Document:

EXHIBIT103.H  (EXHIBIT103.H;1)

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EXHIBIT 10.3

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated as of June 21, 2002, is made by and between the organizers of the Bank (collectively the "Employer"), Mountain Bank, which is a proposed state Bank (the "Bank"), and JOHN L. LEWIS, an individual resident of Georgia (the "Executive").

The Employer is in the process of organizing the Bank, and the Executive has agreed to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. Upon organization of the Bank, the Employer and the Executive contemplate that this Agreement will be assigned by the Employer to the Bank and that the Bank will assume the duties of the Employer. Following such assignment, the term "Employer" as used herein from time to time shall refer to the Bank.

The Employer recognizes that the Executive's contribution to the growth and success of the Bank during its organization and initial years of operations will be a significant factor in the success of the Bank. The Employer desires to provide for the employment of the Executive in a manner which will reinforce and encourage the dedication of the Executive to the Bank and promote the best interests of the Bank and its shareholders. The Executive is willing to serve the Employer (and, after assignment of this Agreement, the Bank) on the terms and conditions herein provided. Certain terms used in this Agreement are defined below in Section 16 hereof.

In consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1.Employment. The Employer shall employ the Executive and the Executive shall serve the Employer, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Executive shall have such authority and position as are set forth in the bylaws or assigned by the organizers of the Bank, or by the Bank's Board of Directors (the "Board") from time to time. The Executive shall devote his business time, attention, skill and efforts exclusively to the performance of his duties hereunder, except during periods of illness or periods of vacation and leaves of absence consistent with Bank policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may devote reasonable periods of time to serve as a director or advisor to other organizations, to charitable and community activities, provided that such activities do not materially interfere with his dedication of time to the performance of his duties hereunder and are not in conflict or competitive with, or adverse to, the interests of the Bank.

2.Term. Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, the Executive's employment under this Agreement shall commence on the 1st day of July, 2002, and be for a term (the "Term") of five (5) years.

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3.Compensation and Benefits.

(a)Prior to the Bank opening, the Employer shall pay the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than $110,000 per annum in accordance with the salary payment practices of the Employer. Subsequent to the Bank opening, the Executive's salary will be $125,000 per annum. The Executive's salary shall be paid twice per month, and such salary shall be paid in pro-rata amounts for any partial year of service. Beginning the calendar year following the Bank opening, the Board shall review the Executive's salary at least annually and may increase the Executive's base salary if it determines in its sole discretion that an increase is appropriate.

(b)The Executive shall participate in any retirement, welfare, deferred compensation, vacation, life and health insurance and other benefit plans or programs of the Employer now or hereafter applicable to the Executive or applicable generally to employees of the Employer and as established by by-laws or through the exercise of the Board's discretion, to the extent consistent with the terms of such plans or programs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall be entitled to twenty (20) days "paid" vacation time annually. In the event the Executive does not utilize all twenty (20) of his paid vacation days during any particular year, he may exercise either of two options: (i) he may request pro-rata payment for any vacation days that remain unused as of December 31 of each year; or (ii) he may elect to roll over the unused days into the following calendar year, but in no event may he roll over more than ten (10) such unused vacation days, with the result that he shall never be entitled to more than thirty (30) paid vacation days in any given year.

(c)The Executive shall participate in the Bank's long-term equity incentive program, if such a plan is established, and be eligible for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, and other awards thereunder or under any similar plan adopted by the Bank, to the extent allowable under state and federal laws and subject to shareholder approval, if necessary. On the date of the closing of the stock offering for the initial capitalization of the Bank, or as soon thereafter as an appropriate stock option plan is adopted at the discretion of the Board, the Bank shall grant to the Executive an option (the "Performance Option") to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 5.0% of the number of shares sold in the offering. The award agreement for the Performance Option shall provide that one-fifth of the shares subject to the Performance Option will vest on the last day of each of the first five fiscal years of the Bank after the Opening Date, but only if the Executive remains employed by the Bank on such date and the Bank has met the performance goals set forth herein for such year.

For each fiscal year after the Opening Date, and as a condition to the vesting of the shares subject to the Performance Option in such year (except in the event of a Change in Control), the Bank must meet the following performance criteria:
(i)the Bank shall meet or exceed 100% of the budgeted net income after tax and the budgeted deposit growth for each of the initial five (5) fiscal years of the Bank based on the annual budgets approved by the Board of the Bank for each such fiscal year; and

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(ii)the Bank shall maintain a regulatory examination rating of Camel 1 or 2;

provided, however, that if the Bank does not meet the performance criteria for any year, the shares subject to the Performance Option for such year may vest on the following fiscal year end, in the sole discretion of the Board, if the Bank exceeds the performance criteria for such following year. The Board shall notify the Executive of any shares subject to the Performance Option vested hereunder within a reasonable period of time after the fiscal year end to which such options pertain. The good faith determination of the Board regarding whether the Bank met its yearly performance levels shall be conclusive.

In addition, the award agreement for the Performance Option will provide that: (i) the Executive's option shall be qualified as an incentive stock option under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); (ii) all options shall be exercisable at any time during the ten years following the date of initial public offering at a price per share equal to the public offering price in the offering (subject to standard antidilution adjustments in the event of stock splits, dividends or combinations), which the parties agree is the fair market value of the Common Stock as of the date of Grant; and (iii) all options shall be nontransferable and nonassignable by the Executive or by any other person entitled hereunder to exercise any such rights; provided, however, that upon the death of the Executive any rights granted hereunder shall be transferable by the Executive's will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution. Nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude the granting to the Executive of warrants or options under a director option plan, if such a plan is established, in addition to the options granted hereunder.

The Performance Option shall become immediately exercisable and shall become 100% vested upon a Change in Control.

(d)The Executive may be eligible to receive a cash bonus in an amount determined at the sole discretion of the Board. Specifically, the Executive shall receive a $15,000 cash bonus upon the earlier of the actual or scheduled opening of the Bank. In addition, if approved by the Board, the Executive may receive a cash bonus of up to 25% of his base salary pro-rated for the number of whole months remaining from the date of actual opening until December 31 of that year. Subsequently, the Executive and other key personnel, as agreed by the Board, may receive a bonus as set by the discretion of the Board. The aforementioned bonuses, except for the initial $15,000 bonus paid when the Bank opens, will be based upon certain performance levels or criteria as set by the discretion of the Board.

 

(e)Beginning upon the execution of this Agreement, the Employer shall provide the Executive with an automobile allowance of $1000 per month + actual gas expenses. Upon opening of the Bank, the Employer shall provide the Executive with an automobile owned or leased by the Employer of a make and model that the Employer deems appropriate to the Executive's status. The automobile will be used primarily for business purposes and the Employer will pay operating, maintenance, insurance and related expenses for the automobile.

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(f)In addition, the Employer shall obtain a membership in, and pay the dues pertaining to, an area country club approved by the executive committee and shall designate the Executive as the authorized user of such membership for so long as this Agreement remains in force. Employer agrees to advance to Executive an amount equal to the Brookfield West Country Club membership refund ($11,250) due Executive upon Executive's resignation from said club. Executive shall pay Employer said membership refund upon receipt of said refund.

(g)Beginning on the first day of the term of employment set forth in this Agreement, the Employer shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable travel and other expenses related to the Executive's duties which are reasonably incurred and accounted for in accordance with the normal accounting and record keeping practices of the Employer.

4.Termination.

(a)The Executive's employment under this Agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the Term only as follows:

(i)on the death of the Executive;
(ii)based upon any incapacity of the Executive for a period of 90 days during any consecutive 120 day period which, in the reasonable opinion of the Board of Directors, renders him unable to perform the essential functions of his job and for which reasonable accommodation is not feasible or practicable;

(iii)by the Employer for Cause upon delivery of a Notice of Termination to the Executive;

(iv)by the Executive for Good Reason upon delivery of a Notice of Resignation to the Employer within a 90-day period beginning on the 30th day after the occurrence of a Change in Control or within a 90-day period beginning on the one year anniversary after the occurrence of a Change in Control;

(v)by the Employer if its effort to organize the Bank is abandoned; or

(vi)by the Executive effective upon the 30th day after delivery of a Notice of Resignation. If this occurs, all bonuses not yet paid shall be forfeited by Executive. The Board shall retain the discretion and have the authority to dismiss Executive immediately upon receipt of the Executive's resignation, and pay will cease immediately.

(b)If the Executive's employment is terminated because of the Executive's death pursuant to clause (i) of Section 4(a), the Executive's estate shall receive any sums due him as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses through the end of the month during which death occurred, plus any bonus earned or accrued under the Bonus Plan through the date of death and a pro-rata share of any bonus with respect to the current fiscal year which had been earned as of the date of the Executive's death.

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(c)During the period of any incapacity leading up to the termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 4(a), the Employer shall continue to pay the Executive his full base salary at the rate then in effect and all other benefits (with the exception of any bonus). Payment of all such salary and benefits shall cease on the earlier of: (i) the date of Executive's termination; or (ii) the date Executive becomes eligible for benefits under any long-term disability plan, insurance plan, or pension or retirement plan maintained by the Employer or any other source (e.g., Social Security). Moreover, the amount of any such payments to the Executive shall be reduced by the sum of the amounts, if any, payable to the Executive for the same period under any disability benefit, insurance plan, or pension or retirement plan of the Employer or any other source (e.g., Social Security). The Executive shall receive any bonus earned or accrued under the Bonus Plan prior to the date of incapacity.

(d)If the Executive's employment is terminated for Cause pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 4(a), or if the Executive resigns pursuant to clause (vi) of Section 4(a), the Executive shall receive any sums due him as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses through the date of such termination/resignation, subject to any reasonable offsets that may be appropriate under the circumstances. In such an event, all vested stock options must be exercised within 90 days of termination or be forfeited.

(e)If the Executive's employment is terminated due to the Executive's resignation based on a Change in Control pursuant to clause (iv) of Section 4(a), in addition to other rights and remedies available in law or equity, the Executive shall be entitled to the following:
(i)the Employer shall pay the Executive severance compensation in an amount equal to 100% of his then current monthly base salary for a period of twelve months from the Termination Date, plus any bonus earned or accrued under the Bonus Plan through the Termination Date, plus a pro-rata share of any bonus with respect to the current fiscal year which had been earned as of the Termination Date. At the sole discretion of the Board, the above-described severance compensation may be paid to the Executive in lump sum fashion within fifteen (15) days after the Termination Date, or alternatively, the Board may elect to make such payments on the first day of each month for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date. 

(ii)All stock options and stock appreciation rights granted to the Executive shall become immediately exercisable and shall become 100% vested. All options shall be exercisable at any time during the ten years following the date of initial public offering at a price per share equal to the public offering price in the offering (subject to standard antidilution adjustments in the event of stock splits, dividends or combinations), which the parties agree is the fair market value of the Common Stock as of the date of grant.

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(f)If the Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to clause (v) of Section 4(a), the Employer shall pay to the Executive severance compensation in an amount equal to 100% of his then current monthly base salary for a period of six months from the Date of Termination, plus any bonus earned or accrued under the Bonus Plan through the Date of Termination. At the sole discretion of the Board, the above-described severance compensation may be paid to the Executive in lump sum fashion within fifteen (15) days after the Termination Date, or alternatively, the Board may elect to make such payments on the first day of each month for six (6) months following the Termination Date.

(g)With the exceptions of the provisions of this Section 4, and the express terms of any benefit plan under which the Executive is a participant, it is agreed that upon termination of the Executive's employment, the Employer shall owe no further obligations to the Executive, and the Executive expressly waives and relinquishes any rights to any further compensation or benefits (exclusive of COBRA benefits).

(h)In the event that the Executive's employment is terminated for any reason, the Executive shall (and does hereby) tender his resignation as a Director of the Employer, effective as of the Date of Termination.

(i)The parties intend that the severance payments and other compensation provided for herein are reasonable compensation for the Executive's services to the Employer and shall not constitute "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any regulations thereunder

5.Ownership of Work Product. The Employer shall own all Work Product created during the course of the Executive's employment (prior, present or future). For purposes hereof, "Work Product" shall mean all intellectual property rights, including all Trade Secrets, U. S. and international copyrights, patentable inventions, and other intellectual property rights in any programming documentation, technology or other work product that relates to the Employer, its business or its customers and that Executive conceives, develops, or delivers to the Employer at any time during his employment, during or outside normal working hours, in or away from the facilities of the Employer, and whether or not requested by the Employer. If the Work Product contains any materials, programming or intellectual property rights that the Executive conceived or developed prior to, and independent of, the Executive's work for the Employer, the Executive agrees to point out the pre-existing items to the Employer and the Executive grants the Employer a worldwide, unrestricted, royalty-free right, including the right to sublicense such items. The Executive agrees to take such actions and execute such further acknowledgments and assignments as the Employer may reasonably request to give effect to this provision.

6.Protection of Trade Secrets. The Executive shall keep secret and retain in the strictest confidence, and shall not disclose, publish, disseminate, or otherwise reveal or use, for the benefit of himself or others, any Trade Secrets of the Employer, during his employment and following termination of the Executive's employment, so long as he is receiving compensation from the Employer, or for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive's employment, whichever period is longer. As provided by Georgia statutes, "Trade Secret" means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, process, drawing, cost data or customer list, that: (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy or confidentiality.

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7.Protection of Other Confidential Information. In addition to the foregoing, the Executive agrees to maintain in strict confidence and, except as necessary to perform his duties for the Employer, not to disclose, publish, disseminate, or otherwise reveal or use, for the benefit of himself or others, any Confidential Business Information of the Employer, during his employment and following termination of the Executive's employment, so long as he is receiving compensation from the Employer, or for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive's employment, whichever period is longer. By way of illustration, "Confidential Business Information" shall include but not be limited to any internal, non-public information (in addition to the Trade Secrets already addressed above) concerning the Employer's financial position and results of operations (including revenues, assets, net income, etc.); annual and long-range business plans; product or service plans; marketing plans and methods; training, educational and administrative manuals; customer and supplier information and transaction histories; and employee lists. The above-described provisions of Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement shall also apply to protect Trade Secrets and Confidential Business Information of third parties which were provided to the Employer under an obligation of secrecy or confidentiality.

8.Return of Materials. The Executive shall surrender to the Employer, promptly upon its request, and in any event upon any termination of the Executive's employment, all media, documents, notebooks, computer programs, handbooks, data files, models, samples, price lists, manuals, drawings, customer lists and transaction histories, prospect data, financial data, business plans, product plans, marketing plans, employee lists, or other material of any nature whatsoever (in tangible or electronic form) in the Executive's possession, custody, or control, including all copies thereof, relating to the Employer, its business, its employees, or its customers. Upon the request of the Employer, the Executive shall certify in writing his compliance with the foregoing requirement.

9.Restrictive Covenants.

(a)No Solicitation of Customers. During the Executive's employment with the Employer, and after termination of the Executive's employment, so long as he is receiving compensation from the Employer, or for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive's employment, whichever period is longer, the Executive shall not (except on behalf of or with the prior written consent of the Employer), either directly or indirectly, on the Executive's own behalf, or in the service of or on behalf of others: (A) solicit, divert, or appropriate to or for a Competing Business; or (B) attempt to solicit, divert, or appropriate to or for a Competing Business, any person or entity that: (i) was a customer of the Employer on Executive's Date of Termination; and (ii) is either located in the Territory (as defined below), or is a person or entity with whom the Executive had material contact while working for Employer (irrespective of that customer's geographic location).

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(b)No Recruitment of Personnel. During the Executive's employment with the Employer and after termination of the Executive's employment, so long as he is receiving compensation from the Employer, or for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive's employment, whichever period is longer, the Executive shall not, either directly or indirectly, on the Executive's own behalf, or in the service of or on behalf of others: (A) solicit, divert, or hire away; or (B) attempt to solicit, divert or hire away, to any Competing Business located in the Territory, any employee of or consultant to the Employer, engaged or experienced in the Business, regardless of whether: (i) the employee or consultant is full-time or temporary; (ii) the employment or engagement is pursuant to written agreement; or (iii) the employment is for a determined period or is at will.

(c)Non-Competition Agreement. During the Executive's employment with the Employer, and after termination of the Executive's employment, so long as he is receiving compensation from the Employer, or for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive's employment, whichever period is longer, the Executive shall not (without the prior written consent of the Employer) compete with the Employer in the Territory by, directly or indirectly, forming, serving as an organizer, director or officer of, or advisor to, or acquiring or maintaining any interest in, a depository financial institution or holding company therefor, which is engaged in the Business within the Territory.

10.Independent Provisions and Saving Clause. Should any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any subpart thereof, hereafter be construed to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not effect the validity of the remainder of the provisions, paragraphs, or subparagraphs, which will be given full effect without regard to the invalid portions. Each provision, paragraph, or subparagraph of the Agreement is severable from all others and constitutes a separate and distinct covenant.

11.Successors; Binding Agreement. The rights and obligations of this Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the surviving corporation or entity in any merger or consolidation in which the Employer is a party, or any assignee of all or substantially all of the Employer's business and properties, including but not limited to the Bank. The Executive's rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by him, except that his right to receive accrued but unpaid compensation, unreimbursed expenses and other rights, if any, provided under this Agreement, which survive termination of this Agreement, shall pass after death to the personal representatives of his estate, consistent with the terms of Section 4(b) above.

12.Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses last given by each party to the other; provided however that all notices to the Employer shall be directed to the attention of the Employer with a copy to the Corporate Secretary of the Employer. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of delivery thereof.

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13.Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof. Any action brought by any party to this Agreement shall be brought and maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Georgia.

14.Non-Waiver. Failure of the Employer to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or any rights with respect thereto shall in no way be considered to be a waiver of such provisions or rights, or in any way affect the validity of this Agreement. Any waiver of any provision or part thereof shall be unenforceable unless documented in writing and signed by both parties.

15.Enforcement. Executive acknowledges that the Restrictive Covenants contained in Section 9(a), 9(b), and 9(c) have been called to Executive's attention and have been explained to him. Executive understands that they are material covenants of this Agreement and without his agreement to the provisions herein, the Employer would not agree to hire or continue to employ Executive in the capacity described in this Agreement. Executive recognizes that the restrictions contained herein are reasonable restraints upon the Executive and that compliance with the above covenants is necessary to protect the business and goodwill of the Employer, and that any breach or threatened breach of any of the above covenants will cause irreparable harm and continual injury to the Employer, for which money damages may not be adequate. Without limiting other possible remedies to the Employer for breach of this Agreement, the Executive agrees that in the event of any breach of any covenant contained in Section 9(a), 9(b), or 9(c), the Employer shall be entitled to obtain from a court of competent jurisdiction an injunction to restrain the breach or anticipated breach of any such covenant, and to obtain any other available legal, equitable, statutory, or contractual relief, including but not limited to monetary damages. Should the Employer have cause to seek such relief, no bond shall be required from the Employer, and the Executive shall pay all attorneys' fees and court costs which the Employer may incur to the extent the Employer prevails in its enforcement action.

16.Certain Definitions.

(a)"Business" shall mean the operation of a depository financial institution, including, without limitation, the solicitation and acceptance of deposits of money and commercial paper, the solicitation and funding of loans and the provision of other banking services, and any other related business engaged in by the Employer as of Executive's Date of Termination or any other conduct or action by a lending institution as permitted by Federal or State law now or in the future.

(b)"Cause" shall consist of any of: (A) the indictment of the Executive for the commission or perpetration by the Executive of any felony or any other crime involving dishonesty, moral turpitude or fraud; (B) the receipt of any form of notice, written or otherwise, that any regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Employer intends to institute any form of formal or informal (e.g., a memorandum of understanding which relates to the Executive's performance) regulatory action against the Executive or the Employer, and the Board of Directors determines in its sole discretion (with the 

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Executive abstaining from participating in the consideration of and vote on the matter) that: (i) the subject matter of such action involves acts or omissions by or under the supervision of the Executive; or (ii) that termination of the Executive would materially advance the Employer's compliance with the purpose of the action, or would materially assist the Employer in avoiding or reducing the restrictions or adverse effects to the Employer related to the regulatory action; (C) the exhibition by the Executive of a standard of behavior that is materially disruptive to the orderly conduct of the Employer's business operations (including, by way of illustration and without limitation, substance abuse, harassment, or sexual misconduct) to a level which, in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors (with the Executive abstaining from participating in the consideration of and vote on the matter), is materially detrimental to the Employer's best interest, and that, if susceptible of cure, remains uncured ten days following written notice to the Executive of such specific inappropriate behavior; (D) the Executive is adjudicated bankrupt or the Executive files for voluntary bankruptcy; (E) the failure of the Executive to devote his full and exclusive business time and attention to his employment as provided under this Agreement; (F) the Executive exhibits a pattern of ongoing substandard job performance in that, for two or more consecutive fiscal years, the Bank fails to meet the following performance criteria: (i) the Bank fails to meet or exceed 100% of the budgeted net income after tax and the budgeted deposit growth based on the annual budgets approved by the Board of the Bank for each such fiscal year; or (ii) the Bank fails to maintain a regulatory examination rating of Camel I or 2; or (G) any other basis which causes the Board to conclude, in its sole discretion, that the conduct or actions of the Executive have adversely impacted the Bank's operations, financial well-being or viability, or public reputation. 

(c)"Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence during the Term of any of the following events, unless such event is a result of a Non-Control Transaction:
(i)The individuals who, as of the date of this Agreement, are members of the Board of Directors of the Employer (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least two-thirds of the Board of Directors of the Employer, provided however that if the election, or nomination for election by the Employer's shareholders, of any new director was approved in advance by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for purposes of this Agreement be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board, provided further that no individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened "Election Contest", as described in Rule 14a-11 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person other than the Board of Directors of the Employer (a "Proxy Contest"), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest.

(ii)An acquisition (other than directly from the Employer) of any voting securities of the Employer (the "Voting Securities") by any "Person" (as the term "person" is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) immediately after which such Person has "Beneficial Ownership" (within the meaning of Rule l3d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Employer's then outstanding Voting Securities; provided, however, that in determining whether a Change in Control has occurred, Voting Securities which are acquired in a Non-Control Acquisition shall not constitute an acquisition which would cause a Change in Control.

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(iii)Approval by the shareholders of the Employer of: (A) a merger, consolidation, or reorganization involving the Employer; (B) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Employer; or (C) an agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Employer to any Person (other than a transfer to a Subsidiary).

(iv)A notice of an application is filed with the Federal Reserve Board (the "FRB") pursuant to Regulation "Y" of the FRB under the Change in Bank Control Act or the Bank Holding Company Act or any other bank regulatory approval (or notice of no disapproval) is granted by the Federal Reserve, the OCC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or any other regulatory authority for permission to acquire control of the Employer or any of its banking subsidiaries.

(d)"Competing Business" shall mean any business that, in whole or in part, is the same or similar, or substantially the same or similar as the Business.

(e) "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence after a Change in Control of any of the events or conditions described below: 
(i)a negative change in the Executive's status, title, position or responsibilities;

(ii)a reduction in the Executive's base salary or any failure to pay the Executive any compensation or benefits to which he is entitled within thirty days of the date due;

(iii)the Employer's requiring the Executive to be based at any place outside a 10-mile radius from the executive offices occupied by the Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control, except for reasonably required travel on the Employer's business which is not materially greater than such travel requirements prior to the Change in Control;

(iv)the failure by the Employer to continue in effect (without reduction in benefit level and/or reward opportunities) any material compensation or employee benefit plan in which the Executive was participating at any time within ninety days preceding the date of a Change in Control;

(v)Any material breach by the Employer of any material provision of this Agreement.

(f)"Territory" shall mean Dawson County and Forsyth County, Georgia.

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17.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and arrangements, if any, oral or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. There have been no other representations made, express or implied, as to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be modified only by written instrument duly executed by each of the parties hereto prior to the effective date of any such amendment or modification.

18.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer has caused this Agreement to be executed and its seal to be affixed hereunto by its officers thereunto duly authorized, and the Executive has signed and sealed this Agreement, effective as of the date first above written.

	
Signed, sealed and delivered in the

presence of:

Unofficial Witness

s/Donna Cross

Notary Public

My Commission Expires:

(NOTARY SEAL)
	
ORGANIZERS OF THE MOUNTAIN

BANK:

s/Scott A. Henson(SEAL)

Scott A. Henson

s/Douglas G. Hiser(SEAL)

Douglas G. Hiser

s/Ronald E. Anderson(SEAL)

Ronald E. Anderson

 

 

 

[SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]

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Signed, sealed and delivered in the

presence of:

Unofficial Witness

s/Donna Cross

Notary Public

My Commission Expires:______________

(NOTARY SEAL)
	
s/John L. Lewis(SEAL)

JOHN E. LEWIS

 

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<PAGE>EXHIBIT104.H  (EXHIBIT104.H;1)

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EXHIBIT 10.4

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated as of August 19, 2002, is made by and between Mountain Bancshares, Inc. (the "Employer"), acting on behalf of the organizers of Mountain State Bank, which is a proposed state bank (the "Bank), and LYNN H. BARRON, an individual resident of Georgia (the "Executive").

The Employer is in the process of organizing the Bank, and the Executive has agreed to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank and the Employer. Upon organization of the Bank, the Employer and the Executive contemplate that this Agreement will be assigned by the Employer to the Bank and that the Bank will assume the duties of the Employer. Following such assignment, the term "Employer" as used herein from time to time shall refer to the Bank.

The Employer recognizes that the Executive's contribution to the growth and success of the Bank during its organization and initial years of operations will be a significant factor in the success of the Bank. The Employer desires to provide for the employment of the Executive in a manner which will reinforce and encourage the dedication of the Executive to the Bank and promote the best interests of the Bank and its shareholders. The Executive is willing to serve the Employer (and, after assignment of this Agreement, the Bank) on the terms and conditions herein provided. Certain terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 16 hereof.

In consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1.Employment. The Employer shall employ the Executive and the Executive shall serve the Employer, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Executive shall have such authority and position as are set forth in the bylaws or assigned by the Employer's and the Bank's Board of Directors (collectively, the "Board") from time to time. The Executive shall devote her business time, attention, skill and efforts to the performance of her duties hereunder, except during period of illness or periods of vacation and leaves of absence consistent with Bank policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may devote reasonable periods to serve as a director or advisor to other organizations, to charitable and community activities, provided that such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder and are not in conflict or competitive with, or adverse to, the interest of the Bank.

2.Employment Date. The Executive's employment under this Agreement shall commence no earlier than October 1, 2002, but no later than November 1, 2002.

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3.Compensation and Benefits.

(a)The Employer shall pay the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than $92,000 per annum in accordance with the salary payment practices of the Employer. The Board shall review the Executive's salary at least annually and may increase the Executive's base salary if it determines in its sole discretion that an increase is appropriate.

(b)The Executive shall participate in any retirement, welfare, deferred compensation, vacation, life and health insurance and other benefit plans or programs of the Employer now or hereafter applicable to the Executive or applicable generally to employees of the Employer and as established by by-laws or Board action.

(c)The Executive shall participate in the Bank's long-term equity incentive program and be eligible for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, and other awards thereunder or under any similar plan adopted by the Bank. On the date of the closing of the stock offering for the initial capitalization of the Employer and the Bank, or as soon thereafter as an appropriate stock option plan is adopted by the Board, the Employer shall grant to the Executive an option (the "Performance Option") to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock of the Employer. The award agreement for the Performance Option shall provide that one-fifth of the shares subject to the Performance Option will vest on the last day of each of the first five fiscal years of the Bank after the Opening Date, but only if the Executive remains employed by the Bank on such date and the Bank has met the performance goals set forth herein for such year.

For each fiscal year after the Opening Date, and as a condition to the vesting of the shares subject to the Performance Option in such year (except in the event of a Change in Control), the Bank must meet the following performance criteria:

(i)the Bank shall meet or exceed 100% of the budgeted net income after tax and the budgeted deposit growth for each of the initial five (5) fiscal years of the Bank based on the annual budgets approved by the Board of the Bank for each such fiscal year.

(ii)the Bank shall maintain a regulatory examination rating of Camel 1 or 2;

provided, however, that if the Bank does not meet the performance criteria for any year, the shares subject to the Performance Option for such year may vest on the following fiscal year end, in the sole discretion of the Board, if the Bank exceeds the performance criteria for such following year. The Board shall notify the Executive of any shares subject to the Performance Option vested hereunder within a reasonable period of time after the fiscal year end to which such options pertain. The good faith determination of the Board regarding whether the Bank met its yearly performance levels shall be conclusive.

In addition, the award agreement for the Performance Option will provide that (i) the Executive's option shall be qualified as an incentive stock option under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); (ii) all options shall be exercisable at any time during the ten years following the date of initial public offering at a price per share equal to the public offering price in the offering (subject to standard antidilution adjustments in the event of stock splits, dividends or combinations), which the parties agree is the fair market value of the Common Stock as of the date of Grant; and (iii) all options shall be nontransferable and nonassignable by the Executive or by any other person entitled hereunder to exercise any such rights; provided, however, that upon the death of the Executive any rights granted hereunder shall be transferable by the Executive's will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution. 

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The Performance Option shall become immediately exercisable and shall become 100% vested upon a Change of Control.

(d) The Executive may be eligible to receive a cash bonus in an amount determined by the Board. Specifically, the Executive shall be eligible to receive a cash bonus of up to 20% of her base salary. The aforementioned bonus will be based upon certain performance levels or criteria as set by the Board.

(e) The Employer shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable travel and other expenses related to the Executive's duties which are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the normal practices of the Employer.

4.Employee At Will. The Executive shall be an employee at will and her employment may be terminated at any time by the Employer or the Bank.

5.Ownership of Work Product. The Employer shall own all Work Product arising during the course of the Executive's employment (prior, present or future). For purposes hereof "Work Products" shall mean all intellectual property rights, including all Trade Secrets, U. S. and international copyrights, patentable inventions, and other intellectual property rights in any programming documentation, technology or other work product that relates to the Employer, its business or its customers and that employee conceives, develops, or delivers to the Employer at any time during his employment, during or outside normal working hours, in or away from the facilities of the Employer, and whether or not requested by the Employer. If the Work Product contains any materials, programming or intellectual property rights that the Executive conceived or developed prior to, and independent of, the Executive's work for the Employer, the Executive agrees to point out the pre-existing items to the Employer and the Executive grants the Employer a worldwide, unrestricted, royalty-free right including the right to sublicense such items. The Executive agrees to take such actions and execute such further acknowledgments and assignments as the Employer may reasonably request to give effect to this provision.

6. Protection of Trade Secrets. The Executive agrees to maintain in strict confidence and, except as necessary to perform his duties for the Employer, the Executive agrees not to disclose any Trade Secrets of the Employer during his employment or following termination of his employment so long as he is receiving compensation from the Employer, or for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to clause (vi) of Section 4(a) . As provided by Georgia statutes, "Trade Secret" means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, process, drawing cost data or customer list, that: (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

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7. Protection of other Confidential Information. In addition, the Executive agrees to maintain in strict confidence and, except as necessary to perform his duties for the Employer, not to use or disclose any Confidential Business Information of the Employer during his employment and following termination of the Executive's employment so long as he is receiving compensation from the Employer, or for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to clause (vi) of Section 4(a) "Confidential Business Information" shall mean any internal, non-public information (other than Trade Secrets already addressed above) concerning the Employer's financial position and results of operations (including revenues, assets, net income, etc.); annual and long-range business plans; product or service plans; marketing plans and methods; training, educational and administrative manuals; customer and supplier information and purchase histories; and employee lists. The provisions of Sections 6 and 7 above shall also apply to protect Trade Secrets and Confidential Business Information of third parties provided to the Employer under an obligation of secrecy.

8. Return of Materials. The Executive shall surrender to the Employer, promptly upon its request and in any event upon termination of the Executive's employment, all media, documents, notebooks, computer program, handbooks, data files, models, samples, price lists, drawings, customer lists, prospect data, or other material of any nature whatsoever (in tangible or electronic form) in the Executive's possession or control, including all copies thereof, relating to the Employer, its business, or its customers. Upon the request of the Employer, employee shall certify in writing compliance with the foregoing requirement.

9. Successors; Binding Agreement. The rights and obligations of this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the surviving corporation in any merger or consolidation in which the Employer is a party, or any assignee of all or substantially all of the Employer's business and properties. The Executive's rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by him, except that his right to receive accrued but unpaid compensation, unreimbursed expenses and other rights, if any, provided under this Agreement which survive termination of this, Agreement shall pass after death to the personal representatives of his estate.

10. Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses last given by each party to the other; provide however that all notices to the Employer shall be directed to the attention of the Employer with a copy to the Corporate Secretary of the Employer. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of delivery thereof.

11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof. Any action brought by any party to this Agreement shall be brought and maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Georgia.

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12. Non-Waiver. Failure of the Employer to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or any rights with respect thereto shall in no way be considered to be a waiver of such provisions or rights, or in any way affect the validity of this Agreement.

13. Saving Clause. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof. If any provision or clause of this Agreement, or portion thereof, shall be held by any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, the remainder of such provision shall not be thereby affected and shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid portion. It is the intention of the parties that, if any court construes any provision or clause of this Agreement or any portion thereof, to be illegal, void, or unenforceable because of the duration of such provision or the area or matter covered thereby, such court shall reduce the duration, area, or matter of such provision, and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.
14.Certain Definitions.

(a) "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence during the employment term of any of the following events, unless such event is a result of a Non-Control Transaction:
(i)The individuals who, as of the date of this Agreement, are members of the Board of Directors of the Employer (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least two-thirds of the Board of Directors of the Employer, provided however that if the election, or nomination for election by the Employer's shareholders, of any new director was approved in advance by a vote of at least two thirds of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for purposes of this Agreement be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board, provided, further, that no individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened "Election Contest" (as described in Rule l4a-11 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person other than the Board of Directors of the Employer (a "Proxy Contest"), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest.

(ii)An acquisition (other than directly from the Employer) of any voting securities of the Employer (the "Voting Securities") by any "Person" (as the term "person" is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) immediately after which such Person has "Beneficial Ownership" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Employer's then outstanding Voting Securities; provided, however, that in determining whether a Change in Control has occurred, Voting Securities which are acquired in a Non-Control Acquisition shall not constitute an acquisition which would cause a Change in Control.

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(iii)Approval by the shareholders of the Employer of (i) a merger, consolidation, or reorganization involving the Employer, (ii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Employer, or (iii) an agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Employer to any Person (other than a transfer to a Subsidiary).

(iv)A notice of an application is filed with the Federal Reserve Board (the "FRB") pursuant to Regulation "Y" of the FRB under the Change in Bank Control Act or the Bank Holding Company Act or any other bank regulatory approval (or notice of no disapproval) is granted by the Federal Reserve, the OCC, the Federal Deposit Insurance corporation, or any other regulatory authority for permission to acquire control of the Employer or any of its banking subsidiaries.

 

15.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements, if any, understandings and arrangements, oral or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

16.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

17.Agreement Conditional. This Agreement is subject to final Board approval, as well as final regulatory approval.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer has caused this Agreement to be executed and its seal to be affixed hereunto by its officers thereunto duly authorized, and the Executive has signed and sealed this Agreement, effective as of the date first above written.

 

	
Signed, sealed and delivered

in the presence of:

s/Brent Baker

Unofficial Witness
	
MOUNTAIN BANCSHARES, INC.

By: s/John L. Lewis 

Title: President/CEO

	
Signed, sealed and delivered

in the presence of:

s/Brent Baker

Unofficial Witness
	
s/Lynn H. Barron(SEAL)

LYNN H. BARRON

 

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