Document:

Exhibit

Exhibit 10.1

MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of June 4, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), by and between MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and Barry S. Ray (“Executive,” and together with the Company, the “Parties”).
RECITALS
A.The Company desires to employ Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
B.    The Executive desires to be employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
C.    The Parties have made commitments to each other on a variety of important issues concerning Executive’s employment, including the performance that will be expected of Executive, the compensation Executive will be paid, how long and under what circumstances Executive will remain employed and the financial details relating to any decision that either the Company or Executive may make to terminate this Agreement.
AGREEMENTS
In consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises and covenants of the Parties set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby expressly covenant and agree as follows:
1.Employment Period. The Company shall continue to employ Executive during the Employment Period and Executive shall continue to remain in the employ of the Company and to provide services during the Employment Period in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The “Employment Period” shall be the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2020 unless sooner terminated as provided herein. The Employment Period shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year beginning on January 1, 2020 and on each January 1 thereafter unless either Party notifies the other Party, by written notice delivered no later than ninety (90) days prior to such January 1, that the Employment Period shall not be extended for an additional year. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if a Change in Control occurs during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall remain in effect for the two (2)-year period following the Change in Control and shall then terminate.
2.    Duties. During the Employment Period, Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time, energies and talents to serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, at the direction of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities as may be assigned to Executive from time to time by the CEO, which duties and responsibilities shall be commensurate with Executive’s position, shall perform all duties assigned to Executive faithfully and efficiently, subject to the direction of the CEO and shall have such authorities and powers as are inherent to the undertakings applicable to Executive’s position and necessary to carry out the responsibilities and duties required of Executive hereunder. Executive shall perform the duties required by this Agreement at the Company’s primary location in Iowa City, Iowa unless the nature of such duties requires otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2, during the Employment Period, 

Executive may devote reasonable time to activities other than those required under this Agreement, including activities of a charitable, educational, religious or similar nature (including professional associations) to the extent such activities do not, in the reasonable judgment of the CEO, inhibit, prohibit, interfere with or conflict with Executive’s duties under this Agreement or conflict in any material way with the business of the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that Executive shall not serve on the board of directors of any business (other than the Company or an Affiliate) or hold any other position with any business without receiving the prior written consent of the CEO.
3.    Compensation and Benefits. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, during the Employment Period, while Executive is employed by the Company, the Company shall compensate Executive for Executive’s services as follows:
(a)    Executive shall be compensated at an annual rate of two hundred eighty thousand dollars ($280,000.00) (the “Annual Base Salary”), which shall be payable in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company then in effect. Beginning on January 1, 2019 and on each anniversary of such date, Executive’s Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed, and may be adjusted, by the Company’s Board of Directors.
(b)    Executive shall be eligible to receive performance-based annual incentive bonuses (each, the “Incentive Bonus”) from the Company for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Period. Any such Incentive Bonus shall be paid to Executive within thirty (30) days of the completion of the respective fiscal year audit by the Company’s auditor, but in no event later than two and one-half (21⁄2) months after the close of each such fiscal year. Executive’s annual Incentive Bonus opportunity shall be equal to thirty-three and one-third percent (33-1/3%) of his Annual Base Salary; provided, however, that this amount may be reduced in an amount that will not give rise to a Good Reason under this Agreement.
(c)    During the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate, subject to the terms thereof, in all incentive plans and programs of the Company, including such cash and deferred bonus programs and equity incentive plans as may be in effect from time to time with respect to senior executives employed by the Company, on as favorable a basis as other similarly situated senior executives. During the Employment Period, Executive and Executive’s dependents, as the case may be, shall be eligible to participate, subject to the terms thereof, in all pension and similar benefit plans (including qualified, non-qualified and supplemental plans) and all medical, dental, vision, disability, group and executive life, accidental death and travel accident insurance and other similar welfare benefit plans and programs of the Company as may be in effect from time to time with respect to senior executives employed by the Company, on as favorable a basis as other similarly situated senior executives.
(d)    Executive shall be entitled to accrue paid time off (“PTO”) at a rate of no less than thirty (30) days of PTO per calendar year, subject to the Company’s PTO programs and policies as may be in effect during the Employment Period.
(e)    Executive shall be eligible to be reimbursed by the Company, on terms that are substantially similar to those that apply to other similarly situated senior executives employed by the Company, for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for entertainment, travel, meals, lodging and similar items that are consistent with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy and actually incurred by Executive in the promotion of the Company’s business.
4.    Rights upon Termination. Executive’s right to benefits, if any, for periods after the Termination Date shall be determined in accordance with this Section 4:

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(a)    Minimum Benefits. If the Termination Date occurs during the Employment Period for any reason, Executive shall be entitled to the Minimum Benefits in addition to any other benefits to which Executive may be entitled under the following provisions of this Section 4 or the express terms of any employee benefit plan or as required by law. Any benefits to be provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 4(a) shall be provided within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date; provided, however, that any benefits, incentives or awards payable as described in Section 4(f) shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement. Except as may otherwise be provided expressly to the contrary in this Agreement or as otherwise provided by law, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as requiring Executive to be treated as employed by the Company following the Termination Date for purposes of any employee benefit plan or arrangement in which Executive may participate at such time.
(b)    Termination for Cause, Death, Disability or Voluntary Resignation. If the Termination Date occurs during the Employment Period and is a result of a Termination for Cause, Executive’s death or Disability, or termination by Executive other than for Good Reason, then, other than the Minimum Benefits, Executive shall have no right to benefits under this Agreement (and the Company shall have no obligation to provide any such benefits) for periods after the Termination Date.
(c)    Termination other than for Cause or Termination for Good Reason. If Executive’s employment with the Company is subject to a Termination other than during a Covered Period, then, in addition to Minimum Benefits, the Company shall provide Executive the following benefits:
(i)    Commencing on the first Company payroll date that occurs on or following the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date, Executive shall receive the Severance Amount (less any amount described in Section 4(c)(ii)), with such amount to be paid in twelve (12) substantially equal monthly installments (subject to the remaining provisions of this paragraph), with each successive payment being due on the next monthly payroll date following the first installment, provided that any such monthly installments that would have been paid in the sixty (60)-day period following the Termination Date but for the Release requirement in Section 5 shall be paid on the first Company payroll date that occurs on or following the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date, and the number of remaining substantially equal monthly installments to be made shall be reduced from twelve (12) by any such “catch-up” payments that are made.
(ii)    To the extent any portion of the Severance Amount exceeds the “safe harbor” amount described in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A), Executive shall receive such portion of the Severance Amount that exceeds the “safe harbor” amount in a single lump sum payment payable on the first Company payroll date that occurs on or following the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date.
(iii)    Executive (and Executive’s dependents, as may be applicable) shall be entitled to the benefits described in Section 4(e).
(d)    Termination upon a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment with the Company is subject to a Termination within a Covered Period, then, in addition to Minimum Benefits, the Company shall provide Executive the following benefits:
(i)    On the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date, the Company shall pay Executive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the Severance Amount.

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(ii)    Executive (and Executive’s dependents, as may be applicable) shall be entitled to the benefits provided in Section 4(e).
(e)    Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits. If Executive’s employment with the Company is subject to a Termination, then to the extent that Executive or any of Executive’s dependents may be covered under the terms of any medical, dental or vision plans of the Company (or any Affiliate) for active employees immediately prior to the Termination, then, for as long as Executive is eligible for and elects coverage under the health care continuation rules of COBRA, the Company shall provide Executive and those dependents with coverage equivalent to the coverage received while Executive was employed with the Company, with Executive required to pay the same amount as Executive would pay if Executive continued in employment with the Company during such period; provided, however, that such coverage shall be provided only to the extent that it does not result in any additional tax or other penalty being imposed on the Company or any Affiliate. The coverages under this Section 4(e) may be procured directly by the Company (or any Affiliate, if appropriate) apart from and outside of the terms of the respective plans, provided that Executive and Executive’s dependents comply with all of the terms of the substitute medical, dental or vision plans, and provided, further, that the cost to the Company shall not exceed the cost for continued COBRA coverage. In the event Executive or any of Executive’s dependents is or becomes eligible for coverage under the terms of any other medical and/or dental and/or vision plan of a subsequent employer with plan benefits that are comparable to Company (or any Affiliate) plan benefits, the Company’s obligations under this Section 4(e) shall cease with respect to the eligible Executive and/or dependents. Executive and Executive’s dependents must notify the Company (or any Affiliate) of any subsequent employment and provide information regarding medical and/or dental and/or vision coverage available.
(f)    Other Benefits.
(i)    Executive’s rights following a termination of employment with the Company and its Affiliates for any reason with respect to any benefits, incentives or awards provided to Executive pursuant to the terms of any plan, program or arrangement sponsored or maintained by the Company or an Affiliate, whether tax-qualified or not, which are not specifically addressed herein, shall be subject to the terms of such plan, program or arrangement, and this Agreement shall have no effect upon such terms except as specifically provided herein.
(ii)    Except as specifically provided herein, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement following Executive’s termination of employment for any reason.
(g)    Removal from any Boards and Positions. Upon Executive’s termination of employment for any reason under this Agreement, Executive shall be deemed to resign (i) if a member, from the Board and board of directors of any Affiliate and any other board to which Executive has been appointed or nominated by or on behalf of the Company, (ii) from each position with the Company or any Affiliate, including as an officer of the Company or any of its Affiliates and (iii) as a fiduciary of any employee benefit plan of the Company.
5.    Release. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no payments or benefits shall be owed to Executive under Section 4(c), 4(d) or 4(e) (except for the Minimum Benefits) unless Executive executes and delivers to the Company a Release within forty-five (45) days following the Termination Date, and any applicable revocation period has expired prior to the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date.

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6.    Excise Tax Limitation.
(a)    It is the intention of the Parties that no portion of any payment under this Agreement, or payments to or for the benefit of Executive under any other agreement or plan, be deemed to be an Excess Parachute Payment. The present value of payments to or for the benefit of Executive in the nature of compensation, receipt of which is contingent on a Change in Control, and to which Code Section 280G applies (in the aggregate “Total Payments”) shall not exceed an amount equal to one dollar ($1.00) less than the maximum amount that the Company may pay without loss of deduction under Code Section 280G(a). Present value for purposes of this Agreement shall be calculated in accordance with Code Section 280G(d)(4). Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the earlier of (i) the giving of the notice of termination or (ii) the giving of notice by the Company to Executive of its belief that there is a payment or benefit due Executive that will result in an Excess Parachute Payment, the Parties, at the Company’s expense, shall obtain the opinion of an Independent Advisor, which opinion need not be unqualified, which sets forth (A) Executive’s applicable “base amount” (as defined under Code Section 280G), (B) the present value of Total Payments and (C) the amount and present value of any Excess Parachute Payments. In the event that such opinion determines that there would be an Excess Parachute Payment, the payment hereunder or any other payment determined by such Independent Advisor to be includable in Total Payments shall be modified, reduced or eliminated, in accordance with Code Section 409A, as specified by Executive in writing delivered to the Company within ninety (90) days of Executive’s receipt of such opinions or, if Executive fails to so notify the Company, then as the Company shall reasonably determine, so that under the bases of calculation set forth in such opinions there will be no Excess Parachute Payment. The provisions of this Section 6, including the calculations, notices and opinion provided for herein, shall be based upon the conclusive presumption that (A) the compensation and benefits provided for in Section 3 and (B) any other compensation earned by Executive pursuant to the Company’s compensation programs that would have been paid in any event, are reasonable compensation for services rendered, even though the timing of such payment may be triggered by a Change in Control.
(b)    The Parties hereby recognize that the restrictive covenants under Section 7 have value that is equivalent in amount to some or all of the Severance Amount (and potentially other termination benefits) and that such value shall be recognized in the Code Section 280G calculations contemplated hereunder. The Independent Advisor shall make the determination of the actual fair market value of the restrictive covenants under Section 7 at the time of the Change in Control.
7.    Restrictive Covenants.
(a)    Confidential Information. 
(i)    Executive acknowledges that, during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive may produce and have access to confidential and/or proprietary, non‐public information concerning the Company or its Affiliates, including marketing materials, financial and other information concerning customers and prospective customers, customer lists, records, data, trade secrets, proprietary business information, pricing and profitability information and policies, strategic planning, commitments, plans, procedures, litigation, pending litigation and other information not generally available to the public (collectively, “Confidential Information”). Executive shall not directly or indirectly use, disclose, copy or make lists of Confidential Information for the benefit of anyone other than the Company, either during or after Executive’s employment with the Company, except to the extent that such information is or thereafter becomes lawfully available from public sources, or such disclosure is authorized in writing by the Company, required by law or any competent administrative agency or judicial authority, or otherwise as reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by Executive of Executive’s 

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duties hereunder. If Executive receives a subpoena or other court order or is otherwise required by law to provide information to a governmental authority or other person concerning the activities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or Executive’s activities in connection with the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates, Executive shall immediately notify the Company of such subpoena, court order or other requirement and deliver forthwith to the Company a copy thereof and any attachments and non-privileged correspondence related thereto. Executive shall take reasonable precautions to protect against the inadvertent disclosure of Confidential Information. Executive shall abide by the Company’s reasonable policies, as in effect from time to time, respecting avoidance of interests conflicting with those of the Company and its Affiliates. In this regard, Executive shall not directly or indirectly render services to any person or entity where Executive’s service would involve the use or disclosure of Confidential Information. Executive shall not use any Confidential Information to guide Executive in searching publications or other publicly available information, selecting a series of items of knowledge from unconnected sources and fitting them together to claim that Executive did not violate any agreements set forth in this Agreement. 
(ii)    Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (2) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Accordingly, Executive has the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. Executive also has the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to authorize, or limit liability for, an act that is otherwise prohibited by law, such as the unlawful access of material by unauthorized means.
(iii)    Nothing contained in this Section 7(a) shall limit Executive’s ability to file a charge or complaint with any governmental, administrative or judicial agency (each, an “Agency”) pursuant to any applicable whistleblower statute or program (each, a “Whistleblower Program”). Executive acknowledges that this Section 7(a) does not limit (A) his ability to communicate, in connection with a charge or complaint pursuant to any Whistleblower Program with any Agency or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by such Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company, or (B) his right to receive an award for information provided to such Agency pursuant to any Whistleblower Program.
(b)    Documents and Property. 
(i)    All records, files, documents and other materials or copies thereof relating to the business of the Company or its Affiliates that Executive prepares, receives or uses shall be and remain the sole property of the Company and, other than in connection with the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder, shall not be removed from the premises of the Company or any of its Affiliates without the Company’s prior written consent, and shall be promptly returned to the Company upon Executive’s termination of employment for any reason, together with all copies (including copies or recordings in electronic form), abstracts, notes or reproductions of any kind made from or about the records, files, documents or other materials.
(ii)    Executive acknowledges that Executive’s access to and permission to use the Company’s and any Affiliate’s computer systems, networks and equipment, and all Company and Affiliate 

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information contained therein, is restricted to legitimate business purposes on behalf of the Company. Any other access to or use of such systems, network, equipment and information is without authorization and is prohibited except that Executive may use a Company-provided computer for reasonable personal use in accordance with the Company’s Technology Use Policy as in effect from time to time. The restrictions contained in this Section 7(a) extend to any personal computers or other electronic devices of Executive that are used for business purposes relating to the Company or any Affiliate. Executive shall not transfer any Company or Affiliate information to any personal computer or other electronic device that is not otherwise used for any business purpose relating to the Company. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive’s authorization to access and permission to use the Company’s and any Affiliate’s computer systems, networks and equipment, and any Company and Affiliate information contained therein, shall cease.
(c)    Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation. The Parties have jointly reviewed the operations of the Company and have agreed that the primary service area of the Company’s lending and deposit taking functions in which Executive will actively participate extends to an area that encompasses a fifty (50)-mile radius from each banking or other office location of the Company and its Affiliates where Executive has provided services to the Company during the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the date on which Executive’s employment terminates (the “Restrictive Area”). Therefore, as an essential ingredient of and in consideration of this Agreement and Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive, during Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of fifteen (15) months immediately following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason (the “Restrictive Period”), whether such termination occurs during the Employment Period or thereafter, shall not directly or indirectly do any of the following (all of which are collectively referred to in this Agreement as the “Restrictive Covenant”):
(i)    Engage or invest in, own, manage, operate, finance, control, participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, be employed by, associated with or in any manner connected with, serve as a director, officer or consultant to, lend Executive’s name or any similar name to, lend Executive’s credit to or render services or advice to, in each case in the capacity that Executive provided services to the Company or any Affiliate, any person, firm, partnership, corporation or trust that owns, operates or is in the process of forming a Financial Institution with an office located, or to be located at an address identified in a filing with any regulatory authority, within the Restrictive Area; provided, however, that the ownership by Executive of shares of the capital stock of any Financial Institution, which shares are listed on a securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System and which do not represent more than five (5) percent (5%) of the institution’s outstanding capital stock, shall not violate any terms of this Agreement;
(ii)    Either for Executive or any Financial Institution: (A) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates with whom Executive had significant contact to leave the employ of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (B) in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any of its Affiliates and any employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates with whom Executive had significant contact; or (C) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or business relation of the Company or any of its Affiliates with whom Executive had significant contact to cease doing business with the Company or any of its Affiliates or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any of its Affiliates and their respective customers, suppliers, licensees or business relations with whom Executive had significant contact;
(iii)    Either for Executive or any Financial Institution, solicit the business of any person or entity known to Executive to be a customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates, where Executive 

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had significant contact with such person or entity, with respect to products, activities or services that compete in whole or in part with the products, activities or services of the Company or any of its Affiliates; or
(iv)    Serve as the agent, broker or representative of, or otherwise assist, any person or entity in obtaining services or products from any Financial Institution within the Restrictive Area, with respect to products, activities or services that Executive devoted time to on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates and that compete in whole or in part with the products, activities or services of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(d)    Works Made for Hire Provisions. The Parties acknowledge that all work performed by Executive for the Company or any of its Affiliates shall be deemed a “work made for hire.” The Company shall at all times own and have exclusive right, title and interest in and to all Confidential Information and Inventions, and the Company shall retain the exclusive right to license, sell, transfer and otherwise use and dispose of the same. Any and all enhancements of the technology of the Company or any of its Affiliates that are developed by Executive shall be the exclusive property of the Company. Executive hereby assigns to the Company any right, title and interest in and to all Inventions that Executive may have, by law or equity, without additional consideration of any kind whatsoever from the Company or any of its Affiliates. Executive shall execute and deliver any instruments or documents and do all other things (including the giving of testimony) requested by the Company (both during and after the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company) in order to vest more fully in the Company or any of its Affiliates all ownership rights in the Inventions (including obtaining patent, copyright or trademark protection therefor in the United States and/or foreign countries).
(e)    Remedies for Breach of Restrictive Covenant. Executive has reviewed the provisions of this Agreement with legal counsel, or has been given adequate opportunity to seek such counsel, and Executive acknowledges that the covenants contained in this Section 7 are reasonable with respect to their duration, geographical area and scope. Executive further acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Section 7 are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the legitimate business interests of the Company, that they create no undue hardships, that any violation of these restrictions would cause substantial injury to the Company and such interests, and that such restrictions were a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement. In the event of any violation or threatened violation of these restrictions, the Company, in addition to and not in limitation of, any other rights, remedies or damages available to the Company under this Agreement or otherwise at law or in equity, shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent or restrain any such violation by Executive and any and all persons directly or indirectly acting for or with Executive, as the case may be. If Executive violates the Restrictive Covenant and the Company brings legal action for injunctive or other relief, the Company shall not, as a result of the time involved in obtaining such relief, be deprived of the benefit of the full period of the Restrictive Covenant. Accordingly, the Restrictive Covenant shall be deemed to have the duration specified herein computed from the date the relief is granted but reduced by the time between the period when the Restrictive Period began to run and the date of the first violation of the Restrictive Covenant by Executive.
(f)    Other Agreements. In the event of the existence of another agreement between the Parties that (a) is in effect during the Restrictive Period, and (b) contains restrictive covenants that conflict with any of the provisions of this Section 7, then the more restrictive of such provisions from the two (2) agreements shall control for the period during which both agreements would otherwise be in effect.
8.    No Set-Off; No Mitigation. Except as provided herein, the Company’s obligation to provide benefits under this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right the Company 

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may have against Executive or others. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment.
9.    Notices. Notices and all other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Company:
MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.
Attention: MidWestOne Bank Senior Vice President 
                 and Director of Human Resources
102 South Clinton Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
If to Executive: Executive’s address on file with the Company
or to such other address as either Party may furnish to the other in writing, except that notices of changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
10.    Applicable Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement and the performance of the obligations imposed by this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Iowa applicable to agreements made and wholly to be performed in such state without regard to conflicts of law provisions of any jurisdiction, and any court action commenced to enforce this Agreement shall have as its sole and exclusive venue the County of Johnson, Iowa.
11.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, undertakings, agreements and arrangements with respect thereto, whether written or oral. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The various covenants and provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable and to constitute independent and distinct binding obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the scope of any covenant contained in this Agreement is too broad to permit enforcement to its full extent, such covenant shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and such scope may be judicially modified accordingly.
12.    Withholding of Taxes. The Company may withhold from any benefits payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law, governmental regulation or ruling.
13.    No Assignment. Executive’s rights to receive benefits under this Agreement shall not be assignable or transferable whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than a transfer by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. In the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 13, the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

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14.    Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns. The Company shall not effect the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets unless either (a) the person or entity acquiring the assets, or a substantial portion of the assets, expressly assumes by an instrument in writing all duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement, or (b) the Company provides, through the establishment of a separate reserve, for the payment in full of all amounts that are or may reasonably be expected to become payable to Executive under this Agreement.
15.    Legal Fees. All reasonable legal fees and related expenses (including the costs of experts, evidence and counsel) paid or incurred by Executive pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Company if Executive is successful on the merits pursuant to a legal judgment or arbitration.
16.    Amendment. Except as specifically provided in Section 17 hereof, this Agreement may not be amended or modified except by written agreement signed by the Parties.
17.    Code Section 409A.
(a)    To the extent any provision of this Agreement or action by the Company would subject Executive to liability for interest or additional taxes under Code Section 409A, it shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Company. It is intended that this Agreement will comply with Code Section 409A, and this Agreement shall be administered accordingly and interpreted and construed on a basis consistent with such intent. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no termination or similar payments or benefits shall be payable hereunder on account of Executive’s termination of employment unless such termination constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A. For purposes of Code Section 409A, all installment payments of deferred compensation made hereunder, or pursuant to another plan or arrangement, shall be deemed to be separate payments. To the extent any reimbursements or in-kind benefit payments under this Agreement are subject to Code Section 409A, such reimbursements and in-kind benefit payments shall be made in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv). This Agreement may be amended to the extent necessary (including retroactively) by the Company to avoid the application of taxes or interest under Code Section 409A, while maintaining to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of this Agreement. This Section 17 shall not be construed as a guarantee of any particular tax effect for Executive’s benefits under this Agreement and the Company does not guarantee that any such benefits will satisfy the provisions of Code Section 409A or any other provision of the Code.
(b)    Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is determined to be a Specified Employee as of the Termination Date, then, to the extent required pursuant to Code Section 409A, payments due under this Agreement that are deemed to be deferred compensation shall be subject to a six (6)-month delay following the Termination Date; and all delayed payments shall be accumulated and paid in a lump-sum payment as of the first day of the seventh month following the Termination Date (or, if earlier, as of Executive’s death), with all such delayed payments being credited with interest (compounded monthly) for this period of delay equal to the prime rate in effect on the first day of such six (6)-month period. Any portion of the benefits hereunder that were not otherwise due to be paid during the six (6)-month period following the Termination Date shall be paid to Executive in accordance with the payment schedule established herein.
18.    Deferral of Nondeductible Compensation. If Executive’s aggregate compensation (including benefits that are deemed remuneration for purposes of Code Section 162(m)) from the Company 

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and the Affiliates for any calendar year exceeds the maximum amount of compensation deductible by the Company or any Affiliate in any calendar year under Code Section 162(m) (for purposes of this paragraph, the “maximum allowable amount”), then any such amount in excess of the maximum allowable amount shall be mandatorily deferred with interest thereon at four percent (4%) per annum to a calendar year such that the amount to be paid to Executive in such calendar year, including deferred amounts and interest thereon, does not exceed the maximum allowable amount. Subject to the foregoing, deferred amounts, including interest thereon, shall be payable at the earliest time permissible, in accordance with Code Section 409A.
19.    Construction. In this Agreement, unless otherwise stated, the following uses apply: (a) references to a statute shall refer to the statute and any amendments and any successor statutes, and to all regulations promulgated under or implementing the statute, as amended, or its successors, as in effect at the relevant time; (b) in computing periods from a specified date to a later specified date, the words “from” and “commencing on” (and the like) mean “from and including, “ and the words “to,” “until” and “ending on” (and the like) mean “to, but excluding”; (c) references to a governmental or quasi-governmental agency, authority or instrumentality shall also refer to a regulatory body that succeeds to the functions of the agency, authority or instrumentality; (d) indications of time of day shall be based upon the time applicable to the location of the principal headquarters of the Company; (e) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” means “include, without limitation,” “includes, without limitation” and “including, without limitation,” respectively; (f) all references to preambles, recitals, sections and exhibits are to preambles, recitals, sections and exhibits in or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (g) the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereto,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole (including exhibits); (h) any reference to a document or set of documents, and the rights and obligations of the parties under any such documents, means such document or documents as amended from time to time, and any and all modifications, extensions, renewals, substitutions or replacements thereof; (i) all words used shall be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances and context require; (j) the captions and headings of preambles, recitals, sections and exhibits appearing in or attached to this Agreement have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and shall not be considered a part of this Agreement, nor shall any of them affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any of its provisions; and (k) all accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.
20.    Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms defined in this Section 20 have the meanings set forth below.
(a)    “1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(b)    “Affiliate” means each company, corporation, partnership, Financial Institution or other entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with, the Company, where “control” means (i) the ownership of fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the Voting Securities or other voting or equity interests of any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business entity or (ii) the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business entity.
(c)    “Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(d)    “Annual Base Salary” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
(e)    “Base Compensation” means the amount equal to the sum of (i) the greater of Executive’s then-current Annual Base Salary or Executive’s Annual Base Salary as of the date one (1) day 

11

prior to the Change in Control, and (ii) the amount of the Incentive Bonus paid (or payable) for the most recently completed fiscal year of the Company.
(f)    “Board” means the board of directors of the Company.
(g)    “Change in Control” means:
(i)    the consummation of the acquisition by any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the 1934 Act) of “beneficial ownership” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of the Company; or
(ii)    the individuals who, as of the Effective Date, are members of the Board cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board, unless the election, or nomination for election by the shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of a majority of the Board, and such new director shall, for purposes of this Agreement, be considered as a member of the Board; or
(iii)    the consummation by the Company of: (A) a merger or consolidation if the shareholders immediately before such merger or consolidation do not, as a result of such merger or consolidation, own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of the entity resulting from such merger or consolidation in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the Company outstanding immediately before such merger or consolidation; or (B) a complete liquidation or dissolution or an agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
Notwithstanding any provision in this definition to the contrary, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company are acquired by (A) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under one (1) or more employee benefit plans maintained for employees of the Company or an Affiliate or (B) any corporation that, immediately prior to such acquisition, is owned directly or indirectly by the shareholders in the same proportion as their ownership of stock immediately prior to such acquisition.
Further notwithstanding any provision in this definition to the contrary, in the event that any amount or benefit under this Agreement constitutes deferred compensation and the settlement of or distribution of such amount or benefit is to be triggered by a Change in Control, then such settlement or distribution shall be subject to the event constituting the Change in Control also constituting a “change in control event” under Code Section 409A.
(h)    “COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.
(i)    “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(j)    “Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(k)    “Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).
(l)    “Covered Period” means the period beginning six (6) months prior to a Change in Control and ending twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control. 

12

(m)    “Disability” means that (i) Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (ii) Executive is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident or health plan covering employees of the Company.
(n)    “Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(o)    “Employment Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.
(p)    “Excess Parachute Payment” has the meaning set forth in Code Section 280G.
(q)    “Executive” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(r)    “Financial Institution” means a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union or similar financial institution.
(s)    “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any one (1) of the following events, unless Executive agrees in writing that such event shall not constitute Good Reason:
(i)    an adverse change in the nature, scope or status of Executive’s position, authorities or duties from those in effect in accordance with Section 2 immediately following the Effective Date, or if applicable and greater, immediately prior to the Covered Period.
(ii)    a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s Annual Base Salary or Incentive Bonus opportunity (each as measured as of the Effective Date), or a material reduction in Executive’s aggregate benefits or other compensation plans as in effect immediately following the Effective Date, or if applicable and greater, immediately prior to the Covered Period;
(iii)    relocation of Executive’s primary place of employment by more than twenty-five (25) miles from Executive’s primary place of employment immediately following the Effective Date, or if applicable, prior to the Covered Period, or a requirement that Executive engage in travel that is materially greater than prior to the Covered Period;
(iv)    failure by an acquirer to assume this Agreement at the time of a Change in Control; or
(v)    a material breach by the Company of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding any provision in this definition to the contrary, prior to Executive’s Termination for Good Reason, Executive must give the Company written notice of the existence of any condition set forth in clause (i) – (v) immediately above within ninety (90) days of its initial existence and the Company shall have thirty (30) days from the date of such notice in which to cure the condition giving rise to Good Reason, if curable. If, during such thirty (30)-day period, the Company cures the condition giving rise to Good Reason, the condition shall not constitute Good Reason. Further notwithstanding any provision in this definition to the contrary, in order to constitute a Termination for Good Reason, such Termination must occur within twenty-four (24) months of the initial existence of the applicable condition.

13

(t)    “Incentive Bonus” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(b).
(u)    “Independent Advisor” means an independent, nationally recognized accounting firm approved by the Parties, where such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by either Party.
(v)    “Inventions” means all systems, procedures, techniques, manuals, databases, plans, lists, inventions, trade secrets, copyrights, patents, trademarks, discoveries, innovations, concepts, ideas and software conceived, compiled or developed by Executive in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its Affiliates and/or comprised, in whole or part, of Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, Inventions shall not include: (i) any inventions independently developed by Executive and not derived, in whole or part, from any Confidential Information or (ii) any invention made by Executive prior to Executive’s exposure to any Confidential Information.
(w)    “Minimum Benefits” means, as applicable, the following:
(i)    Executive’s earned but unpaid Annual Base Salary for the period ending on the Termination Date;
(ii)    Executive’s earned but unpaid Incentive Bonus, if any, for any completed fiscal year preceding the Termination Date;
(iii)    Executive’s accrued but unpaid PTO for the period ending on the Termination Date; 
(iv)    Executive’s unreimbursed business expenses and all other items earned and owed to Executive by the Company through and including the Termination Date; and
(v)    the benefits, incentives and awards described in Section 4(f).
(x)    “Parties” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(y)     “Release” means a general release and waiver substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
(z)    “Restrictive Area” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).
(aa)    “Restrictive Covenant” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).
(bb)    “Restrictive Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).
(cc)    “Severance Amount” means
(i)    for any Termination other than during a Covered Period, an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then-current Annual Base Salary as of the respective Termination; or
(ii)    for a Termination during a Covered Period, an amount equal to two hundred percent (200%) of Executive’s Base Compensation as of the respective Termination.

14

(dd)    “Specified Employee” means any person who is a “key employee” (as defined in Code Section 416(i) without regard to paragraph (5) thereof), as determined by the Company based upon the twelve (12)-month period ending on each December 31st (such twelve (12)-month period is referred to below as the “identification period”). If Executive is determined to be a key employee, Executive shall be treated as a Specified Employee for purposes of this Agreement during the twelve (12)-month period that begins on the April 1 following the close of the identification period. For purposes of determining whether Executive is a key employee, “compensation” means Executive’s W-2 compensation as reported by the Company for a particular calendar year.
(ee)    “Termination” means termination of Executive’s employment with the Company during the Employment Period either:
(i)    by the Company, other than a Termination for Cause or a termination as a result of Executive’s death or Disability; or
(ii)    by Executive for Good Reason.
(ff)    “Termination Date” means the date of termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.
(gg)    “Termination for Cause” means only a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company as a result of:
(i)    Executive’s willful and continuing failure, that is not remedied within twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice of such failure from the Company, to perform Executive’s obligations hereunder; 
(ii)    Executive’s conviction of, or the pleading of nolo contendere to, a crime of embezzlement or fraud or a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof;
(iii)    Executive’s breach of fiduciary responsibility; or
(iv)    an act of dishonesty by Executive that is materially injurious to the Company.
Any determination of a Termination for Cause under this Agreement shall be made by resolution adopted by at least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board at a meeting called and held for that purpose. Executive shall be provided with reasonable notice of such meeting and shall be given the opportunity to be heard, with the presence of counsel, prior to such vote being taken by the Board.
(hh)    “Total Payments” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a).
(ii)    “Voting Securities” means any securities that ordinarily possess the power to vote in the election of directors without the happening of any precondition or contingency.
21.    Survival. The provisions of Sections 5 through 21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
[Signature page follows]

15

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
	
					
	MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.
	 
	Barry S. Ray

	By:
	/s/ CHARLES N. FUNK
	 
	/s/ BARRY S. RAY

	 
	 
	 
	 
	(Signature)

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	Name:
	Charles N. Funk
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	(Address)

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	Its:
	President & CEO
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	(Address)

16

Exhibit 10.1

EXHIBIT A
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS
This Release and Waiver of Claims (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. (the ”Company”), and [______________] (“Executive,” and together with the Company, the “Parties”).
RECITALS
A.    The Parties desire to settle fully and amicably all issues between them, including any issues arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company and the termination of that employment.
B.    Executive and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement, made and entered into [_______________], as amended (the “Employment Agreement”).
AGREEMENTS
For and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, and for other good and sufficient consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1.    Termination of Employment. Executive’s employment with the Company shall be terminated effective as of the close of business on [_______________] (the “Termination Date”). 
2.    Compensation and Benefits. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall compensate Executive under this Agreement as follows (collectively, the “Severance Payments”):
(a)    Severance Amount. [_______________].
(b)    Accrued Salary and Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to a lump sum payment in an amount equal to Executive’s earned but unpaid annual base salary and accrued but unused paid time off for the period ending on the Termination Date, with such payment to be made on the first payroll date following the Termination Date.
(c)    COBRA Benefits. Executive and Executive’s qualified beneficiaries, as applicable, shall be entitled to continuation of group health coverage following the Termination Date under the Company’s group health plan, to the extent required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, with Executive required to pay the same amount as Executive would pay if Executive continued in employment with the Company during such period as described in Section 4(e) of the Employment Agreement.
(d)    Executive Acknowledgement. Executive acknowledges that, subject to fulfillment of all obligations provided for herein, Executive has been fully compensated by the Company, including under all applicable laws, and that nothing further is owed to Executive with 

A-1

Exhibit 10.1

respect to wages, bonuses, severance, other compensation, or benefits. Executive further acknowledges that the Severance Payments (other than (b) and (c) immediately above) are consideration for Executive’s promises contained in this Agreement, and that the Severance Payments are above and beyond any wages, bonuses, severance, other compensation, or benefits to which Executive is entitled from the Company under the terms of Executive’s employment or under any other contract or law that Executive would be entitled to absent execution of this Agreement.
(e)    Withholding. The Severance Payments shall be subject to all taxes and other payroll deductions required by law.
3.    Termination of Benefits. Except as provided in Section 2 above or as may be required by law, Executive’s participation in all employee benefit (pension and welfare) and compensation plans of the Company shall cease as of the Termination Date. Nothing contained herein shall limit or otherwise impair Executive’s right to receive pension or similar benefit payments that are vested as of the Termination Date under any applicable tax-qualified pension or other plans, pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan.
4.    Release of Claims and Waiver of Rights. Executive, on Executive’s own behalf and that of Executive’s heirs, executors, attorneys, administrators, successors, and assigns, fully and forever releases and discharges the Company, its predecessors, successors, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and assigns, and its and their directors, officers, trustees, employees, agents, and shareholders, both in their individual and official capacities, and the current and former trustees and administrators of each retirement and other benefit plan applicable to the employees and former employees of the Company, both in their official and individual capacities (the “Releasees”), from all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action Executive now has, may have had, or may ever have, whether currently known or unknown, relating to acts or omissions as of or prior to Executive’s execution of this Agreement (the “Release and Waiver”), including liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action: 
(a)    Relating to Executive’s employment or other association with the Company, or the termination of such employment;
(b)    Relating to wages, bonuses, other compensation, or benefits;
(c)    Relating to any employment or change in control contract;
(d)    Relating to any employment law, including
		
	(i)
	The United States and State of Iowa Constitutions, 

		
	(ii)
	The Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965,

		
	(iii)
	The Iowa Wage Payment Collection Law,

		
	(iv)
	The Civil Rights Act of 1964,

		
	(v)
	The Civil Rights Act of 1991,

		
	(vi)
	The Equal Pay Act,

		
	(vii)
	The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,

A-2

Exhibit 10.1

		
	(viii)
	The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (the “ADEA”),

		
	(ix)
	The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act,

		
	(x)
	The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act,

		
	(xi)
	The Americans with Disabilities Act,

		
	(xii)
	The Family and Medical Leave Act,

		
	(xiii)
	The Occupational Safety and Health Act,

		
	(xiv)
	The Fair Labor Standards Act,

		
	(xv)
	The National Labor Relations Act,

		
	(xvi)
	The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act,

		
	(xvii)
	The Rehabilitation Act,

		
	(xviii)
	The Fair Credit Reporting Act,

		
	(xix)
	Executive Order 11246,

		
	(xx)
	Executive Order 11141, and

		
	(xxi)
	Each other federal, state, and local statute, ordinance, and regulation relating to employment;

(e)    Relating to any right of payment for disability;
(f)    Relating to any statutory or contractual right of payment; and
(g)    For relief on the basis of any alleged tort or breach of contract under the common law of the State of Iowa or any other state, including defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, promissory estoppel, and negligence.
Executive acknowledges that statutes exist that render null and void releases and waivers of any claims, rights, demands, liabilities, actions, and causes of action that are unknown to the releasing or waiving party at the time of execution of the release and waiver. Executive waives, surrenders, and shall forego any protection to which Executive would otherwise be entitled by virtue of the existence of any such statutes in any jurisdiction, including the State of Iowa.
5.    Exclusions from General Release.
(a)    Excluded from the Release and Waiver are any claims or rights arising pursuant to this Agreement and any claims or rights that cannot be waived by law, as well as Executive’s right to file a charge with an administrative agency or participate in any agency investigation, including with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Executive is, however, waiving the right to recover any money in connection with a charge or investigation and the right to recover any money in connection with a charge filed by any other individual or by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal or state agency, except where such waivers are prohibited by law.
(b)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 5 shall limit Executive’s ability to file a charge or complaint with any governmental, administrative or judicial agency (each, an “Agency”) pursuant to any applicable whistleblower statute or program (each, a “Whistleblower Program”). Executive acknowledges that this Section 5 does not limit (A) his ability to communicate, in connection with a charge or complaint pursuant to any Whistleblower 

A-3

Exhibit 10.1

Program with any Agency or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by such Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company, or (B) his right to receive an award for information provided to such Agency pursuant to any Whistleblower Program.
6.    Covenant Not to Sue.
(a)    A “covenant not to sue” is a legal term that means Executive promises not to file a lawsuit in court. It is different from the Release and Waiver. Besides waiving and releasing the claims covered by Section 4 above, Executive shall never sue the Releasees in any forum for any reason covered by the Release and Waiver. Notwithstanding this covenant not to sue, Executive may bring a claim against the Company to enforce this Agreement or to challenge the validity of this Agreement under the ADEA. If Executive sues any of the Releasees in violation of this Agreement, Executive shall be liable to them for their reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs (including the costs of experts, evidence, and counsel) and other litigation costs incurred in defending against Executive’s suit. In addition, if Executive sues any of the Releasees in violation of this Agreement, the Company can require Executive to return all but a sum of $100 of the Severance Payments, which sum is, by itself, adequate consideration for the promises and covenants in this Agreement. In that event, the Company shall have no obligation to make any further Severance Payments.
(b)    If Executive has previously filed any lawsuit against any of the Releasees, Executive shall immediately take all necessary steps and execute all necessary documents to withdraw or dismiss such lawsuit to the extent Executive’s agreement to withdraw, dismiss, or not file a lawsuit would not be a violation of any applicable law or regulation.
7.    Mutual Non-Disparagement. At all times following the signing of this Agreement, neither Party shall engage in any vilification of the other, and each Party shall refrain from making any false, negative, critical or disparaging statements, implied or expressed, concerning the other, including management style, methods of doing business, the quality of products and services, role in the community, or treatment of employees. Executive acknowledges that the only persons whose statements may be attributed to the Company for purposes of this covenant not to make disparaging statements shall be each member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Parties shall do nothing that would damage the other’s business reputation or good will.
8.    Restrictive Covenants. Section 7 of the Employment Agreement (entitled “Restrictive Covenants”), shall continue in full force and effect as if fully restated herein.
9.    No Admissions. The Company denies that any of the Releasees have taken any improper action against Executive, and this Agreement shall not be admissible in any proceeding as evidence of improper action by any of the Releasees. 
10.    Confidentiality of Agreement. Executive shall keep the existence and the terms of this Agreement confidential, except for Executive’s immediate family members and Executive’s legal and tax advisors in connection with services related hereto and except as may be required by law or in connection with the preparation of tax returns.

A-4

Exhibit 10.1

11.    Non-Waiver. The Company’s waiver of a breach of this Agreement by Executive shall not be construed or operate as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Executive of the same or of any other provision of this Agreement.
12.    Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Iowa, without regard to principles of conflict of laws (whether in the State of Iowa or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Iowa.
13.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof, and shall be final and binding as to all claims that have been or could have been advanced on behalf of Executive pursuant to any claim arising out of or related in any way to Executive’s employment with the Company and the termination of that employment. This Agreement may not be amended, modified, altered, or changed except by express written consent of the Parties.
14.    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
15.    Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns.
16.    Enforcement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be regarded as divisible and separable and if any provision should be declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby. If the scope of any restriction or requirement contained in this Agreement is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction or requirement to its full extent, then such restriction or requirement shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents that any court of competent jurisdiction may so modify such scope in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction or requirement. In addition, Executive stipulates that breach by Executive of restrictions and requirements under this Agreement will cause irreparable damage to the Releasees in the case of Executive’s breach and that the Company would not have entered into this Agreement without Executive binding Executive to these restrictions and requirements. In the event of Executive’s breach of this Agreement, in addition to any other remedies the Company may have, and without bond and without prejudice to any other rights and remedies that the Company may have for Executive’s breach of this Agreement, the Company shall be relieved of any obligation to provide Severance Payments and shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent or restrain any such violation by Executive and all persons directly or indirectly acting for or with Executive.
17.    Construction. In this Agreement, unless otherwise stated, the following uses apply: (a) references to a statute or law refer to the statute or law and any amendments and any successor statutes or laws, and to all regulations promulgated under or implementing the statute or law, as amended, or its successors, as in effect at the relevant time; (b) in computing periods from a specified date to a later specified date, the words “from” and “commencing on” (and the like) mean “from and including, “ and the words “to,” “until,” and “ending on” (and the like) mean “to, and including”; 

A-5

Exhibit 10.1

(c) references to a governmental or quasi-governmental agency, authority, or instrumentality also refer to a regulatory body that succeeds to the functions of the agency, authority, or instrumentality; (d) the words “include,” “includes,” and “including” (and the like) mean “include, without limitation,” “includes, without limitation,” and “including, without limitation,” (and the like) respectively; (e) the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereto,” “hereby,” (and the like) refer to this Agreement as a whole; (f) any reference to a document or set of documents, and the rights and obligations of the parties under any such documents, means such document or documents as amended from time to time, and all modifications, extensions, renewals, substitutions, or replacements thereof; (g) all words used shall be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances and context require; and (h) the captions and headings of preambles, recitals, sections, and exhibits appearing in or attached to this Agreement have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and shall not be considered a part of this Agreement, nor shall any of them affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any of its provisions.
18.    Future Cooperation. In connection with any and all claims, disputes, or negotiations, or governmental, internal, or other investigations, lawsuits, or administrative proceedings (the “Legal Matters”) involving any of the Releasees (collectively, the “Disputing Parties” and, individually, each a “Disputing Party”), Executive shall make Executive reasonably available, upon reasonable notice from the Company and without the necessity of subpoena, to provide information and documents, provide declarations and statements regarding a Disputing Party, meet with attorneys and other representatives of a Disputing Party, prepare for and give depositions and testimony, and otherwise cooperate in the investigation, defense, and prosecution of any and all such Legal Matters, as may, in the good faith and judgment of the Company, be reasonably requested. The Company shall consult with Executive and make reasonable efforts to schedule such assistance so as not to materially disrupt Executive’s business and personal affairs. The Company shall reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in connection with such assistance, including travel, meals, rental car, and hotel expenses, if any; provided such expenses are approved in advance by the Company and are documented in a manner consistent with expense reporting policies of the Company as may be in effect from time to time.
19.    Representations by Executive. Executive acknowledges each of the following:
(a)    Executive is aware that this Agreement includes a release of all known and unknown claims.
(b)    Executive is legally competent to execute this Agreement and Executive has not relied on any statements or explanations made by the Company or its attorneys not otherwise set forth herein.
(c)    Any modifications, material or otherwise, made to this Agreement shall not restart or affect in any manner the original 21-day consideration period.
(d)    Executive has been offered at least 21 days to consider this Agreement.

A-6

Exhibit 10.1

(e)    Executive has been afforded the opportunity to be advised by legal counsel regarding the terms of this Agreement, including the Release and Waiver, and to negotiate such terms.
(f)    Executive, without coercion of any kind, freely, knowingly, and voluntarily enters into this Agreement.
(g)    Executive has the right to rescind the Release and Waiver by written notice to the Company within seven (7) calendar days after Executive has signed this Agreement, and the Release and Waiver shall not become effective or enforceable until seven (7) calendar days after Executive has signed this Agreement, as evidenced by the date set forth below Executive’s signature on the signature page hereto. Any such rescission must be in writing and delivered by hand, or sent by U.S. Mail within such seven (7)-day period, to the attention of [_______________]. If delivered by U.S. Mail, the rescission must be: (i) postmarked within the seven (7)-day period and (ii) sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of dates set forth below their respective signatures below.
	
						
	MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.
	 
	Executive

	By:
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	(Name)
	 
	 
	(Name)

	 
	(Title)
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	Date:
	 
	 
	Date:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

A-7Exhibit 10.1

NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP.

2014 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

AS AMENDED

1. PURPOSE OF PLAN.

The purpose of this 2014 Equity Incentive Plan is to provide incentives and rewards to officers, employees and directors who contribute to the long-term success and growth of Norwood Financial Corp. and its Affiliates, and to assist these entities in attracting and retaining directors, officers and other selected employees with the necessary experience and ability required to aid the Company in increasing the long-term value of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders.

2. DEFINITIONS.

"Affiliate" means any "parent corporation" or "subsidiary corporation" of the Company, as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code, respectively. The term Affiliate shall include the Bank.

"Award" means any Restricted Stock Award and/or Stock Option, as set forth in Section 6 of the Plan.

"Bank" means Wayne Bank, Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and any successors thereto.

"Beneficiary" means the person or persons designated by the Participant to receive any benefits payable under the Plan in the event of such Participant's death. Such person or persons shall be designated in writing by the Participant and addressed to the Company or the Committee on forms provided for this purpose by the Committee, and delivered to the Company or the Committee. Such Beneficiary designation may be changed from time to time by similar written notice to the Committee. A Participant's last will and testament or any codicil thereto shall not constitute a subsequent written designation of a Beneficiary. In the absence of such written designation, the Beneficiary shall be the Participant's surviving spouse, if any, or if none, the Participant's estate.

"Board of Directors" means the board of directors of the Company.

"Cause" means the personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profits, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of a material provision of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations and similar offenses), or a material violation of a final cease-and-desist order or any other action which results in a substantial financial loss to the Company or its Affiliates.

"Change in Control" shall mean: (i) the sale of all, or a material portion, of the assets of the Company or its Affiliates; (ii) the merger or recapitalization of the Company whereby the Company is not the surviving entity; (iii) a change in control of the Company, as otherwise defined or determined by the Company's applicable banking regulatory agency or regulations promulgated by it; or (iv) the acquisition after the effective date of the Plan, directly or indirectly, of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of that term as it is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) of more than nineteen and nine-tenths percent (19.9%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company by any person, trust, entity or group. This limitation shall not apply to the purchase of shares by underwriters in connection with a public offering of Company stock. The term 

 

 

1

 

 

"person" refers to an individual or a corporation, partnership, trust, association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.

"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

"Committee" means the Board of Directors of the Company or the administrative committee designated, pursuant to Section 3 of the Plan, to administer the Plan.

"Common Stock" or "Shares" means shares of common stock of the Company.

"Company" means Norwood Financial Corp. and any successor entity or any future parent corporation of the Bank.

"Director" means a person serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, or the board of directors of an Affiliate, or any successor thereto from time to time.

"Director Emeritus" means a person serving as a director emeritus, advisory director, consulting director or other similar position as may be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company or the Bank from time to time.

"Disability" means (i) with respect to Incentive Stock Options, the "permanent and total disability" of the Employee as such term is defined at Section 22(e)(3) of the Code; and (ii) with respect to other Awards, a condition of incapacity of a Participant which renders that person unable to engage in the performance of his or her duties by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.

"Effective Date" shall mean the date of stockholder approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company.

"Eligible Participant" means an Employee or Outside Director who may receive an Award under the Plan.

"Employee" means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. Directors who are also employed by the Company or an Affiliate shall be considered Employees under the Plan.

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"Exercise Price" means the price at which an individual may purchase a share of Common Stock pursuant to an Option.

"Fair Market Value" means (i) for a security traded on a national securities exchange, including the NASDAQ Global Market, the last reported sales price reported on such date or, if the Common Stock was not traded on such date, on the immediately preceding day on which the Common Stock was traded thereon or the last previous date on which a sale is reported; (ii) if the Shares are not traded on a national securities exchange, but are traded on the over-the-counter market, if sales prices are not regularly reported for the Shares for the trading day referred to in clause (i), and if bid and asked prices for the Shares are regularly reported, the mean between the bid and the asked price for the Shares at the close of trading in the over-the-counter market on the applicable date, or if the applicable date is not a trading day, 

 

 

2

 

on the trading day immediately preceding the applicable date; and (iii) in the absence of such markets for the Shares, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Committee.

"Grant Date" means the date an Award is made by the Committee.

"Incentive Stock Option" means a Stock Option granted under the Plan, which is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

"Non-Statutory Stock Option" means a Stock Option granted to an individual under the Plan that is not intended to be and is not identified as an Incentive Stock Option, or an Option granted under the Plan that is intended to be and is identified as an Incentive Stock Option, but that does not meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

"Option" or "Stock Option" means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Statutory Stock Option, as applicable.

"Outside Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company who is not also an Employee.

"Parent" means any present or future corporation which would be a "parent corporation" of the Bank or the Company as defined in Sections 424(e) and (g) of the Code.

"Participant" means an individual who is granted an Award pursuant to the terms of the Plan; provided, however, upon the death of a Participant, the term "Participant" shall also refer to a Beneficiary designated in accordance with the Plan.

"Plan" means this Norwood Financial Corp. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.

"Restricted Stock Award" means an Award of shares of restricted stock granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6.1(b) of the Plan.

"Trust" shall mean any grantor trust established by the Company for purposes of administration of the Plan.

"Trustee" or "Trustee Committee" means that person(s) or entity appointed by the Committee to hold legal title to the Plan assets under any Trust for the purposes set forth herein.

3. ADMINISTRATION.

 

 

		(a)	
Committee. The Committee shall administer the Plan. The Committee shall consist of two or more disinterested directors of the Company, who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. A member of the Board of Directors shall be deemed to be disinterested only if he or she satisfies:  (i) such requirements as the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish for non-employee directors administering plans intended to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3 (or its successor) of the Exchange Act and (ii) to the extent deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors, such requirements as the Internal Revenue Service may establish for outside directors acting under plans intended to qualify for exemption under Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code; provided, however, a failure to comply with the requirements of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) shall not disqualify any actions taken by the Committee. A majority of the entire Committee shall constitute a quorum and the action 

 

 

3

			
of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be deemed the action of the Committee. In no event may the Committee revoke outstanding Awards without the consent of the Participant. All decisions, determinations and interpretations of the Committee shall be final and conclusive on all persons affected thereby.

 

		(b)	
Authority of Committee. Subject to paragraph (a) of this Section 3, the Committee shall:

		(i)	
select the individuals who are to receive Awards under the Plan;

		(ii)	
determine the type, number, vesting requirements, acceleration of vesting and other features and conditions of Awards made under the Plan;

		(iii)	
interpret the Plan and Award Agreements (as defined below); and

		(iv)	
make all other decisions and determinations that may be required or as the Committee deems necessary or advisable related to the operation of the Plan and Awards made thereunder.

The Committee may adopt such rules or guidelines as it deems appropriate to implement the Plan.

		(c)	
Awards. Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written agreement (an "Award Agreement"). Each Award Agreement shall constitute a binding contract between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant, and every Participant, upon acceptance of an Award Agreement, shall be bound by the terms and restrictions of the Plan and the Award Agreement. The terms of each Award Agreement shall be set in accordance with the Plan, but each Award Agreement may also include any additional provisions and restrictions determined by the Committee. In particular, and at a minimum, the Committee shall set forth in each Award Agreement:

		(i)	
the type of Award granted;

		(ii)	
the Exercise Price for any Option;

		(iii)	
the number of shares or rights subject to the Award;

		(iv)	
the expiration date of the Award;

		(v)	
the manner, time and rate (cumulative or otherwise) of exercise or vesting of the Award; and

		(vi)	
the restrictions, if any, placed on the Award, or upon shares which may be issued upon the exercise or vesting of the Award.

The Chairman of the Committee, the President of the Company and such other directors and officers as shall be designated by the Committee are hereby authorized to execute Award Agreements on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate and to cause them to be delivered to the Participants granted Awards under the Plan.

		(d)	
Six-Month Holding Period. Subject to vesting requirements, if applicable, except in the event of death or Disability of the Participant or a Change in Control of the Company, a minimum of six months must elapse between the Grant Date of an Option and the date of the sale of the Common Stock received through the exercise of such Option.

 

 

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4. ELIGIBILITY.

Subject to the terms of the Plan, Employees and Outside Directors, as the Committee shall determine from time to time, shall be eligible to receive Awards in accordance with the Plan.

5. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; SHARE LIMITS.

5.1 Shares Available. Subject to the provisions of Section 8, the Common Stock that may be delivered under this Plan shall be shares of the Company's authorized but unissued Common Stock, shares of Common Stock purchased in the open-market by the Company or any Trust established for purposes of administration of the Plan and any shares of Common Stock held as treasury shares.

5.2 Share Limits. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan (the "Share Limit") equals 375,0001 shares. The following limits also apply with respect to Awards granted under this Plan:

		(a)	
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to the exercise of Stock Options granted under this Plan is 375,0001 shares, reduced by the number of Plan shares issued as Restricted Stock Awards.

		(b)	
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to Restricted Stock Awards granted under this Plan is 95,0001 shares.

5.3 Awards Settled in Cash, Reissue of Awards and Shares. To the extent that an Award is settled in cash or a form other than shares of Common Stock, or if shares of Common Stock are withheld from an Award for tax purposes, then the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement shall be counted against the shares available for issuance under this Plan. Shares that are subject to or underlie Awards which expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall again be available for subsequent Awards under this Plan.

5.4 Reservation of Shares; No Fractional Shares; Minimum Issue. The Company shall at all times reserve a number of shares of Common Stock sufficient to cover the Company's obligations and contingent obligations to deliver shares with respect to Awards then outstanding under this Plan. No fractional shares shall be delivered under this Plan. The Committee may pay cash in lieu of any fractional shares in settlement of Awards under this Plan. No fewer than 100 shares may be purchased on exercise of any Stock Option unless the total number purchased or exercised is the total number at the time available for purchase or exercise by the Participant.

6. AWARDS.

6.1 Except as otherwise detailed herein, the Committee shall determine the type or types of Award(s) to be made to each Eligible Participant. Awards may be granted singularly, in combination or in tandem. Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of the Company. The types of Awards that may be granted under this Plan are Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards, as follows:

1 Reflects 50% stock dividend declared August, 8, 2017.

 

5

 

		(a)	
Stock Options.

The Committee may, subject to the limitations of this Plan and the availability of shares of Common Stock reserved but not previously awarded under the Plan, grant Stock Options to Employees and Outside Directors, subject to terms and conditions as it may determine, to the extent that such terms and conditions are consistent with the following provisions:

		(i)	
Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of Stock Options shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date.

		(ii)	
Terms of Options. In no event may an individual exercise an Option, in whole or in part, more than ten (10) years from the Grant Date.

		(iii)	
Non-Transferability. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, an individual may not transfer, assign, hypothecate, or dispose of an Option in any manner, other than by will or the laws of intestate succession. The Committee may, however, in its sole discretion, permit the transfer or assignment of a Non-Statutory Stock Option, if it determines that the transfer or assignment is for valid estate planning purposes and is permitted under the Code and Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. For purposes of this Section 6.1(a), a transfer for valid estate planning purposes includes, but is not limited to, transfers:

		(1)	
to a revocable inter vivos trust, as to which an individual is both settlor and trustee;

		(2)	
for no consideration to:  (a) any member of the individual's Immediate Family; (b) a trust solely for the benefit of members of the individual's Immediate Family; (c) any partnership whose only partners are members of the individual's Immediate Family; or (d) any limited liability corporation or other corporate entity whose only members or equity owners are members of the individual's Immediate Family.

For purposes of this Section 6.1, "Immediate Family" includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a Participant's parents, grandparents, spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings (including half brothers and sisters), and individuals who are family members by adoption. Nothing contained in this Section 6.1 shall be construed to require the Committee to give its approval to any transfer or assignment of any Non-Statutory Stock Option or portion thereof, and approval to transfer or assign any Non-Statutory Stock Option or portion thereof does not mean that such approval will be given with respect to any other Non-Statutory Stock Option or portion thereof. The transferee or assignee of any Non-Statutory Stock Option shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions applicable to such Non-Statutory Stock Option immediately prior to the transfer or assignment and shall be subject to any other conditions prescribed by the Committee with respect to such Non-Statutory Stock Option.

 

 

 

6

		(iv)	
Special Rules for Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the following rules shall further apply to grants of Incentive Stock Options:

		(1)	
If an Employee owns or is treated as owning, for purposes of Section 422 of the Code, Common Stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting securities of the Company at the time the Committee grants the Incentive Stock Option (a "10% Owner"), the Exercise Price shall not be less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date.

		(2)	
An Incentive Stock Option granted to a 10% Owner shall not be exercisable more than five (5) years from the Grant Date.

		(3)	
To the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an Employee during any calendar year, under the Plan or any other stock option plan of the Company or an Affiliate, exceeds $100,000, or such higher value as may be permitted under Section 422 of the Code, such Incentive Stock Options in excess of the $100,000 limit shall be treated as Non-Statutory Stock Options. Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the Grant Date for each Incentive Stock Option.

		(4)	
Each Award Agreement for an Incentive Stock Option shall require the individual to notify the Committee within ten (10) days of any disposition of shares of Common Stock under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions).

		(5)	
Incentive Stock Options may only be awarded to an Employee of the Company or its Affiliates.

 

		(v)	
Option Awards to Outside Directors. Subject to the limitations of Section 6.4(a), the Committee may award Non-Statutory Stock Options to purchase shares of Common Stock to any Outside Director of the Company at an Exercise Price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on such Grant Date. Such Options will be first exercisable as determined by the Committee at the time of such grant, but in no case more quickly than at the rate of 100% on the one-year anniversary of the Grant Date of such Award during periods of continuing service as an Outside Director or Director Emeritus. Options awarded to Outside Directors that become earned and exercisable shall continue to be exercisable for a period of ten years following the Grant Date without regard to the continued services of such Outside Director to the Company. Upon the death or Disability of the Outside Director, such Option shall be deemed exercisable as if the Outside Director had attained the next applicable vesting event and shall continue to be exercisable for the remaining term of such Option. In the event of the Outside Director's death, such Options may be exercised by the Beneficiary or the personal representative of his or her estate or person or persons to whom his or her rights under such Option shall have passed by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Options may be granted to newly appointed or elected Outside Directors within the sole 

 

 

7

 

			
discretion of the Committee. All outstanding Awards shall become immediately exercisable in the event of a Change in Control of the Bank or the Company. Unless otherwise inapplicable, or inconsistent with the provisions of this paragraph, the Options to be granted to Outside Directors hereunder shall be subject to all other provisions of this Plan.

 

		(b)	
Restricted Stock Awards.

The Committee may make grants of Restricted Stock Awards, which shall consist of the grant of some number of shares of Common Stock to an Eligible Participant upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, to the extent such terms and conditions are consistent with the following provisions:

		(i)	
Grants of Stock. Restricted Stock Awards may only be granted in whole shares of Common Stock.

		(ii)	
Non-Transferability. Except to the extent permitted by the Code, the rules promulgated under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or any successor statutes or rules:

		(1)	
The recipient of a Restricted Stock Award grant shall not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or otherwise encumber shares subject to the grant until full vesting of such shares has occurred. For purposes of this Section 6.1(b), the separation of beneficial ownership and legal title through the use of any "swap" transaction is deemed to be a prohibited encumbrance.

		(2)	
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, and except in the event of the Participant's death or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, a Restricted Stock Award grant is not transferable and may be earned only by the individual to whom it is granted during his or her lifetime. Upon the death of a Participant, a Restricted Stock Award shall be transferred to the Beneficiary. The designation of a Beneficiary shall not constitute a transfer.

		(3)	
If the recipient of a Restricted Stock Award is subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, shares of Common Stock subject to the grant may not, without the written consent of the Committee (which consent may be given in the Award Agreement), be sold or otherwise disposed of within six (6) months following the Grant Date.

		(iii)	
Issuance of Certificates. The Committee shall take such action as is reasonably necessary for the issuance of shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award prior to the time that such Award shall be deemed earned and non-forfeitable, with such stock certificate evidencing such shares registered in the name of the Participant to whom the Restricted Stock Award was granted; provided, however, that the Company may not cause a stock certificate to be issued unless it has received a stock power duly endorsed in blank with respect to such shares. Further, each such stock certificate shall bear the following legend:

 

 

8

  

THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS (INCLUDING FORFEITURE PROVISIONS AND RESTRICTIONS AGAINST TRANSFER) CONTAINED IN THE NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP. 2014 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AND THE RELATED AWARD AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE REGISTERED OWNER OF SUCH SHARES AND NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP. THE PLAN AND AWARD AGREEMENT ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CORPORATE SECRETARY OF NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP.

This legend shall not be removed until the Award becomes earned and non-forfeitable pursuant to the terms of the Plan and respective Award Agreement. Each certificate issued pursuant to this Section 6.1(b) shall be held by the Company or its Affiliates as custodian, unless the Committee determines otherwise.

		(iv)	
Treatment of Dividends. Participants are entitled to all dividends and other distributions declared and paid on all shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award from and after the Grant Date of such Restricted Stock Award. Such dividends and other distributions shall be distributed to the holder of such Restricted Stock Award within 30 days of the payment date applicable to such distributions declared and paid with respect to the Common Stock; provided that in the event of the forfeiture of such Restricted Stock Award, all future dividend rights shall cease.

		(v)	
Voting Rights Associated with Restricted Stock Awards. Voting rights associated with any Restricted Stock Award shall not be exercised by the Participant until certificates of Common Stock representing such Award have been issued to such Participant and the Restricted Stock Award shall be deemed earned and non-forfeitable. Any shares of Common Stock held by the Company or the Trust prior to such time shall be voted by the Company or the Trustee of such Trust, as applicable, as directed by the Committee. Any shares of Common Stock held by the Company after a Restricted Stock Award has been made, but prior to such time that such award has become earned and non-forfeitable, shall be voted by the Committee in accordance with the stock power held by the Company applicable to such Awards.

 

		(vi)	
Restricted Stock Awards to Outside Directors. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Committee may grant a Restricted Stock Award consisting of shares of Common Stock to any Outside Director of the Company. Such Award shall be earned and non-forfeitable as determined by the Committee at the time of grant, but in no case more quickly than at the rate of 100% on the one-year anniversary of the Grant Date of such Award during periods of continuing service as an Outside Director or Director Emeritus.  Upon the death or Disability of the Outside Director, such Award shall be deemed earned and non-forfeitable as if the Outside Director had attained the next applicable vesting event. Such Award shall be immediately 100% earned and non-forfeitable upon a 

 

 

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 Change in Control of the Company or the Bank. Restricted Stock Awards may be granted to newly elected or appointed Outside Directors within the discretion of the Committee, provided that the total Restricted Stock Awards granted to Outside Directors shall not exceed the limitations set forth at Section 6.4(b) herein.

 

6.2 Award Payouts. Awards may be paid out in the form of cash, Common Stock, or combinations thereof as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion, and with such restrictions as it may impose.

6.3 Consideration for Stock Options. The Exercise Price for any Stock Option granted under this Plan may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Committee, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:

		(a)	
cash, check payable to the order of the Company, or electronic funds transfer;

		(b)	
the delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock; or

		(c)	
subject to such procedures as the Committee may adopt, pursuant to a "cashless exercise" with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of such Stock Option.

In no event shall any shares newly-issued by the Company be issued for less than the minimum lawful consideration for such shares or for consideration other than consideration permitted by applicable state law. In the event that the Committee allows a Participant to exercise an Option by delivering shares of Common Stock previously owned by such Participant, any such shares delivered which were initially acquired by the Participant from the Company (upon exercise of a stock option or otherwise) must have been owned by the Participant for at least six months prior to such date of delivery. Shares of Common Stock used to satisfy the Exercise Price of an Option shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares unless and until it receives full payment of the Exercise Price and any related withholding obligations under Section 9.5 have been satisfied, or until any other conditions applicable to exercise or purchase have been satisfied. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued until full payment has been received by the Company, and no Participant shall have any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company until shares of Common Stock are issued upon the exercise of such Stock Options. Unless expressly provided otherwise in the applicable Award Agreement, the Committee may at any time within its sole discretion eliminate or limit a Participant's ability to pay the purchase or Exercise Price of any Award by any method other than a cash payment to the Company.

		6.4	
Limitations on Awards.

		(a)	
Stock Option Award Limitations. During the ten-year period following the Effective Date (and in any single calendar year), Shares subject to Options granted to Outside Directors in the aggregate under this Plan shall not exceed 16% of the total number of Shares authorized for delivery under this Plan pursuant to Section 5.2(a) with respect to Stock Options or exceed 2% of such Shares to any individual Outside Director. During the ten-year period following the Effective Date (and in any single calendar year), the aggregate number of Shares subject to Options granted to any single Employee shall not exceed 25% of the total number of Shares authorized for delivery under the Plan pursuant to Section 5.2(a) herein.

 

 

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		(b)	
Restricted Stock Award Limitations. During the ten-year period following the Effective Date (and in any single calendar year), Shares subject to Restricted Stock Awards granted to Outside Directors in the aggregate under this Plan shall not exceed 34% of the total number of Shares authorized for delivery under this Plan pursuant to Section 5.2(b) with respect to Restricted Stock Awards or exceed 4.25% to any individual Outside Director. Further, Restricted Stock Awards granted to any individual Outside Director will not exceed 700 shares in any calendar year. During the ten-year period following the Effective Date (and in any single calendar year), the aggregate number of Shares subject to Restricted Stock Awards granted to any single Employee shall not exceed 25% of the total number of Shares authorized for delivery under the Plan pursuant to Section 5.2(b) herein.

		(c)	
Vesting of Awards. Except as otherwise provided by the terms of the Plan or by action of the Committee at the time of the grant of an Award, Stock Options will be first exercisable at the rate of 100% of such Award on the one-year anniversary of the Grant Date during such periods of continued service as an Employee, Outside Director or Director Emeritus, as applicable, and Restricted Stock Awards will be earned and non-forfeitable at the rate of 20% of such Award on the one-year anniversary of the Grant Date and 20% annually thereafter during such periods of continued service as an Employee, Outside Director or Director Emeritus, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Awards will not be earned and non-forfeitable more quickly than at the rate of 100% of such award on the one-year anniversary of the Grant Date of such Award, except in the event of the death or Disability of the Participant or a Change in Control transaction occurring after the Grant Date of such Award.

7. EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE ON AWARDS.

7.1 General. The Committee shall establish the effect of a termination of employment or service, death or Disability on the continuation of rights and benefits available under an Award, and, in so doing, may make distinctions based upon, among other things, the recipient of such Award, the cause of termination and the type of the Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of Awards shall be consistent with the following, as applicable:

		(a)	
Termination of Employment or Service. In the event that any Employee Participant's employment with the Company or an Affiliate shall terminate for any reason, other than Disability or death, all of any such Participant's Stock Options, and all of any such Participant's rights to purchase or receive shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto, shall automatically terminate (A) on the earlier of:  (i) the respective expiration dates of any such Stock Options, or (ii) the expiration of three (3) months after the date of such termination of employment; or (B) at such later date as is determined by the Committee at the time of the grant of such Award based upon the Participant's continuing status as a Director or Director Emeritus of the Bank or the Company, but only if, and to the extent that, the Participant was otherwise entitled to exercise any such Stock Options at the date of such termination of employment or service, and further that such Stock Options shall thereafter be deemed Non-Statutory Stock Options.

 

		(b)	
Disability. In the event that any Employee Participant's employment with the Company shall terminate as the result of the Disability of such Participant, such Participant may exercise any Stock Options previously granted to the Participant pursuant to the Plan at any time prior to the earlier of (i) the respective expiration dates of any such Stock Options, or (ii) the date which is one (1) year after the date of such termination of 

 

 

11

  

			
employment, but only if, and to the extent that, the Participant was entitled to exercise any such Stock Options at the date of such termination of employment or would have been eligible to exercise such Award had they continued employment through the date of the next applicable vesting event.

 

		(c)	
Death. In the event of the death of an Employee Participant, any Stock Options previously granted to such Participant may be exercised by the Participant's Beneficiary or the person or persons to whom the Participant's rights under any such Incentive Stock Options pass by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (including the Participant's estate during the period of administration) at any time prior to the earlier of (i) the respective expiration dates of any such Stock Options, or (ii) the date which is two (2) years after the date of death of such Participant, but only if, and to the extent that, the Participant was entitled to exercise any such Stock Options at the date of death or would have been eligible to exercise such Award had they continued employment through the date of the next applicable vesting event. At the discretion of the Committee, upon exercise of such Options, the Beneficiary may receive Shares or cash or a combination thereof. If cash shall be paid in lieu of shares of Common Stock, such cash shall be equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of such Shares and the exercise price of such Options on the exercise date.

7.2 Events Not Deemed Terminations of Employment or Service. Unless the Company's policy or the Committee provides otherwise, the employment or service relationship shall not be considered terminated in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, (c) any other leave of absence authorized by the Company or the Committee; provided that, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law, such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, or (d) in the case of transfers between payroll locations or between the Company, an Affiliate or a successor. In the case of any Employee on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the Award while on leave may be suspended until the Employee returns to service, unless the Committee otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an Award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the Award Agreement.

7.3 Effect of Change of Affiliate Status. For purposes of this Plan and any Award, if an entity ceases to be an Affiliate of the Company, a termination of employment or service shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to each individual who does not continue as an Employee or Outside Director with the Company or another Affiliate after giving effect to the Affiliate's change in status.

	8.	
ADJUSTMENTS IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE; ACCELERATION UPON A CHANGE IN CONTROL.

8.1 Adjustments in Capital Structure. Upon any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any merger, combination, consolidation, or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution with respect to the Common Stock (whether in the form of securities or property); any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction affecting the Common Stock; or a sale of all or substantially all the business or assets of the Company in its entirety; then the Committee shall proportionately adjust the Plan and the Awards thereunder in such manner, to such extent and at such times, as is necessary to preserve the benefits or potential benefits of such Awards, including:

		(a)	
proportionately adjust any or all of: (1) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of Awards (including the 

 

 

12

			
specific Share Limits, maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan); (2) the number, amount and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to any or all outstanding Awards; (3) the grant, purchase, or Exercise Price of any or all outstanding Awards; (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or payment of any outstanding Awards; or (5) the performance standards applicable to any outstanding Awards; or

 

		(b)	
make provision for a cash payment or for the assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding Awards, based upon the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Stock.

8.2 The Committee may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding Awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, in the case of Options, may base such settlement solely upon the excess, if any, of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the Exercise Price or base price of the Award. With respect to any Award of an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee may make an adjustment that causes the Option to cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option without the consent of the affected Participant.

8.3 Upon any of the events set forth in Section 8.1, the Committee may take such action prior to such event to the extent that the Committee deems the action necessary to permit the Participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the Awards in the same manner as is or will be available to stockholders of the Company generally. In the case of any stock dividend, stock split or reverse stock split, if no action is taken by the Committee, the proportionate adjustments contemplated by Section 8.1(a) above shall nevertheless be made.

8.4 Automatic Acceleration of Awards. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of the Award, upon a Change in Control of the Company or the Bank, each Stock Option then outstanding shall become fully earned and exercisable and remain exercisable for its remaining term and all Restricted Stock Awards then outstanding shall be deemed fully earned and non-forfeitable and be free of restrictions.  The Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine that in the event of a Change in Control each outstanding Stock Option shall be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of the Option cancellation and the Exercise Price per share of the Option, in accordance with Section 9.7(i) herein.

8.5 Acceleration of Vesting. The Committee shall at all times have the power to accelerate the exercise date of Options and the date that Restricted Stock Awards shall be earned and non-forfeitable with respect to previously granted Awards; provided that such action is not contrary to regulations of the Company's applicable banking regulatory agency then in effect.

9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

9.1 Compliance with Laws. This Plan, the granting and vesting of Awards under this Plan, the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock, the acceptance of payment of money under this Plan or under Awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including, but not limited to, state and federal securities laws) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Company, provide such assurances and representations to the Company as may be deemed necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.

 

 

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9.2 Claims. No person shall have any claim or rights to an Award (or additional Awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights to the contrary (set forth in a document other than this Plan).

9.3 No Employment/Service Contract. Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or in any Award Agreement) shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Company, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an Employee's status as an employee-at-will, nor interfere in any way with the right of the Company to change a Participant's compensation or other benefits, or terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing in this Section 9.3, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such Participant under a separate employment or service contract other than an Award Agreement.

9.4 Plan Not Funded. Awards payable under this Plan shall be payable in shares of Common Stock or from the general assets of the Company. No Participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock, except as expressly provided otherwise) of the Company by reason of any Award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Participant, Beneficiary or other person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may establish a Trust in accordance with Section 10 with respect to Awards made in accordance with Section 6.1(b) herein. To the extent that a Participant, Beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any Award hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.  The Plan is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

9.5 Tax Matters; Tax Withholding.

		(a)	
Tax Withholding. Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any Award, the Company shall have the right, within its sole discretion, to:

		(i)	
require the Participant (or the Participant's personal representative or Beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of at least the minimum amount of any taxes which the Company may be required to withhold with respect to such Award or payment;

		(ii)	
deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash to the Participant (or the Participant's personal representative or Beneficiary, as the case may be) the minimum amount of any taxes which the Company may be required to withhold with respect to such cash payment; or

		(iii)	
in any case where tax withholding is required in connection with the delivery of shares of Common Stock under this Plan, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Committee may establish, reduce the number of shares to be delivered to the Participant by the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their Fair Market Value as necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable withholding obligation. In no event shall the shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of shares required for tax withholding under applicable law.

 

 

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		(b)	
Required Notification of Section 83(b) Election. In the event a Participant makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code in connection with an Award, the Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental authority, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to regulations issued under Section 83(b) of the Code or other applicable provision.

		(c)	
Requirement of Notification Upon Disqualifying Disposition Under Section 421(b) of the Code. If any Participant shall make any disposition of shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions), such Participant shall notify the Company of such disposition within ten (10) days thereof.

		9.6	
Effective Date; Termination and Suspension; Approval; Amendments.

		(a)	
Effective Date and Termination. This Plan is effective upon the later of approval of the Plan by the Board of Directors of the Company or the vote of approval by the stockholders of the Company ("Approval Date"). Unless earlier terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the day preceding the tenth anniversary of the Approval Date. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated expiration date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional Awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted Awards (and the authority of the Committee with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such Awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.

		(b)	
Board of Directors Authorization. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the Board of Directors may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part; provided, however, that no such amendment may have the effect of repricing the Exercise Price of Options, except if such action is approved by a vote of stockholders. No Awards may be granted during any period that the Board of Directors suspends this Plan.

		(c)	
Stockholder Approval. Stockholder approval of such Plan shall be determined by an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter at a meeting of stockholders of the Company within one year of the date of adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors of the Company.  Any material amendment to the Plan deemed to require an approval vote of stockholders shall be approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter at a meeting of stockholders of the Company.

 

		(d)	
Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards. No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or change affecting any outstanding Award shall, without the written consent of the Participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the Participant any rights or benefits of the Participant or obligations of the Company under any Award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 8 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 9.6. Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Committee may amend the Plan or an Award Agreement, to take effect retroactively or otherwise, as deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of (i) conforming the Plan or the Award Agreement to any 

 

 

15

 

			
present or future law relating to plans of this or similar nature (including, but not limited to, Section 409A of the Code), or (ii) avoiding an accounting treatment resulting from an accounting pronouncement or interpretation thereof issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or Financial Accounting Standards Board subsequent to the adoption of the Plan or the making of the Award affected thereby, which in the sole discretion of the Committee, may materially and adversely affect the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. By accepting an Award under this Plan, each Participant agrees and consents to any amendment made pursuant to this Section 9.6 or Section 9.11 herein with respect to any Award granted under this Plan without further consideration, consent or action.

 

  

		9.7	
Governing Law; Compliance with Regulations; Construction; Severability.

		(a)	
Construction. This Plan, the Awards, all documents evidencing Awards and all other related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, except to the extent preempted by Federal law.

		(b)	
Forfeiture of Awards in Certain Circumstances. In addition to any forfeiture or reimbursement conditions the Committee may impose upon an Award, a Participant may be required to forfeit an Award, or reimburse the Company for the value of a prior Award, by virtue of the requirement of Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (or by virtue of any other applicable statutory or regulatory requirement), but only to the extent that such forfeiture or reimbursement is required by such statutory or regulatory provision. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event of a forfeiture of an Award with respect to which a Participant paid cash consideration, the Participant shall be repaid the amount of such cash consideration.

		(c)	
Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.

		(d)	
Section 16 of Exchange Act. It is the intent of the Company that the Awards and transactions permitted by Awards be interpreted in a manner that, in the case of Participants who are or may be subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, qualify, to the maximum extent compatible with the express terms of the Award, for exemption from matching liability under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to any Participant for Section 16 consequences of Awards or events affecting Awards if an Award or event does not so qualify.

		(e)	
Compliance with Federal Securities Law. Shares of Common Stock shall not be issued with respect to any Award granted under the Plan unless the issuance and delivery of such shares shall comply with all relevant provisions of applicable law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, any applicable state securities laws and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed.

		(f)	
Necessary Approvals. The inability of the Company to obtain any necessary authorizations, approvals or letters of non-objection from any regulatory body or authority deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any shares of Common Stock issuable hereunder shall relieve the Company of any liability with respect to the non-issuance or sale of such shares.

 

 

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		(g)	
Representations and Warranties of Participants. As a condition to the exercise of any Option or the delivery of shares in accordance with an Award, the Company may require the person exercising the Option or receiving delivery of the shares to make such representations and warranties as may be necessary to assure the availability of an exemption from the registration requirements of federal or state securities law.

		(h)	
Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, upon the termination of employment or service of a Participant by the Company or an Affiliate for "Cause" as determined by the Board of Directors or the Committee, all Awards held by such Participant which have not yet been delivered shall be forfeited by such Participant as of the date of such termination of employment or service.

		(i)	
Cash Payment in Lieu of Delivery of Shares. Upon the exercise of an Option, the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may make a cash payment to the Participant, in whole or in part, in lieu of the delivery of shares of Common Stock. Such cash payment to be paid in lieu of delivery of Common Stock shall be equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of the Option exercise and the Exercise Price per share of the Option. Such cash payment shall be in exchange for the cancellation of such Option. Such cash payment shall not be made in the event that such transaction would result in liability to the Participant or the Company under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and regulations promulgated thereunder, or subject the Participant to additional tax liabilities related to such cash payments pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.

9.8 Captions. Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.

9.9 Non-Exclusivity of Plan. Nothing in this Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board of Directors or the Committee to grant Awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to Common Stock, under any other plan or authority.

9.10 Limitation on Liability. No Director, member of the Committee or the Trustee shall be liable for any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan, the Trust or any Awards granted. If a Director, member of the Committee or the Trustee is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by any reason of anything done or not done by him or her in such capacity under or with respect to the Plan, the Company shall indemnify such person against expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company and its Affiliates and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

9.11 Section 409A Compliance. To the extent that any Award is determined to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (a "409A Award"), the Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Committee from time to time in order to comply with Section 409A of the Code. In this regard, if any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a "separation from service" (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) to a Participant who is then considered a "specified employee" (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), then no such payment shall be made prior to the date that is the 

 

 

17

 

 

earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Participant's separation from service, or (ii) the Participant's death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to interest, penalties and/or additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Further, the settlement of any such 409A Award may not be accelerated except to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that an Award is deemed to constitute a 409A Award, and for which payment with respect to the Award or acceleration of such Award being deemed earned and exercisable or non-forfeitable is determined solely by reference to whether a Change in Control has occurred, the term "Change in Control" means (for purposes of determining whether a payment is due or acceleration exists) the first to occur of a "change in the ownership of the Company," a "change in the effective control of the Company" or a "change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets," as those phrases are determined under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as in effect at the time of such Change in Control transaction.

 

9.12 Successors.  Any obligations of the Company or an Affiliate under the Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company or Affiliate, respectively, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or Affiliate, as applicable.

10. TRUST.

10.1 Activities of Trustee. The Trustee(s) shall receive, hold, administer, invest and make distributions and disbursements from the Trust in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and the applicable directions, rules, regulations, procedures and policies established by the Committee pursuant to the Plan.

10.2 Management of Trust. It is the intention of this Plan that the Trustee shall have complete authority and discretion with respect to the management, control and investment of the Trust, and that the Trustee shall invest all assets of the Trust, except those attributable to cash dividends paid with respect to unearned and unawarded Restricted Stock Awards, in Common Stock to the fullest extent practicable, except to the extent that the Trustee determines that the holding of monies in cash or cash equivalents is necessary to meet the obligations of the Trust. In performing their duties, the Trustees shall have the power to do all things and execute such instruments as may be deemed necessary or proper, including the following powers:

		(a)	
To invest up to one hundred percent (100%) of all Trust assets in Common Stock without regard to any law now or hereafter in force limiting investments for Trustees or other fiduciaries. The investment authorized herein may constitute the only investment of the Trust, and in making such investment, the Trustee is authorized to purchase Common Stock from the Company or from any other source, and such Common Stock so purchased may be outstanding, newly issued, or treasury shares.

		(b)	
To invest any Trust assets not otherwise invested in accordance with (a) above in such deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit (including those issued by the Bank), obligations of the United States government or its agencies or such other investments as shall be considered the equivalent of cash.

		(c)	
To sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any property at any time held or acquired by the Trust.

 

 

18

  

		(d)	
To cause stocks, bonds or other securities to be registered in the name of a nominee, without the addition of words indicating that such security is an asset of the Trust (but accurate records shall be maintained showing that such security is an asset of the Trust).

		(e)	
To hold cash without interest in such amounts as may be in the opinion of the Trustee reasonable for the proper operation of the Plan and Trust.

		(f)	
To employ brokers, agents, custodians, consultants and accountants.

		(g)	
To hire counsel to render advice with respect to their rights, duties and obligations hereunder, and such other legal services or representation as they may deem desirable.

		(h)	
To hold funds and securities representing the amounts to be distributed to a Participant or his Beneficiary as a consequence of a dispute as to the disposition thereof, whether in a segregated account or held in common with other assets.

		(i)	
As may be directed by the Committee or the Board of Directors from time to time, the Trustee shall pay to the Company any earnings of the Trust attributable to unawarded or forfeited Restricted Stock Awards.

Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the Trustee shall not be required to make any inventory, appraisal or settlement or report to any court, or to secure any order of a court for the exercise of any power herein contained, or to maintain bond.

10.3 Records and Accounts. The Trustee shall maintain accurate and detailed records and accounts of all transactions of the Trust, which shall be available at all reasonable times for inspection by any legally entitled person or entity to the extent required by applicable law, or any other person determined by the Committee.

10.4 Earnings. All earnings, gains and losses with respect to Trust assets shall be allocated in accordance with a reasonable procedure adopted by the Committee, to bookkeeping accounts for Participants or to the general account of the Trust, depending on the nature and allocation of the assets generating such earnings, gains and losses. In particular, any earnings on cash dividends received with respect to Restricted Stock Awards shall be allocated to accounts for Participants, except to the extent that such cash dividends are distributed to Participants, if such shares are the subject of outstanding Restricted Stock Awards, or, otherwise held by the Trust or returned to the Company.

10.5 Expenses. All costs and expenses incurred in the operation and administration of this Plan, including those incurred by the Trustee, shall be paid by the Company or, if not so paid, then paid from the cash assets of the Trust.

10.6 Indemnification. Subject to the requirements and limitations of applicable laws and regulations, the Company shall indemnify, defend and hold the Trustee harmless against all claims, expenses and liabilities arising out of or related to the exercise of the Trustee's powers and the discharge of their duties hereunder, unless the same shall be due to their gross negligence or willful misconduct.

10.7 Term of Trust. The Trust, if established, shall remain in effect until the earlier of (i) termination by the Committee, (ii) the distribution of all assets of the Trust, or (iii) 21 years from the Effective Date. Termination of the Trust shall not affect any Restricted Stock Awards previously granted, and such Restricted Stock Awards shall remain valid and in effect until they have been earned and paid, or by their terms expire or are forfeited.

 

 

19

  

10.8 Tax Status of Trust. It is intended that the Trust established hereby shall be treated as a grantor trust of the Company under the provisions of Section 671 et seq. of the Code.

 

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