Exhibit 10.31

 

TERMINATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS

 

"CONFIDENTIAL"

 

This confidential Termination Agreement and Release of All Claims ("Agreement"),
effective upon the execution of this Agreement, is made and entered into by John
M. Paule (the "Executive") and FBL Financial Group, Inc. ("FBL" or the
"Company"). By signing this Agreement, the Executive and Company agree as
follows:

 

1. Purpose. The Executive is entering into this Agreement as a way of concluding
his employment relationship with the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates
(collectively, the "Affiliated Entities") and of voluntarily resolving any
dispute or claim or any potential dispute or claim that the Executive has or
might have related to his employment with the Company, the Affiliated Entities,
and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, managers,
agents, attorneys, representatives, and assigns, whether known or unknown by the
Executive at this time. This Agreement is not and should not be construed as an
allegation or admission on the part of the Company or the Affiliated Entities
that any of them have acted unlawfully or violated any state or federal law or
regulation. The Executive understands that the Company, the Affiliated Entities,
and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, managers,
agents, attorneys, representatives, and assigns, specifically disclaim any
liability to the Executive or any other person for any alleged violation of
rights or for any alleged violation of any order, law, statute, duty, policy or
contract.

 

2. Resignation. The Executive has resigned from his positions with FBL effective
as of the date of the resignation letter (the Termination Date), a copy of which
letter is attached hereto as Exhibit A. For purposes of benefits and salary
only, the Executive's final date of employment was September 3, 2009.

 

Within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date, the Company shall pay the
Executive any unpaid portion of his base salary through the Termination Date and
pay in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation to which he may be entitled. The
amount of this payment is not part of the consideration for this Agreement.

 

3. Termination Benefits. As consideration for the Executive's entering into this
Agreement and providing the covenants and release set forth below, and subject
to the Executive not revoking this Agreement pursuant to Section 12 below, the
Company shall provide the Executive the following (collectively, the
"Termination Benefits"):

 

a. A lump sum payment of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) which
shall be paid within three (3) business days of the Effective Date (as defined
in Section 14 below).

 

b. Outplacement services in an amount not to exceed $5,000.

 

c. Financial planning assistance in the gross amount of $5,000, minus any
expenses already incurred and accounted for under Executive's financial planning
fund. Our records show that the amount already spent was $1,926.15.

 

d. Payment of Executive's 2009 tax preparation expenses up to $2,000.00.

 

 

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e. The Company will provide a cash payment, grossed up for taxes, to cover three
(3) months of COBRA premium for the medical and dental coverage. The time for
COBRA coverage begins October 1, 2009.

 

f. The Company agrees that the Executive may qualify for a cash incentive
(bonus) attributable to the portion of the 2009 fiscal year (eight months)
during which the Executive was employed by FBL on the same basis as such bonuses
may be paid to other FBL Management Team members for 2009. The amount of any
such bonus payable to FBL Management Team members or Executive is based on
specific articulated goals and objectives and is payable at the sole discretion
of the Board of Directors of FBL.

 

g. The Company agrees that if, in the future, the Company makes any additional
bonus payment to any FBL Management Team Member attributable to the 2008 fiscal
year, the Executive does not release any right he therefore will be eligible to
receive a payment in the same proportion as paid to such other FBL Management
Team member. Payment of any such bonus to any FBL Management Team member does
not require any payment to any other member of the FBL Management Team or to
Executive. In the event such bonus is paid to any other FBL Management Team
member, the Company agrees to give the Executive written notice and an
opportunity to be heard by the FBL Board of Directors with regard to payment to
the Executive.

 

4. Waiver of Additional Compensation or Benefits. The Executive agrees that the
except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Termination Benefits
described herein constitute the entire amount of consideration provided to him
under this Agreement, and that in consideration of the Termination Benefits
described herein, he will not seek any further compensation for any other
claimed damage, costs, severance, income, or attorney's fees. The Executive
expressly waives any right to participate in or receive any benefits or payments
under any severance plan or program offered by or on behalf of the Company.

 

5. Neutral Employment Reference. The Company agrees to provide a neutral
employment reference to any potential employers that consider the employment of
the Executive and that seek information concerning the reasons for the departure
of the Executive. The Company will provide to any such potential employers the
identity of the positions held by the Executive and the dates of the Executive's
employment with the Company.

 

6. Tax Consequences. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company has
made no representations to him regarding the tax consequences of any Termination
Benefit received by him pursuant to this Agreement. It is understood by the
Executive that the above Termination Benefits are made solely for the purpose of
resolving and compromising any and all claims regarding the Executive's
employment with the Company. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, the Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this
Agreement, or any other benefits received pursuant hereto, such Federal, state
and/or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld under any applicable law
or regulation.

 

 

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7. Non-Disclosure Agreement. The Executive agrees never to disclose terms or
amount of this Agreement, nor the substance of the negotiations leading to this
Agreement nor confidential business information and decisions the Executive was
privy to due to his duties at FBL, to any person or entity (other than to his
immediate family, personal counselor attorney, personal accountants, personal
tax preparer, personal and attending doctors and mental health care
professionals, and/or the appropriate taxing authorities (who will then be
deemed governed by the non-disclosure agreement herein, without the express
written consent of the Company or unless required to do so by law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary in this
Agreement, the Company and the Executive shall be permitted to disclose the tax
treatment and tax structure, each as defined in Treasury Regulations Section
1.6011‑4, of the matters provided for herein (but no other details about the
matters covered by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the identities
of the parties). The Company may make such disclosure of these matters, and file
such documents, as its counsel determines are required under the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

8. Non-Disparagement Agreement.

 

a. The Executive shall not make, participate in the making of, or encourage or
facilitate any other person to make, any statements, written or oral, which
criticize, disparage, or defame the goodwill or reputation of the Company or any
of its present, former or future directors, officers, executives, employees
and/or shareholders in their respective capacities as such. The Executive
further agrees not to make any negative statements, written or oral, relating to
his employment, the termination of his employment, or any aspect of the business
of the Affiliated Entities.

 

b. Officers and directors of the Company shall not make, participate in the
making of, or encourage or facilitate any other person to make, and the Company
shall instruct its officers and directors not to make, any statements, written
or oral, which criticize, disparage, or defame the goodwill or reputation of the
Executive. The Company further agrees not to make, and to instruct its officers
and directors not to make, any negative statements, written or oral, relating to
the Executive's employment or the termination of his employment.

 

c. Nothing in this Section 8 shall prohibit any person from making truthful
statements when required by order of a court or other body having jurisdiction,
or as otherwise may be required by law or under an agreement entered into in
connection with pending or threatened litigation pursuant to which the party
receiving such information agrees to keep such information confidential.

 

 

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9. Confidentiality/Return of Property. The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of the Company and the Affiliated Entities and shall
not disclose to others, copy, use, transmit, reproduce, summarize, quote or make
commercial, directly or indirectly, any secret or confidential information,
knowledge or date relating to the Company or any of the Affiliated Entities and
their respective businesses that the Executive has obtained during his
employment with the Company and/or any of the Affiliated Entities ("Confidential
Information"). However, the Executive's obligations under this Section 9 shall
not extend to: (1) Confidential Information which is or becomes part of the
public domain or is available to the public by publication or otherwise without
disclosure by the Executive; (2) Confidential Information which was within the
Executive's knowledge or in his possession prior to his employment by the
Company; or (3) Confidential Information which, either prior to or subsequent to
the Company's disclosure to the Executive with an obligation of confidentiality,
was disclosed to the Executive, without obligation of confidentiality, by a
third party who did not acquire such information, directly or indirectly, from
the Executive. The Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is
specialized, unique in nature and of great value to the Company and the
Affiliated Entities, and that such information gives the Company and the
Affiliated Entities a competitive advantage. Upon termination of the Executive's
employment, the Executive shall surrender immediately to the Company, except as
specifically provided otherwise herein, all Confidential Information and all
other property of the Company or any of the other Affiliated Entities in his
possession and all property made available to the Executive in connection with
his employment by the Company or any of the other Affiliated Entities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if the Executive is required to
disclose any Confidential Information pursuant to applicable law or a subpoena
or court order, he shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any such
requirement so that the Company or the appropriate Affiliated Entity may seek an
appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive compliance
with the provisions hereof. The Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the
Company and The Affiliated Entities to obtain such a protective order or other
remedy. If such order or other remedy is not obtained prior to the time the
Executive is required to make the disclosure, or the Company waives compliance
with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall disclose only that portion of
the Confidential Information that he is advised by his counsel that he is
legally required to disclose.

 

 

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10. Remedies. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that because of the nature
of the business in which the Company and the other Affiliated Entities are
engaged and because of the nature of the Confidential Information to which the
Executive has had access during his employment, it would be impractical and
excessively difficult to determine the actual damages of the Company and the
other Affiliated Entities in the event the Executive breached any of the
covenants of Sections 7,8 and 9, and remedies at law (such as monetary damages)
for any breach of the Executive's covenants under Sections 7, 8 and 9 would be
inadequate. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it would be impractical and
excessively difficult to determine the actual damages of the Executive in the
event the Company breached any of the covenants of Sections 7, 8 and 9, and
remedies at law (such as monetary damages) for any breach of the Company's
covenants under Sections 7, 8 and 9 would be inadequate. The parties therefore
agree and consent that if either of them commits any such breach or threatens to
commit any such breach, the other party shall have the right (in addition to,
and not in lieu of, any other right or remedy that may be available to it) to
temporary and permanent injunctive relief from a court of competent
jurisdiction, without posting any bond or other security and without the
necessity of proof of actual damage. With respect to any provision of Sections
7, 8 or 9 that is finally determined to be unenforceable, the Executive and the
Company hereby agree that this Agreement or any provision hereof may be reformed
so that it is enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law. If any of the
covenants of Sections 7, 8 and 9 is determined to be wholly or partially
unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such determination shall not be a bar to or
in any way diminish the Company's right or that of the Executive to enforce any
such covenant in any other jurisdiction.

 

11. Executive Representations.

 

a. The Executive represents that he has not filed any complaints, claims or
actions against the Company or any Affiliated Entity with any court, agency, or
commission regarding the matters encompassed by this Agreement and that he will
not do so at any time in the future, and that if any court or agency assumes
jurisdiction of any complaint, claim or action against the Company or any
Affiliated Entity on behalf of the Executive, he will direct that court or
agency to withdraw from or dismiss with prejudice the matter.

 

b. The Executive expressly represents that he has been advised that, by entering
into this Agreement, the Executive is waiving all claims that the Executive may
have arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended,
which have arisen on or before the date of execution of this Agreement.

 

c. The Executive represents that he has reviewed all aspects of this Agreement,
that he has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions and
effects of this Agreement, that he understands that in agreeing to this document
he is releasing the Company, the Affiliated Entities, and all of their
respective divisions, officers, agents, directors, supervisors, employees,
representatives, shareholders and their respective successors and assigns and
all persons acting by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, from any
and all claims he may have against them, including claims under the federal Age
Discrimination in Employment Act as well as any claims for age discrimination
that may exist under Iowa law or any other applicable law.

 

d. The Executive represents and agrees that he is knowingly and voluntarily
entering into this Agreement, that he has relied solely and completely upon his
own judgment and, if applicable, the advice of his attorney in entering into
this Agreement.

 

 

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e. The Executive represents and acknowledges that in executing this Agreement he
does not rely upon and has not relied upon any representations or statement made
by or on behalf of the Company, any of the Affiliated Entities, or their
respective agents, attorneys, or representatives with regard to the subject
matter, basis, or effect of this Agreement or otherwise, other than those
specifically stated in this Agreement.

 

f. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that:

 

i. In return for this Agreement, the Company is providing to the Executive the
Termination Benefits and certain covenants set forth herein.

 

iii. The Executive does not waive rights or claims that may arise after the date
this Agreement is signed.

 

iv. In return for signing this Agreement, the Executive will receive payment of
consideration beyond that which the Executive was entitled to receive before
entering into this Agreement.

 

12. Release; Company Representation. The Executive, for himself, his heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns, does fully and forever
release, acquit and discharge the Company, the Affiliated Entities, and their
respective divisions, officers, agents, directors, supervisors, employees,
representatives, shareholders and their respective successors and assigns from
all actions, law suits, grievances, and claims of any nature whatsoever related
to his employment with the Company, including, but not limited to, his
separation from said employment. The Executive understands that this release
specifically includes, but is not limited to, all claims arising under any
federal, and local fair employment practice law, workers' compensation law, and
any other employee relations statute, executive order, law and ordinance,
including, but not limited to, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 US.C. 701 et
seq.; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 US.C. 2000e et seq.; the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 V.S.C. 187 et seq.; the Equal Pay Act, 29
USC 206(d); Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 USC. 201 et seq.; Americans with
Disabilities Act, 42 USC 12,101 et seq.; the Family Medical Leave Act, 29 US.C
2601 et seq.; the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965, Iowa Code Chapter 216; and the
Iowa Wage Payment Collections Act, Iowa Code Chapter 91A.l et seq.; any local
human rights law; and any tort or contract cause of action or theory. The
Company, for itself, its successors and assigns, does fully and forever release,
acquit and discharge the Executive from all actions, lawsuits, grievances, and
claims of any nature whatsoever related to the Executive's employment with the
Company.

 

13. Cooperation, Indemnification and Hold Harmless. Employee agrees to cooperate
with FBL, in the truthful and honest prosecution and/or defense of any claim in
which may have an interest (with the right of reimbursement for reasonable
expenses actually incurred) which may include, without limitation, being
available to participate in any proceeding involving any of the released
parties, permitting interviews with representatives of FBL, appearing for
depositions and trial testimony, and producing and/or providing any documents or
names of other persons with relevant information in his possession or" control
arising out of his employment in a reasonable time, place and manner. Agrees to
defend, indemnify and hold Executive harmless from any action, lawsuit,
grievance, and claim of any nature whatsoever related to his employment with
FBL.

 

 

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14. Twenty-One Days to Consider Offer of Termination Benefits. The Executive
acknowledges that he was provided this Agreement more than twenty-one (21) days
before the date when he was required to make an election concerning the
Termination Benefits described herein. If the Executive signs this Agreement
prior to the end of the 21‑day period, the Executive certifies and agrees that
the decision to accept such shortening of time if knowing and voluntary and is
not induced by the Company through either (a) fraud, misrepresentation, or a
threat to withdraw or alter the offer prior to the end of the 21‑day period, or
(b) an offer to provide different terms or benefits in exchange for signing the
release prior to the expiration of the 21‑day period.

 

15. Seven-Day Revocation Period. The Executive understands that he may revoke
this Agreement at any time within seven (7) days after he signs it. To revoke
the Agreement, the Executive must deliver written notification of such
revocation to the attention of Craig A. Lang or his successor, within seven (7)
days after the date the Executive signs this Agreement. The Executive further
understands that if he does not so revoke the Agreement, it will become
effective, binding, and enforceable as of the eighth day following its execution
(excluding the date of execution), and such eighth day will be the "Effective
Date."

 

16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the
Executive and fully supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements or
understandings, written or oral, between the Company and the Executive
pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

17. Miscellaneous.

 

a. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or be determined by any
court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, all
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and
effect and be construed as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision
has not been included herein.

 

b. It is further understood and agreed that if a violation of any term of this
Agreement is asserted, the party who asserts such violation will have the right
to seek specific performance of that term and/or any other necessary and proper
relief as permitted by law, including but not limited to, damages from any court
of competent jurisdiction, and the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover
its reasonable costs and attorney's fees.

 

c. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to prevent the Executive from
challenging the validity of this Agreement under the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act or Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act. The Executive further
understands and agrees that if he or someone acting on his behalf files or
causes to be filed, any such claim, charge, complaint, or action against the
Company and/or other entities, he expressly waives any right to recover any
damages or other relief, whatsoever from the Company and/or other entities
including costs and attorneys' fees.

 

d. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement does not release,
replace or reduce any rights the Executive has to vested and accrued benefits
under the Company's Defined Benefit Plan, Defined Contribution Plan or similar
vested benefits, all of which are listed on the Attached Exhibit B. Balances
will be calculated as of the date of payment and will be provided at the date of
signing.

 

 

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e. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written
consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive other than by
will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal representatives. This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its
successors.

 

f. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original and said counterparts shall constitute one and the
same instrument. This Agreement may be amended, modified or changed only by a
written instrument executed by the Executive and the Company.

 

18. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and
interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Iowa without regard to
principles of conflict of laws.

 

19. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to the Executive:

 

John Paule

3500 Pommel Place

West Des Moines, IA 50265

 

If to the Company:

 

FBL Financial Group, Inc.

5400 University Avenue

West Des Moines, IA 50266

 

Attention: General Counsel

 

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set his hand and, pursuant to the
authorization from the Board, the Company has caused these presents to be
executed in its name on its behalf.

 

Dated this ____ day of October, 2009

 

 FBL Financial Group, Inc.     

By:

/s/ James E. Hohmann   James E. Hohmann   Chief Executive Officer     

 

Dated this 2nd of October, 2009

 

 EXECUTIVE     By:

/s/ John M. Paule

   

John Paule

 

 

      

 

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September 3,2009

 

Mr. James Hohmann

Chief Executive Officer

FBL Financial Group, Inc.

5400 University Avenue

West Des Moines, IA 50266

 

Re: Resignation

 

Dear Mr. Hohmann:

 

Effective as of September 3, 2009, I hereby resign as an officer and employee of
FBL Financial Group, Inc. Simultaneously I resign from all officer positions and
director positions, if any, with any of the companies or funds which are
affiliated with or managed by FBL, whether the affiliation is by ownership or
management agreement.

 

Separately, the terms of my resignation as an employee of the company will be
set forth in a document entitled Termination Agreement and Release of All
claims, a copy of which has been provided for my review.

 

Sincerely,

 

/s/ John Paule

John M. Paule

 

Witness: /s/ David A. McNeill

     

Date: September 3, 2009

 

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

 

1. FBL FINANCIAL GROUP RETIREMENT PLAN

 

2. FBL FINANCIAL GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN

 

3. FARM BUREAU 401k SAVINGS PLAN

 

4. FARM BUREAU EMPLOYER MATCH DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

 

5. FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 2006 CLASS A COMMON STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN -
vested stock options

 

6. ANY VESTED OR CONVERTIBLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY OR BENEFIT

 

7. ANY BENEFIT PLAN COVERED BY COBRA

 

EKennedy/ 633012.1 /MSW ord

 

 

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