EXHIBIT 10.14
SEPARATION AGREEMENT
THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT ("Separation Agreement"), is made and entered
into as of December 8, 1999, by and between XXXXX XXXXXXXX, an individual
residing in the State of Georgia ("Xxxxxxxx"), and GRACE DEVELOPMENT, INC., a
Colorado corporation (the "Company").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxx has been serving as a director and Chairman of the Board
of Directors of the Company;
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxx and the Company agree that Xxxxxxxx'x service as a
director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company should be ended;
and
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxx and the Company desire to resolve fully and finally all
issues between them that arise or may arise out of the cessation of Xxxxxxxx'x
service with the Company.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein
contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, it is agreed as follows:
AGREEMENT:
1. Resignation. Xxxxxxxx and the Company agree that effective as of 5:00 p.m.
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Eastern Time on December 8, 1999 (the "Termination Date"), Xxxxxxxx shall, and
hereby does, voluntarily and permanently resign his positions as director and
Chairman of the Board of Directors and member of any committee of, or for, the
Company and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates. Concurrently herewith,
Xxxxxxxx is executing and delivering to the Company a letter of resignation in
the form attached as Exhibit 1 hereto (the "Resignation Letter"). Each of the
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Company's obligations under this Separation Agreement is subject to the
execution and delivery to the Company by Xxxxxxxx of this Separation Agreement
and the Resignation Letter. This Separation Agreement shall be effective upon
such execution and delivery by Xxxxxxxx and execution of this Separation
Agreement by the Company.
2. Payments and Benefits.
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(a) Consulting Fee. On January 3, 2000, the Company shall pay to OneUp
Studios, LLC as a fee for certain consulting services previously rendered to the
Company by Xxxxxxxx cash in the amount of $20,000.
(b) Stock Issuance. As further payment to Xxxxxxxx in consideration of his
resignation as a director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company
and his execution, delivery and performance of the terms of this Separation
Agreement, the Company shall (i) issue to Xxxxxxxx, no sooner than January 3,
2000 and not later than January 15, 2000,
650,000 shares of the common stock, no par value (the "Common Stock"), of the
Company, and (ii) pay to Xxxxxxxx, in four payments not to exceed $37,500 each
on March 31, 2000, June 30, 2000 September 30, 2000 and December 31, 2000, cash
in an amount necessary to defray Xxxxxxxx'x actual income tax liability incurred
in connection with the issuance of the Common Stock, up to a maximum total
payment of $150,000. In connection with the Company's issuance of the Common
Stock, the Company further agrees to provide Xxxxxxxx with an appraisal of such
Common Stock.
(c) No Other Payments or Benefits. Xxxxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that,
other than the payments described specifically in this Separation Agreement,
Xxxxxxxx shall not be entitled to receive on or after the Termination Date any
other benefits, payments, bonuses, severance, termination benefits or
compensation of any kind or for any reason, specifically including but not
limited to any earned or unearned wages, bonuses, payments, benefits, commission
payments, stock options (whether vested or unvested), stock or any other
benefit, payment or compensation of any kind or from any source; provided,
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however, that if, and as to the extent that Xxxxxxxx and the Company contract
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for the provision of consulting services to the Company by Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
and the Company will agree with respect to appropriate compensation therefor
(the "Future Consulting Fees").
3. Investment.
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(a) Xxxxxxxx understands that no prospectus, offering circular or other
offering statement containing information with respect to the Company and the
Common Stock or with respect to the Company's business is being issued and has
made his own inquiry and analysis with respect to the Company, the Common Stock,
the Company's business and other material factors affecting his investment in
the Company Stock.
(b) The Common Stock was not offered to Xxxxxxxx by means of publicly
disseminated advertisements or sales literature, or as a part of a general
solicitation, nor is he aware of any offers made to other persons by such means.
(c) Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that he has either been supplied with or has had
access to information to which a reasonable investor would attach significance
in making investment decisions, and has had the opportunity to ask questions and
receive answers from knowledgeable individuals concerning the Company, its
business and the Common Stock so that as a reasonable investor, he has been able
to make an informed decision to receive the Common Stock hereunder. In
determining to proceed with this investment, Xxxxxxxx has relied solely on the
results of his own independent investigation with respect to the Common Stock,
the Company and upon the representations and statements of the Company set forth
herein. Such representations and statements by the Company constitute the sole
and exclusive representations, warranties, covenants and statements of the
Company or any of its officers, directors, shareholders or other affiliates to
Xxxxxxxx in connection with this investment, and Xxxxxxxx understands,
acknowledges and agrees that all other representations, warranties,
/s/ L.F.
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covenants and statements of any kind or nature, whether oral or contained in any
writing other than this Separation Agreement are specifically disclaimed by the
Company.
(d) Xxxxxxxx understands that the Common Stock (i) is not being registered
(or, with respect to state securities or Blue Sky laws, otherwise qualified for
sale) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), or under the
securities or Blue Sky laws and regulations of any state including, without
limitation, Section 10-5-5 of the Georgia Securities Act of 1973, in reliance
upon exemptions from registration, (ii) will not be traded in any securities
market, (iii) will not be readily marketable, and (iv) cannot be sold,
transferred or otherwise disposed of unless subsequently registered under the
Act and applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws or pursuant to an exemption
from such registration which is available at the time of desired sale, and will
bear a legend to that effect.
(e) Xxxxxxxx is taking the Common Stock for his own account and not with a
view to resale or other distribution thereof inconsistent with or in violation
of the federal securities laws or the securities or Blue Sky laws of any state.
Xxxxxxxx is taking the Common Stock for his own account and not for the account
of any other person or entity. No other person or entity will have any interest,
beneficial or otherwise, in the Common Stock except for Xxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxxx is
not obligated to transfer the Common Stock or any portion thereof to any other
person or entity nor does Xxxxxxxx have any agreement or understanding to do so.
(f) Xxxxxxxx is aware that the Company will be under no obligation to
register the Common Stock, or any portion thereof, or to comply with any
exemption available for the offer or sale of the Common Stock, or any portion
thereof, without registration.
(g) Xxxxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that he may not, directly or
indirectly, sell, assign, pledge, give, subject to lien or security interest or
otherwise dispose of or encumber (collectively, "Transfer") any of the Common
Stock unless, prior to making any Transfer of any Common Stock (other than a
Transfer to the Company), (i) he gives written notice to the Company describing
the manner of such proposed disposition in reasonable detail and (ii) he
delivers to the Company an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Company to the
effect that neither the sale nor the proposed transfer will result in any
violation of applicable state securities laws, the Act or the securities law of
any other jurisdiction.
(h) Xxxxxxxx confirms that he has been advised that he should rely on his
own professional accounting, tax, legal and financial advisors with respect to
an investment in the Company and the Common Stock, and obtain, to the extent
Xxxxxxxx deems necessary, such professional advice with respect to the risks
inherent in an investment in the Common Stock and the suitability of an
investment in the Common Stock in light of his financial condition and
investment needs. Xxxxxxxx further represents and warrants that he is an
Accredited Investor as such term is defined in Regulation D under the Securities
Act.
(i) Xxxxxxxx shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its officers,
directors and employees and any of its professional advisors, from and against
any and all loss, damage,
/s/ L. F.
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liability or expense, including costs and reasonable attorneys' fees, to which
they may become subject or which they may incur by reason of or in connection
with any misrepresentation Xxxxxxxx has made herein, any breach of any of his
representations or warranties made in this Section 3, or his failure to fulfill
any of my covenants or agreements herein.
4. No Derogatory Statements.
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(a) Xxxxxxxx further agrees that, as part of the consideration for this
Separation Agreement, he will not, directly or indirectly, in any capacity or
manner, take any action or cause any action to be taken which would be
detrimental to the interests of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and
their respective officers, directors, agents and employees, including, without
limitation, making, causing, encouraging or assisting to be made any statements,
comments or remarks, whether oral, verbal, in writing or electronically
transmitted, which might reasonably be considered to be derogatory, defamatory
or critical of, or negative towards, or to malign, harm, defame, disparage or
damage the reputation and good name of, the Company, its subsidiaries or
affiliates, or their respective officers, directors, agents and employees.
(b) The Company further agrees that, as part of the consideration for this
Separation Agreement, it will not, directly or indirectly, in any capacity or
manner, make, cause, encourage or assist to be made any statements, comments or
remarks, whether oral, verbal, in writing or electronically transmitted, which
might reasonably be considered to be derogatory, defamatory or critical of, or
negative towards, or to malign, harm, defame, disparage or damage the reputation
and good name of, Xxxxxxxx.
5. Nondisclosure. Xxxxxxxx represents, covenants and agrees that he will keep
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the terms and facts of this Separation Agreement, and negotiations and
discussions related hereto, completely and strictly confidential, and that he
will not, directly or indirectly, in any capacity or manner, discuss with, or
disclose to, anyone, including, without limitation, reporters and analysts, any
information concerning this Separation Agreement, the matters contemplated
herein or matters related to Xxxxxxxx'x service with or departure or resignation
from the Company, or any negotiations and discussions related hereto or thereto;
provided, however, that Xxxxxxxx may disclose information regarding this
Separation Agreement in confidence to his spouse, accountant, tax advisor and
legal counsel, after obtaining the agreement of any such person to also maintain
the confidentiality of such information in accordance herewith, and provided
further that if Xxxxxxxx is compelled as a matter of law to disclose such
information, Xxxxxxxx will promptly notify the Company in order to permit the
Company to seek a protective order or take other appropriate action with respect
to such disclosure, and Xxxxxxxx will cooperate in the Company's efforts to
obtain such protective order or other reasonable assurance that confidential
treatment will be accorded such information, and if such protective order is not
obtained, Xxxxxxxx may disclose to the party or authority compelling such
disclosure such part of such information as is required by law to be disclosed.
Xxxxxxxx will immediately refer to Xx. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx and/or the Company's
investor relations department (without further comments or response) all
contacts, questions and requests for information, from analysts, reporters or
otherwise, regarding the Company or Xxxxxxxx'x resignation, employment with or
departure from the Company.
/s/ L.F.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, Xxxxxxxx and the Company agree that a mutually
agreeable press release announcing Xxxxxxxx'x resignation as a director and
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be issued by the Company
as soon as practicable after the execution and delivery of this Separation
Agreement.
6. Mutual Releases.
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(a) General Release of Claims.
(i) As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this
Separation Agreement, and in partial exchange for the consideration recited
herein, Xxxxxxxx hereby irrevocably and unconditionally releases, acquits and
forever discharges the Company and each of the Company's owners, stockholders,
predecessors, successors, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees,
representatives, attorneys, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates (and agents,
directors, officers, employees, representatives and attorneys of such divisions,
subsidiaries and affiliates), and all persons acting by, through, under or in
concert with any of them (collectively, "Releasees"), or any of them, from any
and all charges, complaints, claims, liabilities, obligations, promises,
agreements, controversies, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, rights,
demands, costs, losses, debts and expenses (including attorney's fees and costs
actually incurred), of any nature whatsoever pertaining to Xxxxxxxx'x service
with or resignation or separation from the Company, whether known or unknown,
which Xxxxxxxx now has, owns or holds, or claims to have, own or hold, or which
Xxxxxxxx at any time hereafter may have, own or hold, or claim to have, own or
hold, against each or any of the Releasees (collectively, "Claims"), except for
the duties and obligations expressly assumed by the Company in this Separation
Agreement. Xxxxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that he is releasing and giving up
any right which he may have under any contract entered with the Company, and
under any federal or state law or political subdivision thereof, including the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits age discrimination in
employment; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits
discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, religion or
sex; the Equal Pay Act, which prohibits paying men and women unequal pay for
equal work; or any other federal, state or local laws or regulations prohibiting
employment discrimination. Xxxxxxxx also acknowledges and agrees that he is
releasing and giving up any claims he has or may have had for wrongful
discharge. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing herein
shall in any way affect Xxxxxxxx'x right to receive Future Consulting Fees.
(ii) As a material inducement to Xxxxxxxx to enter into this
Separation Agreement, and in partial exchange for the consideration recited
herein, the Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally releases, acquits and
forever discharges Xxxxxxxx and each of Xxxxxxxx'x successors, assigns, agents,
representatives, attorneys, and all persons acting by, through, under or in
concert with any of them (collectively, "Xxxxxxxx Releasees"), or any of them,
from any and all charges, complaints, claims, liabilities, obligations,
promises, agreements, controversies, damages, actions, causes of action, suits,
rights, demands, costs, losses, debts and expenses (including attorney's fees
and costs actually incurred), of any nature whatsoever pertaining to services
with or resignation or separation from the Company, whether known or
/s/ L.F.
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unknown, which the Company now has, owns or holds, or claims to have, own or
hold, or which the Company at any time hereafter may have, own or hold, or claim
to have, own or hold, against each or any of the Xxxxxxxx Releasees
(collectively, "Company Claims"), except for the duties and obligations
expressly assumed by Xxxxxxxx in this Separation Agreement.
(b) No Breach.
(i) Xxxxxxxx agrees that the Company has not breached any oral or
written employment or other agreement, contract or understanding, including,
without limitation, the Employment Agreement, which exists or may have existed
between Xxxxxxxx and the Company with respect to any aspect of Xxxxxxxx'x
service with, or separation or resignation of employment from, the Company or
with respect to any other matter whatsoever as of the time of execution of this
Separation Agreement. Xxxxxxxx further agrees that the Company has not violated
any law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance of the United States or of any
state or political subdivision thereof, including, without limitation, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, with respect to any aspect of Xxxxxxxx'x
service with, or separation or resignation of employment from, the Company or
with respect to any other matter whatsoever as of the time of execution of this
Separation Agreement.
(ii) The Company agrees that Xxxxxxxx has not breached any oral or
written employment or other agreement, contract or understanding, including,
without limitation, the Employment Agreement, which exists or may have existed
between Xxxxxxxx and the Company with respect to any aspect of Xxxxxxxx'x
service with, or separation or resignation of employment from, the Company or
with respect to any other matter whatsoever as of the time of execution of this
Separation Agreement. The Company further agrees that Xxxxxxxx has not violated
any law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance of the United States or of any
state or political subdivision thereof, including, without limitation, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, with respect to any aspect of Xxxxxxxx'x
service with, or separation or resignation of employment from, the Company or
with respect to any other matter whatsoever as of the time of execution of this
Separation Agreement.
(c) No Complaints or Charges Filed.
(i) Xxxxxxxx represents that he has not filed any complaints or
charges against the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates with any local,
state or federal agency or court related to Xxxxxxxx'x service with or
separation or resignation from the Company, that Xxxxxxxx will not do so at any
time hereafter, relating to any action or events that predate the date hereof,
and that if any such agency or court assumes jurisdiction of any such complaint
or charge against the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates on behalf of
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx will request such agency or court to withdraw from the
matter.
(ii) The Company represents that it has not filed any complaints or
charges against Xxxxxxxx with any local, state or federal agency or court
related to Xxxxxxxx'x service with or separation or resignation from the
Company, that the Company will not do so at any time
/s/ L. F.
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hereafter, relating to any action or events that predate the date hereof, and
that if any such agency or court assumes jurisdiction of any such complaint or
charge against Xxxxxxxx on behalf of the Company, the Company will request such
agency or court to withdraw from the matter.
(d) Acknowledgement of Waiver of All Claims.
(i) Xxxxxxxx expressly acknowledges that this Separation Agreement is
intended to include in its effect, without limitation, all Claims which Xxxxxxxx
does not know or suspect to exist in Xxxxxxxx'x favor at the time of execution
hereof, and that this Separation Agreement contemplates the extinguishment of
any such Claim or Claims, as they may pertain to Xxxxxxxx'x service with or
separation or resignation from the Company.
(ii) The Company expressly acknowledges that this Separation
Agreement is intended to include in its effect, without limitation, all Company
Claims which the Company does not know or suspect to exist in the Company's
favor at the time of execution hereof, and that this Separation Agreement
contemplates the extinguishment of any such Company Claim or Claims, as they may
pertain to Xxxxxxxx'x service with or separation or resignation from the
Company.
(e) No Admission. This Separation Agreement shall not in any way be
construed as an admission by either party of any wrongful conduct whatsoever
against any person or party, and both parties specifically disclaim any
liability to or wrongful conduct against any other person or party. It is
acknowledged by each party that this Separation Agreement is mutually sought and
for the benefit of each to resolve all disputed claims and controversies.
7. Confidentiality. In partial exchange for the consideration recited herein,
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Xxxxxxxx hereby convenants and agrees as follows:
(a) Xxxxxxxx shall not disclose to any person or entity or use, at any
time, any information not in the public domain or generally known in the
industry, in any form, acquired by Xxxxxxxx while employed by the Company or any
predecessor to the Company's business, and relating to the Company, its
subsidiaries or affiliates, including but not limited to information regarding
customers, vendors, suppliers, trade secrets, training programs, manuals or
materials, technical information, contracts, systems, procedures, mailing lists,
know-how, trade names, improvements, price lists, financial or other data
(including the revenues, costs or profits associated with any of the Company's
services), business plans, code books, invoices and other financial statements,
computer programs, software systems, databases, discs and printouts, plans
(business, technical or otherwise), customer and industry lists, correspondence,
internal reports, personnel files, sales and advertising material, telephone
numbers, names, addresses or any other compilation of information, written or
unwritten, which is or was used in the business of the Company or any
subsidiaries or affiliates thereof. Xxxxxxxx agrees and acknowledges that all of
such information, in any form, and copies and extracts thereof, are and shall
remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company. On or before the
Termination Date, Xxxxxxxx shall return to the Company the originals and all
copies of any such information provided to or acquired by Xxxxxxxx in connection
with the
/s/ L. F.
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performance of his duties for the Company, and shall return to the Company all
files, correspondence and/or other communications received, maintained and/or
originated by Xxxxxxxx during the course of his employment.
(b) The parties have entered into this Separation Agreement in good faith
and for the reasons set forth in the recitals hereto and assume that this
Section is legally binding. If for any reason, this Section is not binding
because of its term, then the parties agree that this Section shall be deemed
effective for the longest period of time as may be legally enforceable. The
parties hereto agree that: (i) the covenants and agreements of Xxxxxxxx
contained in this Section are reasonably necessary to protect the interests of
the Company, (ii) the period of restriction contained in this Section is fair
and reasonable and is not greater than is necessary for the protection of the
Company in light of the substantial harm that the Company will suffer should
Xxxxxxxx breach any of the provisions of said covenants or agreements; (iii) the
covenants and agreements of Xxxxxxxx contained in this Section are material
inducements for the Company to enter into this Separation Agreement; (iv) the
nature, kind and character of the activities Xxxxxxxx is prohibited to engage in
are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company and (v) the Company's and
its subsidiaries' business is international in scope, and the Company and its
subsidiaries compete with other businesses that are or could be located
throughout North America. Xxxxxxxx hereby represents and warrants to the
Company that, by reason of the abilities and experience of Xxxxxxxx, the
enforcement of the covenants and agreements set forth in this Section will not
prevent Xxxxxxxx from obtaining other suitable employment or earning a
livelihood in his profession.
(c) Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that the rights and privileges granted to the
Company in this Section are of special and unique character, which gives them a
peculiar value, the loss of which may not be reasonably or adequately
compensated for by damages in an action of law, and that a breach thereof by
Xxxxxxxx of this Section will cause the Company great and irreparable injury and
damage. Accordingly, Xxxxxxxx hereby agrees that the Company shall be entitled
to remedies of injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to
prevent a breach of this Section by Xxxxxxxx, without any requirement on the
part of the Company to prove actual damages or to post or secure any bond (which
requirements are hereby waived). This provision shall not be construed as a
waiver of, and shall be in addition to, any other rights or remedies the Company
may have for damages or otherwise.
8. Voluntary Agreement. Xxxxxxxx represents and agrees that he has thoroughly
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considered all aspects of this Separation Agreement and that he has been advised
by the Company that he should discuss any and all aspects of this matter with an
attorney chosen by Xxxxxxxx, that Xxxxxxxx has carefully read and fully
understands all of the provisions of this Separation Agreement and that Xxxxxxxx
is voluntarily entering into this Separation Agreement of his own free will,
without coercion, and in exchange for the consideration recited herein.
Xxxxxxxx further understands that the Company is relying on this and all other
representations he has made herein.
/s/ L. F.
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9. Indemnification.
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(a) As a further material inducement to the Company to enter into this
Separation Agreement, Xxxxxxxx hereby agrees to indemnify and hold the Company
harmless from and against all loss, cost, damage or expense, including, without
limitation, attorneys' fees, incurred by the Company, arising out of (i) any
breach or alleged breach of this Separation Agreement by Xxxxxxxx, or (ii)
Xxxxxxxx'x service with the Company.
(b) As a further material inducement to Xxxxxxxx to enter into this
Separation Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Xxxxxxxx
harmless from and against all loss, cost, damage or expense, including, without
limitation, attorneys' fees, incurred by Xxxxxxxx, arising out of (i) any breach
or alleged breach of this Separation Agreement by the Company, or (ii)
Xxxxxxxx'x service with the Company.
10. No Other Representations. Xxxxxxxx represents and acknowledges that in
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executing this Separation Agreement, Xxxxxxxx does not rely and has not relied
upon any representation or statements made by the Company or the Releasees or by
any of the Company's or Releasees' agents, representatives or attorneys with
regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Separation Agreement or
otherwise, except as set out herein.
11. Successors. This Separation Agreement shall be binding upon Xxxxxxxx and
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the Company and upon their respective heirs, administrators, representatives,
executors, successors and assigns, and shall enure to the benefit of Xxxxxxxx,
the Company and the Releasees and Xxxxxxxx Releasees and each of them, and to
their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors
and assigns. This Separation Agreement is personal to Xxxxxxxx, and Xxxxxxxx
may not assign or transfer any interests in, or rights or benefits under, this
Separation Agreement.
12. Review; Revocation.
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(a) Pursuant to the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, Xxxxxxxx
understands and acknowledges that he has been given a period of twenty-one (21)
days to review and consider this Separation Agreement before signing it.
Xxxxxxxx understands that he may use as much of this twenty-one (21)-day period
as he wishes prior to signing.
(b) Xxxxxxxx may revoke this Separation Agreement within seven (7) days
after Xxxxxxxx'x signing it, as evidenced by the date set forth on the signature
page hereof. revocation can be made by delivering a written notice of
revocation to Xx. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
00000. For such revocation to be effective, written notice must be received by
Xx. Xxxxxxxxx no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the seventh (7th) day
after Xxxxxxxx signs this Separation Agreement, as evidenced by the date set
forth on the signature page hereof. If Xxxxxxxx revokes this Separation
Agreement, it shall not be effective or enforceable and Xxxxxxxx will not
receive the benefits, payment or rights described herein and shall immediately
return or repay to the Company in full any benefits, payments or property
described herein that he may already have received.
/s/ L.F.
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13. Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this
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Separation Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if delivered by hand
or by certified or registered mail or by a nationally recognized overnight
delivery service, postage or other charges pre-paid, and addressed to: Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, at the address set forth in the Company's records (if such notice is
addressed to Xxxxxxxx), or to Xx. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000 (if such notice is addressed to the Company), or such
other address as may be designated by a party hereto in written notice to the
other party hereto. Such notice shall be deemed to have been given or made on
the date of delivery, if delivered by hand, or on the next following date if
sent by mail or overnight delivery service.
14. Default. In the event of a default or breach by Xxxxxxxx of this
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Separation Agreement, then the payments, conveyances and benefits to or for the
benefit of Xxxxxxxx under Section 2 hereof, shall thereupon cease and be
terminated (and this Separation Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force
and effect). In addition, the Company shall have the right to pursue (i) such
legal remedies as may be available to it to recover from Xxxxxxxx any damages
suffered by the Company, including attorneys' fees, as a result of such default
or breach, and (ii) any equitable remedy or action, including injunctive relief,
as may be appropriate under the circumstances to protect the Company against or
from such default or breach, or continuation thereof.
15. Choice of Law; Attorneys' Fees. This Separation Agreement is made and
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entered into in the State of Georgia and shall, in all respects, be interpreted,
enforced and governed under the laws of said State, without regard for the
principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Any action or proceedings brought by a
party seeking to enforce any provisions of, or based upon any right arising out
of, this Separation Agreement may be brought against any of the parties hereto
in the courts of the State of Georgia or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction,
in a United States District Court for the State of Georgia, and each of the
parties consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate
appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waives any objection to
venue laid therein. If legal action is commenced by either party to enforce or
defend its rights under this Separation Agreement, the prevailing party in such
action shall be entitled to recover its costs and reasonable attorneys' fees in
addition to any other relief granted.
16. Miscellaneous. The language of all parts of this Separation Agreement
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shall, in all cases, be construed as a whole, according to its plain meaning,
and not strictly for or against any of the parties, and rules of interpretation
or construction of contracts that would construe any ambiguity against the
draftsman shall not apply. Should any provision of this Separation Agreement be
declared or be determined by any court to be illegal or invalid, the validity of
the remaining parts, terms or provisions shall not be affected thereby and said
illegal or invalid part, term or provision shall be deemed not to be part of
this Separation Agreement. As used in this Separation Agreement, the singular or
plural number shall be deemed to include the other whenever the context so
indicates or requires. This Separation Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original
but each of which, when so executed, shall constitute but one and the same
instrument. This Separation Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between
the parties hereto and fully supersedes any and all prior
/s/ L. F.
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agreements or understandings between the parties hereto pertaining to the
subject matter hereof. This Separation Agreement may not be changed orally, but
only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of
any waiver, change, modification, extension or discharge is sought. The section
and paragraph headings contained in this Separation Agreement are for
convenience of reference, and shall not limit or control, or be used to
construe, the meaning of any provision herein. Any delay or omission by any
party hereto in exercising any right hereunder shall not operate as a waiver of
such right.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF ALL
KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.
WHEREFORE, to signify their agreement to the terms of this Separation
Agreement, which consists of 11 typewritten pages, not including exhibits
hereto, each of the parties hereto have executed this Separation Agreement on
the date set forth immediately above such party's signature which appears below.
EXECUTED this 8th day of December, 1999.
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
------------------------------
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Notary: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
---------------------------------
My Commission Expires: /s/ XXXXXX XXXXXX
------------------
NOTARY PUBLIC GUINNETT COUNTY GEORGIA
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES AUGUST 03 2001
EXECUTED this 8th day of December, 1999.
GRACE DEVELOPMENT, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
-------------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Title: President
Notary: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
---------------------------------
My Commission Expires: /s/ XXXXXX XXXXXX
------------------
NOTARY PUBLIC GUINNETT COUNTY GEORGIA
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES AUGUST 03 2001
/s/ L.F.
----------------------
[SEAL] Initials
11
EXHIBIT 1
Resignation
-----------
/s/ L.F.
----------------------
Initials
12
Resignation
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The Board of Directors
Grace Development, Inc.
0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Gentlemen:
The undersigned, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, hereby resigns from any and all positions
held by the undersigned as a director, Chairman of the Board of Directors and
member of any committee of Grace Development, Inc., a Colorado corporation (the
"Company"), and each of the subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company, such
resignation to be effective as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 8, 1999.
EXECUTED and dated as of this 8th day of December, 1999.
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
-------------------------------
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
/s/ L.F.
----------------------
Initials
13
