Document:

Exhibit 10.1

  

   

  

  
    AMENDED AND RESTATED MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

     

    

    

    This Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated as of November 20, 2019, and effective as of November 1, 2019 (the “Effective Date”),
      is entered into by and between Contango ORE, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“CORE”) and Juneau Exploration, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (“JEX”).  CORE and JEX may be referred to herein collectively as the “Parties” or
      individually as a “Party”.

     

    RECITALS

     

    A.            CORE is in the
        business of exploring in the State of Alaska for gold ore and associated minerals through Peak Gold, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Joint Venture Company”) jointly owned with a subsidiary of Royal Gold, Inc. (“Royal Gold”).

     

    B.            CORE and JEX entered
        into that certain Management Services Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2016 (the “Original Agreement”), whereby JEX agreed to provide CORE certain managerial, financing, accounting and administrative services in connection with CORE’s
        business affairs.

     

    C.            CORE and JEX desire to
        amend and restate the Original Agreement to evidence their agreement regarding certain changes to the fees payable to JEX in consideration of the services it provides to CORE.

     

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, CORE and JEX agree, as follows:

     

    1.            Services.

     

    (a)            Subject to the terms
        and conditions set forth in this Agreement, JEX shall perform in good faith such services as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the Board of Directors of CORE (the “Board”), including, but not limited to, the services (the “Services”)
        set forth in the Scope of Work attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A (“Scope of Work”).  JEX agrees to perform the Services for CORE.

     

    (b)            CORE may, from time
        to time, request changes in the Scope of Work.   Any changes to the Scope of Work must be mutually agreed upon between JEX and CORE before they are incorporated in written amendments to Exhibit A of this Agreement.

     

    (c)            JEX shall perform all
        Services as required during the Term of this Agreement.

     

    2.            Term of Agreement. 
        This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for a term of one (1) year from the Effective Date and each month thereafter unless terminated upon ninety (90) days’ prior written notice by either Party (the “Term”).

     

    3.            Compensation. 
        During the Term of this Agreement and in consideration of the Services performed by JEX hereunder, JEX shall be entitled to receive the following:

    

    

    
      
        

    

    
    (a)            A monthly payment in
        the amount of $47,000 beginning the Effective Date during the Term, which payment includes an allocation of $6,900 per month for costs for office space and equipment (“Service Fees”) but excludes any allocation of payment pursuant to this
        Agreement to Mr. John B. Juneau who serves as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CORE.

     

    (b)            Reimbursement for
        expenses, legal costs, filing fees, SOX fees, and other third party fees incurred by JEX as well as all other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by JEX in providing the Services (collectively, “Reimbursable Expenses”).

     

    4.            Payments.  CORE
        shall promptly pay to JEX all Service Fees monthly in advance and all Reimbursable Expenses upon submission of satisfactory evidence of payment by JEX.  CORE shall not withhold, nor shall CORE be obligated to withhold, taxes or deductions from
        payments made to JEX.  JEX shall pay, and shall be solely responsible for payment of any applicable taxes on payments made by CORE to JEX for Services rendered under this Agreement.

     

    5.            Ownership of Work
          Product.  All reports, documents or other written material developed by JEX in the performance of this Agreement shall be and remain the property of CORE without restriction, claim, lien or limitation upon its use or dissemination by CORE.

     

    6.            Confidential
          Status; Disclosure of Information.  All agreements, data, reports, documents, materials or other information developed or received by JEX or provided to JEX by or on behalf of CORE shall be deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed by
        JEX without the prior written consent of CORE.  CORE shall grant such consent if disclosure is legally required by applicable law.

     

    7.            Independent
          Contractor.

     

    (a)            JEX is an independent
        contractor and shall have no power to bind CORE or to incur any debt, obligation or liability on behalf of CORE.  CORE shall not have power to bind JEX or to incur any debt, obligation or liability on behalf of JEX.

     

    (b)            JEX shall pay all
        required taxes on amounts paid to JEX under this Agreement.

     

    (c)            JEX shall fully
        comply with all applicable laws in rendering the Services.

     

    (d)            CORE is not and shall
        not be obligated to provide any employee benefits to JEX.

    
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    8.            Indemnification.  
        To the fullest extent permitted by law, CORE shall, at its sole respective cost and expense, defend, protect, indemnify, and hold harmless JEX, its partners and its and their respective officers, attorneys, agents, employees, successors, and
        assigns (collectively, “JEX Indemnitees”) from and against any and all damages, costs, expenses, liabilities, claims, demands, causes of action, proceedings, expenses, judgments, penalties, liens, and losses of any nature whatsoever,
        including fees of accountants, attorneys, expert witnesses, or other professionals and all costs associated therewith (collectively, “Claims”), resulting from any negligent act, error, omission or failure to act by CORE (“CORE Indemnitor”)
        or, as applicable, its officers, agents, servants, employees, subcontractors, material men, suppliers or their respective officers, agents, servants or employees in connection with, resulting from, or related to this Agreement.  Subject to
        paragraph 10 below, to the fullest extent permitted by law, JEX shall, at its sole cost and expense, defend, protect, indemnify, and hold harmless CORE and its officers, attorneys, agents, employees, successors, and assigns (collectively, “CORE
          Indemnitees” and together with the JEX Indemnitees, the “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all Claims resulting from any acts constituting bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence by JEX (“JEX Indemnitor” and
        together with CORE Indemnitor, “Indemnitor”) or, as applicable, its officers, agents, servants, employees, subcontractors, material men, suppliers or their respective officers, agents, servants or employees in connection with, resulting
        from, or related to this Agreement.  This indemnity provision is effective regardless of any prior, concurrent, or subsequent passive negligence by Indemnitees and shall operate to fully indemnify Indemnitees against any such negligence.  This
        indemnity provision shall survive the termination of the Agreement and is in addition to any other rights or remedies which Indemnitees may have under the law or at equity.  Payment is not required as a condition precedent to an Indemnitee’s right
        to recover under this indemnity provision, and an entry of judgment against Indemnitor shall be conclusive in favor of the Indemnitee’s right to recover under this indemnity provision.  Indemnitor shall pay Indemnitees for any attorneys’ fees and
        costs incurred in enforcing this indemnification provision.  This indemnity is effective without reference to the existence or applicability of any insurance coverages which may have been required under this Agreement or any additional insured
        endorsements which may extend to Indemnitees.  This indemnity provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement and is in addition to any other rights or remedies which Indemnitees may have under the law.

     

    9.            Limitations on
          Liability.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party for any punitive, incidental, special, exemplary or consequential damages arising in connection with or with respect to this Agreement.

     

    10.          Limits of JEX
          Responsibility.  JEX assumes no responsibility other than to render the Services described herein in good faith and shall not be responsible for any action of CORE in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendation of JEX.  JEX,
        its partners, officers, employees and affiliates (“JEX Persons”) will not be liable to CORE, its shareholders, or others, except by reason of acts constituting bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of JEX Persons in the provision
        of Services.  CORE shall reimburse, indemnify and hold harmless JEX Persons for and from any and all Claims of any nature whatsoever in respect to or arising in connection with any acts or omissions of CORE and its affiliates and any acts or
        omissions of any JEX Person undertaken in good faith and in accordance with the standard set forth above.  The terms of this paragraph 10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

     

    11.          Mutual Cooperation.

     

    (a)            CORE shall provide
        JEX with all pertinent data, documents and other requested information as is reasonably available for the proper performance of the Services by JEX.

     

    (b)            In the event any
        claim or action is brought by a third party against CORE relating to JEX’s performance in connection with this Agreement, JEX shall render any assistance that CORE may reasonably request.

     

    

    
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    12.          Notices.

     

    Any notices, bills, invoices, or reports required by this Agreement shall be deemed received on:  (a) the day of delivery if delivered by hand or overnight courier service
      during CORE’s and JEX’s regular business hours; or (b) on the third (3rd) business day following deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, to the addresses heretofore below, or to such other addresses as the Parties may, from time to time,
      designate in writing.

     

    If to CORE:

     

    

    
      	
               

            	
              
                Contango ORE, Inc. 

              

            
	
               

            	
              3700 Buffalo Speedway, Suite 925 

              

            
	
               

            	
              Houston, Texas 77098 

              

            
	
               

            	
              Attention:  Leah Gaines 

              

            
	
               

            	
              Phone: (713) 960-1379 

              

            

    

    

    

    

    If to JEX:

     

    

    
      
        	
                 

              	Juneau Exploration L.P.

              
	
                 

              	
                3700 Buffalo Speedway, Suite 925 

                

              
	
                 

              	
                Houston, Texas 77098

              
	
                 

              	
                Attention:  John B. Juneau

              
	
                 

              	
                Phone: (713) 805-4086

              

      

    

    

    13.          Governing Law. 
        This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

     

    14.          Dispute
          Resolution;  Arbitration.  In the event that there is any controversy, claim or dispute between the Parties arising out of or related to this Agreement, the Parties shall for a period of thirty (30) days attempt in good faith to negotiate a
        resolution.   If the Parties are unable in such time period to resolve the controversy, claim or dispute, either Party may, by written notice to the other Party, request that the matter be submitted to arbitration under and pursuant to the
        applicable commercial arbitration rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association.  The arbitration shall be held in Houston, Texas.  The arbitrator(s) shall have no affiliation or relationship with either Party or their counsel and,
        when feasible, shall have training or experience in the subject matter of the dispute.  Any award or decision rendered pursuant to such rules and procedures shall be final and binding on each of the Parties hereto and their respective successors
        and assigns.  Such decision or award shall be in writing signed by the arbitrator(s) and shall state the reasons upon which the decision or award is based.  The arbitrator(s), in deciding any dispute, controversy or claim arising under this
        Agreement as provided in this Section 14, shall look to the substantive laws of the State of Texas for the resolution of the dispute, controversy or claim.  Judgment on any decision or award pursuant hereto may be entered in any court
        having jurisdiction thereof.

     

    

    
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    15.          No Partnership or
          Joint Venture.  CORE and JEX are not partners or joint venturers with each other and neither the terms of this Advisory Agreement nor the fact that CORE and JEX have joint interests in any one or more investments shall be construed so as to
        make them partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such on either of them.

     

    16.          Fidelity Bond. 
        JEX shall not be required to obtain or maintain a fidelity bond in connection with the performance of its services hereunder.

     

    17.          Board of Directors
          and Officers.  Mr. John B. Juneau is a member of the Board of Directors of CORE and is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CORE.  Mr. Juneau shall be compensated separately from the terms of this Agreement as determined in the
        sole discretion of the independent Directors of the Board of CORE.  Mr. Juneau, Ms. Leah Gains, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CORE, and any other employees of JEX who provide Services pursuant to this Agreement, may be granted
        restricted stock, stock options or other forms of compensation by the independent Directors of the Board of CORE as such Directors may determine in their sole discretion and while serving as Officers or Directors of CORE, shall be included in all
        insurance coverages that CORE may have for its Officers and Directors.

     

    18.          JEX Interests. 
        Nothing herein shall prevent JEX, Juneau nor any employee of Juneau from (i) continuing to own stock or stock options in CORE, and (ii) engaging in any other business or enterprise, including engaging in oil and gas exploration, development and
        production.

     

    19.          Further Assurances.
        Each of the Parties hereto shall do such further acts, shall perform such further actions, and shall execute and deliver such additional agreements and instruments as the other Party may reasonably require to consummate, evidence or confirm the
        agreements and understandings contained herein in the manner contemplated hereby.

     

    20.          No Assignment. 
        JEX shall not assign or transfer any interest in this Agreement nor the performance of any of JEX’s obligations hereunder, nor shall it subcontract any of the Services or the Scope of Work without the prior written consent of CORE.

     

    21.          Time Is Of The
          Essence.  Time is hereby expressly declared to be of the essence of this Agreement and of each and every provision hereof; and each and every provision hereof is hereby declared to be and made a material, essential and necessary part of this
        Agreement.

     

    22.          Exhibits;
          Precedence.  All documents referenced as exhibits in this Agreement are hereby incorporated in this Agreement.  In the event of any material discrepancy between the express provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any document
        incorporated herein by reference, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail.

     

    

    
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    23.          Entire Agreement
          and Amendments.  This Agreement, and any other documents incorporated herein by specific reference, represent the entire and integrated agreement between JEX and CORE.  As of September 30, 2016, the office sublease between CORE and JEX has
        been terminated.  This Agreement supersedes all prior oral or written negotiations, representations or agreements.  This Agreement may not be amended, nor any provision or breach hereof waived, except in a writing signed by the Parties which
        expressly refers to this Agreement.

     

    24.          Severability. 
        Wherever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be valid under applicable law.  If any provision of this Agreement, is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or
        unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect.

     

    25.          Counterparts. 
        This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     

    

    

     

    [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

     

    
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    WHEREFORE, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

     

     

    
      	CONTANGO ORE, INC.

              	 
	 	 	 
	By: 

            	
              /s/ Leah Gaines

            	 
	Name: 

            	Leah Gaines	 
	Title: 

            	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	
              JUNEAU EXPLORATION, L.P.

            	 
	 	 
	
              By: Juneau GP, LLC

            	 
	
              its General Partner

            	 
	 	 	 
	By: 

            	
              
                
                  /s/ John B. Juneau 

                  

                

              

            	 
	Name: 

            	John B. Juneau 

            	 
	Title: 

            	President 

            	 

    

      
    
      
        

    

     

        

    Exhibit A

      

        Scope of Work

     

    

    

    

    

    1.           Services. 
        Subject to the supervision of the Board and upon its direction, and consistent with the provisions of the CORE’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, JEX shall:

     

    (a)            advise CORE and the
        Board with respect to the business and affairs of CORE and the Joint Venture Company;

     

    (b)            establish bank
        accounts and invest and reinvest on a short-term basis any funds of CORE and manage CORE’s short-term investments including the acquisition and sale of money market instruments;

     

    (c)            investigate, select
        and conduct relations and enter into appropriate contracts on behalf of the Company with individuals, corporations and entities in furtherance of the business activities of CORE;

     

    (d)            monitor the
        performance of the Joint Venture Company and report to the Board regarding its status;

     

    (e)            obtain for CORE such
        services as may be required for other activities relating to the business of CORE;

     

    (f)            administer such
        day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting functions as are required for the proper management of the assets of CORE, prepare or cause to be prepared such reports as may be required by any governmental authority in connection with the ordinary conduct
        of CORE’s business, including without limitation, periodic reports, returns or statements required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Internal Revenue Code, the securities and tax statutes of any jurisdiction in which CORE
        is obligated to file such reports or the rules and regulations promulgated under any of the foregoing, and prepare or cause to be pre-pared reports and statements for distribution to shareholders of CORE;

     

    (g)            prepare budgets and
        similar reports for use of the Board;

     

    (h)            provide office space
        and office equipment, the use of accounting or computing equipment when required, and provide personnel necessary for the performance of the foregoing services; and

     

    (i)            from time to time, or
        at any time requested by the Board, provide reports to the  Board as may be reasonably requested.Exhibit

RETIREMENT AND TRANSITION AGREEMENT

This RETIREMENT AND TRANSITION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between FBL Financial Group, Inc., including its affiliates by ownership or management (collectively, the “Company”), and James P. Brannen (“Executive”), effective as of November 20, 2019 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been employed by the Company since 1991, culminating with Executive being named Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 2012 and continuing to serve in such capacity as of the date hereof; and

WHEREAS, Executive has notified the Board of Directors of the Company of his intention to retire in early 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive wish to provide for the orderly transition of Executive’s duties to his successor, to recognize Executive’s service to the Company and to provide for Executive’s continued cooperation leading up to and upon separation from the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises, terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1.    Transition of Duties; Conclusion of Employment; Consulting. 

(a)    Effective as of December 31, 2019, Executive hereby resigns from the Board of Directors of FBL Financial Group, Inc., all current officer positions with the Company, and any committees thereof.

(b)    Executive shall remain in the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company from the Effective Date through and including December 31, 2019, upon which date Executive shall be deemed, without further action by Executive or the Company, to have voluntarily stepped down from such position. 

(c)    Effective January 1, 2020, Executive shall remain in the employ of the Company in the position of CEO Emeritus, reporting to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. During the period from January 1, 2020 to February 28, 2020 (the “Retirement Date”), Executive shall assist in the orderly transition of his responsibilities and knowledge to the Chief Executive Officer and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer. 

(d)    Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate and his retirement shall be effective as of the Retirement Date, upon which date Executive shall be deemed, without further action by Executive or the Company, to have retired and resigned from all positions Executive then holds with the Company. Executive agrees to execute any documents reasonably required to effectuate the foregoing.

(e)    For a period of twelve (12) months following the Retirement Date, Executive agrees to make himself reasonably available to the Company to periodically consult and advise the Company with respect to historical information and current management practices.

2.    Separation Benefits. Pursuant to this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the following payments and benefits:

(a)    For the period from the Effective Date through February 14, 2020, Executive shall continue to receive base salary at his current rate. For the period from February 14, 2020 through the Retirement Date, Executive shall receive a base salary in the total amount of $2,500. Payments of base salary shall be made on the Company’s regular pay days.

(b)    Any rights of Executive hereunder shall be in addition to any rights Executive may otherwise have under the benefit plans, agreements or arrangements of the Company to which he is a party or in which he is a participant, including, but not limited to, any Company-sponsored employee benefit plans, the 

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Management Performance Plan, Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan and related award agreements, Cash-Based Restricted Surplus Unit Plan and related award agreements, FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan, FBL Financial Group Supplemental Retirement Plan, Farm Bureau 401(k) Savings Plan, Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan, Farm Bureau Employer Match Deferred Compensation Plan and FBL Financial Group Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan. The provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way abrogate Executive’s rights under such other plans, agreements or arrangements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any unused vacation of Executive as of the Retirement Date shall be forfeited and no payment shall be made to Executive therefor.

(c)    Executive shall receive a transition bonus payment in the amount of $1,000,000, payable on February 28, 2020. For the avoidance of doubt, no benefits shall accrue under or be applicable to such amount, including without limitation under any of the benefit plans, agreements or arrangements listed in the preceding paragraph.

(d)    Executive shall receive his current company car, and laptop computer as of the Retirement Date.

3.    Covenants Regarding Confidentiality; Non-Solicitation; Competition. 

(a)    Confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment, he has acquired and/or generated information that the Company deems confidential and/or proprietary to the Company and/or subject to attorney-client privilege. In addition, Executive has had access to certain third-party information that has been provided to the Company on a confidential basis. Executive agrees that he may not use or disclose, or allow the use or disclosure by others of, any of the Company’s confidential, proprietary or attorney-client privileged information, or any information of others provided to the Company on a confidential basis, without the prior express written consent of the Company.  Excluded from the provisions of this subparagraph (a) are communications by Executive to a government agency when such communications or information are provided for, protected under, or warranted by applicable law.

(b)    Non-Solicitation. Commencing on the Effective Date and continuing until the second anniversary of the Retirement Date, (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, divert or attempt to influence any person, firm, corporation or other entity who is or was a policyholder, contract holder, client or customer of the Company to terminate or decrease the amount of business such policyholder, contract holder, client or customer has placed or may place with the Company; (ii) solicit or recruit any employee of the Company, unless the employment of such employee with the Company has been terminated other than by an inducement of employment otherwise prohibited hereunder; or (iii) solicit, divert or attempt to influence any person, firm, corporation or other entity who is or was an agent of the Company to terminate or decrease the amount of business such person or entity conducts with the Company.

(c)    Competition. During the Restricted Period, without the prior written consent of the Company, Executive shall not serve as a director of any firm, corporation or other entity engaging in the business of insurance and/or wealth management with operations in any state in which the Company operates, and which competes directly with the Company, other than any such directorships Executive holds as of the Effective Date.

(d)    Severability of Provisions. In the event the provisions of this Section 3 should ever be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to exceed the time or geographic or other limitations permitted by applicable law, then such provisions shall be deemed reformed to the maximum time or geographic or other limitations permitted by applicable law, as determined by such court in such action. Each breach of the covenants set forth herein shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action.

(e)    Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges the provisions of this Section 3 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the Company, and any violation of this Section 3 will result in irreparable injury to the Company, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such violation would not be reasonable or adequate compensation to the Company for such a violation. Accordingly, Executive agrees that if he violates the provisions of this Section 3, in addition to any other remedy 

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which may be available at law or in equity, the Company shall be entitled to specific performance and injunctive relief without the necessity of proving actual damages or posting a bond.

4.    Code Section 409A Compliance. The Company and Executive each hereby affirm that it is their mutual view that the provision of payments and benefits described or referenced herein is exempt from or in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the Treasury regulations relating thereto (“Section 409A”) and that each party’s tax reporting shall be completed in a manner consistent with such view. The Company and Executive each agree that upon the Retirement Date, Executive shall experience a “separation from service” for purposes of Section 409A. Any payments that qualify for the “short-term deferral” exception or another exception under Section 409A shall be paid under the applicable exception. For purposes of the limitations on nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, each payment of compensation under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment of compensation.

5.    Disclosure of Agreement. Executive understands and agrees that the Company is required to disclose the existence and terms of this Agreement, and to file a copy of this Agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to its periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Executive consents to any such disclosure and filings deemed necessary or appropriate and made by the Company under the Exchange Act and pursuant to any other laws or regulations.

6.    Withholding. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all amounts that are required or authorized to be withheld, including, but not limited to, federal, state and local taxes and required or authorized payroll deductions. To the extent any such withholding obligation arises after any applicable payment has been made by the Company, Executive from time to time shall deliver to the Company, in a form and manner acceptable to the Company, cash or other payment (as determined by the Company) in an amount equal to the applicable withholding obligation.

7.    Continuing Cooperation. Executive agrees that he shall cooperate with the Company, its agents and its attorneys with respect to any matters in which Executive was involved during Executive’s employment with the Company or about which Executive has information, and will provide upon request from the Company all such information or information about any such matter.

8.    Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective when delivered in person, consigned to a reputable national or international courier service or certified or registered mail, and addressed to Executive at the last known address on the books of the Company or, in the case of the Company, at the Company’s principal place of business, attention of the Chairman of FBL Financial Group, Inc., or to such other address as either party may specify by notice to the other.

9.    Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors.

10.    Headings. The headings in this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. 

11.    Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective permitted successors and assigns.

12.    Governing Law; Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Iowa without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Iowa or any other jurisdiction). Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa or any court of the State of Iowa located in Polk County in any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or 

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hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such action, suit or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY MATTER BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.

13.    Severability.    In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable and continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent consistent with law.

14.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with respect to the subjects addressed herein and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and representations, written or oral, with respect to those subjects.

15.    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

	
		
	FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
	JAMES P. BRANNEN

	By: /s/ Craig D. Hill
	/s/ James P. Brannen

	      Craig D. Hill
	James P. Brannen

	      Chairman, Board of Directors
	 

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