Document:

exhibit10_23.htm

Exhibit 10.23

 

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

 

   This CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 3rd day of June, 2010 by and between CFS BANCORP, Inc. (“Company”) an Indiana corporation, CITIZENS FINANCIAL BANK (“Bank”), a federally chartered savings bank, and Jerry A. Weberling (the “Executive”), who is currently a resident of the State of Illinois.

 

R E C I T A L S:

 

   WHEREAS, the Executive is presently employed as a senior executive officer of the Company and the Bank (together the “Employers”); and

 

WHEREAS, in the event Employers, desire to consider, or are confronted with, the possibility of a transaction that could result in a change in control of either the Company or the Bank, the Boards of Directors of the Employers believe that such a transaction could be a distraction to the Executive and could cause the Executive to consider alternative employment opportunities; and

 

WHEREAS, the Employers also believe that, in the event of a possible change in control transaction, continuity and input of the Employers management will be essential to the ability of the respective Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank to evaluate such a transaction in the best interests of their respective shareholders; and

 

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of the Employers have determined that it is in the best interest of the Employers to assure that the Employers will have the continued dedication, objectivity and service of the Executive in the event of the possibility, threat or occurrence of such a change in control transaction; and

 

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of the Employers further believe that it is in the best interest of the Employers to provide the Executive with change in control payments under certain circumstances following a change in control transaction and to have the Employers receive and have the benefit of certain covenants from the Executive relating to, among other matters, non-disclosure of confidential information, non-competition and non-solicitation.

 

   NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the respective covenants, agreements and obligations contained herein, and the continued employment of the Executive by the Employers, the Employers and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.                      Defined Terms.  The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below for purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a)           Average Base Salary.  The Executive’s “Average Base Salary” shall mean the average of the Executive’s annual base salary (excluding bonuses, incentive compensation and any other compensation or amounts) paid in the three (3) complete fiscal years preceding the Executive’s last day of employment with the Bank, or in the event that the Executive has been employed by the Bank for less than three (3) complete fiscal years, then the Average Base Salary shall be calculated using the Executive’s average monthly base salary based upon the number of months that the Executive has been employed by the Bank and multiplied by twelve.

 

(b)           Cause.  Termination of the Executive’s employment for “Cause” means the termination of the Executive’s employment by the Employers because of any of the following:

 

  

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         (i)           any incompetence or intentional failure by the Executive in performing his services or carrying out his duties and responsibilities for or on behalf of the Employers; or

 

(ii)          any dishonesty, fraud, theft or embezzlement by the Executive; or

 

(iii)         any breach of fiduciary duty or willful misconduct involving personal profit by the Executive; or

 

(iv)         any willful or knowing violation by the Executive of any law, statute, rule, regulation or government requirement (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or any final cease and desist order involving the Executive; or

 

(v)          any material and intentional noncompliance by the Executive with any provision of any employee handbook, code of conduct or ethics, corporate governance guidelines or any rule, policy or procedure of the Employers as are currently in effect or as may hereafter be in effect from time to time; or

 

(vi)         any material breach by the Executive of any provision of this Agreement.

 

(c)           Change in Control.  “Change in Control” means the occurrence subsequent to the date of this Agreement of any of the following relating to the Company or the Bank: (i) an acquisition of control of the Company or the Bank within the meaning of the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933 and 12 C.F. R. 574, as amended; (ii) an event that would be required to be reported in response to Item 5.01 of Form 8-K or Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Act, as amended (“1934 Act”), or any successor statute, whether or not any class of securities of the Company is registered under the 1934 Act; (iii) any Person or group of Persons is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of either the Company or the Bank representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s or the Bank’s then outstanding securities; or (iv) during any period of thirty-six consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company or the Bank cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof unless the election, or the nomination for election, of each new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of such period and, in such case, each new director so approved will be considered for purposes of this section to have been a director at the beginning of such period.

 

For purposes of the definition of “Change in Control,” (A) a Person or group of Persons does not include the CFS Bancorp, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust which forms a part of the CFS Bancorp, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”), any other employee benefit plan of the Company or the Bank, or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank, and (B) the outstanding securities of the Company shall include all shares of common stock owned by the ESOP, whether allocated or unallocated to the accounts of participants thereunder.

 

(d)           Disability.  “Disability” means the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Employers because of any physical or mental impairment, incapacity or condition of the Executive such that the Executive is substantially limited, with or without accommodation, in being able to perform the essential functions of his duties and responsibilities for or on behalf of the Employers (as reasonably determined by the Employers) for at least sixty (60) days (whether consecutive or non-consecutive days) during any twelve (12) month period.  A Disability may, but is not required to, be evidenced by a signed, written opinion of an independent, qualified medical doctor selected by the Board of Directors or the

 

  

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Chief Executive Officer of the Employers and paid for by the Employers.  The Executive hereby agrees to make himself promptly available for examination by such medical doctor upon reasonable request by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer of the Employers and consents to provide promptly the results of such examination and any diagnosis to the Employers.  Nothing in this Section is intended to be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

(e)           Executive Officers.  “Executive Officers” shall mean those employees of the Employers who hold the title of Senior Vice President or above.

 

(f)           Good Reason.  “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(i)           a material reduction by the Company or the Bank, without the Executive’s written consent, in the Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authority concurrently with, or during the two (2) year period immediately following, a Change in Control as compared to that in effect on the day immediately preceding the Change in Control; provided, however, that a temporary reduction in the Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authority during any period that the Executive is on vacation, using paid time off or on leave of absence in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Employers shall not constitute a diminution of his duties, responsibilities and authority; and provided further, however, that layoffs or terminations following a Change in Control of employees who directly report to the Executive shall not constitute a diminution of his duties, responsibilities and authority; or

 

(ii)          a material diminution by the Company or the Bank, without the Executive’s written consent, in the Executive’s job title(s) concurrently with, or during the two (2) year period immediately following, a Change in Control as compared to the Executive’s job title(s) held on the day immediately preceding the Change in Control; or

 

(iii)         a material reduction by the Employers, without the Executive’s written consent, of his annual base salary concurrently with, or during the two (2) year period immediately following, a Change in Control as compared to his annual base salary in effect on the day immediately preceding the Change in Control; provided, however, that any reduction by the Employers in the Executive’s annual base salary concurrently with or following a Change in Control shall not constitute Good Reason so long as a majority of all Executive Officers shall also receive a reduction in their respective annual base salaries as part of across-the-board salary reductions at the Employers and, further, so long as the percentage reduction in the Executive’s annual base salary shall not be greater than the average of the percentage reductions in the annual base salaries of all other Executive Officers as a group; or

 

(iv)         a requirement by the Company or the Bank, without the Executive’s written consent, that the Executive perform his principal job duties and responsibilities concurrently with, or during the two (2) year period immediately following, a Change in Control at a location that is more than thirty (30) miles from the location at which the Executive performs his principal job duties and responsibilities on the day immediately preceding the Change in Control; or

 

(v)          any failure by the Employers to obtain the express written assumption of this Agreement, and the obligations hereunder, by the successor to the Bank concurrently with a Change in Control.

 

    The Executive must notify the Employers in writing within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the circumstances giving rise to a termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder for Good Reason.  The Employers shall then have thirty (30) days following the effectiveness of such notice

 

  

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during which it may cure such circumstances and, if so cured, shall not be required to make any change in control payments hereunder.

 

(g)           Person.  “Person” means any natural person, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, organization, firm, business, joint venture, association, trust or other entity and any government agency, body or authority.

 

Section 2.                      Term; Employment Status; Compensation.

 

(a)           Term of Agreement.  The initial term of this Agreement shall be for a period of one (1) year commencing as of the date hereof.  Within sixty (60) days prior to the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement and within sixty (60) days prior to each subsequent one (1) year anniversary thereafter, the Boards of Directors of the Employers shall review this Agreement and determine whether the term of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one (1) year in addition to the then-remaining term.  The Boards of Directors shall promptly notify the Executive in writing as to whether it has determined to extend further the term of this Agreement.  If the Boards of Directors determine not to extend further the term of this Agreement, then this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force or effect, except as expressly set forth herein, at the end of the then-existing term, and the Executive’s employment with the Employers shall continue to be on an employee-at-will basis.  Reference herein to the term of this Agreement shall refer to both such initial term and any extended terms.

 

As part of the review by the Boards of Directors of the Employers on at least an annual basis whether to permit extensions of the term of this Agreement, the Boards shall consider all factors that they deem relevant, including without limitation the Employers’ continued need for this Agreement and the covenants of the Executive herein.

 

If the Boards of Directors of the Employers provide written notice to the Executive that the term of this Agreement shall not be further extended, such event shall not, in and of itself, constitute Good Reason or a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Employers.  In the event of a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Employers or the Executive prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control or in the event that the term of this Agreement shall have expired after the Employers have provided notice that the term shall not be extended, then no change in control payments shall be payable to the Executive hereunder, but Sections 3(c)(iv), 4, 5(a), 5(b), 5(d), 5(e), 5(f), 5(g), 6, 7 and 8 hereof shall survive such termination of employment or expiration of the term of this Agreement, as the case may be, and shall continue in full force and effect and be binding upon the Executive.

 

(b)           Employment Status.  This Agreement is not and shall not be construed to be an employment agreement or a guarantee or commitment for continued employment of the Executive by the Employers.  The Executive is and shall at all times be an employee-at-will of the Employers and shall be considered an “exempt employee” for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act.  Neither this Agreement nor anything contained herein shall be construed as affecting or limiting the right of the Employers or the Executive to terminate the Executive’s employment with the Employers at any time for any reason or for no reason.  The Executive understands and agrees that the change in control payments provided in this Agreement are in lieu of any change in control benefits that may otherwise be payable to the Executive under any severance pay policies or practices of the Company or the Bank, and the Executive hereby waives, and shall not be entitled to, any payments or benefits under any such severance pay policies or practices.

 

      (c)           Compensation.  All matters relating to the employment of the Executive by the Employers (including, but not limited to, base salary; bonuses; equity or other incentive compensation;

 

  

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employee benefits; retirement; profit sharing; health, life, disability and other insurance; expense reimbursement; and vacation, sick and other paid time off, and including the cost and eligibility requirements thereof; and the termination of the Executive’s employment) shall be subject to the plans, programs, employee handbooks, rules, policies and procedures of the Employers as are currently in effect or as may hereafter be established, amended or in effect from time to time.

 

Section 3.                      Termination of Employment and Payments Following a Change in Control.

 

(a)           Termination of Employment Following a Change in Control.  Upon the occurrence of either of the following events during the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall receive the amounts specified in Section 3(b) below:

 

(i)           the Executive has terminated his employment with the Employers for Good Reason concurrently with, or during the two (2) year period immediately following, a Change in Control; or

 

(ii)          the Employers have terminated the employment of the Executive concurrently with, or during the two (2) year period immediately following, a Change in Control for any reason other than for Cause or a Disability of the Executive.

 

(b)           Payments to the Executive Following a Change in Control.  Subject to Sections 3(c) and 3(d), either of the Employers shall pay to the Executive the amounts set forth below if either of the events described above in Section 3(a) have occurred:

 

(i)           Change in Control Payments.  Change in control payments equal to the Executive’s Average Base Salary (calculated as a monthly amount) for a period of twelve (12) months following the Executive’s last day of employment with the Employers.  Each payment shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The foregoing monthly change in control payments shall be paid beginning on the last day of the month following the month in which the Executive’s last day of employment with the Employers occurs and on the last day of each subsequent month thereafter until all change in control payments have been paid.

 

(ii)          Retirement Plans.  All amounts that are fully earned and vested and properly payable on or before the Executive’s last day of employment under all retirement plans sponsored by the Company or the Bank in accordance with the provisions of such plans.

 

(iii)         Other Amounts.  All other amounts that are properly payable to the Executive by the Employers that have not been paid to him on or before his last day of employment.  Such amounts shall be paid to the Executive in accordance with the policies, procedures and/or practices of the Employers.

 

(iv)         COBRA Coverage.  If the Executive is participating in the Company’s or the Bank’s group health insurance plan at the time that his employment with the Employers is terminated and if the Executive has made an appropriate election to continue such coverage for himself and/or his spouse and legal dependents under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, as amended (“COBRA”), the Executive shall pay the premiums associated with such continuation group health coverage and either of the Employers shall reimburse the Executive only for the premiums actually paid by him associated with such continuation coverage until the earlier of (A) the expiration of the period of time that the Executive has elected to receive continuation coverage under the Company’s or the Bank’s group health insurance plan pursuant to COBRA (but, in any event, not to exceed twelve (12) months

 

  

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following his last day of employment with the Employers), or (B) the date on which the Executive becomes eligible to receive health insurance benefits from a new employer or another Person.  The foregoing reimbursement of premiums shall not be paid to the Executive if his employment with the Employers is terminated by the Employers for Cause.

 

(c)           Certain Other Matters.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3, the following shall apply:

 

(i)           The Executive (and his spouse and heirs) shall not be entitled to any change in control payments under this Agreement from the Employers in the event of his death.

 

(ii)          All outstanding awards of cash bonuses, stock options, restricted stock and other incentive compensation (whether cash or equity based) from the Company or the Bank shall vest or be earned and be paid or distributed to, or be exercisable by, as the case may be, the Executive in accordance with the applicable plan or award agreement governing such awards.

 

(iii)         Upon any termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall execute (and not subsequently rescind or revoke) a release substantially similar to the release attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A as a condition to the Executive receiving any of the amounts set forth in this Section 3.

 

(iv)         At all times while employed by the Employers and at all times following any termination of his employment, the Executive shall not make or publish any negative or disparaging statements or comments of any kind or character whatsoever about the Company, the Bank, any of their directors, officers, employees or customers or the business, operations, affairs, profitability, strategies or policies of the Company or the Bank.

 

(v)          If the Executive breaches any provision of this Agreement, whether before or after any termination of his employment with the Employers, or refuses to execute (or rescinds or revokes) the release attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A (or a release substantially similar to the release attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A), then the Employers obligation to make any change in control payments or to make any reimbursement for the premiums associated with the COBRA continuation coverage to the Executive under this Section 3 shall terminate immediately without reinstatement of any obligation of the Employers to pay or reimburse, or to resume paying or reimbursing following any cure of a breach, the Executive hereunder.  Notwithstanding any such termination of the Employers obligation to pay or reimburse, (A) the covenants and agreements set forth in Sections 3(c)(iv), 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 hereof shall continue in full force and effect and be binding upon the Executive, (B) the Employers shall be entitled to the remedies specified in Section 7 hereof, among others, and (C) the existence of any claim or cause of action of the Executive against the Employers, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Employers of the covenants contained in Sections 3(c)(iv), 4, 5 or 6.

 

(d)           Delay of Payment under Certain Circumstances.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, all amounts under this Agreement that (i) are payable to the Executive due to the Executive’s Separation from Service, as described in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(h), for a reason other than the Executive’s death, (ii) are payable at a time when the Executive is a “Specified Employee” as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(i), and (iii) provide for a “deferral of compensation” as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(b) under Sections 6(b) and 6(e), shall be suspended for six (6) months following such Separation from Service.  The Executive shall receive a lump sum payment of the

 

  

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amounts so suspended on the first day following the six-month suspension period, with such lump sum payment being subject to termination as set forth in Section 3(c) above.

 

Section 4.                      Non-Disclosure; Return of Confidential Information and Other Property.

 

(a)           Confidential Information; Non-Disclosure.  At all times while the Executive is employed by the Employers and at all times following any termination of his employment, the Executive shall not (i) directly or indirectly disclose, provide or discuss any Confidential Information with or to any party other than those directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates who need to know such Confidential Information for a proper corporate purpose, and/or (ii) directly or indirectly use any Confidential Information (A) to compete against the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, (B) to the detriment of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or (C) for the Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any Person other than the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates.  The Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and at all times shall remain the property of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, as applicable.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means any and all of the following, whether disclosed to or known by the Executive on, before or after the date of this Agreement:

 

(i)           any and all materials, records, data, documents, lists, information and trade secrets (whether in writing, printed, verbal, electronic, computerized, imaged, on disk, CD, DVD or otherwise) (A) relating or referring in any manner to the business, operations, affairs, financial condition, results of operation, assets, liabilities, revenues, income, deposits, loans, products, estimates, projections, budgets, policies, strategies, techniques, methods, vendors, relationships, customers and/or clients of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates that are confidential, proprietary or not otherwise publicly available (other than by or through the Executive or any other impermissible disclosure), or (B) that the Company or the Bank, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates has deemed confidential, proprietary or nonpublic; and

 

(ii)          any and all trade secrets of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates; and

 

(iii)         any and all copies, summaries, analyses, extracts, documents or information (whether prepared by the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, the Executive or otherwise) which relate or refer to or reflect any of the items set forth in this Section 4(a).

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the restrictions on the use or disclosure of Confidential Information shall not apply to any information:

 

(A)         after it has become generally available to the public without breach of this Agreement by the Executive, or

 

(B)         which, at the time of disclosure by the Executive, was already known to a third party to whom the disclosure was made without breach of this Agreement by the Executive.

 

In the event the Executive receives a request to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information under the terms of a valid and effective subpoena or order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Executive agrees to

 

  

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(A)         immediately notify the Employers of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such a request so that the Employers may consider seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy and/or waive compliance with the provisions of this Agreement,

 

(B)         consult with the Employers on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request, and

 

(C)         if disclosure of such information is required, exercise his best efforts to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to such portion of the information which the Employers so designates.

 

(b)           Return of Confidential Information and Other Property.  The Executive covenants and agrees (i) to return to the Employers on his last day of employment, at the Employers headquarters, all Confidential Information that is still in the Executive’s possession or control on his last day of employment with the Employers or the location of which the Executive knows (including, but not limited to, any Confidential Information contained on the Executive’s personal digital assistant, BlackBerry, mobile telephone and personal or home computer), and (ii) to return to the Employers on his last day of employment, at the Employers headquarters, all vehicles, equipment, computers, personal digital assistants, BlackBerrys, mobile telephones, credit cards, keys, access cards, passwords and other property owned or provided by the Company or the Bank that are still in the Executive’s possession or control on his last day of employment or the location of which the Executive knows, and to cease using any of the foregoing on and after his last day of employment.

 

Section 5.                      Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.

 

(a)           The Executive hereby understands, acknowledges and agrees that, by virtue of his position at the Bank, he has or will have advantageous and competitive familiarity and personal contacts with the customers and clients (wherever located), products, services, strategies and employees of the Company, the Bank and their subsidiaries and affiliates and has and will have advantageous and competitive familiarity with the Confidential Information.  As such, and in view of the highly competitive nature of the business in which the Employers are or may be engaged, the Executive agrees that the covenants set forth in Sections 4, 5 and 6 are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the Employers business and the Confidential Information.

 

(b)           At all times while the Executive is employed by the Employers, he shall not engage in or compete with, or assist another party in engaging in or competing with (or finance, operate, or control) any banking, financial services or other business, operation, or activity which is conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates (or which is in the same or a similar line of business as, or competes with, the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates), nor shall he shall solicit in any manner, seek to obtain, service or accept any business for or on behalf of a party other than the Company, the Bank or their subsidiaries or affiliates relating to the products or services offered or sold by any of them.

 

(c)           For a period of one (1) year following his last day of employment with the Employers, the Executive shall not, within a thirty (30) mile radius of any office of the Employers, directly or indirectly, or individually or together with any other Person (as owner, shareholder, investor, member, partner, proprietor, principal, director, officer, employee, manager, agent, representative, independent contractor, consultant, advisor or otherwise), engage in any banking, financial services or other business, operation or activity which is conducted by the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates during such one (1) year period (or which is in the same or a similar line of business as, or

 

  

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 competes with, the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates) or which was conducted, or proposed to be conducted, or actively being developed or pursued by the Company, the Bank or any their subsidiaries or affiliates at any time during the one (1) year period preceding his last day of employment, nor shall the Executive assist another party in engaging in or competing with (or finance, operate or control) any banking, financial services or other business, operation, activity or similar line of business which is conducted, or proposed to be conducted, or actively being developed or pursued by the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates on the Executive’s last day of employment with the Bank, or which was conducted, or proposed to be conducted, or actively being developed or pursued by the Company, the Bank or any their subsidiaries or affiliates at any time during the one (1) year period preceding his last day of employment.

 

(d)           For a period of one (1) year following his last day of employment with the Employers, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, or individually or together with any other Person, as owner, shareholder, investor, member, partner, proprietor, principal, director, officer, employee, manager, agent, representative, independent contractor, consultant, advisor or otherwise:

 

(i)           solicit in any manner, seek to obtain, service or accept any business of any Person who is a customer or client of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates relating to products or services offered, or actively being developed, by any of them on the Executive’s last day of employment with the Employers or who was an existing or prospective customer or client of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates at any time during the one (1) year period preceding the Executive’s last day of employment; or

 

(ii)          contact, or conduct, authorize or approve any advertisement or communication to, any customer or client of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates (A) for purposes of announcing his employment or affiliation with another Person, or (B) in connection with directly or indirectly engaging in any banking, financial services or other business or activity in competition with the business, affairs or interests of (or which is in the same or a similar line of business as) the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates; or

 

(iii)         offer or provide employment, hire or engage (whether on a full-time, part-time, or consulting basis or otherwise) any individual who is an employee of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates on the last day of the Executive’s employment with the Employers or who was such an employee at any time during the one (1) year period preceding the Executive’s last day of employment, nor shall the Executive request or attempt to influence any person who is employed by the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates on the Executive’s last day of employment to terminate such employee’s employment with the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates; or

 

(iv)         request, encourage or advise any Person who is a customer, client, vendor or otherwise doing business or having a relationship with the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates on the Executive’s last day of employment to terminate, reduce, limit or change their business or relationship with the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

(e)           The Executive acknowledges the geographic scope of the business of the Company, the Bank and their subsidiaries or affiliates.  Nevertheless, in the event that any provision of Section 5(c) or Section 5(d) is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to exceed the geographic, time or other restrictions permitted by applicable law, then the court shall have the power to reduce, limit or reform (but not to increase or make greater) such provision to make it enforceable to the maximum extent

 

  

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permitted by law, and such provision shall then be enforceable against the Executive in its reduced, limited or reformed manner.

 

(f)           The Employers and the Executive agree that the provisions of this Section 5 shall be severable in accordance with Section 8(e) hereof.

 

(g)           The restrictions and covenants contained in this Section 5 shall be deemed not to run during all periods of noncompliance, with the intention of the parties being to have such restrictions and covenants apply during the full periods specified in this Section.

 

Section 6.                      Intellectual Property.  The Executive understands, acknowledges, and agrees that each and every invention, idea, concept, discovery, improvement, device, design, drawing, sketch, specification, prototype, sample, practice, process, method, technique or product (whether in written or electronic format and whether or not patentable, copyrightable or registerable for trademark protection) made, created, developed, perfected, devised, conceived, worked on or first reduced to practice by the Executive, either solely or in collaboration with others, during the period of the Executive’s employment with the Employers (whether or not during regular working hours) relating, directly or indirectly, to the business, operations, affairs, products, practices, techniques or methods of the Company, the Bank or any their subsidiaries or affiliates (the “Intellectual Property”) is and shall be the exclusive property of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, as applicable.  The Executive hereby forever, unconditionally and irrevocably releases and relinquishes any and all right, title and interest that he may have in and to the Intellectual Property worldwide and hereby forever, unconditionally and irrevocably assigns to the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates any and all of the Executive’s right, title and interest in and to the Intellectual Property worldwide.  At the request and expense of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, the Executive shall (a) execute any and all assignments, documents and other writings that the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates determines are necessary to evidence ownership of the Intellectual Property in the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, (b) execute any and all applications and registrations of the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates for patents, trademarks and/or copyrights relating to the Intellectual Property, and (c) assist the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates in obtaining any and all patents, trademarks and copyrights that it desires relating to the Intellectual Property.

 

Section 7.                      Certain Remedies.  The Executive understands and agrees that the Company or the Bank will suffer irreparable damage and injury and will not have an adequate remedy at law in the event of any actual, threatened, or attempted breach by the Executive of any provision of Section 3(c)(iv), 4, 5 or 6.  Accordingly, in the event of a breach or a threatened or attempted breach by the Executive of any provision of Section 3(c)(iv), 4, 5 or 6, in addition to all other remedies to which the Company or the Bank is entitled at law, in equity or otherwise, the Company or the Bank shall be entitled to seek a temporary restraining order, a permanent or temporary injunction and/or a decree of specific performance of any provision of Section 3(c)(iv), 4, 5 or 6.  In addition, in the event of any breach by the Executive of any provision of Section 3(c)(iv), 4, 5 or 6, the Executive shall immediately repay to the Employers all change in control payments already paid to him under Section 3 hereof following his last day of employment, plus interest thereon at 8% per annum until repaid in full and the Employers’ cost of collection and reasonable attorneys fees.  The parties agree that a bond posted by the Employers in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) shall be adequate and appropriate in connection with such restraining order or injunction and that actual damages need not be proved by the Employers prior to it being entitled to obtain such restraining order, injunction or specific performance.  The foregoing remedies shall not be deemed to be the exclusive rights or remedies of the Employers for any breach of or 

 

  

10

  

noncompliance with this Agreement by the Executive but shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies available to the Employers at law, in equity, or otherwise.

 

Section 8.                      Miscellaneous.

 

(a)           Binding Effect; Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Employers and the Executive and their respective heirs, executors, representatives, successors and assigns; provided, however that the Executive may not assign this Agreement, and his rights and obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Employers.  The Employers may, without the consent of the Executive, assign this Agreement, and its rights and obligations hereunder, to (i) any successor of the Company or the Bank or any other third party in connection with any recapitalization, reorganization or Change in Control.  In the event of any such permitted assignment of this Agreement, all references to the “Company” or the “Bank” shall thereafter mean and refer to the assignee of the Company or the Bank.

 

(b)           Waiver.  A waiver by any party must be in writing signed by the party entitled to grant such a waiver.  The waiver by a party of a breach of or noncompliance with any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a continuing waiver or a waiver of any other or subsequent breach or noncompliance hereunder.  The failure or delay of either party at any time to insist upon the strict performance of any provision of this Agreement or to enforce its or his rights or remedies under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of the right to insist upon strict performance of such provision, or to pursue any of its rights or remedies for any breach hereof, at a future time.

 

(c)           Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written agreement executed by all parties hereto.

 

(d)           Headings.  The headings in this Agreement have been inserted solely for ease of reference and shall not be considered in the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

 

(e)           Severability.  In case any one or more of the provisions (or any portion thereof) contained herein shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision or provisions (or portion thereof) had never been contained herein; provided, however, if any provision of Section 5 of this Agreement shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because of the provision’s scope, duration, geographic restriction, or other factor, then such provision shall be considered divisible and the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce or limit (but not increase or make greater) such scope, duration, geographic restriction, or other factor or to reform (but not increase or make greater) such provision to make it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law, and such provision shall then be enforceable against the appropriate party hereto in its reformed, reduced, or limited form.

 

(f)           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same agreement.

 

(g)           Voluntary Execution; Construction.  The Executive agrees that he has executed this Agreement voluntarily and not as a condition to continued employment with the Employers.  This Agreement shall be deemed to have been drafted by all of the parties hereto.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the fair meaning of its provisions and its language shall not be strictly

 

  

11

  

construed against, nor shall ambiguities be resolved against, any party.  THE EXECUTIVE HEREBY UNDERSTANDS, ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT HE HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY ADVICE, COUNSEL OR RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT FROM THE EMPLOYERS, ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE EMPLOYERS OR ANY ATTORNEY, ACCOUNTANT OR ADVISOR FOR THE EMPLOYERS.

 

(h)           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the parties hereto (and supersedes all other prior understandings, commitments, representations, negotiations, and agreements) relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

(i)           Governing Law; Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana, without reference to any choice of law provisions, principles, or rules thereof (whether of the State of Indiana or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of any laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Indiana.  Any claim, demand, or action relating to this Agreement shall be brought only in a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction in Lake County, Indiana.  In connection with the foregoing, the parties hereto irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction and venue of such court and expressly waive any claims or defenses of lack of jurisdiction of or proper venue by such court.  THE EMPLOYERS AND THE EXECUTIVE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY DEMAND, CLAIM, ACTION, SUIT, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

(j)           Notices.  All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and given by hand delivery, mail, overnight delivery or facsimile transmission and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) upon delivery by hand (in the Employers’ case, to its Chief Executive Officer); (ii) two (2) business days after deposit in regular United States Mail, first class postage pre-paid (not certified or registered mail); (iii) on the next business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service; or (iv) on the date indicated on the fax confirmation page.  All notices and other communications shall be addressed as follows: if to the Employers’, c/o its Chief Executive Officer at its corporate headquarters; and if to the Executive, to his address reflected on the employment records of the Employers; or to such other address as any party hereto may have furnished to the others in writing in accordance herewith.

 

(k)           Recitals.  The recitals or “Whereas” clauses contained on page 1 of this Agreement are expressly incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement.

 

(l)            Taxes.  All taxes (other than the Employers’ portion of any FICA or other employment taxes, if applicable) on the change in control payments and all other amounts under this Agreement shall be the responsibility of and paid by the Executive.  The Employers shall be entitled to withhold from such change in control payments and other amounts (i) applicable income, FICA, employment and other taxes, and (ii) other appropriate and customary amounts in accordance with the Employers’ established practices in effect from time to time.

 

(m)          Payment of Attorneys Fees.  In the event any dispute, claim or litigation arising under or in connection with this Agreement is resolved in favor of the Executive, whether by judgment, arbitration or settlement, the Executive shall be entitled to the payment of all reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by him in resolving such dispute, claim or litigation.

 

  

12

  

 

(n)           Regulatory Matters.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the following provisions shall be applicable to the Bank and the Executive only if and to the extent that they are required to be included in agreements relating to compensation arrangements between a savings association and its employees pursuant to applicable law or regulation, and shall be controlling in the event of a conflict with any other provision of this Agreement, including without limitation Section 3 hereof:

 

(i)           any payments made to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. §1828(k)) and the regulations promulgated thereunder, including 12 C.F.R. Part 359;

 

(ii)          If the Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs pursuant to notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or Section 8(g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”) (12 U.S.C. §§1818(e)(3) and 1818(g)(1)), the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may, in its discretion (A) pay the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its obligations under this Agreement were suspended, and (B) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended;

 

(iii)          If the Executive is removed from office and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or Section 8(g)(1) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. §§1818(e)(4) and (g)(1)), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the Executive and the Bank as of the date of termination shall not be affected;

 

(iv)         If the Bank is in default, as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1)), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but vested rights of the Executive and the Employers as of the date of termination shall not be affected; and

 

(v)          All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to 12 C.F.R. §563.39(b)(5) (except to the extent that it is determined that continuation of the Agreement for the continued operation of the Bank is necessary) (A) by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), or his/her designee, at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. §1823(c)), or (B) by the Director of the OTS, or his/her designee, at the time the Director, or his/her designee, approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director of the OTS to be in an unsafe or unsound condition.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, vested rights of the Executive and the Bank as of the date of termination shall not be affected.

 

 

 

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS THIS PAGE]

 

 

  

13

  

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employers and the Executive have entered into, executed and delivered this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                 /s/  Jerry A. Weberling

                                            Jerry A. Weberling

 

                                                                                                     CFS BANCORP, INC.

 

 

                        By:  /s/ Daryl D. Pomranke                                                                                               

 

                        Printed:  Daryl D. Pomranke                                                                        

 

                        Its:  President & Chief Operating Officer                                                                           

 

 

 

	
  

	
                                                                                             CITIZENS FINANCIAL BANK

 

                        By:  /s/ Daryl D. Pomranke                                                                                               

 

                        Printed:  Daryl D. Pomranke                                                                        

 

                        Its:  President & Chief Operating Officer                                                                           

 

 

 

 

	
  

	
 

  

14

  

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

 

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

 

1.           In consideration of the execution by CFS Bancorp, Inc. (“Company”) an Indiana corporation and, Citizens Financial Bank (the “Bank”) of that certain Change in Control Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated June ___________, 2010 by and between the Company and the Bank and the undersigned, Jerry A. Weberling (the “Executive”), and for other good and valuable consideration, the Executive hereby irrevocably, unconditionally, and forever releases, waives, discharges and covenants not to sue or make any claim against CFS Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), the Bank, each of their subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company’s and the Bank’s respective predecessors and successors, their respective former, present and/or future shareholders, members, owners, directors, officers, employees, managers, fiduciaries, administrators, insurers, attorneys, representatives and agents, and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of them (collectively, the “Released Parties”) for or from any and all complaints, claims, demands, liabilities, obligations, actions, rights of actions and proceedings of any nature whatsoever (including, but not limited to, claims for damages, attorneys fees, interest and costs), whether administrative or judicial, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, matured or unmatured, or otherwise, that exist as of (or existed prior to) the date that the Executive signs this Release.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Executive understands and agrees that this Release includes and constitutes a complete waiver and release by the Executive in all capacities (including, but not limited to, as a shareholder, officer, employee, individual or otherwise), and by his heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, and assigns, of any and all possible claims against each of the Released Parties based upon, arising out of or in any manner related to any salary, commission, bonuses (discretionary or otherwise) and other compensation from the Company, the Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates; any plan, policy, program or promise of compensation from any of the Released Parties; any award of stock options, restricted stock or other equity-based or incentive compensation from the Company or the Bank; the Executive’s employment with or termination of employment by the Company or the Bank; wrongful termination or discharge; breach of contract; breach of good faith or fair dealing; infliction of emotional distress; and discrimination based on age, race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other claim of employment discrimination, including, but not limited to, claims arising under the following laws and amendments thereto, if any:  the Civil Rights Act of 1866 (42 U.S.C. § 1981), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any other federal or state employment law; any federal or state wage and hour laws, and all other similar federal, state or local laws, statutes, rules or regulations; and, in addition, all other tort or contract claims and other theories of recovery.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Release does not affect, release or waive any of the Executive’s claims for change in control payments under the Agreement or claims for benefits or payments under any employee benefit plan of the Company or the Bank in accordance with the provisions of any such plan.

 

 

2.           This Release shall be construed as broadly and comprehensively as applicable law permits; provided, however, that this Release shall not be construed as releasing or waiving any right that, as a matter of law, cannot be released or waived, including but not limited to any right to file a charge or participate in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive waives any right to recover monetary remedies in his own behalf in any such investigation or proceeding.

 

 

3.           The Executive acknowledges that the Company and the Bank have advised him to consult with an attorney of the Executive’s own choice prior to signing this Release and that he has had ample time and adequate opportunity to discuss thoroughly all aspects of this Release with his attorney.

 

  

A-1

  

 

4.           In the event the Executive is forty (40) years of age or older, the Executive acknowledges that the Company and the Bank have advised him that he has a period of twenty-one (21) days to review and consider this Release.  The Executive understands that he may use as much or all of the twenty-one (21) day period as the Executive desires prior to signing this Release.  Upon execution of this Release, the Executive waives any remaining portion of the twenty-one (21) day review period.

 

 

5.           In the event the Executive is forty (40) years of age or older, the Executive acknowledges that the Company and the Bank have advised him that he may revoke this Release within seven (7) days after signing it.

 

 

ANY SUCH REVOCATION MUST BE IN WRITING AND RECEIVED BY THE COMPANY AND THE BANK AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS NOT LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. (MUNSTER, INDIANA TIME) ON THE SEVENTH (7TH) DAY FOLLOWING THE DATE OF EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE:

 

 

Attn:  Chief Executive Officer

CFS Bancorp, Inc. and Citizens Financial Bank

707 Ridge Road

Munster, Indiana 46321

 

6.           All provisions of this Release are severable from one another.  In case any one or more of the provisions (or any portion thereof) contained in this Release shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Release, but this Release shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision or provisions (or portion thereof) had never been contained herein.  This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana, without reference to any choice of law provisions, principles, or rules thereof (whether of the State of Indiana or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of any laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Indiana.  This Release may not be assigned, terminated or amended without the prior written consent of the Company and the Bank (by their Chief Executive Officers ).  This Release may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same document.

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Release of Claims as of the date indicated below.

 

 

____________________________________

 Jerry A. Weberling

 

____________________________________

 (Date)

 

 

 

 

	
  

	
 

 

  

A-2Ireland Inc.: Exhibit 10.1 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

OFFICER NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

OF
IRELAND INC.
A Nevada Corporation

THIS AGREEMENT is made between IRELAND INC., a
Nevada corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), and DOUGLAS
D.G. BIRNIE of 2733 King Louis Street, Henderson, NV 89044 (hereinafter
referred to as the “Optionee”), an officer of the Company, effective as of July
22, 2010 (the “Grant Date”).

1. Options Granted. The Company hereby grants the
Optionee non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of Six Hundred
Thousand (600,000) shares of the Company’s Common Stock at the exercise
prices per share set below (the “Exercise Price”) for a term commencing on the
vesting dates set out below (the “Vesting Date”) and expiring at 5:00 pm
(Pacific Time) on the expiration dates set out below (the “Expiration Date”),
subject to termination as set forth herein:

	(a) 	
      Options to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares
      of the Corporation’s common stock vesting on the dates and in the amounts,
      exercisable at the price of $0.75 per share, and expiring on the
      dates, each as set out below, subject to the Compensation Committee of the
      Company’s Board of Directors, or if there are no active members of the
      Compensation Committee, a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors not
      including the Optionee, determining that the Optionee has, from the Grant
      Date to the respective vesting dates set out below, reasonably fulfilled
      his duties and obligations as an officer of the Company, the options will
      vest on the following schedule:

	 	Number of Options 	Exercise Price 	Vesting Date 	Expiration Date 
	 	to Vest 	Per Share 	 	 
	 	50,000 	$0.75 	June 30, 2010 	June 29, 2015 
	 	50,000 	$0.75 	December 31, 2010 	December 30, 2015 
	 	50,000 	$0.75 	June 30, 2011 	June 29, 2016 
	 	50,000 	$0.75 	December 31, 2011 	December 30, 2016 
	 	50,000 	$0.75 	June 30, 2012 	June 30, 2017 
	 	50,000 	$0.75 	December 31, 2012 	December 30, 2017 

	(b) 	
      Options to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares
      of the Corporation’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.53 per
      share, vesting on the dates and in the amounts, and expiring on the dates,
      each as set out below:

	 	Number of Options 	 	Vesting Date 	 	Expiration Date 
	 	to Vest 	 	  	 	  
	 	150,000 	 	The first date after the Grant
      Date that the closing price for the Corporation’s common stock (as quoted
      by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trades) exceeds
      $1.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. 
	 	The date that is 5 years after
the vesting date. 

	(c) 	
      Options to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares
      of the Corporation’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.53 per
      share, vesting upon the Board of Directors determining, by resolution,
      that the Corporation has, from the Grant Date, made adequate and
      sufficient progress on its technical and feasibility programs for the
      Corporation’s Columbus Mineral Project, and expiring on the date that is 5
      years after the vesting date.

- 2 -

No option may be exercised unless the option has vested. The
vesting of all options will be cumulative. All options which have not vested
will terminate on the date of termination of the options in accordance with this
Agreement.

2. Method of Exercise. The options may be exercised to
the extent they have vested and become exercisable and not yet been forfeited or
terminated by written notice delivered to the Company at its principal place of
business, stating the number of shares for which the option is being exercised.
The notice must be accompanied by a check or other methods of payment acceptable
to the Plan Administrator for the amount of the purchase price, and comply with
all the requirements of the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan dated March 27,
2007, a copy of which has been provided to the Optionee.

3. Capital Adjustments. The existence of the options
shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its
stockholders to: (1) make or authorize any or all adjustments,
recapitalizations, reorganizations, or other changes in the Company's capital
structure or its business; (2) enter into any merger or consolidation; (3) issue
any bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks ahead of or
affecting the common stock or the rights thereof, (4) issue any securities
convertible into any common stock, (5) issue any rights, options, or warrants to
purchase any common stock, (6) dissolve or liquidate the Company, (7) sell or
transfer all or any part of its assets or business, or (8) take any other
corporate act or proceedings, whether of a similar character or otherwise.

4. Adjustments for Reorganizations and Recapitalizations.
If there shall, prior to the exercise of any of the options provided for by
this Agreement, be any stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, combination or
exchange of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, distribution to
stockholders (other than a normal cash dividend) or other change in the
Company’s corporate or capital structure that results in (a) the Company’s
outstanding shares of common stock (or any securities exchanged therefore or
received in their place) being exchanged for a different number or kind of
securities of the Company or any other corporation, or (b) new, different or
additional securities of the Company or of any other corporation being received
by the holders of shares of the Company’s common stock, then there shall
automatically be an adjustment in either the number of shares which may be
purchased pursuant hereto, the type of shares which may be purchased pursuant
hereto or the price at which such shares may be purchased, or any combination
thereof, so that the rights evidenced hereby shall thereafter as reasonably as
possible be equivalent to those originally granted hereby. The Company shall
have the sole and exclusive power to make such adjustments as it considers
necessary and desirable.

5. Transfer of the Options. During the Optionee's
lifetime, the options shall be exercisable only by the Optionee. The options
shall not be transferable by the Optionee other than by the laws of descent and
distribution upon the Optionee's death. In the event of the Optionee's death
during the term of this Agreement, the Optionee's personal representatives may
exercise any portion of the options that remains vested and unexercised at the
time of the Optionee's death, provided that any such exercise must be made, if
at all, during the period within six (6) months after the Optionee's death, and
subject to the option termination date specified in Section 7.

6. Changes in Control.

	(a) 	
      Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to
      the contrary, all unvested options outstanding under this Agreement shall
      immediately vest and become exercisable upon a Change in
Control.

	 	 	 
	(b) 	
      “Change in Control” means any of the following
    events:

	 	 	 
		(i) 	
      Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a merger
      or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a
      merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the
      Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either
      by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the
      surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power
      of the voting securities of the Company, the surviving entity or any
      parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or
  consolidation;

- 3 -

	 	(ii) 	
      Approval by the stockholders of the Company of (i) a plan
      of complete liquidation or dissolution of the company or (ii) a sale by
      the Company of all of its property and assets pursuant to Section 78.565
      of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”); or

	 	 	 
	 	(iii) 	
      Any person or group of persons (as defined in Section
      13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange
      Act”)) together with its affiliates, but excluding (i) the Company or any
      of its subsidiaries; (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or
      (iii) a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the
      stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their
      ownership of stock of the Company (individually a “Person” and
      collectively, “Persons”) is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the
      beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange
      Act) of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then
      outstanding securities.

7. Termination of Option.

	(a) 	
      The Optionee’s right to exercise any options that have
      vested and are exercisable shall terminate on the earliest of the
      following dates:

	 	 	 
		(i) 	
      The Expiration Date;

	 	 	 
		(ii) 	
      Subject to subsections (c) and (d) below, the date which
      is thirty (30) days from the date on which the Optionee ceases to act as
      an officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company;

	 	 	 
		(iii) 	
      In the event of the termination of the Optionee as an
      officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company as a result of a
      breach of the Optionee’s obligations to the Company or any subsidiary of
      the Company, or as a result of any dishonesty, fraud, misconduct, the
      unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information or trade
      secrets, or conviction or confession of a crime punishable by law (except
      minor violations) (each of which being a termination for “Cause”), the
      earliest date on which the Optionee is notified by the Company of such
      termination; and

	 	 	 
		(iv) 	
      The date which is six (6) months from the date of the
      Optionee’s death or the date the Optionee is determined by the Company to
      be unable to perform his or her duties as an officer of the Company or any
      subsidiary of the Company as a result of any mental or physical disability
      that is expected to result in death or that is expected to last for a
      continuous period of twelve (12) months or more (the “Disability
      Determination Date”).

	 	 	 
	(b) 	
      The Optionee’s right to exercise any options that have
      not vested and are not exercisable shall terminate on the earliest of the
      following dates:

	 	 	 
		(i) 	
      The date the Optionee ceases to act as an officer of the
      Company or any subsidiary of the Company;

	 	 	 
		(ii) 	
      In the case of the termination of the Optionee as an
      officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company for Cause, on the
      earliest date on which the Optionee is notified by the Company of such
      termination; and

	 	 	 
	 	(iii) 	
      The date of the Optionee’s death or the Disability
    Determination Date, as applicable.

- 4 -

	(c) 	For purposes of this Section 7, the Optionee
      will be deemed not to have ceased to act as an officer of the Company or
      any subsidiary of the Company (the “Original Position”) if the Optionee
      continues to act as an employee, officer, director or consultant of the
      Company or a subsidiary of the Company in some other capacity immediately
      upon ceasing to act in the Original Position. 
	  	  
	(d) 	Also notwithstanding the forgoing, if the
      Optionee dies after he or she ceases to be an officer of the Company or
      any subsidiary of the Company for reasons other than a termination for
      Cause or for disability in accordance with the above, the Optionee’s right
      to exercise any options that have vested and are exercisable on the date
      the Optionee ceases to be an officer of the Company or any subsidiary of
      the Company shall terminate on the earliest of the Expiration Date and the
      date which is six (6) months after the date of death. 
	  	  
	8. 	Rights as Shareholder. The Optionee will
      not be deemed to be a holder of any shares pursuant to the exercise of
      these options until he or she pays the option price and a stock
      certificate is de- livered to him or her for those shares. No adjustment
      shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is
      prior to the date the stock certificate is delivered. 
	  	  
	9. 	Integration with the Company’s 2007 Stock
      Incentive Plan. All of the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2007
      Stock Incentive Plan, a copy of which has been provided to the Optionee,
      are specifically made a part of this Agreement and shall control with
      regard to the interpretation or construction of any provision that is
      inconsistent herewith. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in
      accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada. 
	  	  
	10. 	Withholding Taxes. The Optionee
      authorizes the Company to withhold from any payments due to the Optionee
      by the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, any
      amounts required to be withheld and remitted by the Company on account of
      any income and employment taxes resulting from this Agreement.
  

	11. 	
      Miscellaneous.

	 	 	 
		(a) 	
      Any notice required or permitted to be given under this
      Agreement shall be in writing and may be delivered personally or by fax,
      or by prepaid registered post addressed to the parties at such address of
      which notice may be given by either of such parties. Any notice shall be
      deemed to have been received, if personally delivered or by fax, on the
      date of delivery, and, if mailed as aforesaid, then on the fifth business
      day after and excluding the day of mailing.

	 	 	 
		(b) 	
      This Agreement and the rights and obligations and
      relations of the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance
      with the laws of the State of Nevada and the federal laws of the United
      States applicable therein (but without giving effect to any conflict of
      laws rules). The parties agree that the courts of the State of Nevada
      shall have jurisdiction to entertain any action or other legal proceedings
      based on any provisions of this agreement. Each party attorns to the
      jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Nevada.

	 	 	 
		(c) 	
      Time shall be of the essence of this agreement and of
      every part of it and no extension or variation of this agreement shall
      operate as a waiver of this provision.

5 -

	 	(d) 	
      This Agreement may be executed in one or more
      counterparts, each of which so executed shall constitute an original and
      all of which together shall constitute one and the same
  agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed
this Agreement as of the 22nd day of July, 2010.

IRELAND INC. 

by its authorized signatory:

	/s/ Robert D.
      McDougal 	 
	ROBERT D. McDOUGAL, 	 
	CFO & TREASURER 	 
	 	 
	 	 
	OPTIONEE: 	 
	 	 
	/s/ Douglas
      D.G. Birnie 	 
	SIGNATURE OF OFFICER 	 
	  	 
	DOUGLAS D.G.
      BIRNIE 	 
	NAME OF OFFICER 	 
	 	 
	2733 King Louis
      Street 	 
	ADDRESS 	 
	 	 
	Henderson, NV
      89044 	 
	  	 
	 	 
	600,000 	 
	NUMBER OF OPTIONS

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