American Greetings Special Bonus Letter to Erwin Weiss Dated October 4, 2000

Summary

American Greetings has awarded Erwin Weiss a special bonus of $250,000, to be placed in his deferred compensation plan on March 1, 2005, in recognition of his leadership in integration projects. To receive the full bonus, Weiss must remain employed with the company through February 28, 2005; if he leaves voluntarily before then, he forfeits the bonus, but if terminated, he receives a pro-rata share. Additionally, his base salary will increase by $50,000 effective March 1, 2005, impacting future bonus calculations.

EX-10.XXXV 16 l13117aexv10wxxxv.txt EX-10.XXXV BONUS LETTER DATED OCTOBER 4, 2000 EXHIBIT 10(xxxv) CONFIDENTIAL [AMERICAN GREETINGS LOGO] - ------------ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DATE: October 4, 2000 TO: Erwin Weiss SUBJECT: SPECIAL BONUS In recognition of your leadership in the successful accomplishments of the Gibson and CPS integration plans, American Greetings will implement the following special bonus: ON MARCH 1, 2005, AMERICAN GREETINGS WILL PLACE IN YOUR DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN A SUM OF $250,000. The only condition I place on the above commitment is that you must be employed by the company throughout the period ending February 28, 2005. Should you voluntarily separate for whatever reason prior to February 28, 2005, you will forfeit the entire $250,000 benefit. Should you be terminated, you will receive your pro-rata share. Throughout these years, you will be reviewed annually with every consideration for merit review commensurate with your annual achievement. Effective March 1, 2005, we will increase your base compensation by $50,000, and that base will be used for all future bonus calculations. I trust the above is consistent with our discussion. I wish you all the best. /s/ Morry Weiss Morry Weiss