<PAGE>   1



                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.12





INTER
OFFICE
MEMO


                                    DATE:  May 1, 1997




TO:      Mr. Jack Altherr

FROM:    Sharon L. Rodgers


         I am pleased to inform you that you have been approved to participate
in the management incentive plan for fiscal 1997. You will participate in the
plan based on an individual percentage award of 50%.

         For fiscal 1997, the amount of your actual incentive award will be
based on achievement of Financial Goals, as set forth below.

                                 Financial Goals

         The Financial Goals for your fiscal 1997 award are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Corporate
                                          Operating Earnings
       Performance                        (Thousands of Dollars)
          Level                                 (EBDLIT)
       -----------                        ----------------------
       <S>                                <C>   
            50%                              95,000
            75%                             100,000
           100%                             105,000
           125%                             110,000
</TABLE>

         100% of your actual incentive award will be based on achievement of
Financial Goals. Your actual incentive award will be determined by multiplying
your total base salary paid in fiscal 1997 times your individual percentage
award times the Performance Level achieved as set forth above and will be
calculated by the Company. Any such award will be prorated when the Performance
Level achieved falls between the 50% and 125% levels. No incentive award will be
paid if the Performance Level is below 50%, and no additional incentive award
will be paid for any financial results which exceed the 125% Performance Level.

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         The general guidelines of the plan for fiscal 1997 are as follows:

         1.       Operating earnings (EBDLIT) will be defined as reported in the
                  Company's financial statements.

         2.       Your actual incentive award will be paid on an annual basis,
                  with payment to be made as soon as practical after the fiscal
                  year audit is completed.

         3.       No incentive award will be paid if you are not in the employ
                  of the Company on the last day of the fiscal year (effective
                  date of severance must be after fiscal year end).

         4.       In the event you are reassigned or given a new position and
                  responsibilities during the fiscal year (promotion or
                  demotion), payment of the incentive award will be determined
                  on a case-by-case basis. The Company reserves the right to
                  deny payment or to reduce the incentive award in the case of
                  demotions.

         Please indicate your understanding of the plan, the performance goals
and your potential incentive award by signing and returning this letter to me. A
copy is provided for your personal files.



                                                        /s/ Sharon L. Rodgers
                                                        ---------------------  
SLR/jwp



Acknowledged:   /s/ Jack R. Altherr Jr.
                -----------------------

Date:                 May 2, 1997
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