UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Earliest Event Reported: May 19, 2010
Intrepid Potash, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 001-34025 | 26-1501877 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) |
(Commission
File Number) |
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
707 17th Street, Suite 4200
Denver, Colorado 80202
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(303) 296-3006
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On May 19, 2010, Intrepid Potash, Inc. (the "Company") entered into Amended and Restated Employment Agreements with Robert P. Jornayvaz III and Hugh E. Harvey, Jr.
Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Employment Agreements (the "Employment Agreements"), Mr. Jornayvaz will serve as the Company's Executive Chairman of the Board and Mr. Harvey will serve as the Company's Executive Vice Chairman of the Board. Each Employment Agreement is for a term of eighteen months, subject to earlier termination as provided in the agreement (the "Term"); provided, however, that the Term will automatically be extended by twelve months on the last day of the initial eighteen month term and on each anniversary of such date thereafter, unless one party provides written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 90 days prior to the effective date of such automatic extension. The Employment Agreements provide for an annual base salary of $100,000, subject to annual review by the Company's compensation committee.
The Employment Agreements provide for the executives to be eligible for all benefits offered generally to senior management, for participation in the senior management bonus programs established by the compensation committee, for grants under the Intrepid Potash Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as are established by the Company's compensation committee and for all perquisites available generally to senior management. The Employment Agreements provide that the executives' target annual bonus/short-term cash incentive is generally intended to be $500,000 per annum and such amount shall not be prorated for any portion of 2010. The Employment Agreements provide that annual grants to be made to the executives under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan are generally intended to have a target grant date fair value of $750,000, commencing with the next annual grants of awards to be made to executives scheduled for 2011. Each of Messrs. Jornayvaz and Harvey is entitled, as a one-time bonus, to ownership of the company-provided automobile that was assigned to each executive as of the effective date of their respective Employment Agreements, personal use of the Company's aircraft, to the extent such use does not interfere with the Company's use of the aircraft for business purposes, and the right to use the Company aircraft under a time-sharing arrangement pursuant to which they will reimburse the Company for the cost of such use up to the limits allowed by Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
The Employment Agreements provide that if an executive is terminated, with or without cause, the executive will be paid accrued compensation, if any, and will be offered continued group health care coverage as required by law, but the executive will not be entitled to severance.
Under the terms of the Employment Agreements, the executives have agreed that during the term of their employment and for a period of 24 months after a termination event, the executives will not solicit the Company's employees or compete with the Company in the potash business and any other business in which the Company is engaged during the term or at the termination of the Employment Agreements.
Copies of the Employment Agreements with Messrs. Jornayvaz and Harvey are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated by reference herein.
Also, on May 19, 2010, the Company entered into Change in Control Severance Agreements with Robert P. Jornayvaz III and Hugh E. Harvey, Jr.
Pursuant to the terms of the Change in Control Severance Agreements (the "Severance Agreements"), each of the executives will be entitled to receive certain payments and benefits upon the occurrence of a "change in control" (as defined below). If either of the executive's employment is terminated within 24 months after the date of a change in control, either by the Company or the acquirer (or by the executive as a result of certain Company or acquirer actions, such as a reduction in
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base salary or bonus opportunity, a material diminution in responsibility, or if the acquirer offers the executive a similar position that would require relocation), such executive will be entitled to receive:
The Severance Agreements do not contain tax gross-up provisions.
In addition, all of such executive's unvested grants under the Company's 2008 Equity Incentive Plan will automatically become fully vested upon the occurrence of a change in control, whether or not the executive's employment is terminated in connection with the change in control.
As a condition to the receipt of payments under the Severance Agreements, the executives are prohibited from divulging the Company's confidential information or disparaging the Company, and from soliciting the Company's employees for a period of one year following the date of termination.
A "change in control" for purposes of the Severance Agreements is deemed to occur if:
The foregoing description of the Severance Agreements is qualified in its entirety by the full terms and conditions of the Severance Agreements, a form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On May 19, 2010, the Company issued a press release announcing several management changes, all of which are effective immediately. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Robert P. Jornayvaz III has become Executive Chairman of the Board and has transitioned from his role as Chief Executive Officer. In his role as the Company's Executive Chairman of the Board, a
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newly created position, Mr. Jornayvaz will focus on strategic matters for the Company, especially matters relating to long-term corporate growth opportunities, sales and marketing, mineral leasing and government affairs. Mr. Jornayvaz will continue to serve as the Company's principal executive officer.
Hugh E. Harvey, Jr., the Company's Chief Technology Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, has become Executive Vice Chairman of the Board and has transitioned from his role as Chief Technology Officer. In this newly created position, Mr. Harvey will advise and collaborate with management on various matters relating to the operations and technology of the Company.
David W. Honeyfield, the Company's Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, has been promoted to President and will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. As President, Mr. Honeyfield will report directly to Mr. Jornayvaz and will, among other things, be responsible for day-to-day business operations and the execution of capital investment projects. Mr. Honeyfield will continue to have his same responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
Mr. Honeyfield, 43, joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary in March 2008. From May 2003 to March 2008, he held various positions with St. Mary Land & Exploration Company, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from March 2007 to March 2008, Chief Financial Officer from May 2005 to March 2007, and Vice PresidentFinance, Treasurer and Secretary from May 2003 to May 2005. While at St. Mary, a public company with shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Mr. Honeyfield, among other things, was responsible for capital structure planning, financial reporting, oversight of company accounting practices, the preparation of forecasts and budgets, and oversight of tax and internal audit functions. Prior to joining St. Mary, Mr. Honeyfield was Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Cimarex Energy Co. from September 2002 to May 2003 and Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Key Production Company, Inc., which was acquired by Cimarex in September 2002. Prior to joining Key Production Company in April 2002, Mr. Honeyfield was a senior manager in the audit practice of Arthur Andersen LLP in Denver. Mr. Honeyfield had been with Arthur Andersen LLP since 1991, serving clients primarily in the mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors.
In connection with the transitions to their new roles, the Company entered into Employment Agreements and Severance Agreements with Messrs. Jornayvaz and Harvey to, among other things, set forth their new titles, roles, responsibilities and compensation. The descriptions of the Employment Agreements and the Severance Agreements are set forth in Item 1.01 above and are incorporated herein by reference.
In connection with Mr. Honeyfield's promotion to President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Mr. Honeyfield's base salary has been increased to $355,000 per annum. Mr. Honeyfield is eligible for all benefits offered generally to senior management, for participation in the senior management bonus programs established by the compensation committee, for grants under the Intrepid Potash Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as are established by the Company's compensation committee and for all perquisites available generally to senior management. Mr. Honeyfield's target annual bonus/short-term cash incentive will be 50 percent of his base salary and his target bonus amount for annual grants to be made under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan will be 90 percent of his base salary. The Company and Mr. Honeyfield have not entered into a written employment agreement.
Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year
Effective as of May 19, 2010, the Company amended its Bylaws to update the titles and description of the responsibilities of its officers. A copy of the Amended and Restated Bylaws is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2.
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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Intrepid Potash, Inc., as amended effective May 19, 2010. | ||
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10.1 |
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Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2010, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Robert P. Jornayvaz III. |
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10.2 |
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Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2010, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Hugh E. Harvey, Jr. |
|
99.1 |
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Press Release of Intrepid Potash, Inc. dated May 19, 2010. |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
|
INTREPID POTASH, INC. |
||
Dated: May 19, 2010 |
|
By: |
|
/s/ MARTIN D. LITT Martin D. Litt Executive Vice President and General Counsel |
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Exhibit 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF
INTREPID POTASH, INC.
(THE "CORPORATION")
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1.01 Delaware Office. The registered office of the Corporation required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the " DGCL ") to be maintained in Delaware shall be as set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (the " Certificate of Incorporation "), unless changed as provided by law
Section 1.02 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have an office or offices and keep the books and records of the Corporation, except as otherwise may be required by law, in such other place or places, either within or outside the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the " Board ") may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 2.01 Place of Meetings. Each meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held at such place, either within or outside the State of Delaware, as may be designated in the notice of such meeting, or, if no place is designated in such notice, at the principal office of the Corporation. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communications in accordance with the DGCL.
Section 2.02 Annual Meetings. An annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held on such date, at such place, if any, and at such time as may be determined by the Board, for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before such meeting.
Section 2.03 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, may be called only by the Board pursuant to a resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors of the Corporation then in office. Such resolution of the Board shall state the purpose or purposes of such proposed meeting. Business transacted at any special meetings of the stockholders shall be limited to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of the special meeting.
Section 2.04 Notice of Meetings.
(a) Except as otherwise required herein, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by applicable law, whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, notice in writing or by electronic transmission of each meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation stating the place, if any, day and hour of such meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting and, in the case of a special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is called, shall be given in accordance with applicable law, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of such meeting.
(b) Notice shall be deemed to be given, if personally delivered, when delivered to the stockholder, and, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, and if by electronic transmission, when given in accordance with applicable law.
(c) When a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation is adjourned to another time or place, if any, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are
announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At such adjourned meeting the Corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for such adjourned meeting, notice of such adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04.
(d) Notice shall be deemed to be given to all stockholders of record who share an address if notice is given in accordance with the "householding" rules set forth in Rule 14a-3(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the " Exchange Act "), and Section 233 of the DGCL.
Section 2.05 Quorum. At each meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, the holders of shares having a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation shall be present or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided by law. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, a majority of the shares of such class or classes or series in person or represented by proxy shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter.
Section 2.06 Adjournments. In the absence of a quorum at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment or adjournments thereof, the Chairman of the Board or holders of shares having a majority of the voting power of the capital stock present or represented by proxy at the meeting may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present or represented by proxy. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented by proxy, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called if a quorum had been present or represented by proxy.
Section 2.07 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.
(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
(1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of the Corporation and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only (A) pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto), (B) by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof or (C) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record of the Corporation at the time the notice provided for in this Section 2.07 is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.07.
(2) For any nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (C) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 2.07, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation and any such proposed business other than the nominations of persons for election to the Board must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day, nor earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting, which anniversary date, in the case of the first annual meeting following the closing of the Corporation's initial public offering, shall be deemed to be May 15, 2008 (provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than seventy (70) days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth
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(10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation). In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above. Such stockholder's notice shall set forth: (A) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director (i) all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and (ii) such person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; (B) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (C) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation's books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (iii) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination or proposal between or among such stockholder and such beneficial owner, any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any others acting in concert with any of the foregoing, (iv) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, warrants, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of the stockholder's notice by, or on behalf of, such stockholder and such beneficial owners, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or such beneficial owner, with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation, (v) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination, and (vi) a representation whether the stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends to be or is part of a group which intends (x) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation's outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee and/or (y) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination. The foregoing notice requirements of this Section 2.07 shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder with respect to business other than a nomination if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her or its intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting in compliance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and such stockholder's proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (a)(2) of this Section 2.07 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of the Corporation is increased effective at the annual meeting and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at
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least one hundred (100) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting, a stockholder's notice required by this Section 2.07 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.
(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting (1) by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof or (2) provided that the Board has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time the notice provided for in this Section 2.07 is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and upon such election and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.07. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, any such stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation's notice of meeting, if the stockholder's notice required by paragraph (A)(2) of this Section 2.07 shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above.
(c) General.
(1) Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.07 shall be eligible to be elected at an annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.07. Except as otherwise provided by law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty (A) to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.07 (including whether the stockholder or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies in support of such stockholder's nominee or proposal in compliance with such stockholder's representation as required by clause (a)(2)(C)(vi) of this Section 2.07) and (B) if any proposed nomination or business was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 2.07, to declare that such nomination shall be disregarded or that such proposed business shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.07, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 2.07, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be
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a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.
(2) For purposes of this Section 2.07, "public announcement" shall include disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.07, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.07 ; provided however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 2.07 (including paragraphs (a)(1)(C) and (b) hereof), and compliance with paragraphs (a)(1)(C) and (b) of this Section 2.07 shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than, as provided in the penultimate sentence of A(2), matters brought properly under and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, as may be amended from time to time). Nothing in this Section 2.07 shall be deemed to affect any rights (a) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation's proxy statement pursuant to applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act or (b) of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 2.08 Proxies and Voting. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation at each meeting of stockholders, each holder of shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to one vote per share. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation, applicable law or the rules and regulations of any stock exchange on which the Corporation's stock is listed, or any other rule or regulation applicable to the Corporation or it stock, all matters shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast at such meeting of stockholders by the holders of shares of capital stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon, a quorum being present. At any meeting of stockholders, every stockholder entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy authorized in accordance with applicable law. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, voting need not be by ballot.
Section 2.09 Inspectors. For each election of directors by the stockholders and in any other case in which it shall be advisable, in the opinion of the Board, that the voting upon any matter shall be conducted by inspectors of election, the Board shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election. If, for any such election of directors or the voting upon any such other matter, any inspector appointed by the Board shall be unwilling or unable to serve, or if the Board shall fail to appoint inspectors, the chairperson of the meeting shall appoint the necessary inspector or inspectors. The inspector(s) so appointed, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, shall be sworn faithfully to execute the duties of inspectors with strict impartiality, and according to the best of their ability, and the oath so taken shall be subscribed by them. Such inspectors shall determine the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding and the voting power of each of the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, and the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the result, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request of the chairperson of the meeting or any stockholder entitled to vote thereat, the inspectors shall make a report in writing
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of any challenge, question or matter determined by them and shall execute a certificate of any fact found by them. No director or candidate for the office of director shall act as an inspector of election of directors. Inspectors need not be stockholders.
Section 2.10 Stock List. A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders, arranged in alphabetical order for each class of stock and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares which are registered in such stockholder's name, shall be maintained by the Corporation and open to the examination of any such stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, (i) during ordinary business hours for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting at the principal place of business of the Corporation or (ii) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting. The stock list shall also be kept at the place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and shall be open to the examination of any such stockholder who is present for any purpose germane to the meeting. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list required by this section or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
Section 2.11 Organization. Meetings of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or in his or her absence by the President, or in his or her absence by a Vice President, or in the absence of the foregoing persons by a chairperson designated by the Board, or in the absence of such designation by a chairperson chosen at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting, but in his or her absence the chairperson of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
Section 2.12 Conduct of Meetings. The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the person presiding over the meeting. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the person presiding over any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and to adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such presiding person, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the chairperson of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) the opening and closing of the polls; (iii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iv) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairperson of the meeting shall determine; (v) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (vi) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter or business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such chairperson should so determine, such chairperson shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.
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ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 3.01 Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, except as otherwise provided in the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 3.02 Number; Terms and Vacancies. The number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation. The directors shall be divided as evenly as possible into three classes as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation. At each annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, the successors of that class of directors of the Corporation whose term expires at that meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the annual meeting at which they are elected. Each director of the Corporation shall hold office until his or her successor shall be duly qualified and elected, subject, however, to such director's earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal. Any newly created directorship or vacancy shall be filled as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent director, except as may be provided for in a Preferred Stock certificate of designation with respect to any additional director elected by the holders of the applicable series of Preferred Stock.
Section 3.03 Qualifications; Election. Directors shall be at least 21 years of age. Directors need not be stockholders. At each meeting of stockholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, the persons receiving a plurality of the votes cast shall be elected directors.
Section 3.04 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Board shall be held at the Corporation's office in the State of Delaware or at such other places, within or outside such State, as the Board may from time to time determine or as shall be specified or fixed in the notice or waiver of notice of any such meeting.
Section 3.05 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held without notice as determined by the Board by resolution.
Section 3.06 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by a majority of the directors then in office or by the Chairman of the Board and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as they or he or she shall fix.
Section 3.07 Notice of Meetings. Notice of each special meeting of the Board stating the time, place and purposes thereof, shall be provided (i) if mailed, not less than five days prior to the meeting, addressed to such director at his or her residence or usual place of business, or (ii) by courier or by facsimile or other electronic transmission (including email) or other similar method at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting.
Section 3.08 Quorum and Manner of Acting. The presence of at least a majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present. Except where a different vote is required or permitted by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws or otherwise, the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum shall be present shall be the act of the Board. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if all the directors consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings, or the transmission or transmissions, are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board. Any one or more directors may participate in any meeting of the Board by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall be deemed to constitute presence in person at a meeting of the Board.
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Section 3.09 Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation. Any such notice provided to the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or the Secretary of the Corporation shall be deemed to constitute notice to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect upon delivery, unless the resignation specifies a later effective date or an effective date determined upon the happening of an event or events and, unless otherwise specified therein, acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 3.10 Compensation of Directors. The Board may provide for the payment to any of the directors of a specified amount for services as director or member of a committee of the Board, or of a specified amount for attendance at each regular or special Board meeting or committee meeting, or of both, and all directors shall be reimbursed for expenses of attendance at any such meeting; provided, however , that nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Section 4.01 Appointment and Powers of Audit Committee. The Board shall establish an Audit Committee consisting of at least three members. The Audit Committee shall have the duties and responsibilities set forth in the Audit Committee Charter established by the Board.
Section 4.02 Appointment and Powers of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board shall establish a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall have the duties and responsibilities set forth in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter established by the Board.
Section 4.03 Appointment and Powers of Compensation Committee. The Board shall establish a Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall have the duties and responsibilities set forth in the Compensation Committee Charter established by the Board.
Section 4.04 Other Committees. The Board shall establish such other committees of the Board as the Board may determine. Such committees shall in each case consist of such number of directors as the Board may determine, and shall have and may exercise, to the extent permitted by law, such powers as the Board may delegate to them in the respective resolutions appointing them.
Section 4.05 Process. A majority of the members of any committee of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the committee and the act of a majority of the members of such committee present at a meeting at which a quorum shall be present shall be the act of the committee. Each committee of the Board may determine its manner of acting and fix the time and place of its meetings, unless the Board shall otherwise provide.
Section 4.06 Action Without a Meeting; Participation by Telephone or Similar Equipment. Unless the Board shall otherwise provide, any action required or permitted to be taken by any committee may be taken without a meeting if all members of the committee consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and the consent or consents, or the transmission transmissions, are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the committee. Unless the Board shall otherwise provide, any one or more members of any such committee may participate in any meeting of the committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting of the committee.
Section 4.07 Resignations; Removals. Any member of any committee may resign from such committee at any time by giving notice to the Board of such resignation. Notice to the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the chairperson of such
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committee or the Secretary of the Corporation shall be deemed to constitute notice to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any member of any such committee may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors. Any vacancies on any committee of the Board shall be filled in the manner set forth above in respect of the appointment of such committee.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 5.01 Number and Qualification. The officers of the Corporation shall consist of the following as designated from time to time by the Board: a Chairman of the Board or Executive Chairman of the Board, an Executive Vice Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Financial Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and such other officers as may from time to time be elected by the Board. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.
Section 5.02 Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall be a director and shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and directors or may designate another director to so preside. If designated an Executive Chairman of the Board, the Chairman of the Board shall be the principal executive officer of the Company when the position of Chief Executive Officer is vacant and shall be responsible for planning and overseeing the implementation of the overall strategic direction of the Corporation and such other duties as the Board may determine.
Section 5.03 Executive Vice Chairman of the Board. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, shall be a director and, if the Chairman of the Board is unavailable to do so, shall preside at meetings of the stockholders and directors or may designate another director to so preside. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Board shall advise the Corporation on the strategic direction of the Corporation as well as the technical aspects of the Corporation's business and as to such other matters as the Board may from time to time request.
Section 5.04 Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer, if any, shall supervise the daily operations of the business of the Corporation. Subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and to the direction of the Chairman of the Board or the Board, he or she shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of Chief Executive Officer or that are delegated to him or her by the Chairman of the Board or the Board. He or she shall have power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation which are authorized and shall have general supervision and direction of all of the other officers, employees and agents of the Corporation.
Section 5.05 President. The President of the Corporation, if any, shall, subject to the direction and supervision of the Board, perform all duties incident to the office of President and as from time to time may be assigned to him or approved by the Board. At the request of the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or in his or her absence or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the President of the Corporation shall perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, and when so acting shall have all the powers and be subject to all the restrictions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
Section 5.06 Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation, if any, shall, subject to the direction and supervision of the Board, supervise the day to day operations of the Corporation and perform all other duties incident to the office of Chief Operating Officer as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Chairman of the Board of the Corporation, the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. At the request of the President of the Corporation, or in his or her absence or inability or refusal to act, the Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation shall
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perform the duties of the President of the Corporation, and when so acting shall have all the power of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President of the Corporation.
Section 5.07 Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation shall: (i) be the principal financial officer of the Corporation (ii) upon request of the Board, make such reports to it as may be required at any time; and (iii) perform all duties incident to the office of Chief Financial Officer and treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board or by the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Treasurers and assistant treasurers of the Corporation, if any, shall have the same powers and duties, subject to the supervision by the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.
Section 5.08 Vice President. Each Vice President shall have such powers and duties as may be delegated to him or her by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board.
Section 5.09 Secretary. The Secretary shall issue all authorized notices for, and shall keep minutes of, all meetings of the stockholders and the Board. He or she shall have charge of the corporate books and shall perform such other duties as the Chairman of the Board or the Board may from time to time prescribe. Assistant secretaries of the Corporation, if any, shall have the same duties and powers, subject to supervision by the Secretary.
Section 5.10 Controller. The Controller, if any, shall have direct responsibility for and supervision of the accounting records of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries and managed affiliated corporations, and shall see that adequate examination and audits thereof are currently and regularly made. He or she shall have such other powers and perform such other duties, as may be prescribed by the Board or be assigned to him or her by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer.
Section 5.11 Delegation of Authority. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Chairman of the Board or the Board may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officers or agents, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
Section 5.12 Removal. Any officer of the Corporation may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board.
Section 5.13 Resignation. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Corporation; provided, however, that notice to the Board, Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary shall be deemed to constitute notice to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 5.14 Vacancies. Any vacancy among the officers, whether caused by death, resignation, removal or any other cause, shall be filled in the manner prescribed for election or appointment to such office.
Section 5.15 Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations. Unless otherwise directed by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President or any Vice President shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders of or with respect to any action of stockholders of any other corporation in which this Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which this Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other corporation.
Section 5.16 Bonds of Officers. If required by the Chairman of the Board or the Board, any officer of the Corporation shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in such amount and with such surety or sureties as the Board may require.
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ARTICLE VI
CAPITAL STOCK
Section 6.01 Certificates of Stock. Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of stock shall be uncertificated shares. Each holder of stock represented by a certificate shall be entitled to a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, certifying the number of shares owned by him or her. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be by facsimile.
Section 6.02 Transfers of Stock. Where shares of stock are represented by a certificate, transfers of shares shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation, and where shares of stock are uncertificated, such shares may be transferred in accordance with applicable law.
Section 6.03 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event of the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate of stock, another may be issued in its place pursuant to such regulations as the Board may establish concerning proof of such loss, theft or destruction and concerning the giving of satisfactory bond or bonds of indemnity.
Section 6.04 Regulations. The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock or uncertificated shares shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board may establish.
ARTICLE VII
WAIVER OF NOTICES
A written waiver of any notice, signed by a stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.01 Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders, or to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of any meeting of stockholders, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the time for such other action as hereinbefore described; provided, however, that if no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held, and, for determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of rights or to exercise any rights of change, conversion or exchange of stock or for any other purpose, the record date shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts a resolution relating thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
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Section 8.02 Facsimile Signatures. In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board or a committee thereof.
Section 8.03 Corporate Seal. The Board may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary of the Corporation. Duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Corporation's Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer or by an Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer.
Section 8.04 Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records. Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board, and each officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board so designated, or by any other person as to matters which such director or committee member reasonably believes are within such other person's professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.
Section 8.05 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each year, or shall be as otherwise fixed by the Board.
Section 8.06 Time Periods. In applying any provision of these Bylaws which requires that an act be done or not be done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.
Section 8.07 Inconsistent Provisions. In the event that any provision of these Bylaws is or becomes inconsistent with any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, the DGCL or any other applicable law, the provision of these Bylaws shall not be given any effect to the extent of such inconsistency but shall otherwise be given full force and effect.
ARTICLE IX
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 9.01 Right to Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter, a " proceeding "), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or an officer of the Corporation or, while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter, an " indemnitee "), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 9.03 hereof with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized in the first instance by the Board.
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Section 9.02 Right to Advancement of Expenses. The right to indemnification conferred in Section 9.01 hereof shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter, an " advancement of expenses "); provided, however, that, if the DGCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter, an " undertaking "), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter, a " final adjudication ") that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Article IX or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in Sections 9.01 and 9.02 hereof shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators.
Section 9.03 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a claim under Section 9.01 is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days (or, with respect to claims under Section 9.01, twenty (20) days) after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article IX or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
Section 9.04 Non-Exclusivity of Rights; Effect of Amendment. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article IX shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire by any statute, the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article IX that adversely affects any right of an indemnitee or it successors shall be prospective only and shall not limit or eliminate any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal.
Section 9.05 Insurance. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the
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Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
Section 9.06 Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation. The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article IX with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS
The Board may from time to time make, amend, supplement or repeal these Bylaws by vote of a majority of directors then in office; provided, however, that the stockholders may change or amend or repeal any provision of these Bylaws by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Common Stock, voting together as a single class. In addition to and not in limitation of the foregoing, these Bylaws or any of them may be amended or supplemented in any respect at any time at any meeting of stockholders, provided that any amendment or supplement proposed to be acted upon at any such meeting shall have been described or referred to in the notice of such meeting.
APPROVED by the Board on May 19, 2010.
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Exhibit 10.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the " Amended Agreement ") dated May 19, 2010, between Intrepid Potash, Inc., a Delaware corporation, having its principal executive offices in Denver, Colorado, (the " Company ") and Robert P. Jornayvaz III (" Executive ").
RECITALS
A. Executive is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Company and is serving in such capacity on terms and conditions set forth in an employment agreement with the Company dated April 25, 2008 (the " 2008 Employment Agreement ").
B. Executive and the Company wish to amend and restate the 2008 Employment Agreement and change certain terms and conditions of Executive's employment with the Company, including Executive's titles, roles, responsibilities, and compensation.
C. The Company and Executive wish to enter into this Amended Agreement to memorialize such changes to Executive's employment with the Company.
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the mutual promises and agreements set forth below, the Company and Executive agree as follows:
1. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Subject to the terms of this Amended Agreement, the Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts such continued employment, effective as of May 19, 2010 (the " Effective Date "). Executive's employment shall be for a term of eighteen months, subject to earlier termination as provided in paragraph 4, herein (the " Term "); provided, however, that the Term will automatically be extended by twelve months on the last day of the initial eighteen month term and on each anniversary of such date thereafter, unless one party to this Amended Agreement provides written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 90 days prior to the effective date of such automatic extension.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES:
a. Position: Executive shall serve as Executive Chairman of the Board and in such role shall have the duties, responsibilities, and authority set forth on Appendix A hereto, along with such other duties, responsibilities, and authority (i) as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") that are not inconsistent with those set forth on Appendix A, or (ii) that may be agreed to from time to time by Executive. Executive shall report directly to the Board and shall perform his duties and responsibilities primarily at the Company's offices in Denver, Colorado.
b. Commitment of Executive: Executive shall devote such time as is necessary to fulfill his duties and responsibilities hereunder. Executive shall be entitled to remain actively involved in the management and operation of Intrepid Oil and Gas, LLC and the other investment entities owned in whole or in part by Executive as of the Effective Date, to the extent such activities do not interfere materially with the performance of Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder. In addition, Executive may render business or professional services to other persons or firms, whether for compensation or otherwise; provided that such activities do not interfere materially with the performance of Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder and do not pose a conflict of interest with regard to Executive's employment hereunder.
c. Other Positions and Services: Executive may, if such activities do not interfere materially with the performance of Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder and do not pose a conflict of interest with regard to Executive's employment hereunder, (i) serve as a director or
trustee of for-profit or not for-profit corporations or businesses, (ii) serve on civic or charitable boards or committees, and (iii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements, or teach at educational institutions (and retain any fees therefrom).
d. Investments: Executive may invest in other businesses (an " Investment "); provided , that the Investment shall not (i) pose a conflict of interest with regard to Executive's employment hereunder, or (ii) interfere materially with the performance of Executive's duties and obligations hereunder. For the purposes of clause (i) of the preceding sentence, Executive shall not be deemed to be subject to a conflict of interest merely by reason of (x) his ownership of Intrepid Oil and Gas, LLC and the other investment entities owned in whole or in part by Executive as of the Effective Date, or (y) his ownership of less than five percent (5%) of (A) the outstanding stock of any entity whose stock is traded on an established stock exchange or on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System, or (B) the outstanding equity interests of any venture fund, investment pool or similar investment vehicle that solicits investments on a "blind pool" basis.
e. No Conflict: Executive represents and warrants that the execution of this Amended Agreement and performance of his duties hereunder will not conflict with or constitute a default under any contract or legal obligation he owes to any third party.
3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: The Company shall compensate Executive for his services as set forth in this paragraph 3; provided that the Company may change from time to time the terms and benefits of any retirement, welfare or fringe benefit plan of the Company, including the right to change any service provider, so long as such change applies generally to the senior executives of the Company.
a. Salary: The Company shall pay Executive a base salary of $100,000 per annum (the " Base Salary ") in periodic installments in accordance with the Company's payroll practices. Amounts payable shall be reduced by standard withholding and other authorized deductions. The Compensation Committee of the Board (the " Compensation Committee ") will review Executive's salary at least annually. Executive's salary as adjusted shall thereafter be treated as Executive's Base Salary hereunder.
b. Cash Bonus / Short-Term Incentives: Executive shall be eligible to receive annual bonuses/short-term cash incentives in accordance with the Company's annual cash bonus/short-term incentive program(s) for senior management, as such program(s) may be modified from time to time. Executive's target annual bonus/short-term cash incentive is generally intended to be $500,000 per annum, and such amount shall not be prorated for any portion of 2010; provided, however, that Executive's actual target annual bonuses/short-term cash incentive for any year as well as the actual amount of any such annual bonuses/short-term cash incentive paid to Executive shall be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.
c. Equity Compensation. The Executive has received certain equity incentive awards under the Intrepid Potash, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the " 2008 Equity Plan ") and shall be entitled to participate in the 2008 Equity Plan and any subsequent equity compensation programs sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries (the " Equity Plans ") on such terms as shall be established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion; provided however, that annual grants to be made to Executive under such Equity Plans are generally intended to have a target grant date fair value of $750,000 (commencing with the next annual grants of awards to be made to executives scheduled for 2011); and provided further, however, that the actual amount of such grants made to Executive shall be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.
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d. Retirement Plans: Executive shall be entitled to participate in all retirement plans applicable generally to other senior executives of the Company, in accordance with the terms of such plans, as they may be amended from time to time.
e. Welfare Benefit Plans: Executive and his family shall be eligible to participate in and receive all benefits under the Company's welfare benefit plans and programs applicable generally to other senior executives of the Company (collectively, as amended from time to time, the " Company Plans "), in accordance with the terms of the Company Plans.
f. Vacation and Sick Leave: Executive shall be entitled to vacation, sick leave, and paid time off in accordance with the plans, policies, and programs in effect generally with respect to other senior executives of the Company, including the limitations, if any, on the carry-over of accrued but unused time.
g. Expenses: The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses for cellular telephone usage, entertainment, travel, meals, lodging, and similar items incurred in the conduct of the Company's business. Such expenses shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company's expense reimbursement policies and guidelines.
h. Fringe Benefits and Perquisites. Executive and his family shall be eligible for all other fringe benefits or perquisites offered generally to senior executives of the Company and their families. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to (i) ownership of the company-provided automobile he was using as of the Effective Date (with transfer of title to be effectuated as soon as reasonable practicable after the Effective Date and with such transfer of ownership to be treated as a one-time bonus based on the fair market value of the vehicle); (ii) personal use of the Company aircraft (whether such aircraft is leased or owned by the Company) to the extent such use does not interfere with the Company's use of the aircraft for business purposes; and (iii) the right to use the company aircraft (either directly or through one or more entities controlled, directly or indirectly, by Executive) under a time-sharing arrangement pursuant to which Executive will reimburse the Company for the cost of such use up to limits imposed by Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
i. Officers and Directors Liability Insurance; Indemnification: During Executive's employment with the Company and thereafter so long as Executive may have liability arising out of Executive's service as an officer or director of the Company or any subsidiary, the Company will continue and maintain directors and officers liability insurance (" D&O Insurance ") covering Executive in an amount and scope that is at least as favorable as the coverage applicable to the officers and directors of the Company as of the Effective Date; provided, however, that if such a policy cannot be procured for a premium equal to or less than the premium paid for the year in which the Effective Date occurs, the Company shall procure an insurance policy with the greatest coverage and scope procurable for such premium.
4. TERMINATION: This Amended Agreement may be terminated by the Company or Executive prior to the expiration of the Term pursuant to this paragraph 4.
a. Cause: The Company may terminate this Amended Agreement for "Cause" immediately upon written notice to Executive. For purposes of this Amended Agreement, " Cause " shall mean any one or more of the following events:
(i) conviction of (or pleading nolo contendere to) a felony;
(ii) engaging in theft, fraud, embezzlement, or willful misappropriation of the property of the Company;
(iii) violation of any Company policy or practice regarding discrimination or harassment that would be grounds for termination of a Company employee in general;
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(iv) Executive's willful failure to perform substantially Executive's material duties as contemplated by paragraph 2 above (other than such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which, for avoidance of doubt, shall include Executive's insubordination to the Board, after (i) a written demand for corrected performance is delivered to Executive by the Board that identifies specifically the manner in which the Board believes Executive has not performed substantially Executive's material duties, and (ii) Executive fails to cure the matters identified in the written demand within 30 days. No act or failure to by Executive shall be deemed "willful" if done, or omitted to be done, by him in good faith and with the reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
b. Death or Disability: If Executive has a Disability (as defined below), the Company may give to Executive written notice of its intention to terminate this Amended Agreement. In such event, this Amended Agreement shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by Executive, provided that Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of Executive's material duties within the 30-day period after such receipt. For purposes of this Amended Agreement, " Disability " shall mean any physical or mental condition which prevents Executive, for a period of 90 consecutive days, from performing and carrying out Executive's material duties and responsibilities with the Company, as determined by the Board. This Amended Agreement shall terminate automatically upon Executive's death.
c. Other than Death or Disability or Cause: The Company may terminate this Amended Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to Executive at any time and for any reason.
d. Termination by Executive: Executive may terminate this Amended Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Company at any time and for any reason.
e. Survival of Terms: Portions of this Amended Agreement that by their terms provide or imply that they survive the end of the Term shall survive the end of the Term.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE UPON TERMINATION:
a. Accrued Obligations. Except as may be provided in any separate Change in Control Severance Agreement or other relevant agreement between the parties, in the event this Amended Agreement is terminated for any reason, the Term shall end without further obligation to Executive other than:
(i) payment of the sum of (A) any Base Salary earned but not yet paid to Executive through the date of termination, (B) any bonus earned and payable in accordance with the terms of an applicable Company bonus plan but not yet paid to Executive as of the date of termination, and (C) any other compensation earned through the date of termination but not yet paid to Executive (" Accrued Obligations "),
(ii) the payments and benefits provided in paragraph 5(b).
b. Exclusive Remedy: Except for the payments and benefits provided in this paragraph 5, upon termination Executive shall have no other claims against, and shall be entitled to no other payments or benefits from the Company under this Amended Agreement or pursuant to the Company's policies and plans, other than (A) Executive's rights under COBRA, (B) payment of any amounts due as of the date of termination pursuant to the terms of any equity-based plan of the Company or any welfare or retirement plan of the Company or of any other amounts or benefits under such plans which by their specific terms extend beyond such date of termination, (C) rights with respect to D&O Insurance, and (D) rights under any separate Change in Control Severance Agreement or other relevant agreement between the parties. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the
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amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Amended Agreement and, except as specifically provided otherwise herein, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment.
c. Resignations: On and as of the date this Amended Agreement terminates for any reason, Executive shall resign from his position as an officer and director of the Company, resign from all other positions he holds as a director, officer or employee of any subsidiary of the Company, and resign as a named fiduciary of any employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries.
6. NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION:
a. Non-competition; Non-solicitation: In his capacity as an employee, Executive has met with and will continue to meet with the Intrepid Parties' current or prospective customers, suppliers, partners, licensees or other business relations (collectively, " Business Relations ") on behalf of the Intrepid Parties, and, as a consequence of using or associating himself with the Intrepid Parties' name, goodwill, and professional reputation, Executive has been placed in a position where he can develop personal and professional relationships with the Intrepid Parties' current and prospective customers. In addition, during the course and as a result of Executive's employment, Executive has been or may be provided certain specialized training or know-how. Executive acknowledges that this goodwill and reputation, as well as Executive's knowledge of Confidential Information and specialized training and know-how, could be used unfairly in competition against the Intrepid Parties. Accordingly, in consideration of the employment of Executive by the Company pursuant to this Amended Agreement, Executive agrees that:
(i) during the time period commencing on the date hereof and terminating on the Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation End Date (as defined below), Executive shall not directly or indirectly, individually or collectively in conjunction with others, engage in activities that compete with the businesses that the Intrepid Parties are then engaged in (or, with respect to periods on and after the end of the Term, are engaged in at the time of the termination of Executive's employment) in whatever geographic regions the Intrepid Parties then engage in such businesses; or
(ii) during the time period commencing on the date hereof and terminating on the Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation End Date (as defined below), Executive shall not directly or indirectly through another entity or person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Intrepid Parties to leave the employ of the Intrepid Parties, (ii) hire any person who was employed by the Intrepid Parties at any time during the one-year period immediately preceding the termination of Executive's employment with the Intrepid Parties, or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any current or prospective Business Relation of the Intrepid Parties (including, without limitation, any business entity that the Intrepid Parties have contacted in order to make a proposal to enter into a business relationship) to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Intrepid Parties.
For purposes of this Amended Agreement, the " Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation End Date " shall mean the date that is 24 months from the date this Amended Agreement is terminated.
Executive acknowledges that as an executive of a publicly traded company he falls within the exception to C.R.S 8-2-113(2)(d), which exempts executive and management personnel and officers from the prohibitions of non-compete provisions. Executive agrees that, during the period for which Executive has continuing obligations under this paragraph 6(a), he shall inform any new employer or other person or entity with whom Executive enters into a business relationship, before accepting employment or entering into such business relationship, of the existence of this
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Amended Agreement and shall give the employer, person or other entity a copy of this paragraph 6(a).
b. Third-Party Beneficiaries: The provisions of this paragraph 6 may be enforced by any of the Intrepid Parties, and the protections afforded herein shall inure to each such Intrepid Party as an intended third-party beneficiary.
c. Severability: To the extent that any provision of this paragraph shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalid or unenforceable portion of such provision shall be deleted from this Amended Agreement, and the validity and enforceability of the remainder of such provision and of this paragraph shall be unaffected. In furtherance of and not in limitation of the foregoing, should the duration of or geographical extent of, or business activities covered by, the noncompetition and non-solicitation agreements contained in paragraph 6(a) be determined to be in excess of that which is valid or enforceable under applicable law, then such provision shall be construed to cover only that duration, extent, or those activities which may validly or enforceably be covered. Executive acknowledges the uncertainty of the law in this respect and expressly stipulates that this paragraph shall be construed in a manner which renders its provisions valid and enforceable to the maximum extent (not exceeding its express terms) possible under applicable law.
d. Injunctive Relief: Executive agrees that it would be difficult to compensate the Intrepid Parties fully for damages for any violation of the provisions of this paragraph 6. Accordingly, Executive specifically agrees that the Intrepid Parties shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief to enforce the provisions of this paragraph and that such relief may be granted without the necessity of proving actual damages. This provision with respect to injunctive relief shall not, however, diminish the right of the Intrepid Parties to claim and recover damages in addition to injunctive relief.
e. Conflicting Provisions. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this paragraph 6 and the non-competition/non-solicitation provisions (if any) of any Change in Control Severance Agreement or other relevant agreement between the Company and Executive, the provisions of this paragraph 6 shall control.
7. SUCCESSORS: This Amended Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and permitted assigns and any such successor or permitted assignee shall be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Amended Agreement for all purposes. As used herein, "successor" and "assignee" shall be limited to any person, firm, corporation, or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger, reorganization, or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires the stock of the Company or to which the Company assigns this Amended Agreement by operation of law or otherwise in connection with any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, provided that any successor or permitted assignee promptly assumes in a writing delivered to Executive this Amended Agreement and, in no event, shall any such succession or assignment release the Company from its obligations thereunder. The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Amended Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Amended Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as herein before defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Amended Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION: To the extent permitted by applicable law and except as provided below, any dispute arising out of this Amended Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Denver, Colorado pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association. In the event any dispute arising out of this Amended Agreement may not be arbitrated under applicable law (which, for purposes of this Amended Agreement, shall be deemed to include actions for temporary injunctive
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relief to enforce the provisions of paragraph 6 hereof), litigation concerning such dispute shall be brought and maintained only in the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado, the County Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado, or the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The prevailing party in any arbitration or litigation concerning this Amended Agreement shall recover, in addition to any damages or other relief awarded to that party, the prevailing party's reasonable costs and attorneys fees.
9. GOVERNING LAW: The provisions of this Amended Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Colorado without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
10. SAVINGS CLAUSE: If any provision of this Amended Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Amended Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Amended Agreement are declared to be severable.
11. MODIFICATION, WAIVER: Except as provided in paragraph 18, below, no provision of this Amended Agreement may be amended, modified, or waived except by written agreement signed by the party sought to be charged with such amendment, modification, or waiver.
12. ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT: Executive acknowledges that Executive's services are unique and personal. Accordingly, Executive may not assign Executive's rights or delegate Executive's duties or obligations under this Amended Agreement to any person or entity; provided , however , that payments may be made to Executive's estate or beneficiaries as expressly set forth herein.
13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Amended Agreement is an integrated document and constitutes and contains the complete understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter addressed herein, and supersedes and replaces all prior negotiations and agreements, whether written or oral, concerning the subject matter hereof.
14. CONSTRUCTION: Each party has cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Amended Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Amended Agreement, the same shall not be construed against any party on the basis that the party was the drafter. The captions of this Amended Agreement are not part of the provisions and shall have no force or effect.
15. NOTICES: Notices and all other communications provided for in this Amended Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or prepaid overnight courier to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or at such other addresses as shall be specified by the parties by like notice). Such notices, demands, claims, and other communications shall be deemed given:
a. in the case of delivery by overnight service with guaranteed next day delivery, such next day or the day designated for delivery;
b. in the case of certified or registered United States mail, five days after deposit in the United States mail; or
c. in the case of facsimile, the date upon which the transmitting party received confirmation of receipt by facsimile, telephone, or otherwise; and
d. in the case of personal delivery, when received.
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Communications that are to be delivered by the United States mail or by overnight service are to be delivered as set forth below:
(i) | To the Company: | |
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Intrepid Potash, Inc. Attn: Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Risk Management 707 17th Street, Suite 4200 Denver, CO 80202 |
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To Executive: |
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To the most recent home address on file with the Company. |
Each party, by written notice furnished to the other party, may modify the acceptable delivery address, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
16. TAX WITHHOLDING: The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Amended Agreement such federal, state, or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
17. REPRESENTATION: Executive represents that he is knowledgeable and sophisticated as to business matters, including the subject matter of this Amended Agreement, that he has read this Amended Agreement and that he understands its terms. Executive acknowledges that, prior to assenting to the terms of this Amended Agreement, he has been given a reasonable time to review it, to consult with counsel of Executive's choice, and to negotiate at arm's-length with the Company as to its contents. Executive and the Company agree that the language used in this Amended Agreement is the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and that they have entered into this Amended Agreement freely and voluntarily and without pressure or coercion from anyone.
18. 409A SAVINGS CLAUSE: The parties intend that payments or benefits payable under this Amended Agreement not be subject to the additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, and the provisions of this Amended Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with such intent. To the extent such potential payments or benefits could become subject to Code Section 409A, the parties shall cooperate to amend this Amended Agreement with the goal of giving Executive the economic benefits described herein in a manner that does not result in such tax being imposed. If the parties are unable to agree on a mutually acceptable amendment, the Company may, without Executive's consent and in such manner as it deems appropriate or desirable, amend or modify this Amended Agreement or delay the payment of any amounts hereunder to the minimum extent necessary to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive, intending to be legally bound, have executed this Amended Agreement on the day and year first above written.
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INTREPID POTASH, INC. |
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By: |
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/s/ JAMES N. WHYTE James N. Whyte Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Risk Management |
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ROBERT P. JORNAYVAZ III |
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/s/ ROBERT P. JORNAYVAZ III |
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APPENDIX A
Duties of Executive Chairman of the Board
Reports
To
Board of Directors
Direct
Reports
President
*EVP General Counsel
*SVP Sales and Marketing
*Represents Direct Report on Specific Functional Responsibilities
Duties
Exhibit 10.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the " Amended Agreement ") dated May 19, 2010, between Intrepid Potash, Inc., a Delaware corporation, having its principal executive offices in Denver, Colorado, (the " Company ") and Hugh E. Harvey, Jr. (" Executive ").
RECITALS
A. Executive is the current Executive Vice President of Technology of the Company and is serving in such capacity on terms and conditions set forth in an employment agreement with the Company dated April 25, 2008 (the " 2008 Employment Agreement ").
B. Executive and the Company wish to amend and restate the 2008 Employment Agreement and change certain terms and conditions of Executive's employment with the Company, including Executive's titles, roles, responsibilities, and compensation.
C. The Company and Executive wish to enter into this Amended Agreement to memorialize such changes to Executive's employment with the Company.
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the mutual promises and agreements set forth below, the Company and Executive agree as follows:
1. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Subject to the terms of this Amended Agreement, the Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts such continued employment, effective as of May 19, 2010 (the " Effective Date "). Executive's employment shall be for a term of eighteen months, subject to earlier termination as provided in paragraph 4, herein (the " Term "); provided, however, that the Term will automatically be extended by twelve months on the last day of the initial eighteen month term and on each anniversary of such date thereafter, unless one party to this Amended Agreement provides written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 90 days prior to the effective date of such automatic extension.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES:
a. Position: Executive shall serve as Executive Vice Chairman of the Board and in such role shall have the duties, responsibilities, and authority set forth on Appendix A hereto, along with such other duties, responsibilities, and authority (i) as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") that are not inconsistent with those set forth on Appendix A, or (ii) that may be agreed to from time to time by Executive. Executive shall report directly to the Board and shall perform his duties and responsibilities primarily at the Company's offices in Denver, Colorado.
b. Commitment of Executive: Executive shall devote such time as is necessary to fulfill his duties and responsibilities hereunder. Executive shall be entitled to remain actively involved in the management and operation of Intrepid Oil and Gas, LLC and the other investment entities owned in whole or in part by Executive as of the Effective Date, to the extent such activities do not interfere materially with the performance of Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder. In addition, Executive may render business or professional services to other persons or firms, whether for compensation or otherwise; provided that such activities do not interfere materially with the performance of Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder and do not pose a conflict of interest with regard to Executive's employment hereunder.
c. Other Positions and Services: Executive may, if such activities do not interfere materially with the performance of Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder and do not pose a conflict of interest with regard to Executive's employment hereunder, (i) serve as a director or
trustee of for-profit or not for-profit corporations or businesses, (ii) serve on civic or charitable boards or committees, and (iii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements, or teach at educational institutions (and retain any fees therefrom).
d. Investments: Executive may invest in other businesses (an " Investment "); provided , that the Investment shall not (i) pose a conflict of interest with regard to Executive's employment hereunder, or (ii) interfere materially with the performance of Executive's duties and obligations hereunder. For the purposes of clause (i) of the preceding sentence, Executive shall not be deemed to be subject to a conflict of interest merely by reason of (x) his ownership of Intrepid Oil and Gas, LLC and the other investment entities owned in whole or in part by Executive as of the Effective Date, or (y) his ownership of less than five percent (5%) of (A) the outstanding stock of any entity whose stock is traded on an established stock exchange or on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System, or (B) the outstanding equity interests of any venture fund, investment pool or similar investment vehicle that solicits investments on a "blind pool" basis.
e. No Conflict: Executive represents and warrants that the execution of this Amended Agreement and performance of his duties hereunder will not conflict with or constitute a default under any contract or legal obligation he owes to any third party.
3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: The Company shall compensate Executive for his services as set forth in this paragraph 3; provided that the Company may change from time to time the terms and benefits of any retirement, welfare or fringe benefit plan of the Company, including the right to change any service provider, so long as such change applies generally to the senior executives of the Company.
a. Salary: The Company shall pay Executive a base salary of $100,000 per annum (the " Base Salary ") in periodic installments in accordance with the Company's payroll practices. Amounts payable shall be reduced by standard withholding and other authorized deductions. The Compensation Committee of the Board (the " Compensation Committee ") will review Executive's salary at least annually. Executive's salary as adjusted shall thereafter be treated as Executive's Base Salary hereunder.
b. Cash Bonus / Short-Term Incentives: Executive shall be eligible to receive annual bonuses/short-term cash incentives in accordance with the Company's annual cash bonus/short-term incentive program(s) for senior management, as such program(s) may be modified from time to time. Executive's target annual bonus/short-term cash incentive is generally intended to be $500,000 per annum, and such amount shall not be prorated for any portion of 2010; provided, however, that Executive's actual target annual bonuses/short-term cash incentive for any year as well as the actual amount of any such annual bonuses/short-term cash incentive paid to Executive shall be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.
c. Equity Compensation. The Executive has received certain equity incentive awards under the Intrepid Potash, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the " 2008 Equity Plan ") and shall be entitled to participate in the 2008 Equity Plan and any subsequent equity compensation programs sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries (the " Equity Plans ") on such terms as shall be established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion; provided however, that annual grants to be made to Executive under such Equity Plans are generally intended to have a target grant date fair value of $750,000 (commencing with the next annual grants of awards to be made to executives scheduled for 2011); and provided further, however, that the actual amount of such grants made to Executive shall be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.
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d. Retirement Plans: Executive shall be entitled to participate in all retirement plans applicable generally to other senior executives of the Company, in accordance with the terms of such plans, as they may be amended from time to time.
e. Welfare Benefit Plans: Executive and his family shall be eligible to participate in and receive all benefits under the Company's welfare benefit plans and programs applicable generally to other senior executives of the Company (collectively, as amended from time to time, the " Company Plans "), in accordance with the terms of the Company Plans.
f. Vacation and Sick Leave: Executive shall be entitled to vacation, sick leave, and paid time off in accordance with the plans, policies, and programs in effect generally with respect to other senior executives of the Company, including the limitations, if any, on the carry-over of accrued but unused time.
g. Expenses: The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses for cellular telephone usage, entertainment, travel, meals, lodging, and similar items incurred in the conduct of the Company's business. Such expenses shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company's expense reimbursement policies and guidelines.
h. Fringe Benefits and Perquisites. Executive and his family shall be eligible for all other fringe benefits or perquisites offered generally to senior executives of the Company and their families. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to (i) ownership of the company-provided automobile he was using as of the Effective Date (with transfer of title to be effectuated as soon as reasonable practicable after the Effective Date and with such transfer of ownership to be treated as a one-time bonus based on the fair market value of the vehicle); (ii) personal use of the Company aircraft (whether such aircraft is leased or owned by the Company) to the extent such use does not interfere with the Company's use of the aircraft for business purposes; and (iii) the right to use the company aircraft (either directly or through one or more entities controlled, directly or indirectly, by Executive) under a time-sharing arrangement pursuant to which Executive will reimburse the Company for the cost of such use up to limits imposed by Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
i. Officers and Directors Liability Insurance; Indemnification: During Executive's employment with the Company and thereafter so long as Executive may have liability arising out of Executive's service as an officer or director of the Company or any subsidiary, the Company will continue and maintain directors and officers liability insurance (" D&O Insurance ") covering Executive in an amount and scope that is at least as favorable as the coverage applicable to the officers and directors of the Company as of the Effective Date; provided, however, that if such a policy cannot be procured for a premium equal to or less than the premium paid for the year in which the Effective Date occurs, the Company shall procure an insurance policy with the greatest coverage and scope procurable for such premium.
4. TERMINATION: This Amended Agreement may be terminated by the Company or Executive prior to the expiration of the Term pursuant to this paragraph 4.
a. Cause: The Company may terminate this Amended Agreement for "Cause" immediately upon written notice to Executive. For purposes of this Amended Agreement, " Cause " shall mean any one or more of the following events:
(i) conviction of (or pleading nolo contendere to) a felony;
(ii) engaging in theft, fraud, embezzlement, or willful misappropriation of the property of the Company;
(iii) violation of any Company policy or practice regarding discrimination or harassment that would be grounds for termination of a Company employee in general;
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(iv) Executive's willful failure to perform substantially Executive's material duties as contemplated by paragraph 2 above (other than such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which, for avoidance of doubt, shall include Executive's insubordination to the Board, after (i) a written demand for corrected performance is delivered to Executive by the Board that identifies specifically the manner in which the Board believes Executive has not performed substantially Executive's material duties, and (ii) Executive fails to cure the matters identified in the written demand within 30 days. No act or failure to by Executive shall be deemed "willful" if done, or omitted to be done, by him in good faith and with the reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
b. Death or Disability: If Executive has a Disability (as defined below), the Company may give to Executive written notice of its intention to terminate this Amended Agreement. In such event, this Amended Agreement shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by Executive, provided that Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of Executive's material duties within the 30-day period after such receipt. For purposes of this Amended Agreement, " Disability " shall mean any physical or mental condition which prevents Executive, for a period of 90 consecutive days, from performing and carrying out Executive's material duties and responsibilities with the Company, as determined by the Board. This Amended Agreement shall terminate automatically upon Executive's death.
c. Other than Death or Disability or Cause: The Company may terminate this Amended Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to Executive at any time and for any reason.
d. Termination by Executive: Executive may terminate this Amended Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Company at any time and for any reason.
e. Survival of Terms: Portions of this Amended Agreement that by their terms provide or imply that they survive the end of the Term shall survive the end of the Term.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE UPON TERMINATION:
a. Accrued Obligations. Except as may be provided in any separate Change in Control Severance Agreement or other relevant agreement between the parties, in the event this Amended Agreement is terminated for any reason, the Term shall end without further obligation to Executive other than:
(i) payment of the sum of (A) any Base Salary earned but not yet paid to Executive through the date of termination, (B) any bonus earned and payable in accordance with the terms of an applicable Company bonus plan but not yet paid to Executive as of the date of termination, and (C) any other compensation earned through the date of termination but not yet paid to Executive (" Accrued Obligations "),
(ii) the payments and benefits provided in paragraph 5(b).
b. Exclusive Remedy: Except for the payments and benefits provided in this paragraph 5, upon termination Executive shall have no other claims against, and shall be entitled to no other payments or benefits from the Company under this Amended Agreement or pursuant to the Company's policies and plans, other than (A) Executive's rights under COBRA, (B) payment of any amounts due as of the date of termination pursuant to the terms of any equity-based plan of the Company or any welfare or retirement plan of the Company or of any other amounts or benefits under such plans which by their specific terms extend beyond such date of termination, (C) rights with respect to D&O Insurance, and (D) rights under any separate Change in Control Severance Agreement or other relevant agreement between the parties. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the
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amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Amended Agreement and, except as specifically provided otherwise herein, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment.
c. Resignations: On and as of the date this Amended Agreement terminates for any reason, Executive shall resign from his position as an officer and director of the Company, resign from all other positions he holds as a director, officer or employee of any subsidiary of the Company, and resign as a named fiduciary of any employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries.
6. NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION:
a. Non-competition; Non-solicitation: In his capacity as an employee, Executive has met with and will continue to meet with the Intrepid Parties' current or prospective customers, suppliers, partners, licensees or other business relations (collectively, " Business Relations ") on behalf of the Intrepid Parties, and, as a consequence of using or associating himself with the Intrepid Parties' name, goodwill, and professional reputation, Executive has been placed in a position where he can develop personal and professional relationships with the Intrepid Parties' current and prospective customers. In addition, during the course and as a result of Executive's employment, Executive has been or may be provided certain specialized training or know-how. Executive acknowledges that this goodwill and reputation, as well as Executive's knowledge of Confidential Information and specialized training and know-how, could be used unfairly in competition against the Intrepid Parties. Accordingly, in consideration of the employment of Executive by the Company pursuant to this Amended Agreement, Executive agrees that:
(i) during the time period commencing on the date hereof and terminating on the Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation End Date (as defined below), Executive shall not directly or indirectly, individually or collectively in conjunction with others, engage in activities that compete with the businesses that the Intrepid Parties are then engaged in (or, with respect to periods on and after the end of the Term, are engaged in at the time of the termination of Executive's employment) in whatever geographic regions the Intrepid Parties then engage in such businesses; or
(ii) during the time period commencing on the date hereof and terminating on the Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation End Date (as defined below), Executive shall not directly or indirectly through another entity or person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Intrepid Parties to leave the employ of the Intrepid Parties, (ii) hire any person who was employed by the Intrepid Parties at any time during the one-year period immediately preceding the termination of Executive's employment with the Intrepid Parties, or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any current or prospective Business Relation of the Intrepid Parties (including, without limitation, any business entity that the Intrepid Parties have contacted in order to make a proposal to enter into a business relationship) to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Intrepid Parties.
For purposes of this Amended Agreement, the " Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation End Date " shall mean the date that is 24 months from the date this Amended Agreement is terminated.
Executive acknowledges that as an executive of a publicly traded company he falls within the exception to C.R.S 8-2-113(2)(d), which exempts executive and management personnel and officers from the prohibitions of non-compete provisions. Executive agrees that, during the period for which Executive has continuing obligations under this paragraph 6(a), he shall inform any new employer or other person or entity with whom Executive enters into a business relationship, before accepting employment or entering into such business relationship, of the existence of this
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Amended Agreement and shall give the employer, person or other entity a copy of this paragraph 6(a).
b. Third-Party Beneficiaries: The provisions of this paragraph 6 may be enforced by any of the Intrepid Parties, and the protections afforded herein shall inure to each such Intrepid Party as an intended third-party beneficiary.
c. Severability: To the extent that any provision of this paragraph shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalid or unenforceable portion of such provision shall be deleted from this Amended Agreement, and the validity and enforceability of the remainder of such provision and of this paragraph shall be unaffected. In furtherance of and not in limitation of the foregoing, should the duration of or geographical extent of, or business activities covered by, the noncompetition and non-solicitation agreements contained in paragraph 6(a) be determined to be in excess of that which is valid or enforceable under applicable law, then such provision shall be construed to cover only that duration, extent, or those activities which may validly or enforceably be covered. Executive acknowledges the uncertainty of the law in this respect and expressly stipulates that this paragraph shall be construed in a manner which renders its provisions valid and enforceable to the maximum extent (not exceeding its express terms) possible under applicable law.
d. Injunctive Relief: Executive agrees that it would be difficult to compensate the Intrepid Parties fully for damages for any violation of the provisions of this paragraph 6. Accordingly, Executive specifically agrees that the Intrepid Parties shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief to enforce the provisions of this paragraph and that such relief may be granted without the necessity of proving actual damages. This provision with respect to injunctive relief shall not, however, diminish the right of the Intrepid Parties to claim and recover damages in addition to injunctive relief.
e. Conflicting Provisions. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this paragraph 6 and the non-competition/non-solicitation provisions (if any) of any Change in Control Severance Agreement or other relevant agreement between the Company and Executive, the provisions of this paragraph 6 shall control.
7. SUCCESSORS: This Amended Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and permitted assigns and any such successor or permitted assignee shall be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Amended Agreement for all purposes. As used herein, "successor" and "assignee" shall be limited to any person, firm, corporation, or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger, reorganization, or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires the stock of the Company or to which the Company assigns this Amended Agreement by operation of law or otherwise in connection with any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, provided that any successor or permitted assignee promptly assumes in a writing delivered to Executive this Amended Agreement and, in no event, shall any such succession or assignment release the Company from its obligations thereunder. The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Amended Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Amended Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as herein before defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Amended Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION: To the extent permitted by applicable law and except as provided below, any dispute arising out of this Amended Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Denver, Colorado pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association. In the event any dispute arising out of this Amended Agreement may not be arbitrated under applicable law (which, for purposes of this Amended Agreement, shall be deemed to include actions for temporary injunctive
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relief to enforce the provisions of paragraph 6 hereof), litigation concerning such dispute shall be brought and maintained only in the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado, the County Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado, or the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The prevailing party in any arbitration or litigation concerning this Amended Agreement shall recover, in addition to any damages or other relief awarded to that party, the prevailing party's reasonable costs and attorneys fees.
9. GOVERNING LAW: The provisions of this Amended Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Colorado without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
10. SAVINGS CLAUSE: If any provision of this Amended Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Amended Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Amended Agreement are declared to be severable.
11. MODIFICATION, WAIVER: Except as provided in paragraph 18, below, no provision of this Amended Agreement may be amended, modified, or waived except by written agreement signed by the party sought to be charged with such amendment, modification, or waiver.
12. ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT: Executive acknowledges that Executive's services are unique and personal. Accordingly, Executive may not assign Executive's rights or delegate Executive's duties or obligations under this Amended Agreement to any person or entity; provided , however , that payments may be made to Executive's estate or beneficiaries as expressly set forth herein.
13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Amended Agreement is an integrated document and constitutes and contains the complete understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter addressed herein, and supersedes and replaces all prior negotiations and agreements, whether written or oral, concerning the subject matter hereof.
14. CONSTRUCTION: Each party has cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Amended Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Amended Agreement, the same shall not be construed against any party on the basis that the party was the drafter. The captions of this Amended Agreement are not part of the provisions and shall have no force or effect.
15. NOTICES: Notices and all other communications provided for in this Amended Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or prepaid overnight courier to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or at such other addresses as shall be specified by the parties by like notice). Such notices, demands, claims, and other communications shall be deemed given:
a. in the case of delivery by overnight service with guaranteed next day delivery, such next day or the day designated for delivery;
b. in the case of certified or registered United States mail, five days after deposit in the United States mail; or
c. in the case of facsimile, the date upon which the transmitting party received confirmation of receipt by facsimile, telephone, or otherwise; and
d. in the case of personal delivery, when received.
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Communications that are to be delivered by the United States mail or by overnight service are to be delivered as set forth below:
(i) | To the Company: | |
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Intrepid Potash, Inc. Attn: Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Risk Management 707 17th Street, Suite 4200 Denver, CO 80202 |
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To Executive: |
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To the most recent home address on file with the Company. |
Each party, by written notice furnished to the other party, may modify the acceptable delivery address, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
16. TAX WITHHOLDING: The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Amended Agreement such federal, state, or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
17. REPRESENTATION: Executive represents that he is knowledgeable and sophisticated as to business matters, including the subject matter of this Amended Agreement, that he has read this Amended Agreement and that he understands its terms. Executive acknowledges that, prior to assenting to the terms of this Amended Agreement, he has been given a reasonable time to review it, to consult with counsel of Executive's choice, and to negotiate at arm's-length with the Company as to its contents. Executive and the Company agree that the language used in this Amended Agreement is the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and that they have entered into this Amended Agreement freely and voluntarily and without pressure or coercion from anyone.
18. 409A SAVINGS CLAUSE: The parties intend that payments or benefits payable under this Amended Agreement not be subject to the additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, and the provisions of this Amended Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with such intent. To the extent such potential payments or benefits could become subject to Code Section 409A, the parties shall cooperate to amend this Amended Agreement with the goal of giving Executive the economic benefits described herein in a manner that does not result in such tax being imposed. If the parties are unable to agree on a mutually acceptable amendment, the Company may, without Executive's consent and in such manner as it deems appropriate or desirable, amend or modify this Amended Agreement or delay the payment of any amounts hereunder to the minimum extent necessary to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive, intending to be legally bound, have executed this Amended Agreement on the day and year first above written.
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INTREPID POTASH, INC. |
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By: |
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/s/ JAMES N. WHYTE James N. Whyte Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Risk Management |
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HUGH E. HARVEY, JR. |
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/s/ HUGH E. HARVEY, JR. |
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APPENDIX A
Duties of Executive Vice Chairman of the Board
Exhibit 99.1
PRESS RELEASE | ||
For Immediate Distribution | Contact: Intrepid Potash, Inc. | |
William Kent
Phone: 303-296-3006 |
Intrepid Announces Management Changes
Denver, Colorado; May 19, 2010 Intrepid Potash, Inc. (NYSE:IPI) announced today several management changes, all of which are effective immediately. Robert P. Jornayvaz III has become Executive Chairman of the Board and has transitioned from his role as Chief Executive Officer. David W. Honeyfield, Intrepid's Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, has been promoted to President and will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Hugh E. Harvey, Jr., Intrepid's Chief Technology Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, has become Executive Vice Chairman of the Board and has transitioned from his role as Chief Technology Officer. Messrs. Jornayvaz and Harvey remain Intrepid's largest stockholders with each owning approximately 20 percent of the issued and outstanding common stock of Intrepid.
As Executive Chairman of the Board, a newly created position, Mr. Jornayvaz will continue to be Intrepid's principal executive officer but will turn over certain day-to-day duties to Mr. Honeyfield as President. This transition of duties will permit Mr. Jornayvaz to focus on strategic matters for Intrepid, especially matters relating to long-term corporate growth opportunities, sales and marketing, mineral leasing and government affairs. Mr. Jornayvaz will continue to represent Intrepid in connection with Intrepid's involvement with industry trade organizations. As President, Mr. Honeyfield will report directly to Mr. Jornayvaz and will, among other things, be responsible for day-to-day business operations and the execution of capital investment projects. In addition, Mr. Honeyfield will continue to have his same responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. As Executive Vice Chairman of the Board, a newly created position, Mr. Harvey will advise and collaborate with management on various matters relating to the operations and technology of Intrepid. With the recent hiring of John G. Mansanti, Vice President of Operations, the day-to-day operations and technical implementation of the capital investment program have been transferred to Mr. Mansanti. Messrs. Jornayvaz and Harvey will continue to be employees of Intrepid and will continue to office out of Intrepid's headquarters in Denver, Colorado.
"The management changes announced today reflect the natural evolution of Intrepid and the strength of the senior management team that we have hired and developed over the last several years," said Mr. Jornayvaz. Mr. Jornayvaz continued, "Intrepid is at a point in its development where the successful execution of strategic capital projects is the most important part of our organic growth strategy. With the planned implementation of our Langbeinite Recovery Improvement Project, the planned development of the HB Mine as a solar solution mine, and our numerous other capital projects, Intrepid is poised to increase recoveries and production which we expect to lower our per ton operating costs. Dave Honeyfield has demonstrated through his leadership and management skills that he is the right person to execute our well-defined strategic plan. Moreover, Dave's 20 years of professional experience working with companies operating in extractive industries gives him the right background to be successful as President of Intrepid. Together with the other members of our management team in Denver, Carlsbad, Moab and Wendover, I am confident in Dave's ability to lead the day-to-day operations at Intrepid and to successfully execute on our strategic capital projects."
Intrepid is the largest producer of potash in the U.S. and is dedicated to the production and marketing of potash and Trio TM , a product produced from langbeinite ore. Intrepid owns five active potash production facilitiesthree in New Mexico and two in Utah.
Intrepid routinely posts important information about its business on its website under the Investor Relations tab. The website address for Intrepid is http://www.intrepidpotash.com.
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Certain statements in this press release, and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of us, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, including statements regarding guidance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the expectations will be realized. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from such statements. These risks and uncertainties include: changes in the price of potash or langbeinite; operational difficulties at our facilities; the ability to hire and retain qualified employees; changes in demand and/or supply for potash or langbeinite; changes in our reserve estimates; our ability to achieve the initiatives of our business strategy, including but not limited to the development of the HB Mine as a solution mine and the further development of our langbeinite recovery assets; changes in the prices of our raw materials, including but not limited to the price of natural gas and power; fluctuations in the costs of transporting our products to customers; changes in labor costs and availability of labor with mining expertise; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations, including but not limited to environmental and mining regulations, and the enforcement of such regulations; competition in the fertilizer industry; declines in U.S. or world agricultural production; declines in oil and gas drilling; changes in economic conditions; adverse weather events at our facilities; our ability to comply with covenants inherent in our current and future debt obligations to avoid defaulting under those agreements; disruptions in credit markets; governmental policy changes that may adversely affect our business and the risk factors detailed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Please refer to those filings for more information on these risk factors. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as the result of future events, new information or otherwise.
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