IROQUOIS FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made effective as of ____ day of ___________, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan Association (the “Bank”), a federally chartered financial institution, with its principal offices located at 201 East Cherry Street, Watseka, Illinois 60970-0190, and Walter H. Hasselbring, III (the “Executive”).  Any reference herein to the “Company” shall refer to IF Bancorp, Inc, which owns 100% of the outstanding stock of the Bank of the Company.

 

WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Bank; and

 

WHEREAS, the Bank desires to ensure that the Bank is assured of the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to serve the Bank on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and has agreed to such changes.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

(a)           During the period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, Executive agrees to serve as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Bank.  Executive shall perform all duties and shall have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of Chief Executive Officer and President or which, consistent with that office, are delegated to him by the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board of Directors”).

(b)           During the period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, vacation, and reasonable leaves of absence, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, attention, skill and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties under this Agreement, including activities and services related to the organization, operation and management of the Bank and its affiliates, as well as participation in community, professional and civic organizations; provided, however, that, with the approval of the Board of Directors, as evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors, from time to time, Executive may serve, or continue to serve, on the boards of directors of, and hold any other offices or positions in, companies or organizations, which, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, will not present any conflict of interest with the Bank or its affiliates, or materially affect the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement.

(c)           The Bank will furnish Executive with the working facilities and staff customary for executive officers with the title and duties set forth in this Agreement and as are necessary for him to perform his duties.  The location of such facilities and staff shall be at the principal administrative offices of the Bank.

(a)           The term of this Agreement shall be (i) the initial term, consisting on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary of the Effective Date, plus (ii) any and all extensions of the initial term made pursuant to this Section 2.

(b)           Commencing on the first anniversary of the Effective Date and as of each anniversary thereafter (each, an “Anniversary Date”), the disinterested members of the Board of Directors may renew the term of this Agreement for an additional one (1) year period beyond the then effective expiration date, provided that Executive shall not have given at least sixty (60) days’ written notice of his desire that the term not be renewed.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to each Anniversary Date, the disinterested members of the Board will conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation and review of Executive for purposes of determining whether to extend this Agreement, and the results thereof will be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting.  If notice of nonrenewal is provided to the Executive, then in such case the term of this Agreement shall become fixed and shall cease at the end of thirty-six (36) full calendar months following the Anniversary Date.

(c)           Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, either Executive or the Bank may terminate Executive’s employment with the Bank at any time during the term of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  If Executive voluntarily terminates employment hereunder, other than due to death, Disability or resignation for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of such termination without any further action required of either party hereto.

(a)           Base Salary.  The Bank agrees to pay Executive during the term of this Agreement a base salary (“Base Salary”) at the rate of $255,000 per annum, payable in accordance with the Bank’s customary payroll practices.  The Board of Directors of the Bank shall review annually the rate of Executive’s Base Salary based upon factors they deem relevant, and may maintain or increase his Base Salary, provided that no such action shall reduce the rate of Base Salary below the rate in effect on the Effective Date.  In the absence of action by the Board of Directors, Executive shall continue to receive his Base Salary at the per annum rate specified on the Effective Date or, if another rate has been established under the provisions of this Section 3, the rate last properly established by action of the Board of Directors.

(b)           Incentive Compensation.  Executive shall be entitled to participate in discretionary bonuses or other incentive compensation programs that the Board of Directors may award from time to time to senior management employees pursuant to bonus plans or otherwise.

 

(c)           Vacation and Holidays.  Executive shall take vacation at a time mutually agreed upon by the Bank and Executive.  Executive shall receive his Base Salary and other benefits during periods of vacation.  Executive shall also be entitled to paid legal holidays in accordance with the policies of the Bank.

(d)           Other Employee Benefits.  In addition to any other compensation or benefits provided for under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to continue to participate in any employee benefit plans, arrangements and perquisites of the Bank in which he participated or was eligible to participate as of the Effective Date.  Executive shall also be entitled to participate in any employee benefits or perquisites the Bank offers to full-time employees or executive management in the future.  The Bank will not, without Executive’s prior written consent, make any changes in such plans, arrangements or perquisites which would adversely affect Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder without separately providing for an arrangement that ensures Executive receives or will receive the economic value that Executive would otherwise lose as a result of any adverse changes.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, Executive shall be entitled to participate in or receive benefits under all plans relating to stock options, restricted stock awards, stock purchases, pension, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, supplemental retirement, directors’ retirement, group life insurance, medical and other health and welfare coverage that are made available by the Bank currently or at any time in the future during the term of this Agreement, subject to and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements.

(a)           Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during Executive’s term of employment under this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4 shall apply.  Unless Executive agrees otherwise, as used in this Agreement, an “Event of Termination” shall mean and include any one or more of the following: (i) the termination by the Bank of Executive’s full-time employment for any reason other than a termination governed by Section 7 of this Agreement; or (ii) Executive’s resignation from the Bank for “Good Reason.”  Good Reason shall include any of the following:

(A)           failure to reappoint Executive as Chief Executive Officer and President;

(B)

a material change in Executive’s functions, duties or responsibilities with the Bank or its affiliates, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance or scope from the position and attributes thereof described in Section 1 of this Agreement;

(C)

the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment by more than thirty-five (35) miles from its location at the Effective Date of this Agreement;

(D)

a material reduction in the benefits and perquisites provided to Executive from those being provided as of the Effective Date of this Agreement (except for any reduction that is part of an employee-wide reduction in pay or benefits);

(E)

the failure of the Company to re-appoint Executive to the Board of Directors of the Bank other than for Just Cause; or

(F)           a material breach of this Agreement by the Bank.

 

Upon the occurrence of any event described in clauses (A) through (F), above, Executive shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation upon 30 days prior written notice after the event giving rise to the right to elect, which termination by Executive shall be an Event of Termination.  The Bank shall have 30 days to cure the condition giving rise to the Event of Termination, provided that the Bank may elect to waive said 30-day period.

(b)           Upon Executive’s termination of employment in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section 4, as of the Date of Termination, as defined in Section 8 of this Agreement, the Bank shall be obligated to pay Executive, or, in the event of his death following the Date of Termination, his beneficiary(ies), or his estate, as the case may be, an amount equal to the sum of three times: (i) the Executive’s Base Salary and (ii) highest annual bonus, whether paid to or accrued on behalf of Executive during the prior three years.  In addition, the Executive will be entitled to the value of all employee benefits that would have been provided to Executive over the thirty-six (36) month period immediately following the Event of Termination, based on the most recent level of contribution, accrual or other participation by or on behalf of Executive.  Such amounts shall be paid to Executive in a single cash lump sum distribution within thirty (30) days following Executive’s Event of Termination; provided however, if the Executive is a “Specified Employee,” as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.409-1(i), then, solely to the extent required to avoid penalties under Section 409A of the Code, such payment shall be delayed until the first day of the seventh full month following the Executive’s Date of Termination. Such payments shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following termination of employment with the Bank.

(c)           In addition to the payments provided for in paragraph (b) of this Section 4, upon Executive’s termination of employment in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 4, to the extent that the Bank continues to offer any life insurance, non-taxable medical, health, or dental insurance plan or arrangement in which Executive or his dependents participate as of the date of the Event of Termination (each being a “Welfare Plan”), Executive and his covered dependents shall continue participating in such Welfare Plans, subject to the same premium contributions on the part of Executive as were required immediately prior to the Event of Termination until the earlier of (i) his death; (ii) his employment by another employer other than one of which he is the majority owner; or (iii) for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the Event of Termination.  If the Bank does not offer the Welfare Plans at any time after the Event of Termination or if Executive’s participation in such plans would subject the Bank to excise taxes or penalties under applicable tax laws, then the Bank shall provide Executive with a payment equal to the premiums for such benefits for the period which runs until the earlier of (i) his death; (ii) his employment by another employer other than one of which he is the majority owner; or (iii)  for a period of thirty-six months following the Event of Termination, with such amounts payable to Executive in a single cash lump sum distribution within thirty (30) days following Executive’s Event of Termination or the date that the Bank is no longer able to provide such coverage, whichever is later.

(a)           For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” shall mean one of the following events:

(i)           There occurs a “Change in Control” of the Bank or Company, as defined or determined by either the Bank’s or Company’s primary federal regulator or under regulations promulgated by such regulator;

(ii)           As a result of, or in connection with, any merger or other business combination, sale of assets or contested election, wherein the persons who were non-employee directors of the Bank before such transaction or event cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Bank or Company or any successor to the Bank or Bank;

(iii)           The Bank or Company transfers all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation or entity which is not an affiliate of the Bank or Company;

(iv)           The Bank or Company is merged or consolidated with another corporation or entity and, as a result of such merger or consolidation, less than sixty percent (60%) of the equity interest in the surviving or resulting corporation is owned by the former shareholders or depositors of the Bank or Company; or

(v)           The Bank or Company sells or transfers more than a fifty percent (50%) equity interest in the Bank to another person or entity which is not an affiliate of the Bank or Company, excluding a sale or transfer to a person or persons who are employed by the Bank or Company.

(b)           If any of the events described in paragraph (a) of this Section 5, constituting a Change in Control, have occurred, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided for in paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this Section 5 upon his termination of employment  on or within twenty-four (24) months after the date the Change in Control occurs due to (i) Executive’s dismissal, (ii) Executive’s resignation upon not less than 30 days prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed 90 days) following any demotion, loss of title, office or significant authority or responsibility, reduction in annual compensation or benefits or relocation of his principal place of employment by more than thirty-five (35) miles from its location immediately prior to the Change in Control, or (iii) Executive’s resignation for any reason within thirty (30) days of the effective date of a Change in Control, unless Executive’s termination is for Just Cause as defined in Section 7 of this Agreement; provided, however, that such benefits shall be reduced by any payments made under Section 4 of this Agreement.  The Bank, or its successor, shall have 30 days to cure the condition giving rise to Executive's right to resign under clause (ii) above, provided that the Company may elect to waive said 30-day period.

 

(c)           Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed by Executive’s termination of employment, as provided for in paragraph (b) of this Section 5, the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, the greater of the payments and benefits due pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of this agreement, or three (3) times Executive’s average Annual Compensation over the five (5) most recently completed calendar years ending with the year immediately preceding the effective date of the Change in Control.  In determining Executive’s average Annual Compensation, “Annual Compensation” shall include Base Salary and any other taxable income, including, but not limited to, amounts related to the granting, vesting or exercise of restricted stock or stock option awards, commissions, bonuses (whether paid or accrued for the applicable period), as well as retirement benefits, director or committee fees and fringe benefits paid or to be paid to Executive or paid for Executive’s benefit during any such year, profit sharing, employee stock ownership plan and other retirement contributions or benefits, including to any tax-qualified plan or arrangement (whether or not taxable) made or accrued on behalf of Executive for such year.  All amounts payable to the Executive shall be paid in a single cash lump sum distribution within thirty (30) days following such termination of Executive’s employment.

(d)           Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and Executive’s termination of employment in connection therewith, to the extent that the Bank continues to offer any life insurance, non-taxable medical, health, or dental insurance plan or arrangement in which Executive or his dependents participated immediately prior to the Change in Control (each being a “Welfare Plan”), Executive and his covered dependents shall continue participating in such Welfare Plans, subject to the same premium contributions on the part of Executive as were required immediately prior to the Change in Control, until the earlier of (i) Executive’s death; (ii) his employment by another employer other than one of which he is the majority owner; or (iii) the expiration of thirty-six (36) months.  If the Bank does not offer the Welfare Plans at any time after the Change in Control, the Bank shall provide Executive with a payment equal to the premiums for such benefits for the period which runs until the earlier of (i) his death; (ii) his employment by another employer other than one of which he is the majority owner; or (iii) the expiration of 36 months, with such amounts payable to Executive in a single cash lump sum distribution within thirty (30) days following Executive’s Event of Termination or the date that the Bank is no longer able to provide such coverage, whichever is later; provided, however, if the Executive is a “Specified Employee,” as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.409-1(i), then, solely to the extent required to avoid penalties under Section 409A of the Code, such payment shall be delayed until the first day of the seventh full month following the Executive’s Date of Termination.

(e)           The use or provision of any membership, license, automobile use or other perquisites shall be continued during the remaining term of the Agreement (or if less, the maximum period permitted under Code Section 409A without such benefits being considered deferred compensation) on the same financial terms and obligations as were in place immediately prior to the Change in Control, provided however, that if such expenses are paid in the first instance by the Executive, the Bank shall reimburse the Executive therefore. Such reimbursement shall be paid promptly by the Bank and in any event no later than March 15 of the year immediately following the year in which such expenses were incurred.  To the extent that any item referred to in this paragraph will, at the end of the term of this Agreement, no longer be available to Executive, Executive will have the option to purchase all rights then held by the Bank to such item for a price equal to the then fair market value of the item.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the reimbursement of expenses incurred or the in-kind benefits provided hereunder, may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.  The right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

(f)           For purposes of this Agreement, “Event of Termination” and “termination of employment” shall mean “Separation from Service” as defined in Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, provided, however, that the Bank and Executive reasonably anticipate that the level of bona fide services Executive would perform after termination would permanently decrease to a level that is less than 50% of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period.

Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 5, in no event shall the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive under said paragraphs (the “Termination Benefits”) constitute an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto, and in order to avoid such a result, Termination Benefits will be reduced, if necessary, to an amount, the value of which is one dollar ($1.00) less than an amount equal to three (3) times Executive’s “base amount,” as determined in accordance with said Section 280G.  The allocation of the reduction required among the Termination Benefits provided by this Section 5 shall be determined by Executive, provided, however, that if such reduction violates Code Section 409A, then the reduction shall be applied to the severance benefits otherwise payable under Section 5(c) hereof.

The phrase termination for “Just Cause” shall mean termination because of Executive’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, any breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses), final cease and desist order or material breach of any provision of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Just Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to him a Notice of Termination which shall include a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a simple majority of all of the members of the Board of Directors at a meeting of the Board of Directors called and held for that purpose, finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board of Directors, Executive was guilty of conduct justifying termination for Just Cause and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.  Executive shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Just Cause.

(a)           Any purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by means of a Notice of Termination to the other party hereto.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

(b)           “Date of Termination” shall mean the date specified in the Notice of Termination.

9.           Post-Termination Obligations.

Payments and benefits to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 10 for one (1) full year after the earlier of the expiration of this Agreement or termination of Executive’s employment with the Bank.  Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and assistance as may reasonably be required by the Bank in connection with any litigation to which it or any of its affiliates is, or may become, a party.

(a)           Upon any termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement, Executive agrees not to compete with the Bank or its affiliates for a period of one (1) year following such termination in any city, town or county in which Executive’s normal business office is located and the Bank or any of its affiliates has an office or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an office, determined as of the effective date of such termination, except as agreed to pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors.  Executive agrees that during such period and within said cities, towns and counties, Executive shall not work for or advise, consult or otherwise serve with, directly or indirectly, any entity whose business materially competes with the depository, lending or other business activities of the Bank or its affiliates.  The parties hereto, recognizing that irreparable injury will result to the Bank or its affiliates, its business and property in the event of Executive’s breach of this Subsection 10(a), agree that in the event of any such breach by Executive, the Bank or its affiliates will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the violation hereof by Executive, Executive’s partners, agents, servants, employees and all persons acting for or under the direction of Executive.  Executive represents and admits that, in the event of the termination of his employment pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment in a business engaged in other lines and/or of a different nature than the Bank or its affiliates, and that the enforcement of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.  Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Bank or its affiliates from pursuing any other remedies available to the Bank or its affiliates for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Executive.

 

(b)           Executive recognizes and acknowledges that his knowledge of the business activities and plans for business activities of the Bank and its affiliates, as it may exist from time to time, is a valuable, special and unique asset of the business of the Bank and its affiliates.  Executive will not, during or after the term of his employment, disclose any knowledge of the past, present, planned or considered business activities of the Bank and its affiliates to any person, firm, corporation or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, unless expressly authorized by the Board of Directors or required by law.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may disclose any knowledge of banking, financial and/or economic principles, concepts or ideas which are not solely and exclusively derived from the business plans and activities of the Bank or its affiliates.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of the provisions of this Section 10(b), the Bank will be entitled to an injunction restraining Executive from disclosing, in whole or in part, knowledge of the past, present, planned or considered business activities of the Bank or its affiliates or from rendering any services to any person, firm, corporation or other entity to whom such knowledge, in whole or in part, has been disclosed or is threatened to be disclosed.  Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Bank from pursuing any other remedies available to the Bank for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Executive.

(a)           Death.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of Executive’s death during the term of this Agreement, the Bank shall immediately pay his estate any salary and bonus accrued but unpaid as of the date of his death, and, for a period of six (6) months after Executive’s death, the Bank shall continue to provide his dependents with the same non-taxable medical insurance benefits existing on the date of his death and shall pay Executive’s designated beneficiary all compensation that would otherwise be payable to him pursuant to Section 3(a) of this Agreement, within thirty (30) days of such death.  This provision shall not negate any rights Executive or his beneficiaries may have to death benefits under any employee benefit plan of the Bank.

(b)	Disability.

(i)           Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall be construed to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Bank; or (iii) Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. The provisions of Section 11(b) shall apply upon the termination of the Executive’s employment based on Disability. Upon the determination that Executive has suffered a Disability, disability payments hereunder shall commence within thirty (30) days.

 

(ii)           In the event of Disability, Executive’s obligation to perform services under this Agreement will terminate.  In the event of such termination, Executive shall continue to receive A) one hundred percent (100%) of his monthly Base Salary (at the annual rate in effect on the Date of Termination) through the one hundred eightieth (180th) day following the Date of Termination by reason of Disability and B) sixty percent (60%) of his monthly Base Salary from the one hundred eighty-first (181st) day following termination through the earlier of the date of his death or the date he attains age 65.  Such payments shall be reduced by the amount of any short- or long-term disability benefits payable to Executive under any disability program and any retirement benefits payable to Executive under any tax-qualified retirement plan sponsored by the Bank, but in no event shall Executive’s disability benefit be reduced below zero.  In addition, during any period of Executive’s Disability, Executive and his dependents shall, to the greatest extent possible, continue to be covered under life insurance and non-taxable medical and dental plans of the Bank in which Executive participated prior to the occurrence of Executive’s Disability, on the same terms as if Executive were actively employed by the Bank.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no payments shall be made hereunder which would violate Code Section 409A.  Accordingly, any payments required hereunder shall commence within thirty (30) days from the date of determination of Executive’s Disability and shall be paid no less frequently than monthly during the period that Executive is Disabled.

All payments provided for in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank.

This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment or change in control agreement between the Bank or any predecessor of the Bank and Executive, including that Change in Control Agreement between the Bank and Executive dated July 7, 2011, except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to Executive of a kind elsewhere provided.  No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that Executive is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to him without reference to this Agreement.

(a)           Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge or hypothecation, or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to affect any such action shall be null, void and of no effect.

(b)           This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Executive and the Bank and their respective successors and assigns.

(a)           This Agreement may not be modified or amended, except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

(b)           No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel.  No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived.

If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any remaining part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to principles of conflicts of law of the State of Illinois.

19.	Arbitration.

Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a panel of three (3) arbitrators sitting in a location selected by Executive within fifty (50) miles from the location of the Bank, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

In the event any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with Executive’s termination is resolved in favor of Executive, whether by judgment, arbitration or settlement, Executive shall be entitled to the payment of all back-pay, including salary, bonuses and any other cash compensation, fringe benefits and any compensation and benefits due Executive under this Agreement.  Such payment shall occur no later than two and one-half (2 ½) months after the dispute is settled or resolved in Executive’s favor.

All reasonable legal fees paid or incurred by Executive pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Bank only if Executive is successful pursuant to a legal judgment, arbitration or settlement.  Such payment or reimbursement shall occur no later than two and one-half (2 ½) months after the dispute is settled or resolved in Executive’s favor.

The Bank shall provide Executive (including his heirs, executors and administrators) with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy at its expense and shall indemnify Executive (and his heirs, executors and administrators) to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director or officer of the Bank (whether or not he continues to be a director or officer at the time of incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not be limited to, judgments, court costs, attorneys’ fees and the costs of reasonable settlements.

The Bank shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Bank, expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Bank would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place.

(a)           The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Bank, other than termination for Just Cause, shall not prejudice Executive’s right to receive compensation or other benefits under this Agreement.  Executive shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Just Cause as defined in Section 7 of this Agreement.

(b)           If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C.  §1818(e)(3) or (g)(1); the Bank’s obligations under this contract shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may in its discretion: (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while their contract obligations were suspended; and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of the obligations which were suspended.

 

(c)           If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this contract shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

(d)           If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this contract shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting parties.

(e)           All obligations of the Bank under this contract shall be terminated, except to the extent it is determined that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) by the Director of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) or its successor, or his designee, or the FDIC, at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1823(c); or (ii) by the Director of the OCC or its successor (or his designee) at the time the Director (or his designee) approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operations of the Bank, or when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition.  Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

(f)           Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. §1828(k) and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, including 12 C.F.R. Part 359, and to the extent applicable 12 C.F.R. §163.39.

[Signature Page Follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

ATTEST:		IROQUOIS FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION
__________________________	By:	___________________________________________
Secretary		For the Entire Board of Directors
WITNESS:		EXECUTIVE:
__________________________		____________________________________________
Secretary		Walter H. Hasselbring, III