Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

EMPLOYMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

 

                This Employment
and General Release Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between
United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”) and its subsidiaries,
partnerships, affiliates, business units and related entities (collectively,
“the Company”) and Carter S. Elenz (“Mr. Elenz”).

 

                WHEREAS,
U.S. Cellular is in the business of providing cellular telephone, personal 
communication, internet and other communication and data services to its
customers;

 

                WHEREAS,
Mr. Elenz is an employee of U.S. Cellular and holds the position of Executive
Vice President, Sales and Customer Service;

 

                WHEREAS,
Mr. Elenz and U.S. Cellular desire to continue their employment relationship
until December 31, 2013;

 

                NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained in this
Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy and
receipt of which the parties expressly acknowledge, Mr. Elenz and the Company
agree as follows:

 

1.                  
Employment Period and
Responsibilities.   U.S.
Cellular will continue to employ Mr. Elenz until the end of the day on December
31, 2013 (the “Separation Date”).  Mr. Elenz last day in the office was October
31, 2013 and he need not report to the office thereafter unless specifically
requested by the Company to do so.

2.                  
Performance Standards.  Through the Separation Date, Mr. Elenz agrees to
transition his responsibilities and make himself available for any assignments
consistent with his prior role and duties that senior leadership of the Company
reasonably requests.

3.                  
Base Salary.  The Company will continue to pay Mr. Elenz his
current annual base salary in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll
practices through the Separation Date.   

4.                  
Employment Benefits.  Except as otherwise provided herein, the Company
will maintain all of Mr. Elenz’s Company employment benefits until the
Separation Date when they will cease in accordance with the terms of the
respective benefit plans.  Mr. Elenz will be provided an opportunity to
continue coverage for himself and qualifying dependents, if any, under the
Company's group health plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act ("COBRA").  As soon as administratively
practicable following the Separation Date, Mr. Elenz will be paid for unused
but accrued vacation days, if any.  Other than as detailed specifically in this
document, or as provided under the terms of any pension, benefit, stock or
option plan, Mr. Elenz will not be eligible for any other compensation,
benefits, or payments from the Company.

5.                  
Discretionary Pay.  Provided that Mr. Elenz has satisfactorily
performed his job up to and including the Separation Date, has executed and not
revoked the general release and covenant not to sue described in Paragraphs 13,
14, 15 and 16 below, and complied with the other obligations set forth in this
Agreement including those set forth in Paragraph 12, the Company will pay him,
as discretionary pay, the gross amount of $658,014 (the “Discretionary Pay
Amount”), less applicable deductions.  The Discretionary Pay Amount is based on
the aggregate of (i) a severance payment in the amount of $458,654; (ii) the
approximate cost to Mr. Elenz of twelve (12) months of healthcare coverage
under the Company’s group health plan under COBRA; and (iii) 65% of Mr. Elenz’s
target incentive pay under the Company’s 2013 Executive Officer Annual
Incentive Plan.  The Discretionary Pay Amount less applicable deductions will
be paid to Mr. Elenz in accordance with the following schedule: (i) one-half on
January 8, 2014; and (ii) one-half on July 14, 2014.  

6.                  
Outplacement.  The Company will pay the cost of outplacement
services to be provided to Mr. Elenz by a mutually agreed upon firm during the
period ending December 31, 2014; provided that at such earlier date as Mr.
Elenz becomes a full time employee of another employer, this benefit shall
cease and not be subject to any revival.  Should Mr. Elenz decide not to use an
outplacement service, or to use an outplacement service for a period less than
the maximum period set forth herein, he will not be entitled to cash
compensation in lieu thereof.

 

 

 

7.                  
Return of Company
Property.  Mr. Elenz agrees to
return on or before December 31, 2013 to the Company all of the Company’s
information and property in his possession.  Mr. Elenz hereby represents to the
Company that, to his knowledge, after making a diligent search, he maintains no
Company information or property on his home personal computer, personal laptop
(if any), personal email accounts or otherwise.  This information and property
includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s mailing lists, reports, files,
memoranda, records, computer hardware, software, credit cards, door and file
keys, computer access codes or disks and instructional manuals, and other
physical or personal property which he received or prepared or helped prepare
in connection with his employment with the Company.  Mr. Elenz further agrees
that he will not retain any copies, duplicates, reproductions or excerpts of
this information or property and that if he later discovers any of the
foregoing, he will promptly notify the Company and destroy same.

8.                  
Resignation From Offices
and Committees.  Mr. Elenz hereby
confirms that, effective as of the end of the day on October 28, 2013, Mr.
Elenz has resigned from any and all offices, committee memberships and other
positions he held with the Company.

9.                  
Cooperation.  Mr. Elenz agrees to cooperate with the Company
regarding any pending or subsequently filed litigation, proceeding, claim or
other disputed item involving the Company that relates to the matters within
his knowledge or responsibility during his employment.  Without limiting the
foregoing, he agrees (i) to meet with the Company’s representatives, its
counsel or other designees at mutually convenient times and places, including
via phone, with respect to any items within the scope of this paragraph; (ii)
to provide truthful testimony before any court, agency or other legal
authority; and (iii) to notify the Company when permitted to do so by law
within three (3) business days if he is contacted by any adverse party or legal
authority or by any representative of an adverse party or legal authority. 
Should it become necessary to meet with the Company’s representatives, its
counsel or other designees, Mr. Elenz will receive reimbursement for actual
lost wages and actual expenses that are reasonable and customary under the
Company’s expense policies and its by-laws relating to indemnification.  Such
reimbursement shall occur as soon as administratively practicable following the
date such expenses or lost wages are incurred (subject to his request for
reimbursement in accordance with the Company’s expense policies).  In no event,
however, shall such reimbursement occur later than
the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year during which the
expenses or lost wages are incurred.  The reimbursement of expenses or lost
wages in one calendar year shall not affect the amounts eligible for
reimbursement in any other calendar year.

10.               
Non-Disclosure
and Use of Confidential Information.  The
Company’s employment of Mr. Elenz has resulted in his exposure and access to
confidential and proprietary information including, but not limited to, the
Company’s business strategies, designs, ideas, management, administration and
financial systems, computer software, client lists, financial information,
technology, and personal information about the Company’s owners, members,
directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively “non-public business
information”) which Mr. Elenz did not have access to prior to his employment
with the Company and which information is of great value to the Company and
their owners, members, directors, officers, and employees.  Mr. Elenz agrees
that he will continue to hold any and all non-public business information in
strict confidence and shall not, other than on the Company’s behalf, make
available, divulge, disclose, or communicate in any manner whatsoever to anyone
including, but not limited to, any person, firm, corporation, member of the
media, or entity, any such non-public business information, or use any
non-public business information for any purpose, unless such information has
become publicly available other than by reason of a breach by Mr. Elenz of this
paragraph or of another individual’s or entity’s violation of an obligation not
to disclose such information.  For the avoidance of doubt, non-public business
information does not include Mr. Elenz’s general knowledge, skill, and
experience in the industry.  Mr. Elenz further agrees not to discuss this Agreement
or any of its terms with anyone, or to comment upon this Agreement or any of
its terms to anyone, or to provide a copy of the Agreement to anyone, other
than his attorneys, accountants, tax advisors, financial advisors, recruiters,
outplacement consultant, prospective employers and domestic partner, unless
called on by a court order or subpoena to do so or required by law; and if so
called on will give immediate notice of such order or subpoena to the Company
to the attention of Jennifer Hooper, United States Cellular Corporation, 8410
West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, Illinois  60631.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Mr. Elenz may disclose to anyone the existence of the Agreement and
the fact that it has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
Mr. Elenz acknowledges and agrees that the Company is required to disclose his
separation and the terms of this Agreement, including the filing of a copy of
this Agreement, pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the New York Stock Exchange and/or other laws, rules or
regulations.  Mr. Elenz agrees that any violation of this paragraph shall
constitute a material breach of this Agreement.  Nothing herein shall restrict
in any way any disclosure by the Company or Mr. Elenz pursuant to any laws,
rules or regulations.

11.               
Communications.  Mr. Elenz agrees that he has not and
will not directly or indirectly make any disparaging communication, or release
any information or encourage others to make any communication or release any
information, that is intended to embarrass or disparage the Company or the
Company’s policies or practices to any person, including the Company’s
investors, customers, vendors, competitors, associates or employees, former
associates or employees, potential associates or employees or the press or
other media in any country, provided, that it will not be a violation of this
paragraph for him to make truthful statements when required by legal process to
do so by a court of law, by any governmental agency having supervisory
authority over the business of the Company or by any administrative or
legislative body (including a committee thereof) with the jurisdiction to order
Mr. Elenz or his agents to divulge, disclose or make accessible such
information.  Further, the Company agrees that it will respond to reference
requests about Mr. Elenz by providing only a mutually agreed upon reference
letter from Jennifer Hooper attached as Exhibit A.  All persons seeking such
references must be directed to Jennifer Hooper, United States Cellular
Corporation, 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, Illinois  60631.  The Company
further agrees that it will not release any press 

 

 

 

release
or other statement to the press or media or to the Securities and Exchange
Commission that is intended to embarrass or disparage Mr. Elenz.  Mr. Elenz
will not engage in any contact with any media with respect to any Released
Party, the Company’s policies or practices or facts and circumstances giving
rise to this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Company. 
However, so long as Mr. Elenz does not disparage the Company, nothing in this
Agreement precludes Mr. Elenz from discussing his prior experience, his
accomplishments and his future plans with any person, including the media.  Mr.
Elenz and the Company agree that any violation of this paragraph shall constitute
a material breach of this Agreement.

12.               
Covenants.   

                (a)           General.  Mr. Elenz and the Company understand and agree that
the purpose of the provisions of this Paragraph 12 is to protect legitimate
business interests of the Company, as more fully described below, and is not
intended to impair or infringe upon Mr. Elenz’s right to work, earn a living,
or acquire and possess property from the fruits of his labor.  Mr. Elenz hereby
acknowledges that the post-employment restrictions set forth in this Paragraph
12 are reasonable and that they do not, and will not, unduly impair his ability
to earn a living after the termination of his employment with the Company. 
Therefore, subject to the limitations of reasonableness imposed by law upon
restrictions set forth herein, Mr. Elenz shall be subject to the restrictions
set forth in this Paragraph 12.

 

                (b)           Non-Competition.  Mr. Elenz shall not work, directly or indirectly,
for any entity which is a wireless service carrier that operated, as of the
Separation Date, in any market within the continental United States in which
the Company operated as of the Separation Date, through the period ending
December 31, 2014.  For purposes of the foregoing, "wireless service
carrier" includes any wireless carrier holding a license granted by the
Federal Communications Commission, as well as any reseller or MVNO, but
excludes Iridium, Sirius or any satellite based provider of wireless
communication services.  “Work for” includes, whether paid or unpaid, as an
employee, officer, director, consultant or advisor.

 

                (c)           Non-solicitation
of Protected Employees.  Mr.
Elenz agrees that during the two-year period ending December 31, 2015, he shall
not directly or indirectly on his own behalf, or on behalf of someone else,
solicit any associate or employee of the Company, TDS or a direct or indirect
subsidiary of the Company or TDS, at or above the manager level, to terminate
his/her employment with the Company, TDS or such subsidiary.  

 

                (d)            Payment
for Obligations.   Consideration for these obligations is set forth in
Paragraph 5 of this Agreement.

                (e)           Breach
of Agreement.  Any failure by Mr. Elenz to cooperate as required by
Paragraph 9, any violation by Mr. Elenz of the noncompetition, confidentiality
or nonsolicitation provisions specified in Paragraphs 10 and 12, any failure by
Mr. Elenz to comply with the communications requirements of Paragraph 11 or any
failure by Mr. Elenz to comply with the covenants not to sue and other
covenants in Paragraphs 13 and 14 shall be deemed a material breach of the
Agreement and the Company shall be entitled to cease providing Mr. Elenz with
the payments specified in Paragraph 5 and the outplacement services specified
in Paragraph 6, and seek recovery of some or all of such amounts paid under
Paragraphs 5 and 6 prior to such breach.

                (f)            Acknowledgements
and Authorizations.  Mr. Elenz acknowledges that the covenants in
Paragraph 12 have a unique, very substantial and immeasurable value to the
Company.  Mr. Elenz recognizes, acknowledges and agrees that the business of
the Company is, and is expected to be, conducted throughout the United States
and that the geographical limitations in the non-competition covenant set forth
in Paragraph 12(b) are therefore appropriate.  Mr. Elenz further acknowledges
and agrees that the covenant not to compete set forth in Paragraph 12(b) and
its geographic coverage and duration of time are reasonable in scope.  Mr.
Elenz hereby authorizes the Company to notify his actual or prospective future
employers of the terms of this Paragraph 12 and his responsibilities hereunder.

                (g)           Injunctive
Relief.   Without limiting the rights of the Company to pursue and
obtain any other legal and/or equitable remedy available to it for any breach
by Mr. Elenz of the covenants contained in Paragraphs 10, 11 or 12, Mr.
Elenz further acknowledges that a breach of those covenants would cause a loss
to the Company which could not reasonably or adequately be compensated in
damages in an action at law, that remedies other than injunctive relief could
not fully compensate the Company for a breach of those covenants and that,
accordingly, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief to prevent or
stop any breach or continuing breaches of Mr. Elenz’s covenants set forth in Paragraphs
10, 11 or 12.  Mr. Elenz and the Company intend that if, in any action
before any Court empowered to enforce those covenants, the Court finds any
term, restriction, covenant or promise to be unenforceable, then such term,
restriction, covenant or promise shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent
necessary to make it enforceable by such Court.

13.               
General
Release and Covenant Not to Sue. 

(a)           In consideration of the
payments and benefits provided and actions taken by the Company as set forth in
this Agreement, Mr. Elenz knowingly and voluntarily agrees not to sue, waives
and releases forever whatever claims he may have against the Company as of the
date of this Agreement, including its or their respective officers, directors,
partners, shareholders, employees, associates, agents, attorneys and
representatives (collectively referred to as the “Released Parties”), including
but not limited to: 

 

 

 

claims based upon or relating to
his hire by the Company; any aspect of the work he performed; any aspect of his
employment relationship with the Company, including his compensation; any oral
or written agreements regarding his employment relationship with the Company;
or the separation of his employment or the facts relating to or surrounding any
aspect of that separation, except for any claims that he may have under the
Agreement.  This release and waiver includes, without limitation, any claims he
may have, whether known or unknown, in connection with any rights under
federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, claims of breach of
contract, wrongful termination, unjust dismissal, defamation, libel or slander,
or under any federal, state or local law dealing with discrimination based on
age, race, sex, national origin, handicap, religion, disability or sexual
preference.  This release of claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims
arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, state fair employment, human rights and/or civil rights
laws, and all other federal, state and local labor and anti-discrimination
laws, the common law and any other purported restriction on an employer’s right
to terminate the employment of employees, but shall exclude Mr. Elenz’s rights
to enforce this Agreement, his rights to vested benefits, if any, to which he
is legally entitled, or his rights to be indemnified by the Company with
respect to his activity prior to the Separation Date.

(b)           Mr. Elenz’s signature below
constitutes his representation and warranty that he has not suffered an on the
job or occupational injury or incurred any wage or overtime claims, including
without limitation, any claims pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, that
could be asserted against any Released Party.  Moreover, Mr. Elenz expressly
waives his right to recovery of any type, including damages, reinstatement or
attorneys’ fees, in any administrative or court action, whether federal, state,
local or whether brought by him or on his behalf, related to any of the matters
actually released herein.  He also waives and releases any right to become, and
promises not to consent to become, a member of any class or collective action
in a case in which claims are asserted against any Released Party.  If Mr.
Elenz is made a member of a class or collective action in any proceeding
without his prior knowledge or consent, he agrees to opt out of the class or
collective action at the first opportunity.

(c)           Mr. Elenz acknowledges and
agrees that the payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement shall be in
lieu of any other severance benefits that may be payable to him upon his
termination of employment with the Company.  In consideration for such payments
and benefits, Mr. Elenz hereby waives any severance benefits to which he
otherwise might be entitled.

(d)           Mr. Elenz acknowledges and
agrees to sign the General Release and Covenant Not to Sue on December 31, 2013
attached hereto as Exhibit B. 

14.               
Resolution
of All Claims.  Mr.
Elenz covenants and agrees that, except as may be compelled by law, he will not
raise or in any way pursue any claims which are being released and discharged
in this Agreement in any forum of any kind, including, without limitation, the
federal, state or local courts, or federal, state or local agencies or offices
of any kind, be they administrative, regulatory, judicial, quasi-judicial, or
otherwise.

15.               
Acknowledgment
of Sufficient Time to Consider this Agreement and to Consult With a Lawyer.  Mr. Elenz expressly acknowledges that
he has been informed that he may consult with a lawyer of his choice, that he
has consulted with his lawyer and that he has had sufficient time to consult
with his lawyer prior to executing this Agreement.  Mr. Elenz acknowledges that
pursuant to this Agreement he is not waiving rights or claims that may arise
after the date this Agreement is executed (although such rights or claims may
be waived in connection with Mr. Elenz’s execution on December 31, 2013 of the
General Release and Covenant Not to Sue, as described in Paragraph 13(d)).  Mr.
Elenz further acknowledges that he has been informed that he is entitled to a
period of at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this
Agreement, but that he may execute this Agreement at any time prior to the
expiration of the 21-day period.  Mr. Elenz further acknowledges that if he
does not execute this Agreement on or before December 18, 2013, this Agreement
shall be null and of no effect.

16.               
  Revocation
Right and Effective Date.  Within seven (7) days following the date of Mr. Elenz’s
execution of this Agreement, Mr. Elenz shall have the right to revoke this
Agreement by serving within such 7-day period written notice of his revocation
upon Jennifer Hooper, United States Cellular Corporation, 8410 West Bryn Mawr
Avenue, Chicago, Illinois  60631.  If Mr. Elenz does not revoke this Agreement
during this seven (7) day period, this Agreement shall become effective on the
eighth day after the date of Mr. Elenz’s execution of this Agreement and Mr.
Elenz shall have no further right to revoke this Agreement.

17.               
Knowing and
Voluntary Release. 
Mr. Elenz acknowledges that in releasing and waiving any claims and rights that
he has or may have against the Released Parties, including those under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, he does so knowingly and voluntarily, after
the opportunity to consult with legal counsel, in exchange for consideration in
addition to anything of value to which he already is entitled.

18.               
Notices.  All notices and other communications
required or permitted under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly
given and made if in writing and if served personally on the party for whom
intended or by being deposited, postage prepaid, certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested, in the United States mail bearing the address shown
below for each such party or such other address as that party may designate in
writing hereafter

                (a)           If to the Company:                                             (b)           If
to Mr. Elenz:

 

 

 

                                Jennifer Hooper                                                                   Carter
S. Elenz

                                United
States Cellular Corporation                                  [Address]

                                8410
West Bryn Mawr Ave.                                              

                                Chicago,
Illinois  60631                                     

 

                                With
a copy which shall not                                              With a copy
which shall not              

                                constitute
notice to:                                                            constitute
notice to:

 

                                Stephen
P. Fitzell                                                                 Peter
F. Donati

                                Sidley
Austin LLP                                                                Levenfeld
Pearlstein, LLC

                                1
South Dearborn St.                                                          2
N. LaSalle St., Suite 1300

                                Chicago,
IL  60603                                                             Chicago,
IL  60602

 

19.               
Non-admission.  Nothing herein shall be deemed to
constitute an admission of wrongdoing by Mr. Elenz, the Company or any of the
other Released Parties.  Neither this Agreement nor any of its terms shall be
used as an admission or introduced as evidence as to any issue of law or fact
in any proceeding, suit or action, other than an action to enforce this
Agreement.  

20.               
Waiver.  The Company’s future waiver of a breach
by Mr. Elenz of any provision of this Agreement or failure to enforce any such
provision with respect to him shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of
any subsequent breach by Mr. Elenz of any such provision or of the Company’s
right to enforce any such provision with respect to Mr. Elenz.  No act or
omission of the Company shall constitute a waiver of any of its rights
hereunder except for a written waiver signed by the Company’s President and
Chief Executive Officer.

21.               
Section 409A
of the Internal Revenue Code.  All payments and benefits
under this Agreement are intended to be exempt from the requirements of Section
409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) to the maximum extent
possible.  To the extent such a payment or benefit is subject to the
requirements of Section 409A, such payment or benefit is intended to comply
with such requirements to the maximum extent possible.  This Agreement shall be
interpreted and construed in accordance with such intent.  Each payment or
benefit provided for under this Agreement shall constitute a “separately identified”
amount within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-2(b)(2).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no particular tax
result with respect to any income recognized in connection with the Agreement
is guaranteed, and Mr. Elenz solely shall be responsible for any taxes,
penalties or interest imposed on Mr. Elenz in connection with this Agreement
(including under Section 409A).

22.               
Entire
Agreement/Ratification.   The terms
contained in this Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior negotiations,
representations or agreements relating thereto whether written or oral, with
the exception of any other agreements concerning confidentiality, trade
secrets, non-solicitation or non-competition, all of which shall remain in full
force and effect, and are hereby confirmed and ratified.  Mr. Elenz represents
that in executing this Agreement, he has not relied upon any representation or
statement not set forth herein.  No amendment or modification of this Agreement
shall be valid or binding upon the parties unless in writing and signed by both
parties.

23.               
Governing
Law.   

                (a)           This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with, and governed by, the internal Laws of the State of Illinois
without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.  Each party agrees
that it shall bring any action or proceeding in respect of any claim arising
out of or related to this Agreement, whether in tort or contract or at law or
in equity, exclusively in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Illinois or the courts of the State of Illinois (the “Chosen
Courts”) and (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or
proceeding in the Chosen Courts for purposes of any such action or proceeding,
(iii) waives any objection that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or
do not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv) agrees that service of process
upon such party in any such action or proceeding shall be effective if notice,
including the original or a copy of such process, is given and receipt thereof
evidenced in accordance with Paragraph 18.

 

                (b)           The
parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any
legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

MR. ELENZ AND THE COMPANY EXPRESSLY STATE THAT THEY HAVE READ THIS
EMPLOYMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT, THAT THEY UNDERSTAND EACH OF ITS
TERMS, AND THAT THEY HAVE ENTERED INTO IT VOLUNTARILY AND INTEND TO BE BOUND
THEREBY.

 

 

CARTER S. ELENZ                                                                          UNITED
STATES CELLULAR

                                                                                                                CORPORATION

 

By:         /s/ Carter S. Elenz                                                                By: 
       /s/ John C. Gockley                             

Carter S. Elenz                                                                                    John
C. Gockley

 

Dated:   December 16, 2013                                                             Dated: 
December 17, 2013

	
    
     

    

    
	 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

 

U.S. Cellular

8410 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue

Chicago, IL 60631-3486

773-399-8900p

www.uscellular.com

 

December 16, 2013

 

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

 

Carter Elenz joined US Cellular
on April 15, 2011 in a newly created role of Executive Vice President of Sales
and Customer Service and led or Sales and Customer Service teams and their
support organizations until his resignation effective December 31, 2013.

 

US Cellular is an award winning
customer focused organization and Carter was a devoted leader with a passion
for our customers and the associates who served them.  Carter’s dedicated
leadership was very valuable to the Sales and Customer Service organizations.  His
leadership style influenced many and resonated with associates and agents
across the organization.

 

Carter transformed our approach
to reaching and serving customers.  He formed a strategic vision for Sales and
Customer Service and actively led his organizations through the changes needed
to reach those visions.  His vision inspired a multi-channel focus and
increased the company’s focus on optimizing each channel.  Our approach to
managing our distribution footprints, store investment, our business-to-business
channel and our relationships with our agents all changed under his
leadership.  Carter led the Wal-Mart integration which was a major driver of
incremental growth and won our parent company’s highest honor, a TOPS Award for
2012.  

 

We appreciate his many
contributions and are confident that his leadership will have a positive
influence on the organization he is a part of.

 

Sincerely

 

Jennifer Hooper

Senior Director of Human
Resources

U.S. Cellular

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

	
    
     

    

    
	 

EXHIBIT B

 

GENERAL RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE

 

                This General
Release and Covenant Not to Sue (the
"Release”) confirms the following understanding and agreements between United States Cellular Corporation on behalf of itself
and its subsidiaries, partnerships, affiliates, business units and related
entities (“the Company”) and Carter Elenz (“Mr. Elenz”).

 

1.             General Release and Covenant Not to Sue. 

(a)           In consideration of the
payments and benefits provided and actions taken by the Company as set forth in
the Employment and General
Release Agreement dated ______________________, 2013 (the "Agreement”), Mr. Elenz knowingly and voluntarily
agrees not to sue, waives and releases forever whatever claims he may have
against the Company as of the date of this Agreement, including its or their
respective officers, directors, partners, shareholders, employees, associates,
agents, and representatives (collectively referred to as the “Released
Parties”), including but not limited to: claims based upon or relating to his
hire by the Company; any aspect of the work he performed; any aspect of his
employment relationship with the Company, including his compensation; any oral
or written agreements regarding his employment relationship with the Company;
or the separation of his employment or the facts relating to or surrounding any
aspect of that separation, except for any claims that he may have under the
Agreement.  This release and waiver includes, without limitation, any claims he
may have, whether known or unknown, in connection with any rights under federal,
state or local law, including, but not limited to, claims of breach of
contract, wrongful termination, unjust dismissal, defamation, libel or slander,
or under any federal, state or local law dealing with discrimination based on
age, race, sex, national origin, handicap, religion, disability or sexual
preference.  This release of claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims
arising under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of
1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act,
state fair employment, human rights and/or civil rights laws, and all other
federal, state and local labor and anti-discrimination laws, the common law and
any other purported restriction on an employer’s right to terminate the
employment of employees, but shall exclude Mr. Elenz's rights to enforce the
Agreement and this Release, his rights to vested benefits, if any, to which he
is legally entitled, or his right to be indemnified by the Company with respect
to his activity prior to his separation from the Company.

(b)           Mr. Elenz's signature below
constitutes his representation and warranty that he has not suffered an on the
job or occupational injury or incurred any wage or overtime claims, including
without limitation, any claims pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, that
could be asserted against any Released Party.  Moreover, Mr. Elenz expressly
waives his right to recovery of any type, including damages, reinstatement or
attorneys’ fees, in any administrative or court action, whether federal, state,
local or whether brought by him or on his behalf, related to any of the matters
actually released herein.  He also waives and releases any right to become, and
promises not to consent to become, a member of any class or collective action
in a case in which claims are asserted against any Released Party.  If Mr.
Elenz is made a member of a class or collective action in any proceeding
without his prior knowledge or consent, he agrees to opt out of the class or
collective action at the first opportunity.

(c)           Mr. Elenz acknowledges and
agrees that the payments and benefits referred to in this Release shall be in
lieu of any other severance benefits that may be payable to him upon his termination
of employment with the Company.  In consideration for such payments and
benefits, Mr. Elenz hereby waives any severance benefits to which he otherwise
might be entitled.

2.             Acknowledgment of Sufficient Time to
Consider this Agreement and to Consult With a Lawyer.  Mr. Elenz expressly acknowledges that
he has been informed that he may consult with a lawyer of his choice, that he
has consulted with his lawyer and that he has had sufficient time to consult
with his lawyer prior to executing this Release.  Mr. Elenz acknowledges that
he is not waiving rights or claims that may arise after the date this Release
is executed.  Mr. Elenz further acknowledges that he has been informed that he
is entitled to a period of at least twenty-one (21) days within which to
consider this Release, but that he may execute this Release at any time prior
to the expiration of the 21-day period.

3.             Revocation Right.  Within seven (7) days following the
date of Mr. Elenz’s execution of this Release, Mr. Elenz shall have the right
to revoke this Release by serving within such seven (7) day period written
notice of his revocation upon Jennifer Hooper, 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois  60631.  If Mr. Elenz does not revoke this Release during
this seven (7) day period, this Release shall become effective on the eighth
day after the date of Mr. Elenz’s execution of this Release and Mr. Elenz shall
have no further right to revoke this Release, provided, however that any
subsequent revocation of the Agreement in accordance with its terms also shall
constitute a revocation of this Release.

4.             Knowing and Voluntary Release.  Mr. Elenz acknowledges that in
releasing and waiving any claims and rights that he has or may have against the
Released Parties, including
those under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, he does so knowingly and voluntarily,
after the opportunity to consult with legal counsel, in exchange for
consideration in addition to anything of value to which he already is entitled.

 

 

 

5.             Notices.  All notices and other communications
required or permitted under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly
given and made if in writing and if served personally on the party for whom
intended or by being deposited, postage prepaid, certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested, in the United States mail bearing the address shown
below for each such party or such other address as that party may designate in
writing hereafter

                (a)           If to the
Company:                                             (b)           If to Mr.
Elenz:

                                Jennifer Hooper                                                                   Carter
Elenz

                                United States Cellular Corporation                                  [ADDRESS]                                            

                                8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue                                                                                                         

                                Chicago, IL  60631

 

                                With
a copy which shall not                                              with a copy
which shall not

                                constitute
notice to:                                                            constitute
notice to:

 

                                Stephen
P. Fitzell                                                                                                                                  

                                Sidley
Austin LLP                                                                                                                                 

                                1
South Dearborn St.                                                                                                                           

                                Chicago,
IL  60603

 

6.             Non-admission.  Nothing herein shall be deemed to
constitute an admission of wrongdoing by Mr. Elenz, the Company or any of the
other Released Parties.  Neither this Release nor any
of its terms shall be used as an admission or introduced as evidence as to any
issue of law or fact in any proceeding, suit or action, other than an action to
enforce this Release.  

7.             Waiver.  The Company’s future waiver of a breach
by Mr. Elenz of any provision of this Release or
failure to enforce any such provision with respect to him shall not operate or
be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Mr. Elenz of any such
provision or of the Company’s right to enforce any such provision with respect
to Mr. Elenz.  No act or omission of the Company shall constitute a waiver of
any of its rights hereunder except for a written waiver signed by the Company’s
President and Chief Executive Officer,

8.             Reaffirmation.   The terms contained in this Release supplement the Employment and General Release Agreement
dated _______________________, 2013.  All terms of that Agreement remain in
effect and are hereby reaffirmed.  Mr. Elenz represents that in executing this Release, he has not relied upon any representation or statement not set
forth herein.  No amendment or modification of this Release shall be valid or binding upon the parties unless in writing and
signed by both parties.

9.             Governing Law.   

                (a)           This Release
shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the internal Laws of
the State of Illinois without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. 
Each party agrees that it shall bring any action or proceeding in respect of
any claim arising out of or related to this Release, whether
in tort or contract or at law or in equity, exclusively in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois or the courts of the State
of Illinois (the “Chosen Courts”) and (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in
any such action or proceeding in the Chosen Courts for purposes of any such
action or proceeding, (iii) waives any objection that the Chosen Courts are an
inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv) agrees
that service of process upon such party in any such action or proceeding shall
be effective if notice, including the original or a copy of such process, is
given and receipt thereof evidenced in accordance with Paragraph 5.

 

                (b)           The
parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any
legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Release.

 

MR. ELENZ AND
THE COMPANY EXPRESSLY STATE THAT THEY HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE, THAT THEY UNDERSTAND EACH OF ITS TERMS,
AND THAT THEY HAVE ENTERED INTO IT VOLUNTARILY AND INTEND TO BE BOUND THEREBY.

CARTER ELENZ                                                                              UNITED
STATES CELLULAR

                                                                                                                CORPORATION

 

 

By:                                                                                                          By:                                                                                          

                Carter Elenz                                                                                          

 

 

Dated:    _______________________, 2013                               Dated:    _______________________,
2013Exhibit 4.1

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

NEW YORK’S FIRST BANK-FOUNDED 1784 BY ALEXANDER HAMILTON

 

 

2 HANSON PLACE, 12TH FLOOR, BROOKLYN,
N.Y. 11217

 

 

 

December 19, 2013

 

Hennion & Walsh, Inc.

2001 Route 46, Waterview Plaza

Parsippany, New Jersey 07054

 

Smart Trust, Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus
Trust, Series 4

Dear Sirs:

The Bank of New York
Mellon is acting as trustee for Smart Trust, Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Trust, Series 4 set forth above (the “Trust”).
We enclosed a list of the Securities to be deposited in the Trust on the date hereof. The prices indicated therein reflect our
evaluation of such Securities as of close of business on December 19, 2013, in accordance with the valuation method set forth in
the Trust Indenture and Agreement. We consent to the reference to The Bank of New York Mellon as the party performing the evaluations
of the Trust Securities in the Registration Statement (No. 333-191656) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect
to the registration of the sale of the Trust Units and to the filing of this consent as an exhibit thereto.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ GERARDO
CIPRIANO                                  

Gerardo Cipriano

Vice President

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