Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

BANNER CENTRAL FINANCE COMPANY                            PROMISSORY NOTE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        $5,325,000                                        Commerce, California
                                                          March 31, 2001

        FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Hispanic Express, Inc. ("Borrower")
promises to pay to the order of Banner Central Finance Company at its office at
5480 Ferguson Drive, Commerce, CA 90040, or at such other place as the holder
hereof may designate, in lawful money of the United States of America and in
immediately available funds, ($5,325,000) with interest at the rate of prime
rate calculated at the beginning of each month for which any sum is outstanding.

Interest accrued on this Note shall be payable on the first day of each month
commencing , 2001.

        Principal and interest shall be payable in installments as follows:

        Principal shall be payable on the 31st day of March, 2004.

        Interest shall be payable monthly.

        From and after the maturity date of this Note, or such earlier date as
all principal owing hereunder becomes due and payable by acceleration or
otherwise, the outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest
until paid in full at an increased rate per annum (computed on the basis of a
360-day per year, actual days elapsed) equal to four percent (4%) above the rate
of interest from time to time applicable to this Note.

        The Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of California.

        HISPANIC EXPRESS, INC.          BANNER CENTRAL FINANCE COMPANY

        By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres          By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres
            ------------------------        ------------------------------------
            Gary M. Cypres                  Gary M. Cypres
            Chairman and President          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>   2

                           ADDENDUM TO PROMISSORY NOTE

               THIS ADDENDUM is attached to and made a part of that certain
promissory note executed by Hispanic Express, Inc. ("Borrower") and payable to
Banner Central Finance Company ("BCF") or order, dated as of March 31, 2001 in
the principal amount of Five Million Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars
($5,325,000) (the "Note") with interest at the rate of prime rate calculated at
the beginning of each month for which any sum is outstanding.

               The following prepayment provision is hereby incorporated into
the Note:

               Borrower may prepay principal on this Note at any time in the
minimum amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000); provided however,
that if the outstanding principal balance of this Note is less than said amount,
the minimum prepayment amount shall be the entire outstanding principal balance
hereof. In consideration of BCF providing this prepayment option to Borrower, or
if this Note shall become due and payable at any time prior to the maturity date
hereof ("Maturity Date") by acceleration or otherwise, Borrower shall pay to BCF
immediately upon demand a fee which is the sum of the discounted monthly
differences for each month from the month of prepayment through the month in
which this Note matures, calculated as follows for each such month:

        (i)    Determine the amount of interest which would have accrued each
               month on the amount prepaid at the interest rate applicable to
               such amount had it remained outstanding until Maturity Date.

        (ii)   Subtract from the amount determined in (I) above the amount of
               interest which would have accrued for the same month on the
               amount prepaid for the remaining term of this Note at the
               Treasury Rate (as defined below) in effect on the date of
               prepayment.

        (iii)  If the result obtained in (ii) for any month is greater than
               zero, discount that difference by the Treasury Rate (as defined
               below used in (ii) above.

        Borrower acknowledges that prepayment of such amount will result in BCF
incurring additional costs, expenses and/or liabilities, and that it is
difficult to ascertain the full extent of such costs, expenses and/or
liabilities. Borrower, therefore, agrees to pay the above-described prepayment
fee and agrees that said amount represents a reasonable estimate of the
prepayment costs, expenses and/or liabilities of BCF.

        All prepayments of principal on this Note shall be applied on the most
remote principal installment or installments then unpaid.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

        "Treasury Rate" as used in paragraph (ii) above means the yield to
maturity at the asked price of the applicable obligation of the United States
Treasury. The applicable obligation is the Treasury obligation which will mature
on the Maturity Date or as soon after such date for which an asked price is
readily quoted in the public securities market. Callable Treasury obligations
will be deemed to mature at the earliest call date if the bid price on the date
of prepayment is greater than the face value of the obligation, otherwise
callable Treasury obligations will be deemed to mature at their legal maturity
date. If more than one Treasury obligation matures on the same date, the
obligation whose asked price on the date of prepayment is closest to its face
value will be defined as the applicable obligation.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Addendum has been executed as of the same date
as the Note.

        HISPANIC EXPRESS, INC.          BANNER CENTRAL FINANCE COMPANY

        By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres          By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres
           ------------------------        ------------------------------------
            Gary M. Cypres                  Gary M. Cypres
            Chairman and President          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

               THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 31st day of March
31,2001, by and between Hispanic Express, Inc. a California corporation
("Borrower") and Banner Central Finance Company (BCF).

                                          RECITAL

               A.     Borrower has requested from BCF and BCF has agreed to
                      provide to Borrower a loan on the terms and conditions
                      contained herein.

               NOW, THEREFORE, BCF and Borrower hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   THE CREDIT

               SECTION 1.1 TERM LOAN.

               (a) Term Loan. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, BCF hereby agrees to make a loan to Borrower in the principal amount
of Five Million Three Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($5,325,000) ("Term
Loan"). Borrower's obligation to repay the Term loan shall be evidenced by a
promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto ("Term
Note"), all terms of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

               (b) Repayment. The principal amount of the Term Loan shall be
repaid in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note.

               (c) Prepayment. Borrower may prepay principal on the Term Loan
solely in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note.

                                       4

<PAGE>   5

                                   ARTICLE II

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

               Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to
BCF, which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this
Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect until the full and final
payment, and satisfaction and discharge, of all obligations of Borrower to BCF
subject to this Agreement.

               SECTION 2.1 LEGAL STATUS. Borrower is a corporation duly
organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and is qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing as
a foreign corporation, if applicable in all jurisdiction in which such
qualification or licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or
to be so licensed could have a material adverse effect on Borrower.

               SECTION 2.2 AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY. This Agreement, the Term
Note, and each of the other Loan Documents have been duly authorized, and upon
their execution and delivery in accordance with the provisions hereof will
constitute legal, valid and binding agreements and obligations of Borrower or
the party which executes the same, enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms.

               SECTION 2.3 NO VIOLATION. The execution, delivery and performance
by Borrower of each of the Loan Documents do not violate any provision of any
law or regulation, or contravene any provision of the Articles of Incorporation
or By-Laws of Borrower, or result in a breach of or constitute a default under
any contract, obligation, indenture or other instrument to which Borrower is a
party or by which Borrower may be bound.

               SECTION 2.4 NO SUBORDINATION. There is no agreement, indenture,
contract or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be
bound that requires the subordination in right of payment of any of Borrower's
obligations subject to this Agreement to any other obligation of Borrower except
as disclosed by Borrower to BCF in writing prior to the date hereof or as
permitted by this Agreement.

               SECTION 2.5 OTHER OBLIGATIONS. Borrower is not in default on any
obligation for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other
material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                                   ARTICLE III

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

               Borrower covenants that so long as BCF remains committed to
extend credit to Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any
liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of
Borrower to BCF and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject
hereto, Borrower shall:

               SECTION 3.1 PUNCTUAL PAYMENTS. Punctually pay the interest and
principal on each of the Loan Documents requiring any such payments at the times
and place an in the manner specified therein, and any fees or other liabilities
due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and place and in the manner
specified therein.

               SECTION 3.2 COMPLIANCE. Maintain the Leases and all licenses,
permits, governmental approvals, rights, privileges and franchises necessary for
the conduct of its business; conduct its business in an orderly and regular
manner; and comply with the provisions of all documents pursuant to which
Borrower is organized and/or which govern Borrower's continued existence and
with the requirements of all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any
governmental authority applicable to Borrower or its business.

               SECTION 3.3 INSURANCE. Maintain and keep in force insurance of
the types and in amounts customarily carried in lines of business similar to
Borrower's, including but not limited to fire, extended coverage, public
liability, property damage and workers' compensation, carried with companies and
in amounts satisfactory to BCF and delivery to BCF from time to time at BCF's
request schedules setting forth all insurance then in effect.

               SECTION 3.4 TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES. Pay and discharge when
due any and all indebtedness, obligations, assessments and taxes, both real or
personal and including federal and state income taxes, except such as Borrower
may in good faith contest or as to which a bona fide dispute may arise, provided
provision is made to the satisfaction of BCF for eventual payment thereof in the
event that it is found that the same is an obligation of Borrower.

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                                   ARTICLE IV

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

               SECTION 4.1. The occurrence of any of the following shall
constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement:

               (a) Borrower shall fail to pay within 3 business days of when due
any principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable under any of the Loan
Documents.

               (b) Any default in the performance of or compliance with any
obligation, agreement or other provision contained herein (other than those
referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above), and with respect to any such
default which by its nature can be cured, such default shall continue for a
period of twenty (20) days from its occurrence.

               (c) Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation,
or any defined event of default, under any of the Loan Documents other than this
Agreement.

               (d) If Gary Cypres ceases to be the Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Borrower or any person or group other than Mr. Cypres and his
affiliates, shall have beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13D-3 of
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1934) of more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Borrower.

               (e) Borrower shall become insolvent, or shall suffer or consent
to or apply for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator
of itself or any of its property, or shall general fail to pay its debts as they
become due, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;
Borrower shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or seeking
reorganization, in order to effect a plan or other arrangement with creditors or
any other relief under the Bankruptcy Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States
Code, as amended or recodified from time to time ("Bankruptcy Code"), or under
any state or federal law granting relief to debtors, whether now or hereafter in
effect; or any involuntary petition or proceeding pursuant to said Bankruptcy
Code or any other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy,
reorganization or other relief for debtors is filed or commenced against
Borrower, or Borrower shall file an answer admitting the jurisdiction of the
court and the material allegations of any involuntary petition; or Borrower
shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be entered by any
court of competent jurisdiction under said Bankruptcy Code or any other
applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other
relief for debtors.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

               (f) The dissolution or liquidation of Borrower or either of the
Lessees; or any of the or the directors, stockholders or members of Borrower or
either of the Lessees, shall take action seeking to effect the dissolution or
liquidation of Borrower or either of the Lessees as the case may be, without
BCF's prior written consent.

               (g) The non-delinquent balance of the Efectiva, Small Loan, and
Travel Receivable Portfolios, fall below an aggregate balance of $14,000,000.

        SECTION 4.2 REMEDIES. If an Event of Default shall occur and the
applicable cure period has expired, (a) any indebtedness of Borrower under any
of the Loan Documents, any term thereof to the contrary notwithstanding, shall
at BCF's option and without notice become immediately due and payable without
presentment, demand, protest or notice of dishonor, all of which are hereby
expressly waived by Borrower; (b) the obligation, if any of BCF to permit
further borrowings hereunder shall immediately cease and terminate; and (c) BCF
shall have all rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan
Documents, or accorded by law, including without limitation the right to resort
to any or all security for any credit accommodation from BCF subject hereto and
to exercise any or all of the rights of a beneficiary or secured party pursuant
to applicable law. All rights, powers and remedies of BCF in connection with
each of the Loan Documents may be exercised at any time by BCF and from time to
time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, are cumulative and are not
exclusive, and shall be in addition to any other rights, powers or remedies
provided by law or equity.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

        SECTION 5.1 NO WAIVER. No delay, failure or discontinuance of BCF in
exercising any right, power or remedy under any of the Loan Documents shall
affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or
otherwise affect any other right, power or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent
or approval of any kind by BCF of any breach of or default under any of the Loan
Documents much be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth
in such writing.

        SECTION 5.2 NOTICES. All notices, request and demands which any party is
required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this
Agreement must be in writing delivered to each party at the following address.

                                       8
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               BORROWER:            Hispanic Express, Inc.
                                    5480 Ferguson Drive
                                    3rd Floor
                                    Commerce, CA 90040

               BCF                  Banner Central Finance Company
                                    5480 Ferguson Drive
                                    3rd Floor
                                    Commerce, CA 90040

or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to all
other parties. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed given or
made as follows: (a) if sent by hand delivery, upon delivery; (b) if sent by
mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in
the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy,
upon receipt.

        SECTION 5.3. SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding on
and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal
representatives, successors and assigns of the parties, provided however, that
Borrower may not assign or transfer its interest hereunder without the prior
written consent of BCF. BCF reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer,
negotiate or grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest in,
BCF's rights and benefits under each of the Loan Documents. In connection
therewith, BCF may disclose all documents and information which BCF now has or
may hereafter acquire relating to any credit extended by BCF to Borrower, or its
business, any Guarantor or the business of any Guarantor, or any collateral
required hereunder.

        SECTION 5.4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT, AMENDMENT. This Agreement and each other
of the Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement between Borrower and BCF
with respect to any extension of credit by BCF subject hereto and supersede all
prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning
the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a
written instrument executed by each party hereto.

        SECTION 5.5. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is made and
entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other person or entity shall
be a third party beneficiary of, or have direct or indirect cause of action or
claim in connection with, this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents to
which it is not a party.

        SECTION 5.6. TIME. Time is of the essence of each and every provision of
this Agreement and each other of the Loan Documents.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

        SECTION 5.7. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this
Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision
shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity
without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions
of this Agreement.

        SECTION 5.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the law of the State of California, except to the
extent that BCF has greater rights or remedies under Federal law, in which case
such choice of California law shall not be deemed to deprive BCF of such rights
and remedies as may be available under Federal law.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first written above.

        HISPANIC EXPRESS, INC.          BANNER CENTRAL FINANCE COMPANY

        By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres          By: /s/ Gary M. Cypres
            ------------------------        ------------------------------------
            Gary M. Cypres                  Gary M. Cypres
            Chairman and President          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                       10<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                                     SECURED
                                 PROMISSORY NOTE

$225,000.00                                                      March 30, 2001
                                                              Chicago, Illinois

     1. FOR VALUE RECEIVED, AccuMed International, Inc. ("Maker"), whose
principal place of business is located at 920 North Franklin Street, Suite 402,
Chicago, Illinois 60610, hereby promises to pay to the order of Ampersand
Medical Corporation ("Payee"), whose principal place of business is located at
414 North Orleans, Suite 510, Chicago, Illinois 60610, the principal sum of TWO
HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($225,000.00), at the place and
in the manner hereinafter provided, together with interest thereon at the rates
described below.

     2. Interest shall accrue on the balance of principal from time to time
unpaid under this Note prior to the Maturity Date (as hereinafter defined) at an
annual rate equal to Prime plus two and one-half percent (2 1/2%). For purposes
hereof, "Prime" shall mean the rate of interest from time to time announced by
LaSalle Bank, National Association ("Bank"), as its Prime Rate, which is not
necessarily the Bank's lowest or most favorable rate of interest at any given
time. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a year consisting of 360 days
and shall be based on the actual number of days during the period for which
interest is being charged.

     3. Principal and interest under this Note shall be due and payable on the
earlier to occur of the following: (i) termination of the contemplated merger
transaction as outlined in the Merger Agreement (as such term is defined in
paragraph 4 hereof); and (ii) May 31, 2001 or such later date as the parties to
the Merger Agreement may, from time to time, establish as the termination date
of the Merger Agreement by amendment thereto (such payment due date being
hereinafter referred to as the "Maturity Date"); provided, however, the Maturity
Date shall be automatically extended (without requiring a written amendment
hereto) to such later date, if any, as Maker and Payee agree by amendment of the
date specified in Section 4.4(a)(v) of the Merger Agreement (as such term is
hereinafter defined).

     4. This Note is executed and delivered in connection with that certain
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 7, 2001 by and between Payee
and Maker (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which the parties thereto have
agreed to enter into the merger described therein. This Note evidences an
Additional Loan (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) from Payee to
Maker referred to in paragraph 1.12 of the Merger Agreement.

     5. From and after the Maturity Date, or during any period in which an Event
of Default (as hereinafter defined) exists under this Note, Maker shall pay
interest on the balance of principal then remaining unpaid at an annual rate
(the "Default Rate") equal to Prime plus five percent (5%). The interest
accruing under this paragraph 5 shall be immediately due and payable by Maker to
the holder of this Note on demand and shall be additional indebtedness evidenced
by this Note.

<PAGE>   2

     6. Maker reserves the privilege, without penalty or premium therefor, to
prepay all or any part of the principal balance of this Note at any time and
from time to time upon two (2) business days prior written notice to Payee of
its intention to do so.

     7. All payments and prepayments on account of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note shall be first applied to accrued and unpaid interest on the unpaid
principal balance of this Note, and second to all other sums then due Payee
hereunder.

     8. All payments of principal and interest hereunder shall be paid by check
or in coin or currency and shall be made at Payee's principal place of business,
as hereinabove set forth. Payment made by check shall be deemed paid on the date
Payee receives such check; provided, however, that if such check is subsequently
returned to Payee unpaid due to insufficient funds or otherwise, the payment
shall not be deemed to have been made and shall continue to bear interest until
collected. If payment hereunder becomes due and payable on a Saturday, Sunday or
legal holiday under the laws of the State of Illinois, the due date thereof
shall be extended to the next succeeding business day, and interest shall be
payable thereon at the then applicable interest rate during such extension.

     9. An Event of Default shall occur hereunder if: (1) any amount payable
hereunder is not paid when due; or (2) Maker shall otherwise fail to perform any
of the promises to be performed by Maker hereunder or under any security
agreement with Payee relating thereto; or (3) Maker or any person who is or
shall become primarily or secondarily liable for any payment hereunder, who is a
natural person, dies; or (4) Maker or any other party liable with respect to any
payment hereunder, or any guarantor or accommodation endorser or third party
pledgor, shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or there shall
be commenced by or against Maker or any such party any bankruptcy, receivership,
insolvency, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation proceedings, or there
shall be the entry of any judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or other
process, or the filing of any lien, against any of the Collateral (as such term
is defined in the Security Agreement referred to in paragraph 12 hereof); or (5)
in the opinion of Payee, acting in good faith, there is any deterioration or
impairment of any of the Collateral, or any actual decline or depreciation in
the value or market price thereof that causes the Collateral to become
unsatisfactory as to value, and the Payee has provided Maker with written notice
describing the basis of such opinion, and if Maker has failed, within five (5)
business days after receiving such notice to (x) provide documents effectively
refuting such opinion to Payee's satisfaction, or (y) provide additional
Collateral to eliminate the deficit or pay down the indebtedness in an amount
sufficient to erase such deficit; or (6) there is a determination by Payee that
a material adverse change has occurred in the financial condition of the Maker
from the condition set forth in the most recent financial statement of Maker
furnished to Payee, or from the financial condition of the Maker most recently
disclosed to Payee in any manner; or (7) Maker shall fail to do any commercially
reasonable act necessary to preserve or maintain the value and collectability of
the Collateral; or (8) Maker shall fail, within five (5) business days after
receiving a written request by Payee, to permit inspection by Payee (during
normal business hours) of Maker's books and records pertaining to the
Collateral; or (9) any guarantor of this Note shall discontinue or contest the
validity of such guaranty; or (10) there shall occur any

<PAGE>   3

material adverse event that causes a change in the financial condition of Maker,
or that would have a material adverse effect on the business of Maker.

     10. At the election of the holder hereof, whenever Maker shall be in
default as aforesaid (an "Event of Default"), and all applicable cure periods
have expired without a cure having been effected, then without demand or notice
of any kind, the entire unpaid principal amount hereof, and all interest accrued
thereon, shall become immediately due and payable. Failure of the holder to
exercise such election shall not constitute a waiver of the right to exercise
the same in the event of any subsequent Event of Default. No holder hereof
shall, by any act of omission or commission, be deemed to waive any of its
rights, remedies or powers hereunder or otherwise unless such waiver is in
writing and signed by the holder hereof, and then only to the extent
specifically set forth therein. The rights, remedies and powers of the holder
hereof, as provided in this Note, are cumulative and concurrent, and may be
pursued singly, successively or together against Maker and any security given at
any time to secure the repayment hereof, all at the sole discretion of the
holder hereof. If any suit or action is instituted or attorneys are employed to
collect this Note or any part thereof, Maker promises and agrees to pay all
costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs.

     11. Maker hereby (i) waives presentment and demand for payment, notice of
nonpayment and of dishonor, protest of dishonor, and notice of protest; and (ii)
waives any and all lack of diligence and delays in the enforcement of the
payment hereof.

     12. This Note is secured by that certain Security Agreement, dated as of
the date hereof, pursuant to which Maker has pledged certain of its assets and
property, as described therein, as security for the payment hereof.

     13. This Note evidences a business loan that comes within the purview of
Section 205/4, paragraph (1)(c) of Chapter 815 of the Illinois Compiled
Statutes, as amended. Maker agrees that the obligation evidenced by this Note is
an exempted transaction under the Truth In Lending Act, 15 U.S.C., Section 1601,
et seq.

     14. Time is of the essence hereof.

     15. This Note is governed and controlled as to validity, enforcement,
interpretation, construction, effect and in all other respects by the statutes,
laws and decisions of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflicts of laws
principles. This Note may not be changed or amended orally but only by an
instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the change
or amendment is sought.

     16. This Note has been made and delivered at Chicago, Illinois and all
funds disbursed to or for the benefit of Maker will be disbursed in Chicago,
Illinois.

     17. The obligations and liabilities of Maker under this Note shall be
binding upon and enforceable against Maker and its successors and assigns. This
Note shall inure to the benefit of and may be enforced by Payee and its
successors and assigns.

<PAGE>   4

     18. In the event one or more of the provisions contained in this Note shall
for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by
a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Note, and this
Note shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision
had never been contained herein. Payee shall not collect a rate of interest on
the principal balance under this Note in excess of the maximum contract rate of
interest permitted by applicable law. All interest found in excess of that rate
of interest allowed and collected by Payee shall be applied to the principal
balance in such manner as to prevent the payment and collection of interest in
excess of the rate permitted by applicable law.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker has executed this Note as of the date first
hereinabove written.

                                ACCUMED INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                                By:  /s/ PAUL F. LAVALLEE
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                     Paul F. Lavallee, Chairman of the Board
                                     and Chief Executive Officer

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