Document:

ex10-19.htm

EXHIBIT 10.19

PEOPLES NEIGHBORHOOD BANK

SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 9th  day of May 2011, by and between Peoples Neighborhood Bank, a Pennsylvania state-chartered bank, and Joseph Ferretti.

 

ARTICLE 1

 

DEFINITIONS

 

The following words and phrases used in this Plan have the meanings specified:

 

“Accrual Balance” means as of any date, the liability that should be accrued by the Bank under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to reflect the Bank’s obligation to the Executive who is participating in the Plan, without regard to whether such amount is actually accrued as of such date.

 

“Actuarial (Actuarially) Equivalent” means a benefit of equivalent value to the normal form of benefit determined by generally accepted actuarial principles. An actuarially equivalent lump sum shall be calculated using the Discount Rate in effect on the determination date.

 

“Bank” means Peoples Neighborhood Bank, Pennsylvania.

 

“Beneficiary” means each designated person, or the estate of the deceased Executive, entitled to benefits, if any, upon the death of the Executive, determined according to Article 4 of this Plan.

 

“Benefit Percentage” means 20% percent of the Executive’s final three years of pay without regard to actual amount earned.

 

“Change in Control” shall mean a change in ownership, change in effective control or change in ownership of a substantial portion of assets, as defined in Code Section 409A and rules, regulations, and guidance of general application there under issued by the Department of the Treasury.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and rules, regulations, and guidance of general application issued there under by the Department of the Treasury.

 

“Discount Rate” means the rate used by the Plan Administrator for determining the Executive’s Accrual Balance. If required by its outside auditors, the Plan Administrator may adjust the Discount Rate to maintain the rate within reasonable standards according to GAAP.

 

“Early Termination” means Separation from Service before Normal Retirement Age for reasons other than death, Termination for Cause, or after a Change in Control.

 

“Effective Date” means  May 9,  2011.

“Executive” means the SERP Participant, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.

 

“IMPUTED INCOME” means the bank shall impute income to Executive in an amount equal to the current term rate for Executive’s age multiplied by the aggregate death benefit payable to Executive’s beneficiary.  The “current term rate” is the minimum amount required to be imputed under Revenue Rulings 64-328 and 66-110, or any subsequent applicable authority.

 

“Final Pay” means the three year average of base salary, without regard for actual amount earned in final year, calculated immediately prior to the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment.

 

“Normal Retirement Age” means the Executive’s [65th] birthday.

 

“Plan” means this Peoples Neighborhood Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.

 

“Plan Administrator” or “Administrator” means the plan administrator described in Article 8 of the Plan.

 

“Separation from Service” means the Executive’s service (as an executive and/or  contractor to the Bank and any member of a controlled group, as defined in Code Section 414), terminates for any reason, other than because of a leave of absence approved by the Bank or the Executive’s death; provided such Separation of Service constitutes a separation of service as defined in Code Section 409A.

 

“Termination for Cause” and “Cause” shall mean the Executive’s involuntary termination of employment by the Bank following the occurrence of any of the following:

	
(1)

	
Personal dishonesty;

	
(2)

	
Incompetence;

	
(3)

	
Willful misconduct;

	
(4)

	
Breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

	
(5)

	
Intentional failure to perform stated duties; or

	
(6)

	
Willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order.

 

  

  

  

ARTICLE 2

 

BENEFITS

 

2.1Normal Retirement Benefit. Unless a Separation from Service or a Change in Control occurs before Normal Retirement Age, upon Executive’s Separation of Service on or after attaining Normal Retirement Age, the Bank shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.1 instead of any other benefit under this Plan.

 

	
(a)        

	
Amount of Normal Retirement Benefit. The Executive’s annual benefit upon Normal Retirement is the product of the Executive’s Benefit Percentage and his Final Pay.

 

	
(b)        

	
Payment of Benefit. Subject to Section 2.4 of the Plan, the Bank shall pay the annual benefit to the Executive in monthly installments beginning on the first business day of the seventh month after the Executive’s Separation from Service. The Normal Retirement benefit as provided in Section 2.1 above, shall be paid to  the Executive (or in the event of the Executive’s death, to the Executive’s Beneficiary) for 120 months.

 

	
(c)        

	
Alternative Forms of Payment. Subject to Section 2.4, the Executive may elect to receive his Normal Retirement Benefit payable under this Plan in an Actuarially Equivalent lump sum, provided he elects to do so upon his initial designation as a Participant or as otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.

 

2.2 Early Termination Benefit. Upon Early Termination, the Bank shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.2 instead of any other benefit under this Plan.

 

	
(a)        

	
Amount of Benefit. The Executive’s benefit upon Early Termination shall be the Executive’s Accrual Balance as of the last day of the month preceding his Early Termination.

 

	
(b)        

	
Payment of Benefit. Subject to Section 2.4 of the Plan, the Executive’s Early Termination benefit shall be paid in a lump sum within thirty (30) days following the Executive’s Separation from Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may elect to receive the Early Termination Benefit in monthly installments over a 10-year period, beginning on the first business day of the first month beginning after the Executive’s Separation from Service, provided he elects to do so upon his initial designation as a Participant or as otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A. For purposes of the foregoing installment payment election, the monthly payment shall be calculated as a fixed amount which amortizes the Accrual Balance at the Executive’s Separation from Service in equal monthly installments of principal and interest over the applicable period. For purposes of determining the amount of the monthly payment, the interest rate used shall be the Discount Rate in effect at the Executive’s Early Termination.

 

2.3 Change in Control Benefit. If a Change in Control occurs after the effective date of the Executive’s participation in the Plan but before the Executive’s Normal Retirement Age and before his Separation from Service, the Bank shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.3 instead of any other benefit under this Plan.

 

	
(a)        

	
Amount of Benefit. The benefit under this Section 2.3 is equal to the Normal Retirement benefit under Section 2.1 (determined without regard to the Executive’s age as of the Change in Control effective date).

 

	
(b)        

	
Payment of Benefit. The Bank shall pay the Change in Control benefit under Section 2.3 of this Plan to the Executive in a lump sum that is the Actuarially Equivalent to his benefit calculated under Section 2.1 of the Plan (assuming the Change in Control effective date occurred at the Executive’s Normal Retirement Age). Such payment shall be made within ten (10) days after the Change in Control. If the Executive receives the benefit under this Section 2.3 because of    the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Executive shall not be entitled to  claim additional benefits under Section 2.3 if an additional Change in Control  occurs thereafter.

  

2.4 Code Section 409A.

 

	
(a)  

	
Any payments made pursuant to this Plan, to the extent of payments made from the date of Separation of Service through March 15th of the calendar year following such date, are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Treas. Reg. § 1 .409A-2(b)(2) and thus payable pursuant to the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Treas. Reg. § 1 .409A-1 (b)(4); to the extent such payments are made following said March 15th, they are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Treas. Reg. § 1 .409A-2(b)(2) made upon an involuntary termination from service and payable pursuant to Treas. Reg. § 1 .409A-1 (b)(9)(iii), to the maximum extent permitted by said provision.

 

	
(b)  

	
The parties hereto intend that any and all post-employment compensation under this Agreement satisfy the requirements of Section 409A or an exception or exclusion there from to avoid the imposition of any accelerated or additional taxes pursuant to Section 409A. Any terms not specifically defined shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 409A.

 

	
(c)  

	
If when the Executive experiences a Separation of Service, the Executive is a “specified employee,” as defined in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), then despite any provision of this Agreement or other plan or agreement to the contrary, the Executive will not be entitled to the payments until the earliest of: (a) the date that is at least six months after the Executive’s Separation from Service for reasons other than the Executive’s death, (b) the date of the Executive’s death, or (c) any earlier date that does not result in additional tax or interest to the Executive under Code Section 409A. As promptly as possible after the end of the period during which payments are delayed under this provision, the entire amount of the delayed payments shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum with any remaining payments to commence in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or other applicable plan or agreement.

 

2.5 One Benefit Only. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the Executive and/or his Beneficiary are entitled to one benefit only under this Plan, which shall be determined by the first event to occur for which the Executive is entitled to benefits.

  

  

  

 

 

ARTICLE 3

 

DEATH BENEFITS

 

3.1 Death During Active Service or After Benefit Commencement. If the Executive dies before a Separation from Service, the Executive’s Beneficiary shall be entitled to receive the benefit the Executive would have received under Section 2.1 of the Plan if he were deemed to have attained his Normal Retirement Age immediately prior to his death, unless the Change in Control benefit shall have previously been paid to the Executive. If a benefit is payable to the Executive’s Beneficiary under the preceding sentence, the benefit shall be paid in an Actuarially Equivalent lump sum within ninety (90) days after the Executive’s death. If the Executive dies after a Separation from Service but prior to the time all payments have been made pursuant to Article 2, the remaining payments shall be made to the Executive’s Beneficiary at the same time such payment would have been made to the Executive; provided that the aggregate benefit payments made to the Executive and his Beneficiary will not exceed 120 months.

 

ARTICLE 4

 

BENEFICIARIES

 

4.1 Beneficiary Designations. The Executive shall have the right to designate at any time a Beneficiary to receive any benefits payable under this Plan upon the death of the Executive. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be the same as, or different from, the beneficiary designation under any other benefit plan of the Bank in which the Executive participates.

 

4.2 Beneficiary Designation Change. The Executive shall designate a Beneficiary by completing and signing the Beneficiary Designation Form and delivering it to the Plan Administrator or its designated agent. The Executive’s Beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary predeceases the Executive or if the Executive names a spouse as Beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. The Executive shall have the right to change a Beneficiary by completing, signing, and otherwise complying with the terms of the Beneficiary Designation Form and the Plan Administrator’s rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon the acceptance by the Plan Administrator of a new Beneficiary Designation Form, all Beneficiary designations previously filed shall be cancelled. The Plan Administrator shall be entitled to rely on the last Beneficiary Designation Form filed by the Executive and accepted by the Plan Administrator before the Executive’s death.

 

4.3 Acknowledgment. No designation or change in designation of a Beneficiary shall be effective until received, accepted, and acknowledged in writing by the Plan Administrator or its designated agent.

 

4.4 No Beneficiary Designation. If the Executive dies without a valid beneficiary designation, or if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Executive, then the Executive’s spouse shall be the designated Beneficiary. If the Executive has no surviving spouse, the benefits shall be made to the personal representative of the Executive’s estate.

 

4.5 Facility of Payment. If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a person declared incapacitated, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his or her property, the Bank may pay such benefit to the guardian, legal representative, or person having the care or custody of the minor, incapacitated person, or incapable person. The Bank may require proof of incapacity, minority, or guardianship as it may deem appropriate before distribution of the benefit. Distribution shall completely discharge the Bank from all liability for the benefit.

ARTICLE 5

GENERAL LIMITATIONS

 

5.1 Termination for Cause. Despite any contrary provision of this Plan, the Bank shall not pay any benefit under this Plan if the Executive’s Separation from Service is the result of the Executive’s Termination for Cause.

 

5.2 Removal. If the Executive is removed from office or permanently prohibited from participating in the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this Plan shall terminate as to the Executive as of the effective date of the order.

 

5.3 Default. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, if the Bank is in “default” or “in danger of default,” as those terms are defined in Section 3(x) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1813(x), all obligations under this Plan shall terminate.

 

5.4 Regulatory Provisions. Any payments contemplated pursuant to this Agreement, are subject to, and conditional upon, their compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and FDIC Regulation 12 C.F.R. Part 359, Golden Parachute and Indemnification Payments.

 

ARTICLE 6

 

CLAIMS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES

 

6.1Claims Procedure. A person or beneficiary (“claimant”) who has not received benefits under this Plan that he or she believes should be paid may make a claim for such benefits as follows:

 

	
(a)           

	
Initiation Written Claim. The claimant initiates a claim by submitting to the Administrator a written claim for the benefits. If the claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the claimant, the claim must be made within 60 days after the notice was received by the claimant. All other claims must be made within 180 days after the date of the event that caused the claim to arise. The claim must state with particularity the determination desired by the claimant.

 

	
(b)           

	
Timing of Bank Response. The Bank shall respond to the claimant within 90 days after receiving the claim. If the Bank determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Bank may extend the response period by an additional 90 days by notifying the claimant in writing before the end of the initial 90-day period that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must state the special circumstances and the date by which the Bank expects to render its decision.

 

	
(c)           

	
Notice of decision. If the Bank denies part or all of the claim, the Bank shall notify the claimant in writing of the denial. The Bank shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification shall set forth:

	
(i)  

	
the specific reasons for the denial,

	
(ii)  

	
a reference to the specific provisions of the Plan on which the denial is based,

	
(iii)  

	
a description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why it is needed,

	
(iv)  

	
an explanation of the Plan’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures, and

	
(v)  

	
a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review.

 

  

  

  

6.2 Review Procedure. If the Bank denies part or all of the claim, the claimant shall have the opportunity for a full and fair review by the Bank of the denial, as follows:

 

	
(a)        

	
Initiation Written Request. To initiate the review, the claimant, within 60 days after receiving the Bank’s notice of denial, must file with the Bank a written request for review.

 

	
(b)        

	
Additional Submissions Information Access. The claimant shall then have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the claim. The Bank shall also provide the claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits.

 

	
(c)        

	
Considerations on Review. In considering the review, the Bank shall take into account all materials and information the claimant submits relating to the claim, without regard to whether the information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.

 

	
(d)        

	
Timing of Bank Response. The Bank shall respond in writing to the claimant within 60 days after receiving the request for review. If the Bank determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Bank may extend the response period by an additional 60 days by notifying the claimant in writing before the end of the initial 60-day period that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must state the special circumstances and the date by which the Bank expects to render its decision.

 

	
(e)        

	
Notice of Decision. The Bank shall notify the claimant in writing of its decision on review. The Bank shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification shall set forth:

 

(i) the specific reason for the denial,

	
(ii)  

	
a reference to the specific provisions of the Plan on which the denial is based,

	
(iii)  

	
a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits, and

	
(iv)  

	
a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a).

 

6.3 Reimbursement of Expenses. If the claimant prevails at the conclusion of the claims and review procedure outlined in this Article 6, including any civil action brought by the claimant under ERISA Section 502(a), the Bank shall reimburse the claimant for all legal expenses incurred by the claimant in the claims and review procedure.

 

ARTICLE 7

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

7.1 Amendments and Termination. This Plan may not be amended or terminated by the Bank without the prior written consent of the Executive.

 

7.2 Binding Effect. This Plan shall bind each participating Executive, the Bank, and their Beneficiaries, survivors, executors, successors, administrators, and transferees.

 

7.3 No Guarantee of Employment. This Plan is not an employment policy or contract. It does not guarantee the Executive the right to remain an employee of the Bank nor does it interfere with the Bank’s right to discharge the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee or interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time.

 

7.4 Non-Transferability. Benefits under this Plan cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached, or encumbered in any manner.

 

7.5 Successors. The Bank shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Bank to expressly assume this Plan in the same manner and to the same extent that the Bank would be required to perform under this Plan if no such succession had occurred.

 

7.6 Tax Withholding. The Bank shall withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Plan.

 

7.7 Applicable Law. This Plan and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

 

7.8 Unfunded Arrangement. The Executive and his Beneficiary are general unsecured creditors of the Bank for the payment of benefits under this Plan. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Bank to pay the benefits. Rights to benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors.

 

7.9 Severability. If any provision of this Plan is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Plan not held invalid, and each such other provision shall continue in full force and effect to the full extent consistent with law. If any provision of this Plan is held invalid in part, such invalidity shall not affect the remainder of the provision not held invalid, and the remainder of such provision together with all other provisions of this Plan shall continue in full force and effect to the full extent consistent with law.

 

7.10 Headings. Caption headings and subheadings herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Plan..

 

7.11 Notices. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be deemed properly given if in writing and if mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid with return receipt requested, to Executive’s residence, in the case of notices to Executive; to the principal executive offices of the Bank, in the case of notices to the Bank.

 

7.12 Payment of Legal Fees. The Bank is aware that after a Change in Control management of the Bank could cause or attempt to cause the Bank to refuse to comply with its obligations under this Plan, or could institute or cause or attempt to cause the Bank to institute litigation seeking to have this Plan declared unenforceable, or could take or attempt to take other action to deny the Executive the benefits intended under this Plan. In these circumstances the purpose of this Plan would be frustrated. It is the intention of the Bank that the Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of rights under this Plan, whether by litigation or other legal action, because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be granted to the Executive hereunder. It is the intention of the Bank that the Executive not be forced to negotiate settlement of rights under this Plan under threat of incurring expenses. Accordingly, if after a Change in Control occurs it appears to the Executive that:

 

	
(i)  

	
the Bank has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Plan, or

 

	
(ii)  

	
the Bank or any other person has taken any action to declare this Plan void or unenforceable, or instituted any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish, or to recover from the Executive the benefits intended to be provided to the Executive hereunder, the Bank irrevocably authorizes the Executive from time to time to retain counsel of the Executive’s choice (at the Bank’s expense as provided in this Section 7.12) to represent the Executive in the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Bank or any director, officer, stockholder, or other person affiliated with the Bank, in any jurisdiction. Despite any existing or previous attorney-client relationship between the Bank and any counsel chosen by the Executive under this Section 7.12, the Bank irrevocably consents to the Executive entering into an attorney-client relationship with that counsel, and the Bank and the Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between the Executive and that counsel. The fees and expenses of counsel selected from time to time by the Executive as provided in this Section shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive by the Bank on a regular, periodic basis upon presentation by the Executive of a statement or statements prepared by such counsel in accordance with such counsel’s customary practices, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $100,000, whether suit be brought or not, and whether or not incurred in trial, bankruptcy, or appellate proceedings. The Bank’s obligation to pay the Executive’s legal fees provided by this Section 7.12 operates separately from and in addition to any legal fee reimbursement obligation the Bank may have with the Executive under any separate employment, severance, or other agreement between the Executive and the Bank. Despite any contrary provision in this Section 7.12 however, the Bank shall not be required to pay or reimburse the Executive’s legal expenses if doing so would violate Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act 12 U.S.C. 1828(k) and Rule 359.3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 12 CFR 359.3.

 

ARTICLE 8

 

ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN

 

8.1 Plan Administrator Duties. This Plan shall be administered by a Plan Administrator consisting of the Bank’s Board of Directors or such Committee or person(s) as the Board shall appoint. The Plan Administrator shall also have the discretion and authority to (i) make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Plan and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions, including interpretations of this Plan, as may arise in connection with the Plan.

 

8.2 Agents. In the administration of this Plan, the Plan Administrator may employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and may from time to time consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the Bank.

 

8.3 Binding Effect of Decisions. The decision or action of the Plan Administrator with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation, and application of the Plan and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan. Neither the Executive or his Beneficiary shall be deemed to have any right, vested or non-vested, regarding the continued use of any previously adopted assumptions, including, but not limited to, the Discount Rate.

8.4 Indemnity of Plan Administrator. The Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Plan Administrator against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses, or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Plan Administrator or any of its members.

 

ATTEST:                                                                                                                  PEOPLES NEIGHBORHOOD BANK

	  	  	  
	  	  	  

 

    WITNESS: EXECUTIVE:

 

_________________________                                                                  _________________________________

                                                                                                                            Joseph Ferrettiex10-20.htm

EXHIBIT 10.20

AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), with an effective date of May 9, 2011, is entered into by and between PEOPLES FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP., a Pennsylvania corporation ("Peoples"), PEOPLES NEIGHBORHOOD BANK (the “Bank”), and Joseph M. Ferretti (the "Executive").

    WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Peoples is a bank holding company and is the owner of all the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Bank; and

WHEREAS, Peoples, the Bank and the Executive desire to enter into an agreement regarding, among other things, the employment of the Executive by Peoples.

    AGREEMENT:

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

           1. Employment.  Peoples hereby employs the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts employment with Peoples, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

           2. Duties of Executive.  The Executive shall perform and discharge well and faithfully such duties as an executive officer of Peoples and the Bank as may be assigned to the Executive from time to time by the Board of Directors of Peoples. The Executive shall be employed as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Peoples and the Bank, reporting only to the respective Boards of Directors and President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples and the Bank.  Executive shall hold such additional titles and powers as may be given to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of Peoples, the Bank, and any companies affiliated with Peoples. The Executive shall devote his full time, attention and energies to the business of Peoples and its affiliated companies and shall not, during the Employment Period (as defined in Section 3 hereof), be employed or involved in any other business activity, whether or not such activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage; provided, however, that this Section 2 shall not be construed as preventing the Executive from (a) investing the Executive's personal assets, (b) acting as a member of the Board of Directors of any other corporation or as a member of the Board of Trustees of any other organization, provided no such corporation or organization is a direct or indirect competitor of Peoples or any of its affiliated companies, or (c) being involved in any other activity with the prior approval of the Board of Directors of Peoples.

           3. Term of Employment.

           (a)           The Executive's employment under this Agreement shall be for a period (the "Employment Period") commencing upon the effective date of this Agreement and if not previously terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Employment Period shall end three years later.  The Employment Period shall be automatically extended by one year on the first annual anniversary date of this Agreement and again on each annual anniversary date thereafter, to provide for a three (3) year term, annually, effective as of such respective dates, unless either Peoples or the Executive shall have given written notice of non-extension of the term of this Agreement to the other at least ninety (90) days before the date of any such extension.  It is the intention of the parties that this Agreement be “Evergreen.”

           (b)      Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3(a) of this Agreement, the Executive's employment under this Agreement may be terminated at any time during the Employment Period for "Cause" (as herein defined), by action of the Board of Directors of Peoples. As used in this Agreement, "Cause" means any of the following events:

(i)           the Executive is convicted of or enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony, a crime of falsehood, or a crime involving fraud or moral

 turpitude, or the actual incarceration of the Executive for a period of seven (7) consecutive days;

(ii)           the Executive willfully fails to follow the lawful, good faith instructions of the Board of Directors or President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples

 regarding the operation of the Bank or Peoples other than a failure resulting from the Executive's incapacity because of physical or mental illness;

(iii)           the Executive’s willful failure to perform Executive’s duties to the Bank or Peoples (other than a failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity because

 of physical or mental illness), which failure results in injury to the Bank or Peoples, monetarily or otherwise;

 

(iv)   conduct on the part of the Executive that brings public discredit to the Bank or Peoples;

(v)           any government regulatory agency orders that Peoples terminate the employment of the Executive or relieve him of his duties;

(vi)           the Executive’s willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation governing banks or bank officers or any final cease and desist order issued by a bank 

regulatory agency;

  

  

  

 

(vii)   the Executive’s unlawful discrimination, including harassment, against employees, customers, business associates, contractors or visitors of 

the Bank or Peoples;

(viii)         any act of fraud or misappropriation by the Executive;

(ix)           the Executive’s theft or abuse of the Bank’s or Peoples’ property or the property of customers, employees, contractors, vendors, or business

 associates of the Bank or Peoples;

(x)           intentional misrepresentation of material fact, or intentional omission of information necessary to make the information supplied not materially

 misleading, in any application or other information provided by the Executive to the Bank or Peoples or any representative of the Bank or Peoples in 

connection with the Executive’s employment with the Bank or Peoples;

(xi)           judgment of a court that Executive has violated any non-competition or non-solicitation agreement, provided such violation shall not be a result of 

the Board of Directors or President and Chief Executive Officer instructing Executive to do so; or

 

(xii)           any material breach of this Agreement.  The phrase “material breach of this Agreement” shall include any one of, or a combination of, the 

following:  acts of dishonesty, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty, breach of a duty of confidentiality, consistent and substantial 

neglect of duties, or any intentions violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

If the Executive's employment is terminated under the provisions of this Section 3(b), then all rights of the Executive under Section 4 hereof shall cease as of the effective date of such termination.

           (c)      The Executive's employment under this Agreement may be terminated at any time during the Employment Period without "Cause" (as defined in Section 3(b) hereof), by action of the Board of Directors of Peoples, upon giving notice of such termination to the Executive at least thirty (30) days prior to the date upon which such termination shall take effect. If the Executive's employment is terminated under the provisions of this Section 3(c), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits set forth in Section 6 or Section 7 hereof, whichever shall be applicable.  A decision by Peoples to not extend this Agreement as set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement shall constitute a termination without “Cause.”

(d)   In the event of any reduction in title or a reduction in the Executive's responsibilities or authority, including such responsibilities and authority as the same may be increased at any time during the term of this Agreement, a material breach by Peoples or the Bank of this Agreement, or the assignment to the Executive of duties inconsistent with the Executive's status as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Peoples and the Bank, then at the option of the Executive, exercisable by the Executive within one hundred twenty (120) days after the occurrence of each and every of the foregoing events of "Good Reason", Executive shall provide notice to Peoples of the existence of the condition and provide Peoples thirty (30) days in which to cure such condition.  In the event that Peoples does not cure the condition within thirty (30) days of such notice, Executive may resign from employment for Good Reason by delivering written notice ("Notice of Termination") to Peoples and the provisions of Section 7 shall apply.

 

(e)           If the Executive retires or dies, the Executive's employment under this Agreement shall be deemed terminated as of the date of the Executive's retirement or death, and all rights of the Executive under Section 4 shall cease as of the date of such termination. Any benefits thereafter payable to the Executive shall be determined in accordance with the retirement, insurance and benefit programs of Peoples (and its affiliates) then in effect. Notwithstanding the preceding two sentences, if the Executive dies after a Notice of Termination is delivered by the Executive, he shall be entitled to the termination benefits otherwise provided herein, and the provisions of Section 16(b) hereof shall apply.

  (f)           If the Executive becomes disabled, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”) and the regulations thereunder and, as a result thereof is incapable of performing the services required of the Executive under Section 2 of this Agreement for a continuous period of six (6) months, then, upon the expiration of such period or at any time thereafter, by action of the Board of Directors of Peoples, the Executive's employment under this Agreement may be terminated immediately upon giving the Executive notice to that effect. If the Executive's employment is terminated under the provisions of this Section 3(f), then all rights of the Executive under Section 4 hereof shall cease as of the last business day of the week in which such termination occurs. Any benefits thereafter payable to the Executive shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the respective plan documents of the retirement, insurance and benefit programs of Peoples (and its affiliates) then in effect.

           4. Employment Period Compensation.

           (a) Annual Base Salary. For services performed by the Executive under this Agreement, Peoples shall pay (or cause to be paid) to the Executive a salary, during the Employment Period, at the rate of One Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($130,000.00) per year, payable at the same times as salaries are payable to other executive employees of Peoples.  For the initial three (3) year Employment Period if not previously terminated pursuant the terms of this Agreement, Peoples shall increase Executive’s salary at a minimum rate of three percent (3%) per annum.  Peoples may, from time to time, increase the Executive's salary, as Peoples deems appropriate.  Any and all such increases shall be deemed to constitute amendments to this Section 4(a) to reflect the increased amounts, effective as of the dates established for such increases by the Board of Directors of Peoples in the resolutions authorizing such increases (“Annual Base Salary”).  In no event shall Executive’s salary be reduced unless such reduction is the result of a national financial depression or national or bank emergency or when such reduction has been implemented by the Board of Directors for all officers proportionately.

 

  

  

  

 

    (b) Bonus. For services performed by the Executive under this Agreement, Peoples shall pay (or cause to be paid) to the Executive a bonus, during the Employment Period, in such amounts and at such times, annually, as is provided in such executive incentive plan for the Executive as shall be approved by the Board of Directors of Peoples and in effect from time to time and which shall be based on the goals and objectives set forth in Peoples’ strategic plan. The bonus will be an amount up to fifteen percent (15%) of Executive’s salary.  In addition, Peoples may, from time to time, pay such other bonus or bonuses to the Executive as Peoples, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. The payment of any such bonuses shall not reduce or otherwise affect any other obligation of Peoples to the Executive provided for in this Agreement.

(c) Automobile. During the term of this Agreement, Peoples shall provide the Executive with an automobile allowance in the amount of $750.00 per month.

(d)  Country Club Dues. During the term of this Agreement, Peoples shall pay or

reimburse Executive for annual dues associated with a golf membership at a country club of Executive’s choosing.

 

(e)  Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”).  Subject to the terms of the plan, Peoples shall enter into a supplemental executive retirement plan with Executive to provide for a retirement benefit equal to twenty percent (20%) of the Executive’s final pay. “Final Pay” means the three year average of base salary, without regard for actual amount earned in final year, calculated immediately prior to the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment.

            (f) Other Benefits. Peoples will provide (or cause to be provided) the Executive, during the Employment Period, with insurance, paid time off,  and other fringe benefits in the aggregate not less favorable than those received by other executive employees of Peoples or the Bank. In addition, during the term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to participate in or receive the benefits of any employee benefit plan currently in effect at the Bank, subject to the terms of such plans as to eligibility and vesting.

           5. Resignation of the Executive for Good Reason After a Change In Control.

         (a) The Executive may resign for "Good Reason" (as herein defined) during the two-year period following a "Change in Control" (as defined in Section 5(b) hereof), as hereinafter set forth. As used in this Agreement, "Good Reason" means any of the following:

 

(i) any reduction in title or a reduction in the Executive's responsibilities or authority with respect to Peoples or the Bank, including such responsibilities and authority as the same may be increased at any time during the term of this Agreement, or the assignment to the Executive of duties inconsistent with the Executive's status as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Peoples and the Bank;

           (ii) any reassignment of the Executive that is a material change in geographic location and that requires the Executive to move his principal residence;

           (iii) any removal of the Executive from office or any adverse change in the terms and conditions of the Executive's employment, except for any termination of the Executive's employment under the provisions of Section 3(b) hereof;

           (iv) any reduction in the Executive's annual base salary as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may be increased from time to time;

           (v) any failure of Peoples to provide the Executive with benefits at least as favorable as those enjoyed by the Executive under any of the pension, life insurance, medical, health, accident, disability or other employee benefit plans of Peoples (or any affiliated company) in which the Executive participated at the time of the Change in Control, or the taking of any action that would materially reduce any of such benefits in effect at the time of the Change in Control, unless such reduction is part of a reduction applicable to all employees;

           (vi) any failure to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and agree to perform under this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 16(a) hereof; or

           (viii) any material breach of this Agreement on the part of Peoples or the Bank.

Then within one hundred twenty (120) days after the occurrence of each and every of the foregoing events of "Good Reason” after the occurrence of a Change in Control, at the option of Executive, Executive shall provide notice to Peoples of the existence of the condition and provide Peoples thirty (30) days in which to cure such condition.  In the event that Peoples does not cure the condition within thirty (30) days of such notice, Executive may resign from employment for Good Reason by delivering written notice ("Notice of Termination") to Peoples, and the provisions of Section 6 hereof shall thereupon apply.

 

(b) As used in this Agreement, "Change in Control" of Peoples or the Bank shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control applicable to the Peoples or the Bank as described in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(V) (or any successor provision thereto) and the regulations thereunder.

           6. Rights in Event of Certain Termination of Employment After Change in Control. In the event that Executive resigns from employment for Good Reason following a Change in Control, by delivery of a Notice of Termination to Peoples, or Executive's employment is involuntarily terminated by Peoples without Cause after a Change in Control, Peoples shall pay (or cause to be paid) to the Executive, within twenty (20) days following termination, a lump sum amount equal to 2.0 times his Annual Base Salary. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to continuation of group health insurance benefits, at the same level enjoyed by Executive immediately preceding the Change in Control, for two (2) years following termination of employment.  If Peoples or the Bank is unable to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive because of his termination of employment, then Executive shall be provided, at Peoples and the Bank’s effort and expense, with substantially similar benefits.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in the event the lump sum payment described in the preceding sentence, when added to all other amounts or benefits provided to or on behalf of the Executive in connection with his termination of employment, would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Code Section 4999, such lump sum shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid such imposition.

           7. Rights in Event of Certain Termination of Employment in Absence of Change in Control. In the event that Executive's employment is involuntarily terminated by Peoples without Cause or Executive resigns from employment for Good Reason and no Change in Control shall have occurred at the date of such termination or resignation, Peoples shall pay (or cause to be paid) to the Executive, within twenty (20) days following termination, a lump sum amount equal to 2.0 times his Annual Base Salary. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to continuation of group health insurance benefits, at the same level enjoyed by Executive immediately preceding the termination, for the earlier of two (2) years following termination of employment or until he secures benefits from another employer.  If Peoples or the Bank is unable to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive because of his termination of employment, then Executive shall be provided, at Peoples and the Bank’s effort and expense, with substantially similar benefits.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in the event the lump sum payment described in the preceding sentence, when added to all other amounts or benefits provided to or on behalf of the Executive in connection with his termination of employment, would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Code Section 4999, such lump sum shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid such imposition.

           8. Covenant Not to Compete.

           (a) The Executive hereby acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the business of Peoples and the Bank and accordingly agrees that, during and for the applicable period set forth in Section 8(c) hereof, the Executive shall not:

 

(i) Be engaged, directly or indirectly, either for his own account or as agent, consultant, employee, partner, officer, director, proprietor, investor (except as an investor owning less than 5% of the stock of a publicly owned company) or otherwise of any person, firm, corporation, or enterprise engaged, in (1) the banking (including bank holding company) or financial services industry, or (2) any other activity in which Peoples or any of its subsidiaries is engaged during the Employment Period, in any county or contiguous county in which, at any time during the Employment Period or at the date of termination of the Executive's employment, a branch, office or other facility of Peoples or any of its subsidiaries is located, including counties located outside of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (the "Non-Competition Area");

         (ii) Provide financial or other assistance to any person, firm, corporation, or enterprise engaged in (1) the banking (including bank holding company) or financial services industry, or (2) any other activity in which Peoples or any of its subsidiaries is engaged during the Employment Period, in the Non-Competition Area.

           (b) It is expressly understood and agreed that, although the Executive and Peoples consider the restrictions contained in Section 8(a) hereof reasonable for the purpose of preserving for Peoples and its subsidiaries their good will and other proprietary rights, if a final judicial determination is made by a court having jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in Section 8(a) hereof is an unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable restriction against the Executive, the provisions of Section 8(a) hereof shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such other extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be reasonable.

 

    (c) The provisions of this Section 8 shall be applicable commencing on the effective date of this Agreement and ending on one of the following dates, as applicable:

           (i)    if the Executive's employment terminates in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 (other than Section 3(b)), the effective date of termination of employment;

(ii)    if the Executive's employment terminates in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(b) hereof or the Executive voluntarily terminates his employment, other than in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3(d), 5 or 7, the first anniversary date of the effective date of termination of employment; or

(iii)   if the Executive voluntarily terminates his employment in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3(d),  5 or 7, the effective date of termination of employment.

           9. Arbitration. Peoples, the Bank and the Executive recognize that in the event a dispute should arise between them concerning the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, lengthy and expensive litigation will not afford a practical resolution of the issues within a reasonable period of time. Consequently, each party agrees that all disputes, disagreements and questions of interpretation concerning this Agreement are to be submitted for resolution to the American Arbitration Association (the "Association") in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Peoples, or the Executive, may initiate an arbitration proceeding at any time by giving notice to the other in accordance with the rules of the Association. The Association shall designate a single arbitrator to conduct the proceeding, but Peoples, and the Executive, may, as a matter of right, require the substitution of a different arbitrator chosen by the Association. Each such right of substitution may be exercised only once. The arbitrator shall not be bound by the rules of evidence and procedure of the courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but shall be bound by the substantive law applicable to this Agreement. The decision of the arbitrator, absent fraud, duress, incompetence or gross and obvious error of fact, shall be final and binding upon the parties and shall be enforceable in courts of proper jurisdiction. Following written notice of a request for arbitration, Peoples, and the Executive, shall be entitled to an injunction restraining all further proceedings in any pending or subsequently filed litigation concerning this Agreement, except as otherwise provided herein. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this section, in the event any such provision is in conflict with a rule or policy of the Association, the arbitration proceeding shall be governed by such rule or policy.

           10. Legal Expenses. Peoples shall pay to the Executive all reasonable legal fees and expenses, including, without limitation, all fees and expenses incurred by Executive in connection with any arbitration that occurs in accordance with Section 9 of this Agreement, incurred by the Executive in seeking in good faith to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement, provided that any action or proceeding is not decided against the Executive.

           11. Mitigation of Damages. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in Section 6 or Section 7 hereof by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in Section 6 or Section 7 be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer or by reason of the Executive's receipt of or right to receive any retirement or other benefits after the date of termination of employment or otherwise; provided, however, that the payments provided for in Section 6 or Section 7 shall be reduced by the amount actually received by the Executive under any severance policy of Peoples or the Bank then in effect.

           12. Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be deemed properly given if in writing and if mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid with return receipt requested, to the residence of the Executive, in the case of notices to the Executive, and to the principal office of Peoples, in the case of notices to Peoples and the Bank.

           13. Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless such waiver, modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and an executive officer of Peoples specifically designated by the Board of Directors of Peoples. No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

           14. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party hereto, except by Peoples or the Bank to any successor in interest to the business of Peoples and the Bank.

           15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Bank and/or Peoples, including the Termination Agreement dated January 1, 2007 between Executive and Corporation. This Agreement contains all the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to Executive’s employment.

           16. Successors, Binding Agreement.

(a)           Peoples will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of Peoples to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Peoples would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. Failure by Peoples to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall constitute a breach of this Agreement and the provisions of Section 6 hereof shall apply. As used in this Agreement, "Peoples" shall mean Peoples as hereinbefore defined and any successor to the respective business and/or assets of Peoples which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

(b)           This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If the Executive should die after a Notice of Termination is delivered by the Executive and any amounts would be payable to the Executive under this Agreement if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive's devisee, legatee, or other designee, or, if there is none, to the Executive's estate.

           17.  Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

           18.   Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

           19.  Headings. The headings of the sections of this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction or limit the scope or intent of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

           20.  Termination of Prior Agreements. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties hereto, any and all prior agreements that in any way relate to the subject matter hereof shall be automatically terminated and be of no further force or effect including, but not limited to, the Termination Agreement dated on or about January 1, 2007.

           21.  409A Safe Harbor.

(a)           If when the Executive’s employment terminates, the Executive is a “specified employee,” as defined in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), then despite any provision of this Agreement or other plan or agreement to the contrary, the Executive will not be entitled to the payments until the earliest of: (a) the date that is at least six months after the Executive’s Separation from Service for reasons other than the Executive’s death, (b) the date of the Executive’s death, or (c) any earlier date that does not result in additional tax or interest to the Executive under Code Section 409A.  As promptly as possible after the end of the period during which payments are delayed under this provision, the entire amount of the delayed payments shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum with any remaining payments to commence in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or other applicable plan or agreement.

(b)           Any payments made pursuant to this Agreement, to the extent of payments made from the date of termination through March 15th of the calendar year following such date, are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Treas. Reg. §1.409A-2(b)(2) and thus payable pursuant to the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(b)(4); to the extent such payments are made following said March 15th, they are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Treas. Reg. §1.409A-2(b)(2) made upon an involuntary termination from service and payable pursuant to Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), to the maximum extent permitted by said provision.

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

(c)           The parties hereto intend that any and all post-employment compensation under this Agreement satisfy the requirements of Section 409A or an exception or exclusion there from to avoid the imposition of any accelerated or additional taxes pursuant to Section 409A.   Any terms not specifically defined shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 409A.

(d)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, no payment shall be made pursuant to Sections 6 or 7 unless such termination of employment is a “separation of service” as defined in Code Section 409A.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties, intending to be legally bound, have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

	
WITNESS

	
PEOPLES FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.

 

                                                      By:                                                                

WITNESS                                                                           PEOPLES NEIGHBORHOOD BANK

 

                                                      By:                                                                

WITNESS

 

                                                      

                                                                             Joseph M. Ferretti

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