ex101anhornempagmt.htm -- Converted by SEC Publisher, created by BCL Technologies Inc., for SEC Filing








Exhibit 10.1

PREMIERWEST BANCORP 


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


FOR 



JOHN ANHORN




Dated as of December 13, 2007










	
 
		
 
		
 		
 
		
 		
                                                TABLE OF CONTENTS 
		
 		
 
	
	
 
	
	
 
	
	
1
		
. 
		
 		
EMPLOYMENT 
		
 		
1 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
1.1 
		
 		
Officer Position 
		
 		
1 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
1.2 
		
 		
Board Service 
		
 		
1 
	
	
2
		
. 
		
 		
TERM OF AGREEMENT 
		
 		
2 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
2.1 
		
 		
Initial Term 
		
 		
2 
	
	
3
		
. 
		
 		
NO TERM OF EMPLOYMENT 
		
 		
2 
	
	
4
		
. 
		
 		
DUTIES 
		
 		
2 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
4.1 
		
 		
Duties 
		
 		
2 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
4.2 
		
 		
Obligations 
		
 		
2 
	
	
5
		
. 
		
 		
COMPENSATION 
		
 		
2 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.1 
		
 		
Base Salary 
		
 		
3 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.2 
		
 		
Vacation 
		
 		
3 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.3 
		
 		
Stock Options 
		
 		
3 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.4 
		
 		
Long-Term Care Insurance 
		
 		
3 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.5 
		
 		
[Reserved] 
		
 		
3 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.6 
		
 		
Automobile 
		
 		
3 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.7 
		
 		
Club Dues 
		
 		
4 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.8 
		
 		
Other Benefits 
		
 		
4 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.9 
		
 		
Reimbursements 
		
 		
4 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
5.10 
		
 		
Existing Benefit Agreements 
		
 		
4 
	
	
6
		
. 
		
 		
TERMINATION 
		
 		
4 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
6.1 
		
 		
For Cause 
		
 		
4 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
6.2 
		
 		
Without Cause 
		
 		
5 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
6.3 
		
 		
For Good Reason 
		
 		
5 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
6.4 
		
 		
Resignation 
		
 		
5 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
6.5 
		
 		
Death or Disability 
		
 		
5 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
6.6 
		
 		
Retirement 
		
 		
5 
	
	
7
		
. 
		
 		
DEFINITIONS 
		
 		
5 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
7.1 
		
 		
Cause 
		
 		
5 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
7.2 
		
 		
Good Reason 
		
 		
6 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
7.3 
		
 		
Disability 
		
 		
8 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
7.4 
		
 		
Change in Control 
		
 		
8 
	
	
8
		
. 
		
 		
PAYMENT UPON TERMINATION 
		
 		
9 
	
	
9
		
. 
		
 		
RETIREMENT BENEFITS 
		
 		
9 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
9.1 
		
 		
Stock Option Vesting 
		
 		
9 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
9.2 
		
 		
401(k) Contribution 
		
 		
9 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
9.3 
		
 		
Retiree Health Insurance 
		
 		
9 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
9.4 
		
 		
Long-Term Care Insurance 
		
 		
10 
	
	
10
		
. 
		
 		
CONSIDERATION FOR RELEASE OF CLAIMS 
		
 		
10 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
10.1 
		
 		
Normal Retirement Benefits 
		
 		
10 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
10.2 
		
 		
Disability Insurance 
		
 		
10 
	
	
11
		
. 
		
 		
CONSIDERATION FOR NOT COMPETING 
		
 		
10 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
11.1 
		
 		
Self-Imposed Limitation 
		
 		
10 
	




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11.2 
		
 		
Amount/Payment of Consideration 
		
 		
10 
	
	
12
		
. 
		
 		
CHANGE IN CONTROL RETENTION BONUS 
		
 		
11 
	
	
13
		
. 
		
 		
IRC 280G 
		
 		
11 
	
	
14
		
. 
		
 		
POTENTIAL TRANSACTION BONUS 
		
 		
11 
	
	
15
		
. 
		
 		
CONFIDENTIALITY AND CREATIVE WORK 
		
 		
12 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
15.1 
		
 		
Nondisclosure 
		
 		
12 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
15.2 
		
 		
Return of Material 
		
 		
12 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
15.3 
		
 		
Injunctive Relief 
		
 		
13 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
15.4 
		
 		
Creative Work 
		
 		
13 
	
	
16
		
. 
		
 		
DISPUTE RESOLUTION 
		
 		
13 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
16.1 
		
 		
Arbitration 
		
 		
13 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
16.2 
		
 		
Expenses/Attorneys’ Fees 
		
 		
13 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
16.3 
		
 		
Injunctive Relief 
		
 		
14 
	
	
17
		
. 
		
 		
NOTICES 
		
 		
14 
	
	
18
		
. 
		
 		
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
		
 		
14 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
18.1 
		
 		
Governing Law 
		
 		
14 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
18.2 
		
 		
Saving Provision 
		
 		
14 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
18.3 
		
 		
Survival Provision 
		
 		
14 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
18.4 
		
 		
Captions and Counterparts 
		
 		
14 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
18.5 
		
 		
Entire Agreement 
		
 		
14 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
18.6 
		
 		
Previous Agreement 
		
 		
15 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
18.7 
		
 		
Waiver/Amendment 
		
 		
15 
	
	
 
		
 
		
 		
18.8 
		
 		
Assignment 
		
 		
15 
	
	
19
		
. 
		
 		
ADVICE OF COUNSEL 
		
 		
15 
	




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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT





      This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) by and among PremierWest Bancorp, an Oregon corporation, PremierWest Bank, an Oregon state chartered bank (the “Bank”) (collectively “PremierWest”)
and John Anhorn (“Executive”), is dated December 13, 2007. 


	
RECITALS





      A. Incentive to Continued Service. PremierWest recognizes that Executive possesses unique skills, knowledge, and experience related to PremierWest’s business and
Executive has made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the profitability, growth and financial strength of PremierWest and its affiliates. To assure itself of the continuity of management, PremierWest desires to provide
incentives for Executive to remain employed until retirement age and following a Change in Control. 


      B. Replace Existing Agreement. Executive and PremierWest were parties to an employment agreement dated April 2, 1998 which was replaced by employment agreements dated
August 9, 2002 and July 29, 2004, which in turn was amended on December 24, 2004 and again on January 25, 2006. The parties intend for this Agreement to supersede and replace the provisions of these previous employment agreements, except as
otherwise stated herein. 


      C. No Currently Anticipated Change in Control. As of the date of this Agreement, none of the conditions or events included in the definition of the term “golden
parachute payment” that is set forth in Section 18(k)(4)(A)(ii) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)(4)(A)(ii)] and in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule 359.1(f)(1)(ii) [12 CFR 359.1(f)(1)(ii)] exists or, to the
best knowledge of PremierWest, is contemplated insofar as PremierWest or any affiliates are concerned. 


      D. Code Section 409A. This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). Any ambiguity hereunder shall be
interpreted in such a way as to comply, to the extent necessary, with Section 409A and the regulations thereunder. 


	
AGREEMENT





      1. EMPLOYMENT. 


            1.1 Officer Position. PremierWest Bancorp and the Bank shall continue to employ Executive to serve as Chief Executive Officer according to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, for the period stated in Section 2 below. 


            1.2 Board Service. Executive is currently serving on the boards of directors of PremierWest Bancorp (the “Board)” and the Bank (the “Bank
Board”). PremierWest Bancorp shall nominate Executive for election as a director at such times as necessary so that Executive will, if elected by stockholders, remain on the Board throughout the term of this Agreement. PremierWest shall also
undertake every lawful effort to ensure that Executive continues 


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throughout the term of his employment on the Bank Board. Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board and the Bank Board effective immediately after termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of whether
Executive submits a formal, written resignation as director. 


      2. TERM OF AGREEMENT. 


            2.1 Initial Term/Automatic Renewal. The initial term of this Agreement shall expire on December 31, 2007. On December 31, 2007 and each anniversary thereof, this
Agreement shall be extended automatically for one (1) additional year unless the Board determines, on or before such date, that the term shall not be extended. If the Board determines not to extend the term, it shall promptly notify Executive in
writing and this Agreement will remain in force only until its term expires. The Board’s decision not to extend the term of this Agreement shall not by itself give Executive any rights under this Agreement to claim an adverse change in his
position, compensation, or circumstances or otherwise to claim entitlement to rights under Sections 10, 11, or 12 below.  


      3. NO TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. Notwithstanding the term of this Agreement, PremierWest may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for any lawful reason or for no
reason at all, subject to the provisions of this Agreement. 


      4. DUTIES. 


            4.1 Duties. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive shall serve under the direction of the Board and the Bank Board and in accordance with the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws (as each may be amended or restated from time to time) of PremierWest Bancorp and the Bank, respectively. 


            4.2 Obligations. 


                  (a) Executive agrees that to the best of Executive’s ability and experience, Executive will at all times loyally and conscientiously perform all of the duties and obligations required of Executive pursuant to the express
and implicit terms of this Agreement and as directed by the Board or the Supervisor. 


                  (b) Executive shall devote Executive’s entire working time, attention and efforts to PremierWest’s business and affairs, shall faithfully and diligently serve PremierWest’s interests and shall not engage in
any business or employment activity that is not on PremierWest’s behalf (whether or not pursued for gain or profit) except for (i) activities approved in writing in advance by the Board and (ii) passive investments that do not involve
Executive providing any advice or services to the businesses in which the investments are made. 


      5. COMPENSATION. For all services performed under this Agreement, PremierWest agrees to pay the following compensation and benefits: 


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            5.1 Base Salary. Executive’s annual base salary is $292,000 payable in semi-monthly installments (the “Base Salary”). Executive’s base salary
shall be subject to annual review by the Board’s Compensation Committee. Taking into account the committee’s recommendation, the Board may increase the Base Salary, but the Base Salary shall not be reduced. 


            5.2 Vacation. Executive is entitled to not less than four (4) weeks of paid vacation per year to be used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Bank’s
personnel policies. Notwithstanding anything in the Bank’s personnel policies to the contrary, up to two weeks of Executive’s four weeks of paid vacation may be carried over from one year to the next if unused by the end of the year, but
Executive shall not be entitled under any circumstance to payment for unused vacation. 


            5.3 Stock Options. Executive is eligible to participate in PremierWest Bancorp’s stock option plans and other stock-based compensation, incentive, bonus, or
purchase plans currently existing or adopted during the term of this Agreement for the benefit of officers or employees. The Employment Agreement dated April 2, 1998 between Executive and PremierWest continues to govern the terms of the stock
options granted under that agreement except that Executive acknowledges that he is prevented from treating the entirety of the stock options granted on April 2, 1998 as incentive stock options. Executive agrees that the portion of the stock option
grant exceeding Internal Revenue Service limits for incentive stock options shall be treated as nonqualified stock options under the Internal Revenue Code, even though the original intention when the stock option was granted might have been that the
entire stock option grant would be a qualified incentive stock option grant. 


            5.4 Long-Term Care Insurance. PremierWest currently will pay annual premiums on existing long-term care insurance policies for Executive and Executive’s spouse.
Following a Change in Control or vesting of the benefits under Section 9 or 10, below, PremierWest shall continue to pay all remaining premium payments on long-term care insurance policies for Executive and Executive’s spouse until the earlier
of the death of the Executive or the death of the Executive’s spouse or until fully paid. Each such premium payment shall be made by PremierWest no later than the date on which it is due.. 


            5.5 [Reserved]. 


            5.6 Automobile. PremierWest has purchased a vehicle for Executive’s use during the term of his employment. The vehicle will have a maximum cost determined by the
Chairman of the Board or a Vice Chairman of the Board. PremierWest will pay all expenses associated with the maintenance, repair, and operation of the vehicle, including insurance coverage. Executive shall maintain records of his use of the vehicle
with sufficient detail to allow PremierWest to determine Executive’s personal versus business use of the vehicle. Executive’s year end W-2 will include the value of the personal use of the vehicle as required by IRS regulations. Because
the value of Executive’s personal use of the vehicle will be treated as taxable income to him, PremierWest shall on April 1 of each year make a cash payment to Executive in an amount sufficient to offset fully all taxes payable by Executive
that are attributable to his personal use of the vehicle, and the cash payment shall be grossed up to 


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compensate Executive for taxes payable on the cash payment itself. Upon termination of Executive’s employment other than Termination For Cause or Resignation (as defined below), PremierWest shall transfer all right, title,
and interest in and to the vehicle to Executive no later than the day on which the Executive has a Termination of Employment. 


            5.7 Club Dues. During the term of this Agreement, PremierWest shall pay Executive’s monthly golf and social dues at the Reams Golf Club and the Rogue Valley
Country Club no later than the date on which they are due. 


            5.8 Other Benefits. Executive is entitled to participate in all officer or employee compensation, bonus, incentive, and benefit plans in effect from time to time
throughout the term of this Agreement, including, without limitation, plans providing pension, medical, dental, disability, and group life benefits, and 401(k) retirement plans, and to receive any and all other fringe benefits provided from time to
time, provided that Executive satisfies the eligibility requirements for any such plans or benefits. 


            5.9 Reimbursements. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred in performing his obligations under this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, all reasonable business travel and entertainment expenses incurred while acting at the request of or in the service of PremierWest, provided such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the policies
and procedures established from time to time by PremierWest.


            5.10 Existing Benefit Agreements. Executive and PremierWest are already parties to the following additional benefit agreements, the benefits under which shall be
governed solely by the terms of those agreements: 


                  (a) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement (SERP) (retirement benefits), 


                  (b) Executive Survivor Income Agreement (death benefits), and 


                  (c) Deferred Compensation Agreement. 


      6. TERMINATION. If Executive has a Termination of Employment before the expiration of this Agreement as described in this Section, Executive’s compensation and
benefits shall terminate except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Any purported Termination of Employment by PremierWest or by Executive shall be communicated by written notice of termination to the other. The notice must state (i) the
specific termination provision of this Agreement relied upon, (ii) the date on which termination shall become effective and (iii) if Termination For Cause or Termination For Good Reason the notice must state in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances forming the basis for termination. Employment shall terminate: 


       6.1 For Cause. Upon delivery to Executive of notice of termination of Executive for Cause (as defined in Section 7.1 below), along with a copy of the duly adopted



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Board or Bank Board resolution finding Cause, as described below (“Termination of Employment For Cause”). 


                  (a) As a prerequisite to Termination of Employment For Cause, at a meeting called and held for such purpose, the Board or Bank Board must adopt a resolution which (i) contains findings that, in the good faith opinion of the
Board or Bank Board, as appropriate, Executive has committed an act constituting Cause, and (ii) specifies the particulars thereof in detail. The resolution must be adopted by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the directors of the Board or the
Bank Board. 


                  (b) Notice of that meeting and the proposed Termination of Employment For Cause shall be given to Executive a reasonable amount of time before the meeting. Executive and his counsel (if Executive chooses to have counsel
present) shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at the meeting. Nothing in this Agreement limits Executive’s or his beneficiaries’ right to contest the validity or propriety of the Board or Bank Board’s determination of
Cause. 


            6.2 Without Cause. Upon PremierWest’s termination of Executive without Cause, upon 90 days’ written notice, at any time in PremierWest’s sole
discretion, for any reason other than for Cause or for no reason (“Termination of Employment Without Cause”). A Change in Control does not in itself constitute Termination of Employment Without Cause. 


            6.3 For Good Reason. Upon Executive’s Termination of the Employment for Good Reason (as defined in Section 7.2 below) (“Termination of Employment For Good
Reason”). 


            6.4 Resignation. Upon Executive’s voluntary resignation without Good Reason (“Resignation”), written notice of which Executive must give to PremierWest
at least 90 days in advance of Resignation. 


            6.5 Death or Disability. Upon Executive’s death or Disability (as defined in Section 7.3 below). 


            6.6 Retirement. Upon Executive’s Termination of Employment on or after reaching the retirement age of 65 (“Retirement Age”).


      7. DEFINITIONS. 


            7.1 Cause. “Cause” for Executive’s termination will exist upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events: 


                  (a) Fraudulent Conduct. An intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, or theft by Executive in the course of his employment with PremierWest Bancorp or the Bank. No act or
failure to act on Executive’s part shall be deemed to have been intentional if it was primarily to an error in judgment or negligence. An act or failure to act on Executive’s part shall


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be considered intentional if it is not in good faith and if it is without a reasonable belief that the action or failure to act is in PremierWest’s best interests, 


                  (b) Material Breach of Agreement. A material breach by Executive of this Agreement if such breach is not remedied or is not being remedied to the Board or the Bank
Board’s satisfaction within 30 days after written notice, including a detailed description of the breach, has been delivered by the respective board to Executive, 


                  (c) Gross Negligence/Insubordination. Gross negligence or insubordination by Executive in the performance of his duties as an officer of PremierWest Bancorp or the Bank
if such gross negligence or insubordination is not remedied or is not being remedied to the Board or the Bank Board’s satisfaction within 30 days after written notice, including a detailed description of the gross negligence or
insubordination, has been delivered by the respective board to Executive, 


                  (d) Breach of Fiduciary Duties. A breach by Executive of his fiduciary duties to PremierWest Bancorp and its stockholders or misconduct involving dishonesty, in either
case whether in his capacity as an officer or as a director of PremierWest Bancorp or the Bank, 


                  (e) Criminal Conviction. Conviction of Executive for a felony or conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, 


                  (f) Violation of Law. Intentional violation of any law or significant policy of PremierWest Bancorp or the Bank committed in connection with Executive’s
employment, which has a material adverse effect on PremierWest Bancorp or the Bank, or


                  (g) FDIC Removal Order. Removal of Executive from office or permanent prohibition of Executive from participating in the conduct of PremierWest Bank’s affairs by
an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or (g)(1). 


            7.2 Good Reason. “Good Reason” for Executive’s Termination of Employment by resignation will exist upon the occurrence, without Executive’s
consent, of one or more of the following events, if Executive has informed PremierWest in writing of the circumstances described below in this Section 7.2 that could give rise to Termination of Employment For Good Reason and PremierWest has not
removed the circumstances within 30 days of the written notice: 


                  (a) Reduction in Base Salary. A reduction of Executive’s Base Salary, 


                  (b) Reduced Participation in Bonus, Incentive, Compensation, and Other Plans. A reduction of Executive’s bonus, incentive, and other compensation award
opportunities under PremierWest Bancorp’s benefit plans and the Bank’s benefit plans, unless in the case of either, a company-wide reduction of all officers’ award opportunities occurs simultaneously, 


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                  (c) Participation in Benefit Plans. Discontinuance of Executive’s participation in any officer or employee benefit plan maintained by PremierWest Bancorp or by
the Bank, unless the plan is discontinued by reason of law or loss of tax deductibility to PremierWest with respect to contributions to the plan, or is discontinued as a matter of PremierWest Bancorp policy or PremierWest Bank policy applied equally
to all participants in the plan, 


                  (d) A Reduction in Responsibilities or Status. (other than such changes made after the Executive has announced his intention to retire as are consistent with his
anticipated retirement) based on one of the following: 


                        (1) assignment to Executive of duties or responsibilities that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as stated in this Agreement or that represent a material reduction of his authority, 


                        (2) any other action by PremierWest that results in a material reduction or material adverse change in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities,


                        (3) failure to appoint or reappoint Executive to the position stated in this Agreement, 


                        (4) failure to reelect Executive or cause Executive to be reelected to the Bank Board without Executive’s written consent, 


                        (5) failure to nominate Executive as a director of PremierWest Bancorp, or 


                        (6) following a Change in Control, failure to retain Executive in an executive officer position with authority, duties or responsibilities consistent with that of an executive officer. 


(Subsections (d)(1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) do not apply following a Change in Control), 


                  (e) Failure to Obtain Assumption Agreement. The failure of a successor or assign of the Bank to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, if assignment and assumption
does not occur automatically under operation of law, 


                  (f) Termination without Compliance with this Agreement. Termination by PremierWest of Executive’s employment without the notice required under this Agreement,



                  (g) Material Breach. A material breach of this Agreement by PremierWest that is not corrected within a reasonable time, or 


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                  (h) Relocation of Executive. Requiring Executive to change his principal work location, to any location that is more than 15 miles from the location of PremierWest
Bancorp’s principal executive offices on the date of this Agreement. 


            7.3 Disability. “Disability” shall mean that (i) Executive has been unable to perform Executive’s duties under this Agreement as a result of
Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness for at least 90 consecutive calendar days or 150 calendar days during any consecutive 12 month period and (ii) a physician selected by PremierWest and its insurers and acceptable to
Executive or Executive’s legal representative (with such Agreement on acceptability of the physician not to be unreasonably withheld), determines the incapacity to be (a) total and permanent and (b) prohibiting of Executive’s ability to
perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without reasonable accommodation. Executive shall not be deemed to be disabled, however, if he returns to work on a full-time basis within 30 days after PremierWest gives him
notice of termination due to Disability. PremierWest may require Executive to submit to such physical or mental evaluations and tests as the Board of Directors deems appropriate. 


            7.4 Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred when any of the following events take place:



                  (a) Merger. PremierWest Bancorp merges into or consolidates with another corporation, or merges another corporation into PremierWest Bancorp, and as a result, less than
50% of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were the holders of PremierWest Bancorp’s voting securities immediately before the merger or consolidation. The
term “person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization or other entity. 


                  (b) Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership. (1) A report on Schedule 13D or another form or schedule (other than Schedule 13G) is filed or is required to be filed
under Sections 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, if the schedule discloses that the filing person or persons acting in concert has or have become the beneficial owner of 25% or more of a class of PremierWest Bancorp’s
voting securities, or (2) a person or persons acting in concert has or have become the beneficial owner of 10% or more of a class of PremierWest Bancorp’s voting securities and the person or the person’s or group’s nominee becomes
the Chairman of the Board of PremierWest Bancorp, but this paragraph (b) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of voting shares of PremierWest Bancorp held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity in which PremierWest Bancorp directly or indirectly
beneficially owns 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities. 


                  (c) Change in Board Composition. During any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who constitute PremierWest Bancorp’s Board of Directors at the
beginning of the two-year period cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; provided, however, that for purposes of this paragraph (c), each director who is first elected by the Board (or first nominated by the Board for
election by stockholders) by a vote of at least two-


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thirds of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the period shall be deemed to have been a director at the beginning of the two-year period. 


                  (d) Sale of Assets. PremierWest Bancorp sells to a third party all or substantially all of PremierWest Bancorp’s assets. For this purpose, sale of all or
substantially all of PremierWest Bancorp’s assets includes sale of PremierWest Bank. 


            7.5 Termination of Employment. When used in this Agreement, the phrase “Termination of Employment” means a separation from service under Code Section 409A
and the regulations thereunder, as such regulations may change from time to time, or any successor provision of the Code and regulations. 


      8. PAYMENT UPON TERMINATION. Upon the Executive’s Termination of Employment for any of the reasons set forth in Section 6 above, Executive or Executive’s
estate, as appropriate, will receive payment for all Base Salary earned through the date of termination and, except in the event of Termination of Employment For Cause or Resignation, all unpaid bonus or incentive compensation due to Executive for
the previous calendar year (“Earned Compensation”). Earned Compensation, unless deferred under a plan of deferred compensation, shall be paid by the end of the business day following termination or sooner if required by applicable law.



      9. RETIREMENT BENEFITS. Upon Retirement, Executive shall additionally be entitled to the following benefits: 


            9.1 Stock Option Vesting. Executive shall also be fully vested in any stock options, restricted stock grants, or other similar equity compensation arrangements
regardless of whether the respective plan provides for accelerated vesting. 


            9.2 401(k) Contribution. PremierWest shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the matching and profit sharing contributions, if any, that would
have been made had Executive’s employment not terminated before the end of the plan year. PremierWest shall make such payment on the first day of the seventh month after the Executive’s Termination of Employment. 


            9.3 Retiree Health Insurance. PremierWest shall provide and Executive shall be entitled to retiree health care coverage for himself and his spouse for 15 years after the
Executive’s Termination of Employment as follows: (1) until Executive and his spouse, respectively, each reach the eligible age for Medicare, the retiree health care coverage for each shall be substantially similar to the most favorable
coverage maintained for PremierWest employees, but in no event shall such coverage be less favorable than coverage with a $2,000 annual deductible and 80% reimbursement/20% co-payment; and (2) after Executive and his spouse, respectively, reach the
eligible age for Medicare, for the life of Executive and his spouse, respectively, PremierWest will provide Medicare Supplemental Insurance comparable to the best of such policies offered by a major insurance carrier in the market area. In the event
that the Executive is required to pay monthly premiums for such coverage, PremierWest shall reimburse 


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Executive for such premium cost no later than the last day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which the expense was incurred by the Executive.


            9.4 Long-Term Care Insurance. PremierWest shall continue to pay the remaining long-term care insurance premiums for Executive and Executive’s spouse until the
earlier of (i) the date the premiums are fully paid, or (ii) the later of the death of the Executive or the Executive’s spouse. Such premium payments shall be made by PremierWest no later than the day the premium payment is due.


      10. CONSIDERATION FOR RELEASE OF CLAIMS. In the event of (i) Termination of Employment Without Cause, (ii) Termination of Employment For Good Reason, or (iii) if
Termination of Employment occurs for any reason other than Termination of Employment For Cause more than six (6) months after a Change in Control, (each an “Eligible Termination Event”) PremierWest will offer and Executive may choose to
execute the Separation Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, which provides for the release of claims against PremierWest. Provided Executive executes and does not revoke Section 7(a) of the Separation Agreement, Executive will be entitled to the
benefits listed below in this Section 10 in consideration for the release of claims. 


            10.1 Normal Retirement Benefits. Executive will be entitled to all of the benefits in Section 9 that Executive would have received had Executive’s employment
terminated due to Retirement. 


            10.2 Disability Insurance. PremierWest will continue to pay premiums on Executive’s disability policy until age 65. Such premium payments shall be made by
PremierWest no later than the day the premium payment is made. 


      11. CONSIDERATION FOR NOT COMPETING. 


            11.1 Self-Imposed Limitation. In the event of an Eligible Termination Event (as defined in Section 10 above), which occurs after a Change in Control, Executive may
choose to indicate in the Separation Agreement that Executive does not intend to engage in certain activities competitive to PremierWest, as identified in Section 2 of the Separation Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A. For as long as Executive
does not engage in such activities, up to a maximum of two years (the “Optional Restriction Period”), PremierWest will pay Executive the consideration set forth in Section 11.2. Unless Executive executes the Separation Agreement
(regardless of whether Executive revokes Section 7(a) of the Separation Agreement) and indicates Executive’s intention not to engage in the competitive activities, PremierWest will not compensate Executive for refraining from engaging in such
activities. 


            11.2 Amount/Payment of Consideration. As consideration for each month during the Optional Restriction Period that Executive does not engage in the competitive
activities, and provided the Executive has signed (and not revoked) the Separation Agreement indicated in Section 11.1, PremierWest will pay Executive one-twelfth (1/12) of the amount of any bonuses or incentive compensation earned for the calendar
year ended immediately before the year in which the Change in Control occurred, or the subsequent year, if ended, whichever is 


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greater (not including the Potential Transaction Bonus in Section 14). In the event the Executive engages in any competitive activities during any month in the Optional Restriction Period, PremierWest shall pay no compensation
under this Section for such month or any subsequent month. Payment of the consideration will commence on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of Employment, and the first payment shall include the consideration for all months
preceding such date. Subsequent payments shall be made on the first day of the month following the month for which Executive does not engage in competitive activities. 


      12. CHANGE IN CONTROL RETENTION BONUS. If Executive remains employed with PremierWest or its successor for six (6) months following a Change in Control, as additional
compensation for assisting PremierWest with the Change in Control transition and as a reward for continued service, upon Termination of Employment (other than Termination of Employment For Cause), PremierWest will pay Executive an amount of cash
equal to the amount of interest that would have accrued had PremierWest, upon the six month anniversary of the Change in Control, paid to Executive’s Deferral Account under the Deferred Compensation Agreement, an amount equal to two times the
sum of (i) Executive’s annual Base Salary and (ii) the amount of any bonuses or incentive compensation earned for the calendar year ended immediately before the year in which the Change in Control occurred, or the subsequent year, if ended,
whichever is greater (not including the Potential Transaction Bonus in Section 14). Payment of the retention bonus described in this Section 12 shall be made on the first day of the seventh month after the Executive’s Termination of
Employment. 


      13. IRC 280G. If all or any portion of the amounts payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, the Benefit Agreements described in Section 5.10 and the Stock Option
Agreement described in Section 5.3, either alone or together with other payment which the Executive has the right to receive from PremierWest, constitute “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code , that
are subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or similar tax and/or assessment), Executive shall be responsible for the payment of such excise tax and PremierWest shall be responsible for any loss of deductibility related
thereto; provided, however, that PremierWest and Executive shall cooperate with each other and use all reasonable efforts to minimize to the fullest extent possible the amount of excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code.


      14. POTENTIAL TRANSACTION BONUS. If a Change in Control occurs, Executive may be entitled to a Transaction Bonus under this Section. The Transaction Bonus, if any, is
separate from and shall not be reduced by any benefit payable to Executive under Sections 10, 11, or 12. The Transaction Bonus is an amount in cash equal to 30% of Executive’s Base Salary at the time of the Change in Control and shall be
payable to Executive on the Change in Control date. The Transaction Bonus shall be payable to Executive if, but only if, the Change in Control provides that shareholders of PremierWest Bancorp receive as consideration for each share of PremierWest
Bancorp common stock: 


            (a) cash equal to or greater than 2.5 times the book value per share of PremierWest Bancorp common stock, 


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            (b) securities whose fair market value at the time of closing of the Change in Control equals or exceeds 2.5 times the book value per share of PremierWest Bancorp common stock, or 


            (c) a combination of cash and securities whose value, calculated as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) immediately above, equals or exceeds 2.5 times the book value per share of PremierWest Bancorp common stock. 


      For purposes of this section, “book value” shall be based on shareholders’ equity and shares outstanding reflected in PremierWest Bancorp’s consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the quarter preceding
the date of announcement of the Change in Control. 


      15. CONFIDENTIALITY AND CREATIVE WORK. 


            15.1 Nondisclosure. Executive covenants and agrees that he will not reveal to any person, firm, or corporation any Confidential Information of any nature concerning
PremierWest or its business, or anything connected therewith. “Confidential Information” means all of PremierWest’s confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets in existence on the date hereof or existing at any time
during the term of this Agreement, including, but not limited to: 


                  (a) the whole or any portion or phase of any business plans, financial information, purchasing data, supplier data, accounting data, or other financial information, 


                  (b) the whole or any portion or phase of any research and development information, design procedures, algorithms or processes, or other technical information, 


                  (c) the whole or any portion or phase of any marketing or sales information, sales records, customer lists, prices, sales projections, or other sales information, and 


                  (d) trade secrets, as defined from time to time by the laws of the State of Oregon. 


Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information excludes information that, as of the date hereof or at any time after the date hereof, is published or disseminated without obligation of confidence or that becomes a part of
the public domain (1) by or through action of PremierWest, or (2) by or through action of another person not in violation of non-disclosure covenant with PremierWest. This section does not prohibit disclosure required by an order of a court having
jurisdiction or a subpoena from an appropriate governmental agency or disclosure made by Executive in the ordinary course of business and within the scope of his authority. 


            15.2 Return of Material. Executive agrees to deliver or return to PremierWest upon termination of employment, or as soon thereafter as possible, all written information
and any other similar items furnished by PremierWest or prepared by Executive in connection with 


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his services hereunder. Executive will retain no copies thereof after termination of Executive’s employment. 


            15.3 Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges that it is impossible to measure in money the damages that will accrue to PremierWest if Executive fails to observe the
obligations imposed on him by this section. Accordingly, if PremierWest institutes an action to enforce the provisions hereof, Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law is available to PremierWest, and Executive
agrees not to urge in any such action the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law exists. 


            15.4 Creative Work. Executive agrees that all creative work and work product, including, but not limited to, all technology, business management tools, processes,
software, patents, trademarks, and copyrights developed by Executive during his employment with PremierWest, regardless of when or where such work or work product was produced, constitutes work made for hire, all rights of which are owned by
PremierWest. Executive hereby assigns to PremierWest Bancorp and to PremierWest Bank all rights, title, and interest, whether by way of copyrights, trade secret, trademark, patent, or otherwise, in all such work or work product, regardless of
whether the same is subject to protection by patent, trademark, or copyright laws. 


      16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. 


            16.1 Arbitration. The parties agree to submit any dispute arising under this Agreement to final, binding, private arbitration in Medford, Oregon. The disputes subject to
arbitration include not only disputes involving the meaning or performance of the Agreement, but disputes about its negotiation, drafting, or execution. The dispute will be determined by a single arbitrator and governed by the then-existing rules of
arbitration procedure in Jackson County Circuit Court, except as set forth herein. Instead of filing of a civil complaint in Jackson County Circuit Court, a party will commence the arbitration process by noticing the other party The parties will
choose an arbitrator who specializes in employment conflicts from the arbitration list for Jackson County Circuit Court. If the parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator within ten (10) days of receipt of the list of arbitrators, each party will
select one attorney from the list, and those two attorneys shall select the arbitrator from the list (with each of the two selecting attorneys then concluding their services and each being compensated by the party selecting each attorney, subject to
recovery of such fees under Section 16.2) . The arbitrator may charge his or her standard arbitration fees rather than the fees prescribed in the Jackson County Circuit Court arbitration procedures. The arbitrator will have full authority to
determine all issues, including arbitrability, to award any remedy, including permanent injunctive relief, and to determine any request for attorney’s fees, costs and expenses in accordance with Section 16.2. There shall be no right to review
of the arbitrator’s decision in court. The arbitrator’s award may be reduced to final judgment or decree in Jackson County Circuit Court. 


            16.2 Expenses/Attorneys’ Fees. The prevailing party shall be awarded all costs and expenses of the proceeding, including, but not limited to, attorneys’
fees, filing and service fees, witness fees, and arbitrators’ fees. If arbitration is commenced, the arbitrator will have full authority and complete discretion to determine the “prevailing party” and the amount of costs and
expenses to be awarded. 


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            16.3 Injunctive Relief. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, an aggrieved party may seek a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction in
Jackson County Circuit Court to preserve the status quo during the arbitration proceeding, provided however, that the party seeking relief agrees that ultimate resolution of the dispute will still be determined through arbitration and not through
court process. The filing of the court action for injunctive relief shall not hinder or delay the arbitration process. 


      17. NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications provided for by this Agreement will be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient upon receipt, when
delivered personally or by a nationally-recognized delivery service (such as Federal Express), or three (3) business days after being deposited in the U.S. mail as certified mail, return receipt requested, with postage prepaid, if such notice is
properly addressed. Unless otherwise changed in writing, notice shall be properly addressed to Executive if addressed to the address of Executive on the books and records of PremierWest at the time of mailing of such notice, and properly addressed
to PremierWest if addressed to PremierWest Bancorp 503 Airport Road, Medford, OR 97504, Attention: Corporate Secretary. 


      18. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 


            18.1 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Oregon. 


            18.2 Saving Provision. If any part of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable, it shall not affect any other part. If any part of this Agreement is held to be
unenforceable as written, it shall be enforced to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law. 


            18.3 Survival Provision. If any benefits provided under this Agreement are still owed, or claims pursuant to this Agreement are still pending, at the time of termination
of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in force, with respect to those obligations or claims, until such benefits are paid in full or claims are resolved in full. The sections related to Confidential Information and Creative Work shall
survive after termination of this Agreement and shall be enforceable regardless of any claim Employee may have against PremierWest. 


            18.4 Captions and Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are solely for convenience. The captions in no way define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of this
Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 


            18.5 Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise stated herein, this Agreement constitutes the sole Agreement of the parties regarding Executive’s benefits upon
termination of employment and together with PremierWest’s employee handbook governs the terms of Executive’s employment. Where there is a conflict between the employee handbook and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall
govern. 


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            18.6 Previous Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior oral and written agreements between Executive and PremierWest, or any affiliates or representatives of
PremierWest regarding the subject matters set forth herein. 


            18.7 Waiver/Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, released, discharged, abandoned, changed, or modified in any manner, except by an instrument in writing signed
by each of the parties hereto. The failure of any party hereto to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement
or any part thereof or the right of any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver or any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. 


     18.8 Assignment.

             (a) Executive shall not assign or transfer any of Executive’s rights pursuant to this Agreement, wholly or partially, to any other person or to delegate the performance of its duties under the terms of this Agreement. If
Executive attempts an assignment or transfer that is contrary to this section, PremierWest shall have no liability to pay any amount to the assignee or transferee. 


             (b) The rights and obligations of PremierWest under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding in each and every respect upon the direct and indirect successors and assigns of PremierWest’s, regardless of
the manner in which the successors or assigns succeed to the interests or assets of PremierWest’s. If this Agreement is not otherwise transferred to and assumed by PremierWest’s successor or assign by operation of law, PremierWest shall
require such successor of substantially all of the business or assets of PremierWest Bancorp to expressly assume and agree to perform PremierWest’s obligations hereunder. 


             (c) This Agreement shall not be terminated by the voluntary or involuntary dissolution of PremierWest, by any merger, consolidation or acquisition where PremierWest is not the surviving corporation, by any transfer of all or
substantially all of PremierWest’s assets, or by any other change in PremierWest’s structure or the manner in which PremierWest’s business or assets are held. Executive’s employment shall not be deemed terminated upon the
occurrence of one of the foregoing events. 


             (d) This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executives, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and legatees. 


      19. ADVICE OF COUNSEL. Executive acknowledges that, in executing this Agreement, Executive has had the opportunity to seek the advice of independent legal counsel, and
has read and understood all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be construed against any party by reason of the drafting or preparation hereof. 


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 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above. 

	
PREMIERWEST BANCORP

 	EXECUTIVE
		

 
	
By:                                                             
		

		Its:                                                             
		       	
                                                            
		

		John Anhorn



 


 


PREMIERWEST BANK 


By:                                                                   
       


Its:                                                                   
       


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Exhibit A – Employment Agreement



SEPARATION AGREEMENT 





      This SEPARATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of this ____ day of __________, 20___, by and among
PremierWest Bancorp (“Bancorp”), an Oregon corporation, PremierWest Bank (the “Bank”), an Oregon-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of PremierWest Bancorp, and John Anhorn (the “Executive”). (Bancorp, the
Bank, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, including any entity or organization controlling, controlled by, or under common control with PremierWest Bancorp or the Bank, are hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively or individually as
“PremierWest.”) 


      WHEREAS, Executive, PremierWest Bancorp, and the Bank entered into an Employment Agreement dated effective as of _____________, 2007 (as the same may be amended,
the “Employment Agreement”) which provided that PremierWest would provide certain benefits to Executive after Termination of his Employment under certain circumstances (as defined in the Employment Agreement) as consideration for
Executive’s release of claims against PremierWest and certain other benefits as consideration for Executive’s agreement not to engage in certain competitive activities for a specified period of time; 


      WHEREAS, Executive’s employment will terminate on _____________, 20____ (the “Termination Date”); 


      WHEREAS, Executive has consulted with counsel of Executive’s choice concerning this Agreement, or Executive has chosen not to consult with counsel, and Executive,
and as applicable Executive’s counsel, have had the opportunity to discuss with PremierWest the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and


      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, PremierWest
and Executive hereby agree as follows: 


      1. Consideration for Release of Claims. Provided Executive does not revoke Section 7(a) and complies with the terms of this Agreement, PremierWest will provide Executive
the benefits set forth in Section 10 of the Employment Agreement. 


      2. Intent Not to Compete. [This Section 2 is applicable only if termination of Employment occurs after a Change in Control.] 


            2.1 Declaration of Intent. Executive hereby indicates that Executive intends/does not intend [indicate by crossing through the inapplicable
language] to refrain from engaging in certain activities specified in Section 2.2 (“Competitive Activities”) for some period of time following his Termination of Employment. If Executive has indicated an
intent not to engage in Competitive Activities, in consideration for each month Executive refrains from engaging in Competitive Activities, PremierWest will pay Executive the monthly payments as 


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described in Section 11 of the Employment Agreement until the earlier of (i) the date when Executive engages in a Competitive Activity or (ii) the end of the Optional Restriction Period, which is [one
year/two years] after the date on which Executive’s Termination of Employment becomes effective. 


 
           2.2 Competitive Activities. Competitive Activities include: 


                  (a) Becoming associated with any entity, whether as an owner, principal, partner, director, trustee, employee, agent, consultant, or stockholder (except as a holder of 1% or less of the outstanding voting stock of a company) that is engaged or proposes to engage in any business that
solicits, deposits or offers loans and is located within a 30-mile radius of any of PremierWest’s offices or branches (a “Competitor”), 


                  (b) Encouraging or soliciting or assisting any other person or firm in encouraging or soliciting any person who, during the two-year period preceding Executive’s Termination of Employment, is or was engaged in a business
relationship with PremierWest to terminate the person’s relationship with PremierWest or to engage in a business relationship with a Competitor, or 


                  (c) Inducing any employee of PremierWest to terminate employment with PremierWest and, either individually or as owner, principal, partner, director, trustee, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employing, offering
employment, or causing employment to be offered to any person who is or was employed by PremierWest unless such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months. 


            2.3 Notice of Activities. If Executive has indicated above an intent not to engage in Competitive Activities, Executive will notify PremierWest before engaging in any
such activities. If Executive fails to give such notice and continues to receive payments under this section, Executive shall not be entitled to keep any payments received after engaging in a Competitive Activity. 


            2.4 Not Enforceable Covenant. This is not a covenant not to compete and PremierWest may not seek injunctive relief to prohibit Executive from engaging in a Competitive
Activity. If Executive chooses to engage in a Competitive Activity, PremierWest will cease making monthly payments of the consideration. 


      3. Nondisclosure. Executive covenants and agrees that he will not reveal to any person, firm, or corporation any Confidential Information of any nature concerning
PremierWest or concerning the business of any of them. As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means all of PremierWest’s confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets in existence on the date
hereof or existing at any time during the term of this Agreement, including, but not limited to: 


  
           (a) the whole or any portion or phase of any business plans, financial information, purchasing data, supplier data, accounting data, or other financial information, 


- 2 -











            (b) the whole or any portion or phase of any research and development information, design procedures, algorithms or processes, or other technical information, 


            (c) the whole or any portion or phase of any marketing or sales information, sales records, customer lists, prices, sales projections, or other sales information, and 


           (d) trade secrets, as defined from time to time by the laws of the State of
Oregon.


Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information excludes information that, as of the date hereof or at any time after the date hereof, is published or disseminated without obligation of confidence or that becomes a part of
the public domain (1) by or through action of PremierWest, or (2) by or through action of another person not in violation of a nondisclosure covenant with PremierWest. This Section does not prohibit disclosure required by an order of a court having
jurisdiction or a subpoena from an appropriate governmental agency or disclosure made by Executive in the ordinary course of business and within the scope of his authority. 


      4. Return of Materials. Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Bank upon Termination of Employment or as soon thereafter as possible all written information and any
other similar items furnished by PremierWest or prepared by Executive in connection with his service to PremierWest. Executive will retain no copies thereof after Termination of Employment. 


      5. Creative Work. Executive agrees that all creative work and work product, including, but not limited to, all technology, business management tools, processes, software,
patents, trademarks, and copyrights developed by Executive during the term of his employment with PremierWest, regardless of when or where such work or work product was produced, constitutes work made for hire, all rights of which are owned by
PremierWest. Executive hereby assigns to Bancorp and to the Bank all rights, title, and interest, whether by way of copyrights, trade secret, trademark, patent, or otherwise, in all such work or work product, regardless of whether the same is
subject to protection by patent, trademark, or copyright laws. 


      6. Agreement to Cooperate with PremierWest Through the Executive’s Termination Date. Executive agrees to cooperate as directed by PremierWest with PremierWest and
its customers through the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment and throughout the term of any post-employment consulting agreement, if any. If Executive fails to cooperate to PremierWest’s satisfaction as reasonably
determined by PremierWest, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned for purposes of determining benefits under the Employment Agreement, but the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. 


      7. Release of Claims. 


            (a) Release and Covenant Not to Sue. As consideration for receipt of certain benefits specified in the Employment Agreement, Executive, on his or her own behalf and on
behalf of Executive’s heirs, executors, successors, and assigns hereby releases PremierWest, its directors, officers, executives, managers, and employees from any and all debts, claims, 


- 3 -











demands, rights, actions, causes of action, suits, or damages whatsoever and of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, contingent or otherwise (collectively the “Claims”), against PremierWest and the others
released herein, relating to or arising out of Executive’s termination, except to the extent such Claims cannot, under applicable law, be released. Executive also covenants not to sue or file or cause to be filed any complaint with any
federal, state, or local agency or in any court against PremierWest or the others released herein regarding any matter related to Executive’s Termination of Employment with PremierWest, including, but not limited to, any Claims under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act or any similar federal, state or local law, except to the extent such Claims cannot, under applicable law, be released. The release of liability set forth herein does not extend to rights or claims that may arise
from events occurring after execution of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, claims for the enforcement of this Agreement, or to Executive’s exercise of rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 to
continued insurance, if applicable. 


            (b) Acceptance and Revocation Period. Executive shall have a period of 21 days from the date of delivery of this Agreement to accept Section 7(a) of this Agreement.
Executive shall have a period of seven days after his execution of this Agreement during which Executive may revoke his acceptance of Section 7(a) of this Agreement by providing written notice of revocation to PremierWest Bancorp. Any such
acceptance or revocation must be addressed to the Chairman, PremierWest Bancorp, 503 Airport Road, Medford, Oregon 97504, or such other address as Executive may be directed in writing by PremierWest Bancorp to provide such acceptance or revocation.
To be effective, the acceptance or revocation must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time within the applicable time period. The 21-day acceptance period may be waived by Executive, but the seven-day revocation period may not be waived. If
Executive’s acceptance of Section 7(a) of this Agreement is not affirmatively revoked in writing by Executive during the seven-day revocation period, it shall be deemed to have been accepted and not revoked. Section 7(a) of this Agreement
shall not be effective or enforceable until the seven-day revocation period has expired. If Executive properly executes his right to revoke acceptance of Section 7(a), the remainder of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and
effect. 


      8. No Admission of Wrongdoing. Executive acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Agreement constitutes or shall be construed as an admission of liability or
wrongdoing on the part of PremierWest or the others released herein. 


      9. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by PremierWest and its successors and assigns. 


      10. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement. Any provision held to be invalid or unenforceable shall be reformed to the extent (and only to the extent) necessary to make it valid and enforceable. 


      11. Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws
of the State of Oregon, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws of such State. 


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      12. Arbitration. The parties agree to submit any dispute arising under this Agreement to final, binding, private arbitration in Medford, Oregon. The disputes subject to
arbitration include not only disputes involving the meaning or performance of the Agreement, but disputes about its negotiation, drafting, or execution. The dispute will be determined by a single arbitrator and governed by the then-existing rules of
arbitration procedure in Jackson County Circuit Court, except as set forth herein. Instead of filing a civil complaint in Jackson County Circuit Court, a party will commence the arbitration process by noticing the other party. The parties will
choose an arbitrator who specializes in employment conflicts from the arbitration list for Jackson County Circuit Court. If the parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator within ten (10) days of receipt of the list of arbitrators, each party will
select one attorney from the list, and those two attorneys shall select the arbitrator from the list (with each of the two selecting attorneys then concluding their services and each being compensated by the party selecting each attorney, subject to
recovery of such fees under Section 13). The arbitrator may charge his or her standard arbitration fees rather than the fees prescribed in the Jackson County Circuit Court arbitration procedures. The arbitrator will have full authority to determine
all issues, including arbitrability, to award any remedy, including permanent injunctive relief, and to determine any request for attorney’s fees, costs and expenses in accordance with Section 13. There shall be no right to review the
arbitrator’s decision in court. The arbitrator’s award may be reduced to final judgment or decree in Jackson County Circuit Court. 


      13. Expense/Attorneys’ Fees. The prevailing party shall be awarded all costs and expenses of the proceeding, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees,
filing and service fees, witness fees, and arbitrators’ fees. If arbitration is commenced, the arbitrator will have full authority and complete discretion to determine the “prevailing party” and the amount of costs and expenses to
be awarded. 


      14. Injunctive Relief. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, an aggrieved party may seek a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction in
Jackson County Circuit Court to preserve the status quo during the arbitration proceeding, provided however, that the party seeking relief agrees that ultimate resolution of the dispute will still be determined through arbitration and not through
court process. The filing of the court action for injunctive relief shall not hinder or delay the arbitration process. 


      15. This Agreement is Not Exclusive. This Agreement does not supersede any other agreement to which Executive may be party with PremierWest relating to noncompetition,
nondisclosure, or the other matters referred to in this Agreement, whether those noncompetition, nondisclosure, or other provisions are contained in an employment agreement, a severance agreement, a salary continuation agreement, or any other
agreement. This Agreement is in addition to any such other agreement(s). In case of conflict between this Agreement, on one hand, and any such other agreement(s), on the other, PremierWest shall have sole and exclusive authority to determine whether
this Agreement or such other agreement(s) shall govern in the particular case and whether to enforce its rights under this Agreement, under such other agreement(s), or under both. 


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      16. Defined Terms. Terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Employment Agreement. 


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive, PremierWest Bancorp, and the Bank have executed this Separation Agreement effective as of the day and year first set forth above.



PREMIERWEST BANCORP: 


By:                                                         
       


Its:                                                         
       


PREMIERWEST BANK: 


By:                                                         
       


Its:                                                         
       


      By signing below, I hereby agree to and accept all provisions of this Separation Agreement, specifically including, but not limited to, the release and covenant not to sue that is set forth in
Section 7(a) of this Separation Agreement. I understand that I have seven days after the date of my execution of this Separation Agreement to revoke my acceptance of the release and covenant not to sue contained in Section 7(a) of the Separation
Agreement, and that if I do not revoke my acceptance by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on that date, the release and covenant not to sue will become effective. I understand that if I do revoke my acceptance of the release and covenant not to sue, I will
forfeit all consideration for the release of claims as set forth in Section 10 of the Employment Agreement. 


EXECUTIVE: 


                                                        


John Anhorn       


Date signed:                             
, 20         


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