Promissory note payable from Ascendant Solutions, Inc. to Comerica Bank dated April 11, 2005

Contract Categories: Business Finance - Note Agreements
EX-10.1 2 exhibit10_1.htm EXHIBIT 10.1 NOTE PAYBLE TO COMERICA BANK Exhibit 10.1 Note Payble to Comerica Bank
 
FIXED RATE-INSTALLMENT NOTE                                    Exhibit 10.1
AMOUNT 
NOTE DATE 
MATURITY DATE 
TAX IDENTIFICATION # 
$30,000.00 
April 11, 2005 
April 11, 2008 
75 ###-###-#### 

For Value Received the undersigned promise(s) to pay to the order of Comerica Bank , ("Bank") at any office of the Bank in the State of Texas , Thirty Thousand and no/100 Dollars (U.S.) in installments of $ 927.74 each Inclusive of interest on the unpaid principal balance from the date of this Note at the rate of 7.000 % per annum until maturity whether by acceleration or otherwise, or until Default, as later defined, and after that at a default rate equal to the rate of interest otherwise prevailing under this Note plus 3% per annum (but in no event in excess of the Maximum Rate). Interest shall be calculated for the actual number of days the principal is outstanding on the basis of a 360-day year if this Note evidences a business or commercial loan or a 365-day year if a consumer loan. Installments of principal and accrued interest due under this Note shall be payable on the_11th day of each Month, commencing May 11, 2005 , and the entire remaining unpaid balance of principal and accrued interest shall be payable on the Maturity Date set forth above. If the frequency of principal and interest installments is not otherwise specified, installments of principal and interest due under this Note shall be payable monthly on the first day of each month. If this Note or any installment of principal or interest under this Note shall become payable on a day other than a day on which the Bank is open for business, this payment shall be extended to the next succeeding business day and interest shall be payable at the rate specified in this Note during this extension. A late installment charge equal to a reasonable amount not to exceed 5% of each late installment may be charged on any installment payment not received by the Bank within 10 calendar days after the installment due date, but acceptance of payment of this charge shall not waive any Default under this Note.

The term "Maximum Rate," as used herein, shall mean at the particular time in question the maximum nonusurious rate of interest which, under applicable law, may then be charged on this Note. If such maximum rate of interest changes after the date hereof, the Maximum Rate shall be automatically increased or decreased as the case may be, without notice to the undersigned from time to time as of the effective date of each change in such maximum rate. For purposes of determining the Maximum Rate under the law of the State of Texas, the applicable interest rate ceiling shall be the "weekly ceiling" from time to time in effect under Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance Code, as amended.

The Bank does not have to accept any prepayment of principal under this Note except as described below or as required under applicable law. The undersigned may prepay principal of this Note in increments of $500.00 at any time as long as the Bank is provided written notice of the prepayment at least five business days prior to the date of prepayment. The notice of prepayment shall contain the following information: (a) the date of prepayment (the "Prepayment Date") and (b) the amount of principal to be prepaid. On the Prepayment Date the undersigned will pay to the Bank, in addition to the other amounts then due on this Note, the Prepayment Amount described below (unless the interest rate on this Note exceeds 12% and it is secured by a lien on a residential homestead, in which event no Prepayment Amount shall be payable). The Bank, in its sole discretion, may accept any prepayment of principal even if not required to do so under this Note and may deduct from the amount to be applied against principal the other amounts required as part of the Prepayment Amount.

The Prepaid Principal Amount (as defined below) will be applied to this Note in the reverse order of which the principal payments would have been due under this Note's principal amortization schedule. In other words, if this Note requires multiple principal payments, then as opposed to prepaying the next principal payment due, the Prepaid Principal Amount will be applied beginning with the final principal payment due on this Note.

Subject to the limitations hereinafter provided, if the Bank exercises its right to accelerate the payment of this Note prior to the Maturity Date, the undersigned will pay to the Bank, in addition to the other amounts then due on this Note, on the date specified by the Bank as the Prepayment Date, the Prepayment Amount.

The Bank's determination of the Prepayment Amount will be conclusive in the absence of obvious error or fraud. If requested in writing by the undersigned, the Bank will provide the undersigned a written statement specifying the Prepayment Amount.

The following (the "Prepayment Amount") shall be due and payable in full on the Prepayment Date:

(a) If the face amount of this Note exceeds Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000) (regardless of what the outstanding principal balance may be on the Prepayment Date), then the Prepayment Amount is the sum of: (i) the amount of principal which the undersigned has elected to prepay or the amount of principal which the Bank has required the undersigned to prepay because of acceleration, as the case may be (the "Prepaid Principal Amount") (ii) interest accruing on the Prepaid Principal Amount up to, but not including, the Prepayment Date, (iii) Five Hundred Dollars ($500) plus (iv) the present value, discounted at the Reinvestment Rates (as defined below) of the positive amount by which (A) the interest the Bank would have earned had the Prepaid Principal Amount been paid according to the Note's amortization schedule at the Note's interest rate exceeds (B) the interest the Bank would earn by reinvesting the Prepaid Principal Amount at the Reinvestment Rates.

-36-

Exhibit 10.1


(b) If the face amount of this Note is Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000) or less (regardless of what the outstanding principal balance may be on the Prepayment Date), then the Prepayment Amount is the sum of: (i) the amount of principal which the undersigned has elected to prepay or the amount of principal which the Bank has required the undersigned to prepay because of acceleration, as the case may be (the "Prepaid Principal Amount"), (ii) interest accruing on the Prepaid Principal Amount up to, but not including, the Prepayment Date, plus (iii) an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the Prepaid Principal Amount multiplied by the number of calendar years remaining until the Maturity Date of this Note, but in no event less than two percent (2%) of the Prepaid Principal Amount. For purposes of this computation in clause (iii) any portion of a calendar year remaining until the Maturity Date of this Note shall be deemed to be a full calendar year.

"Reinvestment Rates" mean the per annum rates of interest equal to one half percent (1/2%) above the rates of interest reasonably determined by the Bank to be in effect not more than seven days prior to the Prepayment Date in the secondary market for United States Treasury Obligations in amount(s) and with maturity(ies) which correspond (as closely as possible) to the principal installment amount(s) and the payment date(s) against which the Prepaid Principal Amount will be applied.

This Note and any other indebtedness and liabilities of any kind of the undersigned (or any of them) to the Bank, and any and all modifications, renewals or extensions of it, whether joint or several, contingent or absolute, now existing or later arising, and however evidenced and whether incurred voluntarily or involuntarily, known or unknown, or originally payable to the Bank or to a third party and subsequently acquired by Bank including, without limitation, any late charges; loan fees or charges; overdraft indebtedness; costs incurred by Bank in establishing, determining, continuing or defending the validity or priority of any security interest, pledge or other lien or in pursuing any of its rights or remedies under any loan document (or otherwise) or in connection with any proceeding involving the Bank as a result of any financial accommodation to the undersigned (or any of them); and reasonable costs and expenses of attorneys and paralegals, whether inside or outside counsel is used, and whether any suit or other action is instituted, and to court costs if suit or action is instituted, and whether any such fees, costs or expenses are incurred at the trial court level or on appeal, in bankruptcy, in administrative proceedings, in probate proceedings or otherwise (collectively "Indebtedness") are secured by and the Bank is granted a security interest in and lien upon all items deposited in any account of any of the undersigned with the Bank and by all proceeds of these items (cash or otherwise), all account balances of any of the undersigned from time to time with the Bank, by all property of any of the undersigned from time to time in the possession of the Bank and by any other collateral, rights and properties described in each and every deed of trust, mortgage, security agreement, pledge, assignment and other security or collateral agreement which has been, or will at any time(s) later be, executed by any (or all) of the undersigned to or for the benefit of the Bank (collectively "Collateral"). Notwithstanding the above, (i) to the extent that any portion of the Indebtedness is a consumer loan, that portion shall not be secured by any deed of trust or mortgage on or other security interest in any of the undersigned's principal dwelling or in any of the undersigned's real property which is not a purchase money security interest as to that portion, unless expressly provided to the contrary in another place, or (ii) if the undersigned (or any of them) has (have) given or give(s) Bank a deed of trust or mortgage covering California real property, that deed of trust or mortgage shall not secure this Note or any other indebtedness of the undersigned (or any of them), unless expressly provided to the contrary in another place, or (iii) if the undersigned (or any of them) has (have) given or give(s) the Bank a deed of trust or mortgage covering real property which, under Texas law, constitutes the homestead of such person, that deed of trust or mortgage shall not secure this Note or any other indebtedness of the undersigned (or any of them) unless expressly provided to the contrary in another place.

If the undersigned (or any of them) or any guarantor under a guaranty of all or part of the Indebtedness ("guarantor")(a) fail(s) to pay this Note or any of the Indebtedness when due, by maturity, acceleration or otherwise, or fail(s) to pay any indebtedness owing on a demand basis upon demand; or (b) fail(s) to comply with any of the terms or provisions of any agreement between the undersigned (or any of them) or any guarantor and the Bank; or (c) become(s) insolvent or the subject of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding in bankruptcy, or a reorganization, arrangement or creditor composition proceeding, (if a business entity) cease(s) doing business as a going concern, (if a natural person) die(s) or become(s) incompetent, (if a partnership) dissolve(s) or any general partner of it dies, becomes incompetent or becomes the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding or (if a corporation or a limited liability company) is the subject of a dissolution, merger or consolidation; or (d) if any warranty or representation made by any of the undersigned or any guarantor in connection with this Note or any of the indebtedness shall be discovered to be untrue or incomplete; (e) or if there is any termination, notice of termination, or breach of any guaranty, pledge, collateral assignment or subordination agreement relating to all or any part of the Indebtedness; or (f) if there is any failure by any of the undersigned or any guarantor to pay when due any of its indebtedness (other than to the Bank) or in the observance or performance of any term, covenant or condition in any document evidencing, securing or relating to such indebtedness; or (g) if the Bank deems itself insecure believing that the prospect of payment of this Note or any of the Indebtedness is impaired or shall fear deterioration, removal or waste of any of the Collateral; or (h) if there is filed or issued a levy or writ of attachment or garnishment or other like judicial process upon the undersigned (or any of them) or any guarantor or any of the Collateral, including without limit, any accounts of the undersigned (or any of them) or any guarantor with the Bank, then the Bank, upon the occurrence of any of these events (each a "Default"), may at its option and without prior notice to the undersigned (or any of them), declare any or all of the Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable (notwithstanding any provisions contained in the evidence of it to the contrary), sell or liquidate all or any portion of the Collateral, set off against the Indebtedness any amounts owing by the Bank to the undersigned (or any of them), charge interest at the default rate provided in the document evidencing the relevant Indebtedness and exercise any one or more of the rights and remedies granted to the Bank by any agreement with the undersigned (or any of them) or given to it under applicable law. All payments under this Note shall be in immediately available United States funds, without setoff or counterclaim.

-37-

Exhibit 10.1


If this Note is signed by two or more parties (whether by all as makers or by one or more as an accommodation party or otherwise), the obligations and undertakings under this Note shall be that of all and any two or more jointly and also of each severally. This Note shall bind the undersigned, and the undersigned's respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.

The undersigned waive(s) presentment, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, notice of demand or intent to demand, notice of acceleration or intent to accelerate, and all other notices, and agree(s) that no extension or indulgence to the undersigned (or any of them) or release, substitution or nonenforcement of any security, or release or substitution of any of the undersigned, any guarantor or any other party, whether with or without notice, shall affect the obligations of any of the undersigned. The undersigned waive(s) all defenses or right to discharge available under Section 3.605 of the Texas Uniform Commercial Code and waive(s) all other suretyship defenses or right to discharge. The undersigned agree(s) that the Bank has the right to sell, assign, or grant participations or any interest in, any or all of the Indebtedness, and that, in connection with this right, but without limiting its ability to make other disclosures to the full extent allowable, the Bank may disclose all documents and information which the Bank now or later has relating to the undersigned or the Indebtedness. The undersigned agree(s) that the Bank may provide information relating to this Note or the Indebtedness or relating to the undersigned to the Bank's parent, affiliates, subsidiaries and service providers.

The undersigned agree(s) to reimburse the holder or owner of this Note upon demand for any and all costs and expenses (including without limit, court costs, legal expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees, whether inside or outside counsel is used, whether or not suit is instituted and, if suit is instituted, whether at the trial court level, appellate level, in a bankruptcy, probate or administrative proceeding or otherwise) incurred in collecting or attempting to collect this Note or incurred in any other matter or proceeding relating to this Note.

The undersigned acknowledge(s) and agree(s) that there are no contrary agreements, oral or written, establishing a term of this Note and agree(s) that the terms and conditions of this Note may not be amended, waived or modified except In a writing signed by an officer of the Bank expressly stating that the writing constitutes an amendment, waiver or modification of the terms of this Note. As used in this Note, the word "undersigned" means, individually and collectively, each maker, accommodation party, endorser and other party signing this Note in a similar capacity. If any provision of this Note is unenforceable in whole or part for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be effective. THIS NOTE IS MADE IN THE STATE OF Texas  AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF Texas  WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.

This Note and all other documents, instruments and agreements evidencing, governing, securing, guaranteeing or otherwise relating to or executed pursuant to or in connection with this Note or the Indebtedness evidenced hereby (whether executed and delivered prior to, concurrently with or subsequent to this Note), as such documents may have been or may hereafter be amended from time to time (the "Loan Documents") are intended to be performed in accordance with, and only to the extent permitted by, all applicable usury laws. If any provision hereof or of any of the other Loan Documents or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, neither the application of such provision to any other person or circumstance nor the remainder of the instrument in which such provision is contained shall be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law. It is expressly stipulated and agreed to be the intent of the holder hereof to at all times comply with the usury and other applicable laws now or hereafter governing the interest payable on the indebtedness evidenced by this Note. If the applicable law is ever revised, repealed or judicially interpreted so as to render usurious any amount called for under this Note or under any of the other Loan Documents, or contracted for, charged, taken, reserved or received with respect to the indebtedness evidenced by this Note, or if Bank's exercise of the option to accelerate the maturity of this Note, or if any prepayment by the undersigned or prepayment agreement (including, without limitation, payment of any portion of the Prepayment Amount) results (or would, if complied with, result) in the undersigned having paid, contracted for or being charged for any interest in excess of that permitted by law, then it is the express intent of the undersigned and Bank that this Note and the other Loan Documents shall be limited to the extent necessary to prevent such result and all excess amounts theretofore collected by Bank shall be credited on the principal balance of this Note or, if fully paid, upon such other Indebtedness as shall then remain outstanding (or, if this Note and all other Indebtedness have been paid in full, refunded to the undersigned), and the provisions of this Note and the other Loan Documents shall immediately be deemed reformed and the amounts thereafter collectable hereunder and thereunder reduced, without the necessity of the execution of any new document, so as to comply with the then applicable law, but so as to permit the recovery of the fullest amount otherwise called for hereunder or thereunder. All sums paid, or agreed to be paid by the undersigned for the use, forbearance, detention, taking, charging, receiving or reserving of the indebtedness of the undersigned to Bank under this Note or arising under or pursuant to the other Loan Documents shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full term of such indebtedness until payment in full so that the rate or amount of interest on account of such indebtedness does not exceed the usury ceiling from time to time in effect and applicable to such indebtedness for so long as such indebtedness is outstanding. To the extent federal law permits Bank to contract for, charge or receive a greater amount of interest, Bank will rely on federal law instead of the Texas Finance Code, for the purpose of determining the Maximum Rate. Additionally, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law now or hereafter in effect, Bank may, at its option and from time to time, implement any other method of computing the Maximum Rate under the Texas Finance Code, or under other applicable law, by giving notice, if required, to the undersigned as provided by applicable law now or hereafter in effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any of the other Loan Documents, it is not the intention of Bank to accelerate the maturity of any interest that has not accrued at the time of such acceleration or to collect unearned interest at the time of such acceleration.

-38-

Exhibit 10.1


The indebtedness evidenced by this Note is in renewal, extension and modification, but not in extinguishment or novation of the indebtedness evidenced by that certain promissory note dated n/a in the original principal amount of $_n/a  executed by N/A  , payable to the order of Bank.

THE UNDERSIGNED AND, BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS NOTE, THE BANK, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IS A CONSTITUTIONAL ONE BUT THAT IT MAY BE WAIVED, EACH PARTY, AFTER CONSULTING (OR HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE, KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND FOR THEIR MUTUAL BENEFIT, WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO, THIS NOTE OR THE INDEBTEDNESS.

THIS WRITTEN LOAN AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED BY SECTION 26.02 OF THE TEXAS BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE) REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.


Ascendant Solutions. Inc.

/s/ Gary Boyd
Gary Boyd, Chief Financial Officer


16250 Dallas Pkwy. , Ste. 102 
Dallas 
Texas 
USA 
75248 
STREET ADDRESS 
CITY
STATE 
COUNTRY 
ZIP CODE 

For Bank Use Only
CCAR# 
 
Loan Officer Initials 
Loan Group Name 
Obligor(s) Name 
   
MB 
Middle Market Lending North 
Ascendant Solutions, Inc.
   
Loan Officer I.D. No. 
Loan Group No. 
Obligor # 
Note# 
Amount 
43672 
90029 
   
$30,000.00 


-39-

Exhibit 10.1


Security Agreement

As of April 11. 2005, for value received, the undersigned ("Debtor") pledges, assigns and grants to Comerica Bank ("Bank"), whose address is 1508 W. Mockingbird Ln,. Dallas, TX, 75235, Attention: Commercial Loan Documentation, Mail Code 6583, a continuing security interest and lien (any pledge, assignment, security interest or other lien arising hereunder is sometimes referred to herein as a "security interest") in the Collateral (as defined below) to secure payment when due, whether by stated maturity, demand, acceleration or otherwise, of all existing and future indebtedness ("Indebtedness") to the Bank of Ascendant Solutions, Inc. ("Borrower") and/or Debtor. Indebtedness includes without limit any and all obligations or liabilities of the Borrower and/or Debtor to the Bank, whether absolute or contingent, direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary, liquidated or unliquidated, joint or several, known or unknown; any and all obligations or liabilities for which the Borrower and/or Debtor would otherwise be liable to the Bank were it not for the invalidity or unenforceability of them by reason of any bankruptcy, insolvency or other law, or for any other reason; any and all amendments; modifications, renewals and/or extensions of any of the above; all costs incurred by Bank in establishing, determining, continuing, or defending the validity or priority of its security interest, or in pursuing its rights and remedies under this Agreement or under any other agreement between Bank and Borrower and/or Debtor or in connection with any proceeding involving Bank as a result of any financial accommodation to Borrower and/or Debtor; and all other costs of collecting Indebtedness, including without limit attorneys fees. Debtor agrees to pay Bank all such costs incurred by the Bank, immediately upon demand, and until paid all costs shall bear interest at the highest per annum rate applicable to any of the Indebtedness, but not in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law. Any reference in this Agreement to attorneys fees shall be deemed a reference to reasonable fees, costs, and expenses of both in-house and outside counsel and paralegals, whether inside or outside counsel is used, whether or not a suit or action is instituted, and to court costs if a suit or action is instituted, and whether attorneys fees or court costs are incurred at the trial court level, on appeal, in a bankruptcy, administrative or probate proceeding or otherwise. Debtor further covenants, agrees, represents and warrants as follows:

1.
Collateral shall mean all of the following property Debtor now or later owns or has an interest in, wherever located:
 
·
all Equipment and Fixtures,
 
·
specific items listed below and/or on attached Schedule A, if any, is/are also included in Collateral:

 
·
all goods, instruments, (including, without limit, promissory notes), documents (including, without limit, negotiable documents), policies and certificates of insurance, deposit accounts, and money or other property (except real property which is not a fixture) which are now or later in possession of Bank, or as to which Bank now or later controls possession by documents or otherwise, and
 
·
all additions, attachments, accessions, parts, replacements, substitutions, renewals, interest, dividends, distributions, rights of any kind (including but not limited to stock splits, stock rights, voting and preferential rights), products, and proceeds of or pertaining to the above including, without limit, cash or other property which were proceeds and are recovered by a bankruptcy trustee or otherwise as a preferential transfer by Debtor.
In the definition of Collateral, a reference to a type of collateral shall not be limited by a separate reference to a more specific or narrower type of that collateral.

2.
Warranties, Covenants and Agreements. Debtor warrants, covenants and agrees as follows:
 
2.1
Debtor shall furnish to Bank, in form and at intervals as Bank may request, any information Bank may reasonably request and allow Bank to examine, inspect, and copy any of Debtor's books and records. Debtor shall, at the request of Bank, mark its records and the Collateral to clearly indicate the security interest of Bank under this Agreement.

 
2.2
At the time any Collateral becomes, or is represented to be, subject to a security interest in favor of Bank, Debtor shall be deemed to have warranted that: (a) Debtor is the lawful owner of the Collateral and has the right and authority to subject it to a security interest granted to Bank; (b) none of the Collateral is subject to any security interest other than that in favor of Bank; (c) there are no financing statements on file, other than in favor of Bank; (d) no person, other than Bank, has possession or control (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code) of any Collateral of such nature that perfection of a security interest may be accomplished by control; and (e) Debtor acquired its rights in the Collateral in the ordinary course of its business.

 
2.3
Debtor will keep the Collateral free at all times from all claims, liens, security interests and encumbrances other than those in favor of Bank. Debtor will not, without the prior written consent of Bank, sell, transfer or lease, or permit to be sold, transferred or leased, any or all of the Collateral, except (where Inventory is pledged as Collateral) for Inventory in the ordinary course of its business and will not return any Inventory to its supplier. Bank or its representatives may at all reasonable times inspect the Collateral and may enter upon all premises where the Collateral is kept or might be located.

 
2.4
Debtor will do all acts and will execute or cause to be executed all writings requested by Bank to establish, maintain and continue an exclusive, perfected and first security interest of Bank in the Collateral. Debtor agrees that Bank has no obligation to acquire or perfect any lien on or security interest in any asset(s), whether realty or personalty, to secure payment of the Indebtedness, and Debtor is not relying upon assets in which the Bank may have a lien or security interest for payment of the Indebtedness.

-40-

Exhibit 10.1


 
2.5
Debtor will pay within the time that they can be paid without interest or penalty all taxes, assessments and similar charges which at any time are or may become a lien, charge, or encumbrance upon any Collateral, except to the extent contested in good faith and bonded in a manner satisfactory to Bank. If Debtor fails to pay any of these taxes, assessments, or other charges in the time provided above, Bank has the option (but not the obligation) to do so and Debtor agrees to repay all amounts so expended by Bank immediately upon demand, together with interest at the highest lawful default rate which could be charged by Bank on any Indebtedness.
 
2.6
Debtor will keep the Collateral in good condition and will protect it from loss, damage, or deterioration from any cause. Debtor has and will maintain at all times (a) with respect to the Collateral, insurance under an "all risk" policy against fire and other risks customarily insured against, and (b) public liability insurance and other insurance as may be required by law or reasonably required by Bank, all of which insurance shall be in amount, form and content, and written by companies as may be satisfactory to Bank, containing a lender's loss payable endorsement acceptable to Bank. Debtor will deliver to Bank immediately upon demand evidence satisfactory to Bank that the required insurance has been procured. If Debtor fails to maintain satisfactory insurance, Bank has the option (but not the obligation) to do so and Debtor agrees to repay all amounts so expended by Bank immediately upon demand, together with interest at the highest lawful default rate which could be charged by Bank on any Indebtedness.

TEXAS FINANCE CODE SECTION 307.052 COLLATERAL PROTECTION NOTICE: (A) DEBTOR IS REQUIRED TO: (i) KEEP THE COLLATERAL INSURED AGAINST DAMAGE IN THE AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE DEBTOR'S INDEBTEDNESS TO BANK; (ii) PURCHASE THE INSURANCE FROM AN INSURER THAT IS AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS OR AN ELIGIBLE SURPLUS LINES INSURER; AND (iii) NAME THE BANK AS THE PERSON TO BE PAID UNDER THE POLICY IN THE EVENT OF LOSS; (B) DEBTOR MUST, IF REQUIRED BY BANK, DELIVER TO BANK A COPY OF THE POLICY AND PROOF OF THE PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS; AND (C) IF DEBTOR FAILS TO MEET ANY REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN CLAUSE (A) OR (B) ABOVE, THE BANK MAY OBTAIN COLLATERAL PROTECTION INSURANCE ON BEHALF OF THE DEBTOR AT DEBTOR'S EXPENSE.

 
2.7
On each occasion on which Debtor evidences to Bank the account balances on and the nature and extent of the Accounts Receivable, Debtor shall be deemed to have warranted that except as otherwise indicated: (a) each of those Accounts Receivable is valid and enforceable without performance by Debtor of any act; (b) each of those account balances are in fact owing; (c) there are no setoffs, recoupments, credits, contra accounts, counterclaims or defenses against any of those Accounts Receivable; (d) as to any Accounts Receivable represented by a note, trade acceptance, draft or other instrument or by any chattel paper or document, the same have been endorsed and/or delivered by Debtor to Bank; (e) Debtor has not received with respect to any Account Receivable, any notice of the death of the related account debtor, nor of the dissolution, liquidation, termination of existence, insolvency, business failure, appointment of a receiver for, assignment for the benefit of creditors by, or filing of a petition in bankruptcy by or against, the account debtor; and (f) as to each Account Receivable, except as may be expressly permitted by Bank to the contrary in another document, the account debtor is not an affiliate of Debtor, the United States of America or any department, agency or instrumentality of it, or a citizen or resident of any jurisdiction outside of the United States. Debtor will do all acts and will execute all writings requested by Bank to perform, enforce performance of, and collect all Accounts Receivable. Debtor shall neither make nor permit any modification, compromise or substitution for any Account Receivable without the prior written consent of Bank. Bank may at any time and from time to time verify Accounts Receivable directly with account debtors or by other methods acceptable to Bank without notifying Debtor. Debtor agrees, at Bank's request, to arrange or cooperate with Bank in arranging for verification of Accounts Receivable.

2.8 Debtor at all times shall be in strict compliance with all applicable laws, including without limit any laws, ordinances, directives, orders, statutes, or regulations an object of which is to regulate or improve health, safety, or the environment ("Environmental Laws").

2.9 If Bank, acting in its sole discretion, redelivers Collateral to Debtor or Debtor's designee for the purpose of (a) the ultimate sale or exchange thereof; or (b) presentation, collection, renewal, or registration of transfer thereof; or (c) loading, unloading, storing, shipping, transshipping, manufacturing, processing or otherwise dealing with it preliminary to sale or exchange; such redelivery shall be in trust for the benefit of Bank and shall not constitute a release of Bank's security interest in it or in the proceeds or products of it unless Bank specifically so agrees in writing. If Debtor requests any such redelivery, Debtor will deliver with such request a duly executed financing statement in form and substance satisfactory to Bank. Any proceeds of Collateral coming into Debtor's possession as a result of any such redelivery shall be held in trust for Bank and immediately delivered to Bank for application on the Indebtedness. Bank may (in its sole discretion) deliver any or all of the Collateral to Debtor, and such delivery by Bank shall discharge Bank from all liability or responsibility for such Collateral. Bank, at its option, may require delivery of any Collateral to Bank at any time with such endorsements or assignments of the Collateral as Bank may request.

-41-

Exhibit 10.1


2.10 At any time and without notice, Bank may, as to Collateral other than Equipment, Fixtures or Inventory: (a) cause any or all of such Collateral to be transferred to its name or to the name of its nominees; (b) receive or collect by legal proceedings or otherwise all dividends, interest, principal payments and other sums and all other distributions at any time payable or receivable on account of such Collateral, and hold the same as Collateral, or apply the same to the Indebtedness, the manner and distribution of the application to be in the sole discretion of Bank; (c) enter into any extension, subordination, reorganization, deposit, merger or consolidation agreement or any other agreement relating to or affecting such Collateral, and deposit or surrender control of such Collateral, and accept other property in exchange for such Collateral and hold or apply the property or money so received pursuant to this Agreement; and (d) take such actions in its own name or in Debtor's name as Bank, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or appropriate to establish exclusive control (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code) over any Collateral of such nature that perfection of the Bank's security interest may be accomplished by control.

2.11 Bank may assign any of the Indebtedness and deliver any or all of the Collateral to its assignee, who then shall have with respect to Collateral so delivered all the rights and powers of Bank under this Agreement, and after that Bank shall be fully discharged from all liability and responsibility with respect to Collateral so delivered.

2.12 Debtor delivers this Agreement based solely on Debtor's independent investigation of (or decision not to investigate) the financial condition of Borrower and is not relying on any information furnished by Bank. Debtor assumes full responsibility for obtaining any further information concerning the Borrower's financial condition, the status of the Indebtedness or any other matter which the undersigned may deem necessary or appropriate now or later. Debtor waives any duty on the part of Bank, and agrees that Debtor is not relying upon nor expecting Bank to disclose to Debtor any fact now or later known by Bank, whether relating to the operations or condition of Borrower, the existence, liabilities or financial condition of any guarantor of the Indebtedness, the occurrence of any default with respect to the Indebtedness, or otherwise, notwithstanding any effect such fact may have upon Debtor's risk or Debtor's rights against Borrower. Debtor knowingly accepts the full range of risk encompassed in this Agreement, which risk includes without limit the possibility that Borrower may incur Indebtedness to Bank after the financial condition of Borrower, or Borrower's ability to pay debts as they mature, has deteriorated.

2.13 Debtor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Bank, its employees, agents, shareholders, affiliates, officers, and directors from and against any and all claims, damages, fines, expenses, liabilities or causes of action of whatever kind, including without limit consultant fees, legal expenses, and attorneys fees, suffered by any of them as a direct or indirect result of any actual or asserted violation of any law, including, without limit, Environmental Laws, or of any remediation relating to any property required by any law, including without limit Environmental Laws, INCLUDING ANY CLAIMS, DAMAGES, FINES, EXPENSES, LIABILITIES OR CAUSES OF ACTION OF WHATEVER KIND RESULTING FROM BANK'S OWN NEGLIGENCE, except and to the extent (but only to the extent) caused by Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

3.
Collection of Proceeds.
 
3.1
Debtor agrees to collect and enforce payment of all Collateral until Bank shall direct Debtor to the contrary. Immediately upon notice to Debtor by Bank and at all times after that, Debtor agrees to fully and promptly cooperate and assist Bank in the collection and enforcement of all Collateral and to hold in trust for Bank all payments received in connection with Collateral and from the sale, lease or other disposition of any Collateral, all rights by way of suretyship or guaranty and all rights in the nature of a lien or security interest which Debtor now or later has regarding Collateral. Immediately upon and after such notice, Debtor agrees to (a) endorse to Bank and immediately deliver to Bank all payments received on Collateral or from the sale, lease or other disposition of any Collateral or arising from any other rights or interests of Debtor in the Collateral, in the form received by Debtor without commingling with any other funds, and (b) immediately deliver to Bank all property in Debtor's possession or later coming into Debtor's possession through enforcement of Debtor's rights or interests in the Collateral. Debtor irrevocably authorizes Bank or any Bank employee or agent to endorse the name of Debtor upon any checks or other items which are received in payment for any Collateral, and to do any and all things necessary in order to reduce these items to money. Bank shall have no duty as to the collection or protection of Collateral or the proceeds of it, nor as to the preservation of any related rights, beyond the use of reasonable care in the custody and preservation of Collateral in the possession of Bank. Debtor agrees to take all steps necessary to preserve rights against prior parties with respect to the Collateral. Nothing in this Section 3.1 shall be deemed a consent by Bank to any sale, lease or other disposition of any Collateral.

 
3.2
Debtor agrees that immediately upon Bank's request (whether or not any Event of Default exists) the indebtedness shall be on a "remittance basis" in accordance with the following. In connection therewith, Debtor shall at its sole expense establish and maintain (and Bank, at Bank's option, may establish and maintain at Debtor's expense):

 
(a)
A United States Post Office lock box (the "Lock Box"), to which Bank shall have exclusive access and control. Debtor expressly authorizes Bank, from time to time, to remove contents from the Lock Box, for disposition in accordance with this Agreement. Debtor agrees to notify all account debtors and other parties obligated to Debtor that all payments made to Debtor (other than payments by electronic funds


-42-

Exhibit 10.1

transfer) shall be remitted, for the credit of Debtor, to the Lock Box, and Debtor shall include a like statement on all invoices; and
 
(b)
A non-interest bearing deposit account with Bank which shall be titled as designated by Bank (the "Cash Collateral Account") to which Bank shall have exclusive access and control. Debtor agrees to notify all account debtors and other parties obligated to Debtor that all payments made to Debtor by electronic funds transfer shall be remitted to the Cash Collateral Account, and Debtor, at Bank's request, shall include a like statement on all invoices. Debtor shall execute all documents and authorizations as required by Bank to establish and maintain the Lock Box and the Cash Collateral Account.

3.3 All items or amounts which are remitted to the Lock Box, to the Cash Collateral Account, or otherwise delivered by or for the benefit of Debtor to Bank on account of partial or full payment of, or with respect to, any Collateral shall, at Bank's option, (a) be applied to the payment of the Indebtedness, whether then due or not, in such order or at such time of application as Bank may determine in its sole discretion, or, (b) be deposited to the Cash Collateral Account. Debtor agrees that Bank shall not be liable for any loss or damage which Debtor may suffer as a result of Bank's processing of items or its exercise of any other rights or remedies under this Agreement, including without limitation indirect, special or consequential damages, loss of revenues or profits, or any claim, demand or action by any third party arising out of or in connection with the processing of items or the exercise of any other rights or remedies under this Agreement. Debtor agrees to indemnify and hold Bank harmless from and against all such third party claims, demands or actions, and all related expenses or liabilities, including, without limitation, attorney's fees and INCLUDING CLAIMS, DAMAGES, FINES, EXPENSES, LIABILITIES OR CAUSES OF ACTION OF WHATEVER KIND RESULTING FROM BANK'S OWN NEGLIGENCE except to the extent (but only to the extent) caused by Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

4.
Defaults, Enforcement and Application of Proceeds.
 
4.1
Upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each an "Event of Default"), Debtor shall be in default under this Agreement:
 
(a)
Any failure to pay the Indebtedness or any other indebtedness when due, or such portion of it as may be due, by acceleration or otherwise; or
 
(b)
Any failure or neglect to comply with, or breach of or default under, any term of this Agreement, or any other agreement or commitment between Borrower, Debtor, or any guarantor of any of the Indebtedness ("Guarantor") and Bank; or
 
(c)
Any warranty, representation, financial statement, or other information made, given or furnished to Bank by or on behalf of Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor shall be, or shall prove to have been, false or materially misleading when made, given, or furnished; or
 
(d)
Any loss, theft, substantial damage or destruction to or of any Collateral, or the issuance or filing of any attachment, levy, garnishment or the commencement of any proceeding in connection with any Collateral or of any other judicial process of, upon or in respect of Borrower, Debtor, any Guarantor, or any Collateral; or
 
(e)
Sale or other disposition by Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor of any substantial portion of its assets or property or voluntary suspension of the transaction of business by Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor, or death, dissolution, termination of existence, merger, consolidation, insolvency, business failure, or assignment for the benefit of creditors of or by Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor; or commencement of any proceedings under any state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency laws or laws for the relief of debtors by or against Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor; or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, court appointee, sequestrator or otherwise, for all or any part of the property of Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor; or
 
(f)
Bank deems the margin of Collateral insufficient or itself insecure, in good faith believing that the prospect of payment of the Indebtedness or performance of this Agreement is impaired or shall fear deterioration, removal, or waste of Collateral; or
 
(g)
An event of default shall occur under any instrument, agreement or other document evidencing, securing or otherwise relating to any of the Indebtedness.

4.2 Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, Bank may at its discretion and without prior notice to Debtor declare any or all of the Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable, and shall have and may exercise any right or remedy available to it including, without limitation, any one or more of the following rights and remedies:
 
(a)
Exercise all the rights and remedies upon default, in foreclosure and otherwise, available to secured parties under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable law;
 
(b)
Institute legal proceedings to foreclose upon the lien and security interest granted by this Agreement, to recover judgment for all amounts then due and owing as Indebtedness, and to collect the same out of any Collateral or the proceeds of any sale of it;
 
(c)
Institute legal proceedings. for the sale, under the judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, of any or all Collateral; and/or

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Exhibit 10.1


 
(d)
Personally or by agents, attorneys, or appointment of a receiver, enter upon any premises where Collateral may then be located, and take possession of all or any of it and/or render it unusable; and without being responsible for loss or damage to such Collateral, hold, operate, sell, lease, or dispose of all or any Collateral at one or more public or private sales, leasings or other dispositions, at places and times and on terms and conditions as Bank may deem fit, without any previous demand or advertisement; and except as provided in this Agreement, all notice of sale, lease or other disposition, and advertisement, and other notice or demand, any right or equity of redemption, and any obligation of a prospective purchaser or lessee to inquire as to the power and authority of Bank to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or as to the application by Bank of the proceeds of sale or otherwise, which would otherwise be required by, or available to Debtor under, applicable law are expressly waived by Debtor to the fullest extent permitted.

At any sale pursuant to this Section 4.2, whether under the power of sale, by virtue of judicial proceedings or otherwise, it shall not be necessary for Bank or a public officer under order of a court to have present physical or constructive possession of Collateral to be sold. The recitals contained in any conveyances and receipts made and given by Bank or the public officer to any purchaser at any sale made pursuant to this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, conclusively establish the truth and accuracy of the matters stated (including, without limit, as to the amounts of the principal of and interest on the Indebtedness, the accrual and nonpayment of it and advertisement and conduct of the sale); and all prerequisites to the sale shall be presumed to have been satisfied and performed. Upon any sale of any Collateral, the receipt of the officer making the sale under judicial proceedings or of Bank shall be sufficient discharge to the purchaser for the purchase money, and the purchaser shall not be obligated to see to the application of the money. Any sale of any Collateral under this Agreement shall be a perpetual bar against Debtor with respect to that Collateral. At any sale or other disposition of the Collateral pursuant to this Section 4.2, Bank disclaims all warranties which would otherwise be given under the Uniform Commercial Code, including without limit a disclaimer of any warranty relating to title, possession, quiet enjoyment or the like, and Bank may communicate these disclaimers to a purchaser at such disposition. This disclaimer of warranties will not render the sale commercially unreasonable.

 
4.3
Debtor shall at the request of Bank, notify the account debtors or obligors of Bank's security interest in the Collateral and direct payment of it to Bank. Bank may, itself, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default so notify and direct any account debtor or obligor. At the request of Bank, whether or not an Event of Default shall have occurred, Debtor shall immediately take such actions as the Bank shall request to establish exclusive control (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code) by Bank over any Collateral which is of such a nature that perfection of a security interest may be accomplished by control.

 
4.4
The proceeds of any sale or other disposition of Collateral authorized by this Agreement shall be applied by Bank first upon all expenses authorized by the Uniform Commercial Code and all reasonable attorney fees and legal expenses incurred by Bank; the balance of the proceeds of the sale or other disposition shall be applied in the payment of the Indebtedness, first to interest, then to principal, then to remaining Indebtedness and the surplus, if any, shall be paid over to Debtor or to such other person(s) as may be entitled to it under applicable law. Debtor shall remain liable for any deficiency, which it shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand. Debtor agrees that Bank shall be under no obligation to accept any noncash proceeds in connection with any sale or disposition of Collateral unless failure to do so would be commercially unreasonable. If Bank agrees in its sole discretion to accept noncash proceeds (unless the failure to do so would be commercially unreasonable), Bank may ascribe any commercially reasonable value to such proceeds. Without limiting the foregoing, Bank may apply any discount factor in determining the present value of proceeds to be received in the future or may elect to apply proceeds to be received in the future only as and when such proceeds are actually received in cash by Bank.

 
4.5
Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be construed, to preclude Bank from pursuing any other remedy provided by law or in equity for the collection of the Indebtedness or for the recovery of any other sum to which Bank may be entitled for the breach of this Agreement by Debtor. Nothing in this Agreement shall reduce or release in any way any rights or security interests of Bank contained in any existing agreement between Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor and Bank.

 
4.6
No waiver of default or consent to any act by Debtor shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized officer of Bank. No waiver of any default or forbearance on the part of Bank in enforcing any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other default or of the same default on a future occasion or of any rights.

 
4.7
Debtor (a) irrevocably appoints Bank or any agent of Bank (which appointment is coupled with an interest) the true and lawful attorney of Debtor (with full power of substitution) in the name, place and stead of, and at the expense of, Debtor and (b) authorizes Bank or any agent of Bank, in its own name, at Debtor's expense, to do any of the following, as Bank, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate:

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Exhibit 10.1


 
(i)
to demand, receive, sue for, and give receipts or acquittances for any moneys due or to become due on any Collateral and to endorse any item representing any payment on or proceeds of the Collateral;
 
(ii)
to execute and file in the name of and on behalf of Debtor all financing statements or other filings deemed necessary or desirable by Bank to evidence, perfect, or continue the security interests granted in this Agreement; and
 
(iii)
to do and perform any act on behalf of Debtor permitted or required under this Agreement.

 
4.8
Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Debtor also agrees, upon request of Bank, to assemble the Collateral and make it available to Bank at any place designated by Bank which is reasonably convenient to Bank and Debtor.

 
4.9
The following shall be the basis for any finder of fact's determination of the value of any Collateral which is the subject matter of a disposition giving rise to a calculation of any surplus or deficiency under Section 9.615(f) of the Uniform Commercial Code (as in effect on or after July 1, 2001): (a) The Collateral which is the subject matter of the disposition shall be valued in an "as is" condition as of the date of the disposition, without any assumption or expectation that such Collateral will be repaired or improved in any manner; (b) the valuation shall be based upon an assumption that the transferee of such Collateral desires a resale of the Collateral for cash promptly (but no later than 30 days) following the disposition; (c) all reasonable closing costs customarily borne by the seller in commercial sales transactions relating to property similar to such Collateral shall be deducted including, without limitation, brokerage commissions, tax prorations, attorney's fees, whether inside or outside counsel is used, and marketing costs; (d) the value of the Collateral which is the subject matter of the disposition shall be further discounted to account for any estimated holding costs associated with maintaining such Collateral pending sale (to the extent not accounted for in (c) above), and other maintenance, operational and ownership expenses; and (e) any expert opinion testimony given or considered in connection with a determination of the value of such Collateral must be given by persons having at least 5 years experience in appraising property similar to the Collateral and who have conducted and prepared a complete written appraisal of such Collateral taking into consideration the factors set forth above. The "value" of any such Collateral shall be a factor in determining the amount of proceeds which would have been realized in a disposition to a transferee other than a secured party, a person related to a secured party or a secondary obligor under Section 9.615(f) of the Uniform Commercial Code.

5.
Miscellaneous.
 
5.1
Until Bank is advised in writing by Debtor to the contrary, all notices, requests and demands required under this Agreement or by law shall be given to, or made upon, Debtor at the following address:

16250 Dallas Pkwy. , Ste. 205  
     
STREET ADDRESS 
     
       
Dallas 
TX 
75248 
Dallas 
CITY 
STATE 
ZIP CODE 
COUNTY 

 
5.2
Debtor will give Bank not less than 90 days prior written notice of all contemplated changes in Debtor's name, location, chief executive office, principal place of business, and/or location of any Collateral, but the giving of this notice shall not cure any Event of Default caused by this change.

 
5.3
Bank assumes no duty of performance or other responsibility under any contracts contained within the Collateral.

 
5.4
Bank has the right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or grant participations or any interest in, any or all of the Indebtedness and any related obligations, including without limit this Agreement. In connection with the above, but without limiting its ability to make other disclosures to the full extent allowable, Bank may disclose all documents and information which Bank now or later has relating to Debtor, the Indebtedness or this Agreement, however obtained. Debtor further agrees that Bank may provide information relating to this Agreement or relating to Debtor or the Indebtedness to the Bank's parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, and service providers.

 
5.5
In addition to Bank's other rights, any indebtedness owing from Bank to Debtor can be set off and applied by Bank on any Indebtedness at any time(s) either before or after maturity or demand without notice to anyone. Any such action shall not constitute acceptance of collateral in discharge of any portion of the Indebtedness.

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Exhibit 10.1


 
5.6
Debtor, to the extent not expressly prohibited by applicable law, waives any right to require the Bank to: (a) proceed against any person or property; (b) give notice of the terms, time and place of any public or private sale of personal property security held from Borrower or any other person, or otherwise comply with the provisions of Section 9.504 of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect prior to July 1, 2001 or its successor provisions thereafter; or (c) pursue any other remedy in the Bank's power. Debtor waives notice of acceptance of this Agreement and presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, dishonor, notice of dishonor, notice of default, notice of intent to accelerate or demand payment of any Indebtedness, any and all other notices to which the undersigned might otherwise be entitled, and diligence in collecting any Indebtedness, and agree(s) that the Bank may, once or any number of times, modify the terms of any Indebtedness, compromise, extend, increase, accelerate, renew or forbear to enforce payment of any or all Indebtedness, or permit Borrower to incur additional Indebtedness, all without notice to Debtor and without affecting in any manner the unconditional obligation of Debtor under this Agreement. Debtor unconditionally and irrevocably waives each and every defense and setoff of any nature which, under principles of guaranty or otherwise, would operate to impair or diminish in any way the obligation of Debtor under this Agreement, and acknowledges that such waiver is by this reference incorporated into each security agreement, collateral assignment, pledge and/or other document from Debtor now or later securing the Indebtedness, and acknowledges that as of the date of this Agreement no such defense or setoff exists.

 
5.7
Debtor waives any and all rights (whether by subrogation, indemnity, reimbursement, or otherwise) to recover from Borrower any amounts paid or the value of any Collateral given by Debtor pursuant to this Agreement until such time as all of the Indebtedness has been fully paid.

 
5.8
In the event that applicable law shall obligate Bank to give prior notice to Debtor of any action to be taken under this Agreement, Debtor agrees that a written notice given to Debtor at least ten days before the date of the act shall be reasonable notice of the act and, specifically, reasonable notification of the time and place of any public sale or of the time after which any private sale, lease, or other disposition is to be made, unless a shorter notice period is reasonable under the circumstances. A notice shall be deemed to be given under this Agreement when delivered to Debtor or when placed in an envelope addressed to Debtor and deposited, with postage prepaid, in a post office or official depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service or delivered to an overnight courier. The mailing shall be by overnight courier, certified, or first class mail.

 
5.9
Notwithstanding any prior revocation, termination, surrender, or discharge of this Agreement in whole or in part, the effectiveness of this Agreement shall automatically continue or be reinstated in the event that any payment received or credit given by Bank in respect of the Indebtedness is returned, disgorged, or rescinded under any applicable law, including, without limitation, bankruptcy or insolvency laws, in which case this Agreement, shall be enforceable against Debtor as if the returned, disgorged, or rescinded payment or credit had not been received or given by Bank, and whether or not Bank relied upon this payment or credit or changed its position as a consequence of it. In the event of continuation or reinstatement of this Agreement, Debtor agrees upon demand by Bank to execute and deliver to Bank those documents which Bank determines are appropriate to further evidence (in the public records or otherwise) this continuation or reinstatement, although the failure of Debtor to do so shall not affect in any way the reinstatement or continuation.

 
5.10
This Agreement and all the rights and remedies of Bank under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Bank's successors and assigns and to any other holder who derives from Bank title to or an interest in the Indebtedness or any portion of it, and shall bind Debtor and the heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of Debtor. Nothing in this Section 5.10 is deemed a consent by Bank to any assignment by Debtor.

 
5.11
If there is more than one Debtor, all undertakings, warranties and covenants made by Debtor and all rights, powers and authorities given to or conferred upon Bank are made or given jointly and severally.

 
5.12
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all terms in this Agreement have the meanings assigned to them in Article 9 (or, absent definition in Article 9, in any other Article) of the Uniform Commercial Code as those meanings may be amended, revised or replaced from time to time. "Uniform Commercial Code" means the Texas Business and Commerce Code as amended, revised or replaced from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties intend that the terms used herein which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code have, at all times, the broadest and most inclusive meanings possible. Accordingly, if the Uniform Commercial Code shall in the future be amended or held by a court to define any term used herein more broadly or inclusively than the Uniform Commercial Code in effect on the date of this Agreement, then such term, as used herein, shall be given such broadened meaning. If the Uniform Commercial Code shall in the future be amended or held by a court to define any term used herein more narrowly, or less inclusively, than the Uniform Commercial Code in effect on the date of this Agreement, such amendment or holding shall be disregarded in defining terms used in this Agreement.

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Exhibit 10.1


 
5.13
No single or partial exercise, or delay in the exercise, of any right or power under this Agreement, shall preclude other or further exercise of the rights and powers under this Agreement. The unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of Debtor and Bank with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Debtor and an authorized officer of Bank. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPALS.

 
5.14
To the extent that any of the Indebtedness is payable upon demand, nothing contained in this Agreement shall modify the terms and conditions of that Indebtedness nor shall anything contained in this Agreement prevent Bank from making demand, without notice and with or without reason, for immediate payment of any or all of that Indebtedness at any time(s), whether or not an Event of Default has occurred.

 
5.15
Debtor represents and warrants that Debtor's exact name is the name set forth in this Agreement. Debtor further represents and warrants the following and agrees that Debtor is, and at all times shall be, located in the following place :
Debtor is an individual, and Debtor is located (as determined pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code) at Debtor's principal residence which is (street address, state and county or parish): N/A.

Debtor is a registered organization which is organized under the laws of one of the states comprising the United States (e.g. corporation, limited partnership, registered limited liability partnership or limited liability company), and Debtor is located (as determined pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code) in the state under the laws of which it was organized, which is (state): Delaware.

Debtor is a domestic organization which is not a registered organization under the laws of the United States or any state thereof (e.g. general partnership, joint venture, trust, estate or association), and Debtor is located (as determined pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code) at its sole place of business or, if it has more than one place of business, at its chief executive office, which is (street address, state and county or parish): N/A.

Debtor is a registered organization organized under the laws of the United States, and Debtor is located in the state that United States law designates as its location or, if United States law authorizes the Debtor to designate the state for its location, the state designated by Debtor, or if neither of the foregoing are applicable, at the District of Columbia. Based on the foregoing, Debtor is located (as determined pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code) at (state): N/A.

Debtor is a foreign individual or foreign organization-or-a branch or agency of a bank that is not organized under the laws of the United States or a state thereof, Debtor is located (as determined pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code) at (street address, state and county or parish):  N/A .

The Collateral is located at and shall be maintained at the following location(s):
16250 Dallas Pkwy. , Ste. 205  
     
STREET ADDRESS 
     
       
Dallas 
TX 
75248 
Dallas 
CITY 
STATE 
ZIP CODE 
COUNTY 
Collateral shall be maintained only at the locations identified in this Section 5.15.

 
5.16
A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement shall be sufficient as a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code and may be filed by Bank in any filing office.

 
5.17
This Agreement shall be terminated only by the filing of a termination statement in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, but the obligations contained in Section 2.13 of this Agreement shall survive termination.

 
5.18
Debtor agrees to reimburse the Bank upon demand for any and all costs and expenses (including, without limit, court costs, legal expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees, whether inside or outside counsel is used, whether or not suit is instituted and, if suit is instituted, whether at the trial court level, appellate level, in a bankruptcy, probate or administrative proceeding or otherwise) incurred in enforcing or attempting to enforce this Agreement or in exercising or attempting to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or incurred in any other matter or proceeding relating to this Security Agreement.

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Exhibit 10.1


6.  
DEBTOR AND BANK ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IS A CONSTITUTIONAL ONE, BUT THAT IT MAY BE WAIVED. EACH PARTY, AFTER CONSULTING (OR HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE, KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND FOR THEIR MUTUAL BENEFIT WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT OF, OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE INDEBTEDNESS.

7.    
THIS IS A TEXAS SPECIFIC PROVISION: THIS WRITTEN LOAN AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED BY SECTION 26.02 OF THE TEXAS BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE) REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
7.
Special Provisions Applicable to this Agreement. (*None, if left blank)

 
DEBTOR:
Ascendant Solutions, Inc.
     
DEBTOR NAME TYPED/PRINTED
     
 
By:
/s/ Gary Boyd
   
SIGNATURE OF Gary Boyd 
     
 
Its: 
Chief Financial Officer 
   
TITLE (If applicable) 
     
 
By: 
 
   
SIGNATURE OF 
     
 
Its: 
 
   
TITLE (If applicable) 
     
 
By: 
 
   
SIGNATURE OF 
     
 
Its: 
 
   
TITLE (If applicable) 
     
 
By: 
 
   
SIGNATURE OF 
     
 
Its: 
 
   
TITLE (If applicable) 

Borrower(s):
Ascendant Solutions, Inc.


PEDESTAL - Dynamic Security Agreement
Revision Date (12/03) KMA
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