Document:

Exhibit 10.16

 

ENDORSEMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS ENDORSEMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) by and between GENO AURIEMMA (“Auriemma”) and BERKSHIRE BANK, a Massachusetts savings bank with its principal place of business at 24 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01210  (“Berkshire”)(Each or both of which shall hereinafter be referred to as the “PARTY” or “PARTIES,” respectively).

 

RECITALS:

 

Berkshire desires to obtain the right to use the name, likeness, and endorsement services of Auriemma in connection with the advertisement and promotion of Berkshire’s Financial Services (as defined below).

 

The endorsement by Auriemma of Berkshire is of commercial value.

 

Berkshire and Auriemma wish to enter into an agreement to cooperate and coordinate the marketing of Auriemma’s endorsement with Berkshire’s banking services.

 

NOW, THEREFORE for and in consideration of the foregoing, and the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS.

 

The following terms shall be defined in the Agreement as follows:

 

a)    “CONTRACT PERIOD” means that period of time commencing upon the full execution of this Agreement by both Parties and terminating on May 31, 2016 unless sooner terminated under this Agreement.

 

b)    “SERVICES PERIOD” means that period of time commencing upon the full execution of this Agreement by both Parties and terminating on May 31, 2014 unless sooner terminated under this Agreement.

 

b)    “CONTRACT TERRITORY” shall be any State in which Berkshire currently, or at any time during the Contract Period, offers Banking Services.

 

c)    “FINANCIAL SERVICES” shall mean banking, lending, financial and wealth management products and services offered by Berkshire and insurance products and services offered by Berkshire’s affiliate Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc.

 

d)    “AURIEMMA IDENTIFICATION” shall mean any words, symbols, photographic or graphic representations, statements by Auriemma or any combination thereof which identify Auriemma such as, for example, Auriemma’s name, voice, nickname, likeness, and anything else that identifies Auriemma. The Auriemma

 

 

Identification shall not include any reference to the University of Connecticut, UConn, the use of the University of Connecticut logos or trademarks, Auriemma’s position as head women’s basketball coach for the University of Connecticut. If during the Contract Period Berkshire desires to make reference to University of Connecticut, UConn, or to use of the University of Connecticut logos or trademarks, or to refer to Auriemma’s position as head women’s basketball coach for the University of Connecticut, Auriemma agrees to use reasonable efforts to obtain the necessary consents from the State of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut in order to permit Berkshire to do so, it being understood by Berkshire that Auriemma makes no representation or warrantees that he will be able to obtain such consents and that the time required to obtain such consents is wholly outside of the control of Auriemma.

 

e)    “RIGHTS” shall mean all of the endorsement rights, services and other rights and benefits granted to Berkshire in this Agreement.

 

g)    “BERKSHIRE COMPETITOR” is any person or entity that in any way competes with Berkshire’s financial services.

 

h)    “BERKSHIRE PARTIES” is Berkshire, and any affiliates of Berkshire, as defined herein. For purposes of this Agreement, “AFFILIATES” means any other person or entity that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, Berkshire.

 

i)    “$” shall mean the lawful currency of the United States of America unless otherwise specified.

 

2. ENDORSEMENT AND GRANT OF RIGHTS. During the Contract Period:

 

a)    Subject to the terms of Paragraph 6 below, Auriemma will make the appearances and provide to Berkshire during the Services Period the services, initiatives and programs described in Schedule A attached hereto (the “Endorsement Services”); and

 

b)    Auriemma grants to Berkshire the exclusive right and license (the “License Rights”) to use the Auriemma Identification during the Contract Period and throughout the Contract Territory solely in connection with the advertisement and promotion of Berkshire and the Financial Services;

 

c)                 The License Rights are exclusive to Berkshire and may not be assigned or in any way conveyed by Berkshire without Auriemma’s express written consent, except in the event of a merger by Berkshire with another entity offering Banking Services.

 

 

3. EXCLUSIVITY. Auriemma expressly agrees and undertakes that:

 

a)    The right to use the Auriemma Identification has not been previously granted nor will it be granted to anyone other than Berkshire for use during the Contract Period within the Contract Territory in connection with the advertisement, promotion and sale of products and services which are the same as or similar to any of the Financial Services;

 

b)    Auriemma will not enter into any arrangement or agreement, which enables any Berkshire Competitor to be endorsed by Auriemma (whether by using the Auriemma Identification, Auriemma providing services similar to the Endorsement Services, or otherwise) during the Contract Period within the Contract Territory. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood that Auriemma has no control or influence over any decisions by the University of Connecticut to enter into any arrangement or agreement with any Berkshire Competitor.

 

c)   Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Berkshire shall not have the right to utilize the Auriemma Identification except to the extent specifically authorized by this Agreement.

 

d)  Nothing herein shall grant Auriemma any rights to use any of Berkshire’s trademarks, names, services marks, logos or any copyrightable materials with Berkshire’s prior written consent.

 

4. COMPENSATION.

 

(a)  In consideration of the rights and benefits granted to Berkshire hereunder, Berkshire shall pay to Auriemma the sum of Four Hundred Eighty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($480,000.00), as set forth in Paragraph 4 (b)-(c) below.

 

(b)  Berkshire will make four (4) equal cash payments to Auriemma in the amount of Ninety Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($90,000.00) on June 1, 2012, June 1, 2013, June 1, 2014, and June 1, 2015.

 

(c)  Berkshire will cause to be issued to Auriemma on June 1, 2012, June 1, 2013, June 1, 2014, and June 1, 2015, (each an “issuance date”) four (4) blocks of shares of unrestricted common stock of Berkshire’s parent corporation, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (BHLB), each of which as of its respective issuance date shall have a value of Thirty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($30,000.00), based upon the closing price of BHLB common shares at the end of the last trading day immediately preceding the issuance date.

 

5. PAYMENTS.  Auriemma may elect to have cash payments due Auriemma hereunder made by check, wire transfer, or bank transfer. Unless such election is made in writing, all cash payments shall be made by check, drawn to the order of Auriemma or its designated entity or entities and delivered to the address first stated above. Past due cash payments (i.e., payments due more than thirty (30) days after Berkshire’s receipt of the applicable invoice) shall bear interest at the rate of one (1%) percent per month.

 

 

6. AURIEMMA’S ENDORSEMENT SERVICES AND APPEARANCES.

 

(a)   Berkshire acknowledges that Auriemma’s primary obligations are those associated with his position as the head coach of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team. Further, Berkshire acknowledges that Auriemma has certain obligations related to his position as the head coach for the United States Women’s Olympic basketball team.  Subject to Auriemma’s obligations as the head coach for the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team the United States Women’s Olympic basketball team, Auriemma shall make himself available for those appearances set forth on Schedule A.

 

(b)   Berkshire shall reimburse Auriemma for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Auriemma in attending any requested appearances including any travel days.  Without limitation to the foregoing, Berkshire will reimburse Auriemma for his air travel expenses if necessary for Auriemma to be in attendance at a requested appearance. In addition, if necessary Auriemma shall be provided with superior hotel suite accommodations and reimbursed for all reasonable dining expenses incurred while traveling to and attending any appearances or events.

 

(c)  Berkshire shall give Auriemma as much advanced notice as possible for any requested appearances, but in no event shall Berkshire give Auriemma less than fifteen (15) days’ notice of the time and place Berkshire desires Auriemma to appear.

 

(d)  Unless otherwise agreed to in advance, no appearance shall exceed a total of two (2) hours in duration.

 

(e)  Any apparel that Auriemma is requested by Berkshire to wear during any appearance or any photo shoot session must be approved by Auriemma at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance and must be Nike branded apparel.

 

7. AURIEMMA’S APPROVAL.

 

a)  Berkshire shall use the Auriemma Identification only in such a form and manner as is  specifically approved by Auriemma and, upon the reasonable request by Auriemma,  shall use any reasonable legends, markings, and notices of trademark rights or  registration reasonably specified by Auriemma, or any other notice of Auriemma’s  ownership, including copyright.

 

b)  Berkshire agrees that all use of the Auriemma  Identification in connection with advertising, displays, and other materials and  all advertising shall not be made unless and until finished samples of such  proposed use have been provided to Auriemma and such use has been approved by  Auriemma or Auriemma’s authorized representative. Auriemma agrees that any use of the Auriemma Identification submitted for approval as provided herein will be deemed  to have been approved by Auriemma if the same is not disapproved in writing within  ten (10) business days after receipt

 

 

thereof. If any use of the Auriemma Identification submitted for approval as provided herein is disapproved, Berkshire shall be advised of the specific grounds for disapproval. Subject to this Agreement, Berkshire agrees to follow Auriemma’s reasonable instructions and guidelines regarding proper usage of the Auriemma Identification in all respects as may have been reasonably and timely provided to Berkshire by the Auriemma.

 

8. PROTECTION OF THE AURIEMMA IDENTIFICATION. Berkshire and Auriemma agree that they will take all necessary steps during the Contract Period and thereafter to protect the Auriemma Identification in connection with the Endorsement Services.

 

9. CONFIDENTIALITY. Except as required by federal securities laws, or federal or state banking laws, each party agrees: (i) that it will not disclose to any third party or use any Confidential Information, as defined herein, disclosed to it by the other party except as expressly permitted in this Agreement; and (ii) that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other party in its possession or control, which will in no event be less than the measures it uses to maintain the confidentiality of its own information of similar importance. For the purpose of this Agreement, Confidential Information shall mean all information, materials and data, in any form, format or medium, disclosed, or revealed to either party in any way relating to the other party’s business including but not limited to its finances, customers, operations, products, services, plans, pricing, suppliers, business strategies or any other similar information.  Confidential Information may be contained in written material, verbal or electronic communications.

 

10. TERMINATION AND DEFAULT.

 

a)    TERMINATION FOR BREACH. Either Party shall have the right, without prejudice to any other rights it may have, to terminate this Agreement if the other Party materially breaches its obligation hereunder and such breach remains uncured.

 

A material breach occurs if either Party (i) fails to make any payment, or (ii) fails to observe or perform any of the covenants, agreements, or obligations (other than payments of money).

 

Upon the breach of either of the above conditions, the non-defaulting party may terminate this Agreement as follows: (A) as to a default under clause (i) above, if payment is not made within ten (10) days after the defaulting party shall have received written notice of such failure to make payment; or (B) as to a default under clause (ii) above, if such default is not cured within thirty (30) days after the defaulting party shall have received written notice specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such default and such action the defaulting party must take in order to cure each such item of default.

 

b)    TERMINATION DUE TO INSOLVENCY. If either Party (the “Bankrupt Party”), (i) commences or becomes the subject of any case or proceeding under the

 

 

bankruptcy or insolvency laws; (ii) has appointed for it or for any substantial part of its property a court-appointed receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official; (iii) makes an assignment or the benefit of its credits; (iv) fails generally to pay its debts as they become due; or (v) takes corporate action in furtherance of any of the foregoing (collectively, herein referred to as “Events of Insolvency”), then, in each case, the Bankrupt Party shall immediately give notice of such event to the other Party. Whether or not such notice is given, the other Party shall have the right, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, following the occurrence of any Event of Insolvency and without prejudice to any other rights it may have, at any time thereafter to terminate this Agreement, effective immediately upon giving notice to the Bankrupt Party.

 

c)    EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason (i) all payments that have accrued prior to the termination or expiration of this Agreement will be payable in full within thirty (30) days thereof, but any obligations to make further payments due, or that may have come due, under this Agreement shall become null and void; (ii) except as otherwise provided herein, the Services Period and the Contract Period shall end immediately and Berkshire shall promptly cease all use of the Auriemma Identification including any displays, documents, artwork, symbols, logos trademarks, trade names, photographic or graphic representations, depictions and/or other materials (including, but not limited to, advertising and/or promotional materials), which in any way or form (hard copy, electronic or otherwise) use the Auriemma Identification (collectively, “Materials”), except as otherwise set forth herein; and (iii) except as otherwise provided herein, Berkshire shall promptly remove all links and references to Auriemma and Materials from its website. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Agreement is terminated for any reason other than Berkshire’s material breach, then for thirty (30) days following such termination, Berkshire may continue to use any printed material already produced under this Agreement. At the conclusion of this period, Berkshire’s use of the printed material will cease.

 

11. TERMINATION BY BERKSHIRE.

 

Berkshire may terminate this Agreement immediately by giving Auriemma notice if (i) Auriemma dies or is prevented by injury or illness from satisfactorily performing the obligations required by this Agreement; (ii) Auriemma is convicted of a felony or criminal offense involving dishonesty or fraud; or (iii) Auriemma publicly disparages Berkshire and/ or its products.

 

12. OTHER REMEDIES AND RIGHTS.

 

The termination rights set forth herein shall not constitute the exclusive remedy of the non-defaulting party. Termination in accordance with the above provisions shall be without prejudice to any rights or claims, which the terminating party may otherwise have against the defaulting party. In the event of any arbitration or litigation, including breach, enforcement or interpretation, arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party

 

 

of such litigation shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses, including pre-litigation and appellate attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

13. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

 

If any provision(s) of this Agreement shall be determined to be void, ambiguous, or unenforceable, the same shall be stricken from this Agreement and in no way shall affect other provisions of, or the validity or enforceability of this Agreement. The Parties understand that the contents of this Agreement are confidential, and that disclosure of same to any third party could be detrimental to the interests of one or both Parties. Therefore, the Parties agree not to disclose the terms of this Agreement, without the prior written permission of the other party, other than to business advisors, legal and financial representatives, except as required by federal securities laws, or federal or state banking laws.

 

14. NOTICES.

 

All notices required hereunder shall be sent by overnight mail or first class mail, or by confirmed electronic mail to the parties at the following addresses, or such other addresses as the parties may designate in writing to each other from time to time:

 

If to Auriemma:             Geno Auriemma

 

With a copy to:             Kahan, Kerensky & Capossela, LLP

Attn: Sol Kerensky & Justin L. Murphy

45 Hartford Turnpike

Vernon, CT 06066

 

If to Berkshire:               Berkshire Bank

Attn:Sean A. Gray, EVP — Retail Banking

24 North Street

P.O. Box 1308

Pittsfield, MA 01202-1308

 

With a copy to:             Berkshire Bank

Attn: Wm. Gordon Prescott, VP and General Counsel

24 North Street

P.O. Box 1308

Pittsfield, MA 01202-1308

 

 

15. FORCE MAJEUR.

 

Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement, neither Party will be liable for any delay in the performance of any of its obligations if such delay is caused by any reason wholly outside the control of the Party so delaying (a “Force Majeur Event”) subject to the obligation of the Party so delaying promptly notifying the other Party in writing of the reasons for the delay and the likely duration of the delay. The performance of such Party’s obligations will be suspended during the period that the Force Majeur Event persists and such Party will be granted an extension of time for performance equal to the period of the delay. If the delay referred to above exceeds sixty (60) days (or such other reasonable period taking into consideration the nature and cause of the delay), either Party may forthwith terminate this Agreement whereupon the Parties shall cease to be bound by their respective obligations under this Agreement in respect granted under this Agreement shall cease.

 

16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

 

This Agreement is the entire agreement of the parties and cannot be altered or modified except by an agreement in writing signed by both parties. Upon its execution, this Agreement shall supersede all prior negotiations, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, and such prior agreements shall thereupon be null and void and without further legal effect.

 

17. GOVERNING LAW.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut.

 

18. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as establishing an employer/employee relationship between Auriemma and Berkshire. Accordingly, there shall be no withholding for tax purposes from any payments due Auriemma hereunder and Auriemma shall be responsible for any and all income and other tax payments required by Auriemma. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to place the parties in the relationship of legal representatives, partners or joint ventures. Neither Party shall have any power to bind the other in any manner whatsoever, other than as otherwise stated in this Agreement. This paragraph shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

19. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

 

a)    Auriemma represents and warrants to Berkshire that:

 

(i)   Auriemma has full authority to enter into and perform under this Agreement subject only to approval by the University of Connecticut department of athletics and consulting office;

 

 

(ii)  by entering into and performing under this Agreement, Auriemma is not, and shall not be in conflict with any prior obligations to third parties;

 

(iii) that Auriemma will not assign or transfer any of the License Rights described in Paragraph 2.

 

b)    Berkshire represents and warrants to Auriemma that:

 

(i)   it has full authority to enter into and perform under this Agreement;

 

(ii)  by entering into and performing under this Agreement, it is not, and shall not be in conflict with any prior obligations to third parties.

 

20. INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE.  Berkshire shall indemnify and hold Auriemma harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, suits, proceedings, losses, damages and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’, consultants’ and experts’ fees) (collectively, “Claims”) arising out of or relating to any inaccuracy or breach of Berkshire’s representations, warranties, covenants or any claim or other cause of action arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including actions based upon gross negligence of Berkshire under this Agreement, provided that Berkshire shall be given prompt notice of any such action or claim.

 

21. WAIVER.

 

The failure of Auriemma or Berkshire at any time or times to demand strict performance by the other of any of the terms, covenants or conditions set forth herein shall not be construed as a continuing waiver or relinquishment thereof and either may at any time demand strict and complete performance by the other of said terms, covenants and conditions.

 

22. ASSIGNMENT.

 

This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of Auriemma and his successors and permitted assigns. Nothing herein shall prevent Auriemma from assigning the monetary benefits (but not the obligations) of this Agreement, as he may so desire. Berkshire may not assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, without Auriemma’s written consent. In the case of reorganization, merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, any attempt to assign this Agreement other than as permitted above will be null and void.

 

23. SIGNIFICANCE OF HEADINGS.

 

Paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are solely for the purpose of aiding speedy location of subject matter and are not in any sense to be given weight in the construction of this Agreement. Accordingly, in case of any question with respect to the

 

 

construction of this Agreement, it is to be construed as though such paragraph headings had been omitted.

 

24. INVALIDITY.

 

If any term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall to any extent be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the remainder of this Agreement, or application of such term or provision to a person or circumstance other than to those as to which it is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement shall be valid and shall be enforced to the fullest extent provided by law.

 

25. COUNTERPARTS.

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which  shall be deemed an original and all of which will constitute together a single  document.

 

26. CONSTRUCTION.

 

The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement was negotiated between them and shall not be construed against either Party on the grounds of authorship.

 

27. ARBITRATION.

 

Any dispute or difference between the parties hereto arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association by a panel of three qualified arbitrators. Berkshire and Auriemma shall each choose an arbitrator and the two (2) arbitrators so chosen shall choose the third. If either BERKSHIRE or Auriemma fails to choose an arbitrator within 30 days after notice of commencement of arbitration or if the two arbitrators fail to choose a third arbitrator within thirty (30) days after their appointment, the American Arbitration Association shall, upon the request of any party to the dispute or difference, appoint the arbitrator or arbitrators to constitute or complete the panel as the case may be. Arbitration proceedings hereunder may be initiated by either BERKSHIRE or Auriemma making a written request to the American Arbitration Association, together with any appropriate filing fee, at the office of the American Arbitration Association in the county in which proceedings are to be held pursuant to the terms of the following sentence. All arbitration proceedings or litigation (to the extent the remedy requested is not, by law, available through arbitration [e.g., injunctive relief]) relating to any claims or disputes arising under or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in the county in which the principal executive office of the party not initiating such action or proceeding defendant or responding party) is located. The parties irrevocably submit and consent to the exercise of subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction over each of the parties by the federal and/or state courts in such jurisdiction (the “Selected Jurisdiction”). The parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all objections that any party

 

 

may now or hereafter have to the exercise of personal and subject matter jurisdiction in the Selected Jurisdiction and to the laying of venue of any such proceeding or action brought in the Selected Jurisdiction. Any order or determination of the arbitral tribunal upon the parties to the arbitration and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties execute this Agreement intending to be legally bound.

 

 

	
/s/   Geno Auriemma
    	
 
    	
5/17/12
    
	
GENO   AURIEMMA
    	
 
    	
Date
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
BERKSHIRE   BANK
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
/s/   Sean A. Gray
    	
 
    	
5/14/12
    
	
Sean   A. Gray
    	
 
    	
Date
    
	
Executive   Vice President — Retail Banking
    	
 
    	
 
    
				

 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

1.                 Auriemma will act as the spokesperson for Berkshire and its Affiliates.

 

2.                 Auriemma will participate in one (1) recording session annually during the Services Period of not more than two (2) hours, not including travel time, to record a radio advertising spot at a date and location to be mutually agreed upon;

 

3.                 Auriemma will participate in one (1) production session annually during the Services Period of not more than three (3) hours, not including travel time, to record a television advertising spot at a date and location to be mutually agreed upon;

 

4.                 Auriemma will participate in one (1) photo session annually during the Services Period of not more than two (2) hours, not including travel time, at a date and location to be mutually agreed upon;

 

5.                 Auriemma will be available for two (2) appearances annually during the Services Period within the Contract Territory, the date and location to be mutually agreed upon, each not more than one (1) hour in duration, where Auriemma will meet, greet and pose for photos.

 

6.                 Auriemma will be available one (1) time per calendar quarter during the Services Period to meet and address Berkshire’s small business customer groups.

 

7.                 Auriemma will sign 100 items per year during the Services Period for Berkshire provided all items are to be obtained at Berkshire’s cost, provided, however, that Berkshire shall not sell any items autographed by Auriemma and Auriemma will not be required to sign any item that is manufactured by a competitor of Nike and subject to Nike’s right to disapprove any items.

 

8.                 Auriemma will permit Berkshire to place a link on its website (Berkshirebank.com) throughout the Contract Period, directing website viewers to a landing page promoting Berkshire’s product or brand containing the Auriemma Identification.

 

9.                 Berkshire may utilize Auriemma and the Auriemma Identification throughout the Contract Period in all approved materials including billboards, subway/bus ads, direct mail, stand-ups, counter cards, posters, etc.Exhibit 10.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) executed this 2nd day of April, 2012, is between Rhino GP LLC (“Employer”) and Christopher I. Walton (“Employee”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H

 

WHEREAS Employee is currently employed by the Employer pursuant to an Employment Agreement dated as of December 11, 2009.

 

WHEREAS Employer desires to continue to employ Employee on the terms hereof, and Employee desires to commence employment with Employer on such terms; and

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.                                      Prior Agreement; Assignment of Prior Agreement; Terms and Duties.  This Agreement amends, restates and supercedes the Prior Agreement.  Each of Employer and Employee acknowledge that the Prior Agreement was assigned and Employee’s employment transferred from Sands Hill Mining LLC to Rhino GP LLC on December 31, 2010 incident to the initial public offering of units in Rhino Resource Partners LP (the “Partnership”).  Commencing on the date hereof, the Employer shall employ the Employee as its Chief Operating Officer until April 30, 2015, unless sooner terminated as herein provided or extended by mutual agreement of the parties (the “Employment Term”), or in such other position, or with such other duties, as Employer may designate during the Employment Term.  In this capacity, Employee shall serve as the chief operations officer of the Partnership’s subsidiaries in all regions and shall report directly to Employer’s CEO.  Employee shall also serve as an officer of those subsidiaries of the Partnership that the Employer determines.  The Employee agrees to devote all of his business time and his best efforts to the business of Employer as may be necessary to perform his duties in accordance with the policies and budgets established from time to time by Employer.

 

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During the Employment Term, the Employee will not have any other employment.  Employee shall be bound by, and agree to comply with, all policies, procedures, and employment conditions of Employer in effect from time to time applicable to its employees.

 

2.                                      Compensation.  For Employee’s services hereunder during the Employment Term, Employer shall pay to Employee a salary at the rate of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) per year, payable periodically in accordance with Employer’s usual executive payroll payment procedures. Employee is to receive increases of $15,000 per annum as of April 1st of each successive year under this agreement.

 

3.                                      Bonus & Equity Incentive Compensation.  Employee shall be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus of up to 40% of Employee’s base salary.  Such bonus shall commence with a bonus for calendar year 2012 and shall be determined and paid within 120 days of the end of each calendar year of the Employment Term. Employee shall also participate in any equity incentive compensation (e.g. “phantom unit” grants) applicable to Employer’s senior management group in such amounts, and on such terms, as Employer’s CEO, acting in consultation with Employer’s Compensation Committee, may decide in their sole and absolute discretion.

 

4.                                      Place of Employment. The Employee’s regular place of employment during the Employment Term shall be at or near the Employer’s offices in Lexington, Kentucky.

 

5.                                      Automobile.  Employer shall provide Employee with the use of a 4-wheel drive vehicle suitable for the intended duties of the Employee.  Employee’s use of such vehicle shall be subject to Employer’s company vehicle policies, as they may be modified, amended and supplemented at any time and from time to time.

 

6.                                      Travel; Expenses.  The Employee shall engage in such travel as may reasonably

 

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be required in connection with the performance of his duties. All reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by the Employee (in accordance with the policies and the budget of the Employer established from time to time) in carrying out his duties hereunder will be reimbursed by the Employer on presentation to it of expense accounts and appropriate documentation in accordance with the customary procedures of the Employer for reimbursement of employee expenses.

 

7.                                      Confidentiality; Competition.

 

(a)                                 The Employer possesses and will continue to possess confidential information to which the Employee may gain access. For the purposes hereof, all non-public information about the business and affairs of the Employer and its affiliates (including, without limitation, business plans, real and personal property leases, financial, engineering and marketing information and information about costs, mining and processing methods, suppliers and customers, including such information created by Employee and confidential information of others obtained by Employer pursuant to confidentiality agreements) constitute “Employer Confidential Information.” Employee acknowledges that he will have access to and knowledge of Employer Confidential Information, and that improper use or disclosure of same by the Employee during  or after the Employment Term could cause serious injury to the business of the Employer.  Accordingly, the Employee agrees that he will forever keep secret and inviolate all Employer Confidential Information which comes into his possession, and that he will not use the same for his own private benefit, or directly or indirectly for the benefit of others, and that he will not disclose such Employer Confidential Information to any other person except as necessary in the proper pursuance of his duties.  It is recognized that the Employee may be compelled to disclose confidential information through various legal means, In which case,

 

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Employee shall promptly notify Employer of such requirement in order to allow the Employeer to seek confidential treatment of this information.

 

(b)                                 The Employee agrees that during the Employment Term (and for a period of twelve (12) months following Employee’s voluntary resignation or termination with or without cause) the Employee will not engage (whether as an officer, director, partner, proprietor, member, shareholder, investor, associate, employee, consultant, adviser, public relations or advertising representative or otherwise), directly or indirectly, in the businesses of coal mining or coal marketing or in any hydrocarbon related businesses which the Partnership and its subsidiaries may engage in the following regions: Central Appalachia, Northern Appalachia, Illinois Basin, Western Colorado, Utah and any other region in which the Employer, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates conduct business. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the Employee shall be deemed to be engaged in any business with any person for whom he shall be an employee, officer, director, owner, employer, consultant, shareholder, member or partner.  During such period of non-competition, and for a period of six (6) months thereafter, Employee shall not directly or indirectly solicit, interview or make any decision or recommendation to hire or to retain as a consultant or advisor or in any other capacity, any current employee of Employer or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates, for himself, or for or to, any other person or entity.  Employee shall notify any subsequent employer of Employee of the foregoing agreement

 

(c)                                  The terms of this Agreement are intended to limit disclosure and competition by the Employee to the maximum extent permitted by law. If it shall be finally determined by any court of competent jurisdiction ruling on this Agreement that the scope or duration of any limitation contained in this paragraph 7 is too extensive to be legally enforceable,

 

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then the parties hereby agree that the scope and duration (not greater than that provided for herein) of such limitation shall be the maximum scope and duration which shall be legally enforceable and the Employee hereby consents to the enforcement of such limitation as so modified.

 

(d)                                 The Employee acknowledges that any violation by him of the provisions of this paragraph 7 could cause serious and irreparable harm and damage to the Employer.  He further acknowledges that it might not be possible to measure such damages in money and that Employer’s remedy at law for a breach or threatened reach of the provisions of paragraph 7 would be inadequate. Accordingly, the Employee agrees that, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by him of the provisions of this paragraph 7, the Employer may seek, in addition to any other rights or remedies, including money damages, an injunction or restraining order, restraining the Employee from doing or continuing to do or perform any acts constituting such breach or threatened breach. In the event Employer seeks an injunction or restraining order, Employee and Employer agree that Employer shall not be required to post a bond to obtain the necessary equitable relief.

 

8.                                      Indemnification.  Subject to the Company’s limited liability company agreement (or the corresponding charter documents of a successor employer as contemplated by Paragraph 12 below), Employer shall indemnify and hold harmless Employee from and against any loss, cost, damage, expense, or liability incurred by Employee for any action taken or that was taken in connection with the Prior Agreement in the scope of Employee’s employment for the Employer, provided such action (i) is within the scope, duties, and authority of Employee, (ii) is not in willful violation of any law, regulation, or code of conduct adopted by the Employer, and (iii) does not constitute gross negligence or intentional misconduct by Employee, as finally

 

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determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.  The obligations of the Employer under this Section 8 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.  If there is any conflict between this Section 8 and the Company’s limited liability company agreement (or the corresponding charter documents of a successor employer as contemplated by Paragraph 12 below), the Company’s limited liability company agreement shall control, provided however, that no revision to the Company’s limited liability company agreement may effect any diminishment to the Company’s indemnification obligations hereunder as they exist on the date hereof.

 

9.                                      Benefits; Vacation. The Employer agrees to provide to the Employee the benefits available to all salaried employees generally, as modified from time to time.  Employee shall be entitled to three (3) weeks of vacation per year, plus any additional “personal” or “extra vacation” days off that are awarded to employees pursuant to Employer’s personnel policies, as they may be amended from time to time.  Unused vacation and additional time off may carry over to future years if approved in writing by Employer’s CEO.  Employer recognizes previously agreed carryover as specified in previous agreement.

 

10.                               Employee’s Representation Regarding Prior and Future Employment.  Employee hereby represents to the Employer that he has full lawful right and power to enter into this Agreement and carry out his duties hereunder, and that same will not constitute a breach of or default under any employment, confidentiality, non-competition or other agreement by which he may be bound. Further, Employee hereby represents to the Employer that he is not listed in the Office of Surface Mining’s Applicant Violator System database.  Employee further agrees to provide prompt notice to Employer of Employee’s first subsequent employment after ceasing to be an employee of Employer.

 

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11.                               Termination for Cause, Employment at Will or Voluntary Resignation by Employee.  If Employee shall:

 

(a)                                 commit an act of dishonesty against the Employer or fraud upon the Employer; or

 

(b)                                 breach his obligations under this Agreement and fail to cure such breach within five (5) days after written notice thereof, or

 

(c)                                  be convicted of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to any felony or to any misdemeanor involving financial dishonesty or any other crime that would indicate that Employee is not capable of successfully performing his obligations under this Agreement; or

 

(d)                                 fail or neglect to diligently perform his duties hereunder as reasonably determined by Employer;

 

then, and in any such case, the Employer may terminate the employment of the Employee “for cause” hereunder.  In the event of termination “for cause” or voluntary resignation by Employee, the Employee shall no longer have any right to any of the benefits (including future salary or bonus payments) which would otherwise have accrued or been payable after such termination.  However, in the event of a termination by Employer of the employment of the Employee other than “for cause”, the Employer shall (i) pay to the Employee a severance payment equal to twelve (12) months of Employee’s base salary then in effect, plus (ii) continue Employee’s family health insurance coverage under Employer’s group plan, at the same premium cost to Employee as was in effect on the date of termination, until the earlier of (x) twelve (12) months following such termination other than “for cause,” or (y) the date Employee is covered under a health insurance policy through a subsequent employer.

 

12.                               Successors.  The rights, benefits, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to and be binding upon the Employer, its successors and assigns and upon the Employee and his legal representatives, legatees and heirs. It is specifically understood, however, that this Agreement may not be transferred or assigned by the Employee. The Employer may

 

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assign any of its rights and obligations hereunder to any subsidiary or affiliate of the Employer, or to a successor or survivor resulting from a merger, consolidation, sale of assets or stock or other corporate reorganization, on condition that the assignee shall assume all of the Employer’s obligations hereunder and it is agreed that such successor or surviving corporation shall continue to be obligated to perform the provisions of this Agreement.

 

13.                               Waiver of Breach.  The failure of either party to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms, conditions, and provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of future compliance therewith, and said terms, conditions, and provisions shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement on the part of the Employer shall be effective for any purposes whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing by Employer’s CEO.

 

14.                               Amendments.  No amendment or variation of the terms and conditions of this Agreement nor any waiver of any rights hereunder shall be made unless the terms of such amendment are in writing and-duly executed by Employee and Employer’s CEO and such amendment specifically states it is the intent to amend this Agreement.

 

15.                               Entire Agreement; Survival.  This Agreement constitutes the complete and entire agreement governing the terms and conditions of the employment relationship between the parties and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings. Both Employee and Employer acknowledge and agree that there are no oral or written understandings concerning the Employee’s employment by Employer outside of this Agreement.  The terms of this Agreement shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement and the conclusion of the Employment Term.

 

16.                               Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be construed and enforced pursuant to

 

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the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including matters of law relating to the choice of law.  Employee hereby consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including the Fayette County, Kentucky Circuit Court and hereby waives any objection to venue of any action brought in said court.

 

17.                               Counterparts.  This Agreement, as executed separately by the individual parties, shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one document.

 

18.                               Confidential Terms.  Employee agrees to maintain as confidential the terms and conditions of this Agreement, provided however Employee may disclose the terms of this agreement to his legal counsel, and accountant or tax preparer, or as may be otherwise required by law.

 

19.                               JURY TRIAL WAIVER.  EMPLOYEE HEREBY VOLUNTARILY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH REGARD TO ANY ACTION ARISING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE EMPLOYEE BY THE EMPLOYER.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

	
 
    	
EMPLOYER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
RHINO GP LLC
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By: 
    	
 
    	
/s/ David G. Zatazelo
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
David G. Zatezalo, CEO
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
EMPLOYEE:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
    /s/ Christopher I. Walton
    
	
 
    	
Christopher I. Walton
    

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO CHRISTOPER I. WALTON EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

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