Document:

exv10w1

Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of June 10, 2008,
between Applied Energy Management, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Company”) and
John O’Rourke (“Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the services of Executive for the benefit of the
Company and its affiliates and the Executive desires to accept such employment by the Company, on
and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the following mutual covenants and conditions, the Company
and Executive agree as follows:

     1. Employment and Duties. The Company agrees to employ the Executive as President of
the Company and the Executive hereby accepts such employment, on and subject to the terms of this
Agreement. The Executive shall report to and be subject to the authority and direction of the
Chief Executive Officer, President and Board of Directors of Lime Energy Co. (“Lime”) and shall
have such other responsibilities as may from time to time be reasonably prescribed by Lime’s Chief
Executive Officer, President or Board of Directors.

     The Executive accepts such employment and agrees to concentrate all of his professional time
and efforts to the performance of services for the Company in his capacity as President and the
performance of such other services and responsibilities as Lime’s Board of Directors, Chief
Executive Officer or President may from time to time stipulate and which shall not be inconsistent
with the position of President. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Executive
ordinarily shall devote not less than five (5) days per week (except for vacations and regular
business holidays observed by the Company) on a full-time basis, during normal business hours
Monday through Friday.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company agrees that the Executive shall have the right to
participate in outside activities, including but not limited to serving on boards of directors for
civic, charitable or business organizations, in a paid or unpaid capacity, so long as such
activities do not individually or in the aggregate significantly interfere with or conflict with
the Executive’s obligations as an employee of the Company as outlined herein. Upon request by the
Company, the Executive agrees to furnish to the Company a list of organizations in which he is
involved, including a description of his involvement in such organizations and the amount of any
remuneration received or expected to be received from such involvement, if Executive is devoting
any time to such organization during regular business hours.

 

 

     2. Term. The term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement (the “Employment
Period”) shall commence on the date hereof (the “Commencement Date”), and expire on the
day preceding the third anniversary of the Commencement Date unless terminated earlier according to
the terms of this Agreement (the date of termination being referred to herein as the
“Expiration Date”). Executive’s and the Company’s rights and obligations under Sections 8,
9, 10 and 12 shall survive the expiration of the term of this Agreement. At the end of the
Employment Period, the Executive’s employment with the Company may continue on an at-will basis on
such terms and conditions mutually agreed to by the Company and Executive and there shall be no
obligation on the part of the Company or the Executive to continue such employment.

     3. Compensation. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall be paid a base
salary (the “Salary”) at the annual rate of $222,560 as compensation for all services to
the Company. Such Salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with
the Company’s regular payroll practices for salaried employees. The Executive’s Salary and other
compensation payable hereunder shall be subject to any payroll or other deductions as may be
required to be made pursuant to law, government order, or by agreement with, or consent of, the
Executive. The Company shall endeavor, but shall not be obligated, to review Executive’s
compensation on an annual basis and give consideration to whether any increase is warranted, in the
Company’s sole discretion. Additionally, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable
expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties under this Agreement, consistent
with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to reimbursement of business
expenses, and subject to Executive’s submission of appropriate expense reimbursement requests and
supporting documentation.

     The Executive shall continue to have use at no cost to the Executive of the 2007 Chevrolet
Silverado through the term of its current lease. At the end of the current lease the Company, at
its option, will either replace the current vehicle with a similar vehicle or adjust the
Executive’s compensation to include a monthly auto allowance equivalent to the current lease
payment plus the Company’s monthly cost of auto insurance for the vehicle at the time of the
adjustment.

     The Executive shall also be entitled to twenty (20) paid vacation days per year during the
Employment Period, which will accrue ratably over each twelve (12) month period, beginning on the
first day of the Employment Period; provided that he may take his vacation days for each
contract year at any time during such year, subject to workloads and reasonable scheduling. Up to
five (5) vacation days may be accumulated and carried over to the next contract year.

     4. Bonus. Executive will be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan during
the term of this Agreement with goals (the “Annual Goals”) established in good faith and
approved by the Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of Lime’s Board of
Directors (the “Lime’s Board”) and subject to the approval of Lime’s Board. At the
conclusion of the applicable year, the Compensation Committee shall determine the level of success
achieved by Executive against the Annual Goals and determine the amount of the annual bonus plan
payment, if any, to the Executive. The Executive must be employed as of the end of the fiscal year
to which a bonus relates in order to receive any bonus for such year; provided,

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however, that if
Executive’s employment is terminated for reasons other than (i) Due Cause or
(ii) his voluntary resignation pursuant to Section 6(e) of this Agreement, he will be entitled
to receive a pro-rated portion of the bonus, if any, earned up to the date of termination as
reasonably determined by Lime’s Board. The annual bonus, if any, for a given year shall be paid on
or about April 30 of the year immediately following the year to which it relates. All payments
related to the annual bonus plan are subject to the prior approval by Lime’s Board.

     5. Benefits. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to
participate in the benefit plans and programs maintained by the Company for other employees of the
Company in positions comparable to Executive’s position, subject to the terms of such plans and
programs.

     6. Disability; Death; Resignation; Termination for Due Cause.

     (a) Termination for Due Cause. The Employment Period may be terminated by the Company
for “Due Cause”, meaning any of the following:

	(i)	 	a material breach by Executive of his covenants under this Agreement if such material breach
is not remedied within fifteen (15) calendar days following written notice thereof from the
Company or any Director of the Company, or, if the breach cannot be remedied within fifteen
(15) days, such longer time (not to exceed forty-five (45) days) as the Board, in its sole
discretion, may deem to be reasonably necessary for Executive to remedy such breach if the
[Board], in its sole discretion, determines that Executive has commenced and diligently
pursued efforts to remedy such breach during the initial fifteen (15) day cure period;
	 
	(ii)	 	commission by Executive of a felony, or of theft or embezzlement of property of the Company;
	 
	(iii)	 	actions by Executive (other than actions taken with the approval of the Board) which result
in a material injury to the businesses, properties or reputation of the Company, Lime or any
of their subsidiaries;
	 
	(iv)	 	refusal to perform or substantial neglect of the duties assigned to Executive pursuant to
Section 1 of this Agreement if such refusal or neglect is not remedied within fifteen (15)
calendar days following written notice thereof from the Company or any Director of the
Company;
	 
	(v)	 	any intentional, knowing and material violation of any statutory or common law duty of
loyalty to the Company;
	 
	(vi)	 	violation of the Company’s drug and alcohol policy; or
	 
	(vii)	 	Executive’s commission of an act of moral turpitude.

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All compensation to Executive under this Agreement shall immediately terminate upon the effective
date of any termination of the Employment Period for Due Cause hereunder (other than any earned but
unpaid salary and vacation in accordance with Section 3 herein for the period
ending on the date of termination). Any salary and accrued vacation shall be paid at the next
regularly scheduled payroll date.

     (b) Termination Due to Death. The Employment Period shall automatically terminate
upon the death of Executive and all compensation to Executive shall immediately cease, other than
any earned but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation in accordance with Sections 3 and 4, respectively,
herein for the period ending on the date of termination. Any salary, bonus and accrued vacation
shall be payable as follows: salary and accrued vacation shall be paid at the next regularly
scheduled payroll date, and any bonus shall be payable in accordance with Section 4 or any other
applicable bonus plan.

     (c) Termination Due to Permanent Total Disability. In the event that Executive becomes
“Permanently Disabled” (as defined below), the Company, at its option, shall have the right to
terminate the Employment Period by written notice to Executive given in the manner required by
Section 12(d) hereof. For purposes hereof, “Permanently Disabled” shall mean physical or
mental inability of Executive to perform substantially all of the services required pursuant to
this Agreement, after reasonable accommodation on the part of the Company, for a continuous period
of one hundred eighty (180) days or for a period aggregating at least ninety (90) days in any
consecutive twelve (12) month period. In the event of termination of the Employment Period
pursuant to this Section 6(c), all compensation to Executive shall immediately cease, other than
any earned but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation in accordance with Sections 3 and 4, respectively,
herein for the period ending on the date of termination. Any salary, bonus and accrued vacation
shall be payable as follows: salary and accrued vacation shall be paid at the next regularly
scheduled payroll date, and any bonus shall be payable in accordance with Section 4 or any other
applicable bonus plan.

     (d) Termination by Executive for Breach. Executive may terminate the Employment
Period and his employment hereunder in the event the Company or Lime has breached a material term
or condition of this Agreement which is not cured or remedied within fifteen (15) days following
Executive’s giving written notice of such breach to the Board of Directors of the Company. In the
event that Executive terminates the Employment Period due to an uncured breach by the Company or
Lime pursuant to this Section 6(d), such action shall be deemed to be a termination of the
Employment Period by the Company without Due Cause pursuant to Section 6(f) hereof and Executive
shall be entitled to the salary and other payments on the terms described in Section 6(f).

     (e) Executive’s Termination For Convenience. In the event that the Employment Period
is terminated by Executive at his convenience for any reason other than a reason described in
Section 6(d), then Executive will be due any earned but unpaid salary and vacation in accordance
with Section 3 herein. Any salary and accrued vacation payable under this Section 6(e) shall be
paid at the next regularly scheduled payroll date.

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     (f) Termination Other Than Due Cause, Death, Disability or Resignation. In the event
that the Employment Period is terminated (i) by the Company for reasons other than Due Cause,
death, becoming Permanently Disabled, or (ii) by the Executive pursuant to his resignation under
Section 6(d), the Company shall pay as severance compensation to Executive
(i) six (6) months’ of his Salary at his then annual salary compensation rate, plus (ii) any
pro-rated bonus earned as of the termination date. The Executive shall also be entitled to any
accrued salary and vacation as of the date his employment terminates. The severance compensation
shall be paid to Executive in installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll;
provided the Executive signs an agreement acceptable to the Company that (i) waives any rights the
Executive may otherwise have against the Company, and (ii) releases the Company from actions,
suits, claims, proceedings and demands related to the period of employment and/or the termination
of employment. Any bonus shall be payable in accordance with Section 4 or any other applicable
bonus plan; and accrued vacation shall be paid on termination. During the period that Executive is
receiving severance payments he shall be entitled to participate in the benefit plans and programs
maintained by the Company for other employees of the Company, subject to the terms of such plans
and programs.

     (g) Surrender of Properties. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment with the
Company, regardless of the cause therefore, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned as an
officer of the Company, if serving as such at that time, and from all other positions he holds with
the Company, Lime and any of its affiliates, and shall promptly deliver to the Company all property
provided to him by the Company for use in relation to his employment including, but not limited to
any and all sales materials, lists of customers and prospective customers, price lists, files,
patent applications, records, models or other materials and information of or pertaining to the
Company or its customers or prospective customers or the products, businesses and operations of the
Company.

     7. Non-Competition Covenant.

     (a) Executive’s Agreements. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive
possesses skills and experience qualifying him for employment in other fields, and that the
restrictions and limitations imposed on Executive below will not unduly impair his ability to earn
a living if his employment with the Company is terminated. Further, Executive hereby acknowledges
and agrees that the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ products are sold throughout the United States.
Accordingly, Executive agrees that the geographic limitations and restrictions contained in the
covenants set forth below are reasonable and necessary to protect the market share and business
interests of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Executive also acknowledges and agrees that
solely by virtue of his employment by, and relationship with, the Company, he has acquired and will
acquire “Confidential Information”, as hereinafter defined, as well as special knowledge of the
Company’s relationships with its customers and suppliers, and that, but for his association with
the Company, the Executive would not or will not have had access to said Confidential Information
or knowledge of said relationships. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees (i) that the
Company has long term, near-permanent relationships with its customers and that those relationships
were developed at great expense and difficulty to the Company; and (ii) that the Company’s
relationships with its customers are and

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will continue to be valuable, special and unique assets of
the Company. In return for the consideration described in this Agreement, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and as a
condition precedent to the Company and Lime entering into this Agreement, and as an inducement to
the Company and Lime to do so, the Executive hereby represents, warrants, and covenants as follows:

     (i) The Executive has read and fully understands the terms and conditions set forth herein,
has had time to reflect on and consider the benefits and consequences of entering into this
Agreement, and has had the opportunity to review the terms hereof with an attorney or other
representative, if he so chooses.

     (ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive does not conflict with, or
result in a breach of or constitute a default under, any agreement or contract, whether oral or
written, to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive may be bound. In addition,
the Executive has informed the Company of, and provided the Company with copies of, any
non-competition, confidentiality, work-for-hire or similar agreements to which the Executive is
subject or may be bound.

     (iii) The Executive agrees that, during the time of his employment with the Company and for a
period of six (6) months after the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder for any
reason whatsoever or for no reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Executive will not,
except on behalf of the Company or Lime, anywhere in the United States of America:

     (1) directly or indirectly, contact, solicit any of the Company’s or Lime’s customers
or prospective customers for the purpose of providing any products and/or services that are
the same as or similar to the products and services provided by the Company or Lime to their
customers during the term hereof; or

     (2) solicit or accept if offered to him, with or without solicitation, on his own
behalf or on behalf of any other person, the services of any person who is a then current
employee of the Company (or was an employee of the Company during the year preceding such
solicitation), nor solicit any of the Company’s then current employees (or an individual who
was employed by or engaged by the Company during the year preceding such solicitation) to
terminate employment or an engagement with the Company, nor agree to hire any then current
employee (or an individual who was an employee of the Company during the year preceding such
hire) of the Company into employment with himself or any company, individual or other
entity; or

     (3) directly or indirectly, whether as an investor (excluding investments representing
less than one percent (1%) of the common stock of a public company), lender, owner,
stockholder, officer, director, consultant, employee, agent, salesperson or in any other
capacity, whether part-time or full-time, become associated with any business which is
competitive with the business of the Company and their subsidiaries.

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     8. Confidentiality Covenant.

     (a) Confidential Information. Executive recognizes and acknowledges that, by virtue
of and in the course of his employment with the Company, Executive shall come into contact with, be
exposed to, learn about, discover, develop, generate or contribute to trade secrets, proprietary
information or other Confidential Information. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term
“Confidential Information” means all information or data at any time in the possession of
or accessible to Executive relating to the business and affairs of the Company or of any subsidiary
of the Company or Lime or its subsidiaries (a “Company Affiliate”) and not generally
known outside of the Company or the Company Affiliates, whether or not the Company or a
Company Affiliate invokes special measures to protect such information or data, and shall include,
without limitation, the Company’s and the Company Affiliates’ data, designs, compilations of
information, apparatus, computer programs, identity of suppliers, identity of customers, customer
requirements, cost or price data, research data, business plans, marketing or sales plans and
information, financial data, salary and wage information, policies and procedures, manufacturing
and sales know-how and any other information that is proprietary to or a trade secret of the
Company or any Company Affiliate, whether or not such information is considered a trade secret
within the meaning of applicable law. All Confidential Information, in whatever form it may exist,
whether in Executive’s memory or in some physical or electronic or computerized form, is and shall
be the sole and exclusive property of the Company and the Company Affiliates. The rights and
protections granted herein with respect to Confidential Information are in addition to the rights,
remedies and protections afforded to the Company under any applicable law, statute or regulation.

     (b) Agreement Not To Disseminate Confidential Information. Executive agrees that he
will not, at any time or in any manner, either directly or indirectly, publish, communicate or
otherwise reveal to any person or entity, or use for any purpose whatsoever, except as may be
necessary in the course of performing his obligations to the Company, or as may be required by
applicable law, statute or regulation, any Confidential Information. Executive further agrees to
notify the Company before disclosing any Confidential Information under compulsion of law and to
cooperate with the Company in deciding the substance and manner of such disclosure. Executive
hereby specifically agrees that all Confidential Information is valuable, material and
significantly affects the effective and successful conduct of the Company’s and the Company
Affiliates’ businesses and related good will.

     (c) Public Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the confidentiality
obligations set forth above shall not apply to any information that now is or hereafter becomes
generally known to the public (other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or a similar
agreement under which the Company or a Company Affiliate has rights).

     (d) Protection of Confidential Information. Executive will take all necessary steps
and precautions to protect any Confidential Information. Upon termination of Executive’s
employment with the Company or upon the Company’s written request, Executive shall promptly turn
over to the Company any and all correspondence, notes, agreements, memoranda, computer disks and
tapes, documents and other media and other property of the Company in

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Executive’s control
containing or reflecting Confidential, Information, keeping no copies or extracts.

     9. Inventions and Discoveries. The Executive recognizes and agrees that all ideas,
inventions, patents, copyrights, copyright designs, trade secrets, trademarks, processes,
discoveries, enhancements, software, source code, catalogues, prints, business applications, plans,
writings, and other developments or improvements and all other intellectual property and
proprietary rights and any derivative work based thereon (the “Inventions”) made, conceived, or
completed by the Executive, alone or with others, during the term of his employment, whether or not
during working hours, that are within the scope of the Company’s business operations or that
relate to any of the Company’s work or projects (including any and all inventions based wholly
or in part upon ideas conceived during the Executive’s employment with the Company), are the sole
and exclusive property of the Company. The Executive further agrees that (1) he will promptly
disclose all Inventions to the Company and hereby assigns to the Company all present and future
rights he has or may have in those Inventions, including without limitation those relating to
patent, copyright, trademark or trade secrets; and (2) all of the Inventions eligible under the
copyright laws are “work made for hire.” At the request of the Company, the Executive will do all
things deemed by the Company to be reasonably necessary to perfect title to the Inventions in the
Company and to assist in obtaining for the Company such patents, copyrights or other protection as
may be provided under law and desired by the Company, including but not limited to executing and
signing any and all relevant applications, assignments or other instruments. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, pursuant to the Employee Patent Act, Illinois Public Act 83-493, the Company hereby
notifies the Executive that the provisions of this Paragraph 9 shall not apply to any Inventions
for which no equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of the Company was used and
which were developed entirely on the Executive’s own time, unless (1) the Invention relates (i) to
the business of the Company, or (ii) to actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development
of the Company, or (2) the Invention results from any work performed by the Executive for the
Company.

     10. Remedies. Executive agrees that money damages may not constitute an adequate
remedy for the violation by Executive of Section 7 or Section 8, and any such violation by
Executive is likely to cause irreparable damage to the Company and that such damages would be
difficult to determine. Accordingly, in the event of any such violation or any threatened
violation of Section 7 or Section 8, in addition to all other legal and equitable remedies
available to the Company, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief, both temporary and
permanent, without bond, to enforce the provisions of such Sections. The non-prevailing party in
any final, unappealable decision regarding enforcement of Section 7 or Section 8 shall be
responsible for and indemnify the prevailing party for all reasonable legal fees, court costs and
related expenses incurred by such prevailing party in seeking enforcement.

     11. Survival of Covenants. The covenants set forth in Sections 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12
herein shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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     13. Miscellaneous Provisions.

     (a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws (as opposed
to conflicts of laws) and decisions of the State of Illinois. Furthermore, as to Sections 7 and 8,
the Executive agrees and consents to submit to personal jurisdiction in the state of Illinois in
any state or federal court of competent subject matter jurisdiction situated in Cook County,
Illinois. The Executive further agrees that the sole and exclusive venue for any suit arising out
of, or seeking to enforce, the terms of Sections 7 and 8 of this Agreement shall be in a state or
federal court of competent subject matter jurisdiction situated in Cook County, Illinois. In
addition, the Executive waives any right to challenge in another court any judgment entered by such
Cook County court or to assert that any action instituted by the Employer in any such court is in
the improper venue or should be transferred to a more convenient forum. Further, the Executive
waives any right he may otherwise have to a trial by jury in any action to enforce the terms
of this Agreement.

     (b) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be found invalid or
unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part, then such provision shall be deemed modified,
restricted, or reformulated to the extent and in the manner necessary to render the same valid and
enforceable, or shall be deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case may require, and this
Agreement shall be construed and enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, as if such
provision had been originally incorporated herein as so modified, restricted, or reformulated or as
if such provision had not been originally incorporated herein, as the case may be. The parties
further agree to seek a lawful substitute for any provision found to be unlawful; provided, that,
if the parties are unable to agree upon a lawful substitute, the parties desire and request that a
court or other authority called upon to decide the enforceability of this Agreement modify those
restrictions in this Agreement that, once modified, will result in an agreement that is enforceable
to the maximum extent permitted by the law in existence at the time of the requested enforcement.

     (c) No Waiver. The failure of the Company or Executive to assert any of its rights
under this Agreement or the delay or partial enforcement of any of its rights hereunder shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any breach of this Agreement, except as such waiver may be
expressly set forth in writing and signed by the Company and Executive. The waiver by the Company
or Executive of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of
any subsequent breach, whether of the same or of a different character.

     (d) Notices. All notices, demands and other communications which may or are required
to be given hereunder or with respect hereto shall be in writing, shall be given either by
certified mail, return receipt requested or by recognized overnight delivery service, proof of
delivery required and shall be deemed to have been given or made when personally delivered,
addressed as follows:

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	If to the Company to:

	 	c/o Lime Energy Co.
	 

	 	1280 Landmeier Road
	 

	 	Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
	 

	 	Attn: Chief Financial Officer
	 

	 	Phone: (847) 437-1666
	 

	 	Fax: (847) 437-4969

or to such other address as the Company may from time to time designate to the Executive in
accordance with this section.

	 	 	 	 	 
	If to the Executive to:

	 	John O’Rourke	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 
	 

	 	Phone:                                                            	 	 
	 

	 	Fax:                                                            	 	 

No notice, request, demand, instruction, or other document to be given hereunder to any party shall
be effective for any purpose unless delivered by commercial overnight delivery service, or
delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the appropriate address Notices sent via
commercial overnight delivery service shall be deemed to have been delivered as evidenced by the
service’s standard means of confirming the delivery. The address for the purposes of this Section
may be changed by giving written notice of such change in the manner herein provided for giving
notice.

     (e) Modification. This Agreement shall not be amended, modified or supplemented
except in writing and signed by the Company and Executive.

     (f) Headings. The paragraph headings and captions used herein are intended solely for
convenience of reference and shall not control or effect the interpretation, meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement.

     (g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire and final agreement and
understanding of the parties and contains all of the agreements made between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements,
either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
No change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the
Company and the Executive.

     (h) Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties relating to
the Executive’s employment or termination of employment, whether or not the controversy, claim or
dispute arises under this Agreement (other than any controversy or claim arising under Sections 7
or 8), shall be resolved by arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of
Employment Disputes (“Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association through a single arbitrator
selected in accordance with the Rules. The decision of the arbitrator shall be

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rendered within
thirty (30) days of the close of the arbitration hearing. Judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. In reaching his or her
decision, the arbitrator shall have no authority to interpret or enforce Sections 7 or 8 of the
Agreement (for which Section 12(a) shall provide the sole and exclusive venue), or to award
punitive damages or any other damages not measured by the prevailing party’s actual damages and may
not make any ruling, finding or award that does not conform to this Agreement. The costs and
expenses of the arbitration shall be
paid as determined by the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall be
authorized to award costs and expense of the arbitration (including reasonable attorney’s fees) for
bad faith, stubborn litigiousness, or unnecessary trouble and expense. This Section 12(h) shall
survive the termination of this Agreement.

     (i) Assignment. This Agreement and the rights and obligations under this Agreement
shall not be assigned or transferred by any party to this Agreement without the prior written
consent of the other party to this Agreement; provided that the Company may unilaterally assign all
or any of its rights under this Agreement to any Affiliate of the Company.

     (ii) Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire and final agreement and
understanding of the parties and contains all of the agreements made between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements,
either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto, with respect to the subject matter
hereof, including any and all agreements entered into prior to the date of this Agreement that
relate to severance compensation or any other employment related benefits or compensation. No
change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the Company
and the Executive.

[Balance of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows.]

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Employment Agreement to be executed as of the
date first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	APPLIED ENERGY MANAGEMENT

 	 
	 	/s/ Jeffrey Mistarz
 	 
	 	Jeffrey Mistarz 	 
	 	Vice President and Treasurer 	 
	 
	 	 	 
	 	                                                     /s/ John O’Rourke
 	 
	 	John O’Rourke 	 
	 	 	 
	 

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Exhibit 10.1

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (“Agreement”) is between Wireless Ronin Technologies
Inc. (the “Company” or “WRT”) and Robert Whent (referred to in this Agreement as “I”, “me” or
“my”).

1. Recital. The Company and I entered into an Executive Employment Agreement effective
August 16, 2007, hereafter referred to as the “Employment Agreement”. Capitalized terms used in
this Agreement but not herein defined are defined in the Employment Agreement.

2. Resignation. I have voluntarily resigned from my employment and from all offices and
other positions I may have had with the Company effective at 11:59 p.m. March 6, 2009, (the
“Resignation Date”). This Agreement sets forth certain agreements between the Company and me with
respect to my separation from the Company.

3. The Company’s Payment and Benefits. Notwithstanding my resignation, and subject to the
conditions described in Section 3.3 below, the Company will provide to me the following pay and
benefits:

3.1 Severance Pay. A Severance Payment totaling CAN $225,000.00 dollars equal to twelve (12)
months of my base salary, less applicable deductions and/or withholdings as appropriate (the
“Severance Payment”) will be made in a lump sum payable on or before April 3, 2009, by wire
to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, 100 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, Bank Code
010, Swift Code CIBCCATT, Transit Number 00182, Account Number XXXXXXX.

3.2 Benefits. The Company will continue all of my currently enjoyed insured benefits (other
than short and long-term disability coverage which will terminate on May 2, 2009) until the
earlier of the twelve (12) month period from the date of my resignation and the date on
which I obtain replacement benefits through alternate employment, but excluding any benefits
received as a result of my participation or interest in or employment in the Online Teachers
Education Portal Project (the “Project”) after the date hereof. I agree to promptly notify
the Company if I receive benefits from alternate employment other than from the Project.

3.3 Taxes and Deductions. All payments are subject to standard tax and other deductions as
appropriate. In addition, I will be fully responsible for all taxes, interest and penalties
arising out of any payments and benefits made to me under this Agreement and will fully
indemnify the Company and hold it harmless with respect to the same.

3.4 Announcement. The Company has agreed that if I tender my resignation as contemplated by
this Agreement that all communications concerning my departure from the Company will be
consistent with a resignation initiated by me.

 

2

3.5 Conditions. All payments and benefits to be made under this Section are conditioned on
delivery to the Company of my written resignation by fax or email on or before March 10,
2009, effective immediately, and are subject to the following additional conditions:

	 	§	 	I must sign this Agreement within ten (10) days of receiving it.
	 
	 	§	 	I must not breach any of my promises or representations under this Agreement or
und any continuing obligations under my Employment Agreement as referenced in
Section 5.2, except as amended hereby.
	 
	 	§	 	I must comply with all applicable securities laws, including specifically the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and including
any blackout or other trading restrictions impose pursuant to such laws.

3.6 The Project. The Company agrees to deliver to me with the Severance Payment a
Transfer and Assignment of their interest in the Project in the form attached as Schedule
“A” hereto.

4. My Release.

In exchange for the consideration provided to me in this Agreement, including the Company’s
payment of severance payments and benefits to me despite my resignation, and the Company’s
willingness to allow me to resign, on my own behalf and on behalf of anyone claiming any rights
through me, I fully and finally release, waive and give up all My Claims (as defined below)
against the Company and all Related Parties (as defined below).

“Related Parties” means any parent, subsidiary, predecessor, successor, affiliate or
other organization or entity related to the Company, and all of their past or present
officers, directors, shareholders, employees, committees, insurers, indemnitors, pension
or welfare, and other benefit plans, successors, assigns, committees, administrators, and
all persons acting on behalf of, or on instruction from the Company or any other related
organization or entity.

“My Claims” as used in this Agreement means, all claims, actions, causes of action,
demands, and rights I have or may have against the Company or any Related Parties,
arising out of any acts, facts or events which occurred in whole or in part before I
signed this Agreement whether or not I now know about or suspect them and whether past or
present. “My Claims” includes but is not limited to, all such claims for damages,
compensation, expenses (including legal fees) and any other form of relief, regardless of
the law or legal theory on which such claim is based and includes but is not limited to
all claims under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 or the Human Rights Code, as each may
have been amended, and all claims of any nature under any other federal, provincial, or
local statute, ordinance or other law or legal theory, including any based on wrongful
discharge, breach of any contract, promissory,

 

3

estoppel, emotional distress, defamation, negligence, invasion of privacy, or any other
theory, and including all claims related to my employment, the compensation, benefits and
rights enjoyed by me in connection with such employment or those related to my separation
from employment with the Company.

I understand that I am giving up all of My Claims as described above. I will not bring any
lawsuits or commence any applications or proceedings against the Company or any Related Party
relating to any of My Claims.

To the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, it is my intent to waive all of My Claims and
rights and to have this be interpreted as a full and general release.

This Agreement does not affect my rights, if any, under the Company’s directors and officers
liability insurance policy. This release does not affect the Company’s obligations to indemnify
me to the fullest extent allowed under the Canada Business Corporations Act or the Ontario
Business Corporations Act in respect of claims, actions or damages made, brought or assessed
against me or to which I become a party by reason of my having been an officer or employee of
the Company. This Agreement also does not affect my rights to indemnification and defense as
more fully set forth in the Company’s bylaws.

5. Additional Agreements and Understandings.

5.1 Final Payments. I acknowledge and agree that, upon my receipt of the benefits
described below I will have been paid all wages, salary, other compensation, and benefits
due me as an employee of the Company through my Resignation Date. I understand that the
benefits described below will be provided to me whether or not I sign this Agreement. In
addition, in accordance with the Ontario law I will be entitled to benefit continuation
as set out in Section 3.2 hereof and

	 	§	 	Base Salary (subject to applicable withholding) payable through the Resignation
Date as described above.
	 
	 	§	 	Accrued unused paid time off (“PTO”) as of the Resignation Date.
	 
	 	§	 	Reimbursement of any reasonable business expenses incurred by me in carrying out
my duties, properly documented and submitted to the Company but unpaid as of the
Resignation Date.

The Company acknowledges its obligation to pay the amounts and provide the benefits
stated in this Section on the next regular pay day following the Resignation date. I
understand that any interest in any RRSP, stock purchase plan or other similar employee
benefit plan, or in any option agreements that I may have as a former employee of the
Company will be governed by the terms the relevant plan(s) and/or agreement.

 

4

5.2 Continuing Obligations. I acknowledge and agree that I remain bound by the
provisions of Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the Employment Agreement and that I am obligated
under all such provisions in accordance with their terms; provided that the Company
agrees that my participation and ownership interest in the Project shall not constitute
any breach of the provisions of Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the Employment Agreement.

5.3 Sufficient Consideration. I agree that I am receiving adequate consideration for my
release of claims against the Company and my other promises contained in this Agreement,
which consideration includes but is not limited to the Company’ offer to continue my
insured benefits beyond the statutory notice period as specified in Section 3.2, which is
not required by the terms of my Employment Agreement.

5.4 Cooperation. I agree to be reasonably available for consultation with and assistance
to the Company with respect to matters and issues within my former job responsibilities
for a period of 60 days after my termination. I acknowledge and agree that such
cooperation with the Company is necessary for a proper and orderly transition and that
the consideration set forth herein fully compensates me for this reasonable cooperation.

5.5 Return of Property. Save for documents relating to the Project, I will, on request,
and, in any event, no later than one business day after my Resignation Date, collect and
return all property of the Company in my possession or control to the Company. Property
of the Company includes but is not limited to all equipment, communication devices (e.g.
cell phones, laptops, pages, etc), all information stored in any tangible form, including
electronic (e.g. on disks, hard drives, audio or visual tapes, etc.) and paper forms, and
all other property of any nature. To the extent that I have any information of the
Company stored on any personal or other non-Company equipment or devices, on or before
the Resignation Date, I will deliver such information to the Company and remove it from
all such personal equipment in a manner and form agreed upon by the Company.

5.6 Severability / Modification. If any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement
are determined to be invalid, that provision will be severed and shall not affect the
validity of any other provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement can only be modified
by a subsequent written agreement.

5.7 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon each of the parties and each
party’s heirs, successors, administrators, executors, legal representatives, agents and
assigns. I understand, however, that this Agreement is personal to me and may not be
assigned by me.

5.8 Complete Agreement. Save for Schedule “A” attached hereto pertaining to the Project,
this Agreement is intended to state the complete Agreement among the parties in
connection with the termination of my employment with the Company. With the exception of
the provisions that I acknowledge to be continuing obligations under

 

5

Section 5.2 of this Agreement, any prior agreements, including any provisions regarding
the payment of severance to me under my Employment Agreement are terminated and/or
superseded by this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
Province of Ontario.

6. Rights to Consider; Knowing and Voluntary Waiver.

6.1 Right to Consult Legal Counsel: I understand that by way of this paragraph, the
Company is specifically advising me to consult an attorney prior to signing this
Agreement.

6.2 Consideration: I have read this Agreement carefully and understand all of its terms.
By signing this Agreement, I understand that I am specifically waiving all rights or
claims against the Company arising out of or in respect of my employment with the Company
or the termination of that employment, except my right to enforce the terms of this
Agreement. I am entering into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily after considering
all of its terms. I have had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with my own legal
counsel prior to signing it. In agreeing to sign this Agreement I have not relied on any
statements or explanations made by the Company, its agents or its legal counsel, other
than those contained in this Agreement.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	Dated: March 6, 2009 	/s/ Robert Whent
 	 
	 	Robert Whent 	 
	 	 	 
	 	Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Dated: March 6, 2009

	 	By:
	 	/s/
	 	Scott Ross	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Scott Ross	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.	 	 

 

 

Schedule “A” to Separation Agreement and General Release

This Assignment and Transfer Agreement (the “Assignment”) is dated the 6th day of March, 2009,
between Wireless Ronin Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “WRT”) and Robert Whent (referred to in
this Agreement as “Whent”).

WHEREAS the parties hereto enter into a Separation Agreement and General Release effective 11:59
p.m. on March 6, 2009.

AND WHEREAS the Company agreed to transfer to Whent their rights, title, interest and ownership in
the Online Teachers Education Portal Project (the “Project”);

NOW THEREFORE this Agreement witnesseth in consideration of the sum of $1.00 and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties
hereto agree as follows:

1. Recitals

1.1 The foregoing recitals are true in substance and in form and are hereby incorporated by
reference.

2. Assignment and Transfer of the Project

2.1 The Company hereby expresses and does, by this document, hereby irrevocably transfer and assign
all its right, title, interest and ownership in the Project to Whent and his heirs, successors, and
assigns, including but not limited to the following:

	 	(a)	 	all written and electronic documents, manuals, programs, and other media
pertaining to the Project;
	 
	 	(b)	 	all Project assets, including but not limited to course-ware;
	 
	 	(c)	 	all concepts and plans, whether written or not;
	 
	 	(d)	 	all business plans for the Project;
	 
	 	(e)	 	all service, customer and other contracts and agreements in connection with the
Project, including but not limited to the supplier and members of the Boards of
Education listed in Schedule “A” hereto.

2.2 No computer or other equipment shall be transferred to Whent.

2.3 Whent will continue to service all customers, without compensation from the Company, and agrees
to indemnify the Company from any damages or liabilities that the Company may incur as a result of
Whent’s operation of the Project after the date hereof.

 

2

3. Additional Provisions

3.1 This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the
parties shall be governed by, the laws of Province of Ontario.

3.2 Each of the parties hereto covenants and agrees that they will sign such further agreements,
assurances, papers and documents, and generally do and perform or cause to be done and performed
such further and other acts and things as may be necessary or desirable from time to time in order
to give full effect to this Agreement and every part hereof.

3.3 This is the entire agreement between the parties and there are no representations, warranties
or covenants except as set out herein.

3.4 All of the terms, covenants and conditions herein contained shall be for and shall inure to the
benefit of and shall bind the respective parties hereto and their successors and assigns
respectively, and the further assignment by the Assignee of this Agreement is expressly permitted
by the Assignor.

Dated this 6th day of March, 2009.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Scott Ross
 	 
	 	 	Scott Ross 	 
	 	 	Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	I have authority to bind the Corporation.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/
[illegible]
 

Witness

	 	/s/ Robert Whent
 

Robert Whent
	 	 

 

 

SCHEDULE “A”

TO

ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER AGREEMENT

Supplier

Open Knowledge Technologies (OK Tech)

Boards of Education

Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario

Greater Essex County District School Board

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic School Board

Northwest Catholic District School Board

Superior Greenstone District School Board

Superior North District School Board

Toronto Catholic District School Board

Upper Canada District School Board

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