the
residence at the middle price of three (3) appraisals that Executive must
obtain, or, protection for the sale of the residence up to $35,000.00 from the
middle appraisal price. Any relocation requirement by the Company shall be
within the continental United States.
ARTICLE 3
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
3.1 DEATH OR RETIREMENT OF EXECUTIVE. Executive's employment under this
Agreement will automatically terminate upon the death or Retirement (as defined
in Section 6.1) of Executive.
3.2 BY EXECUTIVE. Executive will be entitled to terminate Executive's
employment under this Agreement by giving Notice of Termination (as defined in
Section 6.1) to the Company:
(a) for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6.1); and
(b) at any time without Good Reason.
3.3 BY COMPANY. The Company will be entitled to terminate Executive's
employment under this Agreement by giving Notice of Termination to Executive:
(a) in the event of Executive's Total Disability (as defined in
Section 6.1);
(b) for Cause (as defined in Section 6.1); and
(c) at any time without Cause.
ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated in accordance with the
provisions of Article 3 hereof, except for any other rights or benefits
specifically provided for herein following Executive's period of employment, the
Company will be obligated to provide compensation and benefits to Executive only
as follows, subject to the provisions of Section 5.12 hereof:
4.1 UPON TERMINATION FOR DEATH OR DISABILITY. If Executive's employment
hereunder is terminated by reason of Executive's death or Total Disability, the
Company will:
(a) pay Executive (or Executive's estate) or beneficiaries any Base
Salary that has accrued but not paid as of the termination date (the "ACCRUED
BASE SALARY");
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(b) pay Executive (or Executive's estate) or beneficiaries for unused
vacation days accrued as of the termination date in an amount equal to
Executive's Base Salary multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the
number of accrued unused vacation days and the denominator of which is 260 (the
"ACCRUED VACATION PAYMENT");
(c) reimburse Executive (or Executive's estate) or beneficiaries for
expenses incurred by Executive prior to the date of termination that are subject
to reimbursement pursuant to this Agreement (the "ACCRUED REIMBURSABLE
EXPENSES");
(d) provide to Executive (or Executive's estate) or beneficiaries any
accrued and vested benefits required to be provided by the terms of any
Company-sponsored benefit plans or programs (the "ACCRUED BENEFITS"), together
with any benefits required to be paid or provided in the event of Executive's
death or Total Disability under applicable law;
(e) pay Executive (or Executive's estate) or beneficiaries any Annual
Incentive Bonus with respect to a prior fiscal year that has accrued but has not
been paid (the "ACCRUED ANNUAL INCENTIVE BONUS" plus the pro rata share of any
Annual Incentive Bonus for the fiscal year during which Executive's employment
shall be terminated; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such amount shall be payable to
Executive unless the objectives are achieved in the reasonable judgment of the
Company for the full fiscal year (the "PRO RATA BONUS"); and
(f) Executive (or Executive's estate) or beneficiaries shall have the
right to exercise all unexercised stock options and warrants outstanding at the
termination date related to the original option grant of 75,000 shares, whether
or not vested, in accordance with terms of the plans and agreements pursuant to
which such options or warrants were issued.
4.2 UPON TERMINATION BY COMPANY FOR CAUSE OR BY EXECUTIVE WITHOUT GOOD
REASON. If Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or if
Executive terminates Executive's employment with the Company other than (y) upon
Executive's death or Total Disability or (z) for Good Reason, the Company will:
(a) pay Executive the Accrued Base Salary;
(b) pay Executive the Accrued Vacation Payment;
(c) pay Executive the Accrued Reimbursable Expenses;
(d) pay Executive the Accrued Benefits, together with any benefits
required to be paid or provided under applicable law;
(e) pay Executive any Accrued Annual Incentive Bonus; and
(f) Executive will have the right to exercise vested options and
warrants in accordance with terms of the plans and agreements pursuant to which
such options or warrants were issued.
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4.3 UPON TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE OR BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD
REASON. If Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or
by Executive for Good Reason, the Company will:
(a) pay Executive the Accrued Base Salary;
(b) pay Executive the Accrued Vacation Payment;
(c) pay Executive the Accrued Reimbursable Expenses;
(d) pay Executive the Accrued Benefits, together with any benefits
required to be paid or provided under applicable law;
(e) pay Executive any Accrued Annual Incentive Bonus;
(f) pay Executive for a twelve (12) month period commencing on or
before the thirtieth day following the termination date twenty-four (24)
semi-monthly payments each equal to one-twenty-fourth of the sum of (1)
Executive's Base Salary in effect immediately prior to the time such termination
occurs for the remaining term of this Agreement or for one (1) year, whichever
is longer, plus (2) the average of the Annual Incentive Bonuses paid to
Executive for the two (2) fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in
which the termination occurs (or if less than two, the amount of his single
Annual Incentive Bonus, if any) for each of the remaining years of the term of
this Agreement or for one year, whichever is longer.
(g) maintain in full force and effect at the Company's expense, for
Executive's and Executive's eligible beneficiaries' continued benefit, until the
first to occur of (x) his attainment of alternative employment which provides
substantially similar health benefits or (y) twelve (12) months following the
termination date of Executive's employment hereunder or the remaining term of
this Agreement, (whichever is longer), the benefits provided pursuant to
Company-sponsored benefit plans, programs, or other arrangements in which
Executive was entitled to participate as a full-time employee immediately prior
to such termination in accordance with Section 2.4 hereof, subject to the terms
and conditions of such plans and programs (the "CONTINUED BENEFITS"). If
Executive's continued participation is not permitted under the general terms and
provisions of such plans, programs, and arrangements, the Company will arrange
to provide Executive with Continued Benefits substantially similar to those
which Executive would have been entitled to receive under such plans, programs,
and arrangements; and
(h) Executive shall have the right to exercise vested options and
warrants in accordance with Section 4.1(f).
4.4 UPON TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE FOLLOWING A CHANGE OF
CONTROL OR BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON FOLLOWING A CHANGE OF CONTROL. If
following a Change of Control, Executive's employment is terminated by the
Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, the Company will:
(a) Make the payments and provide to Executive the benefits under
Section 4.3 other than under Section 4.3(f) hereof; and
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(b) Pay to Executive a lump sum payment on or prior to the thirtieth
day following the termination date of Executive's employment hereunder in an
amount equal to two hundred percent (200%) of the sum of (1) Executive's Base
Salary in effect for the fiscal year immediately prior to the fiscal year in
which the Change of Control occurs, plus (2) the average of the Annual Incentive
Bonuses paid to Executive for the two (2) fiscal years immediately preceding the
fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs (or if less than two, the
amount of his single Annual Incentive Bonus, if any).
ARTICLE 5
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
5.1 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND MATERIALS. Executive hereby agrees and
acknowledges that the following ideas, information, and materials in written,
oral, magnetic, photographic, optical or other form and whether now existing or
developed or created during the period of Executive's employment or engagement
with the Company (the "Confidential Information") are proprietary to the Company
and are highly sensitive in nature:
(a) HARDWARE. Any and all ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques,
structures, information and materials relating to the design, development,
engineering, invention, patent, patent application, manufacture or improvement
of any and all equipment, components, devices, techniques, processes or formulas
(including, without limitation, mask works, semi-conductor chips, processors,
memories, disc drives, tape heads, computer terminals, keyboards, storage
devices, printers, and optical storage media) and any and all components,
devices, techniques or circuitry incorporated in any of the above which is or
are constructed, designed, improved, altered or used by the Company and which is
or are not generally known to the public or within the industries in which the
Company competes.
(b) SOFTWARE. Any and all ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques,
structures, information and materials relating to existing computer software or
firmware products and computer software or firmware in various stages of
research and development including without limitation source code, object and
load modules, requirements specifications, design specifications, design notes,
flow charts, coding sheets, annotations, documentation, technical and
engineering data, laboratory studies, benchmark test results, and the
structures, organization, designs, formulas and algorithms which reside in the
software and which are not generally known to the public or within the
industries or trades in which the Company competes.
(c) BUSINESS PROCEDURES. Internal business procedures and business
plans, including analytical methods and procedures, licensing techniques,
manufacturing information and procedures such as formulations, processes and
equipment, technical and engineering data, vendor names, other vendor
information, purchasing information, financial information, service and
operational manuals and documentation therefor, ideas for new products and
services and other such information which relates to the way the Company
conducts its business and which is not generally known to the public.
(d) LEGAL RIGHTS. All patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks
and service marks, and the like.
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(e) MARKETING PLANS AND CUSTOMERS LISTS. Any and all customer and
marketing information and materials, such as (i) strategic data, including
marketing and development plans, forecasts and forecast assumptions and volumes,
and future plans and potential strategies of the Company which have been or are
being discussed; (ii) financial data, price and cost objectives, price lists,
pricing policies and procedures, and estimating and quoting policies and
procedures; and (iii) customer data, including customer lists, names of
existing, past or prospective customers and their representatives, data about or
provided by prospective, existing or past customers, customer service
information and materials, data about the terms, conditions and expiration dates
of existing contracts with customers and the type, quantity and specifications
of products and services purchased, leased or licensed by customers of the
Company.
(f) NOT GENERALLY KNOWN. Any and all information not generally known
to the public or within the industries or trades in which the Company competes.
5.2 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. The general skills and experience gained by
Executive during Executive's employment or engagement by the Company, and
information publicly available or generally known within the industries or
trades in which the Company competes, is not considered Confidential
Information. Following the Non-Competition Period (as defined in Section 5.9(a),
Executive is not restricted from working with a person or entity which has
independently developed information or materials similar to the Confidential
Information, but in such a circumstance, Executive agrees not to disclose the
fact that any similarity exists between the Confidential Information and the
independently developed information and materials, and Executive understands
that such similarity does not excuse Executive from the non-disclosure and other
obligations in this Agreement.
5.3 EXECUTIVE OBLIGATIONS AS TO CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND MATERIALS.
During Executive's employment or engagement by the Company, Executive will have
access to the Confidential Information and will occupy a position of trust and
confidence with respect to the Confidential Information and the Company's
affairs and business. Executive agrees to take the following steps to preserve
the confidential and proprietary nature of the Confidential Information:
(a) NON-DISCLOSURE. During and after Executive's employment or
engagement by the Company, Executive will not use, disclose or otherwise permit
any person or entity access to any of the Confidential Information other than as
required in the performance of Executive's duties with the Company. Executive
understands that Executive is not allowed to sell, license, market or otherwise
exploit any products or services (including software or firmware in any form)
which embody in whole or in part any Confidential Information.
(b) PREVENT DISCLOSURE. Executive will take all reasonable precautions
to prevent disclosure of the Confidential Information to unauthorized persons or
entities.
(c) ABIDE BY THE COMPANY'S RESTRICTIONS. Executive will treat as
confidential and proprietary any information or materials from outside the
Company which the Company is obligated to treat as confidential or proprietary,
in accordance with the Company's reasonable instructions to Executive.
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(d) RETURN ALL MATERIALS. Upon termination of Executive's employment
or engagement by the Company for any reason whatsoever, Executive will deliver
to the Company all tangible materials embodying the Confidential Information,
including any documentation, records, listings, notes, data, sketches, drawings,
memoranda, models, accounts, reference materials, samples, machine-readable
media and equipment which in any way relate to the Confidential Information. Of
course, Executive agrees not to retain any copies of any of the above materials.
5.4 INFORM SUBSEQUENT EMPLOYERS. Executive covenants and agrees that, for a
period beginning on the date of Executive's termination of employment with the
Company and ending on the termination of the Non-Competition Period, prior to
accepting subsequent employment with an employer engaged in substantially the
same line of work as the Company, Executive will inform any such subsequent
employer that this Agreement exists.
5.5 IDEAS AND INVENTIONS. Executive agrees to assign to the Company all of
Executive's right, title and interest in or to any and all ideas, concepts,
know-how, techniques, processes, inventions, discoveries, developments, works of
authorship, innovations and improvements ("Inventions") conceived or made by
Executive, whether alone or with others, whether patentable or not, except those
that the Executive developed entirely on Executive's own time without using the
Company's equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information and which
neither (1) relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the
invention to the Company's business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated
research or development of the Company nor (2) result from any work performed by
the Executive for the Company. Executive agrees to disclose all Inventions to
the Company promptly, and to provide all assistance reasonably requested by the
Company in the preservation of its interests in the Inventions (such as by
executing documents, testifying, etc.), such assistance to be provided at the
Company's expense but without any additional compensation to Executive.
5.6 INVENTIONS AND PATENTS; ASSERTION OF RIGHTS. Executive agrees that from
this date until Executive leaves the Company's employment, Executive will keep
the Company informed of any Inventions made by Executive, in whole or in part,
or conceived by Executive, alone or with others, which result from any work
Executive may do for, or at the request of, the Company, or which relate to the
Company's activities, investigations, or obligations. Executive will, at the
expense of the Company, assist the Company or its nominees to obtain patents for
such Inventions in any countries throughout the world. Such Inventions will be
the property of the Company or its nominees, whether patented or not. Executive
will and does, without charge to the Company, assign to the Company, all of
Executive's right, title, and interest in and to such Inventions, including
patents and patent applications and reissues thereof. Executive agrees to
execute, acknowledge, and deliver any instruments confirming the complete
ownership by the Company of such Inventions. Such assignments will include the
right to ▇▇▇ for infringement.
5.7 COPYRIGHTS. Executive agrees that any work prepared by Executive during
the course of Executive's employment or engagement hereunder which is eligible
for United States copyright protection or protection under the Universal
Copyright Convention, the Berne Copyright Convention and/or the Buenos Aires
Copyright Convention will be a work made for hire. In the event any such work is
deemed not to be a work made for hire, Executive hereby assigns all right, title
and interest in and to the copyright in such work to the Company, and agrees to
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provide all assistance reasonably requested by the Company in the establishment,
preservation and enforcement of its copyright in such work, such assistance to
be provided at the Company's expense but without any additional compensation to
Executive.
5.8 CONFLICTING OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS. Executive agrees to inform the
Company in writing of any apparent conflict between Executive's work for the
Company and (i) any obligations Executive may have to preserve the
confidentiality of another's proprietary information or materials, or (ii) any
rights Executive claims to any patents, copyrights, trade secrets, or other
inventions, ideas or similar rights, before performing that work. Otherwise, the
Company may conclude that no such conflict exists and Executive agrees
thereafter to make no such claim against the Company. The Company will receive
such disclosures in confidence. There are no such existing obligations and
claims of Executive as of the date of this Agreement.
5.9 NON-COMPETITION/NON-SOLICITATION.
(a) Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation. During the Non-Competition
Period (as defined herein), Executive agrees that Executive will not directly or
indirectly Compete (as defined herein) with the Business in the Business
Territory. The term "BUSINESS TERRITORY" means the United States of America,
including (i) the Western United States (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado,
Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and
Wyoming) and (ii) a 30-mile radius around the Company's corporate headquarters
and any other location of the Company.
(b) For purposes of this Section 5.9, the "NON-COMPETITION PERIOD"
means the period of Executive's employment by the Company, or any of their
Affiliates plus an additional period of one (1) year following the date of
termination of Executive's employment for any reason, whether such termination
is voluntary or involuntary. Executive agrees that the Non-Competition Period
will be extended by the number of days during any such period in which Executive
is or was engaged in activities constituting a breach of this Article 5.
(c) For purposes of this Section 5.9, the term "COMPETE" or
"COMPETING" means, with respect to the Business: (i) managing, supervising, or
otherwise participating in a management or sales capacity; or (ii) otherwise
managing, operating, controlling, participating in the ownership, management, or
control of, or being connected with or having any interest in, as a stockholder,
agent, partner, lender, consultant, advisor or otherwise, any business or Person
which provides goods, products, or services competitive with those provided by
the Business; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that nothing contained herein will prohibit
Executive from owning less than one percent of any class of securities listed on
a national securities exchange or traded publicly in the over-the-counter
market; or (iii) entering into or attempting to enter into any business
substantially similar to the Business, either alone or with any other Person.
(d) For the purposes of this Section 5.9, the words "directly or
indirectly", as they modify the word "Compete" or "Competing" mean (i) acting as
an agent, representative, consultant, officer, director, member, independent
contractor, or employee of any Person that is Competing with the Business; (ii)
participating in any such Competing Person or enterprise as an owner, partner,
limited partner, joint venturer, member, creditor, or shareholder (except as
expressly permitted herein); or (iii) or communicating to any such Competing
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Person or enterprise the names or addresses or any other information concerning
any past, present, or identified prospective client or customer or any other
confidential information of the Business, the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(e) For purposes of this Article 5, the term "BUSINESS" means the
business, as conducted by the Company, or any of its Affiliates immediately
prior to the date hereof and/or developed during Executive's employment
hereunder.
(f) NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES. Executive recognizes that the
Company's employees are a valuable resource of the Company. Accordingly, during
the Employee Non-Solicitation Period (as defined herein), Executive agrees that
Executive will not, either alone or in conjunction with any other Person,
directly or indirectly, solicit, induce, or recruit any Company employee to
leave the employ of the Company. For the purpose of this Section 5.9(e), Company
employee means (i) any employee of the Company, or any of its Affiliates as of,
or immediately prior to the date hereof or during the Non-Competition Period,
the Employee Non-Solicitation Period, and the Customer Non-Solicitation Period;
or (ii) any former employee of the Company, or any of its Affiliates whose
employment with the Company, or any of its Affiliates ceased less than one (1)
year before the date of such co-venturing, solicitation, inducement, or
recruitment.
For purposes of this Section 5.9, the "EMPLOYEE NON-SOLICITATION
PERIOD" and the "CUSTOMER NON-SOLICITATION PERIOD" mean the period of
Executive's employment by the Company, or any of its Affiliates, and an
additional period of one (1) year following the date of termination of
Executive's employment for any reason, whether such termination is voluntary or
involuntary. The Employee Non-Solicitation Period described herein will be
extended by the number of days during any such period in which Executive is or
was engaged in activities constituting a breach of this Article 5.
(g) NON-SOLICITATION OF CUSTOMERS AND PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMERS. Executive
recognizes that the Company's customers and Prospective Customers are a valuable
asset of the Company. Accordingly, during the Customer Non-Solicitation Period,
Executive will not, for the purpose of competing with the Company, either alone
or in conjunction with any other Person, directly or indirectly, call on,
solicit, take away, accept as a client, customer, or prospective client or
customer, or attempt to call on, solicit, take away, or accept as a client,
customer, or prospective client or customer, any Person that, as of the date of
the termination of Executive's employment hereunder, was a client, customer, or
Prospective Customer of the Company, or any of its Affiliates.
(h) Executive hereby expressly agrees and acknowledges that:
(i) the Company has protectable business interests throughout the
Business Territory, and elsewhere, and that competition with and against such
business interests would be harmful to the Company;
(ii) the covenants contained in this Article 5 are reasonable as
to time and geographical area and do not place any unreasonable burden upon
Executive's ability to earn a livelihood;
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(iii) the public will not be harmed as a result of enforcement of
the covenants contained in this Article 5;
(iv) the personal legal counsel for Executive has reviewed the
covenants contained in this Article 5; and
(v) Executive understands and hereby agrees to each and every
term and condition contained in this Article 5.
5.10 NON-DISPARAGEMENT. During the term of this Agreement, the
Non-Competition Period, the Employee Non-Solicitation Period, and the Customer
Non-Solicitation Period, the Executive will not disparage the Company nor will
the Company, or its representatives, disparage Executive.
5.11 REMEDIES. Executive expressly agrees and acknowledges that the
covenants set forth in Sections 5.1 through Section 5.10 are necessary for the
protection of the interests of the Company and its Affiliates because of the
nature and scope of their business and Executive's position with the Company
and, consistent with Section 6.3, such covenants may be enforced in any court of
competent jurisdiction. Further, Executive acknowledges that any breach of such
covenants would result in irreparable damage to the Company, and that money
damages will not sufficiently compensate the Company for its injury caused
thereby, and that the remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of any
of such covenants will be inadequate and, accordingly agrees, that the Company
will, in addition to all other available remedies (including without limitation,
seeking such damages as it can show it has sustained by reason of such breach),
be entitled to injunctive relief or specific performance and that in addition to
such money damages Executive may be restrained and enjoined from any continuing
breach of any such covenant.
5.12 SEVERABILITY OF ARTICLE 5 PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Article
5 shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or
unenforceable because of the scope, duration, area of its applicability, or any
other reason, the court making such determination will have the power to modify
such scope, duration, or area, or all of them, or to strike an invalid or
unenforceable provision, in whole or in part, to make such scope, duration,
area, or provision valid and enforceable. Executive further acknowledges and
agrees that if such covenants, or any of them, are deemed to be unenforceable as
a result of litigation initiated or otherwise supported by Executive and/or the
Executive fails to comply with this Article 5, the Company has no obligation to
provide any compensation or other benefits described in Article 4 hereof.
5.13 OTHER AGREEMENTS. In the event that Executive has previously signed,
or does sign in the future any one or more separate non-competition,
non-solicitation, confidentiality, or similar agreement(s) with the Company,
such agreement(s) will remain binding and enforceable and the Company may, at
its option, assert any and all such agreement(s) against Executive in addition
to, or in lieu of, this Agreement.
5.14 SCOPE OF ARTICLE. For purposes of this Article 5, unless the context
otherwise requires, the term "Company" includes Gum Tech International, Inc.,
its direct and indirect subsidiaries, and its Affiliates.
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ARTICLE 6
MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will
have the following meanings:
"Accrued Base Salary" - as defined in Section 4.1(a).
"Accrued Benefits" - as defined in Section 4.1(d).
"Accrued Annual Incentive Bonus" - as defined in Section 4.1(e).
"Accrued Reimbursable Expenses" - as defined in Section 4.1(c).
"Accrued Vacation Payment" - as defined in Section 4.1(b).
"Affiliate" - of a Person means a Person that directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under
common control with, the first Person. "Control" (including the terms
"controlled by" and "under common control with") means the possession, directly
or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or credit arrangement, as trustee or executor, or otherwise.
"Annual Incentive Bonus" - as defined in Section 2.2.
"Base Salary" - as defined in Section 2.1.
"Board" - means the Company's Board of Directors.
"Business" - as defined in Section 5.9(e).
"Business Territory" - as defined in Section 5.9(a).
"Cause" will mean the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) Executive's gross and willful misconduct which results in material
injury to the Company;
(b) Executive's engaging in fraudulent conduct with respect to the
Company's or any of its Affiliates' business or in conduct of a criminal nature
that may have an adverse impact on the Company's or any of its Affiliates'
standing and reputation;
(c) the material failure or refusal by Executive to perform the duties
required of Executive by this Agreement which inappropriate failure or refusal
shall not be cured within thirty (30) days following receipt by Executive of
written notice from the Board of Directors of the Company specifying the factors
or events constituting such failure or refusal;
(d) Executive's use of drugs and/or alcohol in violation of then
current Company policy; or
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(e) Executive's material breach of his obligation under Section 1.2(b)
hereof which shall not be cured within thirty (30) days after written notice
thereof to Executive from the Board.
"Compete" or "Competing" - as defined in Section 5.9(b).
"Change of Control" shall mean and will be deemed to have occurred if:
(i) After the date of this Agreement, any "person" (as such term
is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or any successor provision thereto) shall
become the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act or any successor provision thereto) directly or indirectly of securities of
the Company representing 15 percent or more of the combined voting power of the
Company's then outstanding securities ordinarily having the right to vote at an
election of directors; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, for purposes of this
subparagraph, "person" shall exclude the Company, its subsidiaries, any person
acquiring such securities directly from the Company, any employee benefit plan
sponsored by the Company or from Executive or any stockholder owning 15% or more
of the combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities as of the
date of this Agreement; or
(ii) Any stockholder of the Company owning 15 percent or more of
the combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities as of the date
of this Agreement shall become the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly of securities of the
Company (other than through the acquisition of securities directly from the
Company or from Executive) representing 20 percent or more of the combined
voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities ordinarily having the
right to vote at an election of directors; or
(iii) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the
Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least 80
percent of the Board, provided, however, that any person becoming a member of
the Board subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for
election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least 80
percent of the members then comprising the Incumbent Board (other than an
election or nomination of an individual whose initial assumption of office is in
connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the
election of directors of the Company, as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of
Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor provision
thereto) shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such
person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(iv) Approval by the stockholders of the Company and consummation
of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, or sale or other disposition of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case, with or to a
corporation or other person or entity of which persons who were the stockholders
of the Company immediately prior to such transaction do not, immediately
thereafter, own more than 80 percent of the combined voting power of the
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outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors of the reorganized, merged, consolidated or purchasing corporation (or
in the case of a non-corporate person or entity, functionally equivalent voting
power) and 80 percent of the members of the Board of which corporation (or
functional equivalent in the case of a non-corporate person or entity) were not
members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial
agreement providing for such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale, not
including the sale of assets pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement by and
between Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and the Company dated as of March 14, 2001.
"Confidential Information" - as defined in Section 5.1.
"Continued Benefits" - as defined in Section 4.3(g).
"Customer Non-Solicitation Period" - as defined in Section 5.9(f).
"Employee Non-Solicitation Period" - as defined in Section 5.9(e).
"Good Reason" will mean the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) Executive's compensation is reduced by the Company in violation of
this Agreement; or
(b) In either event more than once during the term of this Agreement,
Executive is required by the Company permanently to relocate his residence or
the Company's principal business office is relocated more than 60 miles away
from its then current location; or
(c) Other material breach of this Agreement by the Company, which
breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof is
received by the Company.
"Inventions" - as defined in Section 5.5.
"Non-Competition Period" - as defined in Section 5.9(b).
"Notice of Termination" will mean a notice which indicates the
specific termination provision of this Agreement relied upon and sets forth in
reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for
termination of Executive's employment under the provision so indicated.
"Person" - means any natural person, firm, partnership, association,
corporation, company, limited liability company, limited partnership, trust,
business trust, governmental authority, or other entity.
"Prospective Customer" - as defined in Section 5.9(g).
"Retirement" will mean normal retirement at age 65.
"Total Disability" will mean Executive's failure substantially to
perform Executive's duties hereunder on a full-time basis for a period exceeding
ninety (90) consecutive days or for periods aggregating more than one hundred
eighty (180) days during any twelve-month period as a result of incapacity due
to physical or mental illness. If there is a dispute as to whether Executive is
or was physically or mentally unable to perform his duties under this Agreement,
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such dispute will be submitted for resolution to a licensed physician agreed
upon by the Company and Executive, or if an agreement cannot be promptly
reached, the Company and Executive will promptly select a physician, and if
these physicians cannot agree, the physicians will promptly select a third
physician whose decision will be binding on all parties. If such a dispute
arises, Executive will submit to such examinations and will provide such
information as such physician(s) may request, and the determination of the
physician(s) as to Executive's physical or mental condition will be binding and
conclusive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive participates in any
group disability plan provided by the Company which offers long-term disability
benefits, "Total Disability" will mean total disability as defined therein.
6.2 KEY MAN INSURANCE. The Company will have the right, in its sole
discretion, to purchase "key man" insurance on the life of Executive. The
Company shall be the owner and beneficiary of any such policy. If the Company
elects to purchase such a policy, Executive will take such physical examinations
and supply such information as may be reasonably requested by the insurer.
6.3 DISPUTE RESOLUTION. If there shall be any dispute between the Company
and Executive (i) in the event of any termination of Executive's employment by
the Company, whether such termination was for Cause, or (ii) in the event of any
termination of employment by Executive, or (iii) otherwise arising out of
Executive's employment or this Agreement, the dispute will be resolved by
binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of
Labor Disputes ("Rules") administered by the American Arbitration Association
("AAA"). This arbitration will be held in the AAA office located nearest the
Company's headquarters. The provisions of the Rules are incorporated as a part
hereof; provided, however, that (A) the Company or Executive must initiate
arbitration within one (1) year from the date any claim accrues; and (B) either
party may seek injunctive relief in court to avoid irreparable injury during the
pendency of arbitration proceedings. IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD THAT BY SIGNING
THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH INCORPORATES BINDING ARBITRATION, THE COMPANY AND
EXECUTIVE AGREE, EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE IN SECTIONS 5.11 AND
THIS SECTION 6.3, TO WAIVE COURT OR JURY TRIAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED
BY LAW AND TO WAIVE PUNITIVE, STATUTORY, CONSEQUENTIAL, AND ANY DAMAGES, OTHER
THAN COMPENSATORY DAMAGES.
6.4 SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT. This Agreement will be binding upon any
successor to the Company and will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
Executive's personal or legal representatives, beneficiaries, designees,
executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
6.5 MODIFICATION; NO WAIVER. THIS AGREEMENT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED OR AMENDED
EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY THE PARTIES HERETO. No term or
condition of this Agreement will be deemed to have been waived, nor will there
be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement,
except by written instrument by the party charged with such waiver or estoppel.
No such written waiver will be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically
stated therein, and each such waiver will operate only as to the specific term
or condition waived and will not constitute a waiver of such term or condition
for the future or as to any other term or condition.
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6.6 SEVERABILITY. The covenants and agreements contained herein are
separate and severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more
of such covenants or agreements, if not material to the employment arrangement
that is the basis for this Agreement, will not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other covenant or agreement contained herein.
6.7 NOTICES. All notices, demands, and other communications provided for
hereunder will be in writing (including facsimile or similar transmission) and
mailed (by U.S. certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid),
sent, or delivered (including by way of overnight courier service), (i) if to
the Company, c/o Gum Tech International, Inc., ▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, Attention: Chairman, Board of Directors, facsimile no. (602)
420-9949 , and to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇ L.L.P., ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇, facsimile no. (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇; and (ii) if to Executive,
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, facsimile no. (616)
676-1716; or, as to any party, to such other person and/or at such other address
or number as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other
party. All such notices, demands, and communications, if mailed, will be
effective upon the earlier of (i) actual receipt by the addressee, (ii) the date
shown on the return receipt of such mailing, or (iii) three (3) days after
deposit in the mail. All such notices, demands, and communications, if not
mailed, will be effective upon the earlier of (i) actual receipt by the
addressee, (ii) with respect to facsimile and similar electronic transmission,
the earlier of (x) the time that electronic confirmation of a successful
transmission is received, or (y) the date of transmission, if a confirming copy
of the transmission is also mailed as described above on the date of
transmission, and (iii) with respect to delivery by overnight courier service,
the day after deposit with the courier service, if delivery on such day by such
courier is confirmed with the courier or the recipient orally or in writing.
6.8 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement and any rights hereunder will not be
assignable by either party without the prior written consent of the other party
except as otherwise specifically provided for herein.
6.9 ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING. This Agreement, and the Executive's Employment
Offer Letter, attached as Exhibit A, constitute the entire understanding between
the parties hereto and no agreement, representation, warranty or covenant has
been made by either party except as expressly set forth herein.
6.10 EXECUTIVE'S REPRESENTATIONS. Executive represents and warrants that
neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the performance of
Executive's duties hereunder violates the provisions of any other agreement to
which Executive is a party or by which Executive is bound.
6.11 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with and
governed for all purposes by the laws of the State of Arizona applicable to
contracts executed and wholly performed within such state.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.
GUM TECH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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EXECUTIVE
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