Document:

<PAGE>   1

                                  EXHIBIT 10.31

<PAGE>   2

                         CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
                      DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT WITH
                               JAMES E. BURT, III

         THIS PLAN AND AGREEMENT, dated as of the 31st day of December 1996, by
and between Carolina First BancShares, Inc., a North Carolina corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), and JAMES E. BURT, III (hereinafter
referred to as the "Executive"):

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

         WHEREAS, the Company believes it is in the best interest of the Company
and the Executive to establish a plan for the purpose of providing certain
benefits for the Executive pursuant to his Employment Agreement:

         NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   EMPLOYMENT

         The Company has employed the Executive as provided in the Employment
Agreement with the Executive, to which this is an exhibit.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                    BENEFITS

         The Company is obligated to provide benefits to the Executive as
follows:

         A. Except as expressly provided herein, no benefit shall be paid
hereunder, except to the extent then vested, upon the discharge of the Executive
by the Company for cause. The definition of "cause" shall be the same as "Cause"
in the Executive's Employment Agreement.

         B. Upon retirement from the Company, the Executive shall receive the
monthly amount then vested for 120 consecutive months beginning on the first
business day of the calendar month next succeeding the Executive's retirement
date. In the event the Executive dies after such monthly payments begin but
prior to receiving all 120 monthly payments, then his beneficiary(s) shall be
entitled to receive all remaining payments.

         C. If the Executive shall die before his retirement while in the employ
of the Company, the Company will make monthly payments of $4,166.67 for 120
months to the beneficiary(s) of the Executive beginning in the month of the
Executive's death.

         D. Upon permanent disability before retirement at age 65, the Executive
shall receive no benefits under this Deferred Compensation Plan until the
earlier of (i) age 65 or (ii) such time as his disability benefits cease, at
which time the Company shall pay the Executive, and after death, his
beneficiaries, monthly payments of $4,166.67 per month for 120 months beginning
in the month of the Executive's death. If the Executive shall die after becoming
permanently disabled but before the age of 65, then the monthly payments shall
begin at death and shall be made to his beneficiary(s) in the amount of
$4,166.67 per month for 120 months. "Permanent disability" shall have the
meaning given it in the Executive's Employment Agreement and shall be determined
accordingly.

         E. Should the Executive leave the employ of the Company for any reason
within twelve (12) months after a "Change of Control" (as defined in his
Employment Agreement) then the Company or its successor shall, upon Executive's
request within 30 days of such separation of employment, transfer to the
Executive the ownership of the Insurance policy, if any, that funds this
Deferred Compensation

<PAGE>   3

Agreement in lieu of all future monthly payments, but if such transfer is not
requested by the Executive prior to the payment of benefits hereunder, then the
Company shall pay such benefits when due.

         F. Should the Executive leave the employment of the Company for any
other reason prior to retirement, then no benefits shall be paid under this
plan, except and to the extent such benefits are vested.

         G. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the
Employment Agreement, as of the date hereof, Executive shall be fully vested in
monthly payments of $2,500.00 through May 30, 1997, at which point his vested
benefits shall be $2,916.67 per month through May 30, 1998, at which time his
vested benefit becomes $3,333.33 through May 30, 1999 when the benefit becomes
$3,750.00 per month through January 31, 2000, at which time his vested benefit
becomes $4,166.67, regardless of any other provisions hereof and regardless of
any reasons for any termination or cessation of the Executive's employment. All
such amounts shall be vested, and shall be paid to the Executive or to the
Executive's named beneficiaries.

                                   ARTICLE III
                               SOURCE OF PAYMENTS

         Notwithstanding any references to life insurance contracts contained
herein, nothing herein shall require the Company to purchase such contract or
any other properties to secure its obligation under this Agreement, or if the
Company should purchase such contract or other property, to exercise any option,
election or right under such contract or other property, or if the Company
wishes to exercise any option, election or right under such contract or other
property, to exercise such option, election or right in any particular manner.

         The Executive, beneficiary and any other person or persons having or
claiming a right to payments hereunder or to any interest in this Agreement
shall rely solely on the unsecured promise of the Company set forth herein, and
nothing in this Agreement (other than the provisions of Article II, B. and F.)
shall be construed to give the Executive, beneficiary or any other person or
persons any rights, title, interest or claim in or to any specific asset, fund,
reserve, account or property of any kind whatsoever owned by the Company or in
which it might have any right, title or interest now or in the future, but
Executive shall have the right to enforce his claim against the Company in the
same manner as any unsecured creditor.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                  BENEFICIARIES

         The death beneficiary of the Executive shall be the person, persons,
trust or charitable entity, living or in existence at the time for any
distribution hereunder, which the Executive shall have most recently designated
as highest in priority on a form, provided for that purpose by the Company,
signed by the Executive, filed with the Company, and attached to the Company's
original copy of this document as "Annex A". The death or non-existence of any
such beneficiary either before or after receipt of any distribution hereunder,
shall terminate the entire interest of such beneficiary in any to the then
undistributed portion of such Executive's account and such undistributed portion
shall thereafter be distributed to or for the benefit of the beneficiary or
beneficiaries designated as next highest in priority by such Executive. If no
such beneficiary be thus designated, or if all of the thus designated
beneficiaries do not survive or are no longer in existence at any time prior to
the complete distribution of such account, such account, or the then
undistributed balance thereof, shall be distributed by the corporation directly
to the person or persons who are heirs as named in the Executive's last will and
testament, except to the extent to which the specific bequests of such document
are paid by the Executive's other resources; or if there is no such document
then in existence under the laws of descent and distribution, to those persons
who would be entitled to the Executive's personal property, and in the
proportions to which they would be so entitled, had such Executive died, at the
time for such distribution, intestate and a resident of the State of North
Carolina.

<PAGE>   4

                                    ARTICLE V
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         This Agreement supersedes all deferred compensation agreements
previously entered into by the parties hereto, none of which shall have any
further force and effect upon an after the execution and delivery hereof. This
Agreement shall be subject to, and governed by, the laws of the State of North
Carolina irrespective of the fact that one or more of the parties is or may
become a resident of a different state.

         In the event any parts of this Agreement are found to be void, the
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless be binding with the
same effect as though the void parts were deleted.

         Whenever in this Agreement, words, including pronouns, are used in the
masculine, they shall be read and construed in the feminine or neuter whenever
they will so apply, and whenever in this Agreement, words, including pronouns,
are used in the singular or plural, they shall be read and construed in the
plural or singular, respectively, wherever they would so apply.

         This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The Company agrees that it
will not be a party to any merger, consolidation, reorganization or transaction
which results in a "Change in Control" (as defined in the Employment Agreement),
unless and until its obligations hereunder shall be expressly assumed by its
successor or successors.

         This Agreement may be amended or revoked at any time or times, in whole
or in part, solely by the mutual written consent of the Executive and the
Company.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                    FIDUCIARY

         The Company is hereby designated as the named fiduciary hereunder, and
shall be responsible for the management and control of the operation and
administration of this plan including any and all decisions pertaining to the
granting or denial of benefit claims and any and all decisions pertaining to the
review of denials of benefit claims.

                                   ARTICLE VII
                                 FUNDING POLICY

The Company shall establish a funding policy and method for this Plan, and shall
annually review such funding policy and method to make any necessary adjustments
thereto in order to ensure that such funding policy and method at all times
shall remain consistent with the objectives of this Plan, and to the extent
applicable, the requirements of Title I of the Executive Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                 ADMINISTRATION

         The Secretary of the Company shall maintain a copy of this Agreement
and any amendments thereto continuously as official records of the Company.

<PAGE>   5

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands
the day and year first above written.
                                                 COMPANY:

                                                 CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

                                                 By:

                                                          Chairman

ATTEST:

____________________, Secretary

(CORPORATE SEAL)

                                                 EXECUTIVE
                                                 (SEAL)
                                                 James E. Burt, III

                                    EXHIBIT A

Beneficiaries Designated by Executive:

Name                                                      % Interest in Payment<PAGE>   1

                                  EXHIBIT 10.32

<PAGE>   2

                       SEPARATION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT

         THIS SEPARATION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") made and
entered into by and between JAMES E. BURT, III (the "Consultant") and FIRST
CHARTER CORPORATION, a North Carolina corporation ("First Charter")
(collectively defined and referred to as the "Parties");

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, Consultant served as President and then Chief Executive
Officer of First Charter's predecessor company, Carolina First BancShares, Inc.
("Carolina First"), for more than eight years and is highly knowledgeable about
the business and operations of that organization, the banking industry, and the
customers that such predecessor and First Charter served and continues to serve;

         WHEREAS, on November 7, 1999, Consultant entered into an employment
agreement with First Charter, whereby First Charter agreed to employ Consultant
as Executive Vice President of First Charter effective upon the actual date of
merger of First Charter and Carolina First, after which Consultant would
voluntarily resign after a specified term but continue to provide services to
First Charter as an independent contractor for an additional period (the
"Employment Agreement");

         WHEREAS, following the merger of First Charter and Carolina First
effective April 4, 2000, Consultant and First Charter have mutually indicated
their desire to advance the date upon which Consultant's services as an employee
would end and his services as an independent consultant would begin;

         WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into a contractual consulting
arrangement on the terms set forth herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in exchange for the premises and mutual covenants
contained in this Agreement, the Parties, intending legally to be bound, agree
as follows:

         1. SEPARATION. The Parties agree that Consultant's last day of
employment with First Charter shall be June 30, 2000, it being expressly
understood that this Agreement is and will be enforceable and First Charter will
be in compliance with this Section 1 provided Consultant is paid his regular
salary and benefits through June 30, 2000. In addition, except as otherwise set
forth in Section 12 below, Consultant acknowledges and agrees that his right to
his regular salary and benefits with First Charter shall cease effective June
30, 2000, except that Consultant shall not forfeit any vested stock options or
vested 401(k), pension or retirement benefits earned by him during his
employment with Carolina First and/or First Charter, if any.

         The Parties agree that the end of the employment relationship between
the Parties was and shall be treated as a voluntary separation by Consultant in
the personnel records of First Charter. The Parties also acknowledge and agree
that except for the post-employment confidentiality obligations of Consultant
contained in Section 8 of the Employment Agreement, the Employment Agreement
shall be terminated, effective June 30, 2000.

         2. RELATIONSHIP. Effective July 1, 2000, the relationship of Consultant
to First Charter shall be that of an independent contractor, not an employee.

         3. SERVICES. During the Consultancy Term (as defined in Section 4
below), Consultant agrees to provide up to twenty (20) hours per month in
consultation services related to First Charter's business, customers, products
and services as mutually agreed to by Consultant and the Chief Executive Officer
of First Charter (the "First Charter CEO") commensurate with Consultant's past
experience and expertise with Carolina First and First Charter, including but
not limited to work on special projects as may be assigned from time to time. In
addition, the Parties agree that during the Consultancy Term, First

<PAGE>   3

Charter shall not require Consultant, without Consultant's prior written
consent, to relocate from his then current residence in North Carolina in order
to provide services under this Agreement.

         4. TERM OF CONSULTANCY. Subject to the right of either party to
terminate this Agreement as set forth in Section 13 below, Consultant shall
provide consulting services to First Charter pursuant to this Agreement for a
period beginning July 1, 2000 and ending July 31, 2007 (the "Consultancy Term"),
at which time Consultant agrees that his consultancy arrangement with First
Charter shall end. Consultant further agrees that after execution of this
Agreement by him, he will not apply for employment, reemployment or additional
contract work with First Charter in the future except as otherwise set forth in
this Agreement.

         5. NO CONTROL BY FIRST CHARTER. The Parties acknowledge and agree that
Consultant shall use Consultant's own judgment as to the time, place, details
and means by which Consultant accomplishes the results of Consultant's services
under this Agreement, that Consultant is not subject to instructions by First
Charter as to when, where or how the services should be performed, that
Consultant is not required to work set hours of the day or week established by
First Charter, that Consultant is not required to perform services in a sequence
determined by First Charter, that Consultant is not required to submit regular
written reports and that nothing contained herein shall be construed to create
the relationship of employer and employee between First Charter and Consultant;
provided, however, Consultant is expected to provide the services contemplated
by this Agreement in a timely and competent manner in order to meet the needs of
First Charter.

         6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Because consultant is an independent
contractor, First Charter will not be responsible for payment of any F.I.C.A.,
F.U.T.A. or other similar charges or withholding for Consultant, and Consultant
acknowledges and agrees that it is Consultant's obligation to report and pay all
Federal, State and local income, self-employment and other taxes due for him on
all compensation from First Charter as may be required by law. First Charter
will issue a Form 1099 for all compensation paid to Consultant under this
Agreement.

         7. LIMITATIONS. Consultant agrees that he does not have the authority
to legally bind or obligate First Charter in any matter, and further agrees that
he will not take any action inconsistent with this limitation of authority.

         8. CONSULTANCY RESPONSIBILITIES. During the Consultancy Term,
Consultant agrees that he will:

                  A.       Cooperate with employees of First Charter;

                  B.       Coordinate his services with the First Charter CEO;.

                  C.       Keep First Charter informed about the services he
                           provides and any matters or issues relating to his
                           services;

                  D.       Devote the time, energy and skill reasonably
                           necessary to perform his services;

                  E.       Act in the best interests of First Charter;

                  F.       Abide by the general First Charter policies and
                           procedures applicable to his engagement as an
                           independent contractor as established from time to
                           time by First Charter;

                  G.       Conduct himself in a decent, respectable and
                           professional manner, and not violate any laws, rules,
                           regulations or ordinances in connection with his
                           engagement as an independent contractor; and

<PAGE>   4

                  H.       Not violate any terms of this Agreement.

         9. OTHER ACTIVITIES. The Parties agree that Consultant may be engaged
as a consultant, employee or otherwise in for-profit business or commercial
activities for other parties during the Consultancy Term, provided that such
activities: (a) do not prevent or unduly limit Consultant's ability to perform
his ongoing obligations with First Charter, (b) are not competitive with First
Charter as outlined in Section 15 below, or (c) are not detrimental to First
Charter, or cause Consultant to breach any of the provisions of this Agreement.
In addition, in order to prevent any unintended conflict of interest with First
Charter, Consultant agrees that prior to engaging in such other activities, he
will notify the First Charter CEO of the same in advance for approval (whose
authorization shall not be unreasonably withheld).

         10. CONSULTING FEES. During the Consultancy Term, the Parties agree
that First Charter shall pay Consultant at a monthly rate of:

                  A.       $15,983.33 for services requested by and rendered to
                           First Charter for the period July 1, 2000 to December
                           31, 2000;

                  B.       $17,441.67 for services requested by and rendered to
                           First Charter for the period January 1, 2001 to
                           December 31, 2001;

                  C.       $19,045.83 for services requested by and rendered to
                           First Charter for the period January 1, 2002 to July
                           31, 2002;

                  D.       $6,250.00 for services requested by and rendered to
                           First Charter for the period August 1, 2002 to July
                           31, 2003;

                  E.       $6,875.00 for services requested by and rendered to
                           First Charter for the period August 1, 2003 to July
                           31, 2004;

                  F.       $7,562.50 for services requested by and rendered to
                           First Charter for the period August 1, 2004 to July
                           31, 2005;

                  G.       $8,318.75 for services requested by and rendered to
                           First Charter for the period August 1, 2005 to July
                           31, 2006; and

                  H.       $9,150.62 for services requested by and rendered to
                           First Charter for the period August 1, 2006 to July
                           31, 2007.

         11. OTHER EXPENSES OF CONSULTANT. Consultant shall be responsible for
all expenses which Consultant incurs in rendering services under this Agreement,
including without limitation, compensation to Consultant's assistants or agents,
if any, travel expenses, long distance and local telephone charges,
entertainment expenses, office rental or mortgage expenses, training expenses,
the cost of tools and supplies and all other expenses incurred in rendering
services under this Agreement. It is expressly understood that such expenses
will not be wholly or partially reimbursed by First Charter; provided, however,
that First Charter will reimburse Consultant for business travel or other
expenses requested and approved by First Charter in advance. Reimbursement by
First Charter for any expenses shall also be subject to First Charter's then
existing reimbursement policy.

         12. SEVERANCE BENEFITS. In recognition of Consultant's prior years of
service and commitment to Carolina First and First Charter, and separate and
apart from the compensation that Consultant is to receive for the consulting
services to be rendered by him to First Charter as set forth above, First
Charter agrees to provide Consultant with the following severance benefits in
connection with Consultant's separation from First Charter:

<PAGE>   5

                  A. PAY IN LIEU OF BONUS. The Parties agree that given
         Consultant's past service to Carolina First and First Charter and the
         2000, 2001 and 2002 annual incentive bonuses forgone by him as a
         consequence of his earlier separation from First Charter and advanced
         service as a consultant, during the Consultancy Term, and provided
         Consultant remains engaged as a consultant with First Charter at the
         time the 2000, 2001 and 2002 annual incentive bonus payments are
         otherwise payable to Consultant under the terms of this Section 12.a.,
         First Charter shall pay Consultant:

                  (1)      $35,000.00 in lieu of a pro rata annual bonus for the
                           remainder of fiscal year 2000, less applicable
                           withholding as required by law;

                  (2)      $77,000.00 in lieu of an annual bonus for fiscal year
                           2001, less applicable withholding as required by law;

                  (3)      $49,400 in lieu of a pro rata annual bonus for fiscal
                           year 2002, less applicable withholding as required by
                           law.

                  Such amounts shall be payable by First Charter to Consultant
         at the same time that annual incentive compensation bonuses, if any,
         are paid for the corresponding fiscal years for officers of First
         Charter and its subsidiaries who report directly to the then First
         Charter CEO. In addition, the Parties agree that in the event that no
         annual incentive bonus is paid to such officers for any fiscal year
         2000, 2001 or 2002, then with respect to such applicable fiscal year,
         First Charter shall pay Consultant the applicable pay in lieu of bonus
         amount set forth in this Section 12.a. no later than February 28 of the
         following applicable fiscal year in question, provided Consultant
         remains engaged as a consultant with First Charter as of the applicable
         February 28 date.

                  B. HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS. During the period of the
         Consultancy Term from July 1, 2000 to July 31, 2002 (the "Insurance
         Period"), and provided Consultant remains engaged as a consultant with
         First Charter during the Insurance Period, First Charter will continue
         to provide to Consultant those general group health benefits that he
         received and/or in which he participated with First Charter immediately
         prior to his separation as an employee from First Charter (including
         coverage for Consultant's dependents to the extent such coverage is
         provided by First Charter for its then employees generally), provided
         such continued participation is possible under the terms and provisions
         of such plans and programs. In the event that participation in any such
         plan or program is barred during the Insurance Period, and provided
         Consultant remains engaged as a consultant with First Charter during
         the Insurance Period, First Charter shall arrange to provide Consultant
         with health insurance benefits at First Charter's expense for the
         Insurance Period, with such benefits being substantially similar to
         those which Consultant would otherwise have been entitled to receive
         under such plans and programs from which his continued participation is
         barred. However, in no event will Consultant receive from First Charter
         such health insurance benefits if and to the extent Consultant receives
         comparable insurance benefits from any other source.

                  In addition, the Parties further agree that with the exception
         of termination by First Charter "Without Cause" or by Consultant "For
         Good Reason" (in which case the terms of Section 13.f. of this
         Agreement shall control), following the end of the Insurance Period or
         the effective date of the end of Consultant's consultancy relationship
         with First Charter, whichever is earlier, Consultant and/or his
         eligible dependents will be offered the opportunity to obtain
         continuation medical coverage as allowed by and pursuant to COBRA.
         First Charter further agrees to provide assistance to Consultant with
         respect to the exercising of any conversion rights that he may have, if
         any, with respect to First Charter's then group health and life
         insurance plans.

<PAGE>   6

                  C. LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS. During the period of the
         Consultancy Term from July 1, 2000 to July 23, 2002 and provided
         Consultant remains engaged as a consultant with First Charter during
         such time period, First Charter will continue to provide to Consultant
         those general group life insurance benefits that he received and/or in
         which he participated with First Charter immediately prior to his
         separation as an employee from First Charter, provided such continued
         participation is possible under the terms and provisions of such plans
         and programs. In the event that participation in any such plan or
         program is barred during the period July 1, 2000 to July 23, 2002, and
         provided Consultant remains engaged as a consultant with First Charter
         during such time period, First Charter shall arrange to provide
         Consultant with life insurance benefits at First Charter's expense for
         such time period, with such benefits being substantially similar to
         those which Consultant would otherwise have been entitled to receive
         under such plans and programs from which his continued participation is
         barred.

                  D. COMPANY CAR. Consultant may continue to have the use of the
         Mercury Marquis owned by First Charter and currently used by Consultant
         (the "Company Car") through June 30, 2000. Consultant agrees that he
         shall return the Company Car to First Charter upon or before June 30,
         2000. Consultant also acknowledges and agrees that, unless otherwise
         authorized by the First Charter CEO for specified First Charter
         business, his authorization for travel and other expenses associated
         with the use of the Company Car shall be discontinued as of June 30,
         2000. However, notwithstanding the above, the Parties agree that
         immediately following June 30, 2000, Consultant will have the option to
         purchase the Company Car at its then wholesale Kelley "bluebook" value
         of $18,245.65, provided that Consultant exercises this vehicle purchase
         option on or before July 31, 2000.

         13. TERMINATION.

                  A. TERMINATION EVENTS. The Consultancy Term shall terminate
         immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i)
         upon the death of Consultant; (ii) upon the effective date of
         Termination by Consultant Without Good Reason (as defined below); or
         (iii) upon the effective date of Termination by Consultant For Good
         Reason (as defined below); (iv) upon the close of business on the date
         First Charter gives Consultant written notice of Termination for Just
         Cause (as defined below); or (v) upon the 60th day following the date
         First Charter gives Consultant written notice of Termination Without
         Cause (as defined below).

                  B. TERMINATION BY CONSULTANT WITHOUT GOOD REASON. For purposes
         of this Agreement, "Termination by Consultant Without Good Reason"
         shall mean any voluntary termination by Consultant of his consultancy
         arrangement with First Charter for any reason other than "Termination
         for Good Reason". Consultant is required to give at least thirty (30)
         days advance written notice of termination to First Charter, and First
         Charter is entitled upon receiving such notice, in its discretion, to
         accept such termination as effective on: (i) the termination date
         proposed by Consultant, or (ii) such other earlier date designated by
         the First Charter CEO. In addition, First Charter will be required to
         pay Consultant his consulting fees only through Consultant's final
         termination date as agreed to or revised by the First Charter CEO,
         regardless of whether Consultant is actually permitted to perform any
         services for First Charter during that period.

                  C. TERMINATION BY CONSULTANT FOR GOOD REASON. For purposes of
         this Agreement, "Termination by Consultant For Good Reason" shall mean
         any voluntary termination by Consultant of his consultancy arrangement
         with First Charter for a reduction, without Consultant's prior written
         consent, in the rate of Consultant's agreed consulting fees set forth
         in Section 10 above, severance pay in lieu of bonus set forth in
         Section 12.a. above, or health or life insurance benefits as provided
         in Sections 12.b. and 12.c. above (with the exception of reductions in
         consultancy fees, severance pay in lieu of bonus, and/or health or life
         insurance benefits resulting from termination by First Charter "For
         Just Cause", termination by Consultant "Without Good Reason", or a
         reduction in or modification of group health or group life insurance
         benefits

<PAGE>   7

         otherwise provided to then First Charter employees as may be made by
         the applicable carriers and/or First Charter from time to time in their
         absolute and sole discretion). Consultant is required to give written
         notice of termination to First Charter, and First Charter is entitled
         upon receiving such notice, in its discretion, to accept such
         termination as effective on: (i) the termination date proposed by
         Consultant, or (ii) such other earlier date designated by the First
         Charter CEO. In addition, except as provided in Section 13.f. below,
         First Charter will be required to pay Consultant his consulting fees
         only through Consultant's final termination date as agreed to or
         revised by the First Charter CEO, regardless of whether Consultant is
         actually permitted to perform any services for First Charter during
         that period.

                  D. TERMINATION FOR JUST CAUSE. For purposes of this Agreement,
         "Termination for Just Cause" shall mean termination of the consultancy
         arrangement of Consultant by First Charter as the result of: (i) any
         conviction, guilty plea, confession or plea of nolo contendere by
         Consultant for any crime involving moral turpitude or for any felony;
         or (ii) any act of fraud or dishonesty by Consultant in connection with
         Consultant's consultancy arrangement with First Charter or against any
         of First Charters' customers; or (iii) the breach or threatened breach
         of any provision of this Agreement by Consultant; or (iv) the refusal
         of Consultant to perform specific lawful consulting requests made by
         the Board of Directors of First Charter or the First Charter CEO
         consistent with the terms of and Consultant's obligation under this
         Agreement. The Parties further agree that with the exception of
         Consultant's obligations under Sections 14 or 15 of this Agreement set
         forth below, for purposes of this Agreement, Consultant's conduct under
         subsections (iii) or (iv) of this paragraph shall not be grounds for
         termination of Consultant by First Charter "For Just Cause" unless and
         until First Charter has given Consultant written notice of the breach,
         threatened breach and/or refusal to perform at issue and Consultant
         fails to cure such violation(s) within thirty (30) days of any such
         written notice.

                  E. TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. For purposes of this Agreement,
         "Termination Without Cause" shall mean any termination of the
         consultancy arrangement of Consultant by First Charter for any reason
         other than termination due to the death of Consultant or "Termination
         for Just Cause".

                  F. EFFECT OF TERMINATION. If termination of the Consultancy
         Term is due to the death of Consultant, Consultant's estate or legal
         representative shall be paid Consultant's then remaining earned but
         unpaid consulting fees and accrued pay in lieu of bonus (as defined in
         Sections 10 and 12 above) plus all consulting fees and other pay in
         lieu of bonus that would have been paid to Consultant under this
         Agreement had Consultant completed the Consultancy Term, payable in
         monthly installments commencing immediately upon the death of
         Consultant, less applicable deductions required by law. In addition, if
         termination of the Consultancy Term is due to the death of Consultant,
         all supplemental benefits, awards, grants and options under any First
         Charter or First Charter National Bank supplemental agreement, stock
         option or grant will be fully vested notwithstanding any other
         provision in such plan or grant.

                  If termination of the Consultancy Term occurs at any time due
         to termination by First Charter "Without Cause" or by Consultant "For
         Good Reason", then Consultant shall be entitled to: (i) be paid
         Consultant's then remaining earned but unpaid consulting fees and
         accrued pay in lieu of bonus (as defined in Sections 10 and 12 above)
         plus all consulting fees and other pay in lieu of bonus that would have
         been paid to Consultant under this Agreement had Consultant completed
         the Consultancy Term; (ii) continuation of health and life insurance
         benefits for Consultant and health insurance benefits for his eligible
         dependents as set forth in Sections 12.b. and 12.c. above (including
         the right to the provision of alternative equivalent coverage as set
         forth in Sections 12.b. and 12.c. of this Agreement in the event that
         participation in any such health or life insurance plan or program is
         barred); (iii) obtain continuation medical coverage as allowed by and
         pursuant to COBRA and insurance conversion assistance following the end
         of the Insurance Period as provided in Section 12.b. above, if and as
         applicable; and (iv) acceleration of vesting of all supplemental
         benefits, awards, grants, and options under any First Charter or First
         Charter

<PAGE>   8

         National Bank supplemental agreement, stock option plan or grant
         notwithstanding any other provision in such plan or grant.

                  Otherwise, following the termination or end of the Consultancy
         Term for any reason, except for the payment of any earned but unpaid
         consulting fees and Consultant's opportunity to obtain continuation
         medical coverage as allowed by and pursuant to COBRA, if and as
         applicable, Consultant's right to receive consulting fees from First
         Charter shall cease, and Consultant shall not be entitled to receive
         any additional compensation, severance or benefits of any kind from
         First Charter, except that Consultant shall not forfeit any vested
         stock option or vested 401(k) or pension or retirement benefits earned
         by him during his prior employment with Carolina First and/or First
         Charter, if any.

         14. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. For and in consideration of the terms of
this Agreement, Consultant agrees to the following for the ongoing protection of
First Charter:

                  A. OBLIGATIONS. Except to the extent that the use or
         disclosure of any "Confidential Information" (as defined below) is
         required to carry out Consultant's assigned duties as a consultant with
         First Charter, during the term of Consultant's independent contractor
         relationship with First Charter and after the termination or end of
         such relationship for whatever reason, Consultant agrees that he will
         not, without prior written approval by the First Charter CEO: (1)
         misappropriate, (2) use for the purpose of competing with First
         Charter, either directly or indirectly, (3) disclose to any third
         party, either directly or indirectly, or (4) aid anyone else in
         disclosing to any third party, either directly or indirectly, all or
         any part of any "Confidential Information" (as defined below),
         regardless of whether or not developed by Consultant during the course
         of his prior employment with Carolina First and/or First Charter or
         subsequent engagement as an independent contractor. Consultant further
         makes the same pledge with regard to the confidential information of
         First Charter's and its subsidiaries' customers, contractors, or others
         with whom First Charter or its subsidiaries have a business
         relationship.

                  B. SCOPE. "Confidential Information" shall include, but not be
         limited to, any and all versions of First Charter's or its
         subsidiaries' and predecessors' (including Carolina First's) computer
         software, hardware, and documentation; all methods, processes,
         techniques, practices, product designs, pricing information, billing
         histories, customer requirements, customer lists, account data, loan
         records, employee lists and salary/commission information, personnel
         matters, financial data, operating results, plans, contractual
         relationships, and projections for business opportunities for new or
         developing business of First Charter or its subsidiaries; and all other
         confidential or proprietary information, patents, ideas, know-how and
         trade secrets which are in the possession of First Charter or its
         subsidiaries, no matter what the source, including any such information
         that First Charter or its subsidiaries or predecessors obtained or
         obtain from a customer, contractor or another party or entity and that
         First Charter treats or designates as confidential or proprietary
         information, whether or not such information is owned or was developed
         by First Charter. "Confidential Information" shall not include
         information which is generally known or available to the public or the
         banking industry in general.

                  C. RETURN OF DOCUMENTS/DATA. Consultant acknowledges and
         agrees that all customer files, account records, customer lists,
         manuals, letters, contracts, agreements, notes, notebooks, records,
         reports, memoranda and all other Carolina First and/or First Charter
         materials, documents and data used, prepared or collected by Consultant
         as part of his prior employment with First Charter and Carolina First
         or subsequent engagement as an independent contractor with First
         Charter, in whatever form, are and will remain the property of First
         Charter. Consultant also acknowledges and agrees that all "Confidential
         Information" (as defined in Section 14.b. above) that comes into his
         possession while an independent contractor with First Charter, whether
         prepared by Consultant or others, is and will remain the property of
         First Charter. Accordingly, Consultant agrees that, in the event of the
         end of his independent contractor relationship with First Charter for
         any reason, Consultant will return and make available to First

<PAGE>   9

         Charter prior to the last day of Consultant's engagement with First
         Charter all such First Charter documents and information, as well as
         all documents and other materials of any kind that constitute or
         contain any "Confidential Information", in Consultant's possession or
         control, regardless of how stored or maintained, including all
         originals, copies and compilations and all information stored or
         maintained on computer, tapes, discs or any other electronic or other
         form of technology.

         15. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE. For and in consideration of this Agreement
and Consultant's engagement as an independent contractor with First Charter,
Consultant agrees that, unless specifically authorized by First Charter in
writing, Consultant will not during the Consultancy Term and for a period of two
(2) years from the earlier of Consultant ceasing to perform service hereunder or
the scheduled Consultancy Term has terminated or ended (whatever the reason for
the end of the independent contractor relationship):

                  A. Engage in any "Competitive Activity" (as defined below)
         within the "Restricted Territory" (as defined below);

                  B. Serve as an employee, director, owner, partner, contractor,
         consultant or agent of, or own any interest in (except for beneficially
         owning the stock or options to acquire stock totaling less than 5% of
         the outstanding shares in a "public" competitor), any person, firm or
         corporation that engages in "Competitive Activity" within the
         "Restricted Territory"; or

                  C. Engage in any "Competitive Activity" with, for or towards
         or divert, attempt to divert or direct others to divert any business of
         First Charter from an existing First Charter customer, a joint venturer
         or other business partner of First Charter (hereinafter referred to as
         an "affiliate"), or from a potential customer identified through leads
         or relationships developed during the last two (2) years of
         Consultant's employment with First Charter, within the "Restricted
         Territory.

         Furthermore, Consultant will not during the Consultancy Term, and for a
period of three (3) years from the earlier of Consultant ceasing to perform
services hereunder or the scheduled Consultancy Term has ended, solicit or hire
for employment or as an independent contractor any employee of First Charter,
First Charter National Bank or any of First Charter's affiliates or
subsidiaries, or solicit, assist, induce, recruit, or assist or induce anyone
else to recruit, or cause another person in the employ of First Charter, First
Charter National Bank or any of First Charter's affiliates or subsidiaries to
leave his or her employment with First Charter, First Charter National Bank or
First Charter's affiliate or subsidiary for the purpose of joining, associating,
or becoming employed with any business or activity with which Consultant is or
expects to be directly or indirectly associated or employed.

         "Competitive Activity" means: (1) the business activities engaged in by
First Charter during Consultant's consultancy with First Charter, including the
sales, marketing, distribution and provision of banking, financial and insurance
services or other products or services of the type of which Consultant was
involved during his consultancy with First Charter; and/or (2) the performance
of any other business activities competitive with First Charter and/or the Bank
for or on behalf of any financial or insurance services entity.

         "Restricted Territory" means: (1) any county where First Charter or
First Charter National Bank have offices upon the end of Consultant's
consultancy with First Charter; and/or (2) the geographic area encompassing a
fifty (50) mile radius of Concord, North Carolina.

         Consultant further agrees that except with the express written consent
of the Board, Consultant will not engage in any Competitive Activity
individually or with any entity or individual other than First Charter, the
Board or its subsidiaries during the Consultancy Term.

         16. REASONABLENESS. Consultant acknowledges that the restrictions
placed upon him by Sections 14 and 15 of this Agreement are reasonable given the
nature of Consultant's past positions with

<PAGE>   10

First Charter and Carolina First, Consultant's services to be provided to First
Charter, the area in which First Charter markets its products and services, and
the consideration provided by First Charter to Consultant pursuant to this
Agreement. Specifically, Consultant acknowledges that the length of the Covenant
Not to Compete in Section 15 is reasonable and that the definitions of
"Competitive Activity" and "Restricted Territory" are reasonable. Consultant
further understands that his obligations under Sections 14 and 15 of this
Agreement will continue whether or not his consultancy with First Charter is
terminated voluntarily or involuntarily, or with or without Just Cause.

         17. MUTUAL RELEASE. In exchange for First Charter's agreement to engage
Consultant on an earlier basis as an independent contractor pursuant to the
terms outlined in this Agreement, the severance benefits set forth above, the
provision of a sum certain for pay in lieu of bonus, and the other consideration
to Consultant set forth in this Agreement, Consultant agrees that with the
exception of any claims that Consultant has or may have for indemnification as
an officer, director or agent of First Charter or its predecessors or
affiliates, Consultant hereby releases and discharges First Charter, its
affiliates, parents, subsidiaries and divisions, as well as such entities'
respective officers, directors, trustees, shareholders, employees, agents,
administrators, predecessors, successors, assigns and representatives, of and
from any and all claims, actions, damages or demands of any kind whatsoever,
whenever or wherever they arose, that Consultant has, may have or may have had
at the time of or prior to his execution of this Agreement, including but not
limited to any claims arising out of or related to Consultant's entering into
this Agreement, Consultant's prior employment with First Charter, Carolina
First, or their respective predecessors, affiliates, parents, subsidiaries or
divisions, Consultant's separation from First Charter, any claims arising under
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act, 29 U.S.C. ss. 621, et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family
and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act, the North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act, the
North Carolina Wage and Hour Act, and any and all other state or federal claims,
whether under tort or contract, or under statute or otherwise. Consultant
further agrees not to file, institute or pursue any lawsuit, claim or
administrative action against such entities and individuals relating to those
claims.

         In exchange for Consultant's promises and agreements contained in this
Agreement as well as his agreement to enter into this consultancy arrangement on
an earlier basis pursuant to the terms outlined in this Agreement, First
Charter, for itself, its affiliates, parents, subsidiaries and divisions, as
well as such entities' respective officers, directors, trustees, shareholders,
employees, agents, administrators, successors, assigns and representatives,
hereby releases and discharges Consultant and his administrators, heirs,
beneficiaries, executors, agents and assigns, of and from any and all claims,
actions, damages or demands of any kind whatsoever, whenever or wherever they
arose, relating to any and all claims that it or they have, may have or may have
had against Consultant at the time of or prior to its execution of this
Agreement arising out of Consultant's prior performance of his authorized and
assigned duties with First Charter or its predecessors and related affiliates,
including but not limited to any claims arising out of or related to First
Charter's entering into this Agreement, any claims arising under contract or
tort or any federal, state, or local laws, statutes, rules and regulations, or
federal or state common law, except that this release shall not apply with
respect to any claims, actions, damages or demands that First Charter, it
predecessors or related entities may have in the event that, during Consultant's
prior employment with First Charter or its predecessors and related affiliates,
Consultant committed or engaged in actions or conduct that would constitute
gross negligence, fraud, embezzlement, malfeasance or dereliction of duty and
about which the First Charter CEO, the President of First Charter, and their
current direct reports do not currently have knowledge as of the date of First
Charter's entering into this Agreement (collectively, "Such Released Claims").
First Charter further agrees not to file, institute or pursue any lawsuit, claim
or administrative action against Consultant relating to Such Released Claims.

         It is also expressly understood that these releases are and shall
continue to be enforceable regardless of whether there is a subsequent dispute
between the Parties concerning any alleged breach of this Agreement.

<PAGE>   11

         18. AGREEMENT CONFIDENTIALITY. The Parties agree that the terms of this
Agreement shall remain confidential. The Parties, however, agree that: (a) First
Charter may disclose the terms of this Agreement to officers, directors and
management level employees of First Charter, to professionals representing it,
to its insurance agents and carriers, and to affiliates and employees of the
same with a need to know or in order to give effect to this Agreement; and (b)
Consultant may disclose the terms of this Agreement to his spouse, children,
accountant and attorney; provided that such third parties comply with the
confidentiality requirements set forth above. In addition, the Parties agree
that they are permitted to disclose the terms of this Agreement to the IRS and
the North Carolina Department of Revenue, if necessary, and as otherwise
required by law.

         19. BREACH. Consultant agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of the
courts of North Carolina and agrees that, in the event of any breach or
threatened breach of Sections 14 or 15 of this Agreement by Consultant, First
Charter shall be entitled to an injunction, without bond, restraining such
breach. In addition, Consultant and First Charter agree that the prevailing
party in any legal action to enforce the terms of this Agreement shall be
entitled to costs and attorneys' fees relating to any such proceeding, but
nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Parties from pursuing other
remedies available to them for any breach or threatened breach. Moreover,
Consultant also agrees that if Consultant breaches any of Sections 14 or 15
above, Consultant shall forfeit at the time of the breach the right to any
additional future payments or benefits under this Agreement, except to the
extent such benefits or payments are vested and earned. In such case, Consultant
and First Charter agree that the confidential information and non-compete
obligations contained in this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable based
on the consideration actually provided.

         20. ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY CONSULTANT. First Charter specifically advises
Consultant to consult a lawyer before signing this Agreement concerning the
terms of this Agreement and his rights under the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. ss. 621 et seq. Consultant acknowledges that he has
carefully read this Agreement, that he knows and understands the contents of
this Agreement, that he has had ample opportunity to review the terms of this
Agreement, that he is under no pressure to execute this Agreement, that he has
consulted with or had the opportunity to consult with a lawyer regarding this
Agreement, and that he executes this Agreement of his own free will.

         21. WAITING PERIOD. Consultant hereby acknowledges and understands that
after receiving this Agreement from First Charter, he shall have at least
twenty-one (21) days to consider signing this Agreement, and is further aware of
his right to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement. By
signing this Agreement, Consultant acknowledges his right to consider whether to
sign this Agreement for a period of at least twenty-one (21) days. If Consultant
elects not to take twenty-one (21) days to sign this Agreement, Consultant
acknowledges that the period of time used by him prior to signing this Agreement
was ample time to consider and review this Agreement, it being expressly
understood that First Charter is imposing no requirement or duress on Consultant
to take less than twenty-one (21) days to consider signing this Agreement. If
Consultant does not sign this Agreement within twenty-one (21) days of
presentation by First Charter, he further acknowledges that First Charter has
the option to withdraw its offers set forth in this Agreement.

         22. REVOCATION RIGHTS. Consultant acknowledges and understands that he
shall have seven (7) days from the date this Agreement is signed by him to
revoke this Agreement by advising First Charter in writing of the revocation. If
the Agreement is not revoked within seven (7) days from the signing of this
Agreement by Consultant, this Agreement shall become effective and enforceable
as to all Parties on the eighth day following the signing of this Agreement by
all Parties.

         23. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of Consultant, First Charter and First Charter National
Bank and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal
representatives; provided, however, that Consultant may not assign any of his
rights, title or interest in this Agreement. Consultant further acknowledges and
agrees that in the event of the transfer and/or assignment of this Agreement to
a successor or assignee of First Charter, this Agreement shall remain valid and
be fully enforceable by such entity. First Charter will require any

<PAGE>   12

successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, share
exchange or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets
of First Charter, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Consultant,
to expressly assume and agree to perform all of First Charter's obligations
under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that First
Charter would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.
Failure of First Charter to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of
any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle
Consultant to compensation from First Charter in the same amount and on the same
terms as he would be entitled to hereunder if he had completed the Consultancy
Term, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which
any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the date Consultant's
employment was terminated. As used in this Agreement, "First Charter" shall mean
First Charter as defined herein and any successor to its business and/or assets
as aforesaid that executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this
Section 23 or that otherwise becomes bound by the all terms and provisions of
this Agreement by operation of law.

         24. APPLICABLE LAW. The Parties agree that this Agreement shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina.

         25. DISSOLUTION OR MERGER. In the event that First Charter consolidates
or merges into or with, or transfers all or substantially all of its assets to,
another entity and such other entity assumes this Agreement, the term "First
Charter" as used herein shall mean such other entity, and the Parties agree that
this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without any further
action on the part of either First Charter, its successor or assign, or
Consultant.

         26. WAIVER OF BREACH. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by any party. No
waiver shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the party waiving any
particular provision.

         27. SEVERABILITY. The Parties understand and agree that every provision
of this Agreement is severable from each other provision of this Agreement.
Thus, the Parties agree that if any part of the covenants or provisions
contained in this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
or by any arbitration panel to which a dispute is submitted to be invalid,
illegal or incapable of being enforced, then such covenant or provision, with
such modification as shall be required in order to render such covenant or
provision not invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, shall remain in
full force and effect, and all other covenants and provisions contained in this
Agreement shall, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect to the fullest
extent permissible by law. The Parties further agree that, if any court or panel
makes such a determination, such court or panel shall have the power to reduce
the duration, scope and/or area of such provisions and/or delete specific words
and phrases by "blue penciling" and, in its reduced or blue penciled form, such
provisions shall then be enforceable as allowed by law.

         28. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in duplicate
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall
constitute but one and the same instrument.

         29. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement replaces Consultant's Employment
Agreement with First Charter and any other prior employment agreements with
First Charter predecessors, including Carolina First, except for Exhibit B to
the Employment Agreement with First Charter, which is ratified and affirmed and
shall remain in full force and effect as a fully earned and vested benefit of
Consultant. Consultant has no oral representations, understandings or agreements
with First Charter or any of its officers, directors or representatives
inconsistent with this Agreement. This written Agreement is the final, complete
and exclusive statement and expression of the agreement between First Charter
and Consultant and of all the terms of this Agreement, and it cannot be varied,
contradicted or supplemented by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous oral or
written agreements. This written Agreement may not be later modified except by a
further writing signed by a duly authorized officer of First Charter and
Consultant, and no term of this Agreement may be waived except by writing signed
by the party waiving the benefit of such term. The foregoing not withstanding,
nothing contained herein shall be deemed to affect or limit Consultant's rights
under Exhibit B to the Employment Agreement or to any stock options, stock

<PAGE>   13

appreciation rights, "STARs" or other Rights (as defined in the prior Agreement
and Plan of Merger between First Charter and Carolina First), all of which were
fully earned and vested as of the effective date of the merger.

         30. NOTICE. Whenever any notice is required hereunder, it shall be
given in writing addressed as follows:

         To First Charter:            Laura Nelson Blalock
                                      SVP, Human Resources
                                      First Charter National Bank
                                      2353 Concord Lake Road, Suite 160
                                      Concord, North Carolina  28025

         To Consultant:               James E. Burt, III
                                      208 Mockingbird Lane
                                      Lincolnton, North Carolina  28092

         Notice shall be deemed given and effective on the earlier of three (3)
days after the deposit in the U.S. mail of a writing addressed as above and sent
first class mail, certified, return receipt requested, or when actually
received. Either party may change the address for notice by notifying the other
party of such change in accordance with this Section 30.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereto set their hands and seals as
of the dates set forth below.

         Executed and presented for consideration to Consultant by First
Charter, this the 29th day of June, 2000.

                            FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION

                            By:/s/ Laura Nelson Blalock
                               ------------------------

         Accepted and signed by Consultant, this the 29th day of June, 2000.

                            /s/ Jame E. Burt, III     (SEAL)
                            --------------------------
                            James E. Burt, III

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00021-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00021-of-00352.parquet"}]]