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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

                                  TAVANZA, INC.

                            2000 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

      1.    Purpose of Plan.

      The name of this plan is the Tavanza, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the
"Plan"). The Plan was adopted by the Board (as hereinafter defined) on
____________ and approved by the stockholders of the Company (as hereinafter
defined) on ____________. The purpose of the Plan is to enable the Company (as
hereinafter defined) and its Related Companies (as hereinafter defined) to
attract, retain and reward employees, directors, advisors and consultants and to
strengthen the existing mutuality of interests between such persons and the
Company's stockholders. To accomplish the foregoing, the Plan provides that the
Company may grant Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options,
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards (each as
hereinafter defined). From and after the consummation of a Public Offering (as
hereinafter defined), the Board may determine that the Plan is intended, to the
extent applicable, to satisfy the requirements of section 162(m) of the Code (as
hereinafter defined) and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the
requirements thereof.

      2.    Definitions.

      For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set
forth below: (a) "Administrator" means the Board or, if and to the extent the
Board does not administer the Plan, the Committee in accordance with Section 3
hereof.

            (b) "Award" means an award of Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified
Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Awards under
the Plan.

            (c) "Award Agreement" means, with respect to each Award, the written
agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the terms and
conditions of the Award.

            (d) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (e) "Cause" means (1) the continued failure by the Participant
substantially to perform his or her duties and obligations to the Company,
including without limitation repeated refusal to follow the reasonable
directions of the employer or supervisor, knowing violation of law in the course
of performance of the duties of Participant's employment or service with the
Company, repeated absences from work without a reasonable excuse, and
intoxication with alcohol or illegal drugs while on the Company's premises
during regular business hours (other than any such failure resulting from his or
her incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (2) fraud or material
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dishonesty against the Company; or (3) a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo
contendere for the commission of a felony or a crime involving material
dishonesty. Determination of Cause shall be made by the Administrator in its
sole discretion.

            (f) "Change in Capitalization" means any increase, reduction, or
change or exchange of Shares for a different number or kind of shares or other
securities or property by reason of a reclassification, recapitalization,
merger, consolidation, reorganization, issuance of warrants or rights, stock
dividend, stock split or reverse stock split, combination or exchange of shares,
repurchase of shares, change in corporate structure or otherwise; or any other
corporate action, such as declaration of a special dividend, that affects the
capitalization of the Company.

            (g) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time, or any successor thereto.

            (h) "Committee" means any committee or subcommittee the Board may
appoint to administer the Plan. If at any time or to any extent the Board shall
not administer the Plan, then the functions of the Administrator specified in
the Plan shall be exercised by the Committee. From and after the consummation of
a Public Offering, the composition of the Committee shall at all times consist
solely of persons who are (i) "Nonemployee Directors" as defined in Rule 16b-3
issued under the Exchange Act, and (ii) unless otherwise determined by the
Board, "outside directors" as defined in section 162(m) of the Code.

            (i) "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $.01 per share,
of the Company.

            (j) "Company" means Tavanza, Inc., a Delaware corporation (or any
successor corporation).

            (k) "Disability" means (1) any physical or mental condition that
would qualify a Participant for a disability benefit under any long-term
disability plan maintained by the Company; (2) when used in connection with the
exercise of an Incentive Stock Option following termination of employment,
disability within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code; or (3) such other
condition as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator to
constitute Disability.

            (l) "Eligible Recipient" means an officer, director, employee,
consultant or advisor of the Company or of any Parent or Related Company.
"Recipient" is sometimes used herein to describe an Eligible Recipient who has
been granted an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

            (m) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended from time to time.

            (n) "Exercise Price" means the per share price at which a holder of
an Option may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option.

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            (o) "Fair Market Value" as of a particular date shall mean the fair
market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by the Administrator in
its sole discretion; provided that (i) if the Common Stock is admitted to
trading on a national securities exchange, fair market value of a share of
Common Stock on any date shall be the closing sale price reported for such share
on such exchange on the last day preceding such date on which a sale was
reported, (ii) if the Common Stock is admitted to quotation on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation ("Nasdaq") System or other
comparable quotation system and has been designated as a National Market System
("NMS") security, fair market value of a share of Common Stock on any date shall
be the closing sale price reported for such share on such system on the last
date preceding such date on which a sale was reported, or (iii) if the Common
Stock is admitted to quotation on the Nasdaq System but has not been designated
as an NMS security, fair market value of a share of Common Stock on any date
shall be the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices of such share on
such system on the last date preceding such date on which both bid and ask
prices were reported.

            (p) "Immediate Family" shall mean any child, stepchild, grandchild,
parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law,
daughter-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, and shall include
adoptive relationships.

            (q) "Incentive Stock Option" shall mean an Option that is an
"incentive stock option" within the meaning of section 422 of the Code, or any
successor provision, and that is designated by the Committee as an Incentive
Stock Option.

            (r) "Nonqualified Stock Option" means any Option that is not an
Incentive Stock Option, including any Option that provides (as of the time such
Option is granted) that it will not be treated as an Incentive Stock Option.

            (s) "Option" means an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonqualified Stock
Option, or either or both of them, as the context requires.

            (t) "Other Award" means an Award granted pursuant to Section 13
hereof.

            (u) "Parent" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the
corporations in the chain (other than the Company) owns stock possessing 50% or
more of the combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other
corporations in the chain.

            (v) "Participant" means any Eligible Recipient selected by the
Administrator, pursuant to the Administrator's authority in Section 3 hereof, to
receive grants of Options or awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units
or Other Awards. A Participant who receives the grant of an Option is sometimes
referred to herein as "Optionee."

            (w) "Person" shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the
Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except
that such term shall not include (i) the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
(ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit
plan of the Company or any of its affiliates, (iii) an underwriter temporarily

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holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) a
corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

            (x) "Public Offering" means the first underwritten initial public
offering of Shares by the Company.

            (y) "Related Company" means any corporation, partnership, joint
venture or other entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, at
least a 20% beneficial ownership interest.

            (z) "Restricted Stock" means Shares subject to certain restrictions
granted pursuant to Section 8 hereof.

            (aa) "Restricted Stock Units" means the right to receive in cash or
Shares the Fair Market Value of a Share of Company Stock granted pursuant to
Section 8 hereof.

            (bb) "Shares" means shares of Common Stock and any successor
security.

            (cc) "Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than the Company) in
an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the
corporations (other than the last corporation) in the unbroken chain owns stock
possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock in one of the other corporations in the chain.

      3.    Administration.

            (a) The Plan shall be administered by the Board or, at the Board's
sole discretion, by the Committee, which shall serve at the pleasure of the
Board. Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Administrator shall have the power
and authority, without limitation:

                  (i) to select those Eligible Recipients who shall be
Participants;

                  (ii) to determine whether and to what extent Options or awards
of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Awards are to be granted
hereunder to Participants;

                  (iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each
Award granted hereunder;

                  (iv) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent
with the terms of the Plan, of each Award granted hereunder;

                  (v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent
with the terms of the Plan, which shall govern all written instruments
evidencing Options or awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or
Other Awards granted hereunder;

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                  (vi) to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules,
guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall from time to time deem
advisable; and

                  (vii) to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and
any Award issued under the Plan (and any Award Agreement relating thereto), and
to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan.

            (b) The Administrator may, in its absolute discretion, without
amendment to the Plan, (i) accelerate the date on which any Option granted under
the Plan becomes exercisable, waive or amend the operation of Plan provisions
respecting exercise after termination of employment or otherwise adjust any of
the terms of such Option, and (ii) accelerate the lapse of restrictions, or
waive any condition imposed hereunder, with respect to any share of Restricted
Stock or Restricted Stock Unit or otherwise adjust any of the terms applicable
to any such Award; provided that no action under this Section 3(b) shall
adversely affect any outstanding Award without the consent of the holder
thereof.

            (c) All decisions made by the Administrator pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons,
including the Company and the Participants. No member of the Board or the
Committee, nor any officer or employee of the Company acting on behalf of the
Board or the Committee, shall be personally liable for any action,
determination, or interpretation taken or made in good faith with respect to the
Plan, and all members of the Board or the Committee and each and any officer or
employee of the Company acting on their behalf shall, to the extent permitted by
law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company in respect of any such
action, determination or interpretation.

      4.    Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the Plan.

            (a) The total number of shares of Common Stock reserved and
available for issuance under the Plan shall be 3,900,000 Shares. Such Shares may
consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Shares or treasury
shares.

            (b) To the extent that (i) an Option expires or is otherwise
cancelled or terminated without being exercised, or (ii) any Shares subject to
any award of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Awards are
forfeited, such Shares shall again be available for issuance in connection with
future Awards granted under the Plan. If any Shares have been pledged as
collateral for indebtedness incurred by a Participant in connection with the
exercise of an Option and such Shares are returned to the Company in
satisfaction of such indebtedness, such Shares shall again be available for
issuance in connection with future Awards granted under the Plan.

            (c) From and after the date that the Plan is intended to comply with
the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, the aggregate number of Shares
with respect to which Awards may be granted to any individual Optionee during
any fiscal year shall not exceed 1,000,000.

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      5.    Equitable Adjustments.

            (a) In the event of any Change in Capitalization, an equitable
substitution or proportionate adjustment shall be made in (i) the aggregate
number and/or kind of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the
Plan, (ii) the kind, number and/or option price of shares of stock or other
property subject to outstanding Options granted under the Plan, and (iii) the
kind, number and/or purchase price of shares of stock or other property subject
to outstanding awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other
Awards granted under the Plan, in each case as may be determined by the
Administrator, in its sole discretion. Such other equitable substitutions or
adjustments shall be made as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole
discretion. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in connection with
a Change in Capitalization, the Administrator may provide, in its sole
discretion, for the cancellation of any outstanding Awards in exchange for
payment in cash or other property of the Fair Market Value of the Shares covered
by such Awards, reduced, in the case of Options, by the exercise price thereof.

      6.    Eligibility.

      The Participants under the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the
Administrator, in its sole discretion, from among Eligible Recipients. The
Administrator shall have the authority to grant to any Eligible Recipient
Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options, Restricted Stock,
Restricted Stock Units or Other Awards, provided that directors of the Company
or any Parent or Related Company who are not employees of the Company or of any
Parent or Related Company, and consultants or advisors to the Company or to any
Parent or Related Company may not be granted Incentive Stock Options and further
provided that Incentive Stock Options may not be granted to an employee of a
Related Company if such Related Company is not a Subsidiary.

      7.    Options.

            (a) General. Options may be granted alone or in addition to other
Awards granted under the Plan. Any Option granted under the Plan shall be
evidenced by an Award Agreement in such form as the Administrator may from time
to time approve. The provisions of each Option need not be the same with respect
to each Participant. Participants who are granted Options shall enter into an
Award Agreement with the Company, in such form as the Administrator shall
determine, which Award Agreement shall set forth, among other things, the
Exercise Price of the Option, the term of the Option and provisions regarding
exercisability of the Option granted thereunder. The Options granted under the
Plan may be of two types: (i) Incentive Stock Options and (ii) Nonqualified
Stock Options. To the extent that any Option does not qualify as an Incentive
Stock Option, it shall constitute a separate Nonqualified Stock Option. More
than one Option may be granted to the same Participant and be outstanding
concurrently hereunder. Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in paragraphs (b)-(m) of this Section 7 and shall
contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of
the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable.

            (b) Exercise Price. The per share Exercise Price of Shares
purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole
discretion at the time of grant but shall

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not, (i) in the case of Incentive Stock Options, be less than 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on such date (110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
such date if, on such date, the Eligible Recipient owns (or is deemed to own
under the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (a "Ten Percent Owner")
of the total combined voting power of all classes of Common Stock), and (ii) in
the case of Nonqualified Stock Options (to the extent required at the time of
grant by California "blue sky" laws), be less than 85% of the Fair Market Value
per Share on such date.

            (c) Option Term. The term of each Option shall be fixed by the
Administrator, but no Option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the
date such Option is granted. If the Eligible Participant is a Ten Percent Owner,
an Incentive Stock Option may not be exercisable after the expiration of five
years from the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

            (d) Exercisability. Options shall be exercisable at such time or
times and subject to such terms and conditions, including the attainment of
preestablished corporate performance goals, as shall be determined by the
Administrator in the Award Agreement or after the time of grant, provided that
no action under this Section 7(d) following the time of grant shall adversely
affect any outstanding Option without the consent of the holder thereof, and
provided, further, that (to the extent required at the time of grant by
California "blue sky" laws), Options granted to individuals other than officers,
directors or consultants of the Company shall be exercisable at the rate of at
least 20% per year over five years from the date of grant. The Administrator may
also provide that any Option shall be exercisable only in installments, and the
Administrator may waive such installment exercise provisions at any time, in
whole or in part, based on such factors as the Administrator may determine in
its sole discretion.

            (e) Early Exercise. The Administrator may provide at the time of
grant or any time thereafter, in its sole discretion, that any Option shall be
exercisable with respect to Shares that otherwise would not then be exercisable,
provided that, in connection with such exercise, the Optionee enters into a form
of Restricted Stock Award Agreement approved by the Administrator.

            (f) Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised in whole or in part
by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of
Shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise
Price of the Shares so purchased in cash or its equivalent, as determined by the
Administrator. As determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion,
payment in whole or in part may also be made (i) by means of any cashless
exercise procedure approved by the Administrator, (ii) in the form of
unrestricted Shares or Restricted Stock already owned by the Optionee which, (x)
in the case of unrestricted Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have
been owned by the Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender,
and (y) has a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate
option price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, provided
that, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the right to make payment in the
form of already owned Shares or Restricted Stock may be authorized only at the
time of grant, (iii) loans pursuant to Rule (h) of this Section 7, (iv) any
other form of consideration approved by the Administrator and permitted by
applicable law or (v) any combination of the foregoing. If payment of the
Exercise Price is made in whole or in part in the form of Restricted Stock, the
Shares received upon the exercise of such Option shall be restricted in

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accordance with the original terms of the Restricted Stock award in question,
except that the Administrator may direct that such restrictions shall apply only
to that number of Shares equal to the number of Shares surrendered upon the
exercise of such Option.

            (g) Rights as Stockholder. An Optionee shall have no rights to
dividends or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares
subject to the Option until the Optionee has given written notice of exercise,
has paid in full for such Shares, has satisfied the requirements of Section 12
hereof and, if requested, has given the representation described in Rule (b) of
Section 13 hereof.

            (h) Loans. The Company or any Parent or Related Company may make
loans available to Optionees for the payment of the exercise price of
outstanding Options. Such loans shall (i) be evidenced by promissory notes
entered into by the Optionees in favor of the Company or any Parent or Related
Company, (ii) bear interest at the applicable federal interest rate or such
other rate as the Administrator shall determine, (iii) be subject to such other
terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Administrator shall
determine, and (iv) be subject to Board approval (or to approval by the
Administrator to the extent the Board may delegate such authority). Unless the
Administrator determines otherwise, when a loan is made, Shares having an
aggregate Fair Market Value at least equal to the principal amount of the loan
shall be pledged by the Optionee to the Company as security for payment of the
unpaid balance of the loan, and such pledge shall be evidenced by a pledge
agreement, the terms of which shall be determined by the Administrator, in its
sole discretion; provided that each loan shall comply with all applicable laws,
regulations and rules of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
and any other governmental agency having jurisdiction.

            (i) Nontransferability of Options. The Optionee shall not be
permitted to sell, transfer, pledge or assign any Option other than by will and
the laws of descent and distribution (including, with respect to a Non-Qualified
Stock Option only, by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust in
which the Options are to be passed to beneficiaries upon the death of the
Participant) and all Options shall be exercisable during the Participant's
lifetime only by the Participant, in each case, except as set forth in the
following two sentences. During an Optionee's lifetime, the Administrator may,
in its discretion, permit the transfer, assignment or other encumbrance of an
outstanding Option if such Option is a Nonqualified Stock Option or an Incentive
Stock Option that the Administrator and the Participant intend to change to a
Nonqualified Stock Option.

            (j) Termination of Employment or Service. If an Optionee's
employment with or service as a director, consultant or advisor to the Company
or to any Parent or Related Company terminates for any reason other than Cause,
(i) Options granted to such Participant, to the extent that they are exercisable
at the time of such termination, shall remain exercisable until the date set
forth in the Award Agreement, or such later date as is otherwise determined by
the Administrator, but in no event shall such exercise period be less than 30
days after such termination (six months in the case of termination by reason of
death or Disability), on which date they shall expire, and (ii) Options granted
to such Optionee, to the extent that they were not exercisable at the time of
such

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termination, shall expire on the date of such termination. The 30-day period
described in the preceding sentence (i) shall be extended to six months from the
date of such termination in the event of the Optionee's death or Disability
during such 30-day period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Option shall be
exercisable after the expiration of its term. In the event of the termination of
an Optionee's employment for Cause, all outstanding Options granted to such
Participant shall expire on the date of such termination.

            (k) Right of First Refusal. Unless otherwise determined by the
Administrator, each Award Agreement evidencing the grant of an Option shall
provide that the right of an Optionee to dispose of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an Option prior to the occurrence of a Public Offering shall be
conditioned upon the Company's first being offered the opportunity to purchase
such Shares itself, subject to such terms and conditions as may be set forth in
the Award Agreement.

            (l) Stockholders' Agreement. The Administrator may require, as a
condition to exercise of an Option prior to a Public Offering, that the Optionee
sign a Stockholder Agreement.

            (m) Limitation on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent that the
aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock
Options are exercisable for the first time by an Optionee during any calendar
year under the Plan and any other stock option plan of the Company shall exceed
$100,000, such Options shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. Such Fair
Market Value shall be determined as of the date on which each such Incentive
Stock Option is granted.

      8.    Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.

            (a) General. Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
may be issued either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan
and shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. The Administrator shall determine
the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards of
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be made; the number of Shares
and/or Units to be awarded; the price, if any, to be paid by the Participant for
the acquisition of Restricted Stock; and the Restricted Period (as defined in
Section 8(d)) applicable to awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock
Units. The provisions of the awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock
Units need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

            (b) Purchase Price. The price per Share, if any, that a Recipient
must pay for Shares purchasable under an award of Restricted Stock shall be
determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of grant but
(to the extent required at the time of grant by California "blue sky" laws)
shall not be less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on such date or at
the time the purchase is consummated. If a Recipient is a Ten Percent Owner, the
purchase price of such Award (to the extent required at the time of grant by
California "blue sky" laws) shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value
per Share on the date such Award of Restricted Stock is granted or the date the
purchase is consummated.

            (c) Awards and Certificates. The prospective recipient of an Award
of Restricted Stock shall not have any rights with respect to any such Award,
unless and until such recipient has

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executed an Award Agreement evidencing the Award and delivered a fully executed
copy thereof to the Company, within such period as the Administrator may specify
after the award date. Each Participant who is granted an award of Restricted
Stock shall be issued a stock certificate in respect of such shares of
Restricted Stock, which certificate shall be registered in the name of the
Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms,
conditions, and restrictions applicable to any such Award; provided that the
Company may require that the stock certificates evidencing Restricted Stock
granted hereunder be held in the custody of the Company until the restrictions
thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any award of Restricted
Stock, the Participant shall have delivered a stock power, endorsed in blank,
relating to the Shares covered by such Award.

            (d) Nontransferability. The Awards of Restricted Stock and
Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Section 8 shall be subject to
the restrictions on transferability set forth in this Rule (d). During such
period as may be set by the Administrator in the Award Agreement (the
"Restricted Period"), the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, transfer,
pledge, hypothecate or assign shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock
Units awarded under the Plan except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution; provided that the Administrator may, in its sole discretion,
provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments and may accelerate or
waive such restrictions in whole or in part based on such factors and such
circumstances as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion. The
Administrator may also impose such other restrictions and conditions, including
the achievement of preestablished corporate performance goals, on awarded
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units as it deems appropriate. In no event
shall the Restricted Period end with respect to a Restricted Stock Award or
Restricted Unit Award prior to the satisfaction by the Participant of any
liability arising under Section 12 hereof. Any attempt to dispose of any
Restricted Shares in contravention of any such restrictions shall be null and
void and without effect.

            (e) Rights as a Stockholder. Except as provided in Section 8(c), the
Participant shall possess all incidents of ownership with respect to Shares of
Restricted Stock during the Restricted Period, including the right to receive or
reinvest dividends with respect to such Shares and to vote such Shares.
Certificates for unrestricted Shares shall be delivered to the Participant
promptly after, and only after, the Restricted Period shall expire without
forfeiture in respect of such awards of Restricted Stock except as the
Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall otherwise determine. A Participant
who is awarded Restricted Stock Units shall posses no incidents of ownership
with respect to the Units, provided that the Award Agreement may provide for
payments in lieu of dividends to such Participant.

            (f) Termination of Employment. The rights of Participants granted
Awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units upon termination of
employment or service as a director, consultant or advisor to the Company or to
any Parent or Related Company for any reason during the Restricted Period shall
be set forth in the Award Agreement governing such Awards. Unless the
Administrator determines otherwise, the Company shall have a repurchase right
with respect to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units exercisable during
the Restricted Period upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the
Participant's employment or service with the Company, the Parent or a Related
Company for any reason prior to the occurrence of a Public Offering. The

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purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the Award Agreement shall be
no less than the price paid by the Participant and may be paid by cancellation
of any indebtedness of the Participant to the Company. The repurchase right
shall lapse at a rate determined by the Administrator, provided that (to the
extent required at the time of grant by California "blue sky" laws) such
repurchase right in respect of awards of Restricted Stock granted to
Participants other than officers, directors or consultants of the Company shall
lapse at the rate of at least 20% per year over five years from the date of
grant.

            (g) Early Exercise Options. The Administrator shall award Restricted
Stock to a Participant upon the Participant's early exercise of an Option.
Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the lapse of restrictions with
respect to such Restricted Stock shall occur on the same schedule as the Option
for which the Restricted Stock was exercised.

            (h) Loans. In the sole discretion of the Administrator, loans may be
made to Participants in connection with the purchase of Restricted Stock under
substantially the same terms and conditions as provided in Section 7(h) of the
Plan with respect to the exercise of Options.

      9.    Other Awards.

      Other forms of Awards ("Other Awards") valued in whole or in part by
reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock may be granted either alone or
in addition to other Awards under the Plan. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, the Administrator shall have sole and complete authority to determine the
persons to whom and the time or times at which such Other Awards shall be
granted, the number of Shares to be granted pursuant to such Other Awards and
all other conditions of such Other Awards.

      10.   Amendment and Termination.

      The Board may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment,
alteration, or discontinuation shall be made that would impair the rights of a
Participant under any Award theretofore granted without such Participant's
consent. Unless the Board determines otherwise, the Board shall obtain approval
of the Company's stockholders for any amendment that would require such approval
in order to satisfy the requirements of section 162(m), section 422 of the Code,
stock exchange rules or other applicable law. The Administrator may amend the
terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but,
subject to Section 5 of Plan, no such amendment shall impair the rights of any
Participant without his or her consent.

      11.   Unfunded Status of Plan.

      The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive
compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the
Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights
that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.

                                                                            -11-
<PAGE>
      12.   Withholding Taxes.

      Whenever cash is to be paid pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have
the right to deduct therefrom an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state
and local withholding tax requirements related thereto. Whenever Shares are to
be delivered pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to require
the Participant to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy
any federal, state and local withholding tax requirements related thereto. With
the approval of the Administrator, a Participant may satisfy the foregoing
requirement by electing to have the Company withhold from delivery Shares or by
delivering already owned unrestricted Shares, in each case, having a value equal
to the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld. Such Shares shall be
valued at their Fair Market Value on the date as of which the amount of tax to
be withheld is determined. Fractional share amounts shall be settled in cash.
Such an election may be made with respect to all or any portion of the shares to
be delivered pursuant to an Award.

      13.   General Provisions.

            (a) Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of any Award
granted hereunder unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and
delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all relevant
provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Exchange Act and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which
the Common Stock may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

            (b) The Administrator may require each person acquiring Shares to
represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring
the Shares without a view to distribution thereof. The certificates for such
Shares may include any legend that the Administrator deems appropriate to
reflect any restrictions on transfer.

            (c) All certificates for Shares delivered under the Plan shall be
subject to such stock-transfer orders and other restrictions as the
Administrator may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon
which the Common Stock may then be listed, and any applicable federal or state
securities law, and the Administrator may cause a legend or legends to be placed
on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

            (d) Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Board from
adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to stockholder
approval, if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either
generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. The adoption of the
Plan shall not confer upon any Eligible Recipient any right to continued
employment or service with the Company or any Parent or Related Company, as the
case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or
any Parent or Related Company to terminate the employment or service of any of
its Eligible Recipients at any time.

            (e) To the extent applicable, pursuant to the provisions of Section
260.140.46 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations, the Company shall
provide to each Participant and to

                                                                            -12-
<PAGE>
each individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, not less frequently
than annually during the period such Participant or purchaser has one or more
awards granted under the Plan outstanding, and, in the case of an individual who
acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period such individual owns
such Shares, copies of the Company's annual financial statements. The Company
shall not be required to provide such statements to key employees of the Company
whose duties in connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent
information.

            (f) To the extent applicable, the provisions of Sections 260.160.41,
260.140.42 and 260.140.45 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations are
incorporated herein by reference.

      14.   Stockholder Approval; Effective Date of Plan.

            (a) The grant of any Award hereunder shall be contingent upon
stockholder approval of the Plan being obtained within 12 months before or after
the date the Board adopts the Plan. (b) Subject to the approval of the Plan by
the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the
date the Plan is adopted by the Board, the Plan shall be effective as of
____________ (the "Effective Date").

      15.   Term of Plan.

      No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the tenth
anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend
beyond that date.

                                                                            -13-Employment Agreement - Richard Smith dated 04/10/2001

 Exhibit 10.8 
  
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
  
 This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered
into as of April 10, 2001 between TRICO BANCSHARES (“EMPLOYER”), having its principal place of business at 63 Constitution Drive, Chico, California 95973 and Richard P. Smith (“Employee”). 
  
 WITNESSETH 
  
 WHEREAS, EMPLOYER desires to employ Employee pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and Employee is desirous of and wishes to enter into such an employment arrangement, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

  
 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows: 
  
 1.    EMPLOYMENT 
  
 EMPLOYER hereby employs Employee, and
Employee hereby accepts appointment, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Employee shall report to and be under the supervision of the Board of Directors of EMPLOYER and Employee hereby agrees to devote his full and exclusive time and attention
to the business of EMPLOYER, to faithfully perform the duties assigned to him by the Board of Directors consistent with his office, and to conduct himself in such a way as shall best serve the interests of EMPLOYER. 
  
 2.    TERM OF AGREEMENT 
  
 Unless sooner terminated by EMPLOYER or the Employee pursuant to the provisions of Sections 4 or 6 hereof, the employment provisions of this Agreement shall terminate on the second (2nd) anniversary of
the date of this Agreement. This Agreement shall automatically extended for an additional year on the first anniversary of this Agreement and each anniversary thereafter unless a party notifies the other party to the contrary in writing within 30
days of and anniversary. 
  
 3.    COMPENSATION 
  
 For and in consideration of the performance by the Employee of the services, terms, conditions, covenants and promises herein recited,
EMPLOYER agrees and promises to pay to the Employee at the times and in the manner herein stated, the following: 
  
 3.1    Salary.  As the compensation for the services to be performed by the Employee hereunder during the employment period, the Employee shall receive, as gross salary before any withholding of
whatever sort, the sum of $262,512 per year, payable in the manner in which EMPLOYER’s payroll is customarily handled. Additionally, Employee will be eligible for such annual increases in salary as EMPLOYER’s Board of Directors shall from
time to time decide. 

  
 3.2    Bonus/Incentive Plan.  Employee shall
participate in a bonus/incentive plan to be agreed upon between Employee and EMPLOYER and approved by the Board of Directors of EMPLOYER. It is contemplated that the incentive bonus/plan will allow for an annual bonus of up to $131,250.00 based upon
the meeting of certain criteria specified therein and that the first year’s minimum incentive annual bonus will be guaranteed at $75,000.00. 
  
 3.3    Stock Options.  Employee will be granted options to purchase              shares of TRICO
BANCSHARES (“TRICO”) common stock pursuant to and under the terms of TRICO’s Employee Stock Option Plan 
  
 3.4    Employee Benefits.  In addition to the above, EMPLOYER shall provide the Employee with the following: 
  
 (a)    participation for the Employee and his dependents, in any present or future disability, health, dental or other insurance plan generally
available to all employees of the Company, such participation to be on the same basis as such other executives/employees, except that the 90 day waiting period for inclusion shall be waived; 
  
 (b)    participation for the Employee in any present or future employee savings plans, including, but not limited to EMPLOYER’s 401(k) Savings
Plan; Employee Stock Ownership Plan; and Executive Deferred Compensation Plan; 
  
 (c)    twenty
(20) paid vacation days annually; and 
  
 (d)    a car allowance of $1,000.00 per month and
reimbursement of other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including $0.30 per mile, incurred by the Employee in the performance of the duties hereunder in accordance with the policies of EMPLOYER. 
  
 4.    EARLY TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT 
  
 4.1    Termination For Cause.  EMPLOYER may at any time, in its sole discretion, terminate the employment provisions of this Agreement
for “cause,” effective immediately upon providing the Employee with notice of his dismissal. The only occurrences which shall constitute “cause” within the meaning of this paragraph shall be the following: 

 
 (a)    the conviction of the Employee by a court of competent jurisdiction of a crime involving moral
turpitude (or the entering of a no-contest or nolo contendere plea by Employee in regard to such crime); 
  
 (b)    the commission by the Employee of an act of fraud or bad faith upon EMPLOYER; 
  
 (c)    the willful misappropriation of any funds or property of EMPLOYER by the Employee; 
  
 (d)    the willful, continued and unreasonable failure by the Employee to perform his duties or obligations under this Agreement; or 

 
 -2- 

  
 (e)    the breach of any material provisions hereof or the
engagement by the Employee, without the prior written approval of EMPLOYER, in any activity which would violate the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement. 
  
 4.2    Termination Without Cause.  EMPLOYER may at any time, in its sole discretion, terminate the employment provisions of this Agreement without
“cause,” which term is defined in Section 4.1 hereof. 
  
 4.3    Voluntary
Termination.  The employment provisions of this Agreement shall also terminate upon: 
  
 (a)    the death or permanent physical or mental disability of the Employee; 
  
 (b)    the voluntary retirement of the Employee; or 
  
 (c)    the voluntary resignation of the Employee. 
  
 For purposes hereof,
permanent physical or mental disability shall be deemed to have occurred when Employee has been unable, with reasonable accommodation, to perform the essential functions of his job (i) for a period of six (6) consecutive months or (ii) on 80% or
more of the normal working days during any nine (9) consecutive months. 
  
 5.    RIGHTS UPON
EARLY TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT 
  
 5.1    Termination Pursuant to Section 4.1 or
4.3.  If Employee’s employment is terminated pursuant to paragraph 4.1 or 4.3 hereof, then EMPLOYER will have no obligation to pay any amount to the Employee other than amounts earned or accrued pursuant to the provisions of
Section 3, but which have not yet been paid as of the date of the termination of the Employee, and the Employee shall have no further claims against EMPLOYER or EMPLOYER Entities with respect to this Agreement (except with respect to payments due
and payable under this paragraph 5.1. 
  
 5.2    Termination Pursuant to Section
4.2.  If Employee’s employment is terminated pursuant to paragraph 4.2 hereof, then EMPLOYER shall pay to the Employee all amounts earned or accrued pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 hereof, but which have not yet been paid
as of the date of the termination of the Employee. In addition, EMPLOYER shall pay Employee a prorated amount of Employee’s minimum guaranteed annual bonus (as set forth in Section 3.3) through the date of termination. In addition, EMPLOYER
shall pay through the then remaining term of this Agreement, the amount of salary that would be payable pursuant to paragraph 3.1 if the Employee’s employment had not been terminated, at such times and in such amounts that would have been paid
if Employee’s employment had not been terminated. 
  
 6.    CHANGE IN CONTROL

  
 6.1    Benefits.  In the event of a “Change in Control” of
EMPLOYER as defined herein, and in the event that, within ninety days of the Change of Control, either: (i) Employee’s employment is terminated; or (ii) Employee gives written notice that he is
 

 
 -3- 

 
terminating his employment and invoking the provisions of this Section 6, subject to the provisions of paragraph 6.3, Employee shall be entitled to receive his salary at the rate then in effect
for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the termination of Employee’s employment, as well as an amount equal to 200% of the annual bonuses earned by the Employee for the last complete calendar year or year of employment, whichever is
greater, provided, however, that the present value of said payments shall not be more than two hundred ninety-nine percent (299%) of Employee’s compensation as defined by Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. EMPLOYER
shall be relieved of its obligation to make payments under this Section if, at the time it is to make such payment, it is insolvent, in conservatorship or receivership, is in a troubled condition, is operating under a supervisory agreement with any
regulatory agency having jurisdiction, has been given a financial soundness rating of “4” or “5”, or is subject to a proceeding to terminate or suspend federal deposit insurance. 
  
 6.2    Defined.  For purposes of this Section 6, a “Change in Control” of EMPLOYER shall
occur: 
  
 (a)    upon EMPLOYER’s knowledge that any person (as such term is used in
Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) is or becomes “the beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares representing 40% or more of the combined
voting power of the then outstanding securities of EMPLOYER’s Parent; or 
  
 (b)    upon
the first purchase of the common stock of EMPLOYER’s Parent pursuant to a tender or exchange offer (other than a tender or exchange offer made by EMPLOYER’s Parent); or 
  
 (c)    upon the approval by the stockholders of EMPLOYER’s Parent of a merger or consolidation (other than a merger of consolidation in which
EMPLOYER’s Parent is the surviving corporation and which does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of EMPLOYER’s Parent’s then outstanding securities), a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of
EMPLOYER’s Parent assets or a plan of liquidation or dissolution of EMPLOYER’s Parent; or 
  
 (d)    if, during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of EMPLOYER’s Parent cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority thereof, unless the election or nomination for the election by the stockholders of EMPLOYER’s Parent of each new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the
beginning of the period. 
  
 6.3    Limitations.  Anything in this Agreement to
the contrary notwithstanding, prior to the payment of any compensation or benefits payable under Section 6.1 hereof, the certified public accountants of EMPLOYER immediately prior to a Change of Control (the “Certified Public Accountants”)
shall determine as promptly as practical and in any event with 20 business days following the sale of EMPLOYER whether any payment or distribution by EMPLOYER to or for the benefit of Employee (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, any other agreements or otherwise) (a
 

 
 -4- 

 
“Payment”) would more likely than not be nondeductible by EMPLOYER for Federal income tax purposes because of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”), and if it is, then the aggregate present value of amounts payable or distributable to or for the benefit of EMPLOYER pursuant to this Agreement (such payments or distributions pursuant to this Agreement are thereinafter referred
to as “Contract Payments”) shall be reduced (but not below zero) to the Reduced Amount. For purposes of this Section, the “Reduced Amount” shall be an amount expressed in present value which maximizes the aggregate present value
of Contract Payments without causing any payment to be nondeductible by EMPLOYER because of said Section 280G of the Code. 
  
 If under this Section the certified Public Accountants determine that any payment would more likely than not be nondeductible by EMPLOYER because of Section 280G of the Code, EMPLOYER shall promptly give Employee notice to that
effect and a copy of the detailed calculation thereof and of the Reduced Amount, and the Employee may then elect, in his sole discretion, which and how much of the Contract Payments or any other payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as
after such election the aggregate present value of the Agreement Payments or any other payments equals the Reduced Amount), and shall advise the EMPLOYER in writing of his election within 20 business days of his receipt of notice. If no such
election is made by Employee within such 20-day period, EMPLOYER may elect which and how much of the Contract Payments or any other payments shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the Aggregate present value of the Contract
Payments equals the Reduced Amount) and shall notify Employee promptly of such election. For purposes of this Section, present value shall be determined in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code. All determinations made by the Certified
Public Accountants shall be binding upon EMPLOYER and Employee and the payment to Employee shall be made within 20 days of sale of EMPLOYER. EMPLOYER may suspend for a period of up to 30 days after the sale of EMPLOYER the Payment and any other
payments or benefits due to Employee until the Certified Public Accountants finish the determination and Employee (or EMPLOYER, as the case may be) elects how to reduce the Contract Payments or any other payments, if necessary. As promptly as
practicable following such determination and the elections hereunder, EMPLOYER shall pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of Employee such amounts as are then due to Employee under this Agreement. 
  
 As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 280G of the Code, it is possible that Contract Payments may have been made by
EMPLOYER which should not have been made (“Overpayment”), in each case, consistent with the calculation of the Reduced Amount hereunder. In the event that the Certified Public Accountants, based upon the assertion of a deficiency by the
Internal Revenue Service against EMPLOYER or Employee which said Certified Public Accountants believe has a high probability of success, determines that an Overpayment has been made, any such Overpayment shall be treated for all purposes as a loan
to Employee which Employee shall repay to EMPLOYER together with interest at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code; provided, however, that no amount shall be payable by Employee to EMPLOYER in and to the
extent such payment would not reduce the amount which is subject to taxation under Section 4999 of the Code. In the event that the Certified Public Accountants, based upon controlling precedent, determine that an Underpayment has occurred, any such
Underpayment shall be promptly paid by EMPLOYER to
 

 
 -5- 

 
or for the benefit of Employee together with interest at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code. 
  
 6.4    Continuing Obligations.  The triggering of this Section 6 shall not relieve Employee or EMPLOYER of their obligations pursuant
to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, such Section containing independent agreements and obligations. 
  
 7.    COVENANTS 
  
 7.1    Non-disturbance with
Employees.  Employee hereby agrees that (a) during the term of his employment with EMPLOYER and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of his employment, he will not directly or indirectly solicit, cause any other
person to solicit or assist any other person with soliciting, the employment of any person who is, at the time of such solicitation, or who was within 30 days of such solicitation, an employee of EMPLOYER or its subsidiaries or employees. Employment
for purposes of this Section shall include consulting, performing services for commissions or otherwise performing services for cash or other compensation. 
  
 7.2    Confidential Information.  The parties hereto recognize that the services performed and to be performed by Employee are special and unique and that by reason
of this employment Employee has acquired and will continue to acquire information regarding the strategic plans, business plans, policies, finances and customers and trade secrets of that EMPLOYER in the course of its business takes steps to keep
confidential (“Confidential Information”). Employee hereby agrees not to divulge to anyone, either during or after his employment with EMPLOYER or for a period of three (3) years following the termination of his employment any such
Confidential Information. Employee further agrees that all memoranda, notes, records, reports, letters, and other documents made, compiled, received, held, or used by Employee while employed by EMPLOYER concerning any phase of the business of
EMPLOYER shall be EMPLOYER’s property and shall be delivered by Employee to EMPLOYER on the termination of his employment, or at any earlier time on the request of the Board of Directors. 
  

7.3    Non-use of Confidential Information.  Employee hereby agrees that (a) during the term of his employment with EMPLOYER; and
(b) for a period of one year following the termination of his employment, he will not use any Confidential Information, and especially information concerning EMPLOYER’s customers to directly or indirectly solicit, cause any other person to
solicit or assist any other person with soliciting any customer, depositor or borrower of EMPLOYER or its subsidiaries or affiliates to become a customer, depositor or borrower of another bank, savings and loan, or financial institution.

  
 7.4    Enforcement.  The agreement of Employee contained in this Section 7
shall be enforceable both at law and in equity, by injunction and otherwise; and the rights and remedies of EMPLOYER hereunder with respect thereto shall be cumulative and not alternative and shall not be exhausted by any one or more uses thereof.

 
 -6- 

  
 8.    ENTIRE AGREEMENT: WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS

  
 This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the terms and conditions of
the relationship between Employee and EMPLOYER and any and all matters related thereto, and any and all prior agreements with respect to any thereof, whether oral or written, are superseded hereby. Neither this Agreement nor any term or condition
hereof, including without limitation, the terms and conditions of this Section, any be waived or modified in whole or in part as against EMPLOYER or Employee, as the case may be, except by written instrument signed by an authorized officer of
EMPLOYER and by Employee, expressly stating that it is intended to operate as a waiver or modification of this Agreement, and any such written waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as
a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. 
  
 9.    NOTICE 
  
 Any notices, consents or other communication required to be sent or given hereunder by any of the parties shall in every case be in
writing and shall be deemed properly served if (a) delivered personally, (b) sent by registered or certified mail, in all such cases with first class postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (c) delivered by a recognized overnight courier
service, if to EMPLOYER at the address of its main office to the attention of its President and, if to Employee, at his last address on the personnel records of EMPLOYER or at such other addresses as may be furnished by a party in writing according
to the provisions of this Section 9, except that either party may from time to time, in writing by certified mail, designate another address which shall thereupon become his or its effective address for the purposes of this Section. 

 
 10.    SEVERABILITY 
  
 If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person, property or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder
of this Agreement or the application of such term or provision to persons, property or circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable, shall not be effected thereby, and each term provision of this Agreement shall be valid
and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. 
  
 11.    NO RESTRICTIONS

  
 Employee hereby represents and warrants that he is not now and will not be subject to any agreement, restriction,
lien, encumbrance, or right, title or interest in any one, limiting in any way the scope of this Agreement or in any way inconsistent with this Agreement. 
  
 12.    NO ASSIGNMENT: BINDING EFFECT 
  
 This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of EMPLOYER, its successors or assigns. Except as to the obligation of Employee to render personal services which shall be non-assignable, this Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns of Employee. 

 
 -7- 

  
 13.    ARBITRATION 
  
 EXCEPT AS TO ANY ACTION BROUGHT TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 7 ABOVE, ANY CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING
TO THE TERMINATION OF THE EMPLOYEE’S EMPLOYMENT, AND THE INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND ANY AND ALL CLAIMS INCLUDING ANY STATUTORY CLAIMS OF DISCRIMINATION, SHALL BE RESOLVED BY BINDING ARBITRATION UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION
RULES OF THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL UNIFORM ARBITRATION ACT. 
  
 The parties
agree that arbitration shall be the exclusive forum to resolve any and all claims between the parties, their agents and employees regarding the termination of employment, or of this Agreement, including any claims of discrimination under any state
or federal statute, wrongful discharge theory, or any other claim whether based on specific state or federal statute or common law. 
  
 ANY CLAIM MADE UNDER THIS PROVISION MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR THIS AGREEMENT. THE WRITTEN CLAIM MUST DETAIL THE FACTS WHICH SUPPORT THE CLAIM ALONG WITH ANY LEGAL
THEORIES OR STATUS UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. 
  
 The parties agree to abide by any determination of the
arbitrator as to which party is to be responsible for the costs and attorneys’ fees in any such proceeding. It is agreed that the arbitrator shall be empowered to hear all legal and equitable claims, including claims for discrimination. The
arbitrator shall be governed by the law applicable to any claims based upon any state or federal statute, and will also be empowered to award any remedies appropriate under any such statues. 
  
 This provision shall survive the termination of Employee’s employment and this Agreement. 
  
 14.    HEADINGS 
  
 The captions and headings contained herein have been inserted for convenience or reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. 

 
 -8- 

  
 15.    GOVERNING LAW AND CHOICE OF FORUM 

 
 This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California and shall be enforced in
the State or Federal Courts sitting in California. 
  
 
	 EMPLOYEE
 
	 
	 By:
 	 	 /s/            
 

	  	 	 Richard P. Smith
 

 
  
 
	 TRICO BANCSHARES
 
	 
	 By:
 	 	 /s/            
 

	  	 	 Chairman of the Board
 

 

 
 -9-

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