Document:

Business Advisory Agreement

  

	
	 Exhibit 10.1
  

  
 BUSINESS
ADVISORY AGREEMENT 
  
 This Business Advisory Agreement
(“Agreement”) is entered into as of January 31, 2005 (the “Effective Date”), by and between the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, a federally-recognized tribal entity (the “Tribe”), located within the State of
California, with tribal offices located at P.O. Box 162283, Sacramento, California 95814 and Venture Catalyst Incorporated, a Utah corporation (“Contractor”), whose business office is located at 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 418, San Diego
California 92108. This Agreement is intended to memorialize the understanding of the Tribe and the Contractor (the “Parties”). 
  
 RECITALS 
  
 The Tribe is a federally recognized Native American Tribe possessing sovereign powers over its reservation in the State of California who is developing a
casino and related facilities on its reservation located near Ione California (the “Casino Facilities”) and presently intends to self-manage the operation of the Casino Facilities (“Tribal Operations”); 
  
 In compliance with the Indian Gambling Regulatory Act (“IGRA”), the
Tribe has or will enact a tribal ordinance regulating the operation of gaming activities, creating the Buena Vista Rancheria Gaming Commission, and authorizing Class II and Class III gaming subject to the provisions of the tribal ordinance and a
Tribal-State Compact; 
  
 The Tribe presently requires additional
resources to develop the Tribal Operations on its own and desires to retain the services of an experienced business advisor, with knowledge and experience in the gaming industry, to advise the Tribe during its efforts to secure the financing and to
advise on the planning, development and implementation of the Tribal Operations; 
  
 The Contractor also agrees to advise the Tribe in obtaining qualified gaming operations management personnel to manage the Tribal Operations and to advise on specific areas of its business development and operations
which will assist the Tribe in its efforts to develop a premier gaming facility and destination resort; 
  
 The Parties agree that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an obligation of the Contractor to obtain funds for the development of the Tribal
Operations; 
  
 The Parties agree that nothing in this Agreement
shall be construed as granting any management authority to the Contractor; 
  

 1 

 THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties intending to be legally bound, covenant and agree as follows: 
  
 1. ENGAGEMENT OF SERVICES. 
  
 The Parties agree the Contractor will be granted the right to advise the Tribe on matters specified in this Agreement during the term outlined in Section
4 pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. 
  
 Contractor will provide its professional judgment, analysis, advice in areas of establishing and operating a successful Tribal Operation in a competitive California marketplace.  
  
 Contractor shall provide professional advice and recommendations on the
following areas for the Tribal Operations: 
  

	 	a.	The market and the marketing strategy: Contractor will initiate and direct customer research in the local and the regional population centers and will also direct and perform
a competitive gaming market analysis of the area and region, Contractor will advise and make recommendations on the development of the following: a leading direct marketing department; targeted and segmented gaming customer profiles in the local and
regional market; a consistent theme and image both pre-opening and ongoing; advertising plans, including billboards, radio, print, internet and broadcast media; public relations plans and policies; pre-opening community relation plans; ongoing
community relation policies; pre-opening marketing and event plans and special events planning for all areas; pre-opening governmental relations plans; post-opening governmental relation policies; Asian and other ethnic market strategies, including
food, entertainment, games; floor layout and personnel; customer reinvestment levels and strategies; high net-worth market strategies; casino floor promotions and events; customer data base marketing strategy, implementation and execution; other
marketing development as necessary. Additionally, Contractor shall offer to grant a perpetual license to the Tribe for its proprietary marketing software (“Mariposa”) at no charge, provided however, the Tribe shall be reimburse contractor
for the costs incurred by Contractor to install Mariposa and the Tribe shall be responsible for an annual support and maintenance fee effective as of the end of the term of this Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated prior to the end of its
term, and Mariposa has already been licensed and installed at the Tribal Operations, the Tribe shall be responsible for payment to Contractor for all remaining fees, based on market value, to license and install Mariposa. 

 

	 	b.	 Management team building: Contractor will advise and make recommendations to the Tribe on identification of senior casino management candidates for review
and recruitment by the Tribe. These senior executive positions include, but are not limited to, the general manager, the chief financial officer, controller, the human resources position, the gaming operations position, the food and beverage
position, the I.T. position and the marketing position. Contractor may advise the senior management in the development of policies for further recruiting, 

  

 2 

	 	 
hiring, training, labor relations, customer service training, dealer training, employee orientation and staffing levels for all areas of the project.
Contractor will assist the Tribe and the senior management in becoming an integrated and supporting team throughout the term of the Agreement. 

  

	 	c.	Financing advisory services: Contractor will advise the Tribe during the fund raising process and will work with the investment banking firm that is engaged by the Tribe.
Contractor will assist in preparing and delivering presentations with investment bankers, attorneys, bond insurers, rating agencies, analysts and bond buyers. Contractor can advise on debt structuring and securing future financing needs of the Tribe
and its Tribal Operations, if applicable. 

  

	 	d.	Product Architecture: Contractor will advise and make recommendations on identification of the casino product mix for the target market. The recommendations will include, but
not be limited to, the following areas: 

  

	 	i.	Gaming Product Mix - Slot Machines, including slot floor layout; coin and ticket-in-ticket-out mix options; number and type of progressive slots; slot floor signage; mix and
type of slot games; mix of denominations of slots; slot accounting system. 

  

	 	ii.	Gaming Product Mix - Table Games, including number of table games; types of games; denomination levels; credit policies; dealer training school; employee toke policy;
security and audit policies. 

  

	 	iii.	Food and Beverage, including types of food; price points; manner and variety of service (i.e. fast, sit down, casino floor); hours of operations; themes; staffing levels.

  

	 	iv.	Hotel, including size; staffing; integration with casino marketing department. 

  

	 	v.	System Selection, including point of sale, cage, marketing, gaming and gaming floor architecture. 

  

	 	e.	Other: Contractor will provide other advisory services not listed above pertaining to Tribal Operations as mutually agreed upon by the Parties.

  
 The Parties agree that all regulatory
requirements of the Tribal Gaming Commission will be addressed by the Contractor in its advice and recommendations and integrated into the Tribal Operations. Contractor’s advice and recommendations will be delivered in person in meetings,
telephonically and in written reports. The Parties shall exercise their best efforts to cooperate with one another in the performance of this Agreement; provided, however, the Tribe shall retain the sole discretion whether to act upon the
Contractor’s advice and recommendations. 
  

 3 

 The Tribe agrees to provider Contractor with necessary work space throughout the term of the Agreement at
or near the Tribal Operations as needed. 
  
 Contractor will
report to Ken Gilbert, Chief Executive of the Tribal Operations, or his designee, until directed otherwise. 
  
 2. NO MANAGEMENT SERVICES PROVIDED. 
  
 The Parties expressly agree the Contractor shall not engage in any management activities or perform any management duties with respect to the Tribal Operations. It is further agreed that neither the Contractor, nor
any of its officers, directors, or employees shall serve on any management board of the Tribal Operations. 
  
 3. TERM OF AGREEMENT AND EFFECTIVE DATE. 
  
 This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date of this Agreement ending on the six (6) month anniversary of the opening of the Tribe’s casino, provided, said term may be extended upon the mutual written
agreement of the Parties; but in no event will the term of this Agreement exceed six (6) years and eleven (11) months. 
  
 4. CONFIDENTIALITY. 
  
 The Parties agree that they will not disclose the terms of this Agreement to third parties unless such disclosure is required by federal, state, or tribal
law or regulation; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to prohibit the Tribe or the Contractor from making public disclosures as may be required by applicable federal and state securities laws including, but not limited,
to rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Contractor will not voluntarily disclose confidential business and financial information concerning the Tribal Operations derived pursuant to services
rendered under this Agreement. 
  
 5. CONTRACTOR COMPENSATION 

 
 The Tribe shall pay the Contractor a monthly flat fee (“Fee”)
of 
  

	 	a.	$50,000 per month from the Effective Date until groundbreaking (groundbreaking shall be defined as the start of excavation or boring for footing); 

  

	 	b.	$100,000 per month from groundbreaking until six months prior to the planned opening of the casino; 

  

	 	c.	$250,000 per month from six months prior to the planned opening of the casino until six months after the opening of the casino. 

  
 The first Fee payment is due on the Effective date of this Agreement and will
cover the first month’s services. Each remaining monthly Fee will be due every 30 days thereafter, until the Agreement ends or is terminated in accordance with Section 6, below.  
  

 4 

 In addition to above Fees for the services the Tribe shall reimburse Contractor for any transportation,
lodging, and other reasonable expenses incurred by Contractor in connection with providing the Services (“Reimbursable Expenses”). Where possible, Contractor will submit in advance either a budget or specific estimates of Reimbursable
Expenses to the Tribe for approval. Contractor shall provide the Tribe written invoices for any Reimbursable Expenses due Contractor which are due within thirty (30) days of the date of the applicable Contractor invoice. Invoices will be directed to
the Tribe as provided in Section 8 below. 
  
 6. TERMINATION AND TERMINATION
FEE. 
  
 The Tribe may terminate this Agreement by providing
the Contractor with sixty (60) days written notice to the addresses listed in Section 8, below. Either Party may terminate this Agreement if the other Party breaches Section 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12 or 17 of this Agreement, provided the non-breaching
Party provides the other Party with written notice of such breach and such breach is not cured within ten (10) days following delivery of written notice of such breach. 
  
 7. COVENANT TO NOTIFY REGULATORY AUTHORITIES. 
  
 The Tribe hereby warrants that it will submit a copy of this Agreement to the appropriate regulatory authorities, including
the Tribal Gaming Commission and the National Indian Gaming Commission seeking a letter of concurrence that this Agreement does not constitute a management agreement and (if applicable) to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 
  
 8. NOTICES. 
  
 Any notice required under this Agreement shall be delivered via overnight mail service to the following addresses:

  

			
	 If to the Tribe:
	  	 The Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians

	 	  	 Attention: Chief Executive Officer

	 	  	 P.O. Box 162283

	 	  	 Sacramento, California 95814

		
	 If to Contractor
	  	 Venture Catalyst Incorporated

	 	  	 Attention: Chief Financial Officer

	 	  	 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 418

	 	  	 San Diego, California 92108

  
 9. COOPERATION OF GOOD FAITH AND
FAIR DEALINGS. 
  
 The Parties hereby warrant and represent
to one another that each party shall utilize good faith efforts to cooperate with one another in the performance of the Agreement. 
  

 5 

 10. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE. 
  
 Each party warrants that it has full authority to execute this Agreement and will, upon written request by the other party,
provide satisfactory written evidence thereof. 
  
 11. NO POSSESSORY INTEREST.

  
 The Parties agree and expressly warrant that this
Agreement does not convey any possessory interest in the Tribal Operations or any other tribal lands. The Tribe maintains the sole proprietary and possessory interest in the casino. 
  
 12. CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROHIBITIONS. 
  
 The Parties warrant that no payments have been made and agree that no payments will be made to any elected member, or relative thereof, of the Tribal
Council for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining this Agreement or any other privilege for the Contractor. For purposes of this paragraph, “relative” means an individual who is related to or lives in the immediate household of an
elected member of the Tribal Council. 
  
 Contractor further
warrants that it will not provide the same or similar services as provided under this Agreement to any other gaming facility within a 63-mile radius of Tribal Operations, provided however, that the Contractor will not be precluded from licensing
Mariposa to any other gaming facilities. Said licensing of Mariposa will be limited to installation and training, and will not include marketing or consulting services.  
  
 13. MODIFICATION. 
  
 This Agreement may be modified only with the formal written agreement of both Parties. 
  
 14. SEVERABILITY. 
  
 In the event any Section of this Agreement is held to be illegal or unenforceable, such Section will be severed or otherwise modified so to preserve the
intent of the Parties, and the Agreement will remain in full force and effect. 
  
 15. RECITALS. 
  
 The recitals set forth above
are a material part of this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference. 
  
 16. SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY. 
  
 By this Agreement the
Tribe does not in any way limit or impair its sovereign immunity, except as specifically provided for in this Section 16. The Tribe does waive sovereign immunity from arbitration or suit by Contractor for purposes of enforcing this Agreement and any
Arbitration Awards. Arbitration Awards shall be payable solely out of the undistributed and future net total revenues of the Tribal Operations. In no event shall 

  

 6 

 
Contractor have recourse to the physical property of the Tribal Operations or furnishings and equipment, net total revenue distributions already made to the
Tribe or any other assets of the Tribe. 
  
 17. ASSIGNMENT. 
  
 Except as specifically set forth herein, the rights and
obligations under this Agreement shall not be assigned or subcontracted by any party without the prior, written consent of the other party. The Tribe reserves the right to assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any entity, agency
or instrumentality wholly-owned or controlled by the Tribe, and the Contractor reserves the right to assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a wholly owned subsidiary, or in the event of a merger of Contractor with another entity,
the surviving or any successor entity. Other than as expressly provided in this Section 17, any attempted assignment or subcontracting shall be void. Subject to the preceding requirements, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. 
  
 18.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION 
  
 Any claim, controversy or dispute
(“Dispute”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, shall be resolved by the following dispute resolution process: 
  

	 	a.	The Parties shall first meet and confer in a good faith attempt to resolve the Dispute through negotiations not later than ten (10) calendar days after receipt of written notice of
the Dispute (“Notice of Dispute”), unless both Parties agree in writing to an extension of time. 

  

	 	b.	If the Dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Parties within ten (10) calendar days after the first meeting contemplated by Section 18 (a), then the Dispute shall be
submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect at the time of submission. Judgment on any arbitration award, judgment, decree or other decision (hereafter
referred to collectively, as “Arbitration Awards”) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the parties pursuant to the Resolution of Limited Waiver. The provisions of this Section 18 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement. 

  

	 	c.	Unless the Parties hereto otherwise agree in writing prior to the submission Dispute to arbitration, arbitration proceedings shall be held in Sacramento, California.

  

	 	d.	The Arbitration Award shall be in writing signed by the Arbitrator(s), (if more than one Arbitrator a decision of a majority of the Arbitrators shall be sufficient, and no unanimous
decision shall be necessary), and shall state the basis for the award. The Arbitration Award shall be set forth in reasonable detail as to its findings of fact and law, and basis of determination of award form and amount. The decision of the
Arbitrator(s) shall be final and not subject to appeal. 

  

 7 

 The Tribe’s maximum liability for money damages for breach of this Agreement shall be equal to any
earned unpaid Fees and what Contractor would have earned in Fees for the ninety (90) days following the date of the Dispute. 
  
 [Signature page follows] 
  

 8 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day first written
above. 
  

			
	BUENA VISTA RANCHERIA OF ME-WUK INDIANS
		
	 By:
	 	 /s/ Rhonda L. Morningstar Pope

	 Name:
	 	 Rhonda L. Morningstar Pope

	 Title:
	 	 Chairperson

	
	VENTURE CATALYST INCORPORATED
		
	 By:
	 	 /s/ Kevin McIntosh

	 Name:
	 	 Kevin McIntosh

	 Title:
	 	 Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  

 9Offer Letter

 Exhibit 10.1 
  
 Direct Line: 925/460-3678 
 Fax Line: 925/460-3676 
 cwallace@cooperco.com 
  
 January 25, 2005 
  
 Mr. Steven M. Neil 
 26343 Esperanza Drive 
 Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 
  
 Dear Steve: 
  
 Thank you for your efforts
throughout the past several months in planning for the combination of Ocular Sciences, Inc. and The Cooper Companies, Inc. I am looking forward to working with you as we build the new organization. 
  
 As we have discussed I believe our new organization can offer you the type of growth
opportunities you are seeking and I anticipate you will make a significant contribution to the Company. 
  
 On behalf of The Cooper Companies, Inc. (the “Company” or “Cooper”), I am pleased to offer you the position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) reporting
to me as the COO of Cooper, effective as of January 26, 2005. 
  
 The terms of
your new position with the Company are as set forth below: 
  

	 	1.	Term. The terms of this Offer Letter will be in effect for one year following the closing and will expire on the first anniversary of the closing. 

  

	 	2.	Compensation.  

  

	 	a.	Base Salary. You will be paid an annual base salary at the rate of $331,500 per year (“Base Salary”), payable in substantially equal periodic installments with the
same frequency as generally provided other employees of Cooper. 

  

	 	b.	Incentive Payment Plan (IPP). You will be eligible to participate in the TCC IPP for fiscal year 2005 (ending October 31, 2005) at a target of 45% of your Base Salary,
pro-rated for your period of participation in the plan. All determinations regarding bonus awards under the IPP are made by the Committee (as defined below), in its sole discretion. 

  

	 	c.	Review. Your Base Salary will be subject to periodic review as part of the Company’s regular performance and salary review process. 

  

	 	3.	Stock Options. As an employee of Cooper, you will be eligible to receive a grant of options to acquire TCC shares under the TCC Stock Option Plan (the “Option
Plan”). Awards under the Option Plan are made by the TCC Organization and Compensation Committee (the “Committee”), in its sole discretion. I intend to recommend that you 

 receive an initial stock option grant to purchase 30,000 shares. The number of shares, exercise price,
vesting and other terms of any such award will be determined by the Committee. 
  

	 	4.	Other Benefits. 

  

	 	a.	You will be eligible to participate in employee benefit plans and receive such fringe benefits as are from time to time made generally available to similarly situated Cooper
employees, which benefits currently include medical, dental, life, vision short-term disability and long-term disability insurance plans and flexible spending accounts. Vacation will accrue under the Cooper vacation policy and you will be entitled
to holiday pay under the Cooper holiday schedule. 

  

	 	b.	Your participation in the Ocular Sciences 401(k) Plan will end on January 25, 2005. You will be eligible to participate in The Cooper Companies 401(k) Savings Plan on the first
payroll following January 26, 2005 Your account balance in the OSI 401(k) Plan will be merged into The Cooper Companies 401(k) Savings Plan in early 2005. You will receive detailed information during the process of merging the plans.

  

	 	c.	Additional details on benefit plans will be available after the closing. 

  

	 	5.	Demonstration of Best Efforts. You agree to the best of your ability and experience that you will at all times loyally and conscientiously perform all of the duties and obligations
required of and from you pursuant to the express and implicit terms hereof, and to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company. During the term of your employment, you further agree that you will devote all of your business time and attention to the
business of the Company. The Company will be entitled to all of the benefits and profits arising from or incident to all such work services and advice. You will not render commercial or professional services of any nature to any person or
organization, whether or not for compensation, without the prior written consent of the Chief Operating Officer of Cooper and you will not directly or indirectly engage or participate in any business that is competitive in any manner with the
business of the Company. So long as such activities do not conflict with your duties to the Company, you may accept speaking or presentation engagements in exchange for honoraria and may participate in charitable activities without violating this
provision. 

  

	 	6.	Confidentiality of Terms. You agree not to disclose, either directly or indirectly, any information regarding the terms of this agreement, to any person; provided, however, that you
may discuss such terms with members of your immediate family and as reasonably required with any legal, tax or accounting specialists who provide you with individual legal, tax or accounting advice provided you advise such persons of these
confidentiality provisions. You must also agree to the terms of the attached Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. 

  

	 	7.	At-Will Employment/Severance. Your employment with the Company will be on an “at will” basis, meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any
time for any reason or no reason. However, for the first year following the closing, you will be eligible for severance (“Severance”) if (x) the Company terminates your employment without Cause or (y) you resign for Good Reason.

	 	a.	In order to receive the Severance, you must execute a Separation Agreement, Including Release and Waiver of Claims, in the form attached hereto. 

  

	 	b.	The Severance will equal the remaining Base Salary and IPP bonus which would have been payable to you if you continued employment until the end of the first year following the
closing. 

  

	 	c.	Severance amounts will be payable in a single lump sum on the first payroll date administratively feasible following the termination date or, in the case of any payment in respect
of the IPP, as soon as administratively feasible following the date on which such IPP payments are made to active employees. 

  

	 	d.	For purposes of this Offer Letter, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned to them below: 

  

	 	(i)	“Cause” shall mean misconduct in the performance of your duties as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of TCC. 

  

	 	(ii)	“Good Reason” shall mean, without your consent, a reduction in your Base Salary. 

  

	 	8.	Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications made pursuant to this letter agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (a) if personally
delivered, at the time so delivered, (b) if faxed, on the date specified in the transmission confirmation, or (c) if mailed, three days after deposit for mailing at any general or branch United States Post Office enclosed in a registered or
certified postpaid envelope addressed to the respective parties as follows: 

  

			
	If to Cooper:	  	The Cooper Companies, Inc.
	 	  	6140 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Suite 590
	 	  	Pleasanton, CA 94588
	 	  	Attention: Chief Operating Officer
	 	  	Fax: (925) 460-3648
		
	With a copy to:	  	The Cooper Companies, Inc.
	 	  	6140 Stoneridge Mall Road, Suite 590
	 	  	Pleasanton, CA 94588
	 	  	Attention: Corporate Secretary
	 	  	Fax: (925) 460-3662

  

			
	If to you:	    	 
	 	    	to you at the most recent address in the Company’s records or to such other address as either party may have previously furnished to the other in writing in the manner set forth above
provided that such notice of change of address shall only be effective upon receipt.

  
 9. Withholding. All
compensation and benefits provided hereunder shall be subject to applicable income tax and other withholding obligations. 

 10. Governing Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this letter agreement shall be
governed by the laws of the State of California (without giving effect to its choice of law provisions). 
  
 To indicate your acceptance of the Company’s offer, please sign and date this letter in the space provided below, and sign and date the Company’s Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and
return both to me. This letter, together with the Company’s Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, sets forth the terms of your employment with the Company (and all affiliates) through the end of the first year following the
closing and supersedes all prior representation or agreements either written or oral. This letter may not be modified or amended except by written agreement signed by the Company and you. 

 I am pleased to be able to extend you this offer and look forward to working with you. 
  

	
	Yours sincerely,
	
	 /s/ Robert S. Weiss

	Robert S. Weiss
	Chief Operating Officer
	The Cooper Companies, Inc.

  

					
	ACCEPTED AND AGREED:	 	 	  	 
			
	 /s/ Steven M. Neil

	 	 	  	 January 31, 2005

	Signature	 	 	  	Date

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00077-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00077-of-00352.parquet"}]]