Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.7

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE

$50,000,000.00                                            Grand Rapids, Michigan
                                                          August 26, 1999

                  FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, US XCHANGE, L.L.C., a
Michigan limited liability company, 20 Monroe, NW, Suite 450, Grand Rapids,
Michigan 49503, promises to pay to the order of RONALD H. VANDER POL ("Lender"),
on demand at his main office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, or at such other place
as the Lender may designate in writing, the sum of Fifty Million Dollars
($50,000,000.00), or such lesser amount that may have been loaned by Lender to
the undersigned, pursuant to the provisions of the Business Loan Agreement
("Agreement") between the parties dated August 26, 1999, together with interest
on the unpaid balance thereof at the annual rate of Comerica Bank's prime rate
less 1.25%. Any change in the interest rate on this Note occasioned by a change
in Comerica Bank's prime interest rate shall be effective on the date of the
change in the prime interest rate by Comerica Bank. The unpaid principal balance
of this Note shall bear interest computed upon the basis of a year of Three
Hundred Sixty (360) days for the actual number of days elapsed in a month.

                  The interest on this Note shall be accrued monthly. The
principal and interest of this Note shall be payable on written demand by Lender
in the manner set forth in the Agreement between the parties.

                  This Note evidences the undersigned's indebtedness to Lender
by reason of loans made and to be made from time to time to the undersigned
under the Agreement and as set forth in the undersigned's Loan Account with
Lender, which Loan Account shall reflect said Loans.

                  This Note is given pursuant to the Agreement and the Lender
shall have all of the rights and powers set forth in the Agreement as though the
same were fully stated herein.

                  Reference is hereby made to the Agreement for a statement of
the terms and conditions under which the principal and accrued interest on this
Note may become, or may be declared to be, forthwith due and payable.

                  The Lender hereof may, at the Lender's option, extend the time
for payment of this Note or any portion thereof, and any such extension shall
not relieve the undersigned from any liability hereunder. Except as otherwise
provided in the Agreement, protest, presentment, demand and notice of nonpayment
are hereby waived by the undersigned.

                                              US XCHANGE, L.L.C.

         By  /s/  Richard Postma
            --------------------------------------
ATTEST:                                              Its  Chairman CEO
                                                         -----------------------
/s/  Donald Offringa
-------------------------
Donald Offringa

Its  Treasurer
    ---------------------<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

                        AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO LEASE REVISED
                                    BETWEEN:

LANDLORD:    Market Square Group, L.L.C.     TENANT:     US XChange, L.L.C.
             44 Grandville Avenue SW                     20 Monroe Ave., N.W.
             Suite 220                                   Grand Rapids, MI 49503
             Grand Rapids, MI 49503

DATE:        December 23, 1997

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             AMENDMENT NO. 1 REVISED

SECTION 1.1            Change Leased Premises to read:
                       The entire fourth and third floors of the building
                       totalling 24,000 s.f. and 8,198 s.f. on the second floor
                       (per the attached exhibit)

                       Change BASE RENT: (First Year) to read:
                       $6,250/month ($6.25/s.f. 4th Floor) commencing
                       September 1, 1997
                       $6,250/month ($6.25/s.f. 3rd Floor) commencing January 1,
                       1998
                       $4,195/month ($6.14/s.f. 2nd Floor) for 8,198 s.f.
                       commencing May 1, 1998

                       Change Security Deposit to read:
                       NONE

SECTION 3.1            Change to read:
                       Tenant shall have and hold the Leased premises for and
                       during the term of five years commencing September 1,
                       1997.

ADD SECTION 25.5       ALLOWABLE LOADS
                       Tenant shall not place loads on the floor which exceed
                       200 lbs per s.f.

ADD SECTION 25.6       GENERATOR & HVAC
                       Tenant shall have permission to install an electrical
                       generator and/or additional HVAC units either on the
                       east side of the building or on the roof in specific
                       locations as designated by the landlord.

SECTION 18.2           Delete in its entirety.

Signed Approval by:

/s/ Marvin DeWinter                                           1-6-98
--------------------------------------                        -----------
Market Square Group, L.L.C., Landlord                         Date

/s/ Richard Postma                                            12/30/97
--------------------------------------                        -----------
US XChange, L.L.C., Tenant                                    Date

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                                      LEASE

                                    ARTICLE I

               BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS AND ENUMERATION OF EXHIBITS

                       Section 1.1 Basic Lease Provisions

DATE:                         May 8, 1997

SITE:                         44 Grandville Avenue, S.W.
                              Grand Rapids, MI 49503

BUILDING:                     Market Square Building

LEASED PREMISES:              Approximately 12,000 s.f. on the fourth
                              floor of the building (Entire Floor) and
                              approximately 868 s.f. on the third floor.

LANDLORD:                     MARKET SQUARE GROUP, L.L.C.

LANDLORD'S ADDRESS:           146 Monroe Center, N.W.
                              McKay Tower, Suite 800
                              Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

TENANTS:                      U.S. XCHANGE, L.L.C.

TENANT'S ADDRESS:             20 Monroe Avenue, N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49503

TERM:                         The term of this Lease shall be for five (5)
                              years.

BASE RENT: (First Year)       $6629.75/month ($6.25/s.f. 4th Flr.)
                                             ($5.25/s.f. 3rd Flr.)

SECURITY DEPOSIT:             $6,629.75 (First Months Rent)

DEFAULT RATE:                 10% or, if such rate exceeds the highest
                              lawful rate of interest, the highest lawful
                              rate.

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                  SECTION 1.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS. Each
reference in this Lease to any of the Lease Provisions contained in Section 1.1
shall be deemed and construed to incorporate all of the terms provided under
each such Basic Lease.

                  SECTION 1.3 ENUMERATION OF EXHIBITS. The exhibits enumerated
in this Section 1.3 and attached to the Lease are incorporated in this Lease by
this reference:

                           Exhibit A - Leased Premises

                           Exhibit B - Premises of optioned space.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                     DEMISE

                  SECTION 2.1 DEMISE. Landlord, for and in consideration of the
rent, covenants and agreements herein contained on the part of Tenant, its
successors and assigns, to be paid, kept and performed, hereby demises and
leases to Tenant the Leased Premises, and Tenant does hereby take and hire the
Leased Premise, upon and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter
contained.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                  TERM OF LEASE

                  SECTION 3.1 TERM. Tenant shall have and hold the Leased
Premises for and during the Term of five years, commencing September 1, 1997.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                      RENT

                  SECTION 4.1 BASE RENT. During the Term, Tenant covenants to
pay to Landlord, at Landlord's Address, the Base Rent by paying Monthly
Installments on or before the first day of each full calendar month during the
term. Base Rent for any period during the Term which is less than one full month
shall be a pro-rated portion of the Monthly Installment of Base Rent based on a
thirty (30) day month.

                  SECTION 4.2 NO DEDUCTION. The Base Rent and Additional Rent
(as hereinafter defined) pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Lease
shall be paid at the time and in the manner in which this Lease provides,
without deduction, abatement, counterclaim or setoff, except to the extent
expressly set forth herein.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                 ADDITIONAL RENT

                  SECTION 5.1 ADDITIONAL RENT. In addition to paying the Base
Rent specified in Article IV hereof, Tenant shall pay as "Additional Rent" the
amounts determined pursuant to Sections 5.3, 5.4 and 5.6 of this Article V. The
Base Rent, including any adjustments per Section 5.6, together with all
additional rents per Sections 5.3 and 5.4 shall be payable for the same periods
and in the same manner, time and place as the Base Rent. For any partial Lease
Year (as hereinafter defined), Tenant shall be obligated to pay only a pro-rata
share of the Additional Rent, equal to the number of the days of the Term
falling within such Lease Year divided by 365 and multiplied by the Additional
Rent for such entire Lease Year.

                  SECTION 5.2 DEFINITIONS. As used in this Article V, the
following terms shall have the following meanings:

                  (a)      "Lease Year" shall mean each full or partial calendar
                           year during the Term.

                  (b)      "Taxes" shall mean all real estate taxes and
                           assessments of any kind whatsoever upon or with
                           respect to the Site or the Building or any taxes or
                           assessments which shall be levied on the Site or
                           Building in lieu of or in addition to all or any
                           portion of any such real estate taxes or assessments.

                  (c)      "Shared Operating Expenses" shall mean all reasonable
                           and customary expenses, costs and disbursements
                           (other than Taxes) (determined for the applicable
                           Lease Year on an accrual basis) paid or incurred by
                           Landlord in connection with the management, operation
                           and repair of the Site and Building, Tenant's portion
                           of Shared Operating Expenses shall be twenty-five
                           percent (25%). "Shared Operating

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                           Expenses" to be pro rated shall include the
                           following:

                           (i)      Electricity used in the common areas of the
                                    Site and Building;

                           (ii)     Janitorial service of Common Areas and
                                    window washing;

                           (iii)    Routine Building and Site maintenance;

                           (iv)     Electrical costs for operating the cooling
                                    tower(s) which service the Building;

                           (v)      Landscaping maintenance and snow plowing or
                                    removal;

                           (vi)     Management fees not to exceed 4% of the
                                    gross rents;

                           (vii)    Maintenance of electrical and mechanical
                                    systems;

                           (viii)   Insurance premiums for hazard and casualty
                                    insurance for the Site and Building;

                           (ix)     Utilities for heating (natural gas or steam)
                                    for the Leased Premises;

                           (x)      Water and sewer expense; and

                           (xi)     Maintenance & operation of digital alarm
                                    system, which secure building, fire
                                    protection and monitoring elevator.

                  (d)      "Exclusive Operating Expenses" to be exclusively paid
                           by Tenant (either by means of separate metering,
                           submetering or other determination to be made by
                           Landlord) shall include the following:

                           (i)      Electricity used in or for the Leased
                                    Premises (which Landlord and Tenant shall
                                    cause to be separately metered for the
                                    Leased Premises, if possible, at a
                                    reasonable cost);

                           (ii)     Janitor service within Leased Premises;

                           (iii)    Maintenance of and replacement of bulbs for
                                    lighting in or for the Leased Premises; and

                           (iv)     Card keys for card access system to enter
                                    building and cost of any additional security
                                    systems, used exclusively by Tenant.

                  (e)      Electrical costs for air conditioning shall be
                           considered part of the Shared Operating Expenses
                           provided that any costs allocated to and associated
                           with supplemental air conditioning required by reason
                           of heat generating equipment or lighting other than
                           building standard lights in the Leased Premises, or
                           operating of the Leased Premises outside of eighteen
                           (18) hours per day, seven (7) days per week or if the
                           Leased Premises are occupied by a number of persons
                           in excess of the design criteria of the air
                           conditioning requirements of Tenant, then Landlord
                           shall allocate an additional amount above Tenant's
                           Proportionate Share of the air conditioning
                           electrical expenses in a manner that is reasonably
                           determined by Landlord (the "Additional Operating
                           Expenses").

                  SECTION 5.3 EXPENSE ADJUSTMENT. Tenant shall pay to Landlord,
as Additional Rent, an amount ("Expense Amount") equal to Tenant's Proportionate
Share of the Shared Operating Expenses incurred with respect to each Lease Year.
The Tenant's Proportionate share of the Shared Operating Expenses, for the
fourth floor premises, shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the total Shared
Operating Expenses for the building. If space on the third floor is leased (in
accordance with section 18.2) Tenant shall pay its proportionate share of the
third floor expenses. These expenses are stipulated to be twenty-five percent
(25%) of the total shared operating expenses. This amount with respect to each
Lease Year shall be paid in monthly installments, in an amount reasonably
estimated from time to time by Landlord and communicated by written notice to
Tenant. Not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each Lease Year,
Landlord shall cause the amount of the Expense Amount for such Lease Year to be
computed based on Operating Expenses for such Lease Year for the Building and
Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a statement of such amount and Tenant shall pay
any deficiency to Landlord as shown by such statement within ninety (90) days
after receipt of such statement. If the total of the estimated monthly
installments paid by Tenant during any Lease Year pursuant to this Section 5.3
exceeds the actual Expense Amount due from Tenant for such Lease Year, such
excess shall be refunded by Landlord within thirty (30) days after the end of
the previous Lease Year. Tenant shall also pay to Landlord, as Additional Rent,
an amount equal to the costs for the Exclusive Operating Expenses and the
Additional Operating Expenses, except to the extent such items are metered or
submetered to Tenant and paid directly by Tenant.

                  SECTION 5.4 TAX ADJUSTMENT. Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as
Additional Rent, an amount ("Tax Amount") equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of
the Taxes incurred with respect to each Lease Year). The Tax Amount with respect
to each Lease Year shall be paid in monthly installments, in an amount
reasonably estimated from time to time by Landlord and communicated by written
notice to Tenant. Not later than thirty (30) days after the end of each Lease
Year, Landlord shall cause the amount of the Tax Amount for such Lease

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Year to be computed based on Taxes for such Lease Year for the Building and
Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a statement of such amount and Tenant shall pay
any deficiency to Landlord as shown by such statement within ninety (90) days
after receipt of such statement. If the total of the estimated monthly
installments paid by Tenant during any Lease Year pursuant to this Section 5.4
exceeds the actual Tax Amount due from Tenant for such Lease Year, such excess
shall be refunded by Landlord within thirty (30) days after the end of the
previous Lease Year. The amount of any refund of Taxes received by Landlord
shall be credited against Taxes for the year in which such refund is received.
In determining the amount of Taxes for any year, the amount of special
assessments to be included shall be limited to the amount of the installment
(plus any interest payable thereon) of such special assessment required to be
paid during such year as if the Landlord has elected to have such special
assessment paid over the maximum period of time permitted by law.

                  SECTION 5.5 LANDLORD'S BOOKS AND RECORDS. Landlord agrees to
keep books and records showing the Operating Expenses in accordance with
generally accepted accounting practices. Tenant or its representative shall have
the right to examine copies of Landlord's books and records relative to
Operating Expenses and Taxes during normal business hours at any time within one
(1) year following the furnishing by Landlord to Tenant of the respective annual
statements provided to Tenant pursuant to Section 5.3. If Tenant gives notice of
exception to any item in a Landlord statement and such charges are irregular or
improper, such amounts shall be promptly corrected by Landlord and Tenant shall
receive a credit for any overpayment made by Tenant as a result of such
irregularities of improper charges. To the extent that Landlord and Tenant fail
to agree as to the proper amount of Operating Expenses and Taxes, such amount
shall be determined by an independent accounting firm acceptable to Landlord and
Tenant after review by such firm of Landlord's books and records, and such
determination shall be final, binding and conclusive upon Landlord's books and
records, and such determination shall be final, binding and conclusive upon
Landlord and Tenant.

                  SECTION 5.6 BASE RENT ESCALATION. Effective as of the
anniversary of the Commencement Date and each anniversary thereof during the
term and any renewals hereof (each such date is referred to as an "Adjustment
Date"), the Base Rent shall be adjusted by (a) multiplying the Base Rent for the
twelve (12) months immediately preceding the Adjustment Date by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the Index, as hereinafter defined, for the second
month preceding the Adjustment Date and the denominator of which shall be the
Index for the fourteenth (14th) month preceding the Adjustment Date, provided,
however, that in no event shall the increase in Base Rent at any Adjustment Date
be more than four percent (4%) of the Base Rent which was payable for the twelve
(12) months preceding the Adjustment Date. As used herein, the term "Index"
shall mean the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Statistics,
Consumer Price Index, All Urban Consumers, All Items, Detroit, Michigan,
1982-1984 equals 100, or the successor of such index.

                  If the publication of the CPI shall be discontinued, the
parties hereto shall hereinafter accept comparable statistics of the
Cost-of-Living in the City of Grand Rapids if they should be computed and
published by an agency of the United States government, or by a responsible
financial periodical, or a recognized authority, then to be selected by the
parties hereto, or if the parties cannot agree upon a selection, then each party
will accept a rent increase of four percent (4%) per year.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                             USE OF LEASED PREMISES

                  SECTION 6.1 USE. Tenant shall use the Leased Premises for
general office purposes and other activities related to Tenant's business,
subject to all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations. Tenant shall not
injure, overload, deface or otherwise harm the Site, Building or Leased Premises
or cause the accumulation of waste or refuse thereon, nor make or permit any use
of the Leased Premises which is contrary to any applicable law or ordinance, or
which will invalidate or increase the cost of Landlord's insurance, or which
would increase the danger of fire in the Leased Premises or the Building.
Landlord represents that (i) the Specified Use will not invalidate or increase
the cost of Landlord's insurance and (ii) the Leased Premises may lawfully be
used for the Specified Use.

                  SECTION 6.2 COMMON AREAS. The rights of Tenant in the
entrance, corridors, elevators and other Common Areas of the Market Square
Building are limited to ingress and egress from the premises. Tenant shall not
interfere with the use and enjoyment of the Common Areas by other Tenants or
occupants of the building. Fire exists and stairways are for emergency use only
and shall not be used for any other purpose by Tenant, its employees, licensees
or invites except for ingress and egress to the premises. The Landlord shall
have the right to control and operate the public portion of the Market Square
Building and the Common Areas of the building, and land around the building by
publishing rules and regulations as the Landlord deems best for the benefit of
all Tenants, owners, and occupants generally and Tenant Covenants and agrees to
comply with all such rules and regulations after written notice from Landlord.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                             PUBLIC UTILITY CHARGES

                  SECTION 7.1 UTILITIES. Tenant agrees to pay or cause to be
paid all charges, to the extent separately metered or provided solely to the
Leased Premises, for electricity, telephone or other communication service used,
tendered or supplied upon or in connection with maintenance charges for
utilities. If any such services are neither separately metered nor provided
solely to the Leased Premises, such charges shall constitute Operating Expenses,
payable by Tenant

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pursuant to Article V hereof. Landlord shall not be liable for any failure of
such services, nor shall any such failure for any length of time constitute a
ground on which Tenant may terminate or abrogate this Lease, unless Landlord
shall fail to take such measures as may be reasonable in the circumstances to
restore the service without undue delay or unless failure is caused by Landlord.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   MAINTENANCE

                  SECTION 8.1 CONDITION OF THE LEASED PREMISES. Tenant's taking
possession of the Leased Premises or any portion thereof shall be an
acknowledgment by Tenant that the Leased Premises were then in good order,
condition, and repair.

                  SECTION 8.2 TENANT MAINTENANCE. Tenant, at Tenant's sole cost
and expense, except for services furnished by Landlord pursuant to Paragraph 8.4
hereof, shall maintain the Leased Premises in good order, clean and free of
refuse, good condition and repair including the interior surfaces of the
ceilings (if damaged or discolored due to the fault of Tenant), walls and
floors, all doors, interior glass partitions or glass surfaces (not exterior
windows); and to the extent such items exceed Building standards, plumbing
pipes, electrical wiring, switches, fixtures and other special items subject to
the provisions of Article 13. In the event Tenant fails to maintain the Leased
Premises in good order, condition and repair, Landlord shall give Tenant notice
to do such acts as are reasonably required to so maintain the Leased Premises.
In the event Tenant fails to promptly commence such work and diligently
prosecute it to completion, then Landlord shall have the right, but shall not be
required, to do such acts and expend such funds at the expense of Tenant as are
reasonably required to perform such work. Landlord shall have no liability to
Tenant for any damage, inconvenience or interference with the use of the Leased
Premises by Tenant as a result of performing any such work, provided, however,
that Landlord shall use reasonably efforts not to interfere with Tenant's use of
the Leased Premises recognizing, however, that Landlord in exercising such right
is curing a default by Tenant under this Lease. Tenant, at its cost and expense,
will contract for, and cause to be performed, a service or system to keep
rodents out of the Leased Premises.

                  SECTIONS 8.3 LANDLORD, its agents and employees shall have the
right to enter the Leased Premises upon 24 hours prior written notice to make
inspections, alterations and repairs to the Leased Premises or for the benefit
of any other tenant, occupant or owner of the Building (and Landlord hereby
reserves an easement in, on and through the Leased Premises for any utility
lines, conduit or equipment servicing the Building and the right to access such
items at reasonable times) and for the purpose of showing the premises to
prospective tenants. Landlord, in exercising such rights, shall not unreasonably
interfere with Tenant's conduct of business in the Leased Premises. In the event
of emergency, Landlord, its agents and employees shall have the right of entry
at any time and may perform any acts related to safety, protection, preservation
or improvement of the Building or the Leased Premises.

                  SECTION 8.4 LANDLORD MAINTENANCE. Landlord shall:

                           (a)      Maintain the landscaing of the Site in neat
                                    and attractive condition; keep the sidewalks
                                    free of accumulation of snow consistent with
                                    snowplowing and snow removal standards in
                                    the Grand Rapids Area;

                           (b)      Keep the Site and Building in good
                                    condition, order and repair;

                           (c)      Replace and repair all exterior lighting,
                                    security lights and exit lights, bulbs and
                                    tubes;

                           (d)      Provide daily janitorial service and
                                    periodic pest control service in common
                                    areas of the Building;

                           (e)      Provide ventilating, air-cooling and heat to
                                    the Leased Premises; and

                           (f)      Provide window washing of the outside of
                                    windows in the Building perimeter walls at
                                    intervals to be determined by Landlord, but
                                    in no event less than three (3) times during
                                    each Lease Year.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Landlord shall not be in default
hereunder or be liable for interruption or delay in furnishing any of the above
referenced services due to labor dispute, strike, lockout, fire, unavailability
of material, weather, failure of any utility to deliver utilities to the
Building or other casualty or event beyond Landlord's reasonable control.

All costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in performing the obligations of
this Section 8.4 shall constitute Shared Operating Expenses, as that term is
defined in Article V; provided, however, Landlord shall, at its sole cost and
expense, provided the repair is not required due to the negligence or willful
misconduct of Tenant or its agents or employees, be responsible for (i) major
roof, foundation and structural repairs and replacements, (ii) repairs required
due to the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord; (iii) repairs which
constitute a service to a specific tenant or tenants, other than Tenant, and
(iv) those costs and expenses specifically excluded from Shared Operating
Expenses under Section Article V hereof; and such costs shall not constitute

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Shared Operating Expenses.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                            ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS

                  SECTION 9.1 ALTERATIONS. Tenant, at Tenant's cost and expense,
may make such changes, additions, restorations, alterations or improvements in
or to the Leased Premises as may be reasonably necessary to its use thereof,
provided:

                  (a) No change, addition, restoration, alteration or new
construction shall be undertaken until Tenant shall have procured and paid for,
so far as the same may be required from time to time, all necessary permits and
authorizations of all municipal departments and governmental subdivisions having
jurisdiction over the Leased Premises. Landlord shall join in the application
for such permits or authorizations whenever such action is necessary, but at no
cost, expense or liability to Landlord;

                  (b) Any change, addition, restoration or alteration involving
an estimated cost of more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) shall be made
in accordance with plans and specifications approved in writing by Landlord,
such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld;

                  (c) Any change, addition, restoration or alteration or new
construction shall not adversely affect the structural soundness of the
Building;

                  (d) Any change, addition, restoration or alteration shall be
made by licensed tradesmen in a good and workmanlike manner in compliance with
all applicable permits and authorizations and building and zoning laws, and all
other applicable laws, ordinances, regulations and requirements of all federal,
state and local governments;

                  (e) The Site, Building and Leased Premises shall at all times
be free of liens for services, labor and material supplied or claimed to have
been supplied to the Leased Premises, subject to Tenant's contestation rights
under Section 10.2 hereof; and

                  (f) Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for any increase in the
cost of insurance to Landlord which results from any alteration, addition, or
improvement to the Leased Premises made by Tenant.

                                    ARTICLE X

                                 MECHANICS LIEN

                  SECTION 10.1 LIENS. Landlord shall not be liable for any labor
or material furnished or to be furnished to Tenant. Tenant shall not permit any
mechanic's or other similar liens for any such labor or materials to attach to
or affect the estate or interest of Landlord or Tenant in and to the Site,
Building or Leased Premises. Whenever any mechanic's or other similar liens
shall have been filed against the Leased Premises, based upon any act or
interest of Tenant or of anyone claiming by, through or under Tenant, Tenant
shall cause such mechanic's or other similar lien to be discharged.

                  SECTION 10.2 RIGHT TO CONTEST. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Tenant shall have the right to contest the validity or amount of any such lien
or claim for lien provided Tenant shall give to Landlord such security to
Landlord to assure payment thereof and to prevent any sale, foreclosure or
forfeiture of the Site, Building, or Leased Premises by reason of non-payment
thereof, which security shall be equal to the amount of the lien claimed plus
the interest estimated to accrue thereon during the pendency of such contested
proceedings. On final determination of the lien or claim for lien, Tenant shall
immediately pay any judgment rendered, with all costs and charges and shall have
the lien released or judgment satisfied at Tenant's own expense and, upon
Tenant's furnishing adequate evidence to Landlord of the release of such lien
and satisfaction of such judgment, Landlord shall forthwith return to Tenant any
security given to Landlord with respect to the lien or judgment involved.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                        NON-LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

                  SECTION 11.1 WAIVER OF CLAIMS. To the extent not expressly
prohibited by law, Tenant hereby releases Landlord, its agents and employees,
from and waives all claims for damages to persons or property sustained by
tenant, its agents and employees, from fire or other casualty or cause or from
any existing or future condition, defect or occurrence in the Site, Building or
Leased Premises or from any accident in or about the Site, Building, or Leased
Premises, except to the extent such damage or injury results from the negligence
or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees.

                  SECTION 11.2 INDEMNITY. To the extent not expressly prohibited
by law and except to the extent cause by the negligence or willful misconduct of
Landlord, its agents or employees ("Landlord's Indemnities"), Tenant agrees to
indemnify, save, protect and hold forever harmless Landlord's Indemnitee from
and against all damages, costs, claims, penalties, and liabilities resulting
from or in connection with any injury to person or

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property occasioned by and act or omission of Tenant, its agents or employees
occurring in or about the Site, Building or Leased Premises. To the extent not
expressly prohibited by law and except to the extent caused by the negligence or
willful misconduct of Tenant, its agents and employees ("Tenant's Indemnitee"),
Landlord agrees to indemnify, save, protect and hold forever harmless Tenant's
Indemnitee from and against all damages, costs, claims, penalties and
liabilities resulting from or in connection with any injury to or personal
property occasioned by any act or omission of Landlord, its agents or employees,
occurring in or about the Site, Building or Leased Premises.

                                   ARTICLE XII

                                    INSURANCE

                  SECTION 12.1 LANDLORD'S INSURANCE. Landlord, at its sole cost
and expense, shall obtain and maintain during the Term insurance policies
written in Landlord's name, (i) insuring the Building against the perils
customarily covered by an all risk form of coverage including, but not limited
to, fire and extended coverage insurance, in an amount not less than the full
replacement cost of the Building (including a replacement cost endorsement); and
(ii) policies of general comprehensive public liability insurance against
liability arising out of the risks of death, bodily injury, property damage and
personal injury liability with respect to the Building and Site, comparable to
such liability insurance as is generally carried by prudent Landlords in other
first class office buildings in the surrounding metropolitan area.

                  SECTION 12.2 TENANT'S INSURANCE. Tenant, at its sole cost and
expense, shall obtain and maintain during the Term the following:

                  (a) General public liability insurance against claims for
personal injury, death or property damage occurring in or about the Leased
Premises, such insurance to afford protection with limits of liability of such
insurance of not less than $1,000,000.00/occurrence;

                  (b) All risk contents coverage, including, but not limited to,
fire and extended coverage insurance, for Tenant's personal property and all
additions, improvements and alterations to the Leased Premises installed by
Tenant located in the Leased Premises; and

                  (c) Worker's Compensation Insurance in amounts required by
applicable law;

                  SECTION 12.3 EVIDENCE OF INSURANCE. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this agreement to the contrary, Tenant shall be entitled to
self-insure for all insurance required to be carried by Tenant pursuant to this
Lease; provided Tenant shall, upon request, provide to Landlord evidence
documenting such insurance. If Tenant does not self-insure, all insurance
required to be carried by Tenant pursuant to this Article XII shall (a) be
procured from insurance companies reasonably satisfactory to Landlord; (b)
provide for at least thirty (30) days notice by the insured to Landlord prior to
cancellation of such insurance; and (c) name Landlord and its mortgagees as an
additional insured. All public liability insurance required to be carried by
Landlord pursuant to this Article XII shall name Tenant as an additional
insured.

                  SECTION 12.4 SUBROGATION. Landlord and Tenant each hereby
waive any and every claim for recovery from the other for any and all loss of or
damage to the Building or Leased Premises or to the contents thereof, which loss
or damage is covered by valid and collectible fire, extended coverage or all
risk insurance policies, to the extent that such loss or damage is recoverable
under said insurance policies. Inasmuch as this mutual waiver will preclude the
assignment of any such claim by subrogation (or otherwise) to an insurance
company (or any other person), Landlord and Tenant each agree to give to each
insurance company which has issued, or in the future may issue, its policies of
fire and extended coverage insurance, written notice of the terms of this mutual
waiver, and to have said insurance policies properly endorsed, if necessary, to
prevent the invalidation of said insurance coverage by reason of said waiver.
The aforesaid waiver shall apply only when it is permitted by a policy of
insurance.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                  DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF THE LEASED PREMISES BY CASUALTY

                  SECTION 13.1 CASUALTY. If the Leased Premises or any part of
the Building shall be damaged by fire or other casualty and if such damage does
not render more than fifty percent (50%) of the rentable area of the Leased
Premises or the Building untenantable, then Landlord shall, at Landlord's cost
and expense (subject to the provisions of Article III hereof), proceed to
restore with reasonable promptness the same, subject to reasonable delays for
insurance adjustments and delays caused by matters beyond Landlord's control. If
any such damage renders more than fifty percent (50%) of the rentable area of
the Leased Premises or the Building untenantable, Landlord shall, within sixty
(60) days after the occurrence of such damage (or as soon thereafter as
reasonably possible) and in good faith, estimate the length of time that will be
required to substantially complete the repair and restoration of such damage and
shall by written notice advise Tenant of such estimate. If it is so estimated
that the amount of time required to substantially complete such repair and
restoration will exceed one hundred eighty (180) days from the date such damage
occurred, then either Landlord or Tenant shall have the right to terminate this
Lease as of the date of such damage upon giving notice to the other at any time
within twenty (20) days after Landlord gives Tenant the notice containing said
estimate. Unless this Lease is terminated as provided in the preceding sentence,
Landlord shall proceed with reasonable promptness and all due diligence to
materially restore the Building and the Leased Premises,

                                       7
<PAGE>   9

subject to reasonable delays for insurance adjustments and delays caused by
matters beyond Landlord's control, and also subject to zoning laws and building
codes then in effect. Landlord shall have no liability to Tenant, and Tenant
shall not be entitled to terminate this Lease, if the Leased Premises are not
materially restored within the time period estimated by Landlord, as aforesaid,
or within said one hundred eighty (180) days, so long as Landlord shall proceed
with reasonable diligence to complete such repairs and restoration.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein set forth, Landlord shall have
no duty pursuant to this Section 13.1 to repair or restore any portion of the
alterations, additions or improvements made by Tenant in the Leased Premises.
The Tenant's Work shall not be considered an alteration, addition or improvement
made by Tenant in the Leased Premises. In the event any such fire or casualty
damage, renders any portion of the Leased Premises untenantable and Tenant is
not occupying such portion of the Leased Premises, and if this Lease shall not
be terminated pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 13.1 by
reason of such damage, then Rent shall abate on a proportionate basis to the
extent of such untenantable area during the period beginning with the date of
such damage and ending on the date set forth in Section 13.2. Such abatement
shall be in an amount bearing the same ratio to the total amount of Rent for
such period as the portion of the Leased Premises not ready for occupancy from
time to time bears the entire Leased Premises. In the event of termination of
this Lease pursuant to this Section 13.1, Rent shall be apportioned on a per
diem basis and be paid to the date of the fire or casualty.

                  SECTION 13.2 RENT ABATEMENT. In the event of any such fire or
other casualty, and if this Lease is not terminated pursuant to the foregoing
provisions of this Article XIII, Rent shall abate until the earlier of (i)
ninety (90) days after substantial completion of Landlord's repair and
restoration work, or (ii) the date of substantial completion of Tenant's repair
and restoration work with respect to alterations, additions, or improvements
made by or on behalf of Tenant in the Leased Premises.

                                   ARTICLE XIV

                                  CONDEMNATION

                  SECTION 14.1 COMPLETE TAKING. If, by the exercise of eminent
domain, the Leased Premises, Building or Site shall be taken, or a portion shall
be taken and such taking materially interferes with the use of the Leased
Premises for the Specified Use, this Lease and the terms and estate granted
shall terminate on the date when possession of the part so taken shall be
required for such use or purpose.

                  SECTION 14.2 PARTIAL TAKING. If, by the exercise of the power
of eminent domain, a portion of the Leased Premises, Building or Site is taken,
but such taking does not materially interfere with the use of the Leased
Premises for the Specified Use, the Lease shall terminate as of the date of
taking as to the part which is taken, and shall continue in force as to the
remainder of the Leased Premises provided; however, that the Rent shall be
equitably apportioned according to the part so taken, and Landlord shall, at its
cost, restore the remaining portion of the Leased Premises to the extent
necessary to render it reasonably suitable for the Specified Use and shall make
all repairs to the Building to the extent necessary to constitute the Building a
complete architectural unit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein set
forth, Landlord shall have no duty pursuant to this Section 14.2 to repair or
restore any portion of the alterations, additions or improvements made by Tenant
in the Leased Premises. The Tenant's Work shall not be considered an alteration,
addition or improvement made by Tenant in the Leased Premises.

                  SECTION 14.3 TENANT'S SHARE OF AWARD. All compensation awarded
or paid upon such a total or partial taking of the Leased Premises shall belong
to and be the property of Landlord without any participation by Tenant provided;
however, that nothing contained herein shall preclude Tenant from prosecuting
any claim against the condemning authority in any such condemnation proceedings
for loss of business, or depreciation to, damage to, or cost of removal of, or
for the value of stock, trade fixtures, furniture and other personal property
belonging to Tenant and included in such taking.

                                   ARTICLE XV

                              DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

                  SECTION 15.1 EVENT OF DEFAULT. Upon the occurrence of any one
or more of the following events (herein called an Event or Events of Default)
to-wit: (a) if Tenant shall fail to pay when due any installment of Rent or to
pay when due any additional charges and such failure shall continue uncured for
a period of ten (10) business days after written notice by Landlord; or (b) if
Tenant shall fail to observe or perform any term, covenant or condition of this
Lease on Tenant's part to be observed or performed (other than the covenants for
the payment of Rent and additional charges) and such failure shall continue
uncured for thirty (30) days after written notice by Landlord to Tenant
provided; however, if such failure cannot be cured within such thirty (30) day
period, Tenant shall be given a reasonable period to cure such failure, but only
if Tenant commences such cure within the thirty (30) day period and pursues such
cure diligently thereafter; or (c) if tenant shall file a voluntary petition in
bankruptcy or insolvency, or shall be adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent, or
shall file any petition or answer seeking any reorganization, liquidation,
dissolution, or similar relief, or shall make an assignment for the benefit of
creditors or shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of any
trustee, receiver, or liquidator of Tenant or of all or any part of the property
of Tenant; or (d) if, within ninety (90) days after the commencement of any
proceeding against Tenant, whether by filing of a petition or otherwise, seeking
any reorganization, liquidation, dissolution, or similar relief such proceeding
shall not have been dismissed or if, within ninety (90) days after the
appointment of any trustee, receiver, or liquidator of Tenant, without the
consent of acquiescence of Tenant, such appointment shall not have been vacated
or otherwise

                                       8
<PAGE>   10

discharged, or if any execution of attachment shall be issued against Tenant or
any of the property of Tenant pursuant to which the Premises shall be taken or
occupied or attempted to be taken or occupied and the same is not discharged
within ninety (90) days; then, upon the occurrence at any time prior to or
during the Term of any one or more of such Events of Default, Landlord shall
have the remedies provided for in this Article XV.

                  SECTION 15.2 REMEDIES. If any of the Events of Default set
forth in Section 15.1 hereof shall occur, then Landlord shall have the following
remedies:

                          (a) Landlord, at Landlord's option, may give to Tenant
thirty (30) calendar days' notice of termination of this Lease, and in the event
if such notice is given, this Lease and the term hereof shall come to an end and
expire upon the expiration of such thirty (30) days with the same effect as if
the date of expirations of such thirty (30) days were the expiration date of the
Term, but Tenant shall remain liable for damages as provided in Section 15.3;

                          (b) Upon termination of this Lease and in compliance
with applicable laws, Landlord and its agents and servants may immediately, or
at any time after such written notice of an Event of Default or after the date
upon which this Lease and the Term shall expire and come to an end, re-enter the
Leased Premises or any part thereof, without notice, either by summary
proceedings or by any other applicable action or proceeding, and may repossess
the Leased Premises; and

                          (c) Upon termination of this Lease, Landlord shall be
obligated to use reasonable efforts to relet the Leased Premises from time to
time to such tenant or tenants, for such term or terms ending before, on or
after the expiration date of the Term, at such rental or rentals and upon such
other conditions, which may include concessions and free periods, as Landlord,
in its reasonable discretion, may determine.

                  SECTION 15.3 DAMAGES AND DEFICIENCY. If this Lease shall
expire and come to an end as hereinabove provided or if Landlord shall repossess
the Leased Premises then, in either of such events:

                          (a) Tenant shall pay to Landlord all Rent and other
sums and charges payable under this Lease by Tenant to Landlord to the date upon
which this Lease and the Term shall have expired and come to an end or to the
date of repossession of the Leased Premises by Landlord, as the case may be; and

                          (b) Tenant shall be liable for and shall pay to
Landlord, as liquidated and agreed damages, that which is due under (a) above,
less (ii) the fair rental value of the Leased Premises for the residue of the
stated Term (taking into account the time and expenses reasonably necessary to
obtain a replacement tenant or tenants, including reasonable expenses relating
to preparation for reletting).

                  SECTION 15.4 OTHER REMEDIES. Pursuit of any of the foregoing
remedies shall not preclude pursuit of any of the other remedies herein provided
or any other remedies provided by law or in equity (all such remedies being
cumulative) nor shall pursuit of any remedy herein provided constitute a
forfeiture or waiver of any rent due to Landlord hereunder or any damages
accruing to Landlord by reason of the violation of the terms, provisions and
covenants herein contained. No act or thing done by Landlord or agents during
the Term shall be deemed a termination of this Lease or an acceptance of the
surrender of the Leased Premises, and no agreement to terminate this Lease or
accept a surrender of the Leased Premises shall be valid unless in writing
signed by the Landlord. Landlord's acceptance of the payment of rental or other
payments hereunder after the occurrence of an Event of Default shall not be
construed as an accord and satisfaction, compromise, or waiver of such default,
unless Landlord so notifies Tenant in writing. Forbearance by Landlord in
enforcing one or more of the remedies herein provided upon an Event of Default
shall not be deemed or construed to constitute a waiver of such default or of
Landlord's right to enforce any such remedies with respect to such default or
any subsequent default.

                  SECTION 15.5 DEFAULT BY LANDLORD. In the event Landlord shall
neglect or fail to perform or observe any covenants, provisions, or conditions
contained in this Lease on its part to be performed or observed and such failure
shall continue for thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of default
from Tenant, Landlord shall be responsible to Tenant for any and all damages
sustained by Tenant as a result of Landlord's breach. If Landlord fails to
timely remedy a default with respect to repairs which Landlord is obligated to
perform under the Lease, or to commence to timely remedy a default with respect
to repairs which Landlord is obligated to perform under the Lease, or to
commence to timely cure of such default if the default is not curable with said
thirty (30) days, and diligently proceeds to complete such curing, the Tenant
shall have the right to make such repairs and abate Rent to that extent. In the
event of default by Landlord which is not timely cured after notice thereof,
Tenant may, at its option, terminate this Lease and provide written notice of
termination to Landlord. Said termination shall be effective on the date set
forth in the notice. In the event Tenant exercises this option, Tenant's
obligation to pay Rent shall terminate upon the effective date of termination
and, if Tenant has occupied the Leased Premises, Tenant shall vacate the Leased
Premises on or before the effective date of termination of the Lease. The
remedies specified herein shall be non-exclusive of each other and in addition
to any other remedies available to Tenant at law or in equity.

                                   ARTICLE XVI

                                    SURRENDER

                  SECTION 16.1 SURRENDER. At the termination of this Lease by
lapse of time or otherwise, Tenant shall

                                       9
<PAGE>   11

surrender possession of the Leased Premises in broom-clean condition to Landlord
and shall (subject to Section 16.2) return the Leased Premises and all equipment
and fixtures of the Landlord therein to Landlord in as good condition as when
Tenant originally took possession, ordinary wear, loss or damage by fire or
other casualty, damage resulting from the act of Landlord or its employees and
agents, and alterations made with Landlord's consent excepted.

                  SECTION 16.2 REMOVAL OF ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS. All
installations, alterations, additions, partitions, hardware, light fixtures,
non-trade fixtures and improvements, except movable furniture and equipment
belonging to Tenant, in or upon the Leased Premises, whether placed there by
Tenant or Landlord, shall be Landlord's property and shall remain upon the
Leased Premises.

                  SECTION 16.3 REMOVAL OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. Tenant shall remove
Tenant's furniture, machinery, safes, trade fixtures and other items of movable
personal property of every kind and description from the Leased Premises prior
to the end of the Term or within twenty (20) days following termination of this
Lease or Tenant's right of possession, whichever might be earlier, failing which
Landlord may do so and Tenant shall pay the cost thereof to Landlord on demand.

                  SECTION 16.4 HOLDING OVER. Unless otherwise agreed by the
parties in writing, if Tenant fails to yield up possession of the Leased
Premises to Landlord at the termination of this Lease, Tenant shall pay 125% of
the monthly installment of Base Rent for each month or portion thereof that
Tenant shall retain possession, in addition to all other charges, if any, to be
paid by the Tenant hereunder which relate to any such holdover period. Except as
provided in Article XVIII of this Lease, no extension of this Lease shall be
binding unless in writing and signed by Landlord and Tenant. It is specifically
agreed that Tenant shall have no liability for consequential damages resulting
from a retention of possession beyond the Termination Date.

                                  ARTICLE XVII

                 LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO PERFORM TENANT'S COVENANTS

                  SECTION 17.1 Tenant agrees that if it shall at any time fail
to make any payment or perform any other act on its part to be made or performed
as in this Lease provided, then Landlord may, but shall not be obligated so to
do, and (i) without notice to or demand upon Tenant in the event of emergency or
in order to prevent any sale, forfeiture, foreclosure of damage to the Leased
Premises, or (ii) otherwise after ten (10) days notice to Tenant, and in any
event without waiving or releasing the Tenant from any obligations of the Tenant
in this Lease contained, make any payment or perform any act of Tenant to be
made and performed as in this Lease provided. All sums so paid by Landlord and
all necessary and incidental costs and expenses in connection with the
performance of any such act by Landlord, together with interest thereon at the
Default Rate from the date of the making of such expenditure by Landlord, shall
be deemed Additional Rent hereunder and shall be payable to Landlord on demand
or at the option of Landlord may be added to any Rent then due or thereafter
becoming due under this Lease.

                                  ARTICLE XVIII

                   OPTION TO RENEW AND LEASE ADDITIONAL SPACE

                  SECTION 18.1 OPTION TO RENEW. Tenant shall have the right to
extend the term of this Lease ("Option to Renew") for two (2) additional terms
of five (5) years commencing the day after Termination Date ("Option Period")
upon the same terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease.

                  SECTION 18.2 OPTION TO LEASE ADDITIONAL SPACE. Tenant shall,
upon six (6) months written notice to the Landlord, have the right to Lease
approximately 4,000 s.f. on the third floor of the building, located at 44
Grandville Avenue, S.W., and identified as Exhibit B to this Lease, at the same
terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease. Tenant shall also reimburse
existing tenant of the "subject" third floor space for all unamortized tenant
improvement costs (based upon an original ten year amortization). Tenant shall
also pay for all reasonable moving (relocation) costs.

                                   ARTICLE XIX

                            ASSIGNMENT OR SUBLETTING

                  SECTION 19.1 ASSIGNMENT OR SUBLETTING. Tenant shall not have
the right to assign or pledge this Lease or to sublet the whole or any part of
the Leased Premises except to an affiliate of Tenant without the prior written
consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed, and such restriction shall be binding upon any assignee or subtenant to
which Landlord has consented. Any assignee or sublessee will be required to
execute an instrument in writing assuming all of Tenant's obligations and
liabilities to Landlord. Notwithstanding any permitted assignment or subletting,
Tenant shall at all times remain liable for the payment of the rent herein
specified and for compliance with all of its other obligations under this Lease,
except to the extent released in writing by Landlord.

                                       10
<PAGE>   12

                                   ARTICLE XX

                              ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE

                  SECTION 20.1 Each party agrees, without charge, at any time
and from time to time upon not less than ten (10) business days' prior written
request by the other party to execute, acknowledge and deliver to the requesting
party, or such party as that party may direct, a statement in writing certifying
that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or if there have
been modifications that the Lease is in full force and effect as modified and
stating the modifications), the dates to which the Rent and other charges have
been paid in advance, if any, that, to the best of its knowledge, the requesting
party is not in default under any provisions of this Lease, or, if in default,
the nature thereof in detail, and such other matters as may be reasonably
requested.

                                   ARTICLE XXI

                           SUBORDINATION TO MORTGAGES

                  SECTION 21.1 At the option of Landlord's mortgagee, this Lease
shall be subject and subordinate to the lien and security interest of any first
mortgage or trust deed now or hereafter placed upon the Leased Premises;
provided, however, that the mortgagee or beneficiary under such mortgage or
trust deed agrees in writing with Tenant, or adequate provision is made in such
mortgage or trust deed, that this Lease and Tenant's possession of the Leased
Premises shall not be disturbed by the mortgagee or beneficiary or any other
part claiming under or through such mortgage or trust deed. Tenant hereby agrees
to execute, if same is required, any and all instruments in writing which may be
requested by Landlord to subordinate Tenant's rights acquired by this Lease to
the lien of any such mortgage or trust deed, all as aforesaid.

                                  ARTICLE XXII

                                ENTRY BY LANDLORD

                  SECTION 22.1 Landlord reserves the right to enter the Leased
Premises upon twenty-four (24) hours prior written notice (except in the event
of an emergency) and during normal business hours to inspect the same, to supply
purchasers, mortgagees or tenants, and to alter, improve and repair the Leased
Premises. In the event Tenant is unable to conduct business in the Leased
Premises in its customary manner as a result of such entry, Rent shall abate on
a pro-rata basis for the period Tenant is unable to conduct its business in its
customary manner.

                                  ARTICLE XXIII

                                 ATTORNEYS' FEES

                  SECTION 23.1 Costs, Expenses and Attorneys' Fees. In case
either party shall, without fault on its part, be made a party to any litigation
commenced by or against the other party, then such other party shall pay all
costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred or paid by the party
without fault in connection with such litigation. Each party hereto shall also
pay all costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees that may be incurred or
paid by the other party in successfully enforcing any of its covenants and
agreements in this lease.

                                  ARTICLE XXIV

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  SECTION 24.1 NOTICES. All notices to be given by one party to
the other under this Lease shall be in writing, mailed or delivered to the
address set forth in Section 1.1 for the respective parties or to such other
address subsequently designated by notice sent by one party to the other.
Notices shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
and shall be deemed to be received as of the third (3rd) business day following
deposit in United States Mail, properly addressed, with postage fully prepaid.

                  SECTION 24.2. CONDITIONS. All of the provisions of this Lease
shall be deemed and construed to be "conditions" as well as "covenants" as
though the words specifically expressing or importing covenants and conditions
were used in each separate provision hereof.

                  SECTION 24.3 HEADINGS. The captions of this Lease are for
convenience and reference only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope
of this Lease nor in any way affect this Lease.

                  SECTION 24.4 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The covenants and
agreements herein contained shall bind and inure to the benefit of Landlord, its
successors and assigns, and Tenant, it successors and assigns.

                                       11
<PAGE>   13

                  SECTION 24.5 ENFORCEABILITY. If any term or provision of this
Lease or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any
extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Lease, or the
application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than
those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby,
and each term and provision of this Lease shall be valid and be enforced to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

                  SECTION 24.6 TIME OF ESSENCE. Time is of the essence of this
Lease, and all provisions herein relating thereto shall be strictly construed.

                  SECTION 24.7 RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES. Nothing contained herein
shall be deemed or construed by the parties hereto, nor by any third party, as
creating the relationship of principal and agent or of partnership, or of joint
venture of the parties hereto, it being understood and agreed that no provisions
contained in this Lease, nor any acts of the parties hereto shall be deemed to
create any relationship other than the relationship of Landlord and Tenant.

                  SECTION 24.8 APPLICABLE LAW. This Lease shall be construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

                  SECTION 24.9 DEFAULT RATE. All amounts owed by one party to
the other party pursuant to any provision of this Lease, if not paid within five
days from when due, shall bear interest at an annual rate of interest equal to
the Default Rate from the date due until the date paid.

                  SECTION 24.10 NO-WAIVER. No waiver of any condition expressed
in this Lease shall be implied by any failure of Landlord or Tenant to enforce
any remedy on account of the violation of such condition if such violation be
continued or repeated subsequently, and no express waiver shall affect any
condition other than the one specified in such waiver and that one only for the
time and in the manner specifically stated.

                                   ARTICLE XXV

                              ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

                  SECTION 25.1 ELEVATOR. Landlord, at its expense, shall provide
the Tenant with "lock out" capabilities to the fourth floor in the passenger
elevator.

                  SECTION 25.2 HUMIDIFICATION. Landlord shall provide humidity
control to the premises.

                  SECTION 25.3 BUILDING SIGNAGE. Tenant shall have the right to
place signs on the roof of the building or on the band at top of building of
size, type and design as approved by the City of Grand Rapids and the majority
ownership representation of the premises.

                  SECTION 25.4 STORAGE SPACE. Tenant shall have the right to use
space in the basement for storage of materials at terms and conditions that both
the Tenant and Landlord may agree upon.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed, sealed and
delivered this Lease by their duly authorized officers or partners as of the
date first above written.

LANDLORD:

MARKET SQUARE GROUP, L.L.C.

By:  /s/ Marvin DeWinter                        By:  /s/  Richard Craig
     ------------------------------                ----------------------------
Title:  Partner                                 Title:
       ----------------------------                   -------------------------

TENANTS:

U.S. EXCHANGE

By:  /s/  Richard Postma
     ------------------------------

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