Document:

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.15

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

LOAN NUMBER              LOAN NAME          ACCT. NUMBER      NOTE DATE       INITIALS
<S>             <C>                         <C>             <C>             <C>
                C & S Bancorporation, Inc.                    08/01/01
NOTE AMOUNT          INDEX (w/Margin)           RATE        MATURITY DATE   LOAN PURPOSE
$785,000.00     Wall Street Journal Prime      6.000%         08/01/02       Commercial
                       minus 0.75%

                                   Creditor Use Only
</TABLE>

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE
                  (Commercial - Single Advance - Variable Rate)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DATE AND PARTIES. The date of this Promissory Note (Note) is August 1, 2001. The
parties and their addresses are:

         LENDER:
                  NEXITY BANK - ATLANTA LPO
                  2839 Paces Ferry Road
                  Suite 840
                  Atlanta, Georgia 30339
                  Telephone: (678) 556-0700

         BORROWER:
                  C & S BANCORPORATION, INC.
                  a Corporation
                  401 Mall Boulevard
                  Suite 101B
                  Savannah, Georgia 31406

1.       DEFINITIONS. As used in this Note, the terms have the following
         meanings:

         A.       Pronouns. The Pronouns "I" "me," and "my" refer to each
         Borrower signing this Note, individually and together with their heirs,
         successors and assigns, and each other person or legal entity
         (including guarantors, endorsers, and sureties) who agrees to pay this
         Note. "You" and "Your" refer to the Lender, with its participants or
         syndicators, successors and assigns, or any person or company that
         acquires an interest in the Loan.

         B.       Note. Note refers to this document, and any extensions,
         renewals, modifications and substitutions of this Note.

         C.       Loan. Loan refers to this transaction generally, including
         obligations and duties arising from the terms of all documents prepared
         or submitted for this transaction such as applications, security
         agreements, disclosures or notes, and this Note.

         D.       Property. Property is any property, real, personal or
         intangible, that secures my performance of the obligations of this
         Loan.

         E.       Percent. Rates and rate change limitations are expressed as
         annualized percentages.

<PAGE>   2

2.       PROMISE TO PAY. For value received, I promise to pay you or your order,
at your address, or at such other location as you may designate, the principal
sum of $785,000.00 (Principal) plus interest from August 1, 2001 on the unpaid
Principal balance until this Note matures or this obligation is accelerated.

3.       INTEREST. Interest will accrue on the unpaid Principal balance of this
Note at the rate of 6.000 percent (interest Rate) until August 2, 2001, after
which time it may change as described in the Variable Rate subsection.

         A.       Interest After Default. If you declare a default under the
         terms of this Loan, including for failure to pay in full at maturity,
         you may increase the interest rate otherwise payable as described in
         this section. In such event, interest will accrue on the unpaid
         Principal balance of this Note at the Interest Rate in effect from time
         to time under the terms of this Note, until paid in full.

         B.       Maximum Interest Amount. Any amount assessed or collected as
         interest under the terms of this Note or obligation will be limited to
         the Maximum Lawful Amount of interest allowed by state or federal law.
         Amounts collected in excess of the Maximum Lawful Amount will be
         applied first to the unpaid Principal balance. Any remainder will be
         refunded to me.

         C.       Statutory Authority. The amount assessed or collected on this
         Note is authorized by the Georgia usury laws under Ga. Code title 7,
         ch. 4.

         D.       Accrual. During the scheduled term of this Loan interest
         accrues using an Actual/360 days counting method.

         E.       Variable Rate. The Interest Rate may change during the term of
         this transaction.

                  (1)      Index. Beginning with the first Change Date, the
                  Interest Rate will be based on the following index: the
                  highest base rate on corporate loans posted by at least 75% of
                  the nation's 30 largest banks that The Wall Street Journal
                  publishes as the Prime Rate.

                  The Current Index is the most recent index figure available on
                  each Change Date. You do not guaranty by selecting this Index,
                  or the margin, that the Interest Rate on this Note will be the
                  same rate you charge on any other loans or class of loans you
                  make to me or other borrowers. If this Index is no longer
                  available, you will substitute a similar index. You will give
                  me notice of your choice.

                  (2)      Change Date. Each date on which the Interest Rate may
                  change is called a Change Date. The Interest Rate may change
                  August 2, 2001 and daily thereafter.

                  (3)      Calculation Of Change. On each Change Date, you will
                  calculate the Interest Rate, which will be the Current Index
                  minus 0.75 percent. The result of this calculation will be
                  rounded to the nearest .001 percent. Subject to any
                  limitations, this will be the Interest Rate until the next
                  Change Date. The new Interest Rate will become effective on
                  each Change Date. The Interest Rate and other charges on this
                  Note will never exceed the highest rate or charge allowed by
                  law for this Note.

                  (4)      Effect Of Variable Rate. A change in the Interest
                  Rate will have the following effect on the payments: The
                  amount of scheduled interest payments and the amount of the
                  final payment will change.

4.       PAYMENT. I agree to pay this Note in installments of accrued interest
beginning November 1, 2001, and then on the same day in each 3rd month
thereafter. I agree to pay the entire unpaid Principal and any accrued but
unpaid interest on August 1, 2002.

Payments will be rounded to the nearest $.01. With the final payment I also
agree to pay any additional fees or charges owing and the amount of any advances
you have made to others on my behalf. Payments scheduled to be paid on the 29th,
30th or 31st day of a month that contains no such day will, instead, be made on
the last day of such month.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

Each payment I make on this Note will be applied first to any charges that I owe
other than principal and interest then to interest that is due, and finally to
principal that is due. If you and I agree to a different application of
payments, we will describe our agreement on this Note. The actual amount of my
final payment will depend on my payment record.

5.       PREPAYMENT. I may prepay this Loan in full or in part at any time. Any
partial prepayment will not excuse any later scheduled payments until I pay in
full.

6.       LOAN PURPOSE. This is a business-purpose loan transaction.

7.       SECURITY. This Loan is secured by separate security instruments
prepared together with this Note as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DOCUMENT NAME                                                  PARTIES TO DOCUMENT

<S>                                                            <C>
Deed To Secure Debt (GA) - See Attached Exhibit "A"            C & S Bancorporation, Inc.
</TABLE>

8.       DEFAULT. I will be in default if any of the following occur:

         A.       Payments. I fail to make a payment in full when due.

         B.       Insolvency. I make an assignment for the benefit of creditors
         or become insolvent, either because my liabilities exceed my assets or
         I am unable to pay my debts as they become due.

         C.       Business Termination. I merge, dissolve, reorganize, end my
         business or existence, or a partner or majority owner dies or is
         declared legally incompetent.

         D.       Failure to Perform. I fail to perform any condition or to keep
         any promise or covenant of this Note.

         E.       Other Documents. A default occurs under the terms of any other
         transaction document.

         F.       Other Agreements. I am in default on any other debt or
         agreement I have with you.

         G.       Misrepresentation. I make any verbal or written statement or
         provide any financial information that is untrue, inaccurate, or
         conceals a material fact at the time it is made or provided.

         H.       Judgment. I fail to satisfy or appeal any judgment against me.

         I.       Forfeiture. The Property is used in a manner or for a purpose
         that threatens confiscation by a legal authority.

         J.       Name Change. I change my name or assume an additional name
         without notifying you before making such a change.

         K.       Property Transfer. I transfer all or a substantial part of my
         money or property.

         L.       Property Value. The value of the Property declines or is
         impaired.

         M.       Material Change. Without first notifying you, there is a
         material change in my business, including ownership, management, and
         financial conditions.

         N.       Insecurity. You reasonably believe that you are insecure.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

9.       ASSUMPTIONS. Someone buying the Property cannot assume the obligation.
You may declare the entire balance of the Note to be immediately due and payable
upon the creation of. or contract for the creation of, any lien, encumbrance, or
transfer of the Property.

10.      WAIVERS AND CONSENT. To the extent not prohibited by law, I waive
protest, presentment for payment, demand, notice of acceleration, notice of
intent to accelerate and notice of dishonor.

         A.       Additional Waivers By Borrower. In addition, I, and any party
         to this Note and Loan, to the extent permitted by law, consent to
         certain actions you may take, and generally waive defenses that may be
         available based on these actions or based on the status of a party to
         this Note.

                  (1)      You may renew or extend payments on this Note,
                  regardless of the number of such renewals or extensions.

                  (2)      You may release any Borrower, endorser, guarantor,
                  surety, accommodation maker or any other co-signer.

                  (3)      You may release, substitute or impair any Property
                  securing this Note.

                  (4)      You, or any institution participating in this Note,
                  may invoke your right of set-off.

                  (5)      You may enter into any sales, repurchases or
                  participations of this Note to any person in any amounts and I
                  waive notice of such sales, repurchases or participations.

                  (6)      I agree that any of us signing this Note as a
                  Borrower is authorized to modify the terms of this Note or any
                  instrument securing, guarantying or relating to this Note.

                  (7)      I agree that you may inform any party who guarantees
                  this Loan of any Loan accommodations, renewals, extensions,
                  modifications, substitutions or future advances.

         B.       No Waiver By Lender. Your course of dealing, or your
         forbearance from, or delay in, the exercise of any of your rights,
         remedies, privileges or right to insist upon my strict performance of
         any provisions contained in this Note, or other Loan documents, shall
         not be construed as a waiver by you, unless any such waiver is in
         writing and is signed by you.

11.      REMEDIES. After I default, and after you give any legally required
notice and opportunity to cure the default, you may at your option do any one or
more of the following.

         A.       Acceleration. You may make all or any part of the amount owing
         by the terms of this Note immediately due.

         B.       Sources. You may use any and all remedies you have under state
         or federal law or in any instrument securing this Note.

         C.       Insurance Benefits. You may make a claim for any and all
         insurance benefits or refunds that may be available on my default.

         D.       Payments Made On My Behalf. Amounts advanced on my behalf will
         be immediately due and may be added to the balance owing under the
         terms of this Note, and accrue interest at the highest post-maturity
         interest rate.

         E.       Attachment. You may attach or garnish my wages or earnings.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

         F.       Set-Off. You may use the right of set-off. This means you may
         set-off any amount due and payable under the terms of this Note against
         any right I have to receive money from you.

         My right to receive money from you includes any deposit or share
         account balance I have with you; any money owed to me an item presented
         to you or in your possession for collection or exchange; and any
         repurchase agreement or other non-deposit obligation. Any amount due
         and payable under the terms of this Note' means the total amount to
         which you are entitled to demand payment under the terms of this Note
         at the time you set-off.

         Subject to any other written contract, if my right to receive money
         from you is also owned by someone who has not agreed to pay this Note,
         your right of setoff will apply to my interest in the obligation and to
         any other amounts I could withdraw on my sole request or endorsement.

         Your right of set-off does not apply to an account or other obligation
         where my rights arise only in a representative capacity. It also does
         not apply to any Individual Retirement Account or other tax-deferred
         retirement account.

         You will not be liable for the dishonor of any check when the dishonor
         occurs because you set-off against any of my accounts. I agree to hold
         you harmless from any such claims arising as a result of your exercise
         of your right of set-off.

         G.       Waiver. Except as otherwise required by law, by choosing any
         one or more of these remedies you do not give up your right to use any
         other remedy. You do not waive a default if you choose not to use a
         remedy. By electing not to use any remedy, you do not waive your right
         to later consider the event a default and to use any remedies if the
         default continues or occurs again.

12.      COLLECTION EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. On or after Default, to the
extent permitted by law, I agree to pay all expenses of collection, enforcement
or protection of your rights and remedies under this Note. Expenses include, but
are not limited to, attorneys' fees, court costs, and other legal expenses. If
this debt is collected by or through an attorney after maturity, I agree to pay
15 percent of the Principal and interest owing as attorneys' fees. These
expenses are due and payable immediately. If not paid immediately, these
expenses will beat interest from the date of payment until paid in full at the
highest interest rate in effect as provided for in the terms of this Note. All
fees and expenses will be secured by the Property I have granted to you, if any.
To the extent permitted by the United States Bankruptcy Code, I agree to pay the
reasonable attorneys' fees you incur to collect this Debt as awarded by any
court exercising jurisdiction under the Bankruptcy Code.

13.      WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS. I make to you the following warranties
and representations which will continue as long as this Note is in effect:

         A.       Power. I am duly organized, and validly existing and in good
         standing in all jurisdictions in which I operate. I have the power and
         authority to enter into this transaction and to carry on my business or
         activity as it is now being conducted and, as applicable. am qualified
         to do so in each jurisdiction in which I operate.

         B.       Authority. The execution, delivery and performance of this
         Note and the obligation evidenced by this Note are within my powers,
         have been duly authorized, have received all necessary governmental
         approval, will not violate any provision of law, or order of court or
         governmental agency, and will not violate any agreement to which I am a
         party or to which I am or any of my Property is subject.

         C.       Name and Place of Business. Other than previously disclosed in
         writing to you I have not changed my name or principal place of
         business within the last 10 years and have not used any other trade or
         fictitious name. Without your prior written consent, I do not and will
         not use any other name and will preserve my existing name, trade names
         and franchises.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
14.      INSURANCE.

         A.       Property Insurance. I will insure or retain insurance coverage
         on the Property and abide by the insurance requirements of any security
         instrument securing this Loan.

         B.       Insurance Warranties. I agree to purchase any insurance
         coverages that are required, in the amounts you require, as described
         in this or any other documents I sign for this Loan. I will provide you
         with continuing proof of coverage. I will buy or provide insurance from
         a firm licensed to do business in the State where the Property is
         located. If I buy or provide the insurance from someone other than you,
         the firm will be reasonably acceptable to you. I will have the
         insurance company name you as loss payee an any insurance policy. You
         will apply the insurance proceeds toward what I owe you on the
         outstanding balance. I agree that if the insurance proceeds do not
         cover the amounts I still owe you, I will pay the difference. I will
         keep the insurance until all debts secured by this agreement are paid.
         If I want to buy the insurance from you, I have signed a separate
         statement agreeing to this purchase.

         C.       Prepayment. If I prepay in full or if I default and you demand
         payment of the unpaid balance, I may be entitled to a partial refund
         credit of any prepaid, unearned insurance premiums. This refund may be
         obtained from you or from the insurance company named in my policy or
         certificate of insurance.

15.      APPLICABLE LAW. This Note is governed by the laws of Georgia, the
United States of America and to the extent required, by the laws of the
jurisdiction where the Property is located.

16.      JOINT AND INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY AND SUCCESSORS. My obligation to pay
this Loan is independent of the obligation of any other person who has also
agreed to pay it. You may sue me alone, or anyone else who is obligated on this
Loan, or any number of us together, to collect this Loan. Extending this Loan or
new obligations under this Loan, will not affect my duty under this Loan and I
will still be obligated to pay this Loan. The duties and benefits of this Loan
will bind and benefit the successors and assigns of you and me.

17.      AMENDMENT, INTEGRATION AND SEVERABILITY. This Note may not be amended
or modified by oral agreement. No amendment or modification of this Note is
effective unless made in writing and executed by you and me. This Note is the
complete and final expression of the agreement. If any provision of this Note is
unenforceable, then the unenforceable provision will be severed and the
remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

18.      INTERPRETATION. Whenever used, the singular includes the plural and the
plural includes the singular. The section headings are for convenience only and
are not to be used to interpret or define the terms of this Note.

19.      NOTICE, FINANCIAL REPORTS AND ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS. Unless otherwise
required by law, any notice will be given by delivering it or mailing it by
first class mail to the appropriate party's address listed in the DATE AND
PARTIES section, or to any other address designated in writing. Notice to one
party will be deemed to be notice to all parties. I will inform you in writing
of any change in my name, address or other application information. I will
provide you any financial statement or information you request. All financial
statements and information I give you will be correct and complete. I agree to
sign, deliver, and file any additional documents or certifications that you may
consider necessary to perfect, continue. and preserve my obligations under this
Loan and to confirm your lien status on any Property. Time is of the essence.

20.      CREDIT INFORMATION. I agree that from time to time you may obtain
credit information about me from others, including other lenders and credit
reporting agencies, and report to others (such as a credit reporting agency)
your credit experience with me. I agree that you will not be liable for any
claim arising from the use of information provided to you by others or for
providing such information to others.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

21.      SIGNATURES. By signing under seal, I agree to the terms contained in
this Note. I also acknowledge receipt of a copy of this Note.

         BORROWER:

                  C & S Bancorporation, Inc.

                           /s/ Brian R. Foster                   (Seal)
                           --------------------------------------
                           Brian F. Foster, President

                           /s/ John G. Lientz                    (Seal)
                           --------------------------------------
                           John G. Lientz, Treasurer

                           --------------------------------------
                           (Attest)

         LENDER:

                  Nexity Bank - Atlanta LPO

                                                                 (Seal)
                           --------------------------------------
                           Jack Gardner

                           --------------------------------------
                           (Attest)

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

                                    GUARANTY

To: NEXITY BANK

         2839 PACES FERRY RD., SET 840, ATLANTA, GA 30339   DATE: AUGUST 1, 2001

-        FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged,
         and in consideration of any loan or other financial accommodation
         heretofore or hereafter at any time made or granted to C&S
         BANCORPORATION, INC. (hereinafter called the "Debtor") by NEXITY BANK
         (hereinafter together with its successors and assigns, called the
         "Bank"), the undersigned hereby unconditionally guarantee(s) the full
         and prompt payment when due, whether by declaration or otherwise, and
         at all times hereafter, of all obligations of the Debtor to the Bank,
         however and whenever incurred or evidenced, whether direct or indirect,
         absolute or contingent, due or to become due (collectively called
         "Liabilities"), and the undersigned further agree(s) to pay all
         expenses (including attorney's fees) paid or incurred by the Bank in
         endeavoring to collect the Liabilities, or any part thereof, and in
         enforcing this guaranty. The right of recovery against the undersigned
         is, however, limited to the amount of FORTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED
         ELEVEN DOLLARS AND 11/100 ($43,611.11), plus interest on such amount
         and plus all expenses of enforcing this guaranty.

-        Undersigned hereby transfers and conveys to the Bank any and all
         balances, credits, deposits, accounts, items and monies of the
         undersigned now or hereafter with the Bank, and the Bank is hereby
         given a lien upon security title to and a security interest in all
         property of the undersigned of every kind and description now or
         hereafter in the possession or control of the Bank for any reason,
         including all dividends and distributions on or other rights in
         connection therewith.

-        In the event of the death, incompetency, dissolution, or insolvency (as
         defined by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect at that time in
         ALABAMA) of the Debtor, or if a petition in bankruptcy be filed by or
         against the Debtor, or if a receiver be appointed for any part of the
         property or assets of the Debtor, or if any judgment be entered against
         the Debtor, or if the Bank shall feel insecure with respect to
         Liabilities and if any such event should occur at a time when any of
         the Liabilities may not then be due and payable, the undersigned agrees
         to pay to the Bank upon demand the full amount which would be payable
         hereunder by the undersigned if all Liabilities were then due and
         payable.

-        Bank may, without demand or notice of any kind, at any time when any
         amount shall be due and payable hereunder by any of the undersigned,
         appropriate and apply toward the payment of such amount, and in such
         order of application as the Bank may from time to time elect, any
         property, balances, credits, deposits, accounts, items or monies of
         such undersigned in the possession or control of the Bank for any
         purpose.

-        This guaranty shall be continuing absolute and unconditional and shall
         remain in full force and effect as to the undersigned, subject to
         discontinuance of this guaranty as to any of the undersigned
         (including, without limitation, any undersigned who shall become
         deceased, incompetent or dissolved) only as follows: Any of the
         undersigned, and any person duly authorized and acting on behalf of any
         of the undersigned, may give written notice to the Bank of
         discontinuance of this guaranty as to the undersigned by whom or on
         whose behalf such notice is given, but no such notice shall be
         effective in any respect until it is actually received by the Bank and
         no such notice shall affect or impair the obligations hereunder of the
         undersigned by whom or on whose behalf such notice is given with
         respect to any Liabilities existing at the date of receipt of such
         notice by the Bank, any interest thereon or any expenses paid or
         incurred by the Bank in endeavoring to collect such Liabilities, or any
         part thereof, in enforcing this guaranty against such undersigned. Any
         such notice of discontinuance by or on behalf of any of the undersigned
         shall not affect or impair the obligations hereunder of any other of
         the undersigned.

-        The Bank may, from time to time, without notice to the undersigned (or
         any of them), (a) retain or obtain a security interest in any property
         to secure any of the Liabilities or any obligation hereunder, (b)
         retain or obtain the primary or secondary liability of any party or
         parties, in addition to the undersigned, with respect to any of the
         Liabilities, (c) extend or renew for any period (whether or not longer
         than the original period), alter or exchange any of the Liabilities,
         (d) release or compromise any liability of any of the undersigned
         hereunder or any liability of any other party or parties primarily or
         secondarily liable on any of the Liabilities, (e) release its security
         interest, if any, in all or any property securing any of the
         Liabilities or any obligation hereunder and permit any substitution or
         exchange for any such property, and (f) resort to the undersigned (or
         any of them) for payment of any of the Liabilities, whether or not the
         Bank shall have resorted to any property securing any of the
         Liabilities or any obligation hereunder or shall have proceeded against
         any other of the undersigned or any other party primarily or
         secondarily liable on any of the Liabilities.

-        Any amount received by the Bank from whatever source and applied by it
         toward the payment of the Liabilities shall be applied in such order of
         application as the Bank may from time to time elect.

<PAGE>   9

-        The undersigned hereby expressly waive(s): (a) Notice of the acceptance
         of this guaranty, (b) notice of the existence or creation of all or any
         of the Liabilities, (c) presentment, demand, notice of dishonor,
         protest, and all other notices whatsoever, and (d) all diligence in
         collection or protection of or realization upon the Liabilities or any
         part thereof, any obligation hereunder, or any security for any of the
         foregoing.

-        The creation or existence from, time to time of Liabilities in excess
         of the amount to which the right of recovery under this guaranty is
         limited is hereby authorized, without notice to the undersigned (or any
         of them), and shall in no way effect or impair this guaranty.

-        The Bank may, without notice of any kind, sell, assign, or transfer all
         or any of the Liabilities, and in such event each and every immediate
         and successive assignee, transferee, or holder of all or any of the
         Liabilities, shall have the right to enforce this guaranty, by suit or
         otherwise, for the benefit of such assignee, transferee, or holder, as
         fully as if such assignee, transferee, or holder were herein by name
         specifically given such rights, powers and benefits, but the Bank shall
         have an unimpaired right, prior and superior to that of any such
         assignee, transferee or holder, to enforce this guaranty for the
         benefit of the Bank, as to so much of the Liabilities as it has not
         sold, assigned, or transferred.

-        No delay or failure on the part of the Bank in the exercise of any
         right or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof, and no single or
         partial exercise by the Bank of any right or remedy shall preclude
         other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or
         remedy. No action of the Bank permitted hereunder shall in any way
         impair or affect this guaranty. For the purpose of this guaranty,
         Liabilities shall include all obligations of the Debtor to the Bank,
         notwithstanding any right or power of the Debtor or anyone else to
         assert any claim or defense, as to the invalidity or unenforceability
         of any such obligation, and no such claim or defense shall impair or
         affect the obligations of the undersigned hereunder.

-        This guaranty shall be binding upon the undersigned, and upon the
         heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of the
         undersigned. If more than one party shall execute this guaranty, the
         term "undersigned" shall mean all parties executing this guaranty, and
         all such parties shall be jointly and severally obligated hereunder.

-        This guaranty has been made and delivered in the State of ALABAMA, and
         shall be governed by the laws of that State. Wherever possible each
         provision of this guaranty shall be interpreted in such manner as to be
         effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this
         guaranty shall be prohibited by or invalid under such law, such
         provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
         invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the
         remaining provisions of this guaranty.

-        IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have hereunto set their hands and
         affixed their seals the day and year above written.

-
         Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of:    Guarantor:

         /s/ Dorothy L. Rhodes                               /s/ Guarantor
         ---------------------------                         -------------------
                Notary Public                                     Guarantor

                                       2<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.10

                                 MERCFUEL, INC.
                              5456 MCCONNELL AVENUE
                          LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90066
                            TELEPHONE: (310) 827-2737
                            FACSIMILE: (310) 827-0650

                                                                          DRAFT

                                 August 30, 2001

PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Paul Hoover
Management & Report Technologies, Inc.
2650 Hanson Street
Ft. Myers, FL  33901

Dear Mr. Hoover:

         MercFuel, Inc. ("MercFuel") wishes to acquire a perpetual, exclusive
worldwide license in all intellectual property (including computer hardware and
software) owned or utilized by Management & Report Technologies, Inc. ("MARTI")
as it may be applied to the delivering of aviation fuel. This letter contains
all of the essential terms and conditions under which we agree to acquire the
license of intellectual property interests in MARTI to be used only and
exclusively in the aviation fuel delivery business, and shall be deemed a
binding agreement between the parties. This letter may be followed by an
additional agreement containing these and other terms and conditions, which
other terms and conditions are agreed not to be essential nor necessary to
create a binding agreement.

         1. Acquisition of License; Closing Date. On the terms and conditions
set forth below, MercFuel agrees to acquire, and MARTI shall grant to MercFuel,
on the Closing Date, an exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, license to use, copy or
reproduce, within limitations of existing agreements with other software
vendors, in MercFuel's business defined as the delivery of aviation fuel,
whether for manufacture or otherwise, the hardware, devices, (excluding software
source code and electronic engineering drawings which will be escrowed for the
benefit of MercFuel) and documentation developed by MARTI as of the Closing
Date, and all other intellectual property in connection therewith, including
know-how and processes, for use in the collection of aviation fuel delivery data
and the reconciliation of aviation fuel deliveries. Further, MARTI shall grant
to MercFuel on the Closing Date the exclusive right to sublicense to third
parties in the aviation fuel business, as reasonably determined to be in such
business by MercFuel and MARTI, the software and documentation developed by
MARTI for use in the collection of aviation fuel delivery data and the
reconciliation of aviation fuel deliveries, and shall have submitted to
MercFuel, prior to the Closing Date, an assessment of the applicability of

<PAGE>   2

Mr. Paul Hoover
August 30, 2001
Page 2

the hardware and software for use in the collection of aviation fuel delivery
data and the reconciliation of aviation fuel deliveries. MARTI also grants to
MercFuel the right to claim proprietary licensed interests in all technology
licensed hereunder and to license or sublicense the technology under the name
MercFuel, Inc., or under any other name, at the discretion of MercFuel, Inc.,
without any obligation to attribute the technology to MARTI or any other entity
except for purposes required to protect copyright and patent rights and
interests. All rights and licenses granted under or pursuant to this Agreement
are and shall otherwise be deemed to be, for purposes of Section 365(n) of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code ("Bankruptcy Code"), licenses of rights to "intellectual
property" as defined under Section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code. MercFuel, as
licensee of the applicable rights under this Agreement granted by MARTI, shall
retain and may fully exercise all of its rights and elections under the
Bankruptcy Code. In the event of commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding by or
against either party under the Bankruptcy Code, MercFuel shall be entitled to
complete access to any such intellectual property or embodiments thereof. For
purposes of this Agreement, the "Closing Date" means the effective date of the
Offering (as defined below), provided that all conditions precedent have been
satisfied prior thereto. If all conditions precedent have not been satisfied
prior to the Offering, or if the Offering does not occur prior to December 31,
2001, this agreement shall terminate, without any liability or obligation of
either party hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, the "Offering" constitutes
a public offering of common stock of MercFuel, Inc., with respect to which
MercFuel has previously filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and the term "Distribution" means a
distribution of the common stock of MercFuel, Inc. to the shareholders of
Mercury Air Group, Inc. ("MAG"), the parent corporation of MercFuel, which is
currently planned to occur approximately six months following the date of the
Offering. MARTI hereby acknowledges its understanding that neither the Offering
nor the Distribution may occur due to reasons within or outside the control of
MercFuel and MAG, and that neither MercFuel nor MAG shall have liability to
MARTI or its affiliates on account thereof.

         2. Consideration. The consideration for the acquisition of the license
herein shall consist of (i) cash in the amount of $25,000 (the "Cash
Downpayment") payable by October 1, 2001 and (ii) a $750,000 non-interest
bearing subordinated convertible note (the "Note") payable on the Closing Date,
which Note shall be converted into 125,000 shares of common stock of MercFuel,
upon written notice given by MercFuel following the date of the Distribution.
The Note, if not previously converted, shall be due and payable in twenty-four
equal monthly installments with the first installment due and payable one year
from the date of this letter subject to approvals or restrictions, if any,
imposed by MercFuel's lenders. Subject to approval by the underwriters of the
Offering (as defined below), and subject to acceptance by such underwriters and
by MARTI of a mutually agreeable lock-up period, the common shares underlying
the Note (the "Underlying Shares") shall be registered in the Offering. If the
Underlying Shares are not so registered, and if the Note has not been paid in
whole or in part, then MercFuel shall use its best efforts to register the
Underlying Shares on a Form S-3 as soon as MercFuel becomes eligible to use such
form. If the Cash Downpayment is not made by October 1, 2001, this Agreement
shall be terminated, without any further obligations of the parties hereto.

<PAGE>   3

Mr. Paul Hoover
August 30, 2001
Page 3

         3.       Conditions Precedent. Our obligation to purchase, as more
fully described above, is conditioned upon the following, any of which may be
waived at our sole discretion:

         a.       Our completion of such due diligence as we may choose to do,
                  including but not limited to a competitive assessment and
                  quality testing of the hardware and software developed by
                  MARTI, and our satisfaction in our sole discretion with the
                  results of such due diligence. We agree to complete our due
                  diligence investigation by the later of 14 days from the date
                  of your acceptance of this letter. A satisfaction or rejection
                  notice will be sent no later than five (5) days after the
                  expiration of the due diligence period.

         b.       Approval of this transaction by our Board of Directors, which
                  approval may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of
                  the Board of Directors within 10 days of the completion of our
                  due diligence. An approval or rejection notice will be sent no
                  later than (5) days after the expiration of the approval
                  period.

         c.       Approval of this transaction and the issuance and terms of the
                  Note by all lenders and proposed lenders of MercFuel
                  (including Foothill Financial) and by all lenders and proposed
                  lenders of MAG, or those lenders whose approval is required in
                  order to consummate this transaction. Approval required in
                  this paragraph shall be obtained and noticed to MARTI on the
                  earliest practicable date. MercFuel and/or MAG agree to use
                  their best effort to obtain an approval of this transaction by
                  the lender(s).

         d.       Approval of this transaction by tax counsel to MercFuel. A
                  satisfaction or rejection notice will be sent no later than
                  five (5) days after the expiration of the due diligence period
                  set forth in paragraph (a) above.

         4.       Representations and Warranties. Pursuant to the Agreement,
both parties will make all representations and warranties customary in
transactions of this nature. Seller's representations and warranties shall
address, in a mutually acceptable manner, the following topics: Representations,
Covenants and Warranties of Seller; Organization, Power, and Standing; Power and
Capacity; Claims Against the Company by Stockholders; Freedom to Contract and
Consent; Binding Obligation; No Undisclosed Liabilities Affecting the License;
Rights to Use Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights, including, without
limitation, the following: (i) a representation concerning MARTI's holding title
to valid patents as described in patents 5,902,938 and 6,047,250 on hardware,
devices, and software and documentation to be licensed or transferred to
MercFuel pursuant to the terms hereof; and (ii) a representation by MARTI that
it is their belief that Endress and Hauser is in violation of certain portions
of such patents held by MARTI including an explanation of how MARTI arrived at
its beliefs; Protection of Trade Secrets; Compliance with Law; Condition of
Business; Actions Prior to Closing; Title to Assets; Notice of Claims; Material
Defaults; and Suitability of Software for Utilization in the Fueling Business.

<PAGE>   4

Mr. Paul Hoover
August 30, 2001
Page 4

         5. Assignment. We may (i) assign any or all of our rights and interests
hereunder to one or more of our affiliates, joint venturers or partners and (ii)
designate one or more of our affiliates, joint venturers or partners to perform
our obligations hereunder (in any or all of which cases we shall nonetheless
remain responsible for the performance of all of our obligations hereunder).

         6. Disclosure. The parties agree that they will make no public
disclosures or publicity release pertaining to the existence of this letter
agreement or of the subject matter contained herein without the consent of the
other parties; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, each party
shall be permitted to make such disclosures to the public or to maintain
compliance with and to prevent violation of application federal or state laws.
The parties further agree that this letter agreement and the terms thereof
shall, except as set forth in the preceding sentence of this section, be kept
confidential and not disclosed to any other party; provided, however, that any
disclosure of information may be made to which we consent in writing and the
party to whom such information is disclosed executes a confidentiality agreement
with respect to such information.

         7. Expenses. Each party shall pay its own legal, accounting and other
expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and performance of this
agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

         8. Amendment. This agreement may be amended or modified only in writing
and signed by all of the parties.

         9. Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by the internal laws
of the State of California.

         If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please
signify your approval by signing a copy of this letter at the place provided
below.

                                                         Very truly yours,

                                                         MERCFUEL, INC.

                                                         By: __________________
                                                         Its:

     MANAGEMENT & REPORT
      TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

     By: ____________________
     Its:

<PAGE>   5

Mr. Paul Hoover
August 30, 2001
Page 5

     Its: ___________________

          ___________________
          Paul Hoover

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