UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to ________.

Commission File Number 0-2585
The Dixie Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Tennessee
 
62-0183370
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation of organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
104 Nowlin Lane, Suite 101, Chattanooga, TN 37421
 
(423) 510-7000
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
Title of Class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $3.00 par value
 
NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC
 
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
 
Title of class
 
 
None
 
 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ¨ Yes þ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. ¨ Yes þ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   þ Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes ¨  No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨     Accelerated filer þ          Non-accelerated filer ¨     Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ¨ Yes þ No

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 27, 2014 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed fiscal second quarter) was $154,037,606.  The aggregate market value was computed by reference to the closing price of the Common Stock on such date.  In making this calculation, the registrant has assumed, without admitting for any purpose, that all executive officers, directors, and holders of more than 10% of a class of outstanding Common Stock, and no other persons, are affiliates.  No market exists for the shares of Class B Common Stock, which is neither registered under Section 12 of the Act nor subject to Section 15(d) of the Act.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of Common Stock as of the latest practicable date.

Class
 
Outstanding as of February 27, 2015
Common Stock, $3.00 Par Value
 
15,007,423

 
shares
Class B Common Stock, $3.00 Par Value
 
764,191

 
shares
Class C Common Stock, $3.00 Par Value
 
0

 
shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Specified portions of the following document are incorporated by reference:
Proxy Statement of the registrant for annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 28, 2015 (Part III).

Table of Contents      1




THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.

Index to Annual Report
on Form 10-K for
Year Ended December 27, 2014

PART I
Page
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
PART II
 
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
 
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
 
Item 15.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents      2





FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Report contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include the use of terms or phrases such as "expects," "estimates," "projects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," and similar terms and phrases. Such forward-looking statements relate to, among other matters, our future financial performance, business prospects, growth strategies or liquidity. The following important factors may affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially from our historical results; these factors include, in addition to those "Risk Factors" detailed in Item 1A of this report, and described elsewhere in this document, the cost and availability of capital, raw material and transportation costs related to petroleum price levels, the cost and availability of energy supplies, the loss of a significant customer or group of customers, materially adverse changes in economic conditions generally in carpet, rug and floorcovering markets we serve and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Table of Contents      3




PART I.

Item 1.
BUSINESS
 
General
 
Our business consists principally of marketing, manufacturing and selling carpet and rugs to high-end residential and commercial customers through our various sales forces and brands. A small portion of our manufacturing capacity is used to provide carpet and yarn related services to other manufacturers.

From 1920 until 1993 we were exclusively in the textile business. We sold our textile assets and began acquiring floorcovering businesses in 1993. We focus exclusively on the upper-end of the soft floorcovering market where we believe we have strong brands and competitive advantages with our style and design capabilities and customer relationships.

Our business is concentrated in areas of the soft floorcovering markets where innovative styling, design, color, quality and service, as well as limited distribution, are welcomed and rewarded.  Our Fabrica, Masland, and Dixie Home brands have a significant presence in the high-end residential soft floorcovering markets.  Our Atlas Carpet Mills, Masland Contract brand and Masland Hospitality, participate in the upper end specified commercial marketplace. Dixie International sells all of our brands outside of the North American market. Our brands are well known, highly regarded and complementary; by being differentiated, we offer meaningful alternatives to the discriminating customer.

We have one line of business, carpet and rug manufacturing.

Our Brands
 
Fabrica , markets and manufactures luxurious residential carpet and custom rugs, at selling prices that we believe are approximately five times the average for the residential soft floorcovering industry.  Its primary customers are interior decorators and designers, selected retailers and furniture stores, luxury home builders and manufacturers of luxury motor coaches and yachts.  Fabrica is among the leading premium brands in the domestic marketplace and is known for styling innovation and unique colors and patterns.  Fabrica consists of made-to-order, hand-crafted, extremely high quality carpets and area rugs in both nylon and wool, with a wide variety of patterns and textures. Fabrica is viewed by the trade as the premier quality brand for very high-end carpet and enjoys an established reputation as a styling trendsetter and a market leader in providing both custom and designer products to the very high-end residential sector.

Masland Residential, founded in 1866, markets and manufactures design-driven specialty carpets and rugs for the high-end residential marketplace.  Its residential and commercial broadloom carpet products are marketed at selling prices that we believe are over three times the average for the residential soft floorcovering industry.  Its products are marketed through the interior design community, as well as to consumers through specialty floorcovering retailers.  Masland Residential has strong brand recognition within the upper-end residential market.  Masland Residential competes through innovative styling, color, product design, quality and service with products made of both wool and nylon.

Dixie Home provides stylishly designed, differentiated products that offer affordable fashion to residential consumers. Dixie Home markets an array of tufted broadloom residential and commercial carpet to selected retailers and home centers under the Dixie Home and private label brands.  Its objective is to make the Dixie Home brand the choice for styling, service and quality in the more moderately priced sector of the high-end broadloom residential carpet market.  Its products are marketed at selling prices which we believe average two times the soft floorcovering industry's average selling price.

Atlas Carpet Mills , acquired in 2014, is our premium commercial brand. Atlas has long been known for superior style and design. Atlas’ focus is the specified design community including architects and designers who serve the upper end commercial marketplace.  The Atlas brand has unique styling, as evident in both its broadloom and modular carpet tile product offerings.  Atlas’ high quality offerings are manufactured utilizing just in time manufacturing techniques in our California operations.

Masland Contract markets and manufactures broadloom and modular carpet tile for the specified commercial marketplace.  Its commercial products are marketed to the architectural and specified design community and directly to commercial end users, as well as to consumers through specialty floorcovering retailers. Masland Contract has strong brand recognition within the upper-end contract market, and competes through innovative styling, color, patterns, quality and service.

Masland Hospitality, a new commercial business launched in 2014, is designed to focus on the hospitality market with both custom designed and running line products. Utilizing the computerized yarn placement technology we acquired with our Burtco acquisition this past year, as well as offerings utilizing our state of the art Infinity tufting technology, this brand provides excellent service and design flexibility to the hospitality market serving upper-end hotels, conference centers and

Table of Contents      4




senior living markets. Its broadloom and rug product offerings are designed for the interior designer in the upper-end of the hospitality market who appreciates sophisticated texture, color and patterns with excellent service.

Industry
 
The carpet and rug industry has two primary markets, residential and commercial, with the residential market making up the largest portion of the industry's sales.  A substantial portion of industry shipments is made in response to replacement demand. Residential products consist of broadloom carpets and rugs in a broad range of styles, colors and textures.  Commercial products consist primarily of broadloom carpet and modular carpet tile for a variety of institutional applications such as office buildings, restaurant chains, schools and other commercial establishments.  The carpet industry also manufactures carpet for the automotive, recreational vehicle, small boat and other industries.

The Carpet and Rug Institute (the "CRI") is the national trade association representing carpet and rug manufacturers. Information compiled by the CRI suggests that the domestic carpet and rug industry is comprised of fewer than 100 manufacturers, with a significant majority of the industry's production concentrated in a limited number of manufacturers focused on the lower end of the price curve.  We believe that this industry focus provides us with opportunities to capitalize on our competitive strengths in selected markets where innovative styling, design, product differentiation, focused service and limited distribution add value.
 
Competition
 
The floorcovering industry is highly competitive.  We compete with other carpet and rug manufacturers and other types of floorcoverings.  We believe our products are among the leaders in styling and design in the high-end residential and high-end commercial carpet markets.  However, a number of manufacturers produce competitive products and some of these manufacturers have greater financial resources than we do.

We believe the principal competitive factors in our primary soft floorcovering markets are styling, color, product design, quality and service.  In the high-end residential and high-end commercial markets, carpet competes with various other types of floorcoverings.  Nevertheless, we believe we have competitive advantages in several areas.  We have an attractive portfolio of brands that we believe are well known, highly regarded by customers and complementary; by being differentiated, we offer meaningful alternatives to the discriminating customer.  We believe our investment in new yarns , such as Stainmaster's® TruSoft™ and PetProtect™, and innovative tufting and dyeing technologies, strengthens our ability to offer product differentiation to our customers. In addition, we have established longstanding relationships with key suppliers in our industry and customers in most of our markets.  Finally, our reputation for innovative design excellence and our experienced management team enhance our competitive position.  See "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of this report.
 
Backlog
 
Sales order backlog is not material to understanding our business, due to relatively short lead times for order fulfillment in the markets for the vast majority of our products.
 
Trademarks
 
Our floorcovering businesses own a variety of trademarks under which our products are marketed.  Among such trademarks, the names "Fabrica", "Masland", "Dixie Home", “Atlas Carpet Mills”, “Masland Contract” and "Masland Hospitality" are of greatest importance to our business.  We believe that we have taken adequate steps to protect our interest in all significant trademarks.
 
Customer and Product Concentration
 
As a percentage of our net sales, one customer, Lowe's, a mass merchant, accounted for approximately 9% in 2014, 13% in 2013 and 9% in 2012. No other customer was more than 10 percent of our sales during the periods presented.  During 2014, sales to our top ten customers accounted for 15% percent of our sales and our top 20 customers accounted for 18% percent of our sales.  We do not make a material amount of sales in foreign countries.

We do not have any single class of products that accounts for more than 10 percent of our sales. However, sales of our floorcovering products may be classified by significant end-user markets into which we sell, and such information for the past three years is summarized as follows:

 
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Residential floorcovering products
67
%
 
73
%
 
75
%
Commercial floorcovering products
33
%
 
27
%
 
25
%



Table of Contents      5




Seasonality
 
Our sales historically have normally reached their lowest level in the first quarter (approximately 23% of our annual sales), with the remaining sales being distributed relatively equally between the second, third and fourth quarters.  Working capital requirements have normally reached their highest levels in the third and fourth quarters of the year.

Environmental
 
Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment.  The costs of complying with environmental protection laws and regulations have not had a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations in the past and are not expected to have a material adverse impact in the future.  See "Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report.

Raw Materials
 
Our primary raw material is yarn.  Nylon is the primary yarn we utilize and, to a lesser extent, wool and polyester yarn is used. Additionally, we utilize polypropylene carpet backing, latex, dyes and chemicals, and man-made topical applications in the construction of our products.  Our synthetic yarns are purchased primarily from domestic fiber suppliers and wool is purchased from a number of domestic and international sources.  Our other raw materials are purchased primarily from domestic suppliers. Where possible, we pass raw material price increases through to our customers; however, there can be no assurance that price increases can be passed through to customers and that increases in raw material prices will not have an adverse effect on our profitability.  See "Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report.  We purchase a significant portion of our primary raw material (nylon yarn) from one supplier.  We believe there are other sources of nylon yarn; however, an unanticipated termination or interruption of our supply arrangements could adversely affect our supplies of raw materials and could have a material effect on our operations.  See "Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report.
 
Utilities
 
We use electricity as our principal energy source, with oil or natural gas used in some facilities for dyeing and finishing operations as well as heating.  We have not experienced any material problem in obtaining adequate supplies of electricity, natural gas or oil.  Energy shortages of extended duration could have an adverse effect on our operations, and price volatility could negatively impact future earnings.  See "Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report.
 
Working Capital
 
We are required to maintain significant levels of inventory in order to provide the enhanced service levels demanded by the nature of our business and our customers, and to ensure timely delivery of our products.  Consistent and dependable sources of liquidity are required to maintain such inventory levels.  Failure to maintain appropriate levels of inventory could materially adversely affect our relationships with our customers and adversely affect our business.  See "Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report.
 
Employment Level
 
At December 27, 2014, we employed 1,740 associates in our operations.
 
Available Information
 
Our internet address is www.thedixiegroup.com.  We make the following reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission available, free of charge, on our website under the heading "Investor Relations":
 
1.
annual reports on Form 10-K;
2.
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q;
3.
current reports on Form 8-K; and
4.
amendments to the foregoing reports.
 
The contents of our website are not a part of this report.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information provided in this Report, the following risk factors should be considered when evaluating the results of our operations, future prospects and an investment in shares of our Common Stock.  Any of these factors could cause our actual financial results to differ materially from our historical results, and could give rise to events that might have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 

Table of Contents      6




The floorcovering industry is sensitive to changes in general economic conditions and a decline in residential or commercial construction activity or corporate remodeling and refurbishment could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The floorcovering industry, in which the Company participates, is highly dependent on general economic conditions, such as consumer confidence and income, corporate and government spending, interest rate levels, availability of credit and demand for housing. The Company derives a majority of its sales from the replacement segment of the market. Therefore, economic changes that result in a significant or prolonged decline in spending for remodeling and replacement activities could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

The floorcovering industry is highly dependent on construction activity, including new construction, which is cyclical in nature, and recently experienced a downturn. The 2008 downturn in the U.S. and global economies, along with the residential and commercial markets in such economies, negatively impacted the floorcovering industry and the Company’s business. Although the impact of a decline in new construction activity is typically accompanied by an increase in remodeling and replacement activity, these activities lagged during the downturn. Although the difficult economic conditions have improved, there may be additional downturns that could cause the industry to deteriorate in the foreseeable future. A significant or prolonged decline in residential or commercial construction activity could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

We have significant levels of sales in certain channels of distribution and reduction in sales through these channels could adversely affect our business.

A significant amount of our sales are generated through certain retail and mass merchant channels of distribution. Because we depend on such certain channels of distribution, a significant reduction of sales through these channels could adversely affect our business.

We have significant levels of indebtedness that could result in negative consequences to us.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness relative to our equity. Insufficient cash flow, profitability or the value of our assets securing our loans could materially adversely affect our ability to generate sufficient funds to satisfy the terms of our senior loan agreements and other debt obligations. Additionally, the inability to access debt or equity markets at competitive rates in sufficient amounts to satisfy our obligations could adversely impact our business.

Uncertainty in the credit market or downturns in the economy and our business could affect our overall availability and cost of credit.

Uncertainty in the credit markets could affect the overall availability and cost of credit. Despite recent improvement in overall economic conditions, market conditions could impact our ability to obtain financing in the future, including any financing necessary to refinance existing indebtedness, and the cost and terms of it, remains uncertain. These and other economic factors could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products and on its financial condition and operating results.

We face intense competition in our industry, which could decrease demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

The floorcovering industry is highly competitive. We face competition from a number of domestic manufacturers and independent distributors of floorcovering products and, in certain product areas, foreign manufacturers. Significant consolidation within the floorcovering industry has caused a number of our existing and potential competitors to grow significantly larger and have greater access to resources and capital than we do. Maintaining our competitive position may require us to make substantial additional investments in our product development efforts, manufacturing facilities, distribution network and sales and marketing activities. These additional investments may be limited by our access to capital, as well as restrictions set forth in our credit facilities. Competitive pressures may also result in decreased demand for our products and in the loss of market share. In addition, we face, and will continue to face, competitive pressures on our sales price and cost of our products. As a result of any of these factors, there could be a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.

If we are unable to anticipate consumer preferences and successfully develop and introduce new, innovative and updated products, we may not be able to maintain or increase our net revenues and profitability.

Our success depends on our ability to identify and originate product trends as well as to anticipate and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. All of our products are subject to changing consumer preferences that cannot be predicted with certainty. In addition, long lead times for certain of our products may make it hard for us to quickly respond to changes in consumer demands. Our new products may not receive consumer acceptance as consumer preferences could shift rapidly to different types of flooring products or away from these types of products altogether, and our future success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes. Failure to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing consumer preferences could lead to, among other things, lower sales and excess inventory levels, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Table of Contents      7





Raw material prices may increase and the inability to pass any such increases to our customers could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The prices of raw materials and fuel-related costs vary significantly with market conditions. In particular, our business requires the purchase of large volumes of nylon and polyester yarn, as well as wool yarns, synthetic backing, latex, and dyes. Increases in the cost of these raw materials could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition if we are unable to pass these increases through to our customers. Although we generally attempt to pass on increases in raw material, energy and fuel-related costs to our customers, our ability to do so is dependent upon the rate and magnitude of any increase, competitive pressures and market conditions for our products. There have been in the past, and may be in the future, periods of time during which increases in these costs cannot be recovered. During such periods of time, our business may be materially adversely affected.

Unanticipated termination or interruption of our arrangements with third-party suppliers of nylon yarn could have a material adverse effect on us.

Nylon yarn is the principal raw material used in our floorcovering products. A significant portion of such yarn is purchased from one supplier. Our yarn supplier is one of the leading fiber suppliers within the industry and is the exclusive supplier of certain innovative branded fiber technology upon which we rely. We believe our offerings of this innovative fiber technology contribute materially to the competitiveness of our products. While we believe there are other sources of nylon yarns, an unanticipated termination or interruption of our current supply of nylon yarn could have a material adverse effect on our ability to supply our product to our customers and have a material adverse impact on our competitiveness if we are unable to replace our nylon supplier with another supplier that can offer similar innovative fiber products. An extended interruption in the supply of these or other raw materials or sourced products used in the Company’s business or in the supply of suitable substitute materials or products would disrupt the Company’s operations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

We may experience certain risks associated with internal expansion, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments.
We have recently embarked on several strategic and tactical initiatives, including aggressive internal expansion, acquisitions and investment in new products, to strengthen our future and to enable us to return to sustained growth and profitability. Growth through expansion and acquisition involves risks, many of which may continue to affect us after the acquisition or expansion. An acquired company, operation or internal expansion may not achieve the levels of revenue, profitability and production that we expect. The combination of an acquired company’s business with ours involves risks. Further, internally generated growth that involves expansion involves risks as well. Such risks include the integration of computer systems, alignment of human resource policies and the retention of valued talent. Reported earnings may not meet expectations because of goodwill and intangible asset impairment, other asset impairments, increased interest costs and issuance of additional securities or debt as a result of these acquisitions. We may also face challenges in consolidating functions and integrating our organizations, procedures, operations and product lines in a timely and efficient manner.
The diversion of management attention and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, level of expenses and operating results. Failure to successfully manage and integrate an acquisition with our existing operations or expansion of our existing operations could lead to the potential loss of customers of the acquired or existing business, the potential loss of employees who may be vital to the new or existing operations, the potential loss of business opportunities or other adverse consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if integration occurs successfully, failure of the expansion or acquisition to achieve levels of anticipated sales growth, profitability or productivity, or otherwise perform as expected, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to various environmental, safety and health regulations that may subject us to costs, liabilities and other obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to various environmental, safety and health and other regulations that may subject us to costs, liabilities and other obligations which could have a material adverse effect on our business. The applicable requirements under these laws are subject to amendment, to the imposition of new or additional requirements and to changing interpretations of agencies or courts. We could incur material expenditures to comply with new or existing regulations, including fines and penalties and increased costs of its operations. Additionally, future laws, ordinances or regulations could give rise to additional compliance or remediation costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, producer responsibility regulations regarding end-of-life disposal could impose additional cost and complexity to our business.


Table of Contents      8




Various federal, state and local environmental laws govern the use of our current and former facilities. These laws govern such matters as:

Discharge to air and water;
Handling and disposal of solid and hazardous substances and waste, and
Remediation of contamination from releases of hazardous substances in our facilities and off-site disposal locations.

Our operations also are governed by laws relating to workplace safety and worker health, which, among other things, establish noise standards and regulate the use of hazardous materials and chemicals in the workplace. We have taken, and will continue to take, steps to comply with these laws. If we fail to comply with present or future environmental or safety regulations, we could be subject to future liabilities. However, we cannot ensure that complying with these environmental or health and safety laws and requirements will not adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may be exposed to litigation, claims and other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business relating to our products or business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to a variety of work-related and product-related claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings, including those relating to product liability, product warranty, product recall, personal injury, and other matters that are inherently subject to many uncertainties regarding the possibility of a loss our business. Such matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition if we are unable to successfully defend against or resolve these matters or if our insurance coverage is insufficient to satisfy any judgments against us or settlements relating to these matters. Although we have product liability insurance, the policies may not provide coverage for certain claims against us or may not be sufficient to cover all possible liabilities. Further, we may not be able to maintain insurance at commercially acceptable premium levels. Additionally, adverse publicity arising from claims made against us, even if the claims are not successful, could adversely affect our reputation or the reputation and sales of our products.

Our business operations could suffer significant losses from natural disasters, catastrophes, fire or other unexpected events.

Many of our business activities involve substantial investments in manufacturing facilities and many products are produced at a limited number of locations. These facilities could be materially damaged by natural disasters, such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes, or by fire or other unexpected events such as adverse weather conditions or other disruptions to our facilities, supply chain or our customer's facilities. We could incur uninsured losses and liabilities arising from such events, including damage to our reputation, and/or suffer material losses in operational capacity, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Item 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.


Table of Contents      9




Item 2.
PROPERTIES

The following table lists our facilities according to location, type of operation and approximate total floor space as of February 27, 2015:
Location
 
Type of Operation
 
Approximate Square Feet
Administrative:
 
 
 
 
Saraland, AL
 
Administrative
 
29,000

Commerce, CA*
 
Administrative
 
21,800

Santa Ana, CA
 
Administrative
 
4,000

Calhoun, GA
 
Administrative
 
10,600

Dalton, GA*
 
Administrative
 
16,000

Chattanooga, TN*
 
Administrative
 
3,500

 
 
Total Administrative
 
84,900

 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing and Distribution:
 
 
Atmore, AL
 
Carpet Manufacturing, Distribution
 
610,000

Roanoke, AL
 
Carpet Yarn Processing
 
204,000

Saraland, AL
 
Carpet Tile Manufacturing, Distribution
 
384,000

Saraland, AL*
 
Samples and Rug Manufacturing, Distribution
 
132,000

Commerce, CA*
 
Carpet Manufacturing, Distribution
 
51,700

Commerce, CA*
 
Carpet Manufacturing
 
250,000

Santa Ana, CA
 
Carpet and Rug Manufacturing, Distribution
 
200,000

Adairsville, GA
 
Samples and Rug Manufacturing, Distribution
 
292,000

Calhoun, GA *
 
Carpet Wool Manufacturing
 
99,000

Calhoun, GA
 
Carpet Dyeing & Processing
 
193,300

Chickamauga, GA*
 
Carpet Manufacturing
 
107,000

Eton, GA
 
Carpet Manufacturing, Distribution
 
408,000

 
 
Total Manufacturing and Distribution
 
2,931,000

 
 
 
 
 
* Leased properties
 
TOTAL
 
3,015,900


In addition to the facilities listed above, we lease a small amount of office space in various locations.

In our opinion, our manufacturing facilities are well maintained and our machinery is efficient and competitive.  Operations of our facilities generally vary between 120 and 168 hours per week.  Substantially all of our owned properties are subject to mortgages, which secure the outstanding borrowings under our senior credit facilities.

Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

At December 28, 2013, the Company was a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a former raw material supplier. In its lawsuit, the Company alleges that the former supplier sold defective materials to the Company over a period of time, which, when applied to certain of the Company’s products, caused those products to become defective and unmerchantable in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. On January 31, 2014, the Company and the supplier settled the Company's claim for $400 thousand.

Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable


Table of Contents      10




Pursuant to instruction G of Form 10-K the following is included as an unnumbered item to PART I.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The names, ages, positions and offices held by the executive officers of the registrant as of February 27, 2015, are listed below along with their business experience during the past five years.

Name, Age and Position
 
Business Experience During Past Five Years
 
 
 
Daniel K. Frierson, 73
Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer, Director
 
Director since 1973, Chairman of the Board since 1987 and Chief Executive Officer since 1980. He is the Chairman of the Company's Executive Committee and Retirement Plans Committee.  He is currently Chairman of The Carpet and Rug Institute. He serves as Director of Astec Industries, Inc. headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
 
 
 
D. Kennedy Frierson, Jr., 48
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 
Director since 2012 and Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since August 2009. Vice President and President Masland Residential from February 2006 to July 2009. President Masland Residential from December 2005 to January 2006. Executive Vice President and General Manager, Dixie Home, 2003 to 2005.  Business Unit Manager, Bretlin, 2002 to 2003.
 
 
 
Jon A. Faulkner, 54
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since October 2009.  Vice President of Planning and Development from February 2002 to September 2009. Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Steward, Inc. from 1997 to 2002.
 
 
 
Paul B. Comiskey, 63
Vice President and President, Dixie Residential
 
Vice President and President of Dixie Residential since August 2009.  Vice President and President, Dixie Home from February 2007 to July 2009.  President, Dixie Home from December 2006 to January 2007.  Senior Vice President of Residential Sales, Mohawk Industries, Inc. from 1998 to 2006.  Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for World Carpets from 1996 to 1998.
 
 
 
V. Lee Martin, 63
Vice President and President, Masland Contract
 
President, Masland Contract since August 2012 and Vice President since February 2013. President, Step 2 Surfaces, LLC from 2011 to August 2012. Corporate Vice President, Sales and Marketing, for J & J Industries from 1994 to 2011.
 
 
 
W. Derek Davis, 64
Vice President, Human Resources
 
Vice President of Human Resources since January 1991. Corporate Employee Relations Director, 1988 to 1991.
 
 
 
D. Eugene Lasater, 64
Controller
 
Controller since 1988.
 
 
 
Starr T. Klein, 72
Secretary
 
Secretary since November 1992. Assistant Secretary, 1987 to 1992.

The executive officers of the registrant are generally elected annually by the Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each annual meeting of our shareholders.


Table of Contents      11




PART II.

Item 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our Common Stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol DXYN.  No market exists for our Class B Common Stock.

As of February 27, 2015, the total number of holders of our Common Stock was approximately 3,000 including an estimated 2,550 shareholders who hold our Common Stock in nominee names, but excluding approximately 540 participants in our 401(k) plan who may direct the voting of the shares allocated to their accounts.  The total number of holders of our Class B Common Stock was 12.


Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of shares of our Common Stock during the three months ended December 27, 2014:

Fiscal Month Ending
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
 
Maximum Number (or approximate dollar value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Plans or Programs
November 1, 2014
 
4

 
$
8.64

 
4

 
 
November 29, 2014
 

 

 

 
 
December 27, 2014
 

 

 

 
 
Three Fiscal Months Ended December 27, 2014
 
4

 
$
8.64

 
4

 
$
3,412,112


(1)
On August 8, 2007, we announced a program to repurchase up to $10 million of our Common Stock.



























Table of Contents      12




Quarterly Financial Data, Dividends and Price Range of Common Stock

Following are quarterly financial data, dividends and price range of Common Stock for the four quarterly periods in the years ended December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013.  Due to rounding, the totals of the quarterly information for each of the years reflected below may not necessarily equal the annual totals.  The discussion of restrictions on payment of dividends is included in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA, DIVIDENDS AND PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
(unaudited) (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2014
 
1ST (1)(2)
 
2ND (1)
 
3RD (1)
 
4TH (1)
Net sales
 
$
85,082

 
$
107,926

 
$
109,006

 
$
104,574

Gross profit
 
18,101

 
26,671

 
26,599

 
24,126

Operating income (loss)
 
(2,241
)
 
588

 
832

 
(4,415
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
4,821

 
(510
)
 
(8
)
 
(3,630
)
Loss from discontinued operations
 
(193
)
 
(135
)
 
(177
)
 
(103
)
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
 

 

 

 
(1,467
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
4,628

 
$
(645
)
 
$
(185
)
 
$
(5,200
)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
0.36

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$

 
$
(0.24
)
Discontinued operations
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
Disposal of discontinued operations
 

 

 

 
(0.10
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
0.34

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.35
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
0.36

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$

 
$
(0.24
)
Discontinued operations
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
Disposal of discontinued operations
 

 

 

 
(0.10
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
0.34

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.35
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock Prices:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
 
$
16.80

 
$
18.41

 
$
10.78

 
$
9.44

Low
 
12.10

 
9.77

 
7.42

 
6.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
1ST
 
2ND
 
3RD (1)
 
4TH (1)
Net sales
 
$
75,440

 
$
83,617

 
$
89,933

 
$
95,384

Gross profit
 
18,412

 
22,302

 
22,101

 
22,755

Operating income
 
1,677

 
3,271

 
1,962

 
1,945

Income from continuing operations
 
651

 
1,677

 
1,525

 
1,703

Loss from discontinued operations
 
(15
)
 
(32
)
 
(113
)
 
(106
)
Net income
 
$
636

 
$
1,645

 
$
1,412

 
$
1,597

Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.13

Discontinued operations
 

 

 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
Net income
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.12

Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.13

Discontinued operations
 

 

 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
Net income
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock Prices:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
 
$
5.93

 
$
9.38

 
$
12.05

 
$
13.85

Low
 
3.24

 
5.30

 
7.43

 
9.15


(1)
Periods have been restated to classify Carousel results to discontinued operations.
(2)
The first quarter of 2014 10-Q included an initial bargain purchase of $8,744 based on provisional amounts of certain fair values of Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc. During 2014, based on further information, the Company retroactively applied adjustments to the initial provisional amounts resulting in a final bargain purchase amount of $10,937.

Table of Contents      13





Shareholder Return Performance Presentation

We compare our performance to two different industry indexes published by Dow Jones, Inc. The first of these is the Dow Jones Furnishings Index, which is composed of publicly traded companies classified by Dow Jones in the furnishings industry. The second is the Dow Jones Building Materials & Fixtures Index, which is composed of publicly traded companies classified by Dow Jones in the building materials and fixtures industry.

In accordance with SEC rules, set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our Common Stock against the total return of the Standard & Poor's 600 Stock Index, plus both the Dow Jones Furnishings Index and the Dow Jones Building Materials & Fixtures Index, in each case for the five year period ended December 27, 2014. The comparison assumes that $100.00 was invested on December 26, 2009, in our Common Stock, the S&P 600 Index, and each of the two Peer Groups, and assumes the reinvestment of dividends.
The foregoing shareholder performance presentation shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the Commission subject to Regulation 14A, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.


Table of Contents      14




Item 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Selected financial data for the periods presented have been restated to classify the results of Carousel operations discontinued in December 2014 as discontinued operations.
The Dixie Group, Inc.
Historical Summary
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FISCAL YEARS
 
2014 (1)(2)
 
2013 (3)
 
2012
 
2011 (4)
 
2010 (5)
OPERATIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
406,588

 
$
344,374

 
$
266,372

 
$
270,110

 
$
231,322

Gross profit
 
95,497

 
85,570

 
65,372

 
65,506

 
56,651

Operating income (loss)
 
(5,236
)
 
8,855

 
1,815

 
5,668

 
(2,570
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes
 
1,726

 
4,979

 
(1,054
)
 
1,956

 
(6,977
)
Income tax provision (benefit)
 
1,053

 
(577
)
 
(401
)
 
684

 
(2,604
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
673

 
5,556

 
(653
)
 
1,272

 
(4,373
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
12,850

 
10,230

 
9,396

 
9,649

 
11,575

Dividends
 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures
 
9,492

 
11,438

 
3,386

 
6,740

 
1,771

Assets purchased under capital leases & notes
 
23,333

 
1,865

 
666

 
14

 
127

FINANCIAL POSITION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
300,880

 
$
248,866

 
$
201,770

 
$
182,943

 
$
180,929

Working capital
 
113,324

 
95,679

 
76,958

 
66,417

 
56,496

Long-term debt
 
118,210

 
101,759

 
80,166

 
65,357

 
58,070

Stockholders' equity
 
92,977

 
70,771

 
64,046

 
64,385

 
62,430

PER SHARE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.03

 
$
0.42

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
0.10

 
$
(0.35
)
Diluted
 
0.03

 
0.42

 
(0.05
)
 
0.10

 
(0.35
)
Dividends:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 

 

 

 

 

Class B Common Stock
 

 

 

 

 

Book value
 
5.90

 
5.32

 
4.88

 
4.99

 
4.86

GENERAL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
14,381,601

 
12,736,835

 
12,637,657

 
12,585,396

 
12,524,358

Diluted
 
14,544,073

 
12,851,917

 
12,637,657

 
12,623,054

 
12,524,358

Number of shareholders (6)
 
3,000

 
2,350

 
1,800

 
1,750

 
1,750

Number of associates
 
1,740

 
1,423

 
1,200

 
1,171

 
1,150


(1)
Includes the results of operations of Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc. and Burtco Enterprises, Inc. subsequent to their acquisitions on March 19, 2014 and September 22, 2014, respectively.
(2)
Includes expenses of $5,514, or $3,364 net of tax, for facility consolidation expenses, $1,133, or $691 net of tax, for impairment of assets and income of $11,110, or $6,777 net of tax, for bargain purchases on the acquisitions of Atlas Carpet Mills and Burtco Enterprises.
(3)
Includes the results of operations of Robertex, Inc subsequent to its acquisition on June 30, 2013.
(4)
Includes income of $563, or $356 net of tax, for facility consolidation expenses in 2011.
(5)
Includes expenses of $1,556, or $1,008 net of tax, for facility consolidation expenses in 2010.
(6)
The approximate number of record holders of our Common Stock for 2010 through 2014 includes Management's estimate of shareholders who held our Common Stock in nominee names as follows:  2010 - 1,250 shareholders; 2011 - 1,250 shareholders; 2012 - 1,255 shareholders; 2013 - 1,900 shareholders; 2014 - 2,550 shareholders.



Table of Contents      15




Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report.
 
OVERVIEW

After the downturn of 2008 - 2009, we put together a growth plan to take advantage of the unique opportunities that, we believe, has driven our sales success over the last 5 years. Since 2009, our carpet product sales have grown 96%, while the industry, we estimate, grew only around 12%. While we had planned on 10% growth per year, we became capacity constrained in 2013 as our sales grew over 30%. As a result, we accelerated our plan to grow our capacity from $350 million to a range of $550 to $600 million, depending upon product mix. In addition, we made the decision to merge our two west coast dye houses as a result of the purchase of Atlas Carpet Mills (“Atlas”) in the first quarter of 2014.  Further, in the fourth quarter, we decided to discontinue the Carousel brand, a small non-core line of products that was part of the 2013 Robertex acquisition (See Note 21 in Consolidated Financial Statements). Therefore, 2014 was a year of expansion and facility re-alignment which impacted virtually all of our facilities.

The investments we made have included both capital expenditures and temporary increases in operating costs due to implementation of the capacity expansion plan. We began the year by expanding capacity at Colormaster, our continuous dyeline. We completed the training and fully commissioning of our expanded Roanoke yarn facility designed to support our growth with internal supply and lessen our dependence on externally supplied yarn. We acquired and began the integration process of Atlas. We expanded our Eton residential tufting operations, doubling the number of machines in service. We realigned our Calhoun wool operations, a change designed to increase capacity and lower costs. Further, we moved the finished goods for our residential east coast business to our newly opened Adairsville facility, consolidating four warehousing operations into one facility. We added continuous yarn dyeing capability to our Colormaster facility and expanded our yarn skein dye operations in Calhoun. Similarly, we shut down our Atmore carpet and yarn dye operations, converting that mill to a dry mill dedicated to serving our Masland Contract brand. As part of this process, we de-commissioned our Atmore wastewater treatment plant. Further, on the west coast, we merged our newly acquired Atlas dye house into our Susan Street dye facility. We upgraded our machine tufted rug capability during the year with added capacity as well as installing skein dye yarn capability to support our custom wool rug programs. We purchased Burtco Enterprises, LLC (“Burtco”) and its excellence in computerized yarn placement tufting technology, using this as the foundation for our newly formed Masland Hospitality sales force. A prime focus in 2015 is on training our workforce which has increased 45% since the beginning of 2013. Further, in 2015 we are focused on improving waste, yields and efficiencies in our operations. We are seeing the positive impact of our expanded sales force, the result of our efforts in 2013 and 2014 to significantly increase our field coverage.

Several of the initiatives above were undertaken as a warehousing/distribution/manufacturing restructuring plan approved by our Board of Directors on January 20, 2014. This plan was developed to align our warehousing, distribution and manufacturing to support our growth and manufacturing strategy and to create a better cost structure and to improve distribution capabilities and customer service. The key element and first major step of this plan was securing a 292,000 square foot facility that serves as a finished goods warehouse and a cut-order and distribution center in Adairsville, Georgia on May 1, 2014. In June of 2014, the Board of Directors approved a modification of this plan to include the elimination of both carpet dyeing and yarn dyeing in our Atmore, Alabama facility designed to more fully accommodate our distribution and manufacturing realignment. As a result, the dyeing operations in Atmore were moved to our Colormaster continuous dyeing facility, our Calhoun Wool skein dyeing operation and other outside dyeing processors.

Expenses of this plan were $4.0 million in 2014 with remaining estimated expenses of $1.4 million anticipated through early 2016. These expenses primarily consist of moving and relocation expenses of inventory and equipment, facility restoration, information technology expenses and expenses relating to conversion and realignment of equipment. In addition, we incurred non-cash asset impairment charges of $1.1 million related to manufacturing and equipment taken out of service in our facilities.

On March 19, 2014, we acquired Atlas Carpet Mills. Total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $18.7 million. Atlas is a California based manufacturer and marketer of high-end commercial broadloom and tile carpeting serving soft floorcovering markets. Atlas has a strong reputation for exceptional design, quality and service. This brand will be sold through the existing Atlas sales force and will serve to broaden our product offerings for commercial applications along with our Masland Contract and Masland Hospitality brands. The existing management of Atlas will continue with the Company. Prior to the acquisition, we were a long-time supplier of yarn to Atlas through our Candlewick Yarn operation and provided certain tile manufacturing services for their tile product line. We recognized a pre-tax gain of $10.9 million on the acquisition of Atlas. We believe several factors were significant in the recognition of a gain from the acquisition of Atlas. Atlas had higher cost of dyeing due to the lack of capacity utilization and therefore needed to lower costs by combining dye facilities with another operation. In addition, Atlas had a higher cost of modular carpet tile manufacturing due to outsourcing the tile manufacturing operations. Therefore, Atlas would have had to make significant investments in product and manufacturing equipment to be competitive in the modular carpet manufacturing business. Finally, the Seller had the desire to see Atlas operated as an independent brand and organization in the future. All of these objectives were achieved in our mutually advantageous relationship (See Note 6 in the Consolidated Financial Statements).


Table of Contents      16




As a part of the Atlas acquisition, we discontinued operations at the Atlas dyeing facility in Los Angeles and moved the carpet dyeing of their products to our Susan Street dyeing operation located in Santa Ana, California. As part of the acquisition, we initiated a restructuring plan to accommodate the dyeing move and address the modification of computer systems. The costs of these initiatives are expected to be approximately $1.8 million. $1.4 million of costs were incurred under this plan in 2014 and the remaining initiatives for $400 thousand are expected to be completed in 2015.

On September 22, 2014, we purchased certain assets, including specialized tufting equipment, and assumed certain liabilities from Burtco Enterprises. We believe the unique capabilities of this tufting equipment will enable us to develop products that complement our high-end, specialized commercial markets. The total consideration for the equipment, inventories and certain receivables, net of liabilities assumed was approximately $2.4 million. This transaction resulted in a pre-tax bargain purchase of $173 thousand (See Note 6 in the Consolidated Financial Statements).
We continue to see opportunities for our modular tile offerings in both the Masland Contract and Atlas markets. Further, the future opportunities in hospitality, we believe, can be capitalized upon with the creation of Masland Hospitality and leveraging our investment in Burtco and its unique position in custom computerized yarn placement tufting technology. Also, we remain optimistic about conditions that affect the higher-end residential markets we serve. We believe the actions discussed above have been, and are, necessary to position us to more fully take advantage of the markets we serve and have helped to facilitate the growth we have experienced and that we anticipate in the future.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As a result of the discontinuance of the non-core Carousel brand in the fourth quarter of 2014, the operating results of Carousel have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented. Carousel was acquired as a portion of the Robertex acquisition at the beginning of the third quarter of 2013.
 
The following table sets forth certain elements of our continuing operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
December 27, 2014
 
December 28, 2013
 
December 29, 2012
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Cost of sales
76.5
 %
 
75.2
%
 
75.5
%
Gross profit
23.5
 %
 
24.8
%
 
24.5
%
Selling and administrative expenses
22.9
 %
 
22.2
%
 
23.8
%
Other operating expense, net
0.2
 %
 
0.1
%
 
%
Facility consolidation expenses
1.4
 %
 
%
 
%
Impairment of assets
0.3
 %
 
%
 
%
Operating income (loss)
(1.3
)%
 
2.5
%
 
0.7
%

Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2014 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2013

Net Sales. Net sales for the year ended December 27, 2014 were $406.6 million compared with $344.4 million in the year-earlier period, an increase of 18.1%, or 7.1% excluding Atlas, for the year-over-year comparison. Sales for the carpet industry were flat for annual 2014 compared with the prior year. Our 2014 year-over-year carpet sales comparison reflected an increase of 18.1% in net sales, or 7.5% excluding Atlas. Sales of residential carpet were up 8.2% and sales of commercial carpet increased 45.5%, or 5.5% excluding Atlas. Revenue from carpet yarn processing and carpet dyeing and finishing services increased $1.9 million in 2014 compared with 2013 primarily as a result of processing services performed by Atlas under an equity investment relationship. We believe our growth in both the residential and commercial sales were positively affected by the introduction of new and innovative products and the expansion of our wool product offerings.

Cost of Sales . Cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, increased 1.3 percentage points, as a percentage of net sales in 2014 compared with 2013. The expansion and restructuring initiatives undertaken along with the expansion of our workforce negatively affected our operating results in the form of training costs, production inefficiencies, increased levels of waste and scrap and generally higher operating costs associated with the breadth and scope of activity.
 
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $9.9 million in 2014 compared with 2013. The increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to higher sales. However, the gross profit dollars in 2014 were negatively impacted by our actions taken to address our capacity constraints.

Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses were $93.2 million in 2014 compared with $76.2 million in 2013, or an increase of 0.7% as a percentage of sales. Our selling expense increase as a percentage of sales was





primarily driven by the higher relative selling expense of Atlas and higher levels of investment in new products and marketing in our Masland Contract business compared with the prior year.
 
Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net. Net other operating (income) expense was an expense of $904 thousand in 2014 compared with expense of $494 thousand in 2013. The change in 2014 was primarily a result of an increase in losses on currency valuations and the amortization of an intangible asset associated with the 2014 Atlas acquisition.
 
Operating Income (Loss). Operations reflected an operating loss of $5.2 million in 2014 compared with operating income of $8.9 million in 2013. Facility consolidation expenses of $5.5 million and related asset impairment expenses of $1.1 million were included in the 2014 operating results.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $546 thousand in 2014 principally due to higher levels of debt to support our growth and the acquisition of capital assets under various debt arrangements.

Other (Income) Expense, Net. Other (income) expense, net was income of $154 thousand in 2014 compared with expense of $26 thousand in 2013. $209 thousand of earnings from equity investments were included in 2014.

Gain on Purchase of Businesses. During 2014, we recognized gains of $11.1 million on business acquisitions. The acquisition of Atlas resulted in a gain of $10.9 million and the acquisition of Burtco resulted in a gain of $173 thousand.

Income Tax Provision (Benefit). Our effective income tax rate was 61.0% in 2014 and included an increase of $569 thousand in increased valuation allowances related to state income tax carryforwards and state income tax credit carryforwards. Our income tax provision was a benefit of $643 thousand in 2013 on positive earnings primarily as a result of the reversal of $1.2 million of previously established reserves for state income tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. The recognition or reversal of such reserves established by taxing jurisdiction is based on a number of factors including current and forecasted earnings. Additionally, 2013 included certain tax credits of approximately $520 thousand related to the years 2009 - 2011 determined to be available for utilization and $304 thousand of 2012 research and development tax credits that could not be recognized until the extension of the credit was approved by Congress in 2013.

Loss from Discontinued Operations and Loss on Disposal of Discontinued Operations, net of tax. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we discontinued the Carousel specialty tufting and weaving operation that was part of the 2013 Robertex, Inc. acquisition. As a result, we recognized a loss on the disposal of the discontinued operation of $1.5 million, net of tax, which included the impairment of certain intangibles associated with Carousel and the related machinery and equipment. Additionally, 2014 included a loss from the discontinued Carousel operations of $598 thousand, net of tax, compared with a loss of $198 thousand, net of tax in 2013.

Net Income (Loss). Continuing operations reflected income of $673 thousand, or $0.03 per diluted share in 2014, compared with income from continuing operations of $5.6 million, or $0.42 per diluted share in 2013. Our discontinued operations reflected a loss of $608 thousand, or $0.04 per diluted share, and a loss on disposal of discontinued operations of $1.5 million, or $0.10 per diluted share in 2014 compared with a loss from discontinued operations of $266 thousand, or $0.02 per diluted share in 2013. Including discontinued operations, we had a net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in 2014 compared with net income of $5.3 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, in 2013.

Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2013 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2012

Net Sales. Net sales for the year ended December 28, 2013 were $344.4 million compared with $266.4 million in the year-earlier period, an increase of 29.3% for the year-over-year comparison. The carpet industry reported a percentage increase in the mid- single digits in net sales in 2013 compared with 2012. Our 2013 year-over-year carpet sales comparison reflected an increase of 28.6% in net sales. Sales of residential carpet were up 26.7% and sales of commercial carpet increased 34.3%. Revenue from carpet yarn processing and carpet dyeing and finishing services increased $4.1 million in 2013 compared with 2012. We believe our residential and commercial sales were positively affected primarily as a result of the introduction of new products and the expansion of our wool products.

Cost of Sales . Cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, was basically unchanged in 2013 compared with 2012. Cost of sales in 2013 included approximately $5.1 million of costs associated with acquisitions in late 2012 and 2013 as well as certain process realignment and expansion initiatives undertaken during 2013. Cost of sales in 2012 included incremental costs of approximately $1.4 million related to tufting equipment relocations and costs related to the transition of products from our beck dyeing operations to our continuous dyeing operations acquired in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $20.2 million in 2013 compared with 2012. The increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to higher sales. Gross profit in 2013 and 2012 was negatively affected by the incremental costs discussed above related to costs of sales.

Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses were $76.2 million in 2013 compared with $63.5 million in 2012, a decline of 1.7 percentage points as a percentage of sales in 2013 compared with 2012. Selling and





administrative costs in 2013 included approximately $1.8 million of sampling costs incurred to incorporate the new wool products associated with the Robertex acquisition and our launch of a new tile product line. 2012 included $1.7 million related to investment in the development and sampling of new product initiatives, $409 thousand for incremental costs related to the two acquisitions and $600 thousand of costs related to management changes.

Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net. Net other operating (income) expense was $494 thousand in 2013 compared with $68 thousand in 2012. The change in 2013 was due to the disposal of certain manufacturing assets taken out of service, losses on currency valuations and settlement of a claim against a supplier.
 
Operating Income. Operating income was $8.9 million in 2013 compared with operating income of $1.8 million in 2012. The increase in 2013 was primarily a result of the increased level of sales in 2013, less the variable selling expenses associated with the sales increase.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $610 thousand in 2013 principally due to higher levels of debt to support our growth, including an increase in debt related to business acquisitions in late 2012 and during mid-2013.

Other (Income) Expense, Net. Other (income) expense, net was an expense of $26 thousand in 2013 compared to income of $277 thousand in 2012. The change was primarily the result of a $187 thousand gain recognized on the sale of a non-operating asset in 2012.

Income Tax Provision (Benefit). Our income tax provision was a benefit of $577 thousand in 2013 on positive earnings primarily as a result of the reversal of $1.2 million of previously established reserves for state income tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. The reversal of the reserves was based on a number of factors including current and future earnings assumptions by taxing jurisdiction. Additionally, 2013 included certain tax credits of approximately $520 thousand related to the years 2009 - 2011 determined to be available for utilization and $304 thousand of 2012 research and development tax credits that could not be recognized until the extension of the credit was approved by Congress in 2013. Our effective income tax benefit rate was 38.0% in 2012. The effective tax rate varied from statutory rates in 2012 primarily as a result of adjustments to estimates used in the 2011 estimated tax calculations versus amounts used in the subsequent tax return filing for the 2011 period, net of the effects of permanent differences on the lower level of pre-tax earnings in the 2012 tax calculations.

Net Income (Loss). Continuing operations reflected income of $5.6 million, or $0.42 per diluted share in 2013, compared with a loss from continuing operations of $653 thousand, or $0.05 per diluted share in 2012. Our discontinued operations reflected a loss of $266 thousand, or $0.02 per diluted share in 2013, compared with a loss of $274 thousand, or $0.02 per diluted share in 2012. Including discontinued operations, our net income was $5.3 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, in 2013 compared with a net loss of $927 thousand, or $0.07 per diluted share, in 2012.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We believe our operating cash flows, credit availability under our senior loan and security agreement and other sources of financing are adequate to finance our normal foreseeable liquidity requirements. However, deterioration in our markets or significant additional cash expenditures above our normal liquidity requirements could require supplemental financing or other funding sources. There can be no assurance that such supplemental financing or other sources of funding can be obtained or will be obtained on terms favorable to us.
 
During the year ended December 27, 2014, we generated funds of $24.6 million from the May 2014 equity offering, net of issuance costs including the underwriter discount. Additionally, we generated $3.4 million from operating activities and $6.8 million from proceeds related to the sales of capitalized assets and the sale of an equity investment. These funds were used to finance our operations, invest $17.7 million in business acquisitions, invest $9.5 million for purchases of property, plant and equipment, reduce debt $3.5 million, $2.7 million to fund outstanding checks and $1.2 million for deposits for future equipment purchases.
 
Excluding assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Atlas and Burtco acquisitions and the change in the current portion of debt, working capital increased $1.1 million in 2014. The increase in working capital was primarily a result of an increase in current deferred income tax assets offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
 
Capital asset acquisitions for the year ended December 27, 2014, excluding those acquired in business acquisitions, were $32.8 million; $9.5 million through funded debt and $23.3 million of assets acquired under capital leases and notes payable, while depreciation and amortization was $12.9 million. We expect capital expenditures to be approximately $13.5 million in 2015 while depreciation and amortization is expected to be approximately $14.1 million. Planned capital expenditures in 2015 are primarily for new equipment.

Debt Facilities

On March 14, 2014, we amended our senior credit facility ("amended senior credit facility"), effective as of March 19, 2014 to permit the acquisition of Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc. by means of an over advance ("Tranche B Advance") of $5.4 million which





increased to $5.8 million and matured on June 30, 2014. The Tranche B Advance bore interest at a rate of 3.50% plus LIBOR, subject also to various availability percentages, limitations, covenants and conditions. In addition, the revolving portion of the facility ("Tranche A Advance") provides for a maximum of $150.0 million of revolving credit, subject to borrowing base availability. The borrowing base is currently equal to specified percentages of our eligible accounts receivable, inventories, fixed assets and real property less reserves established, from time to time, by the administrative agent under the facility. In addition, the term of the amended senior credit facility was extended from August 1, 2018 to March 14, 2019.

At our election, Tranche A Advances of the amended senior credit facility bears interest at annual rates equal to either (a) LIBOR for 1, 2 or 3 month periods, as selected by us, plus an applicable margin of either 1.50%, 1.75% or 2.00%, or (b) the higher of the prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, or a daily LIBOR rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of either 0.50%, 0.75% or 1.00%. The applicable margin is determined based on availability under the amended senior credit facility with margins increasing as availability decreases. We pay an unused line fee on the average amount by which the aggregate commitments exceed utilization of the senior credit facility equal to 0.375% per annum.

The amended senior credit facility includes certain affirmative and negative covenants that impose restrictions on our financial and business operations. The amended senior credit facility required us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 during any period that borrowing availability was less than $14.4 million through May 31, 2014 and increased to $16.5 million after May 31, 2014. The amendment also provided for a waiver of the measurement and application of the fixed charge coverage ratio that would otherwise have been required by a reduction in excess availability from March 14, 2014 through and including April 13, 2014.

The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the amended senior credit facility was 2.29% at December 27, 2014 and 2.66% at December 28, 2013. As of December 27, 2014, the unused borrowing availability under the amended senior credit facility was $40.2 million.

Notes Payable - Buildings. On November 7, 2014, we entered into a ten-year $8.3 note payable to purchase a previously leased distribution center in Adairsville, Georgia. The note payable is scheduled to mature on November 7, 2024 and is secured by the distribution center. The note payable bears interest at a variable rate equal to one month LIBOR plus 2.0% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal of $35, plus interest calculated on the declining balance of the note, with a final payment of $4,165 due on maturity. In addition, we entered into an interest swap with an amortizing notional amount effective November 7, 2014 which effectively fixes the interest rate at 4.50%.

On January 23, 2015, we entered into a ten-year $6,290 note payable to finance an owned facility in Saraland, Alabama. The note payable is scheduled to mature on January 7, 2025 and is secured by the facility. The note payable bears interest at a variable rate equal to one month LIBOR plus 2.0% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal of $26, plus interest calculated on the declining balance of the note, with a final payment of $3,145 due on maturity. In addition, we entered into a forward interest rate swap with an amortizing $5.7 million notional amount effective January 7, 2017 which effectively fixes the interest rate at 4.30%.

Obligation to Development Authority of Gordon County. On November 2, 2012, we signed a 6% seller-financed note of $5.5 million with Lineage PCR, Inc. (“Lineage”) related to the acquisition of the continuous carpet dyeing facility in Calhoun, Georgia. Effective December 28, 2012 through a series of agreements between us, the Development Authority of Gordon County, Georgia (the “Authority”) and Lineage, obligations with identical payment terms as the original note to Lineage are now payment obligations to the Authority. These transactions were consummated in order to provide us with a tax abatement to the related real estate and equipment at this facility. The tax abatement plan provides for abatement for certain components of the real and personal property taxes for up to ten years. At any time, we have the option to pay off the obligation, plus a nominal amount. The debt to the Authority bears interest at 6% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal and interest of $106 thousand over 57 months.

Note Payable - Robertex Acquisition. On July 1, 2013, we signed a 4.5% seller-financed note of $4.0 million, which was recorded at a fair value of $3.7 million with Robert P. Rothman related to the acquisition of Robertex Associates, LLC ("Robertex") in Calhoun, Georgia. The note is payable in five annual installments of principal of $800 thousand plus interest. The note matures June 30, 2018.

Equipment Notes Payable. Our equipment financing notes have terms ranging from three to seven years, are secured by the specific equipment financed, bear interest ranging from 1.00% to 6.86% and are due in monthly installments of principal and interest ranging from $1 thousand to $53 thousand through December 2021. The notes do not contain financial covenants. (See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements).

Capital Lease Obligations. Our capital lease obligations have terms ranging from four to seven years, are secured by the specific equipment leased, bear interest ranging from 2.90% to 7.37% and are due in monthly installments of principal and interest ranging from $1 thousand to $43 thousand through January 2022. (See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements).







Equity Offering

On May 20, 2014, we completed a public offering of 2.5 million shares of our common stock. Net proceeds from the offering were $24.6 million and were used to reduce the balance under our revolving credit facility and to pay off the $5.8 million Tranche B Advance associated with the recent acquisition of Atlas Carpet Mills which matured on June 30, 2014.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our future minimum payments under contractual obligations as of December 27, 2014.
 
 
Payments Due By Period
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Debt
 
$
6.3

 
$
5.4

 
$
4.9

 
$
3.7

 
$
84.8

 
$
7.2

 
112.3

Interest - debt (1)
 
3.4

 
3.8

 
3.8

 
3.6

 
2.2

 
3.7

 
20.5

Capital leases
 
2.8

 
2.9

 
2.9

 
2.7

 
1.5

 
2.3

 
15.1

Interest - capital leases
 
0.7

 
0.6

 
0.4

 
0.3

 
0.2

 
0.1

 
2.3

Operating leases
 
3.1

 
2.5

 
2.2

 
1.9

 
1.1

 
1.5

 
12.3

Purchase commitments
 
5.9

 
0.7

 
0.1

 

 

 

 
6.7

Totals
 
22.2

 
15.9

 
14.3

 
12.2

 
89.8

 
14.8

 
169.2


(1) Interest rates used for variable rate debt were those in effect at December 27, 2014.

Stock-Based Awards

We recognize compensation expense related to share-based stock awards based on the fair value of the equity instrument over the period of vesting for the individual stock awards that were granted. At December 27, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $1.8 million with a weighted-average vesting period of 3.6 years. At December 27, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements at December 27, 2014 or December 28, 2013.

Income Tax Considerations

During 2014, our tax provision of $1.1 million included $569 thousand of increase in our valuation allowances related to state income tax loss carryforwards and state income tax credit carryforwards. The reserve increase was based on a number of factors including current and future earnings assumptions by taxing jurisdiction.

During 2015, we anticipate cash outlays for income taxes to be approximately $3.0 million less than our provision for 2015. For 2016 and 2017, we expect our cash outlay for taxes to exceed our tax provision based on the anticipated differences between the book basis and tax basis of long-lived, depreciable assets. Such differences could be in the range of $2.0 million to $3.0 million in each of the periods, although further utilization of tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards could reduce such differences. At December 27, 2014, we were in a net deferred tax asset position of $3.3 million. We performed an analysis, including an evaluation of certain tax planning strategies available to us, related to the net deferred tax asset and believe that the net deferred tax asset is recoverable in future periods. Approximately $8.7 million of future taxable income would be required to realize the deferred tax asset.

Discontinued Operations - Environmental Contingencies

We have reserves for environmental obligations established at five previously owned sites that were associated with our discontinued textile businesses. Each site has a Corrective Action Plan (“CAP”) with the applicable authoritative state regulatory body responsible for oversight for environmental compliance. The CAP for four of these sites involves natural attenuation (degradation of the contaminants through naturally occurring events) over periods estimated at 10 to 20 years and the CAP on the remaining site involves a pump and treat remediation process, estimated to occur over a period of 25 years. Additionally, we have a reserve for an environmental liability on the property of a facility and related business that was sold in 2004. The CAP has a specified remaining remediation term estimated to be 3 years subsequent to 2014. The total costs for remediation for all of these sites during 2014 were $136 thousand, all of which related to normal ongoing remediation costs. We expect normal remediation costs to range from approximately $50 thousand to $150 thousand annually. We have a reserve of $1.6 million for environmental liabilities at these sites as of December 27, 2014. The liability established represents our best estimate of loss





and is the reasonable amount to which there is any meaningful degree of certainty given the periods of estimated remediation and the dollars applicable to such remediation for those periods. The actual timeline to remediate, and thus, the ultimate cost to complete such remediation through these remediation efforts, may differ significantly from our estimates. Pre-tax costs for environmental remediation obligations classified as discontinued operations were primarily a result of specific events requiring action and additional expense in each period.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

At December 27, 2014, we had $1.9 million of liabilities measured at fair value that fall under a level 3 classification in the hierarchy (those subject to significant management judgment or estimation).

Certain Related Party Transactions

During 2014, we purchased a portion of our requirements for polyester fiber from Engineered Floors, an entity controlled by Robert E. Shaw. Mr. Shaw reported holding approximately 8.5% of our Common Stock, which as of year-end represented approximately 4% of the total vote of all classes of our Common Stock. Engineered Floors is our principal supplier of polyester fiber and polyester broadloom carpet. Total purchases from Engineered Floors for 2014 and 2013 were approximately $11.3 million and $12.0 million, respectively; or approximately 3.6% and 4.7% of our consolidated costs of sales in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Purchases from Engineered Floors are based on market value, negotiated prices. We have no contractual arrangements or commitments with Mr. Shaw associated with our business relationship with Engineered Floors. Transactions with Engineered Floors were reviewed and approved by our board of directors.

During 2013, we entered into a 10-year lease with the Rothman Family Partnership to lease a manufacturing facility as part of the Robertex acquisition. The Rothman Family Partnership includes Robert P. Rothman who is an associate of the Company. Rent paid to the Rothman Family Partnership during 2014 was $257 thousand. The lease was based on current market values for similar facilities.

During 2014, we entered into a 5-year lease with the seller of Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc. to lease three manufacturing facilities as part of the acquisition. The seller is an associate of the Company. Rent paid to the seller during 2014 was $343. The lease was based on current market values for similar facilities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” The amendments in this ASU required an entity to disclose information about offsetting assets and liabilities and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. An entity was required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity had to provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, " Balance Sheet (Topic 210)-Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities" . The ASU clarified that ordinary trade receivables and payables were not in the scope of ASU No. 2011-11. ASU No. 2011-11 applied only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that were either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the Codification or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The effective date was the same as the effective date of ASU 2011-11. The adoption of these ASUs did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date". This ASU provided guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance was fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in GAAP. For public entities, the ASU was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The ASU shall be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented for those obligations within the scope of this Subtopic that existed at the beginning of an entity's fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" . This ASU required an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward was not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit will be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. This ASU was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.






In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" . The ASU was issued to change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and to enhance the disclosures in this area. The ASU requires a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift and will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The ASU will be effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this ASU will only impact the reporting and disclosures of future disposals, if any.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ". The ASU requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method. We will be evaluating the effect that the ASU will have on our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and related disclosures

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." The guidance requires an entity to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our Consolidated Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain estimates and assumptions are made when preparing our financial statements. Estimates involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic factors that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual amounts could differ from estimates made when our financial statements are prepared.
 
The Securities and Exchange Commission requires management to identify its most critical accounting policies, defined as those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results and the application of which requires our most difficult, subjective, and complex judgments. Although our estimates have not differed materially from our experience, such estimates pertain to inherently uncertain matters that could result in material differences in subsequent periods.
 
We believe application of the following accounting policies require significant judgments and estimates and represent our critical accounting policies. Other significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Revenue recognition. Revenues, including shipping and handling amounts, are recognized when the following criteria are met:  there is persuasive evidence that a sales agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer takes title to products, which is generally on the date of shipment. At the time revenue is recognized, we record a provision for the estimated amount of future returns based primarily on historical experience and any known trends or conditions.
 
Accounts receivable allowances . We provide allowances for expected cash discounts and doubtful accounts based upon historical experience and periodic evaluations of the financial condition of our customers. If the financial conditions of our customers were to significantly deteriorate, or other factors impair their ability to pay their debts, credit losses could differ from allowances recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Customer claims and product warranties. We provide product warranties related to manufacturing defects and specific performance standards for our products. We record reserves for the estimated costs of defective products and failure to meet applicable performance standards. The levels of reserves are established based primarily upon historical experience and our evaluation of pending claims. Because our evaluations are based on historical experience and conditions at the time our financial statements are prepared, actual results could differ from the reserves in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out method (LIFO), which generally matches current costs of inventory sold with current revenues, for substantially all inventories. Reserves are also established to adjust inventories that are off-quality, aged or obsolete to their estimated net realizable value. Additionally, rates of recoverability per unit of off-quality, aged or obsolete inventory are estimated based on historical rates of recoverability and other known conditions or circumstances that may affect future recoverability. Actual results could differ from assumptions used to value our inventory.






Goodwill. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or earlier if significant events or substantive changes in circumstances occur that may indicate that goodwill may not be recoverable. The goodwill impairment tests are based on determining the fair value of the specified reporting units based on management judgments and assumptions using the discounted cash flows. The valuation approaches are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change such as judgments and assumptions about sales growth rates, operating margins and the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). When developing these key judgments and assumptions, we consider economic, operational and market conditions that could impact the fair value of the reporting unit. However, estimates are inherently uncertain and represent only management’s reasonable expectations regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. Should a significant or prolonged deterioration in economic conditions occur key judgments and assumptions could be impacted.

Contingent Consideration. Contingent consideration liabilities represent future amounts we may be required to pay in conjunction with various business combinations. The ultimate amount of future payments is based on sales levels for one contingent liability and incremental gross margin growth related to another contingent liability. We estimate the fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to sales levels by forecasting estimated cash payments based on projected sales and discounting the cash payment to its present value using a risk-adjusted rate of return. We estimate the fair value of the contingent consideration liability associated with incremental gross margin growth by employing Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the volatility and systematic relative risk of gross margin levels and discounting the associated cash payment amounts to their present values using a credit-risk-adjusted interest rate. We evaluate our estimates of the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities on a periodic basis. Any changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities are recorded through earnings. The total estimated fair value of contingent consideration liabilities was $1.9 million and $2.8 million at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively, and was included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
Self-insured accruals . We estimate costs required to settle claims related to our self-insured medical, dental and workers' compensation plans. These estimates include costs to settle known claims, as well as incurred and unreported claims. The estimated costs of known and unreported claims are based on historical experience. Actual results could differ from assumptions used to estimate these accruals.
 
Income taxes. The Company’s effective tax rate is based on its income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in a future period. The Company evaluates the recoverability of these future tax benefits by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income inherently rely on estimates, including business forecasts and other projections of financial results over an extended period of time. In the event that the Company is not able to realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets in the future, a valuation allowance is provided. The Company would recognize such amounts through a charge to income in the period in which that determination is made or when tax law changes are enacted. The Company had valuation allowances of $4.3 million at December 27, 2014 and $3.7 million at December 28, 2013. For further information regarding the Company’s valuation allowances, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Loss contingencies. We routinely assess our exposure related to legal matters, environmental matters, product liabilities or any other claims against our assets that may arise in the normal course of business. If we determine that it is probable a loss has been incurred, the amount of the loss, or an amount within the range of loss, that can be reasonably estimated will be recorded.

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (Dollars in thousands)

Our earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to market risks relating to interest rates, among other factors.  It is our policy to minimize our exposure to adverse changes in interest rates and manage interest rate risks inherent in funding our Company with debt.  We address this financial exposure through a risk management program that includes maintaining a mix of fixed and floating rate debt and the use of interest rate swap agreements (See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

At December 27, 2014, $57,897, or approximately 45% of our total debt, was subject to floating interest rates.  A 10% fluctuation in the variable interest rates applicable to this floating rate debt would have an annual after-tax impact of approximately $5 thousand.

Item 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The supplementary financial information required by ITEM 302 of Regulation S-K is included in PART II, ITEM 5 of this report and the Financial Statements are included in a separate section of this report.

Table of Contents      24





Item 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  We maintain disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of December 27, 2014, the date of the financial statements included in this Form 10-K (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the Evaluation Date.

We acquired Atlas on March 19, 2014 and Burtco on September 22, 2014. Since the date of these acquisitions, we have been analyzing and evaluating procedures and controls of Atlas and Burtco to determine their effectiveness and to make them consistent with our disclosure controls and procedures. We have made changes to their procedures and controls and expect to make additional changes to those controls in the future. Prior to these acquisitions, neither Atlas nor Burtco were required to maintain disclosure controls and procedures or document and assess internal control over financial reporting, in each case as required under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As permitted by guidance issued by the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Atlas and Burtco have been excluded from the scope of our discussion of material changes in internal control over financial reporting below. Atlas was included in our results of operations subsequent to our acquisition on March 19, 2014 and Burtco was included subsequent to our acquisition on September 22, 2014 and together constituted 9.7% of our consolidated revenues for the year ended December 27, 2014 and 7.3% of consolidated assets as of December 27, 2014.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. No changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter covered by this report that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting except as described above with respect to Atlas and Burtco. Changes to processes, information technology systems, and other components of internal control over financial reporting resulting from the acquisition of Atlas and Burtco, as described above, are expected as the integration proceeds.

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures, as well as diverse interpretation of U. S. generally accepted accounting principles by accounting professionals.  It is also possible that internal control over financial reporting can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. Furthermore, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  These inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process; therefore, while it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce such risk, it is not possible to eliminate all risk.

Our management report on internal control over financial reporting and the report of our independent registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting are contained in Item 15(a)(1) of this report.

Item 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION

None.


PART III.

Item 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The sections entitled "Information about Nominees for Director" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Proxy Statement of the registrant for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 28, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.  Information regarding the executive officers of the registrant is presented in PART I of this report.


Table of Contents      25




We adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code of Ethics") which applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller, and any persons performing similar functions.  A copy of the Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit 14 to this report.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Board has determined that John W. Murrey, III is an audit committee financial expert as defined by Item 407 (e)(5) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is independent within the meaning of the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules and NASDAQ standards.  For a brief listing of Mr. Murrey's relevant experience, please refer to the "Election of Directors" section of the Company's Proxy Statement.

Audit Committee

We have a standing audit committee.  At December 27, 2014, members of our audit committee are John W. Murrey, III, Chairman, William F. Blue, Jr., Charles E. Brock, J. Don Brock, Walter W. Hubbard, Lowry F. Kline, Hilda W. Murray and Michael L. Owens.

Item 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The sections entitled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis", "Executive Compensation Information" and "Director Compensation" in the Proxy Statement of the registrant for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 28, 2015 are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The section entitled "Principal Shareholders", as well as the the beneficial ownership table (and accompanying notes), in the Proxy Statement of the registrant for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 28, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of December 27, 2014

The following table sets forth information as to our equity compensation plans as of the end of the 2014 fiscal year:
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
Plan Category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of the outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)
Equity Compensation Plans approved by security holders
548,594

(1)
$
9.60

(2)
646,504


(1)
Does not include 357,239 shares issued but unvested Common Stock pursuant to restricted stock grants under our 2006 Stock Awards Plan, with a weighted-average grant date value of $7.92 per share.
(2)
Includes the aggregate weighted-average of (i) the exercise price per share for outstanding options to purchase 333,985 shares of Common Stock under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 105,250 shares of Common Stock under our 2006 Stock Awards Plan and (ii) the price per share of the Common Stock on the grant date for each of 109,359 Performance Units issued under the Directors' Stock Plan (each unit equivalent to one share of Common Stock).

Item 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The section entitled "Certain Transactions Between the Company and Directors and Officers" in the Proxy Statement of the registrant for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 28, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The section entitled "Audit Fees Discussion" in the Proxy Statement of the Registrant for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 28, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.


Table of Contents      26




PART IV.

Item 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)
(1) Financial Statements - The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules - The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report.
(3) Exhibits - Please refer to the Exhibit Index which is attached hereto.

(b)
Exhibits - The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report.  See Item 15(a)(3) above.

(c)
Financial Statement Schedules - The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report. See Item 15(a)(2)

Table of Contents      27




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 12, 2015
 
The Dixie Group, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DANIEL K. FRIERSON      
 
       
By: Daniel K. Frierson
 
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Capacity
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DANIEL K. FRIERSON
 
Chairman of the Board, Director and Chief Executive Officer
 
March 12, 2015
Daniel K. Frierson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ JON A. FAULKNER
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 
March 12, 2015
Jon A. Faulkner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ D. KENNEDY FRIERSON, JR.
 
Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
 
March 12, 2015
D. Kennedy Frierson, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ D. EUGENE LASATER
 
Controller
 
March 12, 2015
D. Eugene Lasater
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ WILLIAM F. BLUE, JR.
 
Director
 
March 12, 2015
William F. Blue, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ CHARLES E. BROCK
 
Director
 
March 12, 2015
Charles E. Brock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ WALTER W. HUBBARD
 
Director
 
March 12, 2015
Walter W. Hubbard
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ LOWRY F. KLINE
 
Director
 
March 12, 2015
Lowry F. Kline
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ HILDA S. MURRAY
 
Director
 
March 12, 2015
Hilda S. Murray
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ JOHN W. MURREY, III
 
Director
 
March 12, 2015
John W. Murrey, III
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ MICHAEL L. OWENS
 
Director
 
March 12, 2015
Michael L. Owens
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents      28




ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEM 8 AND ITEM 15(a)(1) AND ITEM 15(a)(2)

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2014

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE



Table of Contents      29




FORM 10-K - ITEM 8 and ITEM 15(a)(1) and (2)

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


The following consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of The Dixie Group, Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Item 8 and Item 15(a)(1) and 15(c):

Table of Contents
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions, or are inapplicable, or the information is otherwise shown in the financial statements or notes thereto, and therefore such schedules have been omitted.

Table of Contents      30




Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures, as well as diverse interpretation of U. S. generally accepted accounting principles by accounting professionals.  It is also possible that internal control over financial reporting can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. Furthermore, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  These inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process; therefore, while it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce such risk, it is not possible to eliminate all risk. Our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report on internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2014.

As permitted by guidance provided by the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the scope of management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2014 has excluded Atlas Carpet Mills (Atlas) and Burtco Enterprises, Inc. (Burtco). Atlas and Burtco constituted 9.7% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 27, 2014 and 7.3% of consolidated assets of December 27, 2014.

Management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has used the criteria set forth in the report entitled “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) to evaluate the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management has concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 27, 2014, based on those criteria.

Daniel K. Frierson
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer

Jon A. Faulkner
Chief Financial Officer


Table of Contents      31





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of The Dixie Group, Inc.
 
We have audited The Dixie Group, Inc.'s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Atlas Carpet Mills (Atlas) and Burtco Enterprises, Inc. (Burtco) from its assessment of internal controls over financial reporting as of December 27, 2014 because they were acquired by the Company in 2014. We have also excluded Atlas and Burtco from the scope of our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Atlas and Burtco were wholly-owned subsidiaries which constituted 9.7% of consolidated revenue for the year ended December 27, 2014 and 7.3% of consolidated assets as of December 27, 2014.
In our opinion, The Dixie Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of The Dixie Group, Inc. as of and for the year ended December 27, 2014, and our report dated March 12, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 
/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
 
Atlanta, Georgia
March 12, 2015


Table of Contents      32





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of The Dixie Group, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The Dixie Group, Inc. as of December 27, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule for the year ended December 27, 2014 listed in the Index at Item 15(a)2. These consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Dixie Group, Inc. as of December 27, 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the year ended December 27, 2014, when considered in relation to the basic financials statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), The Dixie Group, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 12, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 
/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
March 12, 2015



Table of Contents      33







Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of The Dixie Group, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The Dixie Group, Inc. as of December 28, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholders' equity for each of the two years in the period ended December 28, 2013. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Dixie Group, Inc. at December 28, 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 28, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
 


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
March 12, 2014, except for Note 21, as it relates to the two years in the period ended December 28, 2013, as to which the date is March 12, 2015


Table of Contents      34


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
December 27,
2014
 
December 28,
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 

CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
394

 
$
255

Receivables, net
50,524

 
44,063

Inventories
104,207

 
93,219

Prepaid expenses
5,970

 
5,630

Deferred income taxes
12,722

 
6,622

 
 
 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
173,817

 
149,789

 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
102,489

 
74,485

OTHER ASSETS
24,574

 
24,592

TOTAL ASSETS
$
300,880

 
$
248,866

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
22,108

 
$
21,679

Accrued expenses
29,307

 
26,202

Current portion of long-term debt
9,078

 
6,229

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
60,493

 
54,110

 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT
118,210

 
101,759

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
9,376

 
4,072

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
19,824

 
18,154

TOTAL LIABILITIES
207,903

 
178,095

 
 
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 18)

 

 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Common Stock ($3 par value per share):  Authorized 80,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding - 15,007,423 shares for 2014 and 12,441,356 shares for 2013
45,022

 
37,324

Class B Common Stock ($3 par value per share): Authorized 16,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding - 764,191 shares for 2014 and 870,287 shares for 2013
2,293

 
2,611

Additional paid-in capital
155,127

 
137,170

Accumulated deficit
(107,952
)
 
(106,550
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,513
)
 
216

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
92,977

 
70,771

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
300,880

 
$
248,866


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents      35




THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
Year Ended
 
December 27,
2014
 
December 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
NET SALES
$
406,588

 
$
344,374

 
$
266,372

Cost of sales
311,091

 
258,804

 
201,000

GROSS PROFIT
95,497

 
85,570

 
65,372

 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
93,182

 
76,221

 
63,489

Other operating expense, net
904

 
494

 
68

Facility consolidation expenses
5,514

 

 

Impairment of assets
1,133

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
(5,236
)
 
8,855

 
1,815

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
4,302

 
3,756

 
3,146

Other (income) expense, net
(154
)
 
26

 
(277
)
Gain on purchase of businesses
(11,110
)
 

 

Refinancing expenses

 
94

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES
1,726

 
4,979

 
(1,054
)
Income tax provision (benefit)
1,053

 
(577
)
 
(401
)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
673

 
5,556

 
(653
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(608
)
 
(266
)
 
(274
)
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
(1,467
)
 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(1,402
)
 
$
5,290

 
$
(927
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.03

 
$
0.42

 
$
(0.05
)
Discontinued operations
(0.04
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.02
)
Disposal of discontinued operations
(0.10
)
 
0.00

 
0.00

Net income (loss)
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.40

 
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC SHARES OUTSTANDING
14,382

 
12,737

 
12,638

 
 
 
 
 
 
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.03

 
$
0.42

 
$
(0.05
)
Discontinued operations
(0.04
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.02
)
Disposal of discontinued operations
(0.10
)
 
0.00

 
0.00

Net income (loss)
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.40

 
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING
14,544

 
12,852

 
12,638

 
 
 
 
 
 
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
$

 
$

 
$

Class B Common Stock

 

 


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.  

Table of Contents      36     




THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(amounts in thousands)

 
Year Ended
 
December 27,
2014
 
December 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(1,402
)
 
$
5,290

 
$
(927
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
(1,928
)
 
236

 
(476
)
Reclassification of loss into earnings from interest rate swaps
231

 
176

 
98

Amortization of unrealized loss on dedesignated interest rate swaps

 
98

 
289

Unrecognized net actuarial gain on postretirement benefit plans
41

 
20

 
20

Reclassification of net actuarial gain into earnings from postretirement benefit plans
(19
)
 
(22
)
 
(27
)
Reclassification of prior service credits into earnings from postretirement benefit plans
(54
)
 
(54
)
 
(54
)
 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
(1,729
)
 
454

 
(150
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
$
(3,131
)
 
$
5,744

 
$
(1,077
)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents      37     




THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in thousands)
 
Year Ended
 
December 27,
2014
 
December 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
673

 
$
5,556

 
$
(653
)
Loss from discontinued operations
(608
)
 
(266
)
 
(274
)
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
(1,467
)
 

 

Net income (loss)
(1,402
)
 
5,290

 
(927
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization -
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
12,850

 
10,230

 
9,396

Discontinued operations
59

 
32

 

Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
264

 
(1,037
)
 
(643
)
Net (gain) loss on property, plant and equipment disposals
11

 
195

 
(186
)
Impairment of assets -
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
1,133

 

 

Discontinued operations
2,363

 

 

Gain on purchase of businesses
(11,110
)
 

 

Stock-based compensation expense
1,195

 
847

 
937

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(379
)
 
(151
)
 

Write-off of deferred financing costs

 
94

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables
(1,287
)
 
(11,479
)
 
(3,296
)
Inventories
743

 
(19,283
)
 
(8,115
)
Other current assets
679

 
(878
)
 
(2,506
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(925
)
 
11,642

 
1,455

Other operating assets and liabilities
(733
)
 
(1,423
)
 
(827
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
3,461

 
(5,921
)
 
(4,712
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
473

 
48

 
187

Deposits on property, plant and equipment
(1,184
)
 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(9,492
)
 
(11,438
)
 
(3,386
)
Proceeds from sale of equity investment
870

 

 

Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale
5,501

 

 

Net cash paid in business acquisitions
(17,739
)
 
(2,170
)
 
(1,197
)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(21,571
)
 
(13,560
)
 
(4,396
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net (payments) borrowings on revolving credit facility
(2,378
)
 
25,152

 
7,316

Payments on mortgage note payable

 
(10,141
)
 
(737
)
Payments on building notes payable
(35
)
 

 

Payments on notes payable related to acquisitions
(1,761
)
 
(852
)
 
(161
)
Borrowings on equipment financing
3,760

 
4,312

 
5,003

Payments on equipment financing
(1,917
)
 
(1,212
)
 
(1,293
)
Payments on capital leases
(1,539
)
 
(688
)
 
(204
)
Borrowings on notes payable
1,433

 
2,429

 
795

Payments on notes payable
(1,100
)
 
(851
)
 
(746
)
Change in outstanding checks in excess of cash
(2,683
)
 
1,350

 
(205
)
Proceeds from equity offering, net of issuance costs
24,559

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
192

 
190

 

Repurchases of Common Stock
(497
)
 
(207
)
 
(199
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
379

 
151

 


Table of Contents      38     




Payments for debt issuance costs
(164
)
 
(388
)
 
(268
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
18,249

 
19,245

 
9,301

 
 
 
 
 
 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
139

 
(236
)
 
193

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
255

 
491

 
298

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
394

 
$
255

 
$
491

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended
 
December 27,
2014
 
December 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment purchased under capital leases
10,078

 
1,865

 
666

Equipment purchased under notes payable
4,925

 

 

Building purchased under notes payable
8,330

 

 

Assets acquired in acquisitions, net of cash acquired
36,649

 
8,062

 
9,184

Liabilities assumed in acquisitions
(6,397
)
 
(836
)
 
(42
)
Note payable related to acquisition

 
(3,749
)
 
(5,500
)
Accrued consideration for working capital adjustment in acquisitions
(216
)
 
(1,307
)
 
(2,445
)
Accrued consideration for holdbacks in acquisition
(887
)
 

 

Deposits on property, plant & equipment financed
(965
)
 

 

Shortfall of tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(607
)
 

 


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents      39     




THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(amounts in thousands, except share data)

 
Common Stock
 
Class B Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011
$
36,068

 
$
2,648

 
$
136,670

 
$
(110,913
)
 
$
(88
)
 
$
64,385

Repurchases of Common Stock - 50,444 shares
(151
)
 

 
(48
)
 

 

 
(199
)
Restricted stock grants issued - 289,233 shares
609

 
258

 
(867
)
 

 

 

Restricted stock grants forfeited - 17,229 shares
(52
)
 

 
52

 

 

 

Class B converted into Common Stock - 15,925 shares
48

 
(48
)
 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 
937

 

 

 
937

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 
(927
)
 

 
(927
)
Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(150
)
 
(150
)
Balance at December 29, 2012
36,522

 
2,858

 
136,744

 
(111,840
)
 
(238
)
 
64,046

Common Stock issued - 50,464 shares
151

 

 
39

 

 

 
190

Repurchases of Common Stock - 38,815 shares
(116
)
 

 
(91
)
 

 

 
(207
)
Restricted stock grants issued - 173,249 shares
346

 
174

 
(520
)
 

 

 

Class B converted into Common Stock - 140,477 shares
421

 
(421
)
 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 
847

 

 

 
847

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

 
151

 

 

 
151

Net income

 

 

 
5,290

 

 
5,290

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
454

 
454

Balance at December 28, 2013
37,324

 
2,611

 
137,170

 
(106,550
)
 
216

 
70,771

Common Stock issued - 30,952 shares
86

 
7

 
99

 

 

 
192

Common Stock issued under equity offering - 2,500,000 shares
7,500

 

 
17,059

 

 

 
24,559

Repurchases of Common Stock - 47,296 shares
(142
)
 

 
(355
)
 

 

 
(497
)
Restricted stock grants issued - 101,315 shares
208

 
96

 
(304
)
 

 

 

Restricted stock grants forfeited - 125,000 shares
(15
)
 
(360
)
 
375

 

 

 

Class B converted into Common Stock - 20,400 shares
61

 
(61
)
 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 
1,195

 

 

 
1,195

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

 
(112
)
 

 

 
(112
)
Net loss

 

 

 
(1,402
)
 

 
(1,402
)
Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(1,729
)
 
(1,729
)
Balance at December 27, 2014
$
45,022

 
$
2,293

 
$
155,127

 
$
(107,952
)
 
$
(1,513
)
 
$
92,977


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents      40     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business

The Company's businesses consist principally of marketing, manufacturing and selling finished carpet and rugs.  The Company has one reportable segment, carpet and rug manufacturing. The Company sells carpet and rug products in both residential and commercial applications. Additionally, the Company provides manufacturing support to its carpet businesses through its separate processing operations.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Dixie Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company").  Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and these differences could be material.

Fiscal Year

The Company ends its fiscal year on the last Saturday of December.  All references herein to "2014," "2013," and "2012," mean the fiscal years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively. All years presented contained 52 weeks.

Reclassifications

The Company reclassified certain amounts in 2013 to conform to the 2014 presentation including the reclassification of the Company's spare parts inventory from inventory to prepaid expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Discontinued Operations

The financial statements separately report discontinued operations and the results of continuing operations (See Note 21).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased are reported as cash equivalents.

Market Risk

The Company sells carpet to floorcovering retailers, the interior design, architectural and specifier communities and supplies carpet yarn and carpet dyeing and finishing services to certain manufacturers. The Company's customers are located principally throughout the United States. As a percentage of net sales,  one customer accounted for approximately 9% in 2014, 13% in 2013 and 9% in 2012. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales in 2014, 2013 or 2012, nor did the Company make a significant amount of sales to foreign countries during 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Credit Risk

The Company grants credit to its customers with defined payment terms, performs ongoing evaluations of the credit worthiness of its customers and generally does not require collateral.  Accounts receivable are carried at their outstanding principal amounts, less an anticipated amount for discounts and an allowance for doubtful accounts, which management believes is sufficient to cover potential credit losses based on historical experience and periodic evaluation of the financial condition of the Company's customers.  Notes receivable are carried at their outstanding principal amounts, less an allowance for doubtful accounts to cover potential credit losses based on the financial condition of borrowers and collateral held by the Company.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, which generally matches current costs of inventory sold with current revenues, for substantially all inventories.


Table of Contents      41     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at the lower of cost or impaired value. Provisions for depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment have been computed for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, ranging from 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment.  Costs to repair and maintain the Company's equipment and facilities are expensed as incurred. Such costs typically include expenditures to maintain equipment and facilities in good repair and proper working condition.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable.  When the carrying value of the asset exceeds the value of its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized equal to the difference between the asset's carrying value and its fair value.  Fair value is estimated using discounted cash flows, prices for similar assets or other valuation techniques.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair market value of identified net assets acquired in business combinations.  The Company's goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill associated with a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable.

The first step in the goodwill assessment process is to identify potential goodwill impairments and involves a comparison of the carrying value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit.  The Company has identified its reporting units as its residential floorcovering business and commercial floorcovering business. For this purpose, the Company estimates fair value of the reporting unit based on expected current and future cash flows discounted at the Company's weighted-average cost of capital ("WACC").  Such an estimate necessarily involves judgments and assumptions concerning, among other matters, future sales and operating margins, as well as interest rates and other financial factors used to calculate the WACC.

If an impairment is indicated in the first step of the assessment, a second step in the assessment is performed by comparing the "implied fair value" of the Company's reporting units' goodwill with the carrying value of the reporting units' goodwill.  For this purpose, the "implied fair value" of goodwill for each reporting unit that has goodwill associated with its operations is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill is determined in a business combination. (See Note 7).

Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective lives, which range from 10 to 20 years (See Note 7).

Customer Claims and Product Warranties

The Company generally provides product warranties related to manufacturing defects and specific performance standards for its products.  At the time sales are recorded, the Company records reserves for the estimated costs of defective products and failure of its products to meet applicable performance standards.  The level of reserves the Company establishes is based primarily upon historical experience, including the level of sales and evaluation of pending claims.

Self-Insured Benefit Programs

The Company records liabilities to reflect an estimate of the ultimate cost of claims related to its self-insured medical and dental benefits and workers' compensation.  The amounts of such liabilities are based on an analysis of the Company's historical experience for each type of claim.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in income tax expense.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company does not hold speculative financial instruments, nor does it hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.  The Company uses derivative instruments, currently interest rate swaps, to minimize the effects of interest rate volatility.


Table of Contents      42     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


The Company recognizes all derivatives on its Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value.  Derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are linked to specific liabilities on the Company's balance sheet.  The Company assesses, both at inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items.  When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective or the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised, the Company discontinues hedge accounting for that specific hedge instrument. Changes in the fair value of effective cash flow hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCIL") and reclassified to earnings in the same periods during which the hedge transaction affects earnings.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not effective cash flow hedges are recognized in results of operations.

Treasury Stock

The Company classifies treasury stock as a reduction to Common Stock for the par value of such shares acquired and the difference between the par value and the price paid for each share recorded either entirely to retained earnings or to additional paid-in-capital for periods in which the Company does not have retained earnings. This presentation reflects the repurchased shares as authorized but unissued as prescribed by state statute.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues, including shipping and handling amounts, are recognized when the following criteria are met:  there is persuasive evidence that a sales agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title to the goods and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, which is generally on the date of shipment.  At the time revenue is recognized, the Company records a provision for the estimated amount of future returns based primarily on historical experience and any known trends or conditions that exist at the time revenue is recognized. Revenues are recorded net of taxes collected from customers.

Advertising Costs and Vendor Consideration

The Company engages in promotional and advertising programs that include rebates, discounts, points and cooperative advertising programs.  Expenses relating to these programs are charged to results of operations during the period of the related benefits. These arrangements do not require significant estimates of costs.  Substantially all such expenses are recorded as a deduction from sales.  The cost of cooperative advertising programs is recorded as selling and administrative expenses when the Company can identify a tangible benefit associated with the program, and can reasonably estimate that the fair value of the benefit is equal to or greater than its cost.  The amount of advertising and promotion expenses included in selling and administrative expenses was not significant for the years 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes all costs related to manufacturing the Company's products, including purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, freight costs, internal transfer costs or other costs of the Company's distribution network.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses include all costs, not included in cost of sales, related to the sale and marketing of the Company's products and general administration of the Company's business.

Operating Leases

Rent is expensed over the lease period, including the effect of any rent holiday and rent escalation provisions, which effectively amortizes the rent holidays and rent escalations on a straight-line basis over the lease period. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term, excluding renewal options. Any leasehold improvement made by the Company and funded by the lessor is treated as a leasehold improvement and amortized over the shorter of its economic life or the lease term.  Any funding provided by the lessor for such improvements is treated as deferred costs and amortized over the lease period.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense relating to share-based payments based on the fair value of the equity or liability instrument issued.  Restricted stock grants with pro-rata vesting are expensed using the straight-line method.  (Terms of the Company's awards are specified in Note 16).


Table of Contents      43     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


NOTE 2 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” The amendments in this ASU required an entity to disclose information about offsetting assets and liabilities and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. An entity was required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity had to provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, " Balance Sheet (Topic 210)—Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities" . The ASU clarified that ordinary trade receivables and payables were not in the scope of ASU No. 2011-11. ASU No. 2011-11 applied only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that were either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the Codification or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The effective date was the same as the effective date of ASU 2011-11. The adoption of these ASUs did not have a material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date". This ASU provided guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance was fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in GAAP. For public entities, the ASU was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The ASU shall be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented for those obligations within the scope of this Subtopic that existed at the beginning of an entity's fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" . This ASU required an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward was not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit will be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. This ASU was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" . The ASU was issued to change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and to enhance the disclosures in this area. The ASU requires a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift and will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The ASU will be effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this ASU will only impact the reporting and disclosures of future disposals, if any.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ". The ASU requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company has not yet selected a transition method. The Company will be evaluating the effect that the ASU will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." The guidance requires an entity to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on the Consolidated Consolidated Financial Statements.


Table of Contents      44     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


NOTE 3 - RECEIVABLES, NET

Receivables are summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Customers, trade
$
46,422

 
$
41,898

Other receivables
4,552

 
2,306

Gross receivables
50,974

 
44,204

Less allowance for doubtful accounts
(450
)
 
(141
)
Receivables, net
$
50,524

 
$
44,063


NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES

Inventories are summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Raw materials
$
40,649

 
$
31,864

Work-in-process
19,976

 
16,880

Finished goods
57,913

 
57,983

Supplies and other
126

 
118

LIFO reserve
(14,457
)
 
(13,626
)
Inventories
$
104,207

 
$
93,219


NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
 
2014
 
2013
Land and improvements
$
7,327

 
$
7,231

Buildings and improvements
61,557

 
50,627

Machinery and equipment
171,586

 
149,040

 
240,470

 
206,898

Accumulated depreciation
(137,981
)
 
(132,413
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
102,489

 
$
74,485


Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, including amounts for capital leases, totaled $12,212 in 2014, $9,834 in 2013 and $9,070 in 2012.

NOTE 6 - ACQUISITIONS

2014 Acquisitions

Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc.

Effective March 19, 2014, the Company acquired all outstanding stock of Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc. ("Atlas") for total purchase price consideration of $18,759 , including a cash payment of $16,543 , accrued consideration relating to holdbacks for certain inventories and customer claims of $923 and accrued consideration for a working capital adjustment of $1,293 . The Company financed the transaction with availability under its amended credit facility. The Company incurred direct acquisition costs of approximately $645 related to this acquisition. These incremental costs are classified as selling and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Atlas is a California-based manufacturer and marketer of high-end commercial broadloom and tile carpeting serving soft floorcovering markets. Atlas has a strong reputation for exceptional design, quality and service. This brand will be sold through the existing Atlas sales force and will serve to broaden the Company's product offerings for commercial applications along with the Company's Masland Contract and Masland Hospitality brands.


Table of Contents      45     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


The purchase price consideration was as follows:
Cash paid
$
16,543

Accrued consideration for holdbacks
923

Accrued consideration for working capital adjustment
1,293

Total purchase price consideration
$
18,759


The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination which generally requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The acquisition did not represent a significant business combination. The fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the purchase price resulting in a bargain purchase. The initial gain was subject to adjustment because the Company had not yet completed its evaluation and determination of the fair value, or fair value less cost to sell as applicable, of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which included the final valuation and assessment of (i) property, plant and equipment acquired including assets held for sale and (ii) net working capital acquired. The Company completed these final valuations and assessments by the end of fiscal 2014. During 2014, based on further information, the Company retroactively applied adjustments to the initial provisional amounts to the first quarter of 2014. Such adjustments are presented in the table below. The most significant adjustment was to assets held for sale. The amount of assets held for sale was revised based on the final sale price. As a result of the adjustments, previously reported first quarter pre-tax earnings were increased by $2,193 ( $1,360 after tax). The adjusted bargain gain recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations is $10,937 ( $6,781 after tax).

 
Originally
 
As
 
Reported
Adjustments
Adjusted
Cash
$
2,466

$

$
2,466

Receivables
4,304

694

4,998

Inventories
11,511

(530
)
10,981

Other current assets
956

(159
)
797

Assets held for sale
3,250

1,902

5,152

Property, plant and equipment
6,929

(213
)
6,716

Finite intangible asset
3,300


3,300

Other assets
623

236

859

Accounts payable
(2,286
)

(2,286
)
Accrued expenses
(3,036
)
153

(2,883
)
Capital lease obligation
(404
)

(404
)
Fair value of net assets acquired
$
27,613

$
2,083

$
29,696

Total consideration
18,869

(110
)
18,759

Gain on purchase of business
$
(8,744
)
$
(2,193
)
$
(10,937
)


The Company believes that several factors were significant in the recognition of a gain from the acquisition of Atlas. Atlas had higher cost of dyeing due to the lack of capacity utilization and therefore needed to lower costs by combining dye facilities with another operation. In addition, Atlas had a higher cost of modular carpet tile manufacturing due to outsourcing the tile manufacturing operations. Therefore, Atlas would have had to make significant investments in product and manufacturing equipment to be competitive in the modular carpet manufacturing business. Finally, the Seller had the desire to see Atlas operated as an independent brand and organization in the future. All of these objectives were achieved by combining Atlas with the Company in a mutually advantageous relationship.

The Company determined that it is impracticable to provide comparative pro forma financial information related to the acquisition. Significant estimates of amounts to be included in pro forma financial information would be required and subject to an inordinate level of subjectivity. Net sales related to Atlas included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations from the date of the acquisition to December 27, 2014 was $37,620 .





Table of Contents      46     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Burtco Enterprises, Inc.

Effective September 22, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Burtco Enterprises, Inc. ("Burtco") for total purchase price consideration of $2,549 , including a cash payment of $2,430 and accrued consideration for a working capital adjustment of $119 . The Company incurred direct acquisition costs of approximately $101 related to this acquisition. These incremental costs are classified as selling and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Since 1979, Burtco has created high-quality, custom-crafted carpet designed for the hospitality industry.  Burtco manufactures both wool and solution-dyed computer yarn placement (CYP) products that are used in public spaces and hotel guest rooms.
These products will broaden the product offerings for commercial applications under the Company's Masland Hospitality brand.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination which generally requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The acquisition did not represent a significant business combination. The fair value of the net assets acquired totaled $2,722 . The fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the purchase price resulting in a pre-tax bargain purchase of $173 .

2013 Acquisition

Robertex Associates, Inc.

On June 30, 2013, the Company acquired Robertex Associates, Inc. ("Robertex") from Robert P. Rothman. The Company acquired all the outstanding shares of capital stock of Robertex for an aggregate purchase price of $7,334 , which included cash, a seller-financed note and an accrued contingent liability. The seller-financed note consists of five annual payments of principal and interest. The accrued contingent liability is payable in five annual payments based upon incremental growth in gross margins of selected products for five years subsequent to the acquisition. The Company has incurred direct incremental costs of approximately $350 related to this acquisition. These incremental costs are classified in selling and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

This acquisition is designed to increase the Company's market share in the wool markets it currently serves. Robertex produces wool floorcovering products.

The purchase price consideration was as follows:
Cash paid
$
2,278

Seller-financed note
3,749

Contingent consideration
1,307

Total purchase price
$
7,334


The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The acquisition did not represent a material business combination. The following table summarizes the estimates of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of June 30, 2013 based on the purchase price allocation. The components of the purchase price allocation consisted of the following:
Cash
$
108

Accounts receivable
115

Inventory
2,139

Other current assets
14

Property, plant and equipment
1,863

Finite intangible assets
2,222

Goodwill
1,709

Accounts payable
(643
)
Accrued expenses
(193
)
Total purchase price
$
7,334




Table of Contents      47     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


2012 Acquisitions

Colormaster

On November 2, 2012, the Company acquired a continuous carpet dyeing facility ("Colormaster") in Calhoun, Georgia from Lineage PCR, Inc. for $6,562 which included cash, a seller financed note and the fair value of a five-year below market agreement to process certain of the seller's products on a commission basis. The Company incurred direct, incremental costs of $269 related to the acquisition which were expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. With the acquisition of these continuous dyeing assets, the Company has moved a significant volume of its dyeing production from its more costly beck dyeing process as well as developing future products that utilize the continuous dye process.

The purchase price consideration was as follows:
Cash paid
$
239

Seller-financed note
5,500

Below-market supply contract
823

Total purchase price
$
6,562



The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The Company concluded that the acquisition did not represent a material business combination. The allocation of the purchase price was based on estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired as of November 2, 2012. The components of the purchase price allocation consisted of the following:

Property, plant and equipment
$
6,371

Inventory
173

Supplies
18

Purchase price
$
6,562



Crown Rug

On November 28, 2012, the Company acquired the specialized wool rug tufting equipment and related business ("Crown Rug") from Crown Manufacturing, Inc. for $2,580 which included cash, deferred payments and an accrued contingent liability. The deferred payment is payable in three equal annual installments and the accrued contingent liability is three annual payments based on sales volumes each year. The Company incurred direct incremental costs of $49 related to this acquisition which were classified in general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The acquired assets were moved into the Company's facilities to meet internal requirements as well as to enter certain other markets not currently served by the Company. Prior to the acquisition of these assets from Crown Manufacturing, the Company utilized a significant portion of the related machinery capacity at Crown Manufacturing.

The purchase price consideration was as follows:
Cash paid
$
958

Deferred payments to seller
471

Contingent consideration
1,151

Total purchase price
$
2,580



Table of Contents      48     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The Company concluded that the acquisition did not represent a material business combination. The allocation of the purchase price was based on estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired as of November 28, 2012. The components of the purchase price allocation consisted of the following:

Property, plant and equipment
$
590

Finite intangible assets
352

Goodwill
1,680

Accrued payable
(42
)
Purchase price
$
2,580


NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows:
 
Goodwill
 
Accumulated Impairment Losses
 
Net
Balance at December 29, 2012
$
1,680

 
$

 
$
1,680

Additional goodwill recognized during the period (1)
1,709

 

 
1,709

Impairment losses recognized during the period

 

 

Other changes in the carrying amounts during the period

 

 

Balance at December 28, 2013
3,389

 

 
3,389

Additional goodwill recognized during the period

 

 

Impairment losses recognized during the period

 

 

Other changes in the carrying amounts during the period

 

 

Balance at December 27, 2014
$
3,389

 
$

 
$
3,389


(1) During 2013, the Company recorded goodwill related to the Robertex acquisition.


The following table represents the details of the Company's intangible assets:

Intangible assets subject to amortization:
 
2014
 
2013
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
Customer relationships
$
208

 
$
(32
)
 
$
176

 
$
1,062

 
$
(40
)
 
$
1,022

Rug design coding
144

 
(29
)
 
115

 
144

 
(14
)
 
130

Trade names
3,300

 
(214
)
 
3,086

 
1,368

 
(34
)
 
1,334

Total
$
3,652

 
$
(275
)
 
$
3,377

 
$
2,574

 
$
(88
)
 
$
2,486



During 2014, the Company discontinued its Carousel operations which resulted in the impairment of customer relationships of $786 and trade names of $1,271 (See Note 21). These amounts have been included in the loss on disposal of discontinued operations in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Table of Contents      49     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Amortization expense for intangible assets is summarized as follows:

 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Customer relationships
$
59

 
$
40

 
$

Rug design coding
15

 
14

 

Trade names
277

 
34

 

Amortization expense
$
351

 
$
88

 
$


The estimated future amortization expense during each of the next five fiscal years is as follows:

Year
 
Amount
2015
 
$
305

2016
 
305

2017
 
305

2018
 
305

2019
 
305


NOTE 8 - ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses are summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Compensation and benefits (1)
$
8,894

 
$
8,233

Provision for customer rebates, claims and allowances
7,960

 
6,202

Advanced customer deposits
3,501

 
1,862

Outstanding checks in excess of cash
1,190

 
3,873

Other
7,762

 
6,032

Accrued expenses
$
29,307

 
$
26,202


(1)
Includes a liability related to the Company's self-insured Workers' Compensation program.  This program is collateralized by letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $1,762 .


NOTE 9 - PRODUCT WARRANTY RESERVES

The Company generally provides product warranties related to manufacturing defects and specific performance standards for its products.  Product warranty reserves are included in accrued expenses in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is a summary of the Company's product warranty activity.
 
2014
 
2013
Product warranty reserve at beginning of period
$
1,850

 
$
1,297

Warranty reserve assumed in business combination
209

 

Warranty liabilities accrued
4,720

 
4,330

Warranty liabilities settled
(5,102
)
 
(3,905
)
Changes for pre-existing warranty liabilities
537

 
128

Product warranty reserve at end of period
$
2,214

 
$
1,850



Table of Contents      50     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


NOTE 10 - LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
2014
 
2013
Revolving credit facility - Tranche A
$
82,897

 
$
85,274

Notes payable - building
8,295

 

Obligation to Development Authority of Gordon County
3,413

 
4,447

Note payable - Robertex acquisition
3,062

 
3,789

Equipment notes payable
13,362

 
7,987

Notes payable
1,261

 
2,210

Capital lease obligations
14,998

 
4,281

Total long-term debt
127,288

 
107,988

Less: current portion of long-term debt
(9,078
)
 
(6,229
)
Long-term debt
$
118,210

 
$
101,759


Amended Revolving Credit Facility

On March 14, 2014, the Company amended its senior credit facility ("amended senior credit facility"), effective as of March 19, 2014 to permit the acquisition of Atlas by means of an over advance ("Tranche B Advance") of $5,438 which increased to $5,764 . The Tranche B Advance matured on June 30, 2014 and amounts outstanding were repaid. There is no availability remaining under Tranche B. The Tranche B Advance had an interest rate of 3.50% plus LIBOR, subject also to various availability percentages, limitations, covenants and conditions. In addition, the revolving portion of the facility ("Tranche A Advance") provides for a maximum of $150,000 of revolving credit, subject to borrowing base availability. The borrowing base is currently equal to specified percentages of the Company's eligible accounts receivable, inventories, fixed assets and real property less reserves established, from time to time, by the administrative agent under the facility. In addition, the term of the amended senior credit facility was extended from August 1, 2018 to March 14, 2019. The amended senior credit facility is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company's assets.

At the Company's election, Tranche A Advances of the amended senior credit facility bear interest at annual rates equal to either (a) LIBOR for 1, 2 or 3 month periods, as selected by the Company, plus an applicable margin of either 1.50% , 1.75% or 2.00% , or (b) the higher of the prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5% , or a daily LIBOR rate plus 1.00% , plus an applicable margin of either 0.50% , 0.75% or 1.00% . The applicable margin is determined based on availability under the amended senior credit facility with margins increasing as availability decreases. The Company pays an unused line fee on the average amount by which the aggregate commitments exceed utilization of the senior credit facility equal to 0.375% per annum.

The amended senior credit facility includes certain affirmative and negative covenants that impose restrictions on the Company's financial and business operations including the restriction on payment of dividends. The amended senior credit facility required the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 during any period that borrowing availability was less than $14,440 through May 31, 2014 and increased to $16,500 after May 31, 2014. The amendment also provided for a waiver of the measurement and application of the fixed charge coverage ratio that would otherwise have been required by a reduction in excess availability from March 14, 2014 through and including April 13, 2014.

Average Interest Rates and Availability

The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the amended senior credit facility was 2.29% at December 27, 2014 and 2.66% at December 28, 2013. As of December 27, 2014, the unused borrowing availability under the amended senior credit facility was $40,214 .

Notes Payable - Building

On November 7, 2014, the Company entered into a ten-year $8,330 note payable to purchase a previously leased distribution center in Adairsville, Georgia. The note payable is scheduled to mature on November 7, 2024 and is secured by the distribution center. The note payable bears interest at a variable rate equal to one month LIBOR plus 2.0% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal of $35 , plus interest calculated on the declining balance of the note, with a final payment of $4,165 due on maturity. In addition, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with an amortizing notional amount effective November 7, 2014 which effectively fixes the interest rate at 4.50% .



Table of Contents      51     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)



Obligation to Development Authority of Gordon County

On November 2, 2012, the Company signed a 6.00% seller-financed note of $5,500 with Lineage PCR, Inc. ( Lineage ) related to the acquisition of a continuous carpet dyeing facility in Calhoun, Georgia. Effective December 28, 2012, through a series of agreements between the Company, the Development Authority of Gordon County, Georgia (the Authority ) and Lineage, obligations with identical payment terms as the original note to Lineage became payment obligations to the Authority. These transactions were consummated in order to provide a tax abatement to the Company related to the real estate and equipment at this facility. The tax abatement plan provides for abatement for certain components of the real and personal property taxes for up to ten years. At any time, the Company has the option to pay off the obligation, plus a nominal amount. The debt to the Authority bears interest at 6.00% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal and interest of $106 over 57 months.

Note Payable - Robertex Acquisition

On July 1, 2013, the Company signed a 4.50% seller-financed note of $4,000 , which was recorded at a fair value of $3,749 , with Robert P. Rothman related to the acquisition of Robertex Associates, LLC ("Robertex") in Calhoun, Georgia. The note is payable in five annual installments of principal of $800 plus interest. The note matures June 30, 2018.

Equipment Notes Payable

The terms of the Company's equipment financing notes are as follows:
Instrument
Interest Rate
Term (Months)
Principal and Interest Payments
Frequency
Maturity Date
Note Payable - Equipment
6.42
%
36

$
16

Monthly
April 1, 2016
Note Payable - Equipment
2.00
%
60

38

Monthly
August 1, 2016
Note Payable - Equipment
5.94
%
75

41

Monthly
February 1, 2019
Note Payable - Equipment
1.00
%
84

18

Monthly
June 14, 2020
Note Payable - Equipment
6.84
%
60

3

Monthly
July 1, 2018
Note Payable - Equipment
6.86
%
60

49

Monthly
October 1, 2018
Note Payable - Equipment
3.65
%
84

8

Monthly
December 24, 2021
Note Payable - Equipment
1.50
%
36

49

Quarterly
August 17, 2016
Note Payable - Equipment
5.37
%
60

53

Monthly
September 26, 2019
Note Payable - Equipment
3.76
%
84

1

Monthly
October 7, 2021
Note Payable - Equipment
3.54
%
84

4

Monthly
October 23, 2021
Note Payable - Equipment
4.74
%
60

28

Monthly
October 23, 2019
Note Payable - Equipment
4.66
%
84

9

Monthly
October 23, 2021
Note Payable - Equipment
1.60
%
84

17

Monthly
October 16, 2021

In connection with certain of the notes, the Company is required to maintain funds in a separate escrow account. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the balances held were $574 and $1,401 , respectively, and are included in other current assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's equipment financing notes are secured by the specific equipment financed and do not contain any financial covenants.


Table of Contents      52     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Capital Lease Obligations

The terms of the Company's capitalized lease obligations are as follows:
Instrument
Interest Rate
Term (Months)
Principal and Interest Payments
Frequency
Maturity Date
Capital Lease - Equipment
7.04
%
84

$
8

Monthly
December 1, 2015
Capital Lease - Equipment
2.90
%
60

11

Monthly
August 1, 2017
Capital Lease - Equipment
4.76
%
58

33

Monthly
October 1, 2018
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.74
%
56

2

Monthly
October 1, 2017
Capital Lease - Equipment
4.88
%
48

16

Quarterly
April 1, 2017
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.65
%
48

13

Quarterly
April 1, 2018
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.42
%
36

2

Quarterly
April 1, 2017
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.10
%
60

3

Monthly
November 1, 2018
Capital Lease - Equipment
4.69
%
84

21

Monthly
March 25, 2021
Capital Lease - Equipment
4.59
%
60

6

Monthly
February 1, 2018
Capital Lease - Equipment
4.70
%
60

3

Monthly
April 1, 2018
Capital Lease - Equipment
4.78
%
60

1

Monthly
June 1, 2018
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.24
%
72

28

Monthly
June 1, 2020
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.82
%
51

43

Monthly
September 1, 2018
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.22
%
84

11

Monthly
August 1, 2021
Capital Lease - Equipment
4.69
%
84

5

Monthly
July 7, 2021
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.25
%
84

22

Monthly
October 1, 2021
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.28
%
84

33

Monthly
October 1, 2021
Capital Lease - Equipment
7.37
%
60

1

Monthly
April 24, 2019
Capital Lease - Equipment
6.07
%
48

38

Monthly
January 1, 2019
Capital Lease - Equipment
5.14
%
84

14

Monthly
January 1, 2022

The Company's capital lease obligations are secured by the specific equipment leased.

Interest Payments and Debt Maturities

Interest payments for continuing operations were $3,757 in 2014, $3,067 in 2013, and $2,795 in 2012. Maturities of long-term debt for periods following December 27, 2014 are as follows:
 
Long-Term
Debt
 
Capital Leases
 
Total
(See Note 18)
 
2015
$
6,295

 
$
2,783

 
$
9,078

2016
5,445

 
2,854

 
8,299

2017
4,853

 
2,923

 
7,776

2018
3,733

 
2,678

 
6,411

2019
84,789

 
1,497

 
86,286

Thereafter
7,175

 
2,263

 
9,438

Total
$
112,290

 
$
14,998

 
$
127,288


NOTE 11 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the exchange value of an asset or a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  The fair value guidance outlines a valuation framework and establishes a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and disclosures.  The hierarchy consists of three levels as follows:


Table of Contents      53     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date;

Level 2 - Other than quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and other than quoted prices for assets or liabilities and prices that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means; and

Level 3 - Measurements using management's best estimate of fair value, where the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

The following table reflects the fair values of assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013:
 
2014
 
2013
 
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Rabbi Trust (1)
$
15,316

 
$
14,242

 
Level 2
Interest rate swaps (2)
34

 
556

 
Level 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps (2)
$
3,040

 
$
813

 
Level 2
Deferred compensation plan (3)
14,331

 
13,210

 
Level 2
Contingent consideration (4)
1,855

 
2,751

 
Level 3

(1)
The Company maintains a Rabbi Trust that serves as an investment designed to offset its deferred compensation plan liability. The investment assets of the trust consist of life insurance policies for which the Company recognizes income or expense based upon changes in cash surrender value.
(2)
The fair value of the interest rate swaps was obtained from external sources. The interest rate swaps were valued using observable inputs (e.g., LIBOR yield curves, credit spreads). Valuations of interest rate swaps may fluctuate considerably from period-to-period due to volatility in underlying interest rates, which are driven by market conditions and the duration of the instrument. Credit adjustments could have a significant impact on the valuations due to changes in credit ratings of the Company or its counterparties.
(3)
Senior management and other highly compensated associates may defer a specified percentage of their compensation into a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Changes in the value of the deferred compensation under this plan are recognized each period based on the fair value of the underlying measurement funds.
(4)
As a result of the Colormaster and Crown Rug acquisitions in 2012 and the Robertex acquisition in 2013, the Company recorded contingent consideration liabilities at fair value. These fair value measurements were based on calculations that utilize significant inputs not observable in the market including forecasted revenues, gross margins and discount rates and thus represent Level 3 measurements. These fair value measurements are directly impacted by the Company's estimates. Accordingly, if the estimates are higher or lower than the estimates within the fair value measurement, the Company would record additional charges or benefits, respectively, as appropriate.

Changes in the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ending December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
2,751

 
$
1,928

Contingent consideration liabilities recorded at fair value at acquisition

 
1,307

Fair value adjustments
(625
)
 
(23
)
Settlements
(271
)
 
(461
)
Ending balance
$
1,855

 
$
2,751



There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during 2014 or 2013. If any, the Company recognizes the transfers in or transfers out at the end of the reporting period.

Table of Contents      54     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)



The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Amount
 
Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
394

 
$
394

 
$
255

 
$
255

Notes receivable, including current portion
282

 
282

 
282

 
282

Interest rate swaps
34

 
34

 
556

 
556

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt and capital leases, including current portion
127,288

 
119,776

 
107,988

 
101,752

Interest rate swaps
3,040

 
3,040

 
813

 
813


The fair values of the Company's long-term debt and capital leases were estimated using market rates the Company believes would be available for similar types of financial instruments and represent level 2 measurements.  The fair values of cash and cash equivalents and notes receivable approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of the financial instruments.

NOTE 12 - DERIVATIVES

The Company's earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to market risks relating to interest rates.  It is the Company's policy to minimize its exposure to adverse changes in interest rates and manage interest rate risks inherent in funding the Company with debt.  The Company addresses this risk by maintaining a mix of fixed and floating rate debt and entering into interest rate swaps for a portion of its variable rate debt to minimize interest rate volatility.

The following is a summary of the Company's interest rate swaps as of December 27, 2014:
Type
Notional Amount
 
Effective Date
Fixed Rate
Variable Rate
Interest rate swap
$
10,000

 
October 3, 2011 through September 1, 2016
1.330%
1 Month LIBOR
Interest rate swap
$
10,000

 
March 1, 2013 through September 1, 2016
1.620%
1 Month LIBOR
Interest rate swap
$
5,000

 
June 1, 2013 through September 1, 2016
1.700%
1 Month LIBOR
Interest rate swap
$
25,000

 
September 1, 2016 through September 1, 2021
3.105%
1 Month LIBOR
Interest rate swap
$
25,000

 
September 1, 2015 through September 1, 2021
3.304%
1 Month LIBOR
Interest rate swap
$
8,330

*
November 7, 2014 through November 7, 2024
4.500%
1 Month LIBOR
* Interest rate swap notional amount amortizes by $35 monthly to maturity.

The following table summarizes the fair values of derivative instruments included in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets
Fair Value
 
2014
 
2013
Asset Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Other Assets
$
34

 
$
556

Total Asset Derivatives
 
$
34

 
$
556

 
 
 
 
 
Liability Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps, current portion
Accrued Expenses
$
650

 
$
328

Interest rate swaps, long-term portion
Other Long-Term Liabilities
2,390

 
485

Total Liability Derivatives
 
$
3,040

 
$
813



Table of Contents      55     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)



The following tables summarize the pre-tax impact of derivative instruments on the Company's financial statements:
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCIL on the effective portion of the Derivative
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps
$
(3,110
)
 
$
381

 
$
(767
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCIL on the effective portion into Income (1)(2)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps
$
(372
)
 
$
(442
)
 
$
(625
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized on the ineffective portion in Income on Derivative (3)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps
$

 
$

 
$


(1)
The amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCIL is included in interest expense on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
The amount of loss expected to be reclassified from AOCIL into earnings during the next 12 months subsequent to fiscal 2014 is $650 .
(3)
The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on the ineffective portion of interest rate swaps is included in other (income) expense, net on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 
Amount of Gain or (Loss)  Recognized in Income on Derivative (1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaptions
$

 
$

 
$
87


(1)
The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments is included in other (income) expense, net on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan that covers a significant portion, or approximately 86% of the Company's associates. This plan includes a mandatory Company match on the first 1% of participants' contributions. The Company matches the next 2% of participants' contributions if the Company meets prescribed earnings levels. The plan also provides for additional Company contributions above the 3% level if the Company attains certain additional performance targets. Matching contribution expense for this 401(k) plan was $382 in 2014, $610 in 2013 and $247 in 2012.

Additionally, the Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan that covers those associates at one facility who are under a collective-bargaining agreement, or approximately 14% of the Company's associates. Under this plan, the Company generally matches participants' contributions, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 2.75% of the participant's earnings. Matching contribution expense for the collective-bargaining 401(k) plan was $87 in 2014, $86 in 2013 and $78 in 2012.

Non-Qualified Retirement Savings Plan

The Company sponsors a non-qualified retirement savings plan that allows eligible associates to defer a specified percentage of their compensation.  The obligations owed to participants under this plan were $14,331 at December 27, 2014 and $13,210 at December 28, 2013 and are included in other long-term liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The obligations are unsecured general obligations of the Company and the participants have no right, interest or claim in the assets of the Company, except as unsecured general creditors.  The Company utilizes a Rabbi Trust to hold, invest and reinvest

Table of Contents      56     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


deferrals and contributions under the plan.  Amounts are invested in Company-owned life insurance in the Rabbi Trust and the cash surrender value of the policies was $15,316 at December 27, 2014 and $14,242 at December 28, 2013 and is included in other assets in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Multi-Employer Pension Plan

The Company contributes to a multi-employer pension plan under the terms of a collective-bargaining agreement that covers its union-represented employees. These union-represented employees represented approximately 14% of the Company's total employees. The risks of participating in multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans. If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. If the Company chooses to stop participating in the multi-employer plan, the Company may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The Company's participation in the multi-employer pension plan for 2014 is provided in the table below. The "EIN/Pension Plan Number" column provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN) and the three digit plan number. The most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone status available in 2014 and 2013 is for the plan's year-end at 2013 and 2012, respectively. The zone status is based on information that the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan's actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The "FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented" column indicates a plan for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date of the collective-bargaining agreement to which the plan is subject.

Pension Fund
EIN/Pension Plan Number
Pension Protection Act Zone Status
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented (1)
Contributions (2)
Surcharge Imposed (1)
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreement
2014
2013
2014

2013

2012

The Pension Plan of the National Retirement Fund
13-6130178 - 001
Red
Red
Implemented
$
279

$
279

$
256

Yes
6/3/2017

(1) The collective-bargaining agreement requires the Company to contribute to the plan at the rate of $0.47 per compensated hour for each covered employee. The Company will make additional contributions, as mandated by law, in accordance with the fund's 2010 Rehabilitation Plan which requires a surcharge equal to $0.03 per hour (from $0.47 to $0.50) effective June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015. Based upon current employment and benefit levels, the Company's contributions to the multi-employer pension plan are expected to be approximately $300 for 2015.
(2) The Company's contributions to the plan do not represent more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan for the most recent plan year available.


Postretirement Plans

The Company inherited a legacy postretirement benefit plan that provides life insurance to a limited number of associates as a result of a prior acquisition.  The Company also sponsors a postretirement benefit plan that provides medical insurance for a limited number of associates who retired prior to January 1, 2003 and life insurance to a limited number of associates upon retirement as part of a collective bargaining agreement.


Table of Contents      57     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Information about the benefit obligation and funded status of the Company's postretirement benefit plans is summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
598

 
$
694

Service cost
7

 
7

Interest cost
22

 
23

Participant contributions
12

 
15

Actuarial gain
(317
)
 
(137
)
Benefits paid
(5
)
 
(5
)
Medicare Part D subsidy

 
1

Benefit obligation at end of year
317

 
598

 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

Employer contributions
(7
)
 
(11
)
Participant contributions
12

 
15

Benefits paid
(5
)
 
(5
)
Medicare Part D subsidy

 
1

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

Unfunded amount
$
(317
)
 
$
(598
)


The balance sheet classification of the Company's liability for postretirement benefit plans is summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Accrued expenses
$
17

 
$
18

Other long-term liabilities
300

 
580

Total liability
$
317

 
$
598



Benefits expected to be paid on behalf of associates for postretirement benefit plans during the period 2015 through 2024 are summarized as follows:
Years
Postretirement
Plans
2015
$
16

2016
16

2017
15

2018
15

2019
16

2020 - 2024
83



Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations of the Company's postretirement benefit plans are summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Weighted-average assumptions as of year-end:
 
 
 
Discount rate (benefit obligations)
4.73
%
 
3.16
%



Table of Contents      58     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Assumptions used and related effects of health care cost are summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Health care cost trend assumed for next year
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
2016

 
2017



The effect of a 1% change in the health care cost trend on the Company's postretirement benefit plans is summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
$
2

 
$
(2
)
 
$
4

 
$
(3
)


Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for all postretirement plans are summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost
$
7

 
$
7

 
$
7

Interest cost
22

 
23

 
26

Amortization of prior service credits
(88
)
 
(88
)
 
(88
)
Recognized net actuarial gains
(31
)
 
(35
)
 
(45
)
Settlement gain
(251
)
 
(105
)
 
(48
)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
(341
)
 
$
(198
)
 
$
(148
)

Pre-tax amounts included in AOCIL for the Company's postretirement benefit plans at 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Balance at 2014
 
2015 Expected Amortization
Prior service credits
$
(102
)
 
$
(88
)
Unrecognized actuarial gains
(427
)
 
(37
)
Totals
$
(529
)
 
$
(125
)

NOTE 14 - INCOME TAXES

The provision (benefit) for income taxes on income (loss) from continuing operations consists of the following:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Current
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
979

 
$
282

 
$
154

State
(190
)
 
178

 
88

Total current
789

 
460

 
242

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
243

 
(955
)
 
(592
)
State
21

 
(82
)
 
(51
)
Total deferred
264

 
(1,037
)
 
(643
)
Income tax provision (benefit)
$
1,053

 
$
(577
)
 
$
(401
)


Table of Contents      59     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Differences between the provision (benefit) for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes are summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Federal statutory rate
35
%
 
35
%
 
35
%
Statutory rate applied to income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes
$
604

 
$
1,743

 
$
(369
)
Plus state income taxes, net of federal tax effect
(169
)
 
96

 
24

Total statutory provision (benefit)
435

 
1,839

 
(345
)
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
Nondeductible meals and entertainment
143

 
112

 
88

Domestic production activities deduction
112

 
(208
)
 

Federal tax credits
(483
)
 
(1,612
)
 

Reserve for uncertain tax positions
109

 
286

 

Goodwill
(124
)
 
283

 

Change in valuation allowance
569

 
(1,190
)
 

Non-taxable insurance proceeds

 
(71
)
 

Stock-based compensation
117

 

 
14

True-up to tax return
102

 
14

 
(75
)
Other items
73

 
(30
)
 
(83
)
Total tax provision (benefit)
$
1,053

 
$
(577
)
 
$
(401
)


In 2014, the Company increased valuation allowances by $569 related to state income tax loss carryforwards and credit carryforwards. This was primarily the result of actual 2014 pretax earnings being significantly less that the 2014 forecasted earnings used in the 2013 analysis, a change in California apportionment rules that limit the utilization of net operating loss and credit carryforwards in future years and a projected tax loss in 2014 that resulted in the need to record a valuation allowance against that loss in separate company reporting states.

During 2013, the Company reversed $1,190 of previously established reserves related to state income tax loss carryforwards and state income tax credit carryforwards. The reversal of the reserves was based on a number of factors including current and future earnings assumptions by taxing jurisdiction. Additionally, 2013 included certain tax credits of approximately $520 related to 2009 - 2011 determined to be available for utilization and $304 of 2012 research and development tax credits that could not be recognized until the extension of the credit was approved by Congress in 2013.

The Company’s 2012 effective income tax benefit rate varied from statutory rates primarily as a result of adjustments to estimates used in the 2011 estimated tax calculations versus amounts used in the subsequent tax return filing for the 2011 period; net of the effects of permanent differences on the lower level of pre-tax earnings in the 2012 tax calculations.

Income tax payments, net of income tax refunds received for continuing and discontinued operations were $345 in 2014, $58 in 2013 and $1,318 in 2012.


Table of Contents      60     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Inventories
$
2,842

 
$
2,226

Retirement benefits
3,215

 
3,408

State net operating losses
3,417

 
2,936

Federal net operating losses
3,503

 

State tax credit carryforwards
1,740

 
1,740

Federal tax credit carryforwards
2,472

 

Allowances for bad debts, claims and discounts
3,175

 
2,527

Other
4,776

 
5,279

Total deferred tax assets
25,140

 
18,116

Valuation allowance
(4,317
)
 
(3,748
)
Net deferred tax assets
20,823

 
14,368

 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
17,477

 
11,818

Total deferred tax liabilities
17,477

 
11,818

 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax asset
$
3,346

 
$
2,550


Balance sheet classification:
2014
 
2013
Current deferred tax assets
$
12,722

 
$
6,622

Non-current deferred tax liabilities
9,376

 
4,072

Net deferred tax asset
$
3,346

 
$
2,550



At December 27, 2014, $3,503 of deferred tax assets related to approximately $10,010 of federal net operating loss carryforwards and $3,417 of deferred tax assets related to approximately $77,405 of state net operating loss carryforwards. In addition, $2,472 of federal tax credit carryforwards and $1,740 of state tax credit carryforwards were available to the Company. The federal net operating loss carryforwards and the federal tax credit carryforwards will expire in 20 years. The state net operating loss carryforwards and the state tax credit carryforwards will expire within 10 years. A valuation allowance of $4,317 is recorded to reflect the estimated amount of deferred tax assets that may not be realized during the carryforward periods. At December 27, 2014, the Company is in a net deferred tax asset position of $3,346 . The Company performed an analysis related to the net deferred tax asset and believes that the net tax asset is recoverable in future periods.

Tax Uncertainties

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income tax positions according to FASB guidance relating to uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits were $400 and $291 at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.  Such benefits, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate. There were no significant interest or penalties accrued as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013.


Table of Contents      61     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


The following is a summary of the change in the Company's unrecognized tax benefits:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Balance at beginning of year
$
291

 
$
5

 
$
16

Additions based on tax positions taken during a prior period

 
250

 

Additions based on tax positions taken during a current period
109

 
41

 

Reductions related to settlement of tax matters

 

 

Reductions related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations

 
(5
)
 
(11
)
Balance at end of year
$
400

 
$
291

 
$
5


The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to United States federal income taxes, as well as income taxes in a number of state jurisdictions.  The tax years subsequent to 2010 remain open to examination for U.S. federal income taxes.  The majority of state jurisdictions remain open for tax years subsequent to 2010.  A few state jurisdictions remain open to examination for tax years subsequent to 2009.

NOTE 15 - COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Common & Preferred Stock

The Company's charter authorizes 80,000,000 shares of Common Stock with a $3 par value per share and 16,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock with a $3 par value per share.  Holders of Class B Common Stock have the right to twenty votes per share on matters that are submitted to Shareholders for approval and to dividends in an amount not greater than dividends declared and paid on Common Stock.  Class B Common Stock is restricted as to transferability and may be converted into Common Stock on a one share for one share basis.  The Company's charter also authorizes 200,000,000 shares of Class C Common Stock, $3 par value per share, and 16,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.   No shares of Class C Common Stock or Preferred Stock have been issued.

On May 20, 2014, the Company completed its equity offering of 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $10.65 per share, raising approximately $24,559 after deducting underwriter fees and costs directly related to the offering. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes and to reduce the balance under the Company's revolving credit facility, including borrowings associated with the acquisition of Atlas Carpet Mills.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The Company's unvested stock awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share. The accounting guidance requires additional disclosure of EPS for common stock and unvested share-based payment awards, separately disclosing distributed and undistributed earnings.  Undistributed earnings represent earnings that were available for distribution but were not distributed.  Common stock and unvested share-based payment awards earn dividends equally.  All earnings were undistributed in all periods presented.


Table of Contents      62     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
673

 
$
5,556

 
$
(653
)
Less: Allocation of earnings to participating securities
(197
)
 
(218
)
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common shareholders - basic
$
476

 
$
5,338

 
$
(653
)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (1)
14,382

 
12,737

 
12,638

Basic earnings (loss) per share - continuing operations
$
0.03

 
$
0.42

 
$
(0.05
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common shareholders - basic
$
476

 
$
5,338

 
$
(653
)
Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders
3

 
2

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common shareholders - basic
$
479

 
$
5,340

 
$
(653
)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (1)
14,382

 
12,737

 
12,638

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options (2)
97

 
54

 

Directors' stock performance units (2)
65

 
61

 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (1)(2)
14,544

 
12,852

 
12,638

Diluted earnings (loss) per share - continuing operations
$
0.03

 
$
0.42

 
$
(0.05
)

(1)
Includes Common and Class B Common shares, in thousands.
(2)
Because their effects are anti-dilutive, shares issuable under stock option plans where the exercise price is greater than the average market price of the Company's Common Stock during the relevant period and directors' stock performance units have been excluded. Aggregate shares excluded were 434 in 2014, 510 in 2013 and 827 in 2012.

NOTE 16 - STOCK PLANS AND STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE

The Company recognizes compensation expense relating to share-based payments based on the fair value of the equity instrument issued and records such expense in selling and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.  The number of shares to be issued is determined by dividing the specified dollar value of the award by the market value per share on the grant date.  The Company's stock compensation expense was $1,195 in 2014, $847 in 2013 and $937 in 2012.

2006 Stock Awards Plan

On May 3, 2006, the Company's shareholders' approved and adopted the Company's 2006 Stock Awards Plan (the "2006 Plan") which provided for the issuance of up to 800,000 shares of Common Stock and/or Class B Common Stock as stock-based or stock-denominated awards to directors of the Company and to salaried employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries.  The 2006 Plan superseded and replaced The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the "2000 Plan"), which was terminated with respect to the granting of new awards.  Awards previously granted under the 2000 Plan will continue to be governed by the terms of that plan and will not be affected by its termination.

On April 27, 2010, the Company's shareholders' approved the amendment and restatement of the 2006 Plan to increase the number of shares that may be issued under the plan from 800,000 to 1,300,000 .

On April 30, 2013, the Company's shareholders' approved the amendment of the 2006 Plan to increase the number of shares that may be issued under the plan from 1,300,000 to 1,800,000 .

Restricted Stock Awards

Each executive officer has the opportunity to earn a Primary Long-Term Incentive Award of restricted stock and separately receive an award of restricted stock denominated as “Career Shares.”  The number of shares issued, if any, is based on the market price of the Company’s Common Stock at the time of grant of the award, subject to a $5.00 per share minimum value.  Primary Long-

Table of Contents      63     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Term Incentive Awards vest over 3 years, and Career Shares vest when the participant becomes qualified to retire from the Company at 60 years of age and has retained the Career Shares for 2 years following the grant date.

During 2014, the Company issued 101,315 shares of restricted stock to officers and other key employees. The grant-date fair value of the awards was $1,588 , or $15.675 per share, and will be recognized as stock compensation expense over the vesting periods which range from 2 to 13 years from the date the awards were granted. Each award is subject to a continued service condition. The fair value of each share of restricted stock awarded was equal to the market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the grant date.

During 2013, the Company issued 173,249 shares of restricted stock to officers and other key employees. The grant-date fair value of the awards was $899 , or $5.190 per share, and will be recognized as stock compensation expense over the vesting periods which range from 2 to 14 years from the date the awards were granted. Each award is subject to a continued service condition. The fair value of each share of restricted stock awarded was equal to the market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the grant date.

During 2012, the Company issued 241,233 shares of restricted stock to officers and other key employees.  The grant-date fair value of the awards was $998 , or $4.135 per share, and will be recognized as stock compensation expense over the vesting periods which range from 2 to 15 years from the date the awards were granted.  Additionally, the Company issued 48,000 shares of restricted stock to certain key employees. The grant-date fair value of the awards was $156 , or $3.255 per share, and will be recognized as stock compensation over a 4 year vesting period from the date the awards were granted. Each award is subject to a continued service condition. The fair value of each share of restricted stock awarded was equal to the market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the grant date.

Restricted stock activity for the three years ended December 27, 2014 is summarized as follows:
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
306,529

 
$
8.00

Granted
289,233

 
3.99

Vested
(113,647
)
 
4.20

Forfeited
(17,229
)
 
4.14

Outstanding at December 29, 2012
464,886

 
6.57

Granted
173,249

 
5.19

Vested
(112,336
)
 
4.15

Forfeited

 

Outstanding at December 28, 2013
525,799

 
6.64

Granted
101,315

 
15.68

Vested
(144,875
)
 
4.50

Forfeited
(125,000
)
 
12.78

Outstanding at December 27, 2014
357,239

 
$
7.92


As of December 27, 2014, unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $1,809 . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.6 years.  The total fair value of shares vested was approximately $1,512 , $669 and $439 during the year 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Stock Performance Units

Prior to 2014, the Company's non-employee directors received an annual retainer of $12 in cash and $12 in value of Stock Performance Units (subject to a $5.00 minimum per unit) under the Director's Stock Plan.  In 2014, the Company's non-employee directors received $18 in cash and $18 in value of Stock Performance Units (subject to a $5.00 minimum per unit). If market value at the date of the grants is above $5.00 per share; there is no reduction in the number of units issued.  However, if the market value at the date of the grants is below $5.00 , units will be reduced to reflect the $5.00 per share minimum. Upon retirement, the Company issues the number of shares of Common Stock equivalent to the number of Stock Performance Units held by non-employee directors at that time.  As of December 27, 2014, 109,359 Stock Performance Units were outstanding under this plan.


Table of Contents      64     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has a stock purchase plan which authorizes 108,000 shares of Common Stock for purchase by supervisory associates at the market price prevailing at the time of purchase.  At December 27, 2014, 27,480 shares remained available for issuance under the plan.  Shares sold under this plan are held in escrow until paid for and are subject to repurchase agreements which give the Company a right of first refusal to purchase the shares if they are subsequently sold.   No shares were sold under the plan in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Stock Options

All stock options issued under the Company's 2000 Plan were exercisable generally at a cumulative rate of 25% per year after the second year from the date the options were granted.  Options granted under the Company's 2006 Plan are exercisable for periods determined at the time the awards are granted.  Effective 2009, the Company established a $5.00 minimum exercise price on all options granted. No options were granted during 2014, 2013 or 2012.

The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model.  Expected volatility was based on historical volatility of the Company's stock, calculated using the most recent period equal to the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a term equal to the expected life of the option at the time of grant.  The Company uses historical exercise behavior data of similar employee groups to determine the expected life of options.

Option activity for the three years ended December 27, 2014 is summarized as follows:
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Fair Value of Options Granted During the Year
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
786,728

 
$
10.91

 
$

Granted

 

 

Exercised

 

 

Forfeited
(89,321
)
 
10.20

 

Outstanding at December 29, 2012
697,407

 
11.00

 

Granted

 

 

Exercised
(37,052
)
 
5.15

 

Forfeited

 

 

Outstanding at December 28, 2013
660,355

 
11.33

 

Granted

 

 

Exercised
(53,950
)
 
10.22

 

Forfeited
(167,170
)
 
14.36

 

Outstanding at December 27, 2014
439,235

 
$
10.31

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Options exercisable at:
 
 
 
 
 
December 29, 2012
638,407

 
$
11.56

 

December 28, 2013
630,855

 
11.63

 

December 27, 2014
439,235

 
10.31

 




Table of Contents      65     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


The following table summarizes information about stock options at December 27, 2014:
Options Outstanding
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$4.20 - $5.00
 
111,000

 
4.6
years
 
$
4.98

$6.96 - $6.96
 
81,935

 
0.3
years
 
6.96

$11.85 - $17.58
 
246,300

 
0.9
years
 
13.82

$3.875 - $17.58
 
439,235

 
1.8
years
 
$
10.31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$4.20 - $5.00
 
111,000

 
4.6
years
 
$
4.98

$6.96 - $6.96
 
81,935

 
0.3
years
 
6.96

$11.85 - $17.58
 
246,300

 
0.9
years
 
13.82

$3.875 - $17.58
 
439,235

 
1.8
years
 
$
10.31


At December 27, 2014, the intrinsic value of outstanding stock options was $607 and the intrinsic value of exercisable stock options was $607 . The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended 2014 and 2013 was $140 and $206 , respectively. At December 27, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options.


Table of Contents      66     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


NOTE 17 - OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps:
 
 
 
 
 
Before income taxes
$
(3,110
)
 
$
381

 
$
(767
)
Income taxes
(1,182
)
 
145

 
(291
)
Net of taxes
(1,928
)
 
236

 
(476
)
Reclassification of loss into earnings from interest rate swaps (1):
 
 
 
 
 
Before income taxes
372

 
284

 
158

Income taxes
141

 
108

 
60

Net of taxes
231

 
176

 
98

Amortization of unrealized loss on dedesignated interest rate swaps (1):
 
 
 
 
 
Before income taxes

 
158

 
467

Income taxes

 
60

 
178

Net of taxes

 
98

 
289

Unrecognized net actuarial gain on postretirement benefit plans:
 
 
 
 
 
Before income taxes
67

 
32

 
33

Income taxes
26

 
12

 
13

Net of taxes
41

 
20

 
20

Reclassification of net actuarial gain into earnings from postretirement benefit plans (2):
 
 
 
 
 
Before income taxes
(31
)
 
(35
)
 
(45
)
Income taxes
(12
)
 
(13
)
 
(18
)
Net of taxes
(19
)
 
(22
)
 
(27
)
Reclassification of prior service credits into earnings from postretirement benefit plans (2):
 
 
 
 
 
Before income taxes
(88
)
 
(88
)
 
(88
)
Income taxes
(34
)
 
(34
)
 
(34
)
Net of taxes
(54
)
 
(54
)
 
(54
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(1,729
)
 
$
454

 
$
(150
)

(1)
Amounts for cash flow hedges reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income (loss) were included in interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations.
(2)
Amounts for postretirement plans reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income (loss) were included in selling and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations.



Table of Contents      67     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows:
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
Post-Retirement Liabilities
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2011
(565
)
 
477

 
(88
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax of $291
(476
)
 

 
(476
)
Reclassification of loss into earnings from interest rate swaps, net of tax of $60
98

 

 
98

Amortization of unrealized loss on dedesignated interest rate swaps, net of tax of $178
289

 

 
289

Unrecognized net actuarial gain on postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $13

 
20

 
20

Reclassification of net actuarial gain into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $18

 
(27
)
 
(27
)
Reclassification of prior service credits into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $34

 
(54
)
 
(54
)
Balance at December 29, 2012
(654
)
 
416

 
(238
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax of $145
236

 

 
236

Reclassification of loss into earnings from interest rate swaps, net of tax of $108
176

 

 
176

Amortization of unrealized loss on dedesignated interest rate swaps, net of tax of $60
98

 

 
98

Unrecognized net actuarial gain on postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $12

 
20

 
20

Reclassification of net actuarial gain into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $13

 
(22
)
 
(22
)
Reclassification of prior service credits into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $34

 
(54
)
 
(54
)
Balance at December 28, 2013
(144
)
 
360

 
216

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps, net of tax of $1,182
(1,928
)
 

 
(1,928
)
Reclassification of loss into earnings from interest rate swaps, net of tax of $141
231

 

 
231

Unrecognized net actuarial gain on postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $26

 
41

 
41

Reclassification of net actuarial gain into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $12

 
(19
)
 
(19
)
Reclassification of prior service credits into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $34

 
(54
)
 
(54
)
Balance at December 27, 2014
$
(1,841
)
 
$
328

 
$
(1,513
)

NOTE 18 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

The Company had purchase commitments of $4,843 at December 27, 2014, primarily related to machinery & equipment. The Company enters into fixed-price contracts with suppliers to purchase natural gas to support certain manufacturing processes. The Company had contract purchases of $977 in 2014, $1,109 in 2013 and $1,127 in 2012. At December 27, 2014, the Company has commitments to purchase natural gas of $1,027 for 2015, $741 for 2016 and $140 for 2017.






Table of Contents      68     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


The Company leases certain equipment under capital leases and certain buildings, machinery and equipment under operating leases.  Commitments for minimum rentals under non-cancelable leases, including any applicable rent escalation clauses, are as follows:
 
Capital
Leases
 
Operating
Leases
2015
$
3,494

 
$
3,094

2016
3,427

 
2,492

2017
3,343

 
2,207

2018
2,946

 
1,864

2019
1,655

 
1,062

Thereafter
2,366

 
1,516

Total commitments
17,231

 
12,235

Less amounts representing interest
(2,233
)
 

Total
$
14,998

 
$
12,235



Rental expense was approximately $4,066 , $2,434 and $2,188 during the years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Property, plant and equipment includes machinery and equipment under capital leases which have asset cost and accumulated depreciation of $16,353 and $2,033 , respectively, at December 27, 2014, and $5,390 and $914 , respectively, at December 28, 2013.

Contingencies

The Company assesses its exposure related to legal matters, including those pertaining to product liability, safety and health matters and other items that arise in the regular course of its business. If the Company determines that it is probable a loss has been incurred, the amount of the loss, or an amount within the range of loss, that can be reasonably estimated will be recorded.

Environmental Remediation

The Company accrues for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such losses are probable and estimable. Remediation obligations are accrued based on the latest available information and are recorded at undiscounted amounts. The Company regularly monitors the progress of environmental remediation. If studies indicate that the cost of remediation has changed from the previous estimate, an adjustment to the liability would be recorded in the period in which such determination is made. (See Note 21)

Legal Proceedings

The Company was a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a former raw material supplier. In its lawsuit, the Company alleged that the former supplier sold defective materials to the Company over a period of time, which, when applied to certain of the Company’s products, caused those products to become defective and unmerchantable in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. On January 31, 2014, the Company and the supplier settled its claim for $400 . The difference in the amount previously recognized and the settlement amount was recorded in other operating (income) expense in 2013.


Table of Contents      69     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


NOTE 19 - OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE

Other operating (income) expense, net is summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Other operating (income) expense, net:
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance proceeds (1)
$

 
$
(202
)
 
$

(Gain) loss on property, plant and equipment disposals
(30
)
 
195

 
1

Loss on currency exchanges
587

 
217

 
55

Amortization of intangibles
351

 
88

 

Retirement expenses
135

 
154

 
201

Contract settlement

 
172

 

Miscellaneous (income) expense
(139
)
 
(130
)
 
(189
)
Other operating (income) expense, net
$
904

 
$
494

 
$
68


(1)
The Company recognized a settlement gain of $202 from a company-owned insurance policy during 2013.

Other (income) expense, net is summarized as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Other (income) expense, net:
 
 
 
 
 
(Gain) loss on non-hedged swaptions
$

 
$

 
$
(87
)
Earnings from equity investments
(209
)
 

 

(Gain) loss on sale of non-operating assets
41

 

 
(187
)
Miscellaneous (income) expense
14

 
26

 
(3
)
Other (income) expense, net
$
(154
)
 
$
26

 
$
(277
)

NOTE 20 - FACILITY CONSOLIDATION EXPENSES

2014 Warehousing, Distribution & Manufacturing Consolidation Plan

On January 20, 2014, the Company developed a plan to align its warehousing, distribution and manufacturing to support its growth and manufacturing strategy resulting in better cost structure and improved distribution capabilities and customer service. The key element and first major step of this plan was the leasing of a facility that will serve as a finished goods warehouse and a cut-order and distribution center in Adairsville, Georgia; such lease commenced on May 1, 2014. Costs related to the consolidation include moving and relocation expenses, information technology expenses and expenses relating to conversion and realignment of equipment.

In June of 2014, the Board of Directors’ approved a modification of this plan to include the elimination of both carpet dyeing and yarn dyeing in the Company's Atmore, Alabama facility designed to more fully accommodate the distribution and manufacturing realignment. As a result, the dyeing operations in Atmore will be moved to the Company's continuous dyeing facility, skein dyeing operation and other outside dyeing processors. In addition, certain machinery and equipment has been identified for disposal resulting in an impairment charge of $1,133 during 2014.

2014 Atlas Integration Plan

As a part of the March 19, 2014 acquisition of Atlas, the Company developed a plan to close the operations of the Atlas dyeing facility in Los Angeles and move the carpet dyeing of their products to the Company's dyeing operation located in Santa Ana, California. Costs related to the consolidation include equipment relocation, computer systems modifications and severance costs and should be completed in fiscal 2015.


Table of Contents      70     


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)


Costs related to the facility consolidation plans are summarized as follows:
 
Asset Impairments (1)
 
Other Costs (2)
 
Total Expected Costs
 
Total Asset Impairments Incurred to Date
 
Total Other Costs Incurred to Date
 
Total Remaining Costs
Warehousing, Distribution and Manufacturing Consolidation Plan
$
1,133

 
$
5,398

 
$
6,531

 
$
1,133

 
$
4,047

 
$
1,351

Atlas Integration Plan

 
1,846

 
1,846

 

 
1,467

 
379

Total All Plans
$
1,133

 
$
7,244

 
$
8,377

 
$
1,133

 
$
5,514

 
$
1,730


(1) Asset impairments under these plans are classified as "loss on impairments" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) Other costs incurred under these plans are classified as "facility consolidation expenses" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

NOTE 21 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company has either sold or discontinued certain operations that are accounted for as "Discontinued Operations" under applicable accounting guidance. Discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Carousel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,168

 
$
691

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes
$
(863
)
 
$
(264
)
 
$

Income tax benefit
(265
)
 
(66
)
 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(598
)
 
$
(198
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations before income taxes
$
(2,363
)
 
$

 
$

Income tax benefit
(896
)
 

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(1,467
)
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Previously Discontinued Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Workers' compensation costs
$
(55
)
 
$
(23
)
 
$
(143
)
Environmental remediation costs
(62
)
 
(74
)
 
(279
)
Loss from discontinued operations, before taxes
(117
)
 
(97
)
 
(422
)
Income tax benefit
(107
)
 
(29
)
 
(148
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(10
)
 
$
(68
)
 
$
(274
)


Carousel

In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company discontinued the Carousel specialty tufting and weaving operation that was part of the 2013 Robertex, Inc. acquisition. As a result, the Company had a loss on the disposal of the discontinued operation which included the impairment of certain intangibles associated with Carousel and the related machinery and equipment. The amount of non-current assets related to Carousel at December 28, 2013 was $2,579 . Operating results associated with Carousel have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
 
Previously Discontinued Operations

The Company has previously either sold or discontinued certain operations that have certain contingent obligations primarily related to self-insured workers' compensation and environmental liabilities. Costs related to these obligations for those businesses are classified as discontinued operations.

Table of Contents      71


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Continued)



Undiscounted reserves are maintained for the self-insured workers' compensation obligations. These reserves are administered by a third-party workers' compensation service provider under the supervision of Company personnel. Such reserves are reassessed on a quarterly basis. Pre-tax cost incurred for workers' compensation as a component of discontinued operations primarily represents a change in estimate for each period from unanticipated medical costs associated with the Company's obligations.

Reserves for environmental remediation obligations are established on an undiscounted basis. The Company has an accrual for environmental remediation obligations of $1,637 and $1,830 as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. The liability established represents the Company's best estimate of possible loss and is the reasonable amount to which there is any meaningful degree of certainty given the periods of estimated remediation and the dollars applicable to such remediation for those periods. The actual timeline to remediate, and thus, the ultimate cost to complete such remediation through these remediation efforts, may differ significantly from our estimates. Pre-tax cost for environmental remediation obligations classified as discontinued operations were primarily a result of specific events requiring action and additional expense in each period.

NOTE 22 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During 2014, the Company entered into a 5-year lease with the seller of Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc. to lease three manufacturing facilities as part of the acquisition. The seller is an associate of the Company. Rent paid to the seller during 2014 was $343 . The lease was based on current market values for similar facilities.

During 2014, the Company purchased a portion of its product needs in the form of fiber, yarn, carpet and dyeing services from Engineered Floors, an entity substantially controlled by Robert E. Shaw, a shareholder of the Company. Mr. Shaw reported holding approximately 8.5% of the Company's Common Stock, which as of year-end, represented approximately 4.2% of the total vote of all classes of the Company's Common Stock. Engineered Floors is one of several suppliers of such services to the Company. Total purchases from Engineered Floors for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $11,300 , $12,000 and $8,000 , respectively; or approximately 3.6% of the Company's cost of goods sold in 2014. Purchases from Engineered Floors are based on market value, negotiated prices. The Company has no contractual arrangements or commitments with Mr. Shaw associated with its business relationship with Engineered Floors. Transactions with Engineered Floors were reviewed and approved by the Company's board of directors.

During 2013, the Company entered into a 10-year lease with the Rothman Family Partnership to lease a manufacturing facility as part of the Robertex acquisition. The Rothman Family Partnership includes Robert P. Rothman who is an associate of the Company. Rent paid to the Rothman Family Partnership during 2014 and 2013 was $257 and $127 , respectively. The lease was based on current market values for similar facilities.

NOTE 23 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 23, 2015, the Company entered into a ten-year $6,290 note payable to finance an owned facility in Saraland, Alabama. The note payable is scheduled to mature on January 7, 2025 and is secured by the facility. The note payable bears interest at a variable rate equal to one month LIBOR plus 2.0% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal of $26 , plus interest calculated on the declining balance of the note, with a final payment of $3,145 due on maturity. In addition, the Company entered into a forward interest rate swap with an amortizing $5,661 notional amount effective January 7, 2017 which effectively fixes the interest rate at 4.30% .

On March 12, 2015, the Company granted 114,625 shares of restricted stock to officers and other key employees of the Company. The shares will vest over periods ranging from 1 to 29 years from the date of the awards were granted. Each award is subject to a continued service condition. In addition, the Compensation Committee has approved a grant of 100,000 shares of restricted stock to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, subject to shareholder approval. The shares would vest in 4 years from the date of the award was granted and would be subject to both a performance and continued service condition.



Table of Contents      72     


SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
(dollars in thousands)

Description
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
 
Additions - Charged to Costs and Expenses
 
Additions - Charged to Other Account - Describe
 
Deductions - Describe
 
Balance at End of Year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 27, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserves deducted from asset accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
141

 
$
402

 
$

 
$
93

(2)
$
450

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserves classified as liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for claims, allowances and warranties
 
3,377

 
9,249

 
606

(1)
8,585

(3)
4,647

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 28, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserves deducted from asset accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
216

 
$
40

 
$

 
$
115

(2)
$
141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserves classified as liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for claims, allowances and warranties
 
2,509

 
7,141

 

 
6,273

(3)
3,377

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 29, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserves deducted from asset accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
467

 
$
276

 
$

 
$
527

(2)
$
216

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserves classified as liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for claims, allowances and warranties
 
2,375

 
5,226

 

 
5,092

(3)
2,509


(1) Assumed reserve in business combinations.
(2) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
(3) Reserve reductions for claims, allowances and warranties settled.


Table of Contents      73     




ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 15(b)
EXHIBITS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2014
THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

Exhibit Index
EXHIBIT NO.
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
 
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
(1.1)
Underwriting Agreement for 2,500,000 Shares of The Dixie Group, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 20, 2014.*
(2.1)
Securities Purchase Agreement between Masland Carpets, LLC and Robert P. Rothman dated as of June 30, 2013.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (2.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2013. *
(3.1)
Text of Restated Charter of The Dixie Group, Inc. as Amended - Blackline Version.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3.4) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2003. *
(3.2)
Amended By-Laws of The Dixie Group, Inc. as of February 22, 2007.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26 2007.*
(5.1)
Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (5.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 20, 2014.*
(10.1)
The Dixie Group, Inc. Director's Stock Plan. **
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1997. *
(10.2)
The Dixie Group, Inc. New Non-qualified Retirement Savings Plan effective August 1, 1999. **
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 1999. *
(10.3)
The Dixie Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement effective as of August 1, 1999. **
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to Dixie's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 1999. *
(10.4)
The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, as amended. **
 
Incorporated by reference to Annex A to Dixie's Proxy Statement dated April 5, 2002 for its 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. *
(10.5)
Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan. **
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.23) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001. *
(10.6)
Form of Stock Rights and Restrictions Agreement for Restricted Stock Award under The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.35) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2004. *
(10.7)
Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Qualified Options Granted December 20, 2005.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2005. *
(10.8)
Summary Description of the Director Compensation Arrangements for The Dixie Group, Inc.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.34) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2004. *
(10.9)
The Dixie Group, Inc. 2006 Stock Awards Plan. **
 
Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed March 20, 2006. *
(10.10)
Summary Description of the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan, approved February 23, 2006.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2006. *
(10.11)
Summary Description of The Dixie Group, Inc., 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan/Range of Incentives.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.62) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013 .*
(10.12)
Material terms of the performance goals for the period 2007-2011, pursuant to which incentive compensation awards may be made to certain key executives of the Company based on the results achieved by the Company during such years, approved March 14, 2006.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 20, 2006. *

Table of Contents      74




(10.13)
Form of Award of Career Shares under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for Participants holding only shares of the Company's Common Stock.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2006. *
(10.14)
Form of Award of Career Shares under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for Participants holding shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2006. *
(10.15)
Form of Award of Long Term Incentive Plan Shares under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for Participants holding only shares of the Company's Common Stock.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.3) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2006. *
(10.16)
Form of Award of Long Term Incentive Plan Shares under the 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan for Participants holding shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.4) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2006. *
(10.17)
Award of 125,000 shares of Restricted Stock under the 2006 Stock Awards Plan to Daniel K. Frierson.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2006. *
(10.18)
Summary description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2007 Annual Compensation Plan.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 2007.*
(10.19)
Merger agreement between The Dixie Group, Inc. and Unite Here National Retirement Fund regarding the Company's Masland Bargaining Unit Defined Benefit Pension Plan.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (99.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 28, 2007*
(10.20)
Summary description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2008 Annual Incentive Plan.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2008*
(10.21)
Summary description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2009 Annual Incentive Plan.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 26, 2009*
(10.22)
Amended and restated award of 125,000 shares of Restricted Stock under the 2006 Stock Awards Plan to Daniel K. Frierson.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 21, 2009.*
(10.23)
Summary description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan/Range of Incentives.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 2010.*
(10.24)
Summary Description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan/Range of Incentives.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 1, 2011.*
(10.25)
Summary Description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan/Range of Incentives.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2012.*
(10.26)
Summary Description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan/Range of Incentives.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 22, 2012.*
(10.27)
Summary Description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan/Range of Incentives.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2013.*
(10.28)
Summary Description of The Dixie Group, Inc. 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan/Range of Incentives.**
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.62) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013 .*
(10.29)
Rule 10b5-1 and 10b-18 Repurchase Agreement by and between The Dixie Group, Inc. and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. dated December 11, 2007*
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (99.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2007*
(10.30)
Agreement by and between Raymond James & Associates, Inc. dated November 6, 2008, to repurchase shares of The Dixie Group, Inc.'s Common Stock.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (99.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2008.*
(10.31)
Fixed Rate Swap Agreement between Bank of America, N.A. and The Dixie Group, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 19, 2010.*
(10.32)
Fixed Rate Swap Agreement between Bank of America, N.A. and The Dixie Group, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 8, 2010.*
(10.33)
Termination of interest rate swap between Bank of America, N.A. and The Dixie Group, Inc. dated April 19, 2010.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 8, 2010.*

Table of Contents      75




(10.34)
Master Lease Agreement, Corporate Guaranty and Schedule to the Master Lease Agreement by and between General Electric Capital Corporation and Masland Carpets, LLC dated August 21, 2009.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 2009.*
(10.35)
Amended and Modified Financing Agreement, by and between The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries named therein, and General Electric Credit Corporation, as lender, dated June 26, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 26, 2012.*
(10.36)
Agreement to Reduce Security Deposit Amount and Amendment to Security Deposit Pledge Agreement, by and between The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries named therein, and General Electric Credit Corporation, as lender, dated June 26, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 26, 2012.*
(10.37)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.38)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Bill of Sale, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012. *
(10.39)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Lease Agreement, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.40)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Short Form Lease Agreement, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.41)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Option Agreement, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.42)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Pilot Agreement, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.43)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Loan Agreement, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.44)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.45)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.46)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Notice and Consent to Assignment, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.47)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Gordon County; by and among Masland Carpets, LLC, Absolute Assignment of Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement and Other Loan Documents, dated December 28, 2012.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.12) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012 .*
(10.48)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Murray County; by and among TDG Operations, LLC, Series 2014 Bond, dated October 17, 2014.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.49)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Murray County; by and among TDG Operations, LLC, PILOT Agreement, dated October 1, 2014
 
Filed herewith.*

Table of Contents      76




(10.50)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Murray County; by and among TDG Operations, LLC, Bond Purchase Loan Agreement, dated October 1, 2014
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.51)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Murray County; by and among TDG Operations, LLC, Option Agreement, dated October 1, 2014
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.52)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Murray County; by and among TDG Operations, LLC, Bill of Sale, dated October 1, 2014
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.53)
Obligation to the Development Authority of Murray County; by and among TDG Operations, LLC, Assignment of Rents and Leases and Security Agreement dated October 1, 2014
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.54)
Project Development Agreement, by and between TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia Limited Liability Company doing business as Masland Carpets and the City of Atmore, Alabama, dated December 11, 2014.
 
Filed herewith. *
(10.55)
Credit Agreement, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, cert of its subsidiaries, as Guarantor, the Lendors from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank Capital Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent, and co-lender and Bank of America and the Other parties thereto, dated September 13, 2011.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.10) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2011.*
(10.56)
Security Agreement, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, certain of its subsidiaries, as Guarantor, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank Capital Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent, and co-lender and Bank of America and the Other parties thereto, dated September 13, 2011.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.11) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2011.*
(10.57)
Form of Mortgages, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, certain of its subsidiaries, as Guarantor, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank Capital Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent, and co-lender and Bank of America and the Other parties thereto, dated September 13, 2011.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.12) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2011.*
(10.58)
Credit Agreement, by and between The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as lender, dated September 13, 2011.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.20) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2011.*
(10.59)
Security Agreement, by and between The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as lender, dated September 13, 2011.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.21) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2011.*
(10.60)
First Mortgage, by and between The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as lender, dated September 13, 2011.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.22) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2011.*
(10.61)
First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of November 2, 2012, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 5, 2012.*
(10.62)
First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of November 2, 2012, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc., certain of it subsidiaries, and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 5, 2012.*
(10.63)
Intercreditor Agreement dated as of November 2, 2012, by and among Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Agents and The Dixie Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.3) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 5, 2012.*

Table of Contents      77




(10.64)
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 2013, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.01) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 3, 2013.*
(10.65)
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of May 22, 2013, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.57) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013 .*
(10.66)
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 2013, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.58) to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013 .*
(10.67)
Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of July 30, 2013, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 10-Q dated August 7, 2013. *
(10.68)
Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2013, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 10-Q dated November 6, 2013. *
(10.69)
Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 20, 2014, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 21, 2014. *
(10.70)
Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 14, 2014, by and among The Dixie Group, Inc. certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent and the persons identified as Lenders therein.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 20, 2014. *
(10.71)
Term Note 1 dated November 7, 2014, by TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company and First Tennessee Bank National Association.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.72)
Deed to Secure Debt, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing by TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company and First Tennessee Bank National Association, dated November 7, 2014.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.73)
Term Note 2 dated November 7, 2014, by TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company and First Tennessee Bank National Association.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.74)
Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, Note 2, dated November 7, 2014, by TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company and First Tennessee Bank National Association.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.75)
Term Note 3 dated January 23, 2015, by TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company and First Tennessee Bank National Association.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.76)
Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing by TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company and First Tennessee Bank National Association, dated January 23, 2015.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.77)
Mortgagee's Subordination and Consent, dated January 23, 2015, by and between Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent, and The Dixie Group, Inc. and it subsidiaries, as Borrower, and First Tennessee Bank National Association, as Mortgagee.
 
Filed herewith.*

Table of Contents      78




(10.78)
Amended and Restated Mortgagee's Subordination and Consent, dated January 23, 2015, by and between Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent, and The Dixie Group, Inc. and it subsidiaries, as Borrower, and First Tennessee Bank National Association, as Mortgagee.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.79)
Amendment to Deed to Secure Debt, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated January 23, 2015, between TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company, and First Tennessee Bank National Association.
 
Filed herewith.*
(10.80)
Stock Purchase Agreement between TDG Operations, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dixie Group, Inc. and James Horwich, Trustee under the Horwich Trust of 1973, to purchase all outstanding capital stock of Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to Dixie's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 20, 2014. *
(14)
Code of Ethics, as amended and restated, February 15, 2010.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to Dixie's Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 26, 2009.*
(16)
Letter from Ernst & Young LLP regarding change in certifying accountant.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16 to Dixie's Form 8-K dated November 15, 2013.*
(21)
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
Filed herewith.
(23.1)
Consent of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
Filed herewith.
(23.2)
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
Filed herewith.
(31.1)
CEO Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
 
Filed herewith.
(31.2)
CFO Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
 
Filed herewith.
(32.1)
CEO Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b).
 
Filed herewith.
(32.2)
CFO Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b).
 
Filed herewith.
(101.INS)
XBRL Instance Document
 
Filed herewith.
(101.SCH)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
Filed herewith
(101.CAL)
XBRL Taxaonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
(101.DEF)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
(101.LAB)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
(101.PRE)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.

* Commission File No. 0-2585.
** Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.





Table of Contents      79


EXHIBIT 10.48
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
STATE OF GEORGIA

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY
TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BOND
(TDG OPERATIONS, LLC PROJECT),
SERIES 2014
No. R-1
 
Maximum Principal Amount
 
 
$12,500,000
 
 
 
Dated Date :
Stated Interest Rate:
Maturity Date:
 
 
 
October 17, 2014
6.00%
October 1, 2023
 
 
 
Registered Owner: TDG OPERATIONS, LLC
Maximum Principal Amount: TWELVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
FOR VALUE RECEIVED , the DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “ Issuer ”), a public body corporate and politic created and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia, hereby promises to pay, but solely from the Pledged Security provided therefor, to the registered owner identified above, or registered assigns (the “ Holder ”), all amounts advanced by the Holder as hereinafter provided on the Maturity Date (stated above).
On the Dated Date (specified above), TDG Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company (the “ Company ” and the “ Purchaser ”), being the initial Holder of this Bond, made an initial advance in cash or other legal consideration, such as property, to the Issuer pursuant to the Request for Advance under the Bond Purchase Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Bond Purchase Loan Agreement ”) between the Issuer, the Company and the Purchaser. The initial Principal Balance of this Bond, as of the date of its issue, is equal to the amount of such initial advance. Additional amounts or other legal consideration, such as property, may be advanced (or constructively advanced) to the Issuer from time to time subsequent to the Dated Date of this Bond as provided in the Bond Purchase Loan Agreement and the Bond Resolution provided that the aggregate amount of all advances shall never exceed the Maximum Principal Amount (stated above) and no advances shall be made later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Bond Purchase Loan Agreement. The date and amount of the initial advance and of each such additional advance made by the Holder under the Bond Purchase Loan Agreement shall be noted by Holder on the Schedule of Advances and Payments appearing at the end of this Bond. The “ Principal Balance ” of this Bond shall, at any time, be the aggregate gross amounts that have theretofore been so advanced decreased by all principal, if any, theretofore paid on this Bond.
The Issuer also promises to pay, but only from the Pledged Security for this Bond, all accrued and unpaid interest to the Holder at the Stated Interest Rate (stated above), which shall commence to accrue on the amount of each advance under the Bond Purchase Loan Agreement from the date of such advance.
Interest on the outstanding Principal Balance of this Bond at the Stated Interest Rate shall be payable annually, commencing on October 1, 2014 and on each October 1 thereafter, with the final interest payment being due on the Maturity Date (stated above), each such date being a scheduled “ Debt Service Payment Date .”
If any payment of interest or principal is not paid when due, the Issuer promises to pay (but only from the Pledged Security for this Bond) interest on overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, on overdue interest at the Default Interest Rate. For the purpose of this Bond, “ Default Interest Rate ” means the Stated Interest Rate.
Interest at the Stated Interest Rate or Default Interest Rate, as applicable, shall be calculated on the basis of a 365/366‑day year on the Principal Balance that is Outstanding from time to time during the applicable interest accrual period prior to such interest payment date. The term “ Debt Service Payment Date ” means any scheduled Debt Service Payment Date, any date on which this Bond is to be redeemed, in whole or in part, and any Special Debt Service Payment Date established as provided in this Bond Resolution.
All payments of Debt Service on this Bond shall be paid by check or draft on the pertinent Debt Service Payment Date by the Company, on behalf of the Issuer, to the Person who, on the 15th day of the calendar month (the “ Regular Record Date ”) next preceding such Debt Service Payment Date was the registered Holder of this Bond, at the address of such Holder as shown





on the registration books (the “ Register ”) of the Registrar or at such other address as is furnished in writing to the Registrar by the Holder prior to such Regular Record Date, or if the Registrar and the Holder agree, by wire transfer, direct deposit or other means provided that the Holder or the Company, pursuant to such agreement, pays any costs associated with such alternative method of payment. If the Company is the lessee of the Project and the Custodian and if the Company or an Affiliate of the Company is then the Holder of this Bond, then the payment of Basic Rent under the Lease of the Project that is acquired by the proceeds of this Bond and the Payment of Debt Service on this Bond may be made constructively as provided in the Bond Resolution and shall be noted by the Holder on the Schedule of Payments attached hereto. If the amount of any Debt Service payment is equal to the Principal Balance of this Bond plus accrued interest (including any accrued interest at the Default Interest Rate), this Bond shall be marked “canceled and paid” and shall be promptly surrendered by the Holder to the Registrar.
This Bond constitutes the single bond that evidences the series of the Issuer’s revenue bonds, in a maximum aggregate principal amount of $12,500,000, designated “Development Authority of Murray County Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (TDG Operations, LLC Project), Series 2014,” issued by the Issuer pursuant to and in full compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia, including specifically, but without limitation, the provisions of the Development Authorities Law of the State of Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 36‑62‑1, et seq ., as amended, the Revenue Bond Law and other applicable provisions of the law of the State of Georgia (collectively called the “ Acts ”), and pursuant to a resolution (the “ Bond Resolution ”) duly adopted by the Issuer, authorizing the issuance of the Bond for the purpose of acquiring and installing new and used trade fixtures, machinery and equipment (the “ Project ”) at the Company’s manufacturing facility in Murray County, Georgia. The Project is leased by the Issuer to the Company pursuant to the terms of a Lease Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Lease ”), between the Issuer and the Company, under which the Company is obligated to pay to the Issuer Basic Rent payments, at the times and in the amounts, as will always be sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on this Bond, as the same become due and payable. Under the terms of the Lease and the Bond Resolution, the Issuer and the Company have agreed that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Lease and the Bond Resolution permitting constructive payment of Basic Rent and Debt Service, that Basic Rent payments to be made by the Company under the Lease will be credited to a special fund created by the Bond Resolution and designated “Development Authority of Murray County Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (TDG Operations, LLC Project), Series 2014-Sinking Fund” (the “ Sinking Fund ”) from which the Debt Service hereon is to be paid and which is pledged as part of the Pledged Security for this Bond.
All advances of funds (and constructive advances of funds) under the Bond Purchase Loan Agreement between the Issuer, the Company and the initial Holder of this Bond, which constitute the indebtedness evidenced by this Bond, including the date and amount of each such advance, shall be credited to and recorded on the records of the Project Fund maintained by the Custodian, and all payments of Debt Service on this Bond, including the date and amount of each Debt Service payment, shall be paid from and recorded on the records of the Sinking Fund, created by the Bond Resolution and maintained by the Custodian of the Sinking Fund, which shall also serve as Paying Agent. Upon the issuance of a new Bond certificate upon the transfer or replacement of this Bond, the Custodian, as Registrar, shall enter on the Schedule of Advances and Payments appearing at the end of such new Bond certificate, the dates and amounts of each advance and the dates and amounts of each payment of principal and interest under this Bond.
Pursuant to the Bond Resolution and the Assignment of Rents and Leases and Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Security Document ”), from the Issuer to the Holder of the Bond, the Issuer has pledged unto the initial Holder and subsequent Holders of this Bond, as security for the payment of the principal of and interest on this Bond, the Pledged Security. “ Pledged Security ” means and includes, among other things, (a) the Project, (b) the rights of the Issuer in and under the Lease (except for the Unassigned Rights), (c) the Pledged Revenues, (d) the Net Proceeds of casualty insurance received on account of damage to or the destruction of the Project or any part thereof, (e) the Net Proceeds received on account of a taking of the Project, or any portion thereof, under power of eminent domain and the Net Proceeds of any sale of the Project, or any portion thereof, (f) amounts, if any, in the Sinking Fund and Project Fund for this Bond and (g) the proceeds of the foregoing, all as more specifically described in the Security Document.
The Bond Resolution, the Bond Documents (as defined in the Bond Resolution), and the Pledged Security relating to this Bond are collectively the “ Bond Security ” for this Bond.
THIS BOND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE A DEBT OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, MURRAY COUNTY, THE ISSUER, OR ANY MUNICIPALITY, POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OR OTHER PUBLIC BODY OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, NOR A PLEDGE OF THE FAITH AND CREDIT OR TAXING POWER OF ANY SUCH PUBLIC BODY, NOR SHALL ANY SUCH PUBLIC BODY BE SUBJECT TO ANY PECUNIARY LIABILITY HEREON, EXCEPT, AS TO THE ISSUER, AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN. THE ISSUER SHALL APPLY THE PLEDGED SECURITY FOR THE PAYMENT OF THIS BOND AND DEBT SERVICE HEREON. THIS BOND SHALL NOT BE PAYABLE FROM OR CONSTITUTE A CHARGE, LIEN, OR ENCUMBRANCE, LEGAL OR EQUITABLE, UPON ANY FUNDS OR PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, MURRAY COUNTY, OR ANY MUNICIPALITY, POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OR OTHER PUBLIC BODY OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, OTHER THAN THE PLEDGED SECURITY, AS PROVIDED IN THE BOND





RESOLUTION. NO HOLDER OR HOLDERS OF THIS BOND SHALL EVER HAVE THE RIGHT TO COMPEL ANY EXERCISE OF THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, MURRAY COUNTY, OR ANY MUNICIPALITY, POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OR OTHER PUBLIC BODY OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA TO PAY THIS BOND OR THE DEBT SERVICE HEREON. THE ISSUER HAS NO TAXING POWER.
This Bond is subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, to the extent any Net Proceeds of casualty insurance, or of any eminent domain award or of sale are required by the Lease or the Security Document, to be used to pay principal of this Bond, in which case the accrued interest payable on the principal amount to be redeemed shall be paid with moneys provided by the Company. This Bond is subject to optional redemption by the Issuer prior to maturity, in whole or in part, on any date, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued interest on the Bond or any portion thereof being redeemed to the redemption date, but only upon the written direction of the Company. If this Bond is to be redeemed only in part, the redemption price shall be paid without the requirement that this Bond be surrendered and such prepayments shall be noted by the Holder on the Schedule of Advances and Payments attached to this Bond. If the entire principal balance of this Bond is to be paid, then this Bond must be marked “canceled and paid” by the Holder and promptly surrendered to the Issuer, with a photocopy of the canceled and surrendered Bond being delivered to the Company.
This Bond or any portion hereof which is called for redemption shall, on the redemption date designated in such notice, become and be due and payable at the redemption price provided for redemption of this Bond on such date and interest on this Bond or any portion of this Bond so called for redemption shall cease to accrue upon payment of the redemption price.
Notice of redemption, unless waived by the Holder, shall be given by the Company, on behalf of the Issuer, to the Holder by hand delivery, first class mail, express company or by fax at or prior to the time prepayment hereof is made by the Company on behalf of the Issuer at the address of the Holder, with a copy to the Issuer, set forth in the Register for this Bond. All official notices of redemption shall be dated, shall contain the complete official name of this Bond, including series designation, and shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) if less than the entire Principal Balance of this Bond is to be redeemed, the portion of the principal amount of this Bond (stated in dollars) that is to be redeemed and included in the redemption price, the amount of accrued interest to be paid as a part of the redemption price and the total amount of the redemption price; (iii) that, on the redemption date, the redemption price will become due and payable upon this Bond or portion thereof called for redemption and that interest on this Bond or such portion shall cease to accrue from and after such date; and (iv) if the entire Principal Balance of this Bond is to be redeemed, the address of the Issuer where this Bond is to be surrendered following its cancellation and the name, address, and telephone number of a Person or Persons at the offices of the Company who may be contacted with respect to the redemption. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company or an Affiliate of the Company is the Holder of this Bond, notice of redemption shall be deemed to have been given.
The failure of the Holder to receive any redemption notice given as herein provided shall not affect the validity of any proceeding for the redemption of this Bond. The Issuer shall have no responsibility whatsoever if any such notice is given as aforesaid but is not received by or receipt thereof is refused by the Holder. No defect in any such notice shall in any manner defeat the effectiveness of a call for redemption.
NEITHER THIS BOND NOR THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UNDER THE LEASE WHICH ARE EMBEDDED IN THIS BOND HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. THIS BOND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PERMITTED BY THE BOND RESOLUTION. ANY ASSIGNEE OR TRANSFEREE OF THIS BOND TAKES IT SUBJECT TO: (A) ALL PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST IN FACT MADE (OR CONSTRUCTIVELY MADE) WITH RESPECT HERETO, WHETHER SUCH PAYMENTS ARE REFLECTED IN THE SCHEDULE OF ADVANCES AND PAYMENTS ON THIS BOND OR ANY PAYMENT RECORD PERTAINING HERETO, AND (B) ALL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH HEREIN AND IN THE BOND RESOLUTION.
To the extent and in the manner permitted by the Bond Resolution, modifications, alterations, amendments, additions, and rescissions of the provisions of the Bond Resolution, or of any resolution amendatory thereto or of this Bond, may be made by the Issuer but only with the prior written consent of the Holder of this Bond, and without the necessity for notation hereon or reference thereto, except as otherwise provided in the Bond Resolution.
For a more particular statement of the covenants and provisions securing this Bond, the conditions under which the owner of this Bond may enforce the various covenants (other than the covenant to pay principal of and interest on this Bond when due from the sources provided, for which the right to enforce is unconditional), and the conditions upon which the Bond Resolution may be amended either with or without the consent of the Holder of this Bond, reference is made to the Bond Resolution. In case of default the Holder of this Bond shall be entitled to the remedies provided by the Bond Resolution and the Act.





It is hereby certified, recited, and declared that all acts, conditions, and things required to exist, happen, and be performed precedent to and in the issuance of this Bond do exist, have happened, and have been performed in due time, form, and manner as required by law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Development Authority of Murray County has caused this Bond to be signed by the manual or facsimile signature of its Chairman or Vice Chairman, its seal to be affixed hereto or a facsimile of its seal to be printed hereon or affixed hereto and attested by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary, and this Bond to be dated the date set forth above.
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY



By: /s/ Craig Brock             
Chairman
Attest:



/s/ John Kenemer         
Secretary


[seal]







STATE OF GEORGIA      )
)
COUNTY OF MURRAY      )
VALIDATION CERTIFICATE
The undersigned Clerk of the Superior Court of Murray County, State of Georgia, DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that this Bond was validated and confirmed by judgment of the Superior Court of Murray County, on the 7 th day October, 2014, in the case of STATE OF GEORGIA vs. DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY and TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , Civil Action File No. 14-CI-0520-P that no intervention or objection was filed opposing the validation of this Bond and that no appeal of such judgment of validation has been taken.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , I have hereunto set my hand and have caused to be affixed hereon the official seal of the Superior Court of Murray County, Georgia.
/s/ Donna Wood             
Clerk, Superior Court, Murray County, Georgia
[seal]





EXHIBIT 10.49
PILOT AGREEMENT
THIS PILOT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of October 1, 2014, but effective on the date the Bond referred to below is issued (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between the DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY (the “ Issuer ”), a development authority and public body corporate and politic duly created by the Development Authorities Law, O.G.C.A. §36-62-1, et seq . (the “ Act ”), TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and MURRAY COUNTY, GEORGIA (the “ County ”), a county of the State of Georgia (the Issuer, the Company and the County, each a “ Party ,” or collectively, the “ Parties ”). The BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS OF MURRAY COUNTY (the “ Board of Assessors ”) and the TAX COMMISSIONER OF MURRAY COUNTY (the “ Tax Commissioner ”) are each executing an Acknowledgment hereof attached to this Agreement in order to acknowledge their respective agreements to the provisions hereof which are applicable to them, but they are not considered to be Parties.
W I T N E S S E T H :
Section 1. The Lease . On the Effective Date, the Issuer is issuing its Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (TDG Operations, LLC Project), Series 2014 in the maximum principal amount of $12,500,000 (the “ Bond ”) to acquire new and used trade fixtures, machinery and equipment (the “ Project ”) located or to be located at the Company’s existing facility at 3620 Highway 411N, Eton, Georgia (the “ Facility ”) located in the County. The Project does not include any trade fixtures, machinery or equipment already located at the Facility on or before January 1, 2014, or any real property. The Project is being leased by the Issuer to the Company under a Lease Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Lease ”), for use by the Company in its carpet manufacturing business. Legal title to the Project is to be vested in the Issuer while the Lease in effect. The Lease is to expire on October 1, 2023. All capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Lease, but are not defined herein, shall have the same meaning as in the Lease. In consideration of the execution of the Lease by the Issuer and the Company and in further consideration of the Issuer’s issuance of the Bonds, the Parties have entered into this Agreement.

Section 2. Taxes and Payments in Lieu of Taxes.

(a) Taxes on Non-Project Property . Property titled to the Company on January 1 of each year is subject to ad valorem property taxes in such year. The Company shall file returns and pay ad valorem property taxes in accordance with law, with respect to taxable property in the County to which the Company holds title (and, hence, which is not a part of the Project on such January 1).

(b) No Actual Taxes on Project While Owned by Issuer . Under the Act, the Issuer’s ownership in the Project is exempt from ad valorem property taxes. Under the terms of the Lease, the Company’s interest in the Project is treated as a bailment for hire which is intended to be nontaxable for purposes of ad valorem property taxes. Thus, the Company shall not be required to pay actual ad valorem property taxes on the Project while the same is owned by the Issuer and leased to the Company under the Lease. If, on account of the expiration or termination of the Lease, the exercise by the Company of its option to purchase the Project or otherwise, the Project is no longer owned by the Issuer, then actual taxes rather than payments in lieu of taxes shall be paid with respect to the Project.






(c) Payments in Lieu of Taxes . In order to prevent the local taxing authorities from being totally deprived of revenues relating to the Project during the period in which title thereto is in the Issuer which would be occasioned by total tax abatement on account of the Issuer’s interest and the Company’s leasehold interests therein being exempt from ad valorem property taxes, the Issuer and the Company agree, that as additional consideration for the Issuer’s leasing the Project to the Company, the Company shall, so long as the Lease is in effect, make payments in lieu of taxes to the Tax Commissioner as provided in this subsection (c).
(i) Valuation and Calculation of Normal Taxes and Procedural Matters . Not later than April 1 of each year commencing in the year 2015, the Company shall file with the Board of Assessors, a return (the “ Annual Return ”) in which the Project shall be valued as of January 1 of such year at “ Full Value ,” as follows: trade fixtures, machinery, equipment and other tangible personal property shall be valued at cost less depreciation (as per guidelines set forth in Georgia Department of Revenue Rule 560-11-10-.08). The Full Value of the Project is subject to confirmation by the Board of Assessors, which shall also multiply such Full Value by forty percent (40%) to determine the “ Assessed Value ” of the Project, and provide written notice of its valuation to the Issuer and the Company. The Company shall have forty-five (45) days after receipt of such notice to challenge each such valuation in accordance with the normal procedures of the Board of Assessors. In each year, not later than thirty (30) days before the date on which ad valorem taxes are due in the County, the Tax Commissioner shall calculate the “ Normal Taxes ” on the Project that would be payable to the State of Georgia, the County and each other applicable taxing authority by multiplying the Assessed Value by each taxing authority’s millage rate and shall bill the Company for the payments that are due as contemplated in this Agreement.

(ii) Payments in Lieu of Taxes on the Project . Following receipt of the tax bills referenced in clause (i) above, the Company shall pay to the Tax Commissioner at the time normal ad valorem taxes are due (or if the above-mentioned tax bill(s) has not then been received, then upon receipt), as payments in lieu of taxes, an amount equal to the applicable percentage for such year (stated below) of Normal Taxes that the Company would pay on the Project if the Company were the owner of the Project on January 1 of such year. Such amount paid to the County shall be paid over by the Tax Commissioner to the applicable taxing authorities in proportion to their respective millage rates. The applicable percentage for the assets comprising the Project shall be as follows in the following years. For any such asset, “Year 1” shall be determined as provided in (iii), below.

Payment Schedule
Year
Payment Percentage
1
0%
2
25%
3
50%
4
75%
5 and thereafter
100%

(iii) Year 1 . For purposes of the Payment Schedule in (ii), above, “Year 1” shall be 2015 with respect to the investments in the Project made in 2014; provided, however, that with respect to the investments in the Project made in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 financed through additional draws on the Bond, the calendar year following the calendar year in which such investment is made is deemed to be Year 1 for those assets. That is to say, every new bond-financed investment in Project assets at the Facility during 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 will receive a separate five-year Payment Schedule beginning with its respective Year 1. Investments in the Project made after 2018 will not





benefit from the Payment Schedule, but shall be considered part of the Project for purposes of counting jobs and investment at the Project.
(d) Recovery Provisions .

(i) Job and Investment Goals . The payments in lieu of taxes provided for in the Payment Schedule are based on the assumption that (A)(i) on or by January 1, 2015, the capital investment in the Project will amount to at least $2,500,000, (ii) on or by January 1, 2016, the cumulative capital investment in the Project will amount to at least $5,000,000, (iii) on or by January 1, 2017, the cumulative capital investment in the Project will amount to at least $7,500,000, (iv) on or by January 1, 2018, the cumulative capital investment in the Project will amount to at least $10,000,000, and (v) on or by January 1, 2019, the cumulative capital investment in the Project will amount to at least $12,500,000, in each case, inclusive of property paid for with proceeds of the Bond (the “ Investment Goal ”), and (B)(i) at least 41 new full-time jobs will be created at the Facility by January 1, 2015 and maintained during calendar year 2015, (ii) at least an additional 24 new full-time jobs (i.e. , for a total of 65 new full-time jobs) will be created at the Facility by January 1, 2016 and maintained during calendar year 2016, (iii) at least an additional 8 new full-time jobs ( i.e. , for a total of 73 new full-time jobs) will be created at the Facility by January 1, 2017 and maintained during calendar year 2017, (iv) at least an additional 8 new full-time jobs ( i.e. , for a total of 81 new full-time jobs) will be created at the Facility by January 1, 2018 and maintained during calendar year 2018, and (v) at least an additional 8 new full-time jobs ( i.e. , for a total of 89 new full-time jobs) will be created at the Facility by January 1, 2019 and maintained during the remainder of the term of the Lease (the “ Jobs Goal ”). There shall be deemed to be no new full-time jobs increase unless the number of new full-time jobs is in excess of 114 (the “ Base Amount ”), such being the agreed number of full-time jobs at the Facility as of January 1, 2014. Schedule 2 attached hereto determines how the number of full-time jobs shall be calculated and provides rules that shall apply to satisfying the Investment Goal.
(A) Investment Shortfall . If, on or by January 1, 2016, or any January 1 of any year thereafter while the Lease is in effect (each a tax-year), the aggregate investment at the Project has not reached the Investment Goal, the amount of actual investment as of such January 1 shall be subtracted from the Investment Goal to determine the “ Investment Shortfall ” for such tax-year. The Investment Shortfall for such tax-year shall be divided by the Investment Goal and the result shall be the “ Investment Shortfall Percentage ” for such tax-year.

(B) Jobs Shortfall . If, on or by January 1, 2016, or any January 1 of any year thereafter while the Lease is in effect (each a tax-year), the aggregate number of new full-time jobs at the Facility ( i.e. , full-time jobs in excess of the Base Amount) during the prior calendar year has not reached the Jobs Goal, the amount of actual new full-time jobs during such prior calendar year shall be subtracted from the Jobs Goal to determine the “ Jobs Shortfall ” for such tax-year. The Jobs Shortfall for such tax-year shall be divided by the Jobs Goal and the result shall be the “ Jobs Shortfall Percentage ” for such tax-year.

(ii) Force Majeure . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Jobs Goal in any year is subject to the effect of force majeure as provided below, if the Company certifies to the Issuer in writing the dates of the commencement and, if the event of force majeure has abated, the date of the abatement, of such event of force majeure . For purposes hereof, “ force majeure ” means any unexpected event (including, without limitation, any event or act of god, war, civil commotion, flood, fire, explosion, earthquake or other natural disaster, any strikes, walkouts or other labor unrest and





terrorist acts) which prevents the Company from attaining the Jobs Goal in such year, which act or event is (i) beyond the reasonable control and not arising out of the fault of the Company, (ii) the Company has been unable to overcome such act or event by the exercise of due diligence and reasonable efforts, skill and care, exclusive of the expenditure of unbudgeted sums of money, and (iii) has a material adverse effect on the employment at the Facility; provided, however, notwithstanding anything contained herein, the Company shall not be obligated to negotiate, settle or otherwise take any actions to end any strike, walkout or other labor unrest if it deems such to be in the best interest of the Company. The effect of force majeure shall be that, for any year in which the Company claims the benefit of such provision, the Jobs Goal for such year shall be reduced by the number of full-time jobs that the Company shall demonstrate were not filled as a result of such force majeure.

(iii) Annual Certification . Not later than March 1, 2016, and not later than March 1 of each year thereafter (to and including the March 1 of the year following the last year in which the Company realizes any tax savings hereunder), the Company shall provide to the Issuer and the Tax Commissioner a certificate of an authorized officer of the Company (the “ Annual Certification ”) stating (1) the cumulative investment in the Project as of January 1 of such calendar year, and (2) the average number of full-time jobs at the Facility during the immediately preceding calendar year. The Company shall provide such other supporting documentation as the Issuer or the Tax Commissioner may from time to time reasonably request. The Issuer and the Tax Commissioner shall have the right to inspect the investment and payroll records (consistent with the privacy rights of its employees) of the Company relating to the Project to verify the correctness of the Annual Certification and may make adjustments in the jobs information if an error is found.

(iv) Tax Savings Recovery Payments . If the Annual Certification (or an adjustment thereto) shows that the average number of full-time jobs at the Facility in the immediately preceding year was less than the Jobs Goal, then the Job Shortfall Percentage shall be calculated and if there is no Jobs Shortfall, the Jobs Shortfall Percentage shall be zero percent. If the Annual Certification (or an adjustment thereto) shows that there was an Investment Shortfall, then the Investment Shortfall Percentage shall be calculated and if there is no Investment Shortfall, the Investment Shortfall Percentage shall be zero percent. The Investment Shortfall Percentage and the Jobs Shortfall Percentage shall be totaled and divided by two (2); the result shall be the “ Project Shortfall Percentage ”. If there is a Project Shortfall Percentage of greater than twenty percent (20%), the tax savings recovery payments (“ Tax Savings Recovery Payments ”) shall be calculated as follows: the Project Shortfall Percentage shall be multiplied by the ad valorem tax savings received by the Company during the immediately preceding calendar year as a result of the tax savings provided hereby (such savings being the difference between normal taxes and the payment in lieu of taxes paid in the prior year (excluding any additional payment in lieu of taxes made in the immediately preceding year on account of any Tax Savings Recovery Payments made in the preceding year)). Tax Savings Recovery Payments shall constitute additional payments in lieu of taxes which shall be paid by the Company to the Tax Commissioner within thirty (30) days following the date of the Annual Certification. If the Project Shortfall Percentage is twenty percent (20%) or less, there shall be no Tax Savings Recovery Payment due.

(e) Company to Pay Other Amounts . The Company shall be responsible for all costs paid by the Issuer or the Tax Commissioner for the collection of the payments required herein, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, administrative costs or other collection expenses.






Section 3. Safeguard . If the Project is judicially determined to be lawfully subject to ad valorem taxation for any tax year, or if the Company agrees that the Project is subject to such taxes in such tax year, then it shall pay, or cause to be paid, such lawful taxes in accordance with its covenants in the Lease, but it shall not be obligated to pay payments in lieu of taxes, pursuant to Section 2, above, for any tax year for which actual ad valorem taxes are due with respect to that Project.

Section 4. Termination . This Agreement shall terminate at such time as there are no further payments which may thereafter be required to be made hereunder.

Section 5. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and the obligations of the respective parties hereunder shall be binding upon, the successors and assigns of the respective parties hereto.

Section 6. Severability . In the event any clause, sentence, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be voidable, void or unenforceable, the voidableness, voidness, or unenforceability of such clause, sentence, paragraph shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other clause, sentence, paragraph or provision hereof. Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the agreements of the Issuer set forth herein should be determined to be voidable, void or unenforceable, the obligations of the Company shall not be deemed to be unenforceable for lack of consideration or lack of mutuality; the Company hereby agrees that the agreement of the Issuer to issue the Bond and to lease the Project to the Company under the Lease are sufficient and adequate consideration to support the Company’s agreements and obligations hereunder.

Section 7. Validation . The parties hereto understand that this Agreement is to be one of the documents to be presented to the Superior Court of Murray County in proceedings to validate the Bond and related documents.

Section 8. Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Venue . This Agreement shall be governed by the law of the State of Georgia and shall be subject to enforcement in the appropriate court in Murray County, Georgia.
[signatures begin on following page]







IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement, to be effective as of the Effective Date.
The “Issuer”:
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF MURRAY COUNTY


By: /s/ Craig Brock             
Chairman
Attest:


/s/ John Kenemer         
Secretary

[seal]
[signatures continue on following page]






The “Company”:

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC ,
a Georgia limited liability company


By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner      (seal)
Jon A. Faulkner,      President
[signatures continue on following page]







The “County”:

MURRAY COUNTY, GEORGIA


By:      /s/ Brittany Pittman         
Brittany Pittman, Sole Commissioner


[county seal]
[signatures continue on following page]







ACKNOWLEDGED
The Board of Tax Assessors of Murray County acknowledges this Agreement and agrees to the provisions hereof that are applicable to it.

BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS
OF MURRAY COUNTY


By:      /s/ Mickey McNeill         
Chairman








[signatures continue on following page]

ACKNOWLEDGED
The Tax Commissioner of Murray County acknowledges this Agreement and agrees to the provisions hereof that are applicable to him/her.

TAX COMMISSIONER OF MURRAY COUNTY


By:      /s/ Charlotte Keener         
Charlotte Keener






EXHIBIT 10.50
BOND PURCHASE LOAN AGREEMENT
This BOND PURCHASE LOAN AGREEMENT , dated as of October 1, 2014 (this “ Agreement ”), is by and between the DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY (the “ Issuer ”), a development authority and public body corporate and politic, created and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia (the “ State ”), and TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company, in its capacity as the lessee (the “ Company ”) of the Project, referred to herein, and its successors and assigns as such lessee, and in its capacity as the purchaser (the “ Purchaser ”) of the hereinafter-described revenue bond of the Issuer.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS , the Issuer is a public body corporate and politic and a development authority duly created pursuant to the Development Authorities Law of the State of Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 36‑62‑1, et seq. (the “ Act ”) and activated by resolution of the governing body of Murray County, Georgia (the “ County ”); and
WHEREAS , the Act provides that the Issuer is created to develop and promote trade, commerce, industry and employment opportunities for the public good and the general welfare within the County and is authorized by the Act to issue its revenue bonds to acquire “projects” (as defined in the Act) to be located in the County which shall be operated and used by private sector persons, firms or corporations in their trades and businesses; the Issuer’s revenue bonds are to be issued and validated under and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Revenue Bond Law of the State of Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 36-82-60, et seq .), as heretofore and hereafter amended, and other applicable provisions of law; and
WHEREAS , the Act further authorizes and empowers the Issuer: (i) to lease any such project at a rental which, together with other revenues which may be pledged for such purpose, shall be sufficient to pay debt service on such revenue bonds and to pay all other expenses which the Issuer may incur in connection with the undertaking, (ii) to pledge, mortgage, convey, assign, hypothecate or otherwise encumber such projects and the revenues therefrom as security for the Issuer’s revenue bonds; and (iii) to do any and all acts and things necessary or convenient to accomplish the purpose and powers of the Issuer; and
WHEREAS , the Issuer proposes to issue its revenue bond (the “ Bond ”) in a maximum principal amount of $12,500,000 (the “ Maximum Principal Amount ”), to be issued as a single Bond in the form of a draw-down instrument to be designated “Development Authority of Murray County Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (TDG Operations, LLC Project), Series 2014,” which shall mature on October 1, 2023 (the “ Maturity Date ”) and shall bear interest at a rate per annum of six percent (6.00%), which interest shall be payable on October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2015, with the final interest payment being due on the Maturity Date. The Bond is secured by that certain Assignment of Rents and Leases and Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Security Document ”), granted by the Issuer to the Purchaser. The Bond shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A to the Bond Resolution (hereinafter defined), with such variations, omissions, substitutions, legends and insertions as may be approved by the official of the Issuer who executes such Bond and by the Purchaser; and
WHEREAS , the Bond is to be issued to acquire trade fixtures, machinery and equipment (the “ Project ”) to be installed and used at the Company’s existing facility in the County at 3620 Highway 411N, Eton, Georgia (the “ Facility ”), which Project is to be owned by the Issuer and leased to the Company for use in its carpet manufacturing business; and





WHEREAS , the property comprising the Project shall be conveyed to the Issuer by one or more bills of sale; and
WHEREAS , the Project shall be leased to the Company under a Lease Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Lease ”), under the terms of which the Company will pay Basic Rent payments and other payments at such times and in such amounts as will be required to pay debt service on the Bond as and when the same becomes due, subject to the terms and conditions of the Lease and the Bond Resolution permitting constructive payment of same; the Lease shall become effective upon the delivery thereof and its term is to end upon the final maturity of the Bond or, if sooner redeemed pursuant to the Bond Resolution or the Bond, the date of redemption; and
WHEREAS , pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Issuer (the “ Bond Resolution ”) authorizing the issuance of the Bond and the execution of this Agreement and the other Issuer Documents (as defined in the Bond Resolution) relating to the Bond, including without limitation, the Security Document, the Issuer is pledging, as security for the payment of the Bond, the Pledged Security therefor, including, but not limited to, the Project acquired by the proceeds of the Bond, all of the Basic Rent payments and any termination payments to be received by the Issuer under the Lease, the Issuer’s interest in the Lease (except for certain Unassigned Rights), and the Net Proceeds of certain casualty insurance and eminent domain awards and other amounts to be held in the Project Fund and Sinking Fund created by the Bond Resolution for such Bond, and investment income and proceeds of the foregoing; and
WHEREAS , all capitalized terms used herein and which are not defined herein shall be defined as set forth in the Bond Resolution and in the Exhibits thereto; and
WHEREAS , the Purchaser desires to purchase the Bond and to advance funds or transfer items of property or other legal consideration to the Issuer hereunder, initially on the date of issuance of the Bond and thereafter from time to time until the Expiration Date (defined below).
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. THE CREDIT FACILITY AND THE COMMITMENT AMOUNT: The Purchaser agrees to purchase the Bond and in connection therewith to provide to the Issuer a credit facility (the “ Credit Facility ”) of up to the Maximum Principal Amount of the Bond on the following terms and conditions.

2. ADVANCES: Advances under the Credit Facility may be made only with respect to costs of the Project and costs of issuance of the Bond. Such advances shall be made in cash or in property or both. An initial advance shall be made with respect to the Bond on the date the Bond is issued; all or some portion of such advance shall be made in cash to pay or to reimburse issuance costs relating to the Bond. Thereafter, from time to time to, and including, the Expiration Date (as hereinafter defined), the Issuer may make one or more requests for advances with respect to the Bond which shall, when aggregated with prior advances, not exceed the Maximum Principal Amount of the Bond. Costs incurred by the Purchaser for costs of the Project shall be deemed to have been advanced by the Purchaser to the Issuer hereunder with respect to the Bond and immediately disbursed by the Issuer to reimburse the Purchaser for such costs. Any amounts advanced in cash under the Credit Facility with respect to the Bond shall be used to pay or to reimburse the Issuer or the Company, as applicable, for Costs of the Project and transaction costs of issuing the Bond. For purposes of the foregoing and all other purposes related to the Bond, “ Costs of the Project ,” “ Purchaser’s cost of such items ,” and “ cost to the Company ,” as mentioned in the attached form of Certificate and Requisition for Payment, shall have the meaning set forth in the Bond Resolution with respect to





“Costs of the Project” and shall be determined based on the Purchaser’s or the Company’s actual cost.
Advances under the Credit Facility shall be made upon the written Request for Advance in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A , executed by an authorized representative of the Company, as agent of the Issuer, which shall be delivered to the Purchaser at its notice address by mail, courier, hand delivery or fax; such Request for Advance shall be accompanied by a copy of one or more requisitions (in the form provided at the end of Exhibit A hereto), submitted by the Company, as agent of the Issuer, which are in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of the advance being requested. It shall not be necessary for the Company to attach to said Request for Advance or requisitions evidence of Costs of the Project with respect to which the requested advance is made, but the Purchaser, at the written request of the Issuer, shall make such information available to the Issuer.

Requests for Advances with respect to the Bond shall be promptly honored, provided that (i) the conditions precedent set forth in Section 7 below shall have been satisfied at the time of each advance, (ii) the gross amount requested in such Request for Advance, plus the aggregate gross amounts of all prior advances with respect to the Bond shall not exceed the Maximum Principal Amount of the Bond, and (iii) the Request for Advance is received on or before the Expiration Date. The Purchaser shall be entitled to rely upon any Request for Advance which the Purchaser reasonably believes in good faith to have been signed by the proper person. In addition, the Purchaser shall have no obligation to, but may if it so elects, fund any advance under the Credit Facility if an “ Event of Default ” (being an “Event of Default” as defined in the Bond Resolution or in any of the Issuer Documents or Company Documents) has occurred and is continuing on and as of such date.
3. COMMENCEMENT DATE: The commencement date of the Credit Facility shall be the date of issuance of the Bond (the date set forth above being merely for purposes of reference).

4. EXPIRATION DATE: The “ Expiration Date ” shall be the earliest of (i) the date the Maximum Principal Amount of the Bond has been advanced, (ii) the date the Bond is retired, (iii) the date the Company delivers a written notice to the Issuer and the Purchaser that it will make no further request for advances hereunder or (iv) December 31, 2018. The Purchaser shall not make any further advances to the Issuer under the Credit Facility with respect to Requests for Advances received after the Expiration Date.

5. UTILIZATION; THE BOND: All advances in cash or in other legal consideration under the Credit Facility shall be evidenced by the Bond, which shall be issued in the form of a draw-down instrument in substantially the form reviewed by the Purchaser and approved by the Bond Resolution, with such modifications, if any, as are acceptable to the Issuer and the Purchaser, the Issuer’s approval of such modifications, if any, to be conclusively presumed by the execution and delivery thereof, and the Purchaser’s acceptance of such modifications, if any, to be conclusively presumed by the Purchaser’s acceptance of the Bond. The Bond shall be registered in the name of the Purchaser.

6. ISSUANCE FEE: Upon issuance of the Bond, a one-time issuance fee of one-eighth (1/8) of one percent (1%) of the Maximum Principal Amount of the Bond is to be paid to the Issuer by the Company.

7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT: The Purchaser’s obligation to fund the initial advance hereunder with respect to the Bond shall be subject to its receipt from the Issuer of the duly executed Bond, together with an approving Bond Counsel opinion of Seyfarth Shaw LLP, which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser.






8. INVESTMENT: By acceptance hereof, the Purchaser understands, represents and agrees that: (i) the obligations of the Issuer under the Bond and under the related Issuer Documents, are special and limited obligations payable solely from the Pledged Security for the Bond; (ii) the obligations of the Issuer under the Bond and under the Issuer Documents, and the obligations of the Company under the Company Documents and any other obligations that would constitute “separate securities” relating to the Bond (collectively, herein called the “securities” ) have not been registered under the Federal Securities Act of 1933, the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008, or the securities laws, if applicable, of any other state, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Securities Acts” ) and are unrated; (iii) no official statement or other offering document has been prepared in connection with the issuance of the Bond; (iv) the Purchaser shall have performed its own “due diligence” investigation as to the Issuer, the Project, the Company, and as to any of the sources of payment of debt service on the Bond and has not relied on any representations of the Issuer, its members, directors, officials, employees, agents or legal counsel as to any matters relating to the adequacy of the Pledged Security to provide for the payment of debt service on the Bond; (v) the Bond is being purchased by the Purchaser in a private placement for its own account and not with a view to resale or other distribution or transfer, except in a transaction in which the Purchaser also assigns its leasehold interest in the Project; (vi) the Bond may not be sold, transferred, pledged or hypothecated by the Purchaser or any subsequent holders except in accordance with the provisions of the Bond Resolution governing transfers of the Bond; and (vii) if any transfer of the Bond would subject the Issuer or the Company to any disclosure requirements under any of the Securities Acts, the Company shall, at its own expense and without cost to the Issuer, make such disclosure as to the Issuer, the Company, the Project, the Pledged Security and the Bond, as is required by the Securities Acts. The representations and agreements contained in this Section shall prevail over any inconsistent term or condition that may be contained in the Lease relating to the Project, in the Bond Resolution or in the Bond.

9. GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under and in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Georgia (without giving effect to its conflicts of law principles).

10. ASSIGNMENT: The Purchaser shall be entitled to assign the Bond and its rights under this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of section 8 above, the Bond and Section 2.7 of the Bond Resolution.

11. AMENDMENT: No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and executed by the Issuer, the Company and the Purchaser.

12. HEADINGS: All paragraphs or other headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement.

13. REQUESTS FOR ADVANCES AND NOTICES: All Requests for Advances shall be delivered to the Purchaser at its address set forth below. All other requests, notices, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be given in writing and are to be deemed to have been duly given and to be effective upon delivery to the party to whom they are directed, to such party at its notice address set forth below, provided that any party may by written notice to the other parties designate a different address for receiving notices under this Agreement; provided, however, that no such change of address will be effective unless and until written notice thereof is actually received by the party to whom such change of address notice is sent.





To the Issuer:
Development Authority of Murray County
121 N. Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, Georgia 31539
Attention: Chairman
with copies to:
Gregory H. Kinnamon, P.C.
512 South Thornton Avenue
Dalton, Georgia 30720
Attention: Gregory H. Kinnamon, Esq.
 
Murray County
121 N. Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, Georgia 31539
Attention: Brittany Pittman, Sole Commissioner

and
 
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
1075 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Suite 2500
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Attention: Daniel M. McRae, Esq.
To the Company and Purchaser:
TDG Operations, LLC
c/o The Dixie Group, Inc.
2208 South Hamilton Street Extension
Dalton, Georgia 30721
Attn: Jon A. Faulkner, President
with a copy to:
Miller & Martin PLLC
Suite 1000 Volunteer Building
832 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Attention: Robert L. Dann, Esq.

Any person designated in this Section 13 may, by notice given to the others, designate any additional or different addresses to which subsequent notices, certificates, or other communications shall be sent to it.
14. EFFECTIVE DATE: This Agreement may be executed prior to the delivery of the Bond to the Purchaser, but shall not become effective until a counterpart hereof executed by all parties hereto is delivered simultaneously with the issuance of the Bond. Upon execution and delivery hereof, as aforesaid, this Agreement and the terms and provisions of the Bond, the Bond Resolution and other documents approved by the Bond Resolution shall supersede the provisions of any commitment letter(s) heretofore issued by the Purchaser to the Issuer and the Company with respect to the Bond, the Credit Facility and the Maximum Principal Amount.

15. COUNTERPARTS: This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one instrument.
[signatures begin on following page]








IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, under seal, by its respective duly authorized officers.
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF MURRAY COUNTY


By:     /s/ Craig Brock         
Chairman
Attest:


/s/ John Kenemer         
Secretary

[seal]
[signatures continue on following page]








TDG OPERATIONS, LLC ,
a Georgia limited liability company


By: /s/ Jon A. Faulkner             (seal)
Jon A. Faulkner, President






EXHIBIT 10.51
OPTION AGREEMENT
THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated for purposes of reference as of October 1, 2014, is by and between the DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY (hereinafter referred to as the “ Issuer ”), the mailing address of which is 121 N. Fourth Avenue, Chatsworth, Georgia 30705, Attn: President, and TDG OPERATIONS, LLC (hereinafter referred to as “ Company ”), the mailing address of which is 2208 South Hamilton Street Extension, Dalton, Georgia 30721, Attn: Jon A. Faulkner, President.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Issuer is issuing the Bond (defined below) to acquire the Project (defined below) for lease to the Company; and
WHEREAS , the Issuer and the Company are contemporaneously entering into a Lease Agreement, of even date herewith (the “ Lease ”), relating to the Project; and
WHEREAS , the Company is only willing to execute the Lease and consummate the transactions contemplated by the Lease if it is granted the option to purchase the Project upon the terms and provisions as hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS , in exchange for granting the option to purchase the Project, the Issuer will receive good and valuable consideration, including the Option Fee, defined below, and the agreements of the Company contained herein that provide for the retirement of the Bond if the Company exercises its right to terminate the Lease.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the Lease and the transaction described therein, and in consideration of the Option Fee in hand paid by the Company to the Issuer, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of all of which is respectively hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, and for the mutual covenants contained herein, the Issuer and Company hereby agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS . Capitalized terms that are used herein and in the Lease, but not defined herein, shall have the definitions set forth in the Lease. Also, for purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) Bond ” means the Issuer’s Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (TDG Operations, LLC Project), Series 2014, in the Maximum Principal Amount of $12,500,000.

(b) Closing ” means the consummation of the purchase and sale transaction contemplated hereby as a result of the exercise (or deemed exercise) of the Option.

(c) Closing Date ” means the date prescribed herein for the consummation of the Closing under the Option.

(d) Effective Date ” means the date on which this Agreement is fully executed.

(e) Facility ” means, collectively, the Land and the improvements thereof from time to time.





(f) Land ” means the land in Murray County, Georgia, described in Exhibit A hereto.

(g) Option ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2 hereof.

(h) Option Fee ” means the sum of $100.

(i) Option Term ” means that period of time commencing on the date of delivery hereof and ending on the earlier of (1) the date after the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease which is thirty (30) days after the date of the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease, or if the Issuer’s Notice has not been provided by that date, then thirty (30) days following the date on which the Company receives written notice from the Issuer of the pending expiration of the Lease; or (2) December 31, 2023. The Option Term is subject to Section 3(a) below.

(j) Permitted Encumbrances ” means encumbrances permitted by the Lease.

(k) Project ” means the new and used trade fixtures, machinery and equipment that the Company installs at the Facility and conveys to the Issuer, identified in writing by the Company as being a part of the Project and allocated to the Bond.

(l) Purchase Price ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) herein.

2. GRANT OF OPTION . For the consideration recited above, the Issuer does hereby grant to the Company the exclusive right and option (“ Option ”) to purchase the Project (as the same shall exist at the time of such purchase, subject to Permitted Encumbrances) upon the terms and conditions as set forth herein.

3. EXERCISE OF OPTION .

(a) At least six (6) months but no more than twelve (12) months prior to the expiration of the Option Term, the Issuer shall give written notice to the Company of the pending expiration of the Option (the “ Issuer’s Notice ”). The Company may exercise the Option, at any time during the Option Term, by giving written notice thereof to the Issuer. If the Bond has not theretofore been fully paid and if the Company is not then also the Bondholder, a copy of such notice shall also be given by the Company to the Bondholder at the address of the Bondholder as reflected on the Bond Register. Such notice shall specify a date and time of the Closing (the “ Closing Date ”), which shall be no earlier than thirty (30) days and no more than ninety (90) days following the date such notice is sent to the Issuer. The time, date and place of the Closing shall be 10:00 a.m. Murray County, Georgia time on the Closing Date at the principal meeting place of the Issuer in Murray County, Georgia, or such other time, date and place as the Company and the Issuer may agree. In the event the Company does not exercise the Option during the Option Term (after notice by the Issuer of such failure as hereinafter provided) or after exercise of the Option, fails to proceed with the Closing of the purchase of the Project pursuant to the terms and provisions as contained herein, the Issuer shall be entitled to retain (1) the Option Fee, and (2) except as provided below in connection with the deemed exercise of the Option, the Project, free and clear of this Agreement. In the event that the Company fails to exercise the Option under this Agreement during the Option Term, the Issuer promptly shall notify the Company of such failure and the Company shall be entitled to exercise the Option within thirty (30) days following such notice and the Option Term shall be deemed to have been extended through the date on which notice of such election is furnished to the Issuer.






(b) In any event, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Term of the Lease shall automatically be extended on the same terms and conditions as set forth therein, except that such Lease shall be at the rates provided for holder with respect thereto for any period after the scheduled expiration date of the Term of the Lease through the Closing Date.

4. CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF PROPERTY . In the event that the Company exercises its Option (or it is deemed exercised) as provided for in the preceding paragraph, the Issuer agrees to sell and the Company agrees to buy the Project (as it then exists, by quitclaim bill of sale) in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Purchase Price . At the Closing, the Company shall pay the Purchase Price to the Issuer upon the exercise of the Option, which shall consist of (i) the sum of $100; (ii) the sum, if any, required to cause the Bond to be retired in full if the Bond has not been fully paid (if the Company is then the owner of the Bond, the Company may mark the Bond “cancelled” and surrender the Bond to the Issuer); and (iii) all other sums, if any, then due to the Issuer or to the Bondholder from the Company as Additional Rent or for indemnification under the Lease, under any other Company Documents or related document or documents (which shall be paid directly to them, respectively) which have not been paid.

(b) Closing Procedure . The consummation of the sale by the Issuer and the purchase by the Company of the Property is referred to as the “ Closing ” herein. At the Closing, the Issuer shall, upon payment of the Purchase Price, convey the Project to the Company “as is, where is” by quitclaim bill of sale.

(c) Closing Costs . All costs relating to the Closing, including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Issuer, to the Company and to any lender, shall be paid by the Company.

(d) Default by the Issuer; Remedies of the Company . In the event the Issuer fails to close the sale of the Project pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled as its exclusive remedies to sue for specific performance or to seek other available equitable remedies, it being understood that the Company shall not have an adequate remedy at law.

(e) Status Pending Closing . Until and unless legal title to the Project is transferred to the Company at Closing, the Company shall not, by virtue of this Agreement, acquire legal title to the Project, and the risk of loss of the Project shall remain with the lessee under the Lease.

(f) Documents . The Issuer and the Company agree that such documents as may be legally necessary or reasonably appropriate to carry out the terms of this Agreement shall be executed and delivered by each party to the other at the Closing.

5. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a) Notice . All notices, demands and/or consents provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given as provided in the Lease for the giving of notices.

(b) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.






(c) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall apply to, inure to the benefit of and be binding upon and enforceable against the parties hereto and their permitted respective heirs, successors, and or assigns. The Company may assign this Agreement only in connection with an assignment of the Lease permitted by the terms and conditions thereof or with the consent of the Issuer.

(d) Headings . The headings inserted at the beginning of each paragraph and/or subparagraph of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect or be used in the construction of any terms or provisions hereof.

(e) Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Lease, contains all of the terms, promises, covenants, conditions and representations made or entered into by or between the Issuer and the Company and supersedes all prior discussions and agreements, whether written or oral, between the Issuer and the Company with respect to the Option and all other matters contained herein and constitutes the sole and entire agreement between the Issuer and the Company with respect thereto. This Agreement may not be modified or amended unless such amendment is set forth in writing and executed by both the Issuer and the Company with the formalities hereof.

(f) Public Purpose of Option to Purchase . The Issuer and the Company acknowledge that the Option constitutes a material inducement to the Company to locate its operations in the County and thereby promote industry and create employment opportunities in the County, and that in granting such Option, the Issuer is considering the entire transaction as a whole, including the promotion and expansion for the public good and welfare industry, trade and commerce within the County and the reduction of unemployment.

(g) Divisibility . The rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Company contained in this Agreement shall be divisible of and severable from their respective rights and obligations contained in the Lease. The Option under this Agreement shall be fully enforceable against and binding upon the Issuer notwithstanding the termination, rejection, or disaffirmance of the Lease or a bankruptcy, insolvency or other legal proceeding or otherwise.

(h) Encumbrances . Except as otherwise expressly permitted in the Lease and the other Bond Documents, the Issuer shall not grant licenses or other encumbrances, convey title to all or a portion of the Project, pledge, grant a security interest in, hypothecate or otherwise encumber its interest in the Project, impose restrictions, covenants or other agreements binding on the Project, unless the Issuer has furnished prior notice thereof and has received express approval, in writing, by the Company prior to undertaking such action.

(i) Time of the Essence . Time is of the essence in the performance of the parties’ obligations and observance of the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.
[signatures begin on following page]







IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed under proper seal.
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF MURRAY COUNTY


By:      /s/ Craig Brock         
Chairman
Attest:


/s/ John Kenemer         
Secretary

[seal]
[signatures continue on following page]







TDG OPERATIONS, LLC ,
a Georgia limited liability company


By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner          (seal)
Jon A. Faulkner, President









EXHIBIT A
DESCRIPTION OF THE LAND
Tract 1

All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot No. 58 of the 9th District, 3rd Section of Murray County, Georgia, and being more particularly described according to a plat of survey prepared for The Dixie Group, Inc., by Joseph R. Evans, Georgia Registered Land Surveyor No. 2168, dated March 29, 2005, and being more particularly described according to said survey as follows:
BEGINNING at an iron pin located in the west right of way line of United States Highway No. 411, said point being located in a northerly direction as measured along said right of way line, a distance of 150.00 feet from the point of intersection of said right of way line and the south line of said Land Lot No. 58; thence south 88 degrees 33 minutes west a distance of 301.25 feet to an iron pin; thence south 14 degrees 00 minutes west a distance of 124.79 feet to an iron pin; thence south 88 degrees 25 minutes west a distance of 288.12 feet to an iron pin; thence north 01 degrees 00 minutes west a distance of 640.18 feet to an iron pin; thence south 89 degrees 34 minutes east a distance of 324.58 feet; thence south 01 degrees 40 minutes east a distance 13.05 feet; thence south 89 degrees 08 minutes east a distance of 246.74 feet; thence south 00 degrees 52 minutes west a distance of 150.0 feet; thence south 89 degrees 08 minutes east a distance of 137.19 feet, said point being located in a southerly direction, as measured along the west right of way line of United States Highway No. 411, a distance of 896.32 feet from the point of intersection of said right of way line and the south right of way line of Clinton Avenue; thence running in a southerly direction, along the west right of way line of United States Highway No. 411, the following courses and distances, to wit: south 13 degrees 58 minutes west, 198.03 feet; south 77 degrees 36 minutes east, 4.83 feet; south 14 degrees 03 minutes west, 143.07 feet to an iron pin which is the POINT OF BEGINNING.
Tract 2

All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot No. 58 of the 9th District, 3rd Section of Murray County, Georgia, and being more particularly described according to a plat of survey prepared for The Dixie Group, Inc., by Joseph R. Evans, Georgia Registered Land Surveyor No. 2168, dated March 29, 2005, and being more particularly described according to said survey as follows:
BEGINNING at a point located at the intersection of the south right of way line of Clinton Avenue (50' R/W) with the west right of way line of U.S. Highway No. 411; thence running in a southerly direction, along the west right of way line of United States Highway No. 411, the following courses and distances, to wit: south 13 degrees 45 minutes west, 94.37 feet to a concrete right-of-way marker; south 08 degrees 03 minutes west, 100.50 feet; south 13 degrees 21 minutes west, 549.52 feet to an iron pin; and south 13 degrees 58 minutes west, 151.93 feet; thence leaving said west right of way line of U.S. Highway No. 411 and running north 89 degrees 08 minutes west 137.19 feet; thence north 00 degrees 52 minutes east a distance of 150.0 feet; thence north 89 degrees 08 minutes west a distance of 246.74 feet to an iron pin; thence north 01 degree 40 minutes west a distance of 13.05 feet to an iron pin; thence north 89 degrees 34 minutes west a distance of 324.58 feet to an iron pin; thence north 85 degrees 51 minutes west a distance of 48.21 feet to an iron pin; thence north 01 degrees 40 minutes west a distance of 219.50 feet to an iron pin; thence north 88 degrees 20 minutes east a distance of 320.25 feet to an iron pin; thence running in a southeasterly, northeasterly and northern direction, along the south right of way line of the cul de sac (50' radius) forming the southerly terminus of Pleasant Valley Drive, along an arc to the left, an arc distance of 199.86 feet, said arc being





subtended by a chord bearing of north 57 degrees 00 minutes and a chord length of 90.99 feet; thence north 01 degree 40 minutes west, along the east right of way line of Pleasant Valley Drive (60' R/W), a distance of 425.00 feet to a point located on said south right of way line of Clinton Avenue; thence running in an easterly direction, along the south right of way line of Clinton Avenue, the following courses and distances, to wit: north 88 degrees 20 minutes east, 310.12 feet to an iron pin; north 88 degrees 35 minutes east, 104.36 feet; and south 84 degrees 19 minutes east, 163.51 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
TOGETHER WITH that certain Easement dated November 30, 1993, between D & W Carpet and Rug Co., Inc. and M. E. Ralston, recorded in Deed Book 222 Page 697, Murray County, Georgia Land Records.
TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO that certain Party Wall Agreement dated November 30, 1993 between M. E. Ralston and D & W Carpet and Rug Co., Inc., recorded in Deed Book 222 Page 698, Murray County, Georgia Land Records.






EXHIBIT 10.52
BILL OF SALE
THIS BILL OF SALE , dated for convenience of reference as of October 1, 2014, from TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company, hereinafter referred to as “ Vendor ,” to the DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY , a development authority and a public body corporate and politic of the State of Georgia, hereinafter referred to as “ Vendee .”
W I T N E S S E T H
Vendor, for and in consideration of the sum of Ten and No/100 ($10.00) Dollars, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency whereof is hereby acknowledged, does hereby bargain, sell and convey and by these presents has bargained, sold and conveyed, unto Vendee, its successors and assigns, all of its right, title and interest in the items of machinery, equipment and other personal property described on Exhibit A hereto (collectively called the “ Equipment ”) which are to be included in the “ Project ” that is to be leased by Vendee to Vendor under the Lease Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Lease ”), relating to the Project, and which are both (i) located or to be located on the Land (as described in the Lease) in Murray County, Georgia, described in Exhibit B hereto, and (ii) financed by the Vendee’s Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (TDG Operations, LLC Project), Series 2014. Title to items of the Equipment located on the Land at the time of delivery of this Bill of Sale shall vest in the Vendee upon delivery hereof and title to items of Equipment hereafter located on said land shall vest in Vendee immediately upon the same being located on such land.
Vendor warrants not as to the merchantability or “fitness for purpose” of the Equipment or as to any encumbrances thereon. Vendee shall accept, as of the date Vendee acquires title thereto, each such item of such property in “as is, where is” condition and subject to the interests, if any, of third parties therein. Vendor acknowledges and agrees that any indebtedness or payment obligation of Vendor that may be secured by or related to any such items of Equipment shall not become an indebtedness or payment obligation of the Vendee, and the Vendor shall remain responsible for the payment thereof.
[signature on following page]









IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Vendor has caused these presents to be executed by its duly authorized representative, under seal, the day and year first above written.


VENDOR:

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC ,
a Georgia limited liability company


By:     /s/ Jon A. Faulkner     (seal)
Jon A. Faulkner, President




EXHIBIT 10.53

ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND LEASES
AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND LEASES AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Security Document ”), dated for purposes of reference as of October 1, 2014, is from the DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MURRAY COUNTY , a development authority and public body corporate and politic of the State of Georgia (the “ Debtor ”), the address of which is hereinafter set forth, to TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company (the “ Secured Party ”), the address of which is also hereinafter set forth, its successors and assigns that from time to time shall be the registered owner of the Bond described below; capitalized words and terms used herein, but not defined herein, shall have the meaning set forth in the Lease or the Bond Resolution (each as hereinafter defined):
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS , the Debtor is a public body corporate and politic and a development authority duly created pursuant to the Development Authorities Law of the State of Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 36‑62‑1, et seq. (the “ Act ”) and activated by resolution of the governing body of Murray County (the “ County ”); and
WHEREAS , the Act provides that the Debtor is created for the public purpose, among other purposes, of developing and promoting for the public good, welfare and employment within the County; and
WHEREAS , the Debtor proposes to acquire, with proceeds of the Bond (defined below), new and used trade fixtures, machinery and equipment (the “ Project ”) installed or to be installed on the parcel of land in the County described in Exhibit A hereto (the “ Land ”) and improvements located thereon from time to time (collectively, the “ Facility ”), and is to lease the Project to the Secured Party, its successors and assigns; and
WHEREAS , in order to acquire the Project, the Debtor is issuing its Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (TDG Operations, LLC Project), Series 2014 (the “ Bond ”), in the form of a draw-down obligation having a maximum principal amount of $12,500,000 (the “ Maximum Principal Amount ”); and
WHEREAS , contemporaneously with the execution hereof, the Debtor and the Secured Party are executing a Lease Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2014, relating to the Project, between the Debtor, as lessor, and the Secured Party, as initial lessee (the “ Lease ”), pursuant to the terms of which the Secured Party will cause the Project to be acquired and installed at the Facility and the Secured Party will lease the Project from the Debtor and will pay to the Debtor Basic Rent payments at such times and in such amounts as will be required to pay the principal of, and interest on the Bond, as and when the same become due; and
WHEREAS , the Bond was authorized under a resolution adopted by the Debtor on September 12, 2014 (the “ Bond Resolution ”) and was sold to the Secured Party pursuant to a Bond Purchase Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Bond Purchase Loan Agreement ”), between the Debtor and the Secured Party, in its capacity both as Purchaser of the Bond and as Lessee under the Lease; and
WHEREAS , pursuant to the terms of the Bond Resolution, the Debtor is, as security for the payment of the Bond, granting to the Secured Party the Pledged Security (defined below) as provided herein.




ARTICLE I
Granting Provisions

NOW THEREFORE, FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the sum of TEN AND NO/100THS DOLLARS ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency whereof are hereby acknowledged, and in order to secure the indebtedness and other obligations of the Debtor hereinafter set forth, the Debtor does hereby grant, bargain, sell, convey, assign, transfer and set over unto the Secured Party, its successors and assigns, all of the following described interests, rights, improvements, fixtures and appurtenances, moneys, and other property and rights (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Pledged Security ”):
ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to the Project;
ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to the “ Basic Rent ,” described in Section 5.3(a) of the Lease, together with any termination payment the Lessee may be required to make thereunder, relating to the Project; the term “ Lessee ” as used herein means the lessee of the Project under the Lease;
ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to that certain Option Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2014 (the “ Option Agreement ”), relating to the Project between the Debtor, as optionor, and the Secured Party, as optionee, including without limitation, all Purchase Price (as defined in the Option Agreement) proceeds thereunder (the “ Option ”);
ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to the Lease, except for the “ Unassigned Rights ” (as defined in the Lease and in the Bond Resolution);
ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to all other leases (other than the Lease), lettings and licenses of the Project or any part thereof now or hereafter entered into by the Debtor upon expiration or termination of the Lease, and all right, title and interest of the Debtor thereunder, and the rents, issues, profits, accounts receivable and revenues realized by the Debtor from such leasing or licensing of the Project, or any part thereof, from time to time accruing (including without limitation all payments under leases or subleases, lessee security deposits and escrow funds) under such leases, lettings and licenses, and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, possession, claim and demand whatsoever at law, as well as in equity, of the Debtor, in and to the same and including, without limitation, the right to receive and collect the rents, issues and profits payable thereunder, subject, however, to rights of the Debtor that are similar in nature to the Unassigned Rights;
ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to cash, if any, from time to time on deposit in the Sinking Fund and Project Fund created by the Bond Resolution, and investments, if any, from time to time held for the credit of the Sinking Fund and the Project Fund, and investment income earned on such investments, subject to the rights of the Debtor and the Lessee under the Lease and the Bond Resolution to have amounts in the Project Fund applied as provided in the Lease and in the Bond Resolution;
ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to all surveys, environmental reports, warranties, bonds, letters of credit or other security for installation of the Project, guarantees, business and building licenses and permits, architects’ and engineers’ plans, blueprints and drawings, installation, professional and other contracts and books and records relating to the Project; and all other, further or additional title, estates, options, privileges, interest or rights which the Debtor may now or hereafter acquire in and to the Project and the Lease (except for the Debtor’s Unassigned Rights);




ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to Net Proceeds (as defined in the Lease) of casualty insurance received on account of damage to or destruction of the Project or any part thereof, Net Proceeds received on account of a taking of the Project, or any portion thereof, under power of eminent domain or in lieu of eminent domain, and Net Proceeds of any sale of the Project, or any portion thereof;
ALL right, title and interest of the Debtor in and to all extensions, improvements, betterments, renewals, substitutes and replacements of, and all additions and appurtenances to, the Project, hereafter acquired by, or released to the Debtor, or constructed, assembled, installed or placed by the Debtor or by others for the Debtor’s benefit on the Project, and all conversions of the security constituted thereby, immediately upon such acquisition, release, construction, assembling, placement or conversion, as the case may be, and in each such case, without any further conveyance, assignment or other act by the Debtor, shall become subject to the encumbrance of this Security Document as fully and completely, and with the same effect, as though now owned by the Debtor and specifically described herein; and
ALL of the products and proceeds of the foregoing and accounts receivable relating thereto, including without limitation, investments thereof, and investment income earned thereon (except amounts payable to or on behalf of the Debtor on account of its Unassigned Rights).
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Pledged Security unto the Secured Party, its successors and assigns forever,
PROVIDED, HOWEVER , should the Debtor well and truly pay unto the Secured Party the Indebtedness (hereinafter defined) according to the tenor and effect thereof when the same shall become due and payable, and should the Debtor perform, comply with and abide by each and every one of the stipulations, agreements, conditions and covenants contained herein, and in the Bond and in the Bond Resolution, then (a) this Security Document shall terminate and be void, it being intended by the parties that this instrument shall operate as a security agreement granting a security interest in the Project (and any of the other of the Pledged Security that is determined to constitute property in which a security interest may be granted under the laws of the State of Georgia) to the Secured Party and is made under those provisions of the existing laws of the State of Georgia relating to security agreements and is given to secure payment of the Indebtedness; and (b) the liens and security interests hereby created on the Pledged Security shall be terminate, be void, and be released, otherwise this Security Document and security interests and liens hereby created shall remain in full force and effect.
THIS SECURITY DOCUMENT is intended to operate and is to be construed: (i) as an assignment of leases and rents relating to the Lease and other leases of the Project; and (iii) as a security agreement that grants to the Secured Party a security interest in the other Pledged Security, and is made under those provisions of the existing laws of the State of Georgia relating to assignments of leases and rents and security agreements. This Security Document is subject and junior to Superior Encumbrances, being all encumbrances on the Project in existence at the time of recording of this Security Document.
THIS INSTRUMENT is given to secure the following described indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of the Debtor (the “ Indebtedness ”):
(a) The Indebtedness evidenced by the Bond, being in the form of a draw-down obligation having a Maximum Principal Amount of TWELVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($12,500,000), the final payment of debt service on which is due on October 1, 2023, together with any and all renewal or renewals, modification or modifications and extension or extensions of the indebtedness evidenced by the Bond, and together with any and all accrued and unpaid interest on the Bond in accordance with the terms of the Bond and the Bond Resolution;




(b) Any and all advances made by the Secured Party to protect or preserve the Pledged Security or the Secured Party’s interest therein, including, but not limited to advances made by the Secured Party to pay taxes, to pay insurance premiums on insurance relating to the Project or the activities conducted thereat, to repair or maintain the Project, or to complete improvements to the Project;

(c) Any and all expenses incident to the collection of the Indebtedness secured hereby, the foreclosure hereof by action in any court, or by exercise of the power of sale herein contained; and

(d) The full and prompt payment and performance of any and all obligations or covenants of the Debtor to the Secured Party under the terms of any other agreements, assignments or other instruments now or hereafter evidencing, securing or otherwise relating to the Indebtedness, including without limitation, the Bond, the Lease and the Bond Resolution (herein collectively called the “ Issuer Documents ”).

AND Debtor covenants and agrees with the Secured Party as follows:
ARTICLE II
Covenants of Debtor

Section 2.01.     Payment of the Indebtedness . The Debtor shall punctually pay, but solely from the Pledged Security, the Indebtedness as provided herein, in the Bond and in the Bond Resolution, in the coin and currency of the United States of America which is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

Section 2.02. Title to the Pledged Security . The Debtor warrants that (i) it has full power and lawful authority to convey and encumber the Pledged Security in the manner and form set forth herein and this Security Document constitutes a valid and enforceable security agreement as to the Project, and assignment of and security interest in the Pledged Security; (ii) it has not conveyed, assigned or pledged any of the Pledged Security, except to the Secured Party pursuant hereto and pursuant to the Bond Resolution and has the right to convey, assign and pledge its interest therein to the Secured Party hereunder, but makes no other representations or warranties as to any prior encumbrances on the Project; and (iii) it will preserve such security interest, and the lien created by such assignment, and will forever warrant and defend the validity and priority hereof against the claims of all persons and parties claiming by, through or under the Debtor.

Section 2.03. Enforcement of Lease . So long as the Lease is in effect, the Secured Party, as well as the Debtor, shall be entitled to enforce the lessee’s obligations under the Lease, provided, however, that only the Debtor shall be entitled to enforce the Debtor’s Unassigned Rights by seeking monetary damages, but in the enforcement of such Unassigned Rights, the Debtor shall not exercise the remedy of terminating the Lease without the prior written consent of the Secured Party. The Debtor shall permit the Secured Party to enter upon the Project and inspect the Project at all reasonable hours and without prior notice. The Debtor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Secured Party, threaten, commit, permit or suffer to occur any waste, material alteration or demolition or removal of any material portion of the Project.

Section 2.04. Insurance . The Lease requires the Lessee to carry, or cause to be carried, certain insurance relating to the Project. The Debtor and the Secured Party shall each have the right to enforce the provisions of the Lease relating to insurance.

Section 2.05. Eminent Domain . If the Debtor obtains knowledge of the institution or threat of institution of any proceedings for the taking of the Project or any portion thereof by exercise of the power of eminent domain, the Debtor shall immediately notify the Secured Party of the pendency of such




proceedings. The Secured Party may participate in any such proceedings and the Debtor from time to time will deliver to the Secured Party all instruments requested by it to permit such participation. The Debtor shall not settle any eminent domain proceeding relating to the Project or any part thereof or sell the Project or any part thereof under threat of eminent domain without the prior written consent of the Secured Party.

Section 2.06. Use of Net Proceeds . Subject to the prior rights of the holder of any Superior Encumbrance, the Net Proceeds of casualty insurance relating to the Project, the Net Proceeds of any taking by eminent domain or sale in lieu thereof, of the Project or the Net Proceeds of any other sale of the Project, or any part thereof, shall, upon receipt, be applied as provided in Article VII of the Lease. The Debtor and the Secured Party shall each be entitled to enforce the provisions of the Lease relating to the use of such Net Proceeds.

Section 2.07. Taxes and Other Charges . So long as the Lease is in effect, the Secured Party, as well as the Debtor, shall be entitled to enforce the Lessee’s covenants therein relating to the payment of all taxes of every kind and nature, and assessments, levies, permits, inspection and license fees and all other charges imposed upon or assessed against the Project or any part thereof or upon the revenues, rents, issues, income and profits of the Project or arising in respect of the occupancy, uses or possession thereof.

Section 2.08. Mechanics’ and Other Liens . So long as the Lease is in effect, the Secured Party, as well as the Debtor, shall be entitled to enforce Lessee’s covenants thereunder relating to mechanics’ and other liens.

Section 2.09. This Instrument Authorized . The Debtor hereby warrants and represents that: the execution and delivery of this instrument, the Bond Purchase Loan Agreement, the Lease, the Bond, the Option Agreement and the other Issuer Documents have been duly authorized and that there is no provision in the Act or other provisions of applicable law, as the same may have been amended, requiring further consent for such action by any other entity or person; it is duly created, activated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Georgia and has (a) all necessary licenses, authorizations, registrations and approvals and (b) full power and authority to own its properties and carry on its activities as presently conducted; and the execution and delivery by and performance of its obligations under this instrument, the Bond Resolution, the Bond Purchase Loan Agreement, the Lease, the Bond, the Option Agreement and the other Issuer Documents will not result in the Debtor being in default under any provision of the Act or other provisions of Georgia law, as the same may have been amended, or of any deed to secure debt, mortgage, indenture, contract or other agreement to which it is a party.

Section 2.10. Additional Covenants . Without the prior written consent of the Secured Party in each instance, the Debtor shall not, except as expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of the Bond Resolution or the Lease, sell, lease, exchange, assign, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any agreement to do so), the Pledged Security or any part thereof or any interest therein, including, without limitation, the leases, rents or income thereof.

Section 2.11. Security Agreement .

(a) Insofar as the Pledged Security consists of rights and property (the “ UCC Property ”) in which the Debtor can grant a security interest under the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the State of Georgia (the “ UCC ”), this Security Document is hereby made and declared to be a security agreement, encumbering each and every item of the UCC Property, in compliance with the provisions of the UCC. Financing statements, describing the UCC Property and amendments thereto and naming the Secured Party as “secured party” and the Debtor as “debtor,” may be prepared by the Secured Party and appropriately filed. The remedies for any




violation of the covenants, terms and conditions of the security agreement contained herein shall be (i) as prescribed herein, or (ii) as prescribed by general law, or (iii) as prescribed by the specific statutory consequences now or hereafter enacted and specified in the UCC, all at the Secured Party’s sole election.

(b) The Debtor shall execute and deliver to the Secured Party, in form and substance satisfactory to the Secured Party, such further assurances as the Secured Party may from time to time reasonably consider necessary to create, perfect and preserve the Secured Party’s security interest herein granted, and the Secured Party may cause such statements and assurances to be recorded and filed at such times and places as may be required or permitted by law to so create, perfect and preserve such security interest.

The assignment and security interest herein granted shall not be deemed or construed to constitute the Secured Party as a “mortgagee in possession” of the Project, and the Secured Party shall not be obligated to lease the Project or attempt to do same, or to take any action, incur any expense or perform or discharge any obligation, duty or liability whatsoever under any of the leases or otherwise.
Section 2.12. Assignment of Leases and Rents . By this Security Document, the Debtor has granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell and convey absolutely unto the Secured Party, the Lease and all other leases and the rents subject only to the Superior Encumbrances applicable thereto, to have and to hold the leases and the rents forever, and the Debtor does hereby bind itself, its successors and assigns to warrant and forever defend (but at the cost of the Secured Party) the title to the leases and the rents unto the Secured Party against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof; provided, however, if the Debtor shall pay or cause to be paid the Indebtedness as and when the same shall become due and payable and shall perform and discharge or cause to be performed and discharged all of the obligations on its part to be performed hereunder on or before the date same are to be performed and discharged, then this assignment shall thereupon become terminated and of no further force and effect, and all rights, titles and interests conveyed pursuant to this assignment shall become revested in the Debtor without the necessity of any further act or requirement by the Debtor or the Secured Party.

ARTICLE III
Default and Remedies

Section 3.01. Events of Default . Any one or more of the following events or conditions shall constitute Events of Default under this Security Document:

(a) an Event of Default, as such term is therein defined, should occur under the Lease or the Bond Resolution; or

(b) failure by the Debtor to observe or perform any of the terms, covenants or conditions contained in this Security Document, for ten (10) days after receipt from Secured Party of written notice of such failure, provided, such ten (10) day grace period set forth in this subsection (b) shall not apply to any other Event of Default expressly set forth in this Section 3.01 or to any other covenant or condition with respect to which a limitation as to time or grace period or right to cure is expressly provided in this Security Document; or

(c) if any disposition of the Pledged Security or any part thereof prohibited hereby is made by the Debtor; or

(d) if there is an attachment or sequestration of or relating to a material part of the Pledged Security and the same is not promptly discharged; or





(e) an Event of Default under the Lease; or

(f) except as above provided in (e), the Lessee’s failure to observe, perform, or comply with any other covenant, condition, or agreement in any instrument approved by the Bond Resolution (the “ Bond Documents ”) on the part of the Lessee to be observed or performed, for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice from the Debtor or the Holder specifying such breach or failure and requesting that it be remedied, unless the Debtor and the Holder shall agree in writing to an extension of such time prior to its expiration. In the case of any such breach or default which can be cured, but cannot be cured within such thirty (30)-day period, it shall not constitute an Event of Default if corrective action is instituted by the Lessee within the applicable thirty (30)-day period and is diligently pursued until the breach or default is corrected; or

(g) The filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or similar action by the Lessee or the filing of petition in bankruptcy by a creditor of the Lessee: against the Lessee that is not discharged within 90 days of such filing.

Section 3.02. Remedies .

(a) Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Secured Party may take such action, without notice or demand, as it deems advisable to protect and enforce its rights against the Debtor and in and to the Pledged Security, including, but not limited to, the following actions, each of which may be pursued concurrently or otherwise, at such time and in such order as the Secured Party may determine, in its sole discretion, without impairing or otherwise affecting the other rights and remedies of the Secured Party: (1) declare the entire unpaid Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable; or (2) notify all lessees of the Project and all others obligated on leases of any part of the Project that all rents and other sums owing on such leases have been assigned to the Secured Party and are to be paid directly to the Secured Party, and to enforce payment of all obligations owing on leases, by suit, cancellation, releasing, reletting or otherwise, whether or not the Secured Party has taken possession of the Project, and to exercise whatever rights and remedies the Secured Party may have under any assignment of rents and leases; or (3) enter into or upon the Facility, either personally or by its agents, nominees or attorneys and take possession of the Project, and thereupon the Secured Party may (i) use, operate, manage, control, insure, maintain, repair, restore and otherwise deal with all and every part of the Project; (ii) make alterations, additions, renewals, replacements and improvements to the Project; (iii) exercise all rights and powers of the Debtor with respect to the Project, whether in the name of the Debtor, or otherwise, including, without limitation, the right to make, cancel, enforce or modify the Lease or other leases, and demand, sue for, collect and receive all earnings, revenues, rents, issues, profits and other income of the Project and every part thereof, which rights shall not be in limitation of the Secured Party’s rights under any assignment of rents and leases securing the Indebtedness; and (iv) apply the receipts from the Project to the payment of the Indebtedness, after deducting therefrom all reasonable expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees) incurred in connection with the aforesaid operations and all amounts necessary to pay the taxes, assessments, insurance and other charges in connection with the Project, as well as just and reasonable compensation for the services of the Secured Party, its counsel, agents and employees; or (4) institute proceedings for the complete foreclosure of this Security Document either at law, in equity or pursuant to Section 3.02(b) herein, in which case the Project may be sold for cash or upon credit in one or more lots; or (5) with or without entry into or upon the Facility, to the extent permitted and pursuant to the procedures provided by applicable law, institute proceedings for the partial foreclosure of security interests granted in this Security Document for the portion of the Indebtedness then due and




payable (if Secured Party shall have elected not to declare the entire Indebtedness to be immediately due and owing), subject to the continuing encumbrance of this Security Document for the balance of the Indebtedness not then due; or (6) sell for cash or upon credit the Pledged Security or any part thereof and all estate, claim, demand, right, title and interest of the Debtor therein and rights of redemption thereof, pursuant to power of sale or otherwise, at one or more sales, as an entirety or in lots, at such time and place, upon such terms and after such notice thereof as may be required or permitted by law, and in the event of a sale, by foreclosure or otherwise, of less than all of the Pledged Security, this Security Document shall continue as an encumbrance on the remaining portion of the Pledged Security; or (7) institute an action, suit or proceeding in equity for the specific performance of any covenant, condition or agreement contained herein or in the Lease or the Bond; or (8) recover judgment on the Lease or the Bond either before, during or after any proceedings for the enforcement of this Security Document; or (9) apply for the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator or conservator of the Pledged Security, without regard for the adequacy of the security for the Indebtedness and without regard for the solvency of the Debtor, any guarantor, or any other person, firm or other entity liable for the payment of the Indebtedness; or (10) pay or perform any default in the payment, performance or observance of any term, covenant or condition of this Security Document, and all payments made or costs or expenses incurred by the Secured Party in connection therewith, shall be secured hereby and shall be, without demand, immediately repaid by the Debtor to the Secured Party with interest thereon as provided in the Bond, the Bond Resolution and the Issuer Documents (as defined in the Bond Resolution), as applicable, the necessity for any such actions and of the amounts to be paid to be in the sole judgment of the Secured Party, and the Secured Party may enter and authorize others to enter into or upon the Facility or any part thereof for the purpose of performing or observing any such defaulted term, covenant or condition without thereby becoming liable to the Debtor or any person in possession holding under the Debtor; or (11) pursue such other remedies as Secured Party may have under applicable law, in equity or under the Bond, the Lease, the Option Agreement, the Bond Resolution or this Security Document.

(b) The purchase money proceeds or avails of any sale made under or by virtue of this Article III, together with any other sums which then may be held by the Secured Party under this Security Document, whether under the provisions of this Article III or otherwise, shall be applied as follows:

First : To the payment of the costs and expenses of any such sale, including reasonable compensation to the Secured Party, its agents and counsel, and of any judicial proceedings wherein the same may be made, and of all expenses, liabilities and advances made or incurred by Secured Party under this instrument, together with interest as provided herein on all advances made by the Secured Party and all taxes or assessments, except any taxes, assessments or other charges subject to which the Pledged Security shall have been sold.
Second : To the payment of the whole amount then due, owing or unpaid upon the Bond for principal, together with any and all applicable interest.
Third : To the payment of any other sums required to be paid by the Debtor pursuant to any provision of this Security Document or of the Bond or of the Lease.
Fourth : To the payment of the surplus, if any after the payment of all the Indebtedness, to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same. The Secured Party and any receiver of the Pledged Security, or any part thereof, shall be liable to account for only those rents, issues and profits actually received by it.
(c) The Secured Party may adjourn from time to time any sale by it to be made under or by virtue of this Security Document by announcement at the time and place appointed for such sale




or for such adjourned sale or sales; and, except as otherwise provided by any applicable provision of law, the Secured Party, without further notice or publication, may make such sale at the time and place to which the same shall be so adjourned.

(d) Upon the completion of any sale or sales made by the Secured Party under or by virtue of this Article III, the Secured Party, or an officer of any court empowered to do so, shall execute and deliver to the accepted purchaser or purchasers a good and sufficient instrument, or good and sufficient instruments, conveying, assigning and transferring all estate, right, title and interest in and to the property and rights sold. The Secured Party is hereby irrevocably appointed the true and lawful attorney of the Debtor, in its name and stead, to make all necessary conveyances, assignments, transfers and deliveries of the Pledged Security and rights so sold and for that purpose the Secured Party may execute all necessary instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer, and may substitute one or more persons with like power, the Debtor hereby ratifying and confirming all that its said attorney or such substitute or substitutes shall lawfully do by virtue hereof. Any such sale or sales made under or by virtue of this Article III, whether made under the power of sale herein granted or under or by virtue of judicial proceedings or of a judgment or decree of foreclosure and sale, shall operate to divest all the estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever, whether at law or in equity, of the Debtor in and to the properties and rights so sold, and shall be a perpetual bar both at law and in equity against the Debtor and against any and all persons claiming or who may claim the same, or any part thereof from, through or under the Debtor.

(e) In the event of any sale made under or by virtue of this Article III (whether made under the power of sale herein granted or under or by virtue of judicial proceedings or of a judgment or decree of foreclosure and sale) the entire Indebtedness, if not previously due and payable, immediately thereupon shall, anything in the Bond, in the Lease, in the Option Agreement, or in this Security Document to the contrary notwithstanding, become due and payable.

(f) Upon any sale made under or by virtue of this Article III (whether made under the power of sale herein granted or under or by virtue of judicial proceedings or of a judgment or decree of foreclosure and sale), the Secured Party may bid for and acquire the Pledged Security or any part thereof and in lieu of paying cash therefor may make settlement for the purchase price by crediting upon the Indebtedness the net sales price after deducting therefrom the expenses of the sale and the costs of the action and any other sums which the Secured Party is authorized to deduct under this Security Document.

(g) No recovery of any judgment by the Secured Party and no levy of an execution under any judgment upon the Pledged Security or upon any other property of Debtor shall affect in any manner or to any extent, the lien of this Security Document upon the Pledged Security or any part thereof, or any liens, rights, powers or remedies of the Secured Party hereunder, but such liens, rights, powers and remedies of the Secured Party shall continue unimpaired as before.

(h) The Debtor agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, neither the Debtor nor anyone claiming through or under the Debtor or any of them shall or will set up, claim or seek to take advantage of any appraisement, valuation, stay, extension, homestead, exemption or redemption laws now or hereafter in force, in order to prevent or hinder the enforcement or foreclosure of this Security Document, or the absolute sale of the Pledged Security, or the final and absolute putting into possession thereof, immediately after such sale, of the purchasers thereat, and the Debtor, for itself and all who may at any time claim through or under it, hereby waives to the full extent that it may lawfully so do, the benefit of all such laws, and any and




all right to have the assets comprised in the security intended to be created hereby marshaled upon any foreclosure hereof or sale pursuant hereto.

(i) The Secured Party, at its option, is authorized to foreclose this Security Document subject to the rights of any lessees of the Project, and the failure to make any such lessees parties to any such foreclosure proceedings and to foreclose their rights will not be, nor be asserted to be by the Debtor, a defense to any proceedings instituted by Secured Party to collect the sums secured hereby.

Section 3.03. Payment of Indebtedness After Default . Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and the acceleration of the maturity of the Bond, if, at any time prior to foreclosure sale, the Debtor or any other person tenders payment of the amount necessary to satisfy, irrevocably, the Indebtedness, the same shall constitute an evasion of the payment terms of the Bond and shall be deemed to be a voluntary prepayment thereunder.

Section 3.04. Possession of the Project . Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default hereunder and an exercise by the Secured Party of a remedy that entitles the Secured Party to possession of the Project, it is agreed that the Debtor, at the Secured Party’s option, shall immediately surrender, and shall cause the Lessee to surrender, the Project to the Secured Party, and if the Lessee (or any other user of the Project) is permitted by the Secured Party to continue to use the Project, it shall do so as sublessee of the Secured Party and on terms to be agreed upon by the Secured Party and such Lessee or other user. The covenants herein contained may be enforced by a receiver of the Pledged Security or any part thereof. Nothing in this Section 3.04 shall be deemed to be a waiver of the provisions of this Security Document prohibiting the sale or other disposition of the Pledged Security without the Secured Party’s consent.

Section 3.05. Debtor’s Actions After Default . After the happening of any Event of Default and immediately upon the commencement of any action, suit or other legal proceedings by the Secured Party to obtain judgment for the Indebtedness, or of any other nature in aid of the enforcement of the Lease, of the Bond, of the Bond Resolution, or the Option Agreement, or of this Security Document, the Debtor will, if required by the Secured Party, consent to the appointment of a receiver or receivers of the Pledged Security and of all the earnings, revenues, rents, issues, profits and income thereof. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the commencement of a suit or the consent of the Debtor as a condition precedent for the Secured Party’s right to the appointment of a receiver or the exercise of any other rights or remedies available to the Secured Party.

Section 3.06. Control by Secured Party After Default . Notwithstanding the appointment of any receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Debtor, or of any of its property, or of the Pledged Security or any part thereof, the Secured Party shall be entitled to retain possession and control of all property now and hereafter covered by this Security Document.
ARTICLE IV
Miscellaneous

Section 4.01. Nature of Obligations of Debtor .

(a) The obligations of the Debtor hereunder are not general obligations of the Debtor, but are special and limited obligations of the Debtor that are payable solely from the Pledged Security, and the Secured Party shall not be entitled to any deficiency judgment against the Debtor. The Secured Party expressly acknowledges that the Debtor has executed and delivered this Security Document for the sole purpose of




granting to the Secured Party, as security for the Indebtedness, the portion of the Pledged Security in which it has an interest. The Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Debtor nor any of its officers or directors shall have any personal liability for payment of the Indebtedness or performance of the duties and obligations of the Debtor hereunder, and the Secured Party shall look solely to, and rely solely upon, the Pledged Security for payment of the Indebtedness.

(b) The Secured Party expressly acknowledges that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, or be incurred by, any member, director, officer, official, counsel, agent or employee, as such, past, present or future, of the Debtor or of any successor body, either directly or through such Debtor or any successor body, under or by reason of any of the obligations, covenants, promises, or agreements entered into between such Debtor and Secured Party contained in this Security Document or to be implied herefrom, and that all personal liability of that character against every such member, director, officer and employee is, by the execution of this Security Document and as a condition to, and as part of the consideration for, the execution of this Security Document, expressly waived and released. The immunity of the members, directors, officers, officials, counsel, agents and employees of the Debtor under the provisions contained in this paragraph shall survive termination of this Security Document.

Section 4.02. Notices . All notices to any parties hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by United States mail or overnight courier to such party at its address set forth below or such other address as such party may hereafter specify by notice to the other party hereto. Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by mail, 72 hours after such communication is deposited in the mail with first class postage pre-paid, addressed as aforesaid, or (ii) if given by any other means (including, without limitation, by air courier), when delivered or received at the address specified in this section (provided that notices to the Secured Party shall not be effective until received).




To the Debtor:
Development Authority of Murray County
121 N. Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, Georgia 30705
Attention: Chairman
with copies to:
Gregory H. Kinnamon, P.C.
512 South Thornton Avenue
Dalton, Georgia 30722
Attention: Gregory H. Kinnamon, Esq.
 
Murray County
121 N. Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, Georgia 30705
Attention: Brittany Pittman, Sole Commissioner

and
 
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
1075 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Suite 2500
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Attention: Daniel M. McRae, Esq.
To the Secured Party:
TDG Operations, LLC
c/o The Dixie Group, Inc.
2208 South Hamilton Street Extension
Dalton, Georgia 30721
Attn: Jon A. Faulkner, President
with a copy to:
Miller & Martin PLLC
Suite 1000 Volunteer Building
832 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Attention: Robert L. Dann, Esq.

Any person designated in this Section 4.02 may, by notice given to the others, designate any additional or different addresses to which subsequent notices, certificates, or other communications shall be sent to it. If the Secured Party named herein shall have assigned this Security Document to a successor Holder of the Bond, notices to the Secured Party shall be sent to the successor Bondholder at such address as such successor Bondholder shall have provided to the Debtor in writing.
Section 4.03. Binding Obligations . The provisions and covenants of this Security Document shall be binding upon the Debtor and shall inure to the benefit of the Secured Party and subsequent holders of the Bond. For the purpose of this Security Document, the term “ Debtor ” shall mean the Debtor named herein, and its successors and assigns.

Section 4.04. Captions . The captions of the sections of this Security Document are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to be a part of this Security Document and shall not be deemed to modify, explain, enlarge or restrict any of the provisions hereof.

Section 4.05. Severability . Any provision of this interest which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provisions in any other jurisdiction.




Section 4.06. General Conditions .

(a) All covenants hereof shall be construed as affording to the Secured Party rights additional to and not exclusive of the rights conferred under the provisions of applicable laws of the State of Georgia.

(b) This instrument cannot be altered, amended, modified or discharged orally and no agreement shall be effective to modify or discharge it in whole or in part, unless it is in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement of the modification, alteration, amendment or discharge is sought.

(c) No remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Secured Party is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy or remedies, and each and every such remedy shall be cumulative, and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute. No delay or omission of the Secured Party in exercising any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default, or any acquiescence therein. Acceptance of any payment after the occurrence of an Event of Default shall not be deemed to waive or cure such Event of Default; and every power and remedy given by this Security Document to the Secured Party may be exercised from time to time as often as may be deemed expedient by the Secured Party. Nothing herein or in the Bond shall affect the obligation of the Debtor to pay the Indebtedness in the manner and at the time and place therein respectively expressed.

(d) No waiver by the Secured Party will be effective unless it is in writing and then only to the extent specifically stated. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any payment made by the Secured Party for insurance premiums, taxes, assessments, water rates, sewer rentals or any other charges affecting the Project, shall not constitute a waiver of the Debtor’s default in making such payments and shall not obligate the Secured Party to make any further payments.

(e) The Debtor acknowledges that it has received a true copy of this Security Document.

(f) For the purposes of this Security Document, all defined terms and personal pronouns contained herein shall be construed, whenever the context of this Security Document so requires, so that the singular shall be construed as the plural and vice versa and so that the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall be construed to include all other genders.

(g) No provision of this Security Document shall be construed against or interpreted to the disadvantage of the Debtor or the Secured Party by any court or other governmental or judicial authority by reason of such party having or being deemed to have drafted, prepared, structured or dictated such provision.

(h) Whenever any payment to be made hereunder or under the Bond, the Bond Resolution or the Lease shall be stated to be due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment may be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest hereunder or under the Bond or the Bond Resolution ( “Business Day” means a day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, a legal holiday, or any other day on which banking institutions are authorized to be closed in the State of Georgia).

(i) Time is of the essence with respect to each and every covenant, agreement and obligation of the Debtor under this Security Document.

Section 4.07. Legal Construction . The enforcement of this Security Document shall be governed, construed and interpreted by the laws of the State of Georgia. Nothing in this Security Document, the Lease,




the Bond or in any other agreement between the Debtor and the Secured Party shall require the Debtor to pay, or the Secured Party to accept, interest in an amount which would subject the Secured Party to any penalty under applicable law. In the event that the payment of any interest due hereunder or under the Bond or any such other agreement would subject the Secured Party to any penalty under applicable law, then automatically the obligations of the Debtor to make such payment shall be reduced to the highest rate authorized under applicable law.

Section 4.08. No Partnership or Joint Venture . Nothing contained herein or in the Bond or in the Lease, nor the acts of the parties hereto, shall be construed to create a partnership or joint venture between the Debtor and the Secured Party. The relationship between the Debtor and the Secured Party is the relationship of “debtor” and “creditor”.

Section 4.09. Counterparts . This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Section 4.10 Commercial Transaction . The interest of the Secured Party hereunder and the liability and obligation of the Debtor for the payment of the Indebtedness arise from a “commercial transaction” within the meaning of O.C.G.A. § 44-14-260(1). Accordingly, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-14-263, Debtor waives any and all rights which Debtor may have to notice prior to seizure by Secured Party or any interest in personal property of Debtor pledged hereunder, whether such seizure is by writ of possession or otherwise.
[signatures begin on following page]






IN WITNESS WHEREOF , this instrument has been duly executed and delivered under seal as of the day and year first above written.

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF MURRAY COUNTY


By:     /s/ Craig Brock         
Chairman
Attest:


/s/ John Kenemer         
Secretary

[seal]
[signatures continue on following page]







The Secured Party has executed this Security Document for the purpose of becoming a signatory to the security agreement set forth herein.

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC,
a Georgia limited liability company


By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner         (seal)
Jon A. Faulkner, President






EXHIBIT 10.54
MASLAND CARPETS
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
THIS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated this 11 th day of December, 2014, is entered into by and between TDG OPERATIONS, LLC, a Georgia Limited Liability Company doing business as MASLAND CARPETS (“Masland”), and the CITY OF ATMORE, ALABAMA (“City”), both of which may from time to time be referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

RECITALS
WHEREAS, Masland is a limited liability company engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of carpeting and floor covering materials and currently maintains a manufacturing plant within the corporate limits of the City (the “Masland Facility”);
WHEREAS, currently Masland manufactures the carpeting and floor covering products at the Masland Facility and then ships the product elsewhere for finishing, cutting and distribution;
WHEREAS, Masland wishes to consolidate its manufacturing and distribution process by relocating its facilities for finishing, cutting and broadloom distribution from its Saraland, Alabama facility to the Masland Facility;
WHEREAS, by relocating the aforementioned portions of the manufacturing process to the Masland Facility, Masland expects to create an estimated thirty (30) new full time jobs;
WHEREAS , the City desires to assist Masland with this relocation and with this creation of new jobs by constructing a new access road to facilitate the expansion of the Masland Facility;
WHEREAS , the City believes it is in the best interest of its citizens that Masland should undertake this expansion and has offered to Masland the incentives set out in this agreement in order to induce Masland to relocate the finishing, cutting and distribution of the product to the Masland Facility;

WHEREAS , in reliance on the representation of Masland concerning employment levels, and in consideration of the economic benefit, the increased tax revenues, employment opportunities, and other benefits to be received by the City and its citizens, the City has committed to make available to Masland certain incentives, in the manner and amounts authorized by existing law, as presently interpreted and construed;
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1 -- CAPITALIZED TERMS

1.1     Capitalized Terms . Capitalized terms utilized herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Article 8 hereof or elsewhere in this Agreement, unless the meanings of such terms have been otherwise specified in a different context.






ARTICLE 2 -- UNDERTAKINGS BY MASLAND

2.1     Relocation . Masland agrees to relocate its finishing, cutting and distribution functions to the Masland Facility;

2.2     Job Creation . Masland agrees to fulfill its Jobs Commitment and its Maintenance Commitment in the manner and within the times specified herein.

ARTICLE 3 -- UNDERTAKINGS BY THE CITY

3.1     Access Road . The City agrees to construct an access road for Masland from Industrial Drive to a newly constructed entrance to the Masland Facility, the route of which is more particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto. The City agrees to pay all associated engineering and construction costs of the newly constructed road and to construct such road in a manner consistent with the specifications outlined in Exhibit B hereto.

3.2     Project Costs . The Parties agree that the estimated cost for engineering and construction of said road is $ 184,481. The Parties further agree that on the completion of construction of said road, the City will submit to Masland full documentation of the total cost of the engineering and construction of said road, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Project Costs”.

ARTICLE 4 -- REPAYMENT OBLIGATION

4.1     Repayment Obligation . The City and Masland understand and acknowledge that the Project Costs incurred by the City are being incurred with the expectation that Masland will meet its Jobs Commitment during the employment period and will thereafter meet its Maintenance Commitment by employing an average of thirty (30) New Full Time Employees for three (3) years after fulfilling its Job Commitment. In the event that Masland has not met its Job Commitment by the end of the Employment Period, then Masland shall pay to the City the Job Commitment Fee. In the event that Masland meets its Job Commitment but fails to meet its Maintenance Commitment, then Masland shall pay to the City the Maintenance Commitment Fee. In the event that Masland shall become obligated to pay either the Job Commitment Fee or the Maintenance Commitment Fee, Masland shall pay such fee within forty-five (45) days of the date such fee is due.

4.2     Job Commitment Fee . With respect to the Jobs Commitment, the amount of the Job Commitment Fee is determined by subtracting the product of the Project Costs times the ratio of the number of full time jobs created over 30 from the Project Costs, as is more fully described and defined in Article 8 of this Agreement.

4.3     Maintenance Commitment Fee . With respect to the Maintenance Commitment, the amount of the Maintenance Commitment Fee is determined by subtracting the product of the Project Costs times the ratio of the number of full time jobs maintained over 30 from the Project Costs, as is more fully described and defined in Article 8 of this Agreement.

4.4     No Duplication of Fees . In the event that Masland owes a Job Commitment Fee to the City, then Masland shall have no obligation hereunder with respect to the Maintenance Commitment and/or the Maintenance Commitment Fee.

ARTICLE 5 -- REPRESENTATIONS





5.1     Representations and Covenants of the City . The City represents and covenants to Masland as follows:
5.1.1    The City has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to use its respective best efforts to ensure delivery of the incentives obligated by agencies other than the City, and to carry out its respective obligations hereunder.

5.1.2    There is no action or proceeding pending or, insofar as such City knows, threatened against the City which could impact upon such City’s right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement or to otherwise carry out its respective obligations hereunder.

5.1.3    Each Service provided by or for the City under this Agreement will be performed in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

5.2     Representations and Covenants of Masland . Masland represents and covenants to the City as follows:

5.2.1      Masland has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to otherwise carry out its obligations hereunder.
5.2.2.      There is no action or proceeding pending or, insofar as Masland knows, threatened against Masland before any court, administrative agency, or other tribunal which could impact upon Masland’s right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement or to otherwise carry out its obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE 6 -- TERM AND TERMINATION

6.1     Term . The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date of this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated by mutual agreement of the Parties or until the last of the obligations hereunder has expired.

ARTICLE 7 -- MISCELLANEOUS

7.1     Relationship of the Parties . In making and performing this Agreement, the City, on the one hand, and Masland, on the other hand, are acting and shall act as independent contractors. Neither the City nor Masland is, nor will either be deemed to be, an agent, legal representative, joint venturer, or partner of the other for any purpose. Except as expressly permitted hereunder, neither the City nor Masland will be entitled to (a) enter into any contracts in the name of or on behalf of the other, (b) pledge the credit of the other in any way or hold itself or themselves out as having authority to do so, or (c) make commitments or incur any charges or expenses for or in the name of the other. Neither the City’s nor Masland’s personnel are, nor shall they be deemed to be at any time during the term of this Agreement, employees of the other.

7.2     Force Majeure . No Party shall be liable for any default or delay in performance of its obligations hereunder, to the extent such default or delay is attributable to events beyond the reasonable control of such Party, including without limitation acts of God, acts of public enemies, epidemics, floods, fires, and earthquake conditions; provided, however, that the Party subject to any such event shall use its best efforts to overcome the event as soon as is reasonably practicable and to continue its performance as required hereunder. Performance times shall be considered extended for a period of time equivalent to the time lost due to such an event.





7.3     Assignment . This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party and any attempt to make such assignment shall be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Masland shall have the right, without the consent of the City, to assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any other entity affiliated with Masland, provided that Masland also transfers its rights and obligations to the Masland Facility Project to such entity. An assignment by Masland in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall include an assumption by the assignee of all of Masland’s liabilities hereunder and shall release Masland from all liability under this Agreement. The City agrees to cooperate in the assignment by Masland of this Agreement to any such assignee, including the execution of any consents to such assignment, as Masland or any other interested party may require that are not inconsistent with this Agreement.

7.4     Binding Effect . This Agreement and all terms, provisions and obligations set forth herein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and each of their respective successors and permitted assigns.

7.5     Further Assurances . The Parties shall and shall cause their respective affiliates to take all appropriate action and execute or cause to be executed all documents of any kind which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to carry out any of the provisions hereof.

7.6     Amendment . No amendment, modification, or supplement of any provision of this Agreement or any Exhibit hereto will be valid or effective unless made in writing and signed by the duly authorized representatives of the Parties.

7.7     Notices . Any notice, request, demand, waiver, consent, approval, or other communication that is required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing. All such notices shall be delivered personally, by reputable courier (costs prepaid), by telecopy, or by email with receipt confirmation and shall be deemed given or made when delivered personally, the business day sent if sent by telecopier or email or one business day after delivery to the overnight courier for next business day delivery. All such notices are to be given or made to the Parties at the following addresses or to such other address as any Party may designate by a notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section:
If To Masland:




If To the City
The Dixie Group, Inc.
d/b/a Masland Carpets
2208 South Hamilton Street
Dalton, Georgia 30721-4974
Attention:

Mayor, City of Atmore
201 E. Louisville Avenue
Atmore, Alabama 36502

With a Copy to: City Clerk
201 E. Louisville Avenue
Atmore, Alabama 36502

With a Copy to: City Attorney
Lawrence M. Wettermark, Esq.
Post Office Box 16629
Mobile, Alabama 36616-0629

7.8     Applicable Law . This Agreement is being executed and delivered in the State of Alabama and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the law thereof.





7.9     Severability . Any of the provisions of this Agreement determined to be invalid or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

7.10     Negotiated Agreement . The Parties each hereby acknowledge that the terms and language of this Agreement were the result of negotiations among the Parties and, as a result, there shall be no presumption that any ambiguities in this Agreement shall be resolved against any particular Party. Any controversy over construction of this Agreement shall be decided without regard to events of authorship or negotiation.

7.11     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

ARTICLE 8 -- DEFINITIONS

8.1     Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

8.1.1    “Employment Period” means a period of three years commencing one year from the date the access road described in paragraph 3.1 herein is completed and open to vehicular traffic.

8.1.2    “Fiscal Year” means that one-year period beginning October 1 and ending September 30 of the following year.

8.1.3    “New Job” means a job created as a result of the consolidation of the finishing, cutting and broadloom distribution to the Masland Facility and which increases the current level of 298 employees at the Masland Facility.

8.1.4    “New Full Time Employee” means a person filling a New Job who is being paid directly by Masland or one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries for working at the Masland Facility for not less than thirty-six (36) hours per week who Masland or such subsidiary identifies as its employee to the US Internal Revenue Service or the Alabama Department of Revenue or the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations on returns or reports filed with the foregoing, including, but not limited to, IRS Form 941.

8.1.5    “Job Commitment Fee” is the amount Masland is obligated to pay to the City if it fails to meet its Jobs Commitment and such amount is determined by subtracting the product of the Project Costs (“PC”) times the ratio of the number of New Full Time Employees as of the end of the Employment Period (“Jobs Created”) over 30 from the Project Costs:

PC - (PC x Jobs Created )
         30

By way of example, if One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) were expended as Project Costs and Masland has only twenty-five (25) New Full Time Employees as of the end of the Employment Period, the Job Commitment Fee is computed as follows:

$100,000 - ($100,000 x 25 ) = $16,666.67
30






8.1.6    “Jobs Commitment” means the employment by Masland of thirty (30) New Full Time Employees at any time during the Employment Period.

8.1.7    “Maintenance Commitment” means the employment by Masland of an average of thirty (30) New Full Time Employees. The average number of New Full Time Employees during the Maintenance Commitment Period shall be determined by adding the number of New Full Time Employees as of the last day of each month during the Maintenance Commitment Period and dividing said total by thirty-six.

8.1.8    “Maintenance Commitment Fee” is the amount Masland is obligated to pay to the City if it fails to meet its Maintenance Commitment and such amount is determined by subtracting the product of the Project Costs (“PC”) times the ratio of the average number of New Full Time Employees during the Maintenance Commitment Period over 30 from the Project Costs:

PC - (PC x Average Number of New Full Time Employees )
         30
By way of example, if One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) were expended as Project Costs and Masland maintains an average of twenty-eight (28) New Full Time Employees during the Maintenance Commitment Period, the Maintenance Commitment Fee is computed as follows:

$100,000 - ($100,000 x 28 ) = $6,666.67
30     
        
8.1.9    “Maintenance Commitment Period” means three calendar years following the date upon which Masland meets its Jobs Commitment.

8.1.10    “Project Costs” means the final cost of engineering and construction of the new access road for the Masland Facility as is more specifically described in paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 herein.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have each caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized representatives as of the day and year first written above.

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK








TDG OPERATIONS, LLC d/b/a MASLAND CARPETS
By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner
Jon A. Faulkner, President
(signature)


ATTEST:
/s/ Peggy Bigham     






CITY OF ATMORE, ALABAMA
By:      /s/ Jim Staff     
Jim Staff, Mayor (signature)
    




ATTEST:
/s/ Rebecca Smith     
Rebecca Smith, City Clerk (signature)
    






EXHIBIT 10.71
TERM NOTE
$4,000,000      Chattanooga, Tennessee
November 7, 2014

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company ("Maker"), promises to pay to the order of FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association having its principal place of business in Memphis, Tennessee ("Bank"), the principal sum of FOUR MILLION DOLLARS ($4,000,000) , together with interest from date until maturity, upon disbursed and unpaid principal balances, at the rate hereinafter specified, said principal and interest being payable as follows:
The unpaid principal balance hereof shall be payable in monthly installments due and payable on the seventh (7 th ) day of each month beginning December 7, 2014, such installment payments being in the amount set forth on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein (payment dates being the "Period End" date on that Schedule). . Interest on the indebtedness evidenced hereby shall be paid monthly concurrently with the payment of such principal installments. On November 7, 2024, all then outstanding principal, interest, and other sums owing under or in connection with this Note are due and payable in full (in other words, a balloon payment is due on November 7, 2024).
This Note is being issued pursuant to that certain Term Loan Agreement, dated of even date, among the Maker, the Bank and a certain guarantors therein mentioned and described, as said agreement may be amended or modified (the "Loan Agreement"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement.
The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an independent index (the "Index") which is the LIBOR Rate (as hereinafter defined) adjusted and determined, without notice to Maker, as of the date of this Note and on the seventh (7 th ) day of each calendar month hereafter (the "Interest Rate Change Date"). The "LIBOR Rate" shall mean the London Interbank Offered Rate of interest for an interest period of one (1) month, which appears on Bloomberg page BBAM under the column heading "USD" (the "Index") on the day that is two (2) London Business Days preceding each Interest Rate Change Date (the "Reset Date"). If the LIBOR Rate as defined above is not available or is not published for any Reset Date, then Bank shall, at its sole discretion, choose a substitute source for the LIBOR Rate, which LIBOR Rate plus the Margin (hereinafter defined) shall become effective on the next Interest Rate Change Date. "London Business Day" shall mean any day on which commercial banks in London, England are open for general business. The Index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Bank on its loans. If the Index becomes unavailable during the term of this loan, Bank may designate a substitute index after notice to Maker. Bank will tell Maker the current Index rate upon Maker's request. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each month. Maker understands that Bank may make loans based on other rates as well. The Index is currently 0.15550% per annum. The interest rate to be applied to the unpaid principal balance of this Note (the “Contract Rate”) will be the Index plus a margin of two percent (2%) (the "Margin"), which results in an initial interest rate of 2.15550%. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on the Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. Any payment due on a date that is not a day commercial banks in Chattanooga, Tennessee are open for business shall be due the next business day.
Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, if any Change in Law (as hereafter defined) shall make it unlawful for the Bank to make or maintain a LIBOR Rate loan as contemplated by this Note, the principal outstanding hereunder shall, if required by law and if the Bank so requests, be converted on the date required to make the loan evidenced by this Note legal to a loan according interest at the lesser of the Maximum Rate or the base commercial rate of interest ("Base Rate") established from time to time by the Bank. Each change in the Base Rate shall become effective, without notice to the Maker, on the same date that the Base Rate changes. The Maker hereby agrees promptly to pay the Bank, upon demand, any costs incurred by the Bank in making any conversion in accordance with this paragraph, including any interest or fees payable by the Bank to lenders of funds obtained by Bank in order to maintain its LIBOR Rate loans.





The Maker hereby indemnifies the Bank and holds the Bank harmless from any loss or expense which the Bank may sustain or incur as a consequence of (i) a default by the Maker in payment of the principal amount of or interest on the loan evidenced hereby, including any such loss or expense arising from interest or fees payable by the Bank to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to make or maintain its LIBOR Rate loans; or (ii) a Change in Law that results in the imposition on the Bank of reserve requirements in connection with LIBOR Rate loans made by the Bank provided that Bank gives Maker 30 days' notice of such change. The Maker will make any payments under this indemnity to Bank, upon demand. The Maker further agrees to enter into a modification of this Note, at the request of the Bank, to bring this Note into compliance with any Change in Law.
"Change in Law" shall mean the adoption of any law, rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof, in all cases by Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, in each case after the date hereof.
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising regulatory function of or pertaining to government.
The annual interest rate for this Note is computed on a 365/360 basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding.
In the event that the foregoing provisions should be construed by a court of competent jurisdiction not to constitute a valid, enforceable designation of a rate of interest or method of determining same, the indebtedness hereby evidenced shall bear interest at the lesser of (a) the Base Rate or (b) the maximum effective variable contract rate which may be charged by the Bank under applicable law from time to time in effect (the "Maximum Rate").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of a Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), the Bank, at its option, may charge, and the Maker agrees to pay, interest on disbursed and unpaid principal balances at the default rate (the "Default Rate") per annum equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Rate or (b) (i) the Contract Rate plus (ii) two percent (2%).
Any amounts not paid when due hereunder (whether by acceleration or otherwise) shall bear interest after maturity at the Default Rate.
For any payment which is not made within ten (10) days of the due date for such payment, the Maker shall pay a late fee. The late fee shall equal five percent (5%) of the unpaid portion of the past-due payment.
This Note is secured by the Security Documents, and may now or hereafter be secured by other mortgages, trust deeds, assignments, security agreements, or other instruments of pledge or hypothecation.
All installments of interest, and the principal hereof, are payable at the office of First Tennessee Bank National Association, 701 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, or at such other place as the holder may designate in writing, in lawful money of the United States of America, which shall be legal tender in payment of all debts and dues, public and private, at the time of payment.
If the Maker shall fail to make payment of any installment of principal or interest, within ten (10) days of its due date or upon any default in the terms and provisions of any of the Security Documents, or upon any default in any other mortgage, trust deed, security agreement, or other instrument of pledge or hypothecation which now or hereafter secures the payment of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, or upon the occurrence of any Default under the Loan Agreement, or upon dissolution of the Maker, or upon any default in the payment or performance of any other indebtedness, liability or obligation now or hereafter owed by the Maker to the holder hereof, if any such default is not cured within any cure period applicable thereto, then and in any such event, the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, together with all interest then accrued, shall, at the absolute option of the holder hereof, at once become due and payable, without demand or notice, the same being expressly waived and Bank may exercise any right, power or remedy permitted by law or equity, or as set forth herein or in the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document.





If this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection, by suit or otherwise, or to protect the security for its payment, or to enforce its collection, or to represent the rights of the Bank in connection with any loan documentation executed in connection herewith, or to defend successfully against any claim, cause of action or suit brought by the Maker against the Bank, the Maker shall pay on demand all costs of collection and litigation (including court costs), together with a reasonable attorneys' fee. These include, but are not limited to, the Bank's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorney's fees for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction) and appeals.
The Bank and the Maker hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Bank or Maker against the other.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Bank reserves a right of setoff in all the Maker's accounts with the Bank (whether checking, savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts the Maker may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. The Maker authorizes the Bank, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at the Bank's option, to administratively freeze all such accounts to allow the Bank to protect the Bank's charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.
The undersigned agrees to furnish financial statements in accordance with the Loan Agreement, and further agrees to execute and deliver all other instruments and take such other actions as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request in order to carry out the provisions and intent hereof.
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each business entity that opens an account. What this means to Maker: When Maker opens an account, the Bank will ask for Federal Tax Identification Number, physical street address, full legal name of the Maker and other information that will allow the Bank to identify Maker. The Bank may also ask Maker to provide copies of certain documents that will aid in confirming this information.
The Maker and any endorsers or guarantors hereof waive protest, demand, presentment, and notice of dishonor, and agree that this Note may be extended, in whole or in part, without limit as to the number of such extensions or the period or periods thereof, without notice to them and without affecting their liability thereon. Maker agrees that borrowers, endorsers, guarantors and sureties may be added or released without notice and without affecting Maker’s liability hereunder. The liability of Maker shall not be affected by the failure of Bank to perfect or otherwise obtain or maintain the priority or validity of any security interest in any collateral. The liability of Maker shall be without regard to the liability of any other party hereto.
It is the intention of the Bank and the Maker to comply strictly with applicable usury laws; and, accordingly, in no event and upon no contingency shall the holder hereof ever be entitled to receive, collect, or apply as interest any interest, fees, charges or other payments equivalent to interest, in excess of the maximum effective contract rate which the Bank may lawfully charge under applicable statutes and laws from time to time in effect; and in the event that the holder hereof ever receives, collects, or applies as interest any such excess, such amount which, but for this provision, would be excessive interest, shall be applied to the reduction of the principal amount of the indebtedness hereby evidenced; and if the principal amount of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, all lawful interest thereon and all lawful fees and charges in connection therewith, are paid in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be paid to the Maker, or other party lawfully entitled thereto. All interest paid or agreed to be paid by the Maker shall, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period until payment in full of the principal so that the interest hereon for such full period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law. Any provision hereof, or of any other agreement between the holder hereof and the Maker, that operates to bind, obligate, or compel the Maker to pay interest in excess of such maximum effective contract rate shall be construed to require the payment of the maximum rate only. The provisions of this paragraph shall be given precedence over any other provision contained herein or in any other agreement between the holder hereof and the Maker that is in conflict with the provisions of this paragraph.





This Note shall be governed and construed according to the statutes and laws of the State of Tennessee from time to time in effect, except to the extent that Section 85 of Title 12 of the United States Code (or other applicable federal statute) may permit the charging of a higher rate of interest than applicable state law, in which event such applicable federal statute, as amended and supplemented from time to time shall govern and control the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged hereunder; it being intended that, as to the maximum rate of interest which may be charged, received, and collected hereunder, those applicable statutes and laws, whether state or federal, from time to time in effect, which permit the charging of a higher rate of interest, shall govern and control; provided, always, however, that in no event and under no circumstances shall the Maker be liable for the payment of interest in excess of the maximum rate permitted by such applicable law, from time to time in effect.
The principal amount of this Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, and from time to time, upon not less than three (3) business days' prior written notice to Bank provided, however, that if an Interest Rate Swap has been entered into in connection with this Note, any full or partial prepayments of principal amounts due under this Note may require termination or adjustment of the Interest Rate Swap and may result in a payment due from Maker per the terms and conditions of the Interest Rate Swap. Maker shall also pay accured interest on the amount prepaid at the time of prepayment.
Bank is hereby authorized to disclose any financial or other information about Maker to any regulatory body or agency having jurisdiction over Bank and to any present, future or prospective participant or successor in interest in any loan or other financial accommodation made by Bank to Maker. The information provided may include, without limitation, amounts, terms, balances, payment history, return item history and any financial or other information about Maker. However, subject to applicable law, Bank shall use reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the terms and conditions of the Loan in all other respects.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more provisions of this Note shall not render any other provision invalid or unenforceable. In lieu of any invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically a valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.
The covenants, conditions, waivers, releases and agreements contained in this Note shall bind, and the benefits thereof shall inure to, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Note cannot be assigned by Maker without the prior written consent of Bank, and any such assignment or attempted assignment by Maker without consent shall be void and of no effect with respect to Bank.
Bank may from time to time sell or assign, in whole or in part, or grant participations in, the Loan, this Note and/or the obligations evidenced thereby. The holder of any such sale, assignment or participation, if the applicable agreement between Bank and such holder so provides, shall be: (a) entitled to all of the rights, obligations and benefits of Bank; and (b) deemed to hold and may exercise the rights of setoff or banker’s lien with respect to any and all obligations of such holder to Maker, in each case as fully as though Maker were directly indebted to such holder; provided that Maker shall be entitled to deal with one lender as agent for all participants. Bank may in its discretion give notice to Maker of such sale, assignment or participation; however, the failure to give such notice shall not affect any of Bank’s or such holder’s rights hereunder.
Maker irrevocably appoints the President of Maker as its attorneys upon whom may be served, by certified mail at the address set forth in the Loan Agreement, or such other address as may be directed by Maker, in writing, any notice, process or pleading in any action or proceeding against it arising out of or in connection with this Note or any other Loan Document; and Maker hereby consents that any action or proceeding against it be commenced and maintained in any state or federal court sitting in Hamilton County, Tennessee, by service of process on such President; and Maker agrees that such courts of the State shall have jurisdiction with respect to the subject matter hereof and the person of Maker and all collateral securing the obligations of Maker. Maker agrees not to assert any defense to any action or proceeding initiated by Bank based upon improper venue or inconvenient forum.
(Signature page attached)






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker has caused this Note to be executed by its respective officer, duly authorized so to do, all as of the day and year first above written.

MAKER:

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC


By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President

  





EXHIBIT 10.72





(ABOVE SPACE FOR RECORDER'S USE)

RECORDING REQUESTED BY AND              Maturity Date: November 7, 2024
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:                  Intangible Taxes Due: $12,900.00
CHAMBLISS, BAHNER & STOPHEL, P.C.
LIBERTY TOWER
605 CHESTNUT STREET, SUITE 1700
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37450
ATTENTION: RACHEL EDWARDS

State of Georgia

County of Bartow



DEED TO SECURE DEBT, ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND LEASES, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING

by

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC,
a Georgia limited liability company,
as Grantor,

to and in favor of


First Tennessee Bank National Association,
a national banking association,
as Grantee



Grantor's Control Number is 0320957.







DEED TO SECURE DEBT, ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND LEASES, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING

This Deed to Secure Debt, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing (the "Deed to Secure Debt") is made effective as of the 7th day of November, 2014, by TDG OPERATIONS, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company (herein referred to as " Grantor ") whose address is 2208 South Hamilton Street, Dalton, Georgia 30721, to and for the benefit of First Tennessee Bank National Association, a national banking association (together with its successors and assigns, " Grantee " or " Beneficiary "), whose address is 701 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402.
Preliminary Statements
Grantor and Grantee have entered into a Term Loan Agreement (as from time to time amended or replaced the "Loan Agreement") of even date herewith pursuant to which Grantee has agreed to loan to Grantor up to Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) (the "Loan"). As a condition precedent to making the Loan, Grantee has required that Grantor execute and deliver this Deed to Secure Debt, to Grantee.
Agreements
Now, therefore, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged by Grantor, and in order to induce Grantee to make the Loan to Grantor, Grantor agrees as follows:
Article I
Definitions .
As used in this Deed to Secure Debt, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the following additional terms shall have the meanings specified:
" Additions " means any and all alterations, additions, accessions and improvements to property, substitutions therefor, and renewals and replacements thereof.
" Casualty " means any act or occurrence of any kind or nature that results in damage, loss or destruction to the Property.
" Claim " means any liability, suit, action, claim, demand, loss, expense, penalty, fine, judgment or other cost of any kind or nature whatsoever, including fees, costs and expenses of attorneys, consultants, contractors and experts.
" Condemnation " means any taking of title to, use of, or any other interest in the Property under the exercise of the power of condemnation or eminent domain, whether temporarily or permanently, by any Governmental Authority or by any other Person acting under or for the benefit of a Governmental Authority.
" Condemnation Awards " means any and all judgments, awards of damages (including severance and consequential damages), payments, proceeds, settlements, amounts paid for a taking in lieu of Condemnation, or other compensation heretofore or hereafter made, including interest thereon, and the right to receive the same, as a result of, or in connection with, any Condemnation or threatened Condemnation.
" Deed to Secure Debt " means this Deed to Secure Debt, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, as the same may from time to time be extended, amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified.





" Default " means an event or circumstance which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
" Encumbrance " means any Lien, easement, right of way, roadway (public or private), condominium regime, cooperative housing regime, condition, covenant or restriction (including any condition, covenant or restriction imposed in connection with any condominium development or cooperative housing development), Lease or other matter of any nature that would affect title to the Property.
" Event of Default " has the meaning assigned to that phrase in Section VI below.
" Expenses " means all fees, charges, costs and expenses of any nature whatsoever incurred at any time and from time to time by Grantee in connection with the Loan, including without limitation, in exercising or enforcing any rights, powers and remedies provided in this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
" Fixtures " means all fixtures now or hereafter attached to the Improvements and required for the normal operation thereof (such as HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, etc.), exclusive of trade fixtures and equipment which may be attached to the Improvements but are not required for the normal operation thereof.
" Grantee " means First Tennessee Bank National Association and its successors and assigns.
" Improvements " means any and all buildings, improvements and Fixtures, now or hereafter erected or located on the Land.
" Indemnity Agreement " means the Environmental Indemnity Agreement of even date herewith by and between Grantor and Grantee pertaining to the Property, as the same may from time to time be extended, amended, restated or otherwise modified.
" Insurance Proceeds " means the insurance claims under and the proceeds of any and all policies of insurance covering the Property or any part thereof, including all returned and unearned premiums with respect to any insurance relating to such Property, in each case whether now or hereafter existing or arising.
" Intercreditor Agreement " means any written agreement now or hereafter entered between Grantee and any other creditor of Grantor setting forth the respective rights of Grantee and such other creditor relative to liens on collateral located on the Real Property.
" Interest Rate Swap " means any agreement, whether or not in writing, relating to any rate swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, equity index swap or option, interest rate option, cap or collar transaction, or any other similar transaction, including, unless the context otherwise clearly requires, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., or any other master agreement, entered into by Grantor (or its affiliate), in connection with a Loan or any other Obligations, together with any related schedule and confirmation, as amended, supplemented, superseded or replaced from time to time and all whether now or hereafter existing.
" Land " means the real property described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
" Law " means collectively all federal, state and local laws, statutes, codes, ordinances, orders, rules and regulations, including judicial opinions or presidential authority in the applicable jurisdiction.
" Leases " means all leases and subleases (oral or written) now or hereafter affecting any part of the Property.





" Lien " means any mortgage, deed to secure debt, pledge, security interest, assignment, judgment, lien or charge of any kind, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, and the filing of, or agreement to give, any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction.
" Loan Documents " means the Loan Agreement, the Note, any Interest Rate Swap, and the Security Documents (as defined in the Loan Agreement), as same may be amended, modified, restated or replaced, and any other document, instrument or agreement executed at any time, whether now or hereafter existing, in connection with any Obligation.
" Net Proceeds ", when used with respect to any Condemnation Awards or Insurance Proceeds, means the gross proceeds from any Condemnation or Casualty remaining after payment of all expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in the collection of such gross proceeds.
" Notes " means: (i) the Term Note in the principal amount of Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) dated the date hereof payable by Grantor to Grantee; (ii) all other promissory notes, instruments and documents now or hereafter evidencing any loans, advances, or other extensions of credit now or hereafter existing from Grantee to Grantor; and (iii) all amendments, modifications or replacements of any of the foregoing. Unless sooner due and payable as provided in accordance with the terms of the Note, the latest maturity date currently set forth in a Note is November 7, 2024.
" Notice " means a notice, request, consent, demand or other communication given in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Agreement.
" Obligations " means all of the following: (a) all present and future debts, obligations and liabilities of Grantor to Grantee arising pursuant to, on account of, or which are otherwise evidenced by the provisions of this Deed to Secure Debt, the Loan Agreement, any Note, and/or or any of the other Loan Documents as the same may from time to time be amended or replaced, including the obligation to pay all principal, interest, late charges, prepayment premiums (if any) and other amounts due at any time under the Notes; (b) all debts, liabilities and obligations of Grantor to pay all Expenses, indemnification payments, fees and other amounts due at any time under this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents, together with interest thereon as herein or therein provided; (c) all debts, liabilities and obligations of Grantor under any Interest Rate Swap; (d) all debts, liabilities and obligations of Grantor to perform, observe and comply with all of the other terms, covenants and conditions, expressed or implied, which Grantor is required to perform, observe or comply with pursuant to this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents; (e) all debts, liabilities and obligations of Grantor to pay and perform all future advances (regardless of class) and other obligations that Grantor or any successor in ownership of all or part of the Property may agree to pay and/or perform (whether as principal, surety or guarantor) for the benefit of Grantee; and (f) all renewals, amendments, extensions, modifications and replacements of any of the foregoing.
" Permitted Encumbrances " means (a) any matters set forth in any policy of title insurance issued to Grantee and insuring Grantee's interest in the Property which are acceptable to Grantee as of the date hereof, (b) the Liens and interests of this Deed to Secure Debt, and (c) any liens on trade fixtures and equipment securing the Master Line of Credit Agreement (as defined in the Loan Agreement).
" Personalty " means (a) all sewer and water taps, appurtenant water stock or water rights, allocations and agreements for utilities, bonds, letters of credit, permits, certificates, licenses, guaranties, warranties, causes of action, security deposits, utility deposits, and all rebates or refunds of fees, Taxes, assessments, charges or deposits paid to any Governmental Authority related to the Real Property or in any way related to the operation thereof whether now or hereafter existing; (b) all of Grantor's rights and interests under all Interest Rate Swap, including all rights to the payment of money from Grantee under any Interest Rate Swap and all accounts, deposit accounts and general intangibles, including payment intangibles, described in any Interest Rate Swap; (c) all insurance policies held by Grantor with respect to the Property or Grantor's





operation thereof; (d) all deposits and similar items (such as water, phone service and electricity deposits) relating to the operation of the Premises whether now or hereafter existing; and (e) all Proceeds of the foregoing.
" Proceeds " when used with respect to any of the Property, means all proceeds of such Property, including all Insurance Proceeds and all other proceeds within the meaning of that term as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State.
" Property " means the Real Property and the Personalty and all other rights, interests and benefits of every kind and character which Grantor now has or hereafter acquires in, to or for the benefit of the Real Property and/or the Personalty, including all Leases, all Rents, all Condemnation Awards, all Proceeds.
" Property Assessments " means all Taxes, payments in lieu of taxes, water rents, sewer rents, assessments, condominium and owner's association assessments and charges, maintenance charges and other governmental or municipal or public or private dues, charges and levies and any Liens (including federal tax liens) which are or may be levied, imposed or assessed upon the Property or any part thereof, or upon any Leases or any Rents, whether levied directly or indirectly or as excise taxes, as income taxes, or otherwise.
" Real Property " means the Land and Improvements, together with (a) all estates, title interests, title reversion rights, remainders, increases, issues, profits, rights of way or uses, additions, accretions, servitudes, strips, gaps, gores, liberties, privileges, water rights, water courses, alleys, passages, ways, vaults, licenses, tenements, hereditaments, appurtenances, easements, rights-of-way, rights of ingress or egress, parking rights, timber, crops, mineral interests and other rights, now or hereafter owned by Grantor and belonging or appertaining to the Land or Improvements; (b) all Claims whatsoever of Grantor with respect to the Land or Improvements, either in law or in equity, in possession or in expectancy; (c) all estate, right, title and interest of Grantor in and to all streets, roads and public places, opened or proposed, now or hereafter adjoining or appertaining to the Land or Improvements; and (d) all options to purchase the Land or Improvements, or any portion thereof or interest therein, and any greater estate in the Land or Improvements, and all Additions to and Proceeds of the foregoing.
" Rents " means all of the rents, royalties, issues, profits, revenues, earnings, income and other benefits of the Property, or arising from the use or enjoyment of the Property, including all such amounts paid under or arising from any of the Leases and all fees, charges, accounts or other payments for the use or occupancy of rooms or other public facilities within the Real Property.
" State " means the state of Georgia.
" Taxes " means all taxes and assessments, whether general or special, ordinary or extraordinary, or foreseen or unforeseen, which at any time may be assessed, levied, confirmed or imposed by any Governmental Authority or any community facilities or other private district on the Property.
" Transfer " means any direct or indirect sale, assignment, conveyance or transfer, including any contract or agreement to sell, assign, convey, lease or transfer, whether made voluntarily or by operation of Law or otherwise, and whether made with or without consideration.
Article II
Granting Clauses; Condition of Grant .

Section 2.1     Conveyances and Security Interests .
In order to secure the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations, Grantor (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally, grants, bargains, sells, conveys, transfers and assigns to Grantee with power of sale and right of entry and possession, all estate, right, title and interest that Grantor now has or may later acquire in and to the Real Property; (b) grants to Grantee a security interest in the Personalty; and (c) assigns to Grantee, and grants to Grantee a security interest in, all Condemnation Awards and all Insurance Proceeds,





to have and to hold to the use, benefit and behoof of Grantee forever, in fee simple, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions herein.
All Persons who may have or acquire an interest in all or any part of the Property will be deemed to have notice of, and will be bound by, the terms of the Obligations and each other agreement or instrument made or entered into in connection with each of the Obligations. Such terms include any provisions in the Notes, the Loan Agreement or any Swap Contract which provide that the interest rate on one or more of the Obligations may vary from time to time. The definition of "Obligations" includes future advances. This Deed to Secure Debt is a deed and security agreement passing legal title pursuant to the laws of the State of Georgia governing loan or security deeds and security agreements and is not a mortgage.
Section 2.2     Assignment of Leases and Rents .
In consideration of the making and continuing of the Loan by Grantee to Grantor, the sum of Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00), and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Grantor absolutely and unconditionally assigns the Leases and Rents to Grantee. This assignment is, and is intended to be, an unconditional, absolute and present assignment from Grantor to Grantee of all of Grantor's right, title and interest in and to the Leases and the Rents and not an assignment in the nature of a pledge of the Leases and Rents or the mere grant of a security interest therein. So long as no Default shall exist, however, and so long as Grantor is not in default in the performance of any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in the Leases, Grantor shall have a license (which license shall terminate automatically and without notice upon the occurrence of a Default or a default by Grantor under the Leases) to collect, but not prior to accrual, all Rents. Grantor agrees to collect and hold all Rents in trust for Grantee and to use the Rents for the payment of the cost of operating and maintaining the Property and for the payment of the other Obligations before using the Rents for any other purpose. The assignment of Lease and Rents contained herein shall not constitute Grantee's consent to any Lease, any such Lease entered into without Grantee's prior written consent constituting a Transfer for purposes of Section 5.2 of this Deed to Secure Debt.
Section 2.3      Security Agreement, Fixture Filing and Financing Statement .

This Deed to Secure Debt creates a security interest in the Personalty and Fixtures, and, to the extent the Personalty or Fixtures are not real property, this Deed to Secure Debt constitutes a security agreement from Grantor to Grantee under the Uniform Commercial Code of the State. In addition to all of its other rights under this Deed to Secure Debt and otherwise, Grantee shall have all of the rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code of the State, as in effect from time to time, or under the Uniform Commercial Code in force from time to time in any other state to the extent the same is applicable Law. To confirm that intent, and to further secure the Obligations, Grantor grants Grantee a security interest in the Personalty and Fixtures. This Deed to Secured Debt shall be effective as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing with respect to all fixtures included within the property and is to be filed for record in the real estate records of each county where any part of the Property (including such fixtures) is situated. This Deed to Secured Debt shall also be effective as a financing statement with respect to any other Property as to which a security interest may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement and may be filed as such in any appropriate filing or recording office. The respective mailing addresses of Grantor and Grantee are set forth in the opening paragraph of this Deed to Secured Debt. A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Deed to Secured Debt or any other financing statement relating to this Deed to Secured Debt shall be sufficient as financing statement for any of the purposes referred to in this Section. Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes Grantee at any time and from time to time to file any initial financing statements, amendments thereto and continuation statements as authorized by applicable Law, reasonably required by Grantee to establish or maintain the validity, perfection and priority of the security interests granted in this Deed to Secure Debt.





Section 2.4     Satisfaction and Cancellation of Deed to Secure Debt and Termination of Assignments and Financing Statements .
If and when Grantor has paid and performed all of the Obligations, and no further advances are to be made under the Loan Agreement or any other document, Grantee will provide a satisfaction and cancellation of this Deed to Secure Debt and termination statements for filed financing statements, if any, to Grantor. Grantor shall be responsible for the recordation of such cancellation and satisfaction and the payment of any recording and filing costs. Upon the recording of such cancellation and satisfaction and the filing of such termination statements, the absolute assignments set forth in Section 2.2 shall automatically terminate and become null and void.
Article III
Representations and Warranties .
Grantor makes the following representations and warranties to Grantee:
Section 3.1     Title to Real Property .
Grantor (a) owns fee simple title to the Real Property, (b) owns all of the beneficial and equitable interest in and to the Real Property, and (c) is lawfully seized and possessed of the Real Property. Grantor has the right and authority to convey the Real Property and does hereby convey the Real Property, in fee simple forever with general warranty. The Real Property is subject to no Encumbrances other than the Permitted Encumbrances.
Section 3.2      Title to Other Property .
Grantor has good title to the Personalty, and the Personalty is not subject to any Encumbrance other than the Permitted Encumbrances. None of the Leases or Rents are subject to any Encumbrance other than the Permitted Encumbrances.
Section 3.3     Property Assessments .
The Real Property is assessed for purposes of Property Assessments as a separate and distinct parcel from any other property, such that the Real Property shall never become subject to the Lien of any Property Assessments levied or assessed against any property other than the Real Property.
Section 3.4     Independence of the Real Property .
The Real Property has been properly subdivided from all other property in accordance with the requirements of any applicable Governmental Authorities.
Section 3.5     Leases and Tenants.
There are no Leases of the Property.
Article IV
Affirmative Covenants .

Section 4.1     Obligations .
Grantor agrees to promptly pay and perform all of the Obligations, time being of the essence in each case.
Section 4.2      Property Assessments; Documentary Taxes .
Grantor (a) will promptly pay in full and discharge all Property Assessments, and (b) will furnish to Grantee, upon demand, the receipted bills for such Property Assessments prior to the day upon which the same shall become delinquent.





Section 4.3     Permitted Contests .
Grantor shall not be required to pay any of the Property Assessments, or to comply with any Law, so long as Grantor shall in good faith, and at its cost and expense, contest the amount or validity thereof, or take other appropriate action with respect thereto, in good faith and in an appropriate manner or by appropriate proceedings; provided that (a) such proceedings operate to stay the collection of the Property Assessments or enforcement of the Law so contested, (b) there will be no sale, forfeiture or loss of the Property during the contest, (c) Grantee is not subjected to any Claim as a result of such contest, and (d) Grantor provides assurances satisfactory to Grantee (including the establishment of an appropriate reserve account with Grantee if not bonded) of its ability to pay such Property Assessments or comply with such Law in the event Grantor is unsuccessful in its contest. Each such contest shall be promptly prosecuted to final conclusion or settlement, and Grantor shall indemnify and save Grantee harmless against all Claims in connection therewith. Promptly after the settlement or conclusion of such contest or action, Grantor shall comply with such Law and/or pay and discharge the amounts which shall be levied, assessed or imposed or determined to be payable, together with all penalties, fines, interests, costs and expenses in connection therewith.
Section 4.4      Compliance with Laws .
Grantor will comply with and not violate, and cause to be complied with and not violated, all present and future Laws applicable to the Property and its use and operation.
Section 4.5     Maintenance and Repair of the Property .
Grantor, at Grantor's sole expense, will (a) keep and maintain the Improvements in good condition, working order and repair, and (b) make all necessary or appropriate repairs and Additions to Improvements, so that each part of the Improvements shall at all times be in good condition for the respective purposes for which they were originally intended.
Section 4.6     Additions to Security .
All right, title and interest of Grantor in and to all Improvements and Additions hereafter constructed or placed on the Property shall, without any further deed to secure debt, conveyance, assignment or other act by Grantor, become subject to the Lien and security title of this Deed to Secure Debt as fully and completely, and with the same effect, as though now owned by Grantor and specifically described in the granting clauses hereof. Grantor agrees, however, to execute and deliver to Grantee such further documents as may be required by the terms of the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 4.7     Subrogation .
To the extent permitted by Law, Grantee shall be subrogated, notwithstanding its release of record, to any Lien now or hereafter existing on the Property to the extent that such Lien is paid or discharged by Grantee whether or not from the proceeds of the Loan. This Section shall not be deemed or construed, however, to obligate Grantee to pay or discharge any Lien.
Section 4.8     Insurance .
Grantor shall maintain, at its sole cost and expense, insurance, as required by Grantee, to include, without limitation:
(a) "All Risk" insurance against casualty to the Property, including, but not limited to, fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, and riot. Such insurance shall name Grantee as mortgagee and loss payee in accordance with Grantee's insurance requirements. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by Grantee, such insurance shall be for the full insurable value of the Property, and in a form otherwise satisfactory to Grantee.
(b) Comprehensive general liability insurance on an "occurrence" basis against claims for "personal injury" liability and liability for death, bodily injury and damage to property, in





limits satisfactory to Grantee with respect to any one occurrence and the aggregate of all occurrences during any given annual policy period. Such insurance shall name Grantee as an additional insured.
(c) Workers' compensation insurance for all employees of Grantor as required by Law.
(d) During any period of construction upon the Property, if any, Grantor shall maintain, or cause others to maintain, builder's risk insurance (non-reporting form) for one hundred percent (100%) of the full replacement cost of work in place and materials stored at or upon the Property.
(e) If at any time any portion of any structure on the Property is insurable against casualty by flood and is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, as determined by Grantee, a flood insurance policy in form and amount acceptable to Grantee, as required by applicable Law.
(f) Loss of rental value insurance or business interruption insurance as required by Grantee.
(g) Such other and further insurance as may be reasonably required from time to time by Grantee.
Grantor acknowledges receiving Grantee's insurance requirements. Each policy of insurance shall meet Grantee's insurance requirements and be otherwise acceptable to Grantee.
Section 4.9     Adjustment of Condemnation and Insurance Claims .
Grantor shall give prompt Notice to Grantee of any Casualty or any Condemnation or threatened Condemnation. Grantee is authorized, at its option, to commence, appear in and prosecute, in its own or Grantor's name, any proceeding relating to any Condemnation or Casualty, and to make proof of loss for and to settle or compromise any claim in connection therewith, or to permit Grantor to do so. In such case, Grantee shall have the right to receive all Condemnation Awards and Insurance Proceeds, and may deduct therefrom any or all of its Costs. If any Condemnation Awards or Insurance Proceeds are paid to Grantor, Grantor shall receive the same in trust for Grantee. Within ten (10) days after Grantor's receipt of any Condemnation Awards or Insurance Proceeds, Grantor shall deliver such awards or proceeds to Grantee in the form in which they were received, together with any endorsements or documents that may be necessary to effectively negotiate or transfer the same to Grantee. Grantor agrees to execute and deliver from time to time, upon the request of Grantee, such further instruments or documents as may be requested by Grantee to confirm the grant and assignment to Grantee of any Condemnation Awards or Insurance Proceeds.
If no Default exists, Grantee will permit Net Proceeds for the restoration of the Property if: (i) in the reasonable judgment of Grantee, there has been no material adverse change in the financial viability of the construction or operation of the Improvements, (ii) in the reasonable judgment of Grantee, the Net Proceeds, together with other funds deposited with Grantee for that purpose, are sufficient to pay the cost of the restoration pursuant to a budget and plans and specifications approved by Grantee, (iii) the restoration can be completed prior to the final maturity of the Notes and other Obligations and prior to the date required by any Lease, (iv) Grantee is provided an appraisal and other information necessary in the reasonable judgment of Grantee to reflect that the appraised value of the Improvements and other Property after such restoration shall not have been reduced from the fair value prior to the loss, and (v) Grantor satisfies such other conditions reasonably required by Grantee for the use of such proceeds including the satisfaction of conditions typically required by Grantee in making commercial construction loans. Otherwise, Net Proceeds shall be utilized for payment of the Obligations. If Net Proceeds are to be utilized for the restoration of the Property, the Net Proceeds, together with any other funds deposited with Grantee for that purpose, shall be deposited in an interest-bearing account with Grantee, which account will be assigned to Grantee as additional security for the Loan and other Obligations. The account will be opened, managed and controlled in a manner consistent with, and subject to, the provisions of the Loan Agreement. Disbursements of funds from the account will be made in a manner consistent with the manner typically used by Grantee in disbursing commercial construction loans including the requirements (at Grantor's expense) of inspections of construction and certifications by contractors and architects.





Section 4.10     Deposits .
Following the occurrence of a Default, Grantor shall, upon demand by Grantee, pay to Grantee monthly, on the same date payments are due under the Note, a sum (herein "Funds") equal to one-twelfth of the yearly Property Assessments which may attain priority over this Deed to Secured Debt and premiums for insurance, all as reasonably estimated initially and from time to time by Grantee on the basis of assessments and bills and reasonable estimates thereof.
The Funds shall be held by Grantee in an interest-bearing account, and Grantee shall apply the Funds to pay said Property Assessments and insurance costs, as and when they shall be due and payable. The Funds are pledged as additional security for the sums secured by this Deed of Trust. If the amount of the Funds held by Grantee shall not be sufficient to pay Property Assessments and insurance costs, when due, Grantor shall pay to Grantee any amount necessary to make up the deficiency within fifteen (15) days from the date notice is mailed by Grantee to Grantor requesting payment thereof. Upon payment in full of all Obligations, all Funds then held by Grantee shall be returned to Grantor.

Article V
Negative Covenants .


Section 5.1      Encumbrances .
Grantor will not permit any of the Property to become subject to any Encumbrance other than the Permitted Encumbrances. Within thirty (30) days after the filing of any mechanic's lien or other Lien or Encumbrance against the Property, Grantor will promptly discharge the same by payment or filing a bond or otherwise as permitted by Law. So long as Grantee's security has been protected by the filing of a bond or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to Grantee in its sole and absolute discretion, Grantor shall have the right to contest in good faith any Claim, Lien or Encumbrance, provided that Grantor does so diligently and without prejudice to Grantee or delay in completing construction of the Improvements. Grantor shall give Grantee Notice of any default under any Lien and Notice of any foreclosure or threat of foreclosure with respect to any of the Property.
Section 5.2     Transfer of the Property .
Grantor will not Transfer, or contract to Transfer, all or any part of the Property or any legal or beneficial interest therein without the prior written consent of Grantee. The Transfer of any ownership interest in Grantor (whether in one or more transactions during the term of this Deed of Secured Debt) shall be deemed to be a prohibited Transfer of the Property.
Section 5.3     Removal, Demolition or Alteration of Fixtures and Improvements .
Except to the extent permitted by the following sentence, no Improvements shall be removed, demolished or materially altered without the prior written consent of Grantee. Grantor may remove and dispose of, free from the Lien and security title of this Deed to Secure Debt, such Fixtures as from time to time become worn out or obsolete, provided that, either (a) at the time of, or prior to, such removal, any such Fixtures are replaced with other Fixtures which are free from Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances and have a value at least equal to that of the replaced Fixtures (and by such removal and replacement Grantor shall be deemed to have subjected such Fixtures to the Lien of this Deed to Secure Debt), or (b) so long as a prepayment may be made without the imposition of any premium pursuant to the Note, such Fixtures are sold at fair market value for cash and the net cash proceeds received from such disposition are paid over promptly to Grantee to be applied to the prepayment of the Obligations in such manner as Grantee should elect in its sole discretion.





Section 5.4     Additional Improvements .
Grantor will not construct any Improvements costing more than $250,000, other than those presently on the Land and those described in the Loan Agreement, without the prior written consent of Grantee. Grantor will complete and pay for, within a reasonable time, any Improvements which Grantor is permitted to construct on the Land. Grantor will construct and erect any permitted Improvements (a) strictly in accordance with all applicable Laws and any private restrictive covenants, (b) entirely on lots or parcels of the Land, (c) so as not to encroach upon any easement or right of way or upon the land of others, and (d) wholly within any building restriction and setback lines applicable to the Land.
Section 5.5     Restrictive Covenants, Zoning, etc.
Without the prior written consent of Grantee, Grantor will not initiate, join in, or consent to any change in, any restrictive covenant, easement, zoning ordinance, or other public or private restrictions limiting or defining the uses which may be made of the Property. Grantor (a) will promptly perform and observe, and cause to be performed and observed, all of the material terms and conditions of all agreements affecting the Property, and (b) will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve intact and unimpaired any and all easements, appurtenances and other interests and rights in favor of, or constituting any portion of, the Property.
Article VI
Events of Default .
The occurrence or happening, from time to time, of a Default under the Loan Agreement shall constitute an "Event of Default" for purposes of this Deed to Secured Debt. All relevant notice and cure periods provided in the Loan Agreement are applicable in determining whether an Event of Default exists for purposes of this Deed to Secure Debt.
Article VII
Rights and Remedies .
Upon the happening of any Event of Default, Grantee shall have the right, in addition to any other rights or remedies available to Grantee under any of the Loan Documents or applicable Law, to exercise any one or more of the following rights, powers or remedies:
Section 7.1     Acceleration .
Grantee may accelerate all Obligations under the Loan Documents whereupon such Obligations shall become immediately due and payable, without notice of default, notice of acceleration or intention to accelerate, presentment or demand for payment, protest, notice of protest, notice of nonpayment or dishonor, or notices or demands of any kind or character (all of which are hereby waived by Grantor).
Section 7.2     Foreclosure; Power of Sale .
Subject to the provisions of any Intercreditor Agreement, Grantee may sell and dispose of the Property at public auction, at the usual place for conducting sales at the courthouse in the county where the Property or any part thereof may be, to the highest bidder for cash, first advertising the time, terms and place of such sale by publishing a notice thereof once a week for four consecutive weeks (without regard to the actual number of days) in a newspaper in which sheriff's advertisements are published in said county, all other notice being hereby waived by Grantor, or in such other manner as is then permitted for such sales; and Grantee may thereupon execute and deliver to the purchaser at said sale a sufficient conveyance of the Property in fee simple, which conveyance may contain recitals as to the happening of the default upon which the execution of the power of sale, herein granted, depends, the said recitals shall be presumptive evidence that all preliminary acts prerequisite to said sale and deed were in all things duly complied with; and Grantor hereby constitutes and appoints Grantee or its assigns agent and attorney-in-fact to make such recitals, sale





and conveyance, and all of the acts of such attorney-in-fact are hereby ratified, and Grantor agrees that such recitals shall be binding and conclusive (absent manifest error) upon Grantor and that the conveyance to be made by Grantee, or its assigns, (and in the event of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, then as to such conveyance) shall be effectual to bar all right, title and interest, equity of redemption, including all statutory redemption, homestead, dower, curtesy and all other exemptions of Grantor, or its successors in interest, in and to the Property; at the election of Grantee, the Property, or any part thereof, may be sold in one parcel and as an entirety, or in such parcels, manner or order as Grantee in its sole discretion may elect, and one or more exercises of the powers herein granted shall not extinguish or exhaust the power unless the entire Property is sold or the Obligations satisfied in full, and Grantee, or its assigns, shall collect the proceeds of such sale, applying such proceeds as provided in Section 7.8 (in the event of deficiency, Grantor shall immediately on demand from Grantee pay over to Grantee, or its nominee, such deficiency); and Grantor agrees that in case of a sale, as herein provided, Grantor or any person in possession under Grantor shall then become and be tenants holding over, and shall forthwith deliver possession to the purchaser at such sale, or be summarily dispossessed in accordance with the provisions of law applicable to tenants holding over; the power and agency hereby granted are coupled with an interest and are irrevocable by death or otherwise, and are in addition to any and all other remedies which Grantee may have at law or in equity.
Section 7.3      Judicial Action .
Grantee shall have the right from time to time to sue Grantor for any sums (whether interest, damages for failure to pay principal or any installments thereof, taxes, or any other sums required to be paid under the terms of this Deed to Secure Debt, as the same become due), without regard to whether or not any of the other Obligations shall be due, and without prejudice to the right of Grantee thereafter to enforce any appropriate remedy against Grantor, including an action of foreclosure or an action for specific performance, for a Default or Default existing at the time such earlier action was commenced.
Section 7.4     Collection of Rents .
Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the license granted to Grantor to collect the Rents shall be automatically and immediately revoked, without further notice to or demand upon Grantor. Grantee may, but shall not be obligated to, perform any or all obligations of the landlord under any or all of the Leases, and Grantee may, but shall not be obligated to, exercise and enforce any or all of Grantor's rights under the Leases. Without limitation to the generality of the foregoing, Grantee may notify the tenants under the Leases that all Rents are to be paid to Grantee, and following such notice all Rents shall be paid directly to Grantee and not to Grantor or any other Person other than as directed by Grantee, it being understood that a demand by Grantee on any tenant under the Leases for the payment of Rent shall be sufficient to warrant payment by such tenant of Rent to Grantee without the necessity of further consent by Grantor. Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs the tenants under the Lease to pay all Rents to Grantee instead of to Grantor, upon receipt of written notice from Grantee, without the necessity of any inquiry of Grantor and without the necessity of determining the existence or non-existence of a Default. Grantor hereby appoints Grantee as Grantor's attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution, which appointment shall take effect upon the occurrence of a Default and is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable prior to the full and final payment and performance of the Obligations, in Grantor's name or in Grantee's name: (a) to endorse all checks and other instruments received in payment of Rents and to deposit the same in any account selected by Grantee; (b) to give receipts and releases in relation thereto; (c) to institute, prosecute and/or settle actions for the recovery of Rents; (d) to modify the terms of any Leases including terms relating to the Rents payable thereunder; (e) to cancel any Leases; (f) to enter into new Leases; and (g) to do all other acts and things with respect to the Leases and Rents which Grantee may deem necessary or desirable to protect the security for the Obligations. Any Rents received shall be applied first to pay all Expenses and next in reduction of the other Obligations. Grantor shall pay, on demand, to Grantee, the amount of any deficiency between (i) the





Rents received by Grantee, and (ii) all Expenses incurred together with interest thereon as provided in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 7.5     Taking Possession or Control of the Property; Appointment of Receiver .
As a matter of right without regard to the adequacy of the security, or the solvency of any Person liable for the Obligations, and to the extent permitted by Law without notice to Grantor, Grantee shall be entitled, upon application to a court of competent jurisdiction, to the immediate appointment of a receiver for all or any part of the Property and the Rents, whether such receivership may be incidental to a proposed sale of the Property or otherwise, and Grantor hereby consents to the appointment of such a receiver and agrees that such receiver shall have all of the rights and powers granted to Grantee pursuant to Section 7.4 . In addition, to the extent permitted by Law, and with or without the appointment of a receiver, or an application therefor, Grantee may (a) enter upon, and take possession of (and Grantor shall surrender actual possession of), the Property or any part thereof, without notice to Grantor and without bringing any legal action or proceeding, or, if necessary by force, legal proceedings, ejectment or otherwise, and (b) remove and exclude Grantor and its agents and employees therefrom.
Section 7.6     Management of the Property .
Upon obtaining possession of the Property or upon the appointment of a receiver as described in Section 7.5 , Grantee or the receiver, as the case may be, may, at its sole option, (a) make all necessary or proper repairs to or upon the Property, (b) operate, maintain, control, make secure and preserve the Property, and (c) complete the construction of any unfinished Improvements on the Property and, in connection therewith, continue any and all outstanding contracts for the erection and completion of such Improvements and make and enter into any further contracts which may be necessary, either in their or its own name or in the name of Grantor (the costs of completing such Improvements shall be Expenses secured by this Deed to Secure Debt and shall accrue interest as provided in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents). Grantee or such receiver shall be under no liability for, or by reason of, any such taking of possession, entry, holding, removal, maintaining, operation or management, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct. The exercise of the remedies provided in this Section shall not cure or waive any Default, and the enforcement of such remedies, once commenced, shall continue for so long as Grantee shall elect, notwithstanding the fact that the exercise of such remedies may have, for a time, cured the original Default.
Section 7.7     Uniform Commercial Code .
Subject to the provisions of any Intercreditor Agreement Grantee may proceed under the Uniform Commercial Code as to all or any part of the Personalty, and in conjunction therewith may exercise all of the rights, remedies and powers of a secured creditor under the Uniform Commercial Code. Upon the occurrence of any Default, Grantor shall assemble all of the Fixtures and make the same available within the Improvements. Any notification required by the Uniform Commercial Code shall be deemed reasonably and properly given if sent in accordance with the Notice provisions of this Deed to Secure Debt at least ten (10) days before any sale or other disposition of the Personalty. Disposition of the Personalty shall be deemed commercially reasonable if made pursuant to a public sale advertised at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the community where the Property is located. It shall be deemed commercially reasonable for the Grantee to dispose of the Personalty without giving any warranties as to the Personalty and specifically disclaiming all disposition warranties. Alternatively, Grantee may choose to dispose of some or all of the Property, in any combination consisting of both Personalty and Real Property, in accordance with the Law and procedures applicable to real property, as permitted by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Grantor agrees that such a sale of Personalty together with Real Property constitutes a commercially reasonable sale of the Personalty.






Section 7.8     Application of Proceeds .
Unless otherwise provided by applicable Law, all proceeds from the sale of the Property or any part thereof pursuant to the rights and remedies set forth in this Article VII and any other proceeds received by Grantee from the exercise of any of its other rights and remedies hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall be applied first to pay all Expenses and next in reduction of the other Obligations, in such manner and order as Grantee may elect.
Section 7.9     Other Remedies .
Grantee shall have the right from time to time to protect, exercise and enforce any legal or equitable remedy against Grantor provided under the Loan Documents or by applicable Laws.
Article VIII
Miscellaneous .

Section 8.1     Rights, Powers and Remedies Cumulative .
Each right, power and remedy of Grantee, as provided for in this Deed to Secure Debt, or in any of the other Loan Documents or now or hereafter existing by Law, shall be cumulative and concurrent and shall be in addition to every other right, power or remedy provided for in this Deed to Secure Debt, or in any of the other Loan Documents or now or hereafter existing by Law, and the exercise or beginning of the exercise by Grantee of any one or more of such rights, powers or remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by Grantee of any or all such other rights, powers or remedies.
Section 8.2     No Waiver by Grantee .
No course of dealing or conduct by or among Grantee and Grantor shall be effective to amend, modify or change any provisions of this Deed to Secure Debt or the other Loan Documents. No failure or delay by Grantee to insist upon the strict performance of any term, covenant or agreement of this Deed to Secure Debt or of any of the other Loan Documents, or to exercise any right, power or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall constitute a waiver of any such term, covenant or agreement or of any such breach, or preclude Grantee from exercising any such right, power or remedy at any later time or times. By accepting payment after the due date of any of the Obligations, Grantee shall not be deemed to waive the right either to require prompt payment when due of all other Obligations, or to declare a Default for failure to make prompt payment of any such other Obligations. Neither Grantor nor any other Person now or hereafter obligated for the payment of the whole or any part of the Obligations shall be relieved of such liability by reason of (a) the failure of Grantee to comply with any request of Grantor or of any other Person to take action to foreclose this Deed to Secure Debt or otherwise enforce any of the provisions of this Deed to Secure Debt, or (b) any agreement or stipulation between any subsequent owner or owners of the Property and Grantee, or (c) Grantee's extending the time of payment or modifying the terms of this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents without first having obtained the consent of Grantor or such other Person. Regardless of consideration, and without the necessity for any notice to or consent by the holder of any subordinate Lien on the Property, Grantee may release any Person at any time liable for any of the Obligations or any part of the security for the Obligations and may extend the time of payment or otherwise modify the terms of this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents without in any way impairing or affecting the Lien and security title of this Deed to Secure Debt or the priority of this Deed to Secure Debt over any subordinate Lien. The holder of any subordinate Lien shall have no right to terminate any Lease regardless of whether or not such Lease is subordinate to this Deed to Secure Debt. Grantee may resort to the security or collateral described in this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents in such order and manner as Grantee may elect in its sole discretion.





Section 8.3     Waivers and Agreements Regarding Remedies .
To the full extent Grantor may do so, Grantor hereby:
(a) agrees that it will not at any time plead, claim or take advantage of any Laws now or hereafter in force providing for any appraisement, valuation, stay, extension or redemption, and waives and releases all rights of redemption, valuation, appraisement, stay of execution, reinstatement (including without limitation all rights under Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 44-14-85), extension and notice of election to accelerate the Obligations;

(b) waives all rights to a marshalling of the assets of Grantor, including the Property, or to a sale in the inverse order of alienation in the event of a foreclosure of the Property, and agrees not to assert any right under any Law pertaining to the marshalling of assets, the sale in inverse order of alienation, the exemption of homestead, the administration of estates of decedents, or other matters whatsoever to defeat, reduce or affect the right of Grantee under the terms of this Deed to Secure Debt to a sale of the Property without any prior or different resort for collection, or the right of Grantee to the payment of the Obligations out of the proceeds of sale of the Property in preference to every other claimant whatsoever;

(c) waives any right to bring or utilize any defense, counterclaim or setoff, other than one which denies the existence or sufficiency of the facts upon which any foreclosure action is grounded. If any defense, counterclaim or setoff, other than one permitted by the preceding clause, is timely raised in a foreclosure action, such defense, counterclaim or setoff shall be dismissed. If such defense, counterclaim or setoff is based on a Claim which could be tried in an action for money damages, such Claim may be brought in a separate action which shall not thereafter be consolidated with the foreclosure action. The bringing of such separate action for money damages shall not be deemed to afford any grounds for staying the foreclosure action; and

(d) waives and relinquishes any and all rights and remedies which Grantor may have or be able to assert by reason of the provisions of any Laws pertaining to the rights and remedies of sureties.

Section 8.4     Successors and Assigns .
All of the grants, covenants, terms, provisions and conditions of this Deed to Secure Debt shall run with the Land and shall apply to and bind the successors and assigns of Grantor (including any permitted subsequent owner of the Property), and inure to the benefit of Grantee, its successors and assigns and to the successors in trust of Grantee.
Section 8.5     No Warranty by Grantee .
By inspecting the Property or by accepting or approving anything required to be observed, performed or fulfilled by Grantor or to be given to Grantee pursuant to this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents, Grantee shall not be deemed to have warranted or represented the condition, sufficiency, legality, effectiveness or legal effect of the same, and such acceptance or approval shall not constitute any warranty or representation with respect thereto by Grantee.
Section 8.6     Amendments .
This Deed to Secure Debt may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement of the change is sought.
Section 8.7     Severability .
In the event any one or more of the provisions of this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part or in any





other respect, or in the event any one or more of the provisions of the Loan Documents operates or would prospectively operate to invalidate this Deed to Secure Debt or any of the other Loan Documents, then and in either of those events, at the option of Grantee, such provision or provisions only shall be deemed null and void and shall not affect the validity of the remaining Obligations, and the remaining provisions of the Loan Documents shall remain operative and in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
Section 8.8     Notices .
All Notices required or which any party desires to give hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be in writing and, unless otherwise required by applicable law or otherwise specifically provided in such other Loan Document, shall be deemed sufficiently given or furnished if given in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Agreement.
Section 8.9     Rules of Construction .
The words "hereof," "herein," "hereunder," "hereto," and other words of similar import refer to this Deed to Secure Debt in its entirety. The terms "agree" and "agreements" mean and include "covenant" and "covenants." The words "include" and "including" shall be interpreted as if followed by the words "without limitation." The headings of this Deed to Secure Debt are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered a part hereof and are not in any way intended to define, limit or enlarge the terms hereof. All references (a) made in the neuter, masculine or feminine gender shall be deemed to have been made in all such genders, (b) made in the singular or plural number shall be deemed to have been made, respectively, in the plural or singular number as well, (c) to the Loan Documents are to the same as extended, amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time unless expressly indicated otherwise, (d) to the Land, Improvements, Personalty, Real Property or Property shall mean all or any portion of each of the foregoing, respectively, and (e) to Articles or Sections are to the respective Articles or Sections contained in this Deed to Secure Debt unless expressly indicated otherwise. Any term used or defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State, as in effect from time to time, which is not defined in this Deed to Secure Debt shall have the meaning ascribed to that term in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State. If a term is defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State differently than in another Article of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State, the term shall have the meaning specified in Article 9.
Section 8.10     Governing Law .
This Deed to Secure Debt shall be construed, governed and enforced in accordance with the Laws in effect from time to time in the State.
Section 8.11     Entire Agreement .
The Loan Documents constitute the entire understanding and agreement between Grantor and Grantee with respect to the transactions arising in connection with the Loan, and supersede all prior written or oral understandings and agreements between Grantor and Grantee with respect to the matters addressed in the Loan Documents. In particular, and without limitation, the terms of any commitment by Grantee to make the Loan are merged into the Loan Documents. Except as incorporated in writing into the Loan Documents, there are no representations, understandings, stipulations, agreements or promises, oral or written, with respect to the matters addressed in the Loan Documents.
Section 8.12      Waiver of Notice for Immediate Writ of Possession. Grantor hereby acknowledges that the Obligations arise out of a "commercial transaction" as that term is defined in the O.C.G.A. Sec. 44-14-260 (1) concerning foreclosure of mortgages on personalty, and agrees that if a default has occurred and is continuing, Grantee shall have the right to an immediate writ of possession without notice of hearing, and Grantor hereby knowingly and intelligently waives any and all rights it may have to any notice and posting of a bond prior to seizure by grantee, its transferees, assigns or successors in interest of the Property





or any portion thereof. The foregoing is intended by Grantor as a "waiver" as that term is defined in the O.C.G.A. Sec. 44-14-260 (3) relating to foreclosures of liens on personalty.

(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor executed this Deed to Secure Debt effective as of the date first above written, and this Deed to Secure Debt shall constitute and have the effect of a sealed instrument according to law.


 
GRANTOR:
 
 
 
TDG OPERATIONS, LLC
 
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ Jon A. Faulkner (SEAL)
 
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
 
Title: President
 
 
Signed, sealed and delivered on
November 7, 2014, in the presence of:


/s/ Lisa Sampley
Unofficial Witness                    

                            
/s/ Peggy A. Bigham             
Notary Public

My Commission Expires:
        
September 18, 2018    
[NOTARIAL SEAL]            








EXHIBIT A
TO DEED OF SECURED DEBT

Exhibit A to Deed to Secure Debt executed effective as of November 7, 2014, by TDG OPERATIONS, LLC as "Grantor" for the benefit of First Tennessee Bank National Association as "Grantee".
Land
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
All that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Adairsville, County of Bartow, State of Georgia.
All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in The City of Adairsville in Land Lot 199 of the 15th District and 3rd Section of Barlow County, Georgia containing 17.480 acres and being more particularly described as follows:
To find the Point of Beginning, commence at the intersection of the North right-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive formerly Mitchell Road (50' R/W) with the line dividing Land Lots 199 and 222 of said district;
THENCE South 86 degrees 49 minutes 48 seconds West for a distance of 80.09 feet along the North right-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive to a point;
THENCE North 87 degrees 21 minutes 11 seconds West for a distance of 150.01 feet along said North right-of-way to a point;
THENCE North 87 degrees 21 minutes 11 seconds West for a distance of 174.90 feet along said North right-of-way to an iron pin found at the intersection of said North right-of-way with the West right-of-way of Princeton Boulevard (100' R/W) and THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
THENCE from The Point of Beginning thus established run North 87 degrees 25 minutes 38 seconds West for a distance of 291.24 feet along the North right-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive to a point;
THENCE North 86 degrees 44 minutes 00 seconds West for a distance of 227.19 feet along said North right-of-way to a point;
THENCE North 87 degrees 22 minutes 40 seconds West for a distance of 150.02 feet along said North right-of-way to a point;
THENCE North 88 degrees 18 minutes 17 seconds West for a distance of 181.10 feet along said North right-of-way to a point;
THENCE North 87 degrees 42 minutes 10 seconds West for a distance of 340.44 feet along said North right-of-way to an iron pin found;
THENCE North 00 degrees 48 minutes 25 seconds East for a distance of 730.96 feet leaving said North right-of-way to an iron pin found;





THENCE South 66 degrees 20 minutes 25 seconds East for a distance of 585.15 feet to an iron pin placed;
THENCE North 51 degrees 57 minutes 18 seconds East for a distance of 465.70 feet to an iron pin placed on the West right-of-way of Princeton Boulevard;
THENCE South 38 degrees 49 minutes 08 seconds East for a distance of 246.85 feet along the West right-of-way of Princeton Boulevard to an iron pin found;
THENCE along a curve to the right having a radius of 556.7 feet and an arc length of 380.73 feet, being subtended by a chord of South 19 degrees 13 minutes 20 seconds East for a distance of 373.36 feet along said West right-of-way to an iron pin found;
THENCE South 00 degrees 22 minutes 07 seconds West for a distance of 290.10 feet along said right-of-way to an iron pin found at the intersection of said West right-of-way with the North right-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive and THE POINT OF BEGINNING.





EXHIBIT 10.73

TERM NOTE
(SECOND LOAN)

$4,330,000      Chattanooga, Tennessee
November 7, 2014

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company ("Maker"), promises to pay to the order of FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association having its principal place of business in Memphis, Tennessee ("Bank"), the principal sum of FOUR MILLION THREE HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($4,330,000), together with interest from date until maturity, upon disbursed and unpaid principal balances, at the rate hereinafter specified, said principal and interest being payable as follows:
The unpaid principal balance hereof shall be payable in monthly installments due and payable on the seventh (7 th ) day of each month beginning December 7, 2014, such installment payments being in the amount set forth on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein (payment dates being the "Period End" date on that Schedule). Interest on the indebtedness evidenced hereby shall be paid monthly concurrently with the payment of such principal installments. On November 7, 2024, all then outstanding principal, interest, and other sums owing under or in connection with this Note are due and payable in full (in other words, a balloon payment is due on November 7, 2024).
This Note is being issued pursuant to that certain Term Loan Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2014, among the Maker, the Bank and a certain guarantors therein mentioned and described, as said agreement may be amended or modified (the "Loan Agreement"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement.
The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an independent index (the "Index") which is the LIBOR Rate (as hereinafter defined) adjusted and determined, without notice to Maker, as of the date of this Note and on the seventh (7 th ) day of each calendar month hereafter (the "Interest Rate Change Date"). The "LIBOR Rate" shall mean the London Interbank Offered Rate of interest for an interest period of one (1) month, which appears on Bloomberg page BBAM under the column heading "USD" (the "Index") on the day that is two (2) London Business Days preceding each Interest Rate Change Date (the "Reset Date"). If the LIBOR Rate as defined above is not available or is not published for any Reset Date, then Bank shall, at its sole discretion, choose a substitute source for the LIBOR Rate, which LIBOR Rate plus the Margin (hereinafter defined) shall become effective on the next Interest Rate Change Date. "London Business Day" shall mean any day on which commercial banks in London, England are open for general business. The Index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Bank on its loans. If the Index becomes unavailable during the term of this loan, Bank may designate a substitute index after notice to Maker. Bank will tell Maker the current Index rate upon Maker's request. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each month. Maker understands that Bank may make loans based on other rates as well. The Index is currently 0.15550% per annum. The interest rate to be applied to the unpaid principal balance of this Note (the "Contract Rate") will be the Index plus a margin of two percent (2%) (the "Margin"), which results in an initial interest rate of 2.15550%. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on the Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. Any payment due on a date that is not a day commercial banks in Chattanooga, Tennessee are open for business shall be due the next business day.
Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, if any Change in Law (as hereafter defined) shall make it unlawful for the Bank to make or maintain a LIBOR Rate loan as contemplated by this Note, the principal outstanding hereunder shall, if required by law and if the Bank so requests, be converted on the date required to make the loan evidenced by this Note legal to a loan according interest at the lesser of the Maximum Rate or the base commercial rate of interest ("Base Rate") established from time to time by the Bank. Each change in the Base Rate shall become effective, without notice to the Maker, on the same date that the Base Rate changes. The Maker





hereby agrees promptly to pay the Bank, upon demand, any costs incurred by the Bank in making any conversion in accordance with this paragraph, including any interest or fees payable by the Bank to lenders of funds obtained by Bank in order to maintain its LIBOR Rate loans.
The Maker hereby indemnifies the Bank and holds the Bank harmless from any loss or expense which the Bank may sustain or incur as a consequence of (i) a default by the Maker in payment of the principal amount of or interest on the loan evidenced hereby, including any such loss or expense arising from interest or fees payable by the Bank to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to make or maintain its LIBOR Rate loans; or (ii) a Change in Law that results in the imposition on the Bank of reserve requirements in connection with LIBOR Rate loans made by the Bank provided that Bank gives Maker 30 days' notice of such change. The Maker will make any payments under this indemnity to Bank, upon demand. The Maker further agrees to enter into a modification of this Note, at the request of the Bank, to bring this Note into compliance with any Change in Law.
"Change in Law" shall mean the adoption of any law, rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof, in all cases by Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, in each case after the date hereof.
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising regulatory function of or pertaining to government.
The annual interest rate for this Note is computed on a 365/360 basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding.
In the event that the foregoing provisions should be construed by a court of competent jurisdiction not to constitute a valid, enforceable designation of a rate of interest or method of determining same, the indebtedness hereby evidenced shall bear interest at the lesser of (a) the Base Rate or (b) the maximum effective variable contract rate which may be charged by the Bank under applicable law from time to time in effect (the "Maximum Rate").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of a Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), the Bank, at its option, may charge, and the Maker agrees to pay, interest on disbursed and unpaid principal balances at the default rate (the "Default Rate") per annum equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Rate or (b) (i) the Contract Rate plus (ii) two percent (2%).
Any amounts not paid when due hereunder (whether by acceleration or otherwise) shall bear interest after maturity at the Default Rate.
For any payment which is not made within ten (10) days of the due date for such payment, the Maker shall pay a late fee. The late fee shall equal five percent (5%) of the unpaid portion of the past-due payment.
This Note is secured by the Security Documents, and may now or hereafter be secured by other mortgages, trust deeds, assignments, security agreements, or other instruments of pledge or hypothecation.
All installments of interest, and the principal hereof, are payable at the office of First Tennessee Bank National Association, 701 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, or at such other place as the holder may designate in writing, in lawful money of the United States of America, which shall be legal tender in payment of all debts and dues, public and private, at the time of payment.
If the Maker shall fail to make payment of any installment of principal or interest, within ten (10) days of its due date or upon any default in the terms and provisions of any of the Security Documents, or upon any default in any other mortgage, trust deed, security agreement, or other instrument of pledge or hypothecation which now or hereafter secures the payment of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, or upon the occurrence of any Default under the Loan Agreement, or upon dissolution of the Maker, or upon any default in the payment or performance of any other indebtedness, liability or obligation now or hereafter owed by the Maker to the holder hereof, if any such default is not cured within any cure period applicable thereto, then and in any such event, the entire unpaid principal





balance of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, together with all interest then accrued, shall, at the absolute option of the holder hereof, at once become due and payable, without demand or notice, the same being expressly waived and Bank may exercise any right, power or remedy permitted by law or equity, or as set forth herein or in the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document.
If this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection, by suit or otherwise, or to protect the security for its payment, or to enforce its collection, or to represent the rights of the Bank in connection with any loan documentation executed in connection herewith, or to defend successfully against any claim, cause of action or suit brought by the Maker against the Bank, the Maker shall pay on demand all costs of collection and litigation (including court costs), together with a reasonable attorneys' fee. These include, but are not limited to, the Bank's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorney's fees for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction) and appeals.
The Bank and the Maker hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Bank or Maker against the other.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Bank reserves a right of setoff in all the Maker's accounts with the Bank (whether checking, savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts the Maker may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. The Maker authorizes the Bank, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at the Bank's option, to administratively freeze all such accounts to allow the Bank to protect the Bank's charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.
The undersigned agrees to furnish financial statements in accordance with the Loan Agreement, and further agrees to execute and deliver all other instruments and take such other actions as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request in order to carry out the provisions and intent hereof.
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each business entity that opens an account. What this means to Maker: When Maker opens an account, the Bank will ask for Federal Tax Identification Number, physical street address, full legal name of the Maker and other information that will allow the Bank to identify Maker. The Bank may also ask Maker to provide copies of certain documents that will aid in confirming this information.
The Maker and any endorsers or guarantors hereof waive protest, demand, presentment, and notice of dishonor, and agree that this Note may be extended, in whole or in part, without limit as to the number of such extensions or the period or periods thereof, without notice to them and without affecting their liability thereon. Maker agrees that borrowers, endorsers, guarantors and sureties may be added or released without notice and without affecting Maker's liability hereunder. The liability of Maker shall not be affected by the failure of Bank to perfect or otherwise obtain or maintain the priority or validity of any security interest in any collateral. The liability of Maker shall be without regard to the liability of any other party hereto.
It is the intention of the Bank and the Maker to comply strictly with applicable usury laws; and, accordingly, in no event and upon no contingency shall the holder hereof ever be entitled to receive, collect, or apply as interest any interest, fees, charges or other payments equivalent to interest, in excess of the maximum effective contract rate which the Bank may lawfully charge under applicable statutes and laws from time to time in effect; and in the event that the holder hereof ever receives, collects, or applies as interest any such excess, such amount which, but for this provision, would be excessive interest, shall be applied to the reduction of the principal amount of the indebtedness hereby evidenced; and if the principal amount of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, all lawful interest thereon and all lawful fees and charges in connection therewith, are paid in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be paid to the Maker, or other party lawfully entitled thereto. All interest paid or agreed to be paid by the Maker shall, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period until payment in full of the principal so that the interest hereon for such full period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law. Any provision hereof, or of any other agreement between the





holder hereof and the Maker, that operates to bind, obligate, or compel the Maker to pay interest in excess of such maximum effective contract rate shall be construed to require the payment of the maximum rate only. The provisions of this paragraph shall be given precedence over any other provision contained herein or in any other agreement between the holder hereof and the Maker that is in conflict with the provisions of this paragraph.
This Note shall be governed and construed according to the statutes and laws of the State of Tennessee from time to time in effect, except to the extent that Section 85 of Title 12 of the United States Code (or other applicable federal statute) may permit the charging of a higher rate of interest than applicable state law, in which event such applicable federal statute, as amended and supplemented from time to time shall govern and control the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged hereunder; it being intended that, as to the maximum rate of interest which may be charged, received, and collected hereunder, those applicable statutes and laws, whether state or federal, from time to time in effect, which permit the charging of a higher rate of interest, shall govern and control; provided, always, however, that in no event and under no circumstances shall the Maker be liable for the payment of interest in excess of the maximum rate permitted by such applicable law, from time to time in effect.
The principal amount of this Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, and from time to time, upon not less than three (3) business days' prior written notice to Bank provided, however, that if an Interest Rate Swap has been entered into in connection with this Note, any full or partial prepayments of principal amounts due under this Note may require termination or adjustment of the Interest Rate Swap and may result in a payment due from Maker per the terms and conditions of the Interest Rate Swap. Maker shall also pay accured interest on the amount prepaid at the time of prepayment.
Bank is hereby authorized to disclose any financial or other information about Maker to any regulatory body or agency having jurisdiction over Bank and to any present, future or prospective participant or successor in interest in any loan or other financial accommodation made by Bank to Maker. The information provided may include, without limitation, amounts, terms, balances, payment history, return item history and any financial or other information about Maker. However, subject to applicable law, Bank shall use reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the terms and conditions of the Loan in all other respects.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more provisions of this Note shall not render any other provision invalid or unenforceable. In lieu of any invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically a valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.
The covenants, conditions, waivers, releases and agreements contained in this Note shall bind, and the benefits thereof shall inure to, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Note cannot be assigned by Maker without the prior written consent of Bank, and any such assignment or attempted assignment by Maker without consent shall be void and of no effect with respect to Bank.
Bank may from time to time sell or assign, in whole or in part, or grant participations in, the Loan, this Note and/or the obligations evidenced thereby. The holder of any such sale, assignment or participation, if the applicable agreement between Bank and such holder so provides, shall be: (a) entitled to all of the rights, obligations and benefits of Bank; and (b) deemed to hold and may exercise the rights of setoff or banker's lien with respect to any and all obligations of such holder to Maker, in each case as fully as though Maker were directly indebted to such holder; provided that Maker shall be entitled to deal with one lender as agent for all participants. Bank may in its discretion give notice to Maker of such sale, assignment or participation; however, the failure to give such notice shall not affect any of Bank's or such holder's rights hereunder.
Maker irrevocably appoints the President of Maker as its attorneys upon whom may be served, by certified mail at the address set forth in the Loan Agreement, or such other address as may be directed by Maker, in writing, any notice, process or pleading in any action or proceeding against it arising out of or in connection with this Note or any other Loan Document; and Maker hereby consents that any action or proceeding against it be commenced and maintained in any state or federal court sitting in Hamilton County, Tennessee, by service of process on such





President; and Maker agrees that such courts of the State shall have jurisdiction with respect to the subject matter hereof and the person of Maker and all collateral securing the obligations of Maker. Maker agrees not to assert any defense to any action or proceeding initiated by Bank based upon improper venue or inconvenient forum.
(Signature page attached)






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker has caused this Note to be executed by its respective officer, duly authorized so to do, all as of the day and year first above written.

MAKER:

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC


By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President

 






EXHIBIT 10.74
AMENDMENT TO TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT TO TERM LOAN AGREEMENT ("Amendment") is entered into effective November 7, 2014, between TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company ("Borrower"), and FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national bank association ("Lender").
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
Borrower and Lender are parties to a Term Loan Agreement dated November 7, 2014 (the "Agreement"). Pursuant to the Agreement, Lender made a Loan to Borrower in the principal amount of $4,000,000 as evidenced by a Term Note in that principal amount dated November 7, 2014, payable by Borrower to Lender.
Borrower has requested that Lender make an additional loan to Borrower in the principal amount of $4,330,000 (the "Additional Loan"), and Lender has agreed to make that Additional Loan subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the Additional Loan, the premises above, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Amendments.

(a) Lender agrees to make the Additional Loan to Borrower subject to the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

(b) The Additional Loan shall constitute a "Loan" for all purposes of the Agreement and shall be entitled to the benefits and security of the Agreement and the other Loan Documents including, without limitation, the security interests, liens and other encumbrances created by the Security Documents. The Guarantors are entering into an Amendment to Guaranty Agreement on even date herewith to confirm that the Additional Loan is guaranteed pursuant to the Guaranty. Borrower and Lender are entering into an Amendment to Deed to Secure Debt, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing on even date herewith to confirm that the Premises also secure the Additional Loan.

(c) The Additional Loan shall be further evidenced by a Term Note (Second Loan) in the principal amount of $4,330,000 dated the date hereof payable by Borrower to Lender. That Term Note (Second Loan) shall constitute a "Note" for all purposes of the Agreement. To further confirm that intent, the definition of the term "Note(s)" in Section 1.21 of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:

1.21      Note(s) . The following: (i) Term Note dated November 7, 2014, from Borrower to Lender in the principal amount of $4,000,000; (ii) Term Note (Second Loan) dated November 7, 2014, from Borrower to Lender in the principal amount of $4,330,000; (iii) all other promissory notes or instruments at any time payable by Borrower to Lender in connection with Loans made under this Agreement (as amended from time to time); and (iv) all amendments and restatements of any of the foregoing.
(d) Borrower shall provide Lender with endorsements to the Title Insurance Policy and other documents and agreements reasonably requested by Lender in connection with the Additional Loan and shall pay all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and recording taxes and costs) incurred by Lender in connection with the Additional Loan. Borrower shall pay Lender an additional commitment fee in the amount of $4,330.00 on the date of this Amendment.





(e) In connection with Section 2.1 of the Agreement, Borrower agrees that the proceeds of the Additional Loan shall be used for working capital. The Additional Loan is for commercial purposes.

(f) The parties acknowledge their intent that all Loans (including the Loans evidenced by the Term Note in the principal amount of $4,000,000 dated November 7, 2014, and the Term Note (Second Loan) in the principal amount of $4,330,000 dated the date hereof) be fully cross-defaulted and cross-collateralized.

2. Miscellaneous . Except as modified herein, the Agreement remains in full force and effect. By their joinder below, Guarantors specifically agree to the terms of this Amendment and waive all impairment of recourse, impairment of collateral, and other suretyship defenses generally that may otherwise exist in connection with this Amendment or the Additional Loan. Borrower and Guarantors reaffirm as of the date hereof all of the representations and warranties contained in the Agreement, the Guaranty and the other Loan Documents, and represent and warrant to Lender that all of such representations and warranties are true and correct on the date of this Amendment. Borrower and Guarantors represent and warrant that no Default has occurred, and that no event exists which with notice or lapse of time may constitute a Default. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. The terms of the Agreement and the other Loan Documents are incorporated by reference herein. Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined have the meanings given them in the Agreement. This Amendment may be executed in separate counterparts, all of which constitute one and the same Amendment.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . BORROWER AND LENDER (AND BY THEIR JOINDER, GUARANTORS) HEREBY JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS INSTRUMENT AND TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, THE OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER, ANY COLLATERAL SECURING THE OBLIGATIONS, OR ANY TRANSACTION ARISING THEREFROM OR CONNECTED THERETO. BORROWER, LENDER AND GUARANTORS EACH REPRESENT TO THE OTHER THAT THIS WAIVER IS KNOWINGLY, WILLINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY GIVEN.
(Signature page attached)






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.

BORROWER:

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC


By:     /s Jon A. Faulkner                     
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President



LENDER:

FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION


By:      /s Sybil H. Weldon                     
Name: Sybil H. Weldon
Title: Senior Vice President & Manager







The undersigned Guarantors join in the execution of this Agreement for the purposes of agreeing to the representations, covenants and agreements applicable to them:


GUARANTORS:

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.

By:     /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                         
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: Vice President & CFO

C-KNIT APPAREL, INC.

By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                     
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President
 

CANDLEWICK YARNS, LLC

By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                         
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President
 

FABRICA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                         
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President






EXHIBIT 10.75

TERM NOTE
(THIRD LOAN)

$6,290,000      Chattanooga, Tennessee
January 23, 2015

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company ("Maker"), promises to pay to the order of FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association having its principal place of business in Memphis, Tennessee ("Bank"), the principal sum of SIX MILLION TWO HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($6,290,000), together with interest from date until maturity, upon disbursed and unpaid principal balances, at the rate hereinafter specified, said principal and interest being payable as follows:
The unpaid principal balance hereof shall be payable in monthly installments due and payable on the seventh (7th) day of each month beginning February 7, 2015, such installment payments being in the amount of Twenty Six Thousand Two Hundred Eight Dollars and 33/100 ($26,208.33) each all as more particularly set forth on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein (payment dates being the "Period End" date on that Schedule). Interest on the indebtedness evidenced hereby shall be paid monthly concurrently with the payment of such principal installments. On January 7, 2025, all then outstanding principal, interest, and other sums owing under or in connection with this Note are due and payable in full (in other words, a balloon payment is due on January 7, 2025).
This Note is being issued pursuant to that certain Term Loan Agreement dated as of November 7, 2014, among the Maker, the Bank and certain guarantors therein mentioned and described, as said agreement has been and may be amended or modified (the "Loan Agreement"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement.
The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an independent index (the "Index") which is the LIBOR Rate (as hereinafter defined) adjusted and determined, without notice to Maker, as of the date of this Note and on the seventh (7 th ) day of each calendar month hereafter (the "Interest Rate Change Date"). The "LIBOR Rate" shall mean the London Interbank Offered Rate of interest for an interest period of one (1) month, which appears on Bloomberg page BBAM under the column heading "USD" (the "Index") on the day that is two (2) London Business Days preceding each Interest Rate Change Date (the "Reset Date"). If the LIBOR Rate as defined above is not available or is not published for any Reset Date, then Bank shall, at its sole discretion, choose a substitute source for the LIBOR Rate, which LIBOR Rate plus the Margin (hereinafter defined) shall become effective on the next Interest Rate Change Date. "London Business Day" shall mean any day on which commercial banks in London, England are open for general business. The Index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Bank on its loans. If the Index becomes unavailable during the term of this loan, Bank may designate a substitute index after notice to Maker. Bank will tell Maker the current Index rate upon Maker's request. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each month. Maker understands that Bank may make loans based on other rates as well. The Index is currently .16775% per annum. The interest rate to be applied to the unpaid principal balance of this Note (the "Contract Rate") will be the Index plus a margin of two percent (2%) (the "Margin"), which results in an initial interest rate of 2.16775%. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on the Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. Any payment due on a date that is not a day commercial banks in Chattanooga, Tennessee are open for business shall be due the next business day.
Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, if any Change in Law (as hereafter defined) shall make it unlawful for the Bank to make or maintain a LIBOR Rate loan as contemplated by this Note, the principal outstanding hereunder shall, if required by law and if the Bank so requests, be converted on the date required to make the loan evidenced by this Note legal to a loan according interest at the lesser of the Maximum Rate or the





base commercial rate of interest ("Base Rate") established from time to time by the Bank. Each change in the Base Rate shall become effective, without notice to the Maker, on the same date that the Base Rate changes. The Maker hereby agrees promptly to pay the Bank, upon demand, any costs incurred by the Bank in making any conversion in accordance with this paragraph, including any interest or fees payable by the Bank to lenders of funds obtained by Bank in order to maintain its LIBOR Rate loans.
The Maker hereby indemnifies the Bank and holds the Bank harmless from any loss or expense which the Bank may sustain or incur as a consequence of (i) a default by the Maker in payment of the principal amount of or interest on the loan evidenced hereby, including any such loss or expense arising from interest or fees payable by the Bank to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to make or maintain its LIBOR Rate loans; or (ii) a Change in Law that results in the imposition on the Bank of reserve requirements in connection with LIBOR Rate loans made by the Bank provided that Bank gives Maker 30 days' notice of such change. The Maker will make any payments under this indemnity to Bank, upon demand. The Maker further agrees to enter into a modification of this Note, at the request of the Bank, to bring this Note into compliance with any Change in Law.
"Change in Law" shall mean the adoption of any law, rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof, in all cases by Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, in each case after the date hereof.
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising regulatory function of or pertaining to government.
The annual interest rate for this Note is computed on a 365/360 basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding.
In the event that the foregoing provisions should be construed by a court of competent jurisdiction not to constitute a valid, enforceable designation of a rate of interest or method of determining same, the indebtedness hereby evidenced shall bear interest at the lesser of (a) the Base Rate or (b) the maximum effective variable contract rate which may be charged by the Bank under applicable law from time to time in effect (the "Maximum Rate").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of a Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), the Bank, at its option, may charge, and the Maker agrees to pay, interest on disbursed and unpaid principal balances at the default rate (the "Default Rate") per annum equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Rate or (b) (i) the Contract Rate plus (ii) two percent (2%).
Any amounts not paid when due hereunder (whether by acceleration or otherwise) shall bear interest after maturity at the Default Rate.
For any payment which is not made within ten (10) days of the due date for such payment, the Maker shall pay a late fee. The late fee shall equal five percent (5%) of the unpaid portion of the past-due payment.
This Note is secured by the Security Documents, and may now or hereafter be secured by other mortgages, trust deeds, assignments, security agreements, or other instruments of pledge or hypothecation.
All installments of interest, and the principal hereof, are payable at the office of First Tennessee Bank National Association, 701 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, or at such other place as the holder may designate in writing, in lawful money of the United States of America, which shall be legal tender in payment of all debts and dues, public and private, at the time of payment.
If the Maker shall fail to make payment of any installment of principal or interest, within ten (10) days of its due date or upon any default in the terms and provisions of any of the Security Documents, or upon any default in any other mortgage, trust deed, security agreement, or other instrument of pledge or hypothecation which now or hereafter secures the payment of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, or upon the occurrence of any Default under the Loan Agreement, or upon dissolution of the Maker, or upon any default in the payment or performance of any





other indebtedness, liability or obligation now or hereafter owed by the Maker to the holder hereof, if any such default is not cured within any cure period applicable thereto, then and in any such event, the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, together with all interest then accrued, shall, at the absolute option of the holder hereof, at once become due and payable, without demand or notice, the same being expressly waived and Bank may exercise any right, power or remedy permitted by law or equity, or as set forth herein or in the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document.
If this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection, by suit or otherwise, or to protect the security for its payment, or to enforce its collection, or to represent the rights of the Bank in connection with any loan documentation executed in connection herewith, or to defend successfully against any claim, cause of action or suit brought by the Maker against the Bank, the Maker shall pay on demand all costs of collection and litigation (including court costs), together with a reasonable attorneys' fee. These include, but are not limited to, the Bank's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorney's fees for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction) and appeals.
The Bank and the Maker hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Bank or Maker against the other.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Bank reserves a right of setoff in all the Maker's accounts with the Bank (whether checking, savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts the Maker may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. The Maker authorizes the Bank, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at the Bank's option, to administratively freeze all such accounts to allow the Bank to protect the Bank's charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.
The undersigned agrees to furnish financial statements in accordance with the Loan Agreement, and further agrees to execute and deliver all other instruments and take such other actions as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request in order to carry out the provisions and intent hereof.
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each business entity that opens an account. What this means to Maker: When Maker opens an account, the Bank will ask for Federal Tax Identification Number, physical street address, full legal name of the Maker and other information that will allow the Bank to identify Maker. The Bank may also ask Maker to provide copies of certain documents that will aid in confirming this information.
The Maker and any endorsers or guarantors hereof waive protest, demand, presentment, and notice of dishonor, and agree that this Note may be extended, in whole or in part, without limit as to the number of such extensions or the period or periods thereof, without notice to them and without affecting their liability thereon. Maker agrees that borrowers, endorsers, guarantors and sureties may be added or released without notice and without affecting Maker's liability hereunder. The liability of Maker shall not be affected by the failure of Bank to perfect or otherwise obtain or maintain the priority or validity of any security interest in any collateral. The liability of Maker shall be without regard to the liability of any other party hereto.
It is the intention of the Bank and the Maker to comply strictly with applicable usury laws; and, accordingly, in no event and upon no contingency shall the holder hereof ever be entitled to receive, collect, or apply as interest any interest, fees, charges or other payments equivalent to interest, in excess of the maximum effective contract rate which the Bank may lawfully charge under applicable statutes and laws from time to time in effect; and in the event that the holder hereof ever receives, collects, or applies as interest any such excess, such amount which, but for this provision, would be excessive interest, shall be applied to the reduction of the principal amount of the indebtedness hereby evidenced; and if the principal amount of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, all lawful interest thereon and all lawful fees and charges in connection therewith, are paid in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be paid to the Maker, or other party lawfully entitled thereto. All interest paid or agreed to be





paid by the Maker shall, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period until payment in full of the principal so that the interest hereon for such full period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law. Any provision hereof, or of any other agreement between the holder hereof and the Maker, that operates to bind, obligate, or compel the Maker to pay interest in excess of such maximum effective contract rate shall be construed to require the payment of the maximum rate only. The provisions of this paragraph shall be given precedence over any other provision contained herein or in any other agreement between the holder hereof and the Maker that is in conflict with the provisions of this paragraph.
This Note shall be governed and construed according to the statutes and laws of the State of Tennessee from time to time in effect, except to the extent that Section 85 of Title 12 of the United States Code (or other applicable federal statute) may permit the charging of a higher rate of interest than applicable state law, in which event such applicable federal statute, as amended and supplemented from time to time shall govern and control the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged hereunder; it being intended that, as to the maximum rate of interest which may be charged, received, and collected hereunder, those applicable statutes and laws, whether state or federal, from time to time in effect, which permit the charging of a higher rate of interest, shall govern and control; provided, always, however, that in no event and under no circumstances shall the Maker be liable for the payment of interest in excess of the maximum rate permitted by such applicable law, from time to time in effect.
The principal amount of this Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, and from time to time, upon not less than three (3) business days' prior written notice to Bank provided, however, that if an Interest Rate Swap has been entered into in connection with this Note, any full or partial prepayments of principal amounts due under this Note may require termination or adjustment of the Interest Rate Swap and may result in a payment due from Maker per the terms and conditions of the Interest Rate Swap. Maker shall also pay accured interest on the amount prepaid at the time of prepayment.
Bank is hereby authorized to disclose any financial or other information about Maker to any regulatory body or agency having jurisdiction over Bank and to any present, future or prospective participant or successor in interest in any loan or other financial accommodation made by Bank to Maker. The information provided may include, without limitation, amounts, terms, balances, payment history, return item history and any financial or other information about Maker. However, subject to applicable law, Bank shall use reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the terms and conditions of the Loan in all other respects.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more provisions of this Note shall not render any other provision invalid or unenforceable. In lieu of any invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically a valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.
The covenants, conditions, waivers, releases and agreements contained in this Note shall bind, and the benefits thereof shall inure to, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Note cannot be assigned by Maker without the prior written consent of Bank, and any such assignment or attempted assignment by Maker without consent shall be void and of no effect with respect to Bank.
Bank may from time to time sell or assign, in whole or in part, or grant participations in, the Loan, this Note and/or the obligations evidenced thereby. The holder of any such sale, assignment or participation, if the applicable agreement between Bank and such holder so provides, shall be: (a) entitled to all of the rights, obligations and benefits of Bank; and (b) deemed to hold and may exercise the rights of setoff or banker's lien with respect to any and all obligations of such holder to Maker, in each case as fully as though Maker were directly indebted to such holder; provided that Maker shall be entitled to deal with one lender as agent for all participants. Bank may in its discretion give notice to Maker of such sale, assignment or participation; however, the failure to give such notice shall not affect any of Bank's or such holder's rights hereunder.





Maker irrevocably appoints the President of Maker as its attorneys upon whom may be served, by certified mail at the address set forth in the Loan Agreement, or such other address as may be directed by Maker, in writing, any notice, process or pleading in any action or proceeding against it arising out of or in connection with this Note or any other Loan Document; and Maker hereby consents that any action or proceeding against it be commenced and maintained in any state or federal court sitting in Hamilton County, Tennessee, by service of process on such President; and Maker agrees that such courts of the State shall have jurisdiction with respect to the subject matter hereof and the person of Maker and all collateral securing the obligations of Maker. Maker agrees not to assert any defense to any action or proceeding initiated by Bank based upon improper venue or inconvenient forum.
(Signature page attached)






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker has caused this Note to be executed by its respective officer, duly authorized so to do, all as of the day and year first above written.
MAKER:

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC


By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President

 





EXHBIIT 10.76







(ABOVE SPACE FOR RECORDER'S USE)
THIS INSTRUMENT WAS PREPARED BY AND
WHEN RECORDED SHOULD BE MAILED TO:
JAY YOUNG
CHAMBLISS, BAHNER & STOPHEL, P.C.
LIBERTY TOWER
605 CHESTNUT STREET, SUITE 1700
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37450


MORTGAGE, ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND LEASES, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING

by
TDG OPERATIONS, LLC,

a Georgia limited liability company,
as Mortgagor,

to and in favor of

First Tennessee Bank National Association,
a national banking association,
as Mortgagee

Mortgagor's Control Number is 0320957







MORTGAGE, ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND LEASES,
SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING
This Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing (the "Mortgage") is made effective as of the 23rd day of January, 2015, by TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company (herein referred to as " Mortgagor ") whose address is 2208 South Hamilton Street, Dalton, Georgia 30721, to and for the benefit of FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (together with its successors and assigns, " Mortgagee " or " Beneficiary "), whose address is 701 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402.
Preliminary Statements
Mortgagor and Mortgagee have entered into a Term Loan Agreement dated November 7, 2014, as amended by a certain Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated November 7, 2014 and further amended by a Second Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated of even date herewith (as previously amended and from time to time amended or replaced, the "Loan Agreement") pursuant to which Mortgagee has agreed to make loans to Mortgagor in the principal amounts of Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000), Four Million Three Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($4,330,000), and Six Million Two Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($6,290,000) (collectively the "Loans" and each individually a "Loan"). As a condition precedent to making the Loans, Mortgagee has required that Mortgagor execute and deliver this Mortgage, to Mortgagee.
Agreements
Now, therefore, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged by Mortgagor, and in order to induce Mortgagee to make the Loans to Mortgagor, Mortgagor agrees as follows:
Article I
Definitions .

As used in this Mortgage, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the following additional terms shall have the meanings specified:
" Additions " means any and all alterations, additions, accessions and improvements to property, substitutions therefor, and renewals and replacements thereof.
" Casualty " means any act or occurrence of any kind or nature that results in damage, loss or destruction to the Property.
" Claim " means any liability, suit, action, claim, demand, loss, expense, penalty, fine, judgment or other cost of any kind or nature whatsoever, including fees, costs and expenses of attorneys, consultants, contractors and experts.
" Condemnation " means any taking of title to, use of, or any other interest in the Property under the exercise of the power of condemnation or eminent domain, whether temporarily or permanently, by any Governmental Authority or by any other Person acting under or for the benefit of a Governmental Authority.
" Condemnation Awards " means any and all judgments, awards of damages (including severance and consequential damages), payments, proceeds, settlements, amounts paid for a taking in lieu of Condemnation,





or other compensation heretofore or hereafter made, including interest thereon, and the right to receive the same, as a result of, or in connection with, any Condemnation or threatened Condemnation.
" Default " means an event or circumstance which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
" Encumbrance " means any Lien, easement, right of way, roadway (public or private), condominium regime, cooperative housing regime, condition, covenant or restriction (including any condition, covenant or restriction imposed in connection with any condominium development or cooperative housing development), Lease or other matter of any nature that would affect title to the Property.
" Event of Default " has the meaning assigned to that phrase in Section VI below.
" Expenses " means all fees, charges, costs and expenses of any nature whatsoever incurred at any time and from time to time by Mortgagee in connection with a Loan, including without limitation, in exercising or enforcing any rights, powers and remedies provided in this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
" Fixtures " means all fixtures now or hereafter attached to the Improvements and required for the normal operation thereof (such as HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, etc.), exclusive of trade fixtures and equipment which may be attached to the Improvements but are not required for the normal operation thereof.
" Improvements " means any and all buildings, improvements and Fixtures, now or hereafter erected or located on the Land.
" Indemnity Agreement " means the Environmental Indemnity Agreement of even date herewith from Mortgagor and others in favor of Mortgagee pertaining to the Property, as the same may from time to time be extended, amended, restated or otherwise modified.
" Insurance Proceeds " means the insurance claims under and the proceeds of any and all policies of insurance covering the Property or any part thereof, including all returned and unearned premiums with respect to any insurance relating to such Property, in each case whether now or hereafter existing or arising.
" Intercreditor Agreement " means any written agreement now or hereafter entered between Mortgagee and any other creditor of Mortgagor setting forth the respective rights of Mortgagee and such other creditor relative to liens on collateral located on the Real Property.
" Interest Rate Swap " means any agreement, whether or not in writing, relating to any rate swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, equity index swap or option, interest rate option, cap or collar transaction, or any other similar transaction, including, unless the context otherwise clearly requires, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., or any other master agreement, entered into by Mortgagor (or its affiliate), in connection with a Loan or any other Obligations, together with any related schedule and confirmation, as amended, supplemented, superseded or replaced from time to time and all whether now or hereafter existing.
" Land " means the real property described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
" Law " means collectively all federal, state and local laws, statutes, codes, ordinances, orders, rules and regulations, including judicial opinions or presidential authority in the applicable jurisdiction.





" Leases " means all leases and subleases (oral or written) now or hereafter affecting any part of the Property.
" Lien " means any mortgage, Mortgage, pledge, security interest, assignment, judgment, lien or charge of any kind, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, and the filing of, or agreement to give, any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction.
" Loan Documents " means the Loan Agreement, the Notes, any Interest Rate Swap, and the Security Documents (as defined in the Loan Agreement), as same may be amended, modified, restated or replaced, and any other document, instrument or agreement executed at any time, whether now or hereafter existing, in connection with any Obligation.
" Mortgage " means this Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, as the same may from time to time be extended, amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified.
" Mortgagee " means First Tennessee Bank National Association and its successors and assigns.
" Net Proceeds ", when used with respect to any Condemnation Awards or Insurance Proceeds, means the gross proceeds from any Condemnation or Casualty remaining after payment of all expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in the collection of such gross proceeds.
" Notes " means: (i) the Term Note in the principal amount of Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) dated on or about November 7, 2014 payable by Mortgagor to Mortgagee which matures November 7, 2024; (ii) the Term Note (Second Loan) in the principal amount of Four Million Three Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($4,330,000) dated on or about November 7, 2014, payable by Mortgagor to Mortgagee which matures November 7, 2024; (iii) the Term Note (Third Loan) in the principal amount of Six Million Two Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($6,290,000) dated the date hereof payable by Mortgagor to Mortgagee which matures January 7, 2025; (iv) all other promissory notes, instruments and documents now or hereafter evidencing any loans, advances, or other extensions of credit now or hereafter existing from Mortgagee to Mortgagor; and (iii) all amendments, modifications or replacements of any of the foregoing. Unless sooner due and payable as provided in accordance with the terms of the Notes, the latest maturity date currently set forth in a Note is January 7, 2025.
" Notice " means a notice, request, consent, demand or other communication given in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Agreement.
" Obligations " means all of the following: (a) all present and future debts, obligations and liabilities of Mortgagor to Mortgagee arising pursuant to, on account of, or which are otherwise evidenced by the provisions of this Mortgage, the Loan Agreement, any Note, and/or or any of the other Loan Documents as the same may from time to time be amended or replaced, including the obligation to pay all principal, interest, late charges, prepayment premiums (if any) and other amounts due at any time under the Notes; (b) all debts, liabilities and obligations of Mortgagor to pay all Expenses, indemnification payments, fees and other amounts due at any time under this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents, together with interest thereon as herein or therein provided; (c) all debts, liabilities and obligations of Mortgagor under any Interest Rate Swap; (d) all debts, liabilities and obligations of Mortgagor to perform, observe and comply with all of the other terms, covenants and conditions, expressed or implied, which Mortgagor is required to perform, observe or comply with pursuant to this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents; (e) all debts, liabilities and obligations of Mortgagor to pay and perform all future advances (regardless of class) and other obligations





that Mortgagor or any successor in ownership of all or part of the Property may agree to pay and/or perform (whether as principal, surety or guarantor) for the benefit of Mortgagee; and (f) all renewals, amendments, extensions, modifications and replacements of any of the foregoing.
" Permitted Encumbrances " means (a) any matters set forth in any policy of title insurance issued to Mortgagee and insuring Mortgagee's interest in the Property which are acceptable to Mortgagee as of the date hereof, (b) the Liens and interests of this Mortgage, and (c) any liens on trade fixtures and equipment securing the Master Line of Credit Agreement (as defined in the Loan Agreement).
" Personalty " means (a) all sewer and water taps, appurtenant water stock or water rights, allocations and agreements for utilities, bonds, letters of credit, permits, certificates, licenses, guaranties, warranties, causes of action, security deposits, utility deposits, and all rebates or refunds of fees, Taxes, assessments, charges or deposits paid to any Governmental Authority related to the Real Property or in any way related to the operation thereof whether now or hereafter existing; (b) all of Mortgagor's rights and interests under all Interest Rate Swap, including all rights to the payment of money from Mortgagee under any Interest Rate Swap and all accounts, deposit accounts and general intangibles, including payment intangibles, described in any Interest Rate Swap; (c) all insurance policies held by Mortgagor with respect to the Property or Mortgagor's operation thereof; (d) all deposits and similar items (such as water, phone service and electricity deposits) relating to the operation of the Premises whether now or hereafter existing; and (e) all Proceeds of the foregoing.
" Proceeds " when used with respect to any of the Property, means all proceeds of such Property, including all Insurance Proceeds and all other proceeds within the meaning of that term as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State.
" Property " means the Real Property and the Personalty and all other rights, interests and benefits of every kind and character which Mortgagor now has or hereafter acquires in, to or for the benefit of the Real Property and/or the Personalty, including all Leases, all Rents, all Condemnation Awards, and all Proceeds.
" Property Assessments " means all Taxes, payments in lieu of taxes, water rents, sewer rents, assessments, condominium and owner's association assessments and charges, maintenance charges and other governmental or municipal or public or private dues, charges and levies and any Liens (including federal tax liens) which are or may be levied, imposed or assessed upon the Property or any part thereof, or upon any Leases or any Rents, whether levied directly or indirectly or as excise taxes, as income taxes, or otherwise.
" Real Property " means the Land and Improvements, together with (a) all estates, title interests, title reversion rights, remainders, increases, issues, profits, rights of way or uses, additions, accretions, servitudes, strips, gaps, gores, liberties, privileges, water rights, water courses, alleys, passages, ways, vaults, licenses, tenements, hereditaments, appurtenances, easements, rights-of-way, rights of ingress or egress, parking rights, timber, crops, mineral interests and other rights, now or hereafter owned by Mortgagor and belonging or appertaining to the Land or Improvements; (b) all Claims whatsoever of Mortgagor with respect to the Land or Improvements, either in law or in equity, in possession or in expectancy; (c) all estate, right, title and interest of Mortgagor in and to all streets, roads and public places, opened or proposed, now or hereafter adjoining or appertaining to the Land or Improvements; and (d) all options to purchase the Land or Improvements, or any portion thereof or interest therein, and any greater estate in the Land or Improvements, and all Additions to and Proceeds of the foregoing.
" Rents " means all of the rents, royalties, issues, profits, revenues, earnings, income and other benefits of the Property, or arising from the use or enjoyment of the Property, including all such amounts paid under





or arising from any of the Leases and all fees, charges, accounts or other payments for the use or occupancy of rooms or other public facilities within the Real Property.
" State " means the state of Alabama.
" Taxes " means all taxes and assessments, whether general or special, ordinary or extraordinary, or foreseen or unforeseen, which at any time may be assessed, levied, confirmed or imposed by any Governmental Authority or any community facilities or other private district on the Property.
" Transfer " means any direct or indirect sale, assignment, conveyance or transfer, including any contract or agreement to sell, assign, convey, lease or transfer, whether made voluntarily or by operation of Law or otherwise, and whether made with or without consideration.
Article II
Granting Clauses; Condition of Grant .

Section 2.1     Conveyances and Security Interests .

In order to secure the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations, Mortgagor (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally, grants, bargains, sells, conveys, transfers and assigns to Mortgagee with power of sale and right of entry and possession, all estate, right, title and interest that Mortgagor now has or may later acquire in and to the Real Property; (b) grants to Mortgagee a security interest in the Personalty; and (c) assigns to Mortgagee, and grants to Mortgagee a security interest in, all Condemnation Awards and all Insurance Proceeds, to have and to hold to the use, benefit and behoof of Mortgagee forever, in fee simple, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions herein.
All Persons who may have or acquire an interest in all or any part of the Property will be deemed to have notice of, and will be bound by, the terms of the Obligations and each other agreement or instrument made or entered into in connection with each of the Obligations. Such terms include any provisions in the Notes, the Loan Agreement or any Swap Contract which provide that the interest rate on one or more of the Obligations may vary from time to time. The definition of "Obligations" includes future advances.
Section 2.2.     Assignment of Leases and Rents .

In consideration of the making and continuing of the Loans by Mortgagee to Mortgagor, the sum of Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00), and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Mortgagor absolutely and unconditionally assigns the Leases and Rents to Mortgagee. This assignment is, and is intended to be, an unconditional, absolute and present assignment from Mortgagor to Mortgagee of all of Mortgagor's right, title and interest in and to the Leases and the Rents and not an assignment in the nature of a pledge of the Leases and Rents or the mere grant of a security interest therein. So long as no Default shall exist, however, and so long as Mortgagor is not in default in the performance of any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in the Leases, Mortgagor shall have a license (which license shall terminate automatically and without notice upon the occurrence of a Default or a default by Mortgagor under the Leases) to collect, but not prior to accrual, all Rents. Mortgagor agrees to collect and hold all Rents in trust for Mortgagee and to use the Rents for the payment of the cost of operating and maintaining the Property and for the payment of the other Obligations before using the Rents for any other purpose. The assignment of Lease and Rents contained herein shall not constitute Mortgagee's consent to any Lease, any such Lease entered into without Mortgagee's prior written consent constituting a Transfer for purposes of Section 5.2 of this Mortgage.





Section 2.3     Security Agreement, Fixture Filing and Financing Statement .

This Mortgage creates a security interest in the Personalty and Fixtures, and, to the extent the Personalty or Fixtures are not real property, this Mortgage constitutes a security agreement from Mortgagor to Mortgagee under the Uniform Commercial Code of the State. In addition to all of its other rights under this Mortgage and otherwise, Mortgagee shall have all of the rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code of the State, as in effect from time to time, or under the Uniform Commercial Code in force from time to time in any other state to the extent the same is applicable Law. To confirm that intent, and to further secure the Obligations, Mortgagor grants Mortgagee a security interest in the Personalty and Fixtures. This Mortgage shall be effective as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing with respect to all fixtures included within the property and is to be filed for record in the real estate records of each county where any part of the Property (including such fixtures) is situated. This Mortgage shall also be effective as a financing statement with respect to any other Property as to which a security interest may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement and may be filed as such in any appropriate filing or recording office. The respective mailing addresses of Mortgagor and Mortgagee are set forth in the opening paragraph of this Mortgage. A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Mortgage or any other financing statement relating to this Mortgage shall be sufficient as financing statement for any of the purposes referred to in this Section. Mortgagor hereby irrevocably authorizes Mortgagee at any time and from time to time to file any initial financing statements, amendments thereto and continuation statements as authorized by applicable Law, reasonably required by Mortgagee to establish or maintain the validity, perfection and priority of the security interests granted in this Mortgage.
Section 2.4     Satisfaction and Cancellation of Mortgage and Termination of Assignments and Financing Statements .

If and when Mortgagor has paid and performed all of the Obligations, and no further advances are to be made under the Loan Agreement or any other document, Mortgagee will provide a satisfaction and cancellation of this Mortgage and termination statements for filed financing statements, if any, to Mortgagor. Mortgagor shall be responsible for the recordation of such cancellation and satisfaction and the payment of any recording and filing costs. Upon the recording of such cancellation and satisfaction and the filing of such termination statements, the absolute assignments set forth in Section 2.2 shall automatically terminate and become null and void.
Article III
Representations and Warranties .

Mortgagor makes the following representations and warranties to Mortgagee:
Section 3.1     Title to Real Property .

Mortgagor (a) owns fee simple title to the Real Property, (b) owns all of the beneficial and equitable interest in and to the Real Property, and (c) is lawfully seized and possessed of the Real Property. Mortgagor has the right and authority to convey the Real Property. The Real Property is subject to no Encumbrances other than the Permitted Encumbrances.
Section 3.2     Title to Other Property .

Mortgagor has good title to the Personalty, and the Personalty is not subject to any Encumbrance other than the Permitted Encumbrances. None of the Leases or Rents are subject to any Encumbrance other than the Permitted Encumbrances.





Section 3.3     Property Assessments .

The Real Property is assessed for purposes of Property Assessments as a separate and distinct parcel from any other property, such that the Real Property shall never become subject to the Lien of any Property Assessments levied or assessed against any property other than the Real Property.
Section 3.4     Independence of the Real Property .

The Real Property has been properly subdivided from all other property in accordance with the requirements of any applicable Governmental Authorities.
Section 3.5     Leases and Tenants .

There are no Leases of the Property.
Article IV
Affirmative Covenants .

Section 4.1     Obligations .

Mortgagor agrees to promptly pay and perform all of the Obligations, time being of the essence in each case.
Section 4.2     Property Assessments; Documentary Taxes .

Mortgagor (a) will promptly pay in full and discharge all Property Assessments, and (b) will furnish to Mortgagee, upon demand, the receipted bills for such Property Assessments prior to the day upon which the same shall become delinquent.
Section 4.3     Permitted Contests .

Mortgagor shall not be required to pay any of the Property Assessments, or to comply with any Law, so long as Mortgagor shall in good faith, and at its cost and expense, contest the amount or validity thereof, or take other appropriate action with respect thereto, in good faith and in an appropriate manner or by appropriate proceedings; provided that (a) such proceedings operate to stay the collection of the Property Assessments or enforcement of the Law so contested, (b) there will be no sale, forfeiture or loss of the Property during the contest, (c) Mortgagee is not subjected to any Claim as a result of such contest, and (d) Mortgagor provides assurances satisfactory to Mortgagee (including the establishment of an appropriate reserve account with Mortgagee if not bonded) of its ability to pay such Property Assessments or comply with such Law in the event Mortgagor is unsuccessful in its contest. Each such contest shall be promptly prosecuted to final conclusion or settlement, and Mortgagor shall indemnify and save Mortgagee harmless against all Claims in connection therewith. Promptly after the settlement or conclusion of such contest or action, Mortgagor shall comply with such Law and/or pay and discharge the amounts which shall be levied, assessed or imposed or determined to be payable, together with all penalties, fines, interests, costs and expenses in connection therewith.
Section 4.4     Compliance with Laws .

Mortgagor will comply with and not violate, and cause to be complied with and not violated, all present and future Laws applicable to the Property and its use and operation.





Section 4.5     Maintenance and Repair of the Property .

Mortgagor, at Mortgagor's sole expense, will (a) keep and maintain the Improvements in good condition, working order and repair, and (b) make all necessary or appropriate repairs and Additions to Improvements, so that each part of the Improvements shall at all times be in good condition for the respective purposes for which they were originally intended.
Section 4.6     Additions to Security .

All right, title and interest of Mortgagor in and to all Improvements and Additions hereafter constructed or placed on the Property shall, without any further Mortgage, conveyance, assignment or other act by Mortgagor, become subject to the Lien and security title of this Mortgage as fully and completely, and with the same effect, as though now owned by Mortgagor and specifically described in the granting clauses hereof. Mortgagor agrees, however, to execute and deliver to Mortgagee such further documents as may be required by the terms of the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 4.7     Subrogation .

To the extent permitted by Law, Mortgagee shall be subrogated, notwithstanding its release of record, to any Lien now or hereafter existing on the Property to the extent that such Lien is paid or discharged by Mortgagee whether or not from the proceeds of the Loan. This Section shall not be deemed or construed, however, to obligate Mortgagee to pay or discharge any Lien.
Section 4.8     Insurance .

Mortgagor shall maintain, at its sole cost and expense, insurance, as required by Mortgagee, to include, without limitation:
(a) "All Risk" insurance against casualty to the Property, including, but not limited to, fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, and riot. Such insurance shall name Mortgagee as mortgagee and loss payee in accordance with Mortgagee's insurance requirements. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by Mortgagee, such insurance shall be for the full insurable value of the Property, and in a form otherwise satisfactory to Mortgagee.

(b) Comprehensive general liability insurance on an "occurrence" basis against claims for "personal injury" liability and liability for death, bodily injury and damage to property, in limits satisfactory to Mortgagee with respect to any one occurrence and the aggregate of all occurrences during any given annual policy period. Such insurance shall name Mortgagee as an additional insured.

(c) Workers' compensation insurance for all employees of Mortgagor as required by Law.

(d) During any period of construction upon the Property, if any, Mortgagor shall maintain, or cause others to maintain, builder's risk insurance (non-reporting form) for one hundred percent (100%) of the full replacement cost of work in place and materials stored at or upon the Property.

(e) If at any time any portion of any structure on the Property is insurable against casualty by flood and is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, as determined by Mortgagee, a flood insurance policy in form and amount acceptable to Mortgagee, as required by applicable Law.






(f) Loss of rental value insurance or business interruption insurance as required by Mortgagee.

(g) Such other and further insurance as may be reasonably required from time to time by Mortgagee.

Mortgagor acknowledges receiving Mortgagee's insurance requirements. Each policy of insurance shall meet Mortgagee's insurance requirements and be otherwise acceptable to Mortgagee.
Section 4.9     Adjustment of Condemnation and Insurance Claims .

Mortgagor shall give prompt Notice to Mortgagee of any Casualty or any Condemnation or threatened Condemnation. Mortgagee is authorized, at its option, to commence, appear in and prosecute, in its own or Mortgagor's name, any proceeding relating to any Condemnation or Casualty, and to make proof of loss for and to settle or compromise any claim in connection therewith, or to permit Mortgagor to do so. In such case, Mortgagee shall have the right to receive all Condemnation Awards and Insurance Proceeds, and may deduct therefrom any or all of its Costs. If any Condemnation Awards or Insurance Proceeds are paid to Mortgagor, Mortgagor shall receive the same in trust for Mortgagee. Within ten (10) days after Mortgagor's receipt of any Condemnation Awards or Insurance Proceeds, Mortgagor shall deliver such awards or proceeds to Mortgagee in the form in which they were received, together with any endorsements or documents that may be necessary to effectively negotiate or transfer the same to Mortgagee. Mortgagor agrees to execute and deliver from time to time, upon the request of Mortgagee, such further instruments or documents as may be requested by Mortgagee to confirm the grant and assignment to Mortgagee of any Condemnation Awards or Insurance Proceeds.
If no Default exists, Mortgagee will permit Net Proceeds for the restoration of the Property if: (i) in the reasonable judgment of Mortgagee, there has been no material adverse change in the financial viability of the construction or operation of the Improvements, (ii) in the reasonable judgment of Mortgagee, the Net Proceeds, together with other funds deposited with Mortgagee for that purpose, are sufficient to pay the cost of the restoration pursuant to a budget and plans and specifications approved by Mortgagee, (iii) the restoration can be completed prior to the final maturity of the Notes and other Obligations and prior to the date required by any Lease, (iv) Mortgagee is provided an appraisal and other information necessary in the reasonable judgment of Mortgagee to reflect that the appraised value of the Improvements and other Property after such restoration shall not have been reduced from the fair value prior to the loss, and (v) Mortgagor satisfies such other conditions reasonably required by Mortgagee for the use of such proceeds including the satisfaction of conditions typically required by Mortgagee in making commercial construction loans. Otherwise, Net Proceeds shall be utilized for payment of the Obligations. If Net Proceeds are to be utilized for the restoration of the Property, the Net Proceeds, together with any other funds deposited with Mortgagee for that purpose, shall be deposited in an interest-bearing account with Mortgagee, which account will be assigned to Mortgagee as additional security for the Loans and other Obligations. The account will be opened, managed and controlled in a manner consistent with, and subject to, the provisions of the Loan Agreement. Disbursements of funds from the account will be made in a manner consistent with the manner typically used by Mortgagee in disbursing commercial construction loans including the requirements (at Mortgagor's expense) of inspections of construction and certifications by contractors and architects.
Section 4.10     Deposits .

Following the occurrence of a Default, Mortgagor shall, upon demand by Mortgagee, pay to Mortgagee monthly, on the same date payments are due under the Note, a sum (herein "Funds") equal to





one-twelfth of the yearly Property Assessments which may attain priority over this Mortgage and premiums for insurance, all as reasonably estimated initially and from time to time by Mortgagee on the basis of assessments and bills and reasonable estimates thereof.
The Funds shall be held by Mortgagee in an interest-bearing account, and Mortgagee shall apply the Funds to pay said Property Assessments and insurance costs, as and when they shall be due and payable. The Funds are pledged as additional security for the sums secured by this Mortgage. If the amount of the Funds held by Mortgagee shall not be sufficient to pay Property Assessments and insurance costs, when due, Mortgagor shall pay to Mortgagee any amount necessary to make up the deficiency within fifteen (15) days from the date notice is mailed by Mortgagee to Mortgagor requesting payment thereof. Upon payment in full of all Obligations, all Funds then held by Mortgagee shall be returned to Mortgagor.

Article V
Negative Covenants .


Section 5.1     Encumbrances .

Mortgagor will not permit any of the Property to become subject to any Encumbrance other than the Permitted Encumbrances. Within thirty (30) days after the filing of any mechanic's lien or other Lien or Encumbrance against the Property, Mortgagor will promptly discharge the same by payment or filing a bond or otherwise as permitted by Law. So long as Mortgagee's security has been protected by the filing of a bond or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to Mortgagee in its sole and absolute discretion, Mortgagor shall have the right to contest in good faith any Claim, Lien or Encumbrance, provided that Mortgagor does so diligently and without prejudice to Mortgagee or delay in completing construction of the Improvements. Mortgagor shall give Mortgagee Notice of any default under any Lien and Notice of any foreclosure or threat of foreclosure with respect to any of the Property.
Section 5.2     Transfer of the Property .

Mortgagor will not Transfer, or contract to Transfer, all or any part of the Property or any legal or beneficial interest therein without the prior written consent of Mortgagee. The Transfer of any ownership interest in Mortgagor (whether in one or more transactions during the term of this Mortgage) shall be deemed to be a prohibited Transfer of the Property.
Section 5.3     Removal, Demolition or Alteration of Fixtures and Improvements .

Except to the extent permitted by the following sentence, no Improvements shall be removed, demolished or materially altered without the prior written consent of Mortgagee. Mortgagor may remove and dispose of, free from the Lien and security title of this Mortgage, such Fixtures as from time to time become worn out or obsolete, provided that, either (a) at the time of, or prior to, such removal, any such Fixtures are replaced with other Fixtures which are free from Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances and have a value at least equal to that of the replaced Fixtures (and by such removal and replacement Mortgagor shall be deemed to have subjected such Fixtures to the Lien of this Mortgage), or (b) so long as a prepayment may be made without the imposition of any premium pursuant to the Note, such Fixtures are sold at fair market value for cash and the net cash proceeds received from such disposition are paid over promptly to Mortgagee to be applied to the prepayment of the Obligations in such manner as Mortgagee should elect in its sole discretion.





Section 5.4     Additional Improvements .

Mortgagor will not construct any Improvements costing more than $250,000, other than those presently on the Land and those described in the Loan Agreement, without the prior written consent of Mortgagee. Mortgagor will complete and pay for, within a reasonable time, any Improvements which Mortgagor is permitted to construct on the Land. Mortgagor will construct and erect any permitted Improvements (a) strictly in accordance with all applicable Laws and any private restrictive covenants, (b) entirely on lots or parcels of the Land, (c) so as not to encroach upon any easement or right of way or upon the land of others, and (d) wholly within any building restriction and setback lines applicable to the Land.
Section 5.5     Restrictive Covenants, Zoning, etc .

Without the prior written consent of Mortgagee, Mortgagor will not initiate, join in, or consent to any change in, any restrictive covenant, easement, zoning ordinance, or other public or private restrictions limiting or defining the uses which may be made of the Property. Mortgagor (a) will promptly perform and observe, and cause to be performed and observed, all of the material terms and conditions of all agreements affecting the Property, and (b) will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve intact and unimpaired any and all easements, appurtenances and other interests and rights in favor of, or constituting any portion of, the Property.
Article VI
Events of Default .

The occurrence or happening, from time to time, of a Default under the Loan Agreement shall constitute an "Event of Default" for purposes of this Mortgage. All relevant notice and cure periods provided in the Loan Agreement are applicable in determining whether an Event of Default exists for purposes of this Mortgage.
Article VII
Rights and Remedies .

Upon the happening of any Event of Default, Mortgagee shall have the right, in addition to any other rights or remedies available to Mortgagee under any of the Loan Documents or applicable Law, to exercise any one or more of the following rights, powers or remedies:
Section 7.1     Acceleration .

Mortgagee may accelerate all Obligations under the Loan Documents whereupon such Obligations shall become immediately due and payable, without notice of default, notice of acceleration or intention to accelerate, presentment or demand for payment, protest, notice of protest, notice of nonpayment or dishonor, or notices or demands of any kind or character (all of which are hereby waived by Mortgagor).
Section 7.2     Foreclosure; Power of Sale .

Subject to the provisions of any Intercreditor Agreement, Mortgagee may sell and dispose of the Property at public auction, at the usual place for conducting sales at the courthouse in the county where the Property or any part thereof may be, to the highest bidder for cash, first advertising the time, terms and place of such sale by publishing a notice thereof once a week for three successive weeks (without regard to the actual number of days) in a newspaper published in the county or counties wherein such Property or any part thereof is located, all other notice being hereby waived by Mortgagor, or in such other manner as is then





permitted under applicable Laws for such sales; and Mortgagee may thereupon execute and deliver to the purchaser at said sale a sufficient conveyance of the Property in fee simple, which conveyance may contain recitals as to the happening of the default upon which the execution of the power of sale, herein granted, depends, the said recitals shall be presumptive evidence that all preliminary acts prerequisite to said sale and deed were in all things duly complied with; and Mortgagor hereby constitutes and appoints Mortgagee or its assigns as its agent and attorney-in-fact to make such recitals, sale and conveyance, and all of the acts of such attorney-in-fact are hereby ratified, and Mortgagor agrees that such recitals shall be binding and conclusive (absent manifest error) upon Mortgagor and that the conveyance to be made by Mortgagee, or its assigns, (and in the event of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, then as to such conveyance) shall be effectual to bar all right, title and interest, equity of redemption, including all statutory redemption, homestead, dower, curtesy and all other exemptions of Mortgagor, or its successors in interest, in and to the Property; at the election of Mortgagee, the Property, or any part thereof, may be sold in one parcel and as an entirety, or in such parcels, manner or order as Mortgagee in its sole discretion may elect, and one or more exercises of the powers herein granted shall not extinguish or exhaust the power unless the entire Property is sold or the Obligations satisfied in full, and Mortgagee, or its assigns, shall collect the proceeds of such sale, applying such proceeds as provided in Section 7.8 (in the event of deficiency, Mortgagor shall immediately on demand from Mortgagee pay over to Mortgagee, or its nominee, such deficiency); and Mortgagor agrees that in case of a sale, as herein provided, Mortgagor or any person in possession under Mortgagor shall then become and be tenants holding over, and shall forthwith deliver possession to the purchaser at such sale, or be summarily dispossessed in accordance with the provisions of law applicable to tenants holding over; the power and agency hereby granted are coupled with an interest and are irrevocable by death or otherwise, and are in addition to any and all other remedies which Mortgagee may have at law or in equity.
Section 7.3     Judicial Action .

Mortgagee shall have the right from time to time to sue Mortgagor for any sums (whether interest, damages for failure to pay principal or any installments thereof, taxes, or any other sums required to be paid under the terms of this Mortgage, as the same become due), without regard to whether or not any of the other Obligations shall be due, and without prejudice to the right of Mortgagee thereafter to enforce any appropriate remedy against Mortgagor, including an action of foreclosure or an action for specific performance, for a Default or Default existing at the time such earlier action was commenced.
Section 7.4     Collection of Rents .

Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the license granted to Mortgagor to collect the Rents shall be automatically and immediately revoked, without further notice to or demand upon Mortgagor. Mortgagee may, but shall not be obligated to, perform any or all obligations of the landlord under any or all of the Leases, and Mortgagee may, but shall not be obligated to, exercise and enforce any or all of Mortgagor's rights under the Leases. Without limitation to the generality of the foregoing, Mortgagee may notify the tenants under the Leases that all Rents are to be paid to Mortgagee, and following such notice all Rents shall be paid directly to Mortgagee and not to Mortgagor or any other Person other than as directed by Mortgagee, it being understood that a demand by Mortgagee on any tenant under the Leases for the payment of Rent shall be sufficient to warrant payment by such tenant of Rent to Mortgagee without the necessity of further consent by Mortgagor. Mortgagor hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs the tenants under the Lease to pay all Rents to Mortgagee instead of to Mortgagor, upon receipt of written notice from Mortgagee, without the necessity of any inquiry of Mortgagor and without the necessity of determining the existence or non-existence of a Default. Mortgagor hereby appoints Mortgagee as Mortgagor's attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution, which appointment shall take effect upon the occurrence of a Default and is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable prior to the full and final payment and performance of the Obligations, in





Mortgagor's name or in Mortgagee's name: (a) to endorse all checks and other instruments received in payment of Rents and to deposit the same in any account selected by Mortgagee; (b) to give receipts and releases in relation thereto; (c) to institute, prosecute and/or settle actions for the recovery of Rents; (d) to modify the terms of any Leases including terms relating to the Rents payable thereunder; (e) to cancel any Leases; (f) to enter into new Leases; and (g) to do all other acts and things with respect to the Leases and Rents which Mortgagee may deem necessary or desirable to protect the security for the Obligations. Any Rents received shall be applied first to pay all Expenses and next in reduction of the other Obligations. Mortgagor shall pay, on demand, to Mortgagee, the amount of any deficiency between (i) the Rents received by Mortgagee, and (ii) all Expenses incurred together with interest thereon as provided in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 7.5     Taking Possession or Control of the Property; Appointment of Receiver .

As a matter of right without regard to the adequacy of the security, or the solvency of any Person liable for the Obligations, and to the extent permitted by Law without notice to Mortgagor, Mortgagee shall be entitled, upon application to a court of competent jurisdiction, to the immediate appointment of a receiver for all or any part of the Property and the Rents, whether such receivership may be incidental to a proposed sale of the Property or otherwise, and Mortgagor hereby consents to the appointment of such a receiver and agrees that such receiver shall have all of the rights and powers granted to Mortgagee pursuant to Section 7.4 . In addition, to the extent permitted by Law, and with or without the appointment of a receiver, or an application therefor, Mortgagee may (a) enter upon, and take possession of (and Mortgagor shall surrender actual possession of), the Property or any part thereof, without notice to Mortgagor and without bringing any legal action or proceeding, or, if necessary by force, legal proceedings, ejectment or otherwise, and (b) remove and exclude Mortgagor and its agents and employees therefrom.
Section 7.6     Management of the Property .

Upon obtaining possession of the Property or upon the appointment of a receiver as described in Section 7.5 , Mortgagee or the receiver, as the case may be, may, at its sole option, (a) make all necessary or proper repairs to or upon the Property, (b) operate, maintain, control, make secure and preserve the Property, and (c) complete the construction of any unfinished Improvements on the Property and, in connection therewith, continue any and all outstanding contracts for the erection and completion of such Improvements and make and enter into any further contracts which may be necessary, either in their or its own name or in the name of Mortgagor (the costs of completing such Improvements shall be Expenses secured by this Mortgage and shall accrue interest as provided in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents). Mortgagee or such receiver shall be under no liability for, or by reason of, any such taking of possession, entry, holding, removal, maintaining, operation or management, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct. The exercise of the remedies provided in this Section shall not cure or waive any Default, and the enforcement of such remedies, once commenced, shall continue for so long as Mortgagee shall elect, notwithstanding the fact that the exercise of such remedies may have, for a time, cured the original Default.
Section 7.7     Uniform Commercial Code .

Subject to the provisions of any Intercreditor Agreement, Mortgagee may proceed under the Uniform Commercial Code as to all or any part of the Personalty, and in conjunction therewith may exercise all of the rights, remedies and powers of a secured creditor under the Uniform Commercial Code. Upon the occurrence of any Default, Mortgagor shall assemble all of the Fixtures and make the same available within the Improvements. Any notification required by the Uniform Commercial Code shall be deemed reasonably and properly given if sent in accordance with the Notice provisions of this Mortgage at least ten (10) days





before any sale or other disposition of the Personalty. Disposition of the Personalty shall be deemed commercially reasonable if made pursuant to a public sale advertised at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the community where the Property is located. It shall be deemed commercially reasonable for the Mortgagee to dispose of the Personalty without giving any warranties as to the Personalty and specifically disclaiming all disposition warranties. Alternatively, Mortgagee may choose to dispose of some or all of the Property, in any combination consisting of both Personalty and Real Property, in accordance with the Law and procedures applicable to real property, as permitted by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Mortgagor agrees that such a sale of Personalty together with Real Property constitutes a commercially reasonable sale of the Personalty.
Section 7.8     Application of Proceeds .

Unless otherwise provided by applicable Law, all proceeds from the sale of the Property or any part thereof pursuant to the rights and remedies set forth in this Article VII and any other proceeds received by Mortgagee from the exercise of any of its other rights and remedies hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall be applied first to pay all Expenses and next in reduction of the other Obligations, in such manner and order as Mortgagee may elect.
Section 7.9     Other Remedies .

Mortgagee shall have the right from time to time to protect, exercise and enforce any legal or equitable remedy against Mortgagor provided under the Loan Documents or by applicable Laws.

Article VIII
Miscellaneous .


Section 8.1     Rights, Powers and Remedies Cumulative .

Each right, power and remedy of Mortgagee, as provided for in this Mortgage, or in any of the other Loan Documents or now or hereafter existing by Law, shall be cumulative and concurrent and shall be in addition to every other right, power or remedy provided for in this Mortgage, or in any of the other Loan Documents or now or hereafter existing by Law, and the exercise or beginning of the exercise by Mortgagee of any one or more of such rights, powers or remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by Mortgagee of any or all such other rights, powers or remedies.
Section 8.2     No Waiver by Mortgagee .

No course of dealing or conduct by or among Mortgagee and Mortgagor shall be effective to amend, modify or change any provisions of this Mortgage or the other Loan Documents. No failure or delay by Mortgagee to insist upon the strict performance of any term, covenant or agreement of this Mortgage or of any of the other Loan Documents, or to exercise any right, power or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall constitute a waiver of any such term, covenant or agreement or of any such breach, or preclude Mortgagee from exercising any such right, power or remedy at any later time or times. By accepting payment after the due date of any of the Obligations, Mortgagee shall not be deemed to waive the right either to require prompt payment when due of all other Obligations, or to declare a Default for failure to make prompt payment of any such other Obligations. Neither Mortgagor nor any other Person now or hereafter obligated for the payment of the whole or any part of the Obligations shall be relieved of such liability by reason of (a) the failure of Mortgagee to comply with any request of Mortgagor or of any other Person to take action to





foreclose this Mortgage or otherwise enforce any of the provisions of this Mortgage, or (b) any agreement or stipulation between any subsequent owner or owners of the Property and Mortgagee, or (c) Mortgagee's extending the time of payment or modifying the terms of this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents without first having obtained the consent of Mortgagor or such other Person. Regardless of consideration, and without the necessity for any notice to or consent by the holder of any subordinate Lien on the Property, Mortgagee may release any Person at any time liable for any of the Obligations or any part of the security for the Obligations and may extend the time of payment or otherwise modify the terms of this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents without in any way impairing or affecting the Lien and security title of this Mortgage or the priority of this Mortgage over any subordinate Lien. The holder of any subordinate Lien shall have no right to terminate any Lease regardless of whether or not such Lease is subordinate to this Mortgage. Mortgagee may resort to the security or collateral described in this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents in such order and manner as Mortgagee may elect in its sole discretion.
Section 8.3     Waivers and Agreements Regarding Remedies .

To the full extent Mortgagor may do so, Mortgagor hereby:
(a) agrees that it will not at any time plead, claim or take advantage of any Laws now or hereafter in force providing for any appraisement, valuation, stay, extension or redemption, and waives and releases all rights of redemption, valuation, appraisement, stay of execution, reinstatement, extension and notice of election to accelerate the Obligations;

(b) waives all rights to a marshalling of the assets of Mortgagor, including the Property, or to a sale in the inverse order of alienation in the event of a foreclosure of the Property, and agrees not to assert any right under any Law pertaining to the marshalling of assets, the sale in inverse order of alienation, the exemption of homestead, the administration of estates of decedents, or other matters whatsoever to defeat, reduce or affect the right of Mortgagee under the terms of this Mortgage to a sale of the Property without any prior or different resort for collection, or the right of Mortgagee to the payment of the Obligations out of the proceeds of sale of the Property in preference to every other claimant whatsoever;

(c) waives any right to bring or utilize any defense, counterclaim or setoff, other than one which denies the existence or sufficiency of the facts upon which any foreclosure action is grounded. If any defense, counterclaim or setoff, other than one permitted by the preceding clause, is timely raised in a foreclosure action, such defense, counterclaim or setoff shall be dismissed. If such defense, counterclaim or setoff is based on a Claim which could be tried in an action for money damages, such Claim may be brought in a separate action which shall not thereafter be consolidated with the foreclosure action. The bringing of such separate action for money damages shall not be deemed to afford any grounds for staying the foreclosure action; and

(d) waives and relinquishes any and all rights and remedies which Mortgagor may have or be able to assert by reason of the provisions of any Laws pertaining to the rights and remedies of sureties.

Section 8.4     Successors and Assigns .

All of the grants, covenants, terms, provisions and conditions of this Mortgage shall run with the Land and shall apply to and bind the successors and assigns of Mortgagor (including any permitted subsequent owner of the Property), and inure to the benefit of Mortgagee, its successors and assigns and to the successors in trust of Mortgagee.





Section 8.5     No Warranty by Mortgagee .

By inspecting the Property or by accepting or approving anything required to be observed, performed or fulfilled by Mortgagor or to be given to Mortgagee pursuant to this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents, Mortgagee shall not be deemed to have warranted or represented the condition, sufficiency, legality, effectiveness or legal effect of the same, and such acceptance or approval shall not constitute any warranty or representation with respect thereto by Mortgagee.
Section 8.6     Amendments .

This Mortgage may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement of the change is sought.
Section 8.7     Severability .

In the event any one or more of the provisions of this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part or in any other respect, or in the event any one or more of the provisions of the Loan Documents operates or would prospectively operate to invalidate this Mortgage or any of the other Loan Documents, then and in either of those events, at the option of Mortgagee, such provision or provisions only shall be deemed null and void and shall not affect the validity of the remaining Obligations, and the remaining provisions of the Loan Documents shall remain operative and in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
Section 8.8     Notices .

All Notices required or which any party desires to give hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be in writing and, unless otherwise required by applicable law or otherwise specifically provided in such other Loan Document, shall be deemed sufficiently given or furnished if given in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Agreement.
Section 8.9     Rules of Construction .

The words "hereof," "herein," "hereunder," "hereto," and other words of similar import refer to this Mortgage in its entirety. The terms "agree" and "agreements" mean and include "covenant" and "covenants." The words "include" and "including" shall be interpreted as if followed by the words "without limitation." The headings of this Mortgage are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered a part hereof and are not in any way intended to define, limit or enlarge the terms hereof. All references (a) made in the neuter, masculine or feminine gender shall be deemed to have been made in all such genders, (b) made in the singular or plural number shall be deemed to have been made, respectively, in the plural or singular number as well, (c) to the Loan Documents are to the same as extended, amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time unless expressly indicated otherwise, (d) to the Land, Improvements, Personalty, Real Property or Property shall mean all or any portion of each of the foregoing, respectively, and (e) to Articles or Sections are to the respective Articles or Sections contained in this Mortgage unless expressly indicated otherwise. Any term used or defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State, as in effect from time to time, which is not defined in this Mortgage shall have the meaning ascribed to that term in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State. If a term is defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State differently than in another Article of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State, the term shall have the meaning specified in Article 9.






Section 8.10     Governing Law .

This Mortgage shall be construed, governed and enforced in accordance with the Laws in effect from time to time in the State.
Section 8.11     Entire Agreement .

The Loan Documents constitute the entire understanding and agreement between Mortgagor and Mortgagee with respect to the transactions arising in connection with the Loan, and supersede all prior written or oral understandings and agreements between Mortgagor and Mortgagee with respect to the matters addressed in the Loan Documents. In particular, and without limitation, the terms of any commitment by Mortgagee to make the Loan are merged into the Loan Documents. Except as incorporated in writing into the Loan Documents, there are no representations, understandings, stipulations, agreements or promises, oral or written, with respect to the matters addressed in the Loan Documents.

(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)







IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Mortgagor executed this Mortgage effective as of the date first above written, intending to create an instrument executed under seal.


 
MORTGAGOR:
 
 
 
TDG OPERATIONS, LLC
 
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ Jon A. Faulkner (SEAL)
 
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
 
Title: President
 
 

State of Tennessee
Hamilton County

I, Barbara Brickman, a Notary Public in and for said County in said State, hereby certify that Jon A. Faulkner whose name as President of TDG OPERATIONS, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company, is signed to the foregoing conveyance and who is known to me, acknowledged before me on this day that, being informed of the contents of the conveyance, he, as such President and with full authority, executed the same voluntarily for and as the act of said TDG OPERATIONS, LLC.

Given under my hand this 14th day of January, 2015.

/s/ Barbara Brickman     
Notary Public

My Commission Expires:7/6/2016










EXHIBIT A
TO MORTGAGE

Exhibit A to Mortgage executed effective as of January ___, 2015, by TDG OPERATIONS, LLC as "Mortgagor" for the benefit of First Tennessee Bank National Association as "Mortgagee".
Land
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
That real property situated in the County of Mobile, State of Alabama, described as follows, to-wit:
Beginning at the Southwest corner of Block "2" of Jacintoport, Unit One, Section "A", as recorded in Map Book 21, Page 93 of the Probate Court Records, Mobile County, Alabama, said point being on the North right of way line of Jacintoport Boulevard, thence run South 86 degrees 40 minutes East along the Southern boundary of said Block "2" and said North line of Jacintoport Boulevard a distance of 615.34 feet to the intersection with the West right of way line of Bill Myles Drive West, said point being the P.C. of a curve to the left having a central angle of 87 degrees 43 minutes 35 seconds and a radius of 50 feet; thence along the Eastern boundary of said Block "2" and said West line of Bill Myles Drive West run Northeastwardly along the arc of said curve 76.63 feet: to the P.T. of said curve; thence continuing along said Eastern boundary of said Block "2" and said West line of Bill Myles Drive West run North 05 degrees 33 minutes 36 seconds East 1077.33 feet to a point; thence run North 86 degrees 37 minutes 29 seconds West 663.59 feet to a point on the Western boundary of said Block "2" said point also being on the East right of way line of a 100 foot Southern Railway right of way; thence run South 05 degrees 33 minutes 01 seconds West along said Western boundary of Block "2" and said East line of Southern Railway right of way a distance of 1125.94 feet to the point of beginning.






EXHIBIT 10.77
MORTGAGEE'S SUBORDINATION AND CONSENT
To induce WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC , as agent for a syndicate of lenders (in such capacity, " Agent "), and the lenders party to the below-described Credit Facility, to continue to extend secured credit to THE DIXIE GROUP, INC. , a Tennessee corporation (" Dixie "), CANDLEWICK YARNS, LLC , an Alabama limited liability company (" Candlewick "), FABRICA INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a California corporation (" Fabrica "), and TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company formerly known as Masland Carpets, LLC, (" TDG "; Dixie, Candlewick, Fabrica and TDG are referred to hereinafter individually as a " Borrower ", and collectively as the " Borrowers "), FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the " Mortgagee ") hereby certifies and agrees for the benefit of the Agent, and its successors and assigns, as follows:
1.     Premises; Mortgage . The Mortgagee holds or intends to hold a mortgage lien on certain premises and/or improvements located at 716 Bill Miles Drive, Saraland, Mobile County, Alabama (the " Premises ") pursuant to a mortgage, deed of trust or deed to secure debt (the " Mortgage "), a true, correct and complete copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A . To the best of Mortgagee's knowledge, the Mortgage is or will be in full force and effect and no Borrower or other applicable grantor or mortgagor thereunder is in default of any provision of the Mortgage as of the date hereof.
2.     Subordination .
(a)    The Mortgagee hereby subordinates any title, security interest, lien, claim or other interest in any of each Borrower's accounts, chattel paper, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, equipment, general intangibles, instruments, inventory, investment property, letter-of-credit rights and letters of credit, all whether now or hereafter existing (collectively, " Personal Property Collateral "), to any title, security interest, lien, claim or other interest in the foregoing now or hereafter held by the Agent. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Mortgagee does not hereby subordinate any interest in the land and improvements that constitute the Premises, fixtures which are necessary for the operation of the Premises as opposed to the operation of any Borrower's business (such as plumbing systems, HVAC systems and the like), general intangibles which are necessary for the operation of Premises as opposed to the operation of any Borrower's business (such as certificates of occupancy, etc.), leases and rents relating to or generated from the Premises, rights and interests under any interest rate swap (or similar transaction) in connection with loans made by Mortgagee which are secured by the Premises, or any proceeds or products of the foregoing, all whether now or hereafter existing (all of the foregoing being the " Mortgagee Priority Collateral ").
(b)     Agent hereby subordinates any title, security interest, lien, claim or other interest it now or hereafter has in the Mortgagee Priority Collateral to any title, security interest, lien, claim or other interest in the Mortgagee Priority Collateral now or hereafter held by the Mortgagee.
3.     Notices to Agent . The Mortgagee shall endeavor to promptly notify the Agent as provided herein of each of the following events:
(a)    Any notice which the Mortgagee may give to any Borrower regarding termination of any Borrower's rights to use or possess the Premises;
(b)    Any legal action which the Mortgagee may commence to foreclose any Borrower's interests in the Premises or to appoint a receiver for the Premises; and





(c)    Any agreement or proposal for any Borrower to voluntarily convey to the Mortgagee title to all or any portion of the Premises.

All notices to the Agent shall be deemed given when received by Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC at 1100 Abernathy Road, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30328. Mortgagee shall not be liable for failure to provide any such notice in good faith.
4.     Agent's Right to Occupy Premises . The Mortgagee hereby grants the Agent the right to take and remain in possession of the Premises for purposes of holding, processing, manufacturing, selling, using, storing, liquidating, realizing upon or otherwise disposing of the Personal Property Collateral, and for related and incidental purposes, for up to 120 days from and after the receipt by the Agent of the notice required under paragraph 3 hereof. The Agent shall reimburse the Mortgagee for any physical damage to the Premises actually caused by the Agent. The Mortgagee acknowledges that the Agent shall not be liable for any diminution in value of the Premises during the period of time in which the Agent has physical possession of the Premises.
5.     Miscellaneous . This Subordination and Consent shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws (other than conflict laws) of the State of Georgia. No failure on the part of the Agent or Mortgagee to exercise, and no delay in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy hereunder preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or remedy or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. This Subordination and Consent expresses completely, exclusively and finally all the agreements, conditions and covenants of the parties and does not need evidence (written or oral) of prior, contemporaneous or subsequent statements or representations (express or implied) to reflect the intentions of the parties. This Subordination and Consent may not be supplemented or modified except in writing. This Subordination and Consent inures to the benefit of and binds the Agent and Mortgagee and their respective successors and assigns. The Mortgagee and Agent will notify any successor or assign of the terms of this Subordination and Consent. This Subordination and Consent does not imply a commitment to lend and shall be binding as long as the credit facility established by the Credit Agreement dated September 13, 2011, among Agent, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”), Borrowers and others, as now or hereafter amended, modified, restated or supplemented (the “ Credit Facility ”), remains outstanding, or any obligations of any Borrower to the Agent or the Lenders remain outstanding thereunder or are subject to being set aside, recovered, rescinded or required to be returned for any reason. This Subordination and Consent may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one agreement, and the delivery of an executed version hereof in electronic or facsimile form (including in pdf format) shall have the same effect as the delivery of an original. THE PARTIES WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BASED ON OR PERTAINING TO THIS SUBORDINATION AND CONSENT .

[signature page follows]










IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Subordination and Consent has been executed and delivered by the Mortgagee as of this 23rd day of January, 2015.


FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:
/s/ Sybil H. Weldon    
Name:
Sybil H. Weldon    
Title:
Senior Vice President


ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC , as Agent

By:      /s/ Gary Forlenza
Name: Gary Forlenza
Title:     VP






ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AUTHORIZATION
The undersigned, as all of the Lenders under the Credit Facility described in the foregoing Mortgagee’s Subordination and Consent (the “ Subordination and Consent ”) executed by First Tennessee Bank National Association in favor of Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent under the Credit Facility described therein, hereby (a) acknowledge all of the terms of the Subordination and Consent, and (b) authorize Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, in its capacity as Agent, to execute and deliver the Subordination and Consent and to release its Lien in the Premises.
 
WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC , as a Lender

By:      /s/ Gary Forlenza
Name: Gary Forlenza
Title:     VP


BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Lender

By:      /s/ Robert B.H. Moore
Name: Robert B. H. Moore
Title:     Senior Vice President





EXHIBIT 10.78
EXECUTION VERSION

AMENDED AND RESTATED
MORTGAGEE'S SUBORDINATION AND CONSENT
To induce WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC , as agent for a syndicate of lenders (in such capacity, " Agent "), and the lenders party to the below-described Credit Facility, to continue to extend secured credit to THE DIXIE GROUP, INC. , a Tennessee corporation (" Dixie "), CANDLEWICK YARNS, LLC , an Alabama limited liability company (" Candlewick "), FABRICA INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a California corporation (" Fabrica "), and TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company formerly known as Masland Carpets, LLC, (" TDG "; Dixie, Candlewick, Fabrica and TDG are referred to hereinafter individually as a " Borrower ", and collectively as the " Borrowers "), FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the " Mortgagee ") hereby certifies and agrees for the benefit of the Agent, and its successors and assigns, as follows:
1.     Premises; Mortgage . The Mortgagee holds or intends to hold a mortgage lien on certain premises and/or improvements located at 400 Princeton Blvd., Adairsville, Bartow County, Georgia (the " Premises ") pursuant to a mortgage, deed of trust or deed to secure debt (the " Mortgage "), a true, correct and complete copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A . To the best of Mortgagee's knowledge, the Mortgage is or will be in full force and effect and no Borrower or other applicable grantor or mortgagor thereunder is in default of any provision of the Mortgage as of the date hereof.
2.     Subordination .
(a)    The Mortgagee hereby subordinates any title, security interest, lien, claim or other interest in any of each Borrower's accounts, chattel paper, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, equipment, general intangibles, instruments, inventory, investment property, letter-of-credit rights and letters of credit, all whether now or hereafter existing (collectively, " Personal Property Collateral "), to any title, security interest, lien, claim or other interest in the foregoing now or hereafter held by the Agent. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Mortgagee does not hereby subordinate any interest in the land and improvements that constitute the Premises, fixtures which are necessary for the operation of the Premises as opposed to the operation of any Borrower's business (such as plumbing systems, HVAC systems and the like), general intangibles which are necessary for the operation of Premises as opposed to the operation of any Borrower's business (such as certificates of occupancy, etc.), leases and rents relating to or generated from the Premises, rights and interests under any interest rate swap (or similar transaction) in connection with loans made by the Mortgagee which are secured by the Premises, or any proceeds or products of the foregoing, all whether now or hereafter existing (all of the foregoing being the " Mortgagee Priority Collateral ").
(b)     Agent hereby subordinates any title, security interest, lien, claim or other interest it now or hereafter has in the Mortgagee Priority Collateral to any title, security interest, lien, claim or other interest in the Mortgagee Priority Collateral now or hereafter held by the Mortgagee.
3.     Notices to Agent . The Mortgagee shall endeavor to promptly notify the Agent as provided herein of each of the following events:
(a)    Any notice which the Mortgagee may give to any Borrower regarding termination of any Borrower's rights to use or possess the Premises;





(b)    Any legal action which the Mortgagee may commence to foreclose any Borrower's interests in the Premises or to appoint a receiver for the Premises; and
(c)    Any agreement or proposal for any Borrower to voluntarily convey to the Mortgagee title to all or any portion of the Premises.

All notices to the Agent shall be deemed given when received by Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC at 1100 Abernathy Road, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30328. Mortgagee shall not be liable for failure to provide any such notice in good faith.
4.     Agent's Right to Occupy Premises . The Mortgagee hereby grants the Agent the right to take and remain in possession of the Premises for purposes of holding, processing, manufacturing, selling, using, storing, liquidating, realizing upon or otherwise disposing of the Personal Property Collateral, and for related and incidental purposes, for up to 120 days from and after the receipt by the Agent of the notice required under paragraph 3 hereof. The Agent shall reimburse the Mortgagee for any physical damage to the Premises actually caused by the Agent. The Mortgagee acknowledges that the Agent shall not be liable for any diminution in value of the Premises during the period of time in which the Agent has physical possession of the Premises.
5.     Miscellaneous . This Subordination and Consent shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws (other than conflict laws) of the State of Georgia. No failure on the part of the Agent or Mortgagee to exercise, and no delay in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy hereunder preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or remedy or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. This Subordination and Consent expresses completely, exclusively and finally all the agreements, conditions and covenants of the parties and does not need evidence (written or oral) of prior, contemporaneous or subsequent statements or representations (express or implied) to reflect the intentions of the parties. This Subordination and Consent may not be supplemented or modified except in writing. This Subordination and Consent amends and restates the Mortgagee's Subordination and Consent among the parties dated on or about November 7, 2104. This Subordination and Consent inures to the benefit of and binds the Agent and Mortgagee and their respective successors and assigns. The Mortgagee and Agent will notify any successor or assign of the terms of this Subordination and Consent. This Subordination and Consent does not imply a commitment to lend and shall be binding as long as the credit facility established by the Credit Agreement dated September 13, 2011, among Agent, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”), Borrowers and others, as now or hereafter amended, modified, restated or supplemented (the “ Credit Facility ”), remains outstanding, or any obligations of any Borrower to the Agent or the Lenders remain outstanding thereunder or are subject to being set aside, recovered, rescinded or required to be returned for any reason. This Subordination and Consent may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one agreement, and the delivery of an executed version hereof in electronic or facsimile form (including in pdf format) shall have the same effect as the delivery of an original. THE PARTIES WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BASED ON OR PERTAINING TO THIS SUBORDINATION AND CONSENT .

[signature page follows]






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Subordination and Consent has been executed and delivered by the Mortgagee as of this 23rd day of January, 2015.


FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:
/s/ Sybil H. Weldon     
Name:
Sybil H. Weldon    
Title:
Senior Vice President


ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC , as Agent

By:      /s/ Gary Forlenza
Name: Gary Forlenza
Title:     VP






ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AUTHORIZATION
The undersigned, as all of the Lenders under the Credit Facility described in the foregoing Mortgagee’s Subordination and Consent (the “ Subordination and Consent ”) executed by First Tennessee Bank National Association in favor of Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Agent under the Credit Facility described therein, hereby (a) acknowledge all of the terms of the Subordination and Consent, and (b) authorize Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, in its capacity as Agent, to execute and deliver the Subordination and Consent.
 
WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC , as a Lender

By:      /s/ Gary Forlenza
Name: Gary Forlenza
Title:     VP

BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Lender

By:      /s/ Robert B. H. Moore
Name:     Robert B. H. Moore
Title: Senior Vice President








EXHIBIT 10.79





(ABOVE SPACE FOR RECORDER'S USE)

RECORDING REQUESTED BY AND              Maturity Date: January 7, 2025
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:                  Intangible Taxes Due: $738.28 --
CHAMBLISS, BAHNER & STOPHEL, P.C.          See Apportionment Affidavit LIBERTY TOWER                              Attached
605 CHESTNUT STREET, SUITE 1700
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37450
ATTENTION: JAY YOUNG

State of Georgia

County of Bartow

AMENDMENT TO DEED TO SECURE DEBT, ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND LEASES, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING
This Amendment to Deed to Secure Debt, Assignment of Rents and LeaseS, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing ("Amendment") is made and entered effective as of January 23, 2015, between TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company, whose address is 2208 South Hamilton Street, Dalton, Georgia 30721 ("Grantor"), and FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association, whose address is 701 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402 ("Grantee").
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
Grantor executed a Deed to Secure Debt, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing in favor of Grantee, dated November 7, 2014, which is recorded at Book 2727, Page 797 (Doc. # 012454), in the Office of the Superior Court Clerk for Bartow County, Georgia, as previously amended at Book 2727, Page 819 (Doc. # 012455), in said Office (as amended, the "Deed to Secure Debt").
The Deed to Secure Debt secures, among other Obligations, all debts, obligations and liabilities of Grantor to Grantee under the Term Loan Agreement, dated November 7, 2014 among Grantor, Grantee and others as previously amended by an Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated November 7, 2014 (as amended, the "Loan Agreement") and under any other amendments or modifications thereof, and all promissory notes now or hereafter evidencing loans from Grantee to Grantor.
On even date herewith, the parties are entering into a Second Amendment to Term Loan Agreement ("Second Amendment to Loan Agreement") pursuant to which the Loan Agreement is being further amended to reflect an additional loan from Grantee to Grantor in the principal amount of Six Million Two Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($6,290,000) which is further evidenced by a Term Note (Third Loan) in that principal amount dated of even date herewith payable by Grantor to Grantee which matures January 7, 2025 (the "2015 Note").
The parties desire to evidence their intention that the debts, obligations and liabilities arising pursuant to, on account of, or which are otherwise evidenced by the Second Amendment to Loan Agreement or the 2015 Note are part of the Obligations secured by the Deed to Secure Debt.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the loan evidenced by the 2015 Note, the premises and mutual promises contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:





1. Amendments
(a) The parties acknowledge and agree that the debts, obligations and liabilities now or hereafter outstanding, arising pursuant to, on account of, or which are otherwise evidenced by the Loan Agreement as further amended by the Second Amendment to Loan Agreement, the 2015 Note or the other Notes described in the Loan Agreement, or any other Loan Documents now or hereafter executed in connection therewith, or under any Interest Rate Swap relating to such debts, liabilities and obligations, constitute part of the Obligations secured by the Deed to Secure Debt. To further confirm that intent, the definition of the term "Notes" on Page 4 of the Deed to Secure Debt is amended to read as follows:

" Notes " means: (i) the Term Note in the principal amount of Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) dated November 7, 2014 payable by Grantor to Grantee which matures November 7, 2024; (ii) the Term Note (Second Loan) in the principal amount of Four Million Three Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($4,330,000) , dated November 7, 2014, payable by Grantor to Grantee which matures November 7, 2024; (iii) the Term Note (Second Loan) in the principal amount of Six Million Two Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($6,290,000), dated January 23, 2015, payable by Grantor to Grantee which matures January 7, 2025; (iv) all other promissory notes, instruments and documents now or hereafter evidencing any loans, advances or other extensions of credit now or hereafter existing from Grantee to Grantor; and (v) all amendments, modifications or replacements of any of the foregoing. Unless sooner due and payable as provided in accordance with the terms of the Notes, the latest maturity date currently set forth in a Note is January 7, 2025.
(b) To further confirm the intent of the parties, and in order to secure the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations (including, without limitation, the debts, obligations and liabilities now or hereafter evidenced by any of the "Notes" as defined above or by the Loan Agreement as further amended by the Second Amendment to Loan Agreement or any Interest Rate Swap relating to any of the foregoing), Grantor (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally grants, bargains, sells, conveys, transfers and assigns to Grantee with power of sale and right of entry and possession, all estate, right, title and interest the Grantor now has or may later acquire in or to the Real Property; (b) grants to Grantee a security interest in the Personalty and Fixtures, (c) assigns to Grantee, and grants to Grantee a security interest in, all Condemnation Awards and all Insurance Proceeds, and (d) absolutely and unconditionally assigns the Leases and Rents to Grantee, to have and to hold to the use, benefit and behoof of Grantee forever in fee simple, all pursuant and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Deed to Secure Debt.

2. Miscellaneous
(a) The terms of the Deed to Secure Debt are incorporated herein by reference. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given such terms in the Deed to Secure Debt.
(b) Except as specifically modified herein, all provisions of the Deed to Secure Debt shall remain in full force and effect. The parties agree that this Amendment shall not constitute a novation of, and shall in no way adversely affect or impair the lien priority of, the Deed to Secure Debt. The parties are executing this Amendment merely to confirm their intention that the debts, obligations, and liabilities evidenced by the Second Amendment to Term Loan Agreement and the 2015 Note, or any Interest Rate Swap relating to any debt, obligation or liability evidenced thereby or by any other Note or Loan Document, shall also be Obligations entitled to the benefits and security of the Deed to Secure Debt.

(c) This Amendment may be executed in separate counterparts, all of which constitute one and the same Amendment.

(Signature page attached)








IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment under seal effective as of the date first above written and this Amendment shall constitute and has the effect of a sealed instrument according to law.


Signed, sealed and delivered on                GRANTOR:
January 23, 2015, in the presence of:
TDG OPERATIONS, LLC
/s/ Lisa Sampley     
Unofficial Witness                    By: /s/ Jon A. Faulkner (SEAL)
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Peggy A. Bigham                         Title: President
Notary Public
My commission expires:9-18-18
[NOTARIAL SEAL]
    


Signed, sealed and delivered on                  GRANTEE:
January 23, 2015, in the presence of:
FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL
_____________________________                      ASSOCIATION
Unofficial Witness
By: /s/ Sybil H. Weldon (SEAL)
_____________________________              Name: Sybil H. Weldon
Notary Public                          Title: Senior Vice President and Manager
My commission expires:__________
[NOTARIAL SEAL]





EXHIBIT 10.80
SECOND AMENDMENT TO TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

This SECOND AMENDMENT TO TERM LOAN AGREEMENT ("Amendment") is entered into effective January 23, 2015, between TDG OPERATIONS, LLC , a Georgia limited liability company ("Borrower"), and FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national bank association ("Lender").

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
Borrower and Lender are parties to a Term Loan Agreement dated November 7, 2014, as previously amended (the "Agreement"). Pursuant to the Agreement, Lender made Loans to Borrower in the principal amounts of: (i) $4,000,000 as evidenced by a Term Note in that principal amount dated November 7, 2014, payable by Borrower to Lender ; and (ii) $4,330,000 as evidenced by a Term Note (Second Loan) in that principal amount dated November 7, 2014, payable by Borrower to Lender.
Borrower has requested that Lender make an additional loan to Borrower in the principal amount of $6,290,000 (the "2015 Loan") in order to refinance facilities owned by Borrower in Saraland, Alabama, and Lender has agreed to make that 2015 Loan subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the 2015 Loan, the premises above, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:     
1. Amendments.

(a) Lender agrees to make the 2015 Loan to Borrower subject to the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

(b) The 2015 Loan shall constitute a "Loan" for all purposes of the Agreement and shall be entitled to the benefits and security of the Agreement and the other Loan Documents including, without limitation, the security interests, liens and other encumbrances created by the Security Documents.

(c) The Guarantors are entering into a Second Amendment to Guaranty Agreement on even date herewith to confirm that the 2015 Loan is also guaranteed pursuant to the Guaranty.

(d) The definition of the term "Deed to Secure Debt" in Article 1 of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:
1.3      Deed to Secure Debt. The following: (i) the Deed to Secure Debt, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated November 7, 2014 from Borrower to Lender as amended, encumbering Borrower's Premises in Adairsville, Georgia, and securing repayment of the Obligations and the other indebtedness, obligations and liabilities described therein; (ii) the Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated January 23, 2015 from Borrower to Lender encumbering Borrower's Premises in Saraland, Alabama, and securing repayment of the Obligations and the other indebtedness, obligations and liabilities described therein; (iii) all other mortgages, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt and other agreements and documents at any time executed by Borrower or any other Person in favor of Lender which secures the Obligations; and (iv) all amendments and restatements of any of the foregoing.
(e) R eferences in the Agreement to the "Project" shall mean any Project. At the time of this Amendment, the Projects are the ones located in Adairsville, Georgia, and Saraland, Alabama, on the Land more particularly described on Exhibit A attached to this Amendment.





(f) Exhibit A attached to the Agreement (describing the Land) is replaced by Exhibit A attached to this Amendment. The parties agree that the term "Land" shall include all of the real property described on Exhibit A attached to this Amendment.

(g) The definition of the term "Improvements" in Article 1 of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:
1.12      Improvements . The existing improvements on any Land together with any future improvements located on any Land.
(h) The definition of term "Loans" in Article 1 of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:

1.17      Loan(s) . The following: (i) the loan from Lender to Borrower in the amount of $4,000,000 evidenced by the Note in that amount dated November 7, 2014; (ii) the loan from Lender to Borrower in the amount of $4,330,000 evidenced by the Note in that amount dated November 7, 2014; (iii) the loan from Lender to Borrower in the amount of $6,290,000 evidenced by the Note in that amount dated January 23, 2015; and (iv) any other loans made by Lender to Borrower pursuant to this Agreement (as from time to time amended), which loans may be evidenced by the Notes. The terms of the Loans are provided for herein and in the Notes and the other Loan Documents.
(i) The 2015 Loan shall be further evidenced by Term Note (Third Loan) in the principal amount of $6,290,000 dated the date hereof payable by Borrower to Lender. That Term Note (Third Loan) shall constitute a "Note" for all purposes of the Agreement. To further confirm that intent, the definition of the term "Notes" in Article 1 of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:

1.21      Note(s) . The following: (i) Term Note dated November 7, 2014 from Borrower to Lender in the principal amount of $4,000,000; (ii) Term Note dated November 7, 2014, from Borrower to Lender in the principal amount of $4,330,000; (iii) Term Note dated January 23, 2015 from Borrower to Lender in the principal amount of $6,290,000; (iv) any other promissory notes or instruments at any time payable by Borrower to Lender in connection with Loans made under this Agreement (as amended from time to time); and (vi) all amendments and restatements of any of the foregoing.
(j) Section 1.28 of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:

1.28      Title Insurance Agents.
Contact Information:      Metropolitan Title Agency, Inc.
Attn: John Cripe
1820 The Exchange, Suite 550
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Telephone: (770) 933-0073

Surety Land Title, Inc.
5909 Airport Boulevard
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Attn: Cindy Barton
Telephone: (251) 343-4200

(k) Section 1.30 of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:
1.30      Title Insurance Company. Chicago Title Insurance Company.





(l) In connection with Section 2.1 of the Agreement, Borrower agrees that the 2015 Loan shall be used to refinance the Project in Saraland, Alabama, and for operating capital and for no other purpose. The 2015 Loan is for commercial purposes.

(m) The date "September 30, 2014" is inserted in Section 2.3 of the Agreement immediately after the date "June 30, 2014."

(n) The phrase "the Closing Date" in Section 2.9 of the Agreement is amended to read, "January 23, 2015."

(o) The parties acknowledge their intent that all Loans (including the Loans evidenced by the Term Note in the principal amount of $4,000,000 dated November 7, 2014, the Term Note (Second Loan) in the principal amount of $4,330,000 dated November 7, 2014, and the Term Note (Third Loan) in the principal amount of $6,290,000) be fully cross-defaulted and cross-collateralized. If no Default has occurred, and no event which with notice or lapse of time may constitute a Default exists, then:

(i)
Upon the payment in full of the Term Note in the principal amount of $4,000,000 and the Term Note (Second Loan) in the principal amount of $4,330,000, and the payment of all other indebtedness, obligations and liabilities under the Loan Documents relating to the Project in Adairsville, Georgia, Lender shall release the Deed to Secure Debt encumbering the Project located in Adairsville, Georgia and shall release that Project from all of the other Security Documents and other Loan Documents; and

(ii)
Upon the payment in full of the Term Note (Third Loan) in the principal amount of $6,290,000 and the payment of all other indebtedness, obligations and liabilities under the Loan Documents relating to the Project in Saraland, Alabama, Lender shall release the Deed to Secure Debt encumbering the Project located in Saraland, Alabama and shall release that Project from all of the other Security Deed documents and other Loan Documents.

2. Miscellaneous . Except as modified herein, the Agreement remains in full force and effect. By their joinder below, Guarantors specifically agree to the terms of this Amendment and waive all impairment of recourse, impairment of collateral, and other suretyship defenses generally that may otherwise exist in connection with this Amendment or the 2015 Loan. Borrower and Guarantors reaffirm as of the date hereof all of the representations and warranties contained in the Agreement (as amended previously), the Guaranty and the other Loan Documents, and represent and warrant to Lender that all of such representations and warranties are true and correct on the date of this Amendment. Borrower and Guarantors represent and warrant that no Default has occurred, and that no event exists which with notice or lapse of time may constitute a Default. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. The terms of the Agreement and the other Loan Documents are incorporated by reference herein. Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined have the meanings given them in the Agreement. This Amendment may be executed in separate counterparts, all of which constitute one and the same Amendment.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . BORROWER AND LENDER (AND BY THEIR JOINDER, GUARANTORS) HEREBY JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS INSTRUMENT AND TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, THE OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER, ANY COLLATERAL SECURING THE OBLIGATIONS, OR ANY TRANSACTION ARISING THEREFROM OR CONNECTED THERETO. BORROWER, LENDER AND GUARANTORS EACH REPRESENT TO THE OTHER THAT THIS WAIVER IS KNOWINGLY, WILLINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY GIVEN.

(Signature page attached)





IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.

BORROWER:

TDG OPERATIONS, LLC


By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                     
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President

LENDER:

FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION


By:      /s/ Sybil H. Weldon                     
Name: Sybil H. Weldon
Title: Senior Vice President & Manager







The undersigned Guarantors join in the execution of this Agreement for the purposes of agreeing to the representations, covenants and agreements applicable to them:


GUARANTORS:

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.

By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                     
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: Vice President & CFO

C-KNIT APPAREL, INC.

By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                     
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President
 

CANDLEWICK YARNS, LLC

By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                     
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President
 

FABRICA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By:      /s/ Jon A. Faulkner                     
Name: Jon A. Faulkner
Title: President








EXHIBIT A - LAND
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
PROJECT LOCATED IN ADAIRSVILLE, GEORGIA
All that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Adairsville, County of Bartow, State of Georgia.
All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in The City of Adairsville in Land Lot 199 of the 15th District and 3rd Section of Barlow County, Georgia containing 17.480 acres and being more particularly described as follows:
To find the Point of Beginning, commence at the intersection of the North right-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive formerly Mitchell Road (50' R/W) with the line dividing Land Lots 199 and 222 of said district;
THENCE South 86 degrees 49 minutes 48 seconds West for a distance of 80.09 feet along the North right-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive to a point;
THENCE North 87 degrees 21 minutes 11 seconds West for a distance of 150.01 feet along said North right-of-way to a point;
THENCE North 87 degrees 21 minutes 11 seconds West for a distance of 174.90 feet along said North right-of-way to an iron pin found at the intersection of said North right-of-way with the West right-of-way of Princeton Boulevard (100' R/W) and THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
THENCE from The Point of Beginning thus established run North 87 degrees 25 minutes 38 seconds West for a distance of 291.24 feet along the North right-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive to a point;
THENCE North 86 degrees 44 minutes 00 seconds West for a distance of 227.19 feet along said North right-of-way to a point;
THENCE North 87 degrees 22 minutes 40 seconds West for a distance of 150.02 feet along said North right-of-way to a point;
THENCE North 88 degrees 18 minutes 17 seconds West for a distance of 181.10 feet along said North right-of-way to a point;
THENCE North 87 degrees 42 minutes 10 seconds West for a distance of 340.44 feet along said North right-of-way to an iron pin found;
THENCE North 00 degrees 48 minutes 25 seconds East for a distance of 730.96 feet leaving said North right-of-way to an iron pin found;
THENCE South 66 degrees 20 minutes 25 seconds East for a distance of 585.15 feet to an iron pin placed;
THENCE North 51 degrees 57 minutes 18 seconds East for a distance of 465.70 feet to an iron pin placed on the West right-of-way of Princeton Boulevard;
THENCE South 38 degrees 49 minutes 08 seconds East for a distance of 246.85 feet along the West right-of-way of Princeton Boulevard to an iron pin found;
THENCE along a curve to the right having a radius of 556.7 feet and an arc length of 380.73 feet, being subtended by a chord of South 19 degrees 13 minutes 20 seconds East for a distance of 373.36 feet along said West right-of-way to an iron pin found;





THENCE South 00 degrees 22 minutes 07 seconds West for a distance of 290.10 feet along said right-of-way to an iron pin found at the intersection of said West right-of-way with the North right-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive and THE POINT OF BEGINNING.

PROJECT LOCATED IN SARALAND, ALABAMA:
That real property situated in the County of Mobile, State of Alabama, described as follows, to-wit:
Beginning at the Southwest corner of Block "2" of Jacintoport, Unit One, Section "A", as recorded in Map Book 21, Page 93 of the Probate Court Records, Mobile County, Alabama, said point being on the North right of way line of Jacintoport Boulevard, thence run South 86 degrees 40 minutes East along the Southern boundary of said Block "2" and said North line of Jacintoport Boulevard a distance of 615.34 feet to the intersection with the West right of way line of Bill Myles Drive West, said point being the P.C. of a curve to the left having a central angle of 87 degrees 43 minutes 35 seconds and a radius of 50 feet; thence along the Eastern boundary of said Block "2" and said West line of Bill Myles Drive West run Northeastwardly along the arc of said curve 76.63 feet: to the P.T. of said curve; thence continuing along said Eastern boundary of said Block "2" and said West line of Bill Myles Drive West run North 05 degrees 33 minutes 36 seconds East 1077.33 feet to a point; thence run North 86 degrees 37 minutes 29 seconds West 663.59 feet to a point on the Western boundary of said Block "2" said point also being on the East right of way line of a 100 foot Southern Railway right of way; thence run South 05 degrees 33 minutes 01 seconds West along said Western boundary of Block "2" and said East line of Southern Railway right of way a distance of 1125.94 feet to the point of beginning.






EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.

SUBSIDIARY
 
STATE/COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION
Fabrica International, Inc.
 
CA
C-Knit Apparel, Inc.
 
TN
TDG Operations, LLC
 
GA
Candlewick Yarns, LLC
 
AL
Dixie Commercial Consulting (Shanghai) Company Limited
 
Shanghai, China






EXHIBIT 23.1



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:     
(1)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-134779) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. 2006 Stock Awards Plan,     
(2)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-89994) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan,     
(3)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-59564) pertaining to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Dixie Yarns, Inc., Carriage Acquisitions, Inc. and Carriage Industries, Inc., dated as of November 3, 1992,     
(4)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-87534) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan,     
(5)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-81163) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Incentive Stock Plan,     
(6)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-80971) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Core Leadership Team Stock Ownership Plan,     
(7)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-118504) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Directors Stock Plan,     
(8)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.333-168412) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Awards Plan, and     
(9)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.333-188321) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Awards Plan, and
(10)
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-194571) of The Dixie Group, Inc. pertaining to the offering 2,500,000 shares of common stock;
of our reports dated March 12, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of The Dixie Group, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of The Dixie Group, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of The Dixie Group, Inc. for the year ended December 27, 2014.

/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 12, 2015






EXHIBIT 23.2


Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-134779) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. 2006 Stock Awards Plan,

(2)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-89994) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan,

(3)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-59564) pertaining to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Dixie Yarns, Inc., Carriage Acquisitions, Inc. and Carriage Industries, Inc., dated as of November 3, 1992,

(4)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-87534) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan,

(5)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-81163) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Incentive Stock Plan,

(6)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-80971) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Core Leadership Team Stock Ownership Plan,

(7)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-118504) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Directors Stock Plan,

(8)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-168412 ) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Awards Plan,

(9)
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-188321 ) pertaining to The Dixie Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Awards Plan, and

(10)
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-194571 ) of The Dixie Group, Inc.;


of our report dated March 12, 2014, (except for Note 21, as it relates to the two years in the period ended December 28, 2013, as to which the date is March 12, 2015) with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of The Dixie Group, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of The Dixie Group, Inc. for the year ended December 27, 2014.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 12, 2015





EXHIBIT 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Daniel K. Frierson, certify that:
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Dixie Group, Inc.;
1.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
2.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
3.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 12, 2015
 
  /s/ DANIEL K. FRIERSON
 
 
Daniel K. Frierson
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
The Dixie Group, Inc.






EXHIBIT 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Jon A. Faulkner, certify that:
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Dixie Group, Inc.;
1.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
2.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
3.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 12, 2015
  /s/ JON A. FAULKNER
 
Jon A. Faulkner
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
The Dixie Group, Inc.







EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of The Dixie Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Daniel K. Frierson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

(1)
the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ DANIEL K. FRIERSON
Daniel K. Frierson, Chief Executive Officer
Date:
March 12, 2015

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to The Dixie Group, Inc. and will be retained by The Dixie Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.









EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of The Dixie Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Jon A. Faulkner, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

(1)
the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ JON A. FAULKNER
Jon A. Faulkner, Chief Financial Officer
Date:
March 12, 2015

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to The Dixie Group, Inc. and will be retained by The Dixie Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.