UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 4, 2007 (December 28, 2006)
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Ohio 001-13025 31-1458309
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Please see the information contained in Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K under the heading "Separation Agreement with Joel Biggerstaff," which is incorporated by reference herein.
Please see the information contained in Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K under the heading "Separation Agreement with Joel Biggerstaff," which is incorporated by reference herein.
Resignation of Joel Biggerstaff and Appointment of Bruce D. Parker
On December 29, 2006, AirNet Systems, Inc. (the "Company") announced that Joel Biggerstaff, the Company's President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, resigned from his positions with the Company. Mr. Biggerstaff's resignation as President and Chief Executive Officer was effective December 28, 2006, and his resignation as a director and as Chairman of the Board was effective December 31, 2006.
Also on December 29, 2006, the Company announced that Bruce D. Parker, a current director of the Company, would assume the position of Chief Executive Officer and would be elected Chairman of the Board. Mr. Parker was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective December 28, 2006, and elected Chairman of the Board effective upon Mr. Biggerstaff's resignation. Mr. Parker, age 59, has served as a director of the Company since 2002 and is currently the managing director of IT Management Group, LLC. From 1999 until his retirement in 2002, he served as Executive Vice President of Sapient Corporation, a systems and technology development firm. In his career, he has worked for several firms in the travel and transportation industry, including serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of United Airlines, Inc. and Senior Vice President of Ryder System, Inc. Upon his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Parker no longer qualified as an independent director and, effective December 28, 2006, he submitted his resignation as a member of each of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, but will continue to serve on the Company's Strategy Committee.
Separation Agreement with Joel Biggerstaff
Mr. Biggerstaff and the Company entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release dated as of December 28, 2006 (the "Separation Agreement"), which provided for his
resignation as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and as a director of the Company and terminated the Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Biggerstaff dated as of January 1, 2001. Per the terms of the Separation Agreement, Mr. Biggerstaff will receive any accrued but unpaid base salary, the value of his accrued but unused vacation and any unreimbursed business expenses. He will also receive, payable by January 15, 2007, a lump-sum payment of $487,500 and, payable by March 15, 2007, a lump-sum payment of the annual bonus earned by Mr. Biggerstaff for calendar year 2006, calculated without regard to his personal objectives for calendar year 2006 and with respect to the financial performance criteria, on an equitable basis with the other senior executives of the Company. Mr. Biggerstaff will also receive all benefits due him under the Company's employee benefit plans, paid in accordance with the terms of such plans, and up to $15,000 for outplacement services.
The Company will retain Mr. Biggerstaff as an independent contractor consultant effective January 1, 2007. He will provide, and be compensated for, a minimum of 40 days of consulting work at a fee of $2,000 per day, and will also be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of these consulting services. The term of the consulting relationship will last until June 30, 2007, unless earlier terminated by either party on two weeks' prior notice or extended by the mutual agreement of the parties; however, the required minimum of 40 days of consulting services must be provided by April 30, 2007.
Mr. Biggerstaff also agreed to not compete with the Company for a period of 18 months following December 31, 2006, and that he would maintain the confidentiality of information regarding the Company and its affiliates obtained by him through his employment and service on the Board of Directors. Further, Mr. Biggerstaff released the Company from any claims or causes of action he may have against the Company, and the Company agreed to indemnify him to the fullest extent permitted by the Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations for any expenses from suits related to his service with the Company.
The foregoing description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Separation Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Employment Agreement for Bruce D. Parker
In connection with his appointment as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, on December 28, 2006, the Company and Bruce D. Parker entered into an Employment Agreement (the "Employment Agreement"). The term of the Employment Agreement is one year beginning December 28, 2006, unless earlier terminated or extended. Per the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Parker will receive an annual base salary of $360,000, which will be reviewed annually and may be increased by the Board of Directors. Additionally, Mr. Parker received a signing bonus of $125,000 and will be eligible for an annual bonus of up to 100% of his annual base salary, based upon the attainment of annual performance goals. The annual bonus, if any, will be paid in two installments, with the first based upon the attainment of goals for the period of January 1st through June 30th, and the
second based on the attainment of goals from July 1st through December 31st. Additionally, Mr. Parker was granted nonstatutory stock options to purchase 150,000 common shares of the Company under the Company's 2004 Stock Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $2.95 per share, the closing price of the Company's common shares on December 28, 2006. The options vested as to 75,000 of the common shares on the grant date, and will vest as to the remaining 75,000 common shares on December 27, 2007. The Employment Agreement expressly permits Mr. Parker to continue to own and operate his consulting company during the term of his employment.
During the term of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Parker is entitled to receive all fringe benefits provided to the Company's senior executives, and will receive four weeks of vacation annually. The Company will provide Mr. Parker with an apartment in Columbus, Ohio and will reimburse him for his living expenses while in Columbus and his travel expenses between his home and Columbus. Mr. Parker's living expenses will be grossed-up for federal income tax purposes.
If Mr. Parker's employment is terminated due to his death or his disability (as defined in the Employment Agreement), he is terminated for cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or he voluntarily terminates his employment, he or his beneficiary will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid base salary, the value of unused vacation, the value of unreimbursed expenses, and any rights to which Mr. Parker is entitled under the Company's benefit plans and programs, paid in accordance with such plans and programs. If Mr. Parker voluntarily terminates his employment, he will also be entitled to his accrued bonus as of the date of termination.
If Mr. Parker's employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement), in addition to receiving all of the payments discussed in the preceding paragraph, including his accrued bonus, all outstanding equity awards held by him will immediately vest in full and he will receive a lump-sum payment equal to 12 months' base salary. If Mr. Parker voluntarily terminates his employment upon the retention by the Company of a new Chief Executive Officer or the Employment Agreement expires without being renewed, he will receive all of the payments in the preceding paragraph, including his accrued bonus, all outstanding equity awards will immediately vest and he will receive a lump-sum payment equal to six months' base salary.
Upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Parker will receive payment of all accrued but unpaid base salary and bonus and unused vacation to which he in entitled, the value of unreimbursed expenses, all rights under the Company's employment benefits plans in which he participates, full vesting of all outstanding and unvested equity awards, and a lump sum payment equal to 12 months' base salary. To the extent any excise taxes are due on these amounts, Mr. Parker will receive a gross-up payment that, after taxes, will equal the amount of all excise taxes due.
The foregoing description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
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(a) -- (c) Not applicable.
(d) Exhibits:
The following exhibits are being filed with this Current Report on Form
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8-K:
Exhibit No. Description
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10.1 Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of December 28, 2006,
between AirNet Systems, Inc. and Joel Biggerstaff
10.2 Employment Agreement for Bruce D. Parker, dated December 28, 2006, between
AirNet Systems, Inc. and Bruce D. Parker
99.1 News Release issued by AirNet Systems, Inc. on December 29, 2006
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
AIRNET SYSTEMS, INC.
Dated: January 4, 2007 By: /s/ Gary W. Qualmann
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Gary W. Qualmann
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Secretary
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EXHIBIT 10.1
This Agreement is entered into as of this 28th day of December, 2006, between AirNet Systems, Inc. ("AirNet") and Joel Biggerstaff ("Biggerstaff").
WHEREAS, Biggerstaff has been an employee of AirNet since August 1999 and has been employed by AirNet as its President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to the terms of an employment agreement (the "Employment Agreement") since March 1, 2001 (and in this capacity holds other various positions with AirNet and its affiliates), has held various positions as a director, officer and/or manager with AirNet's subsidiaries and affiliates and is a member of the Board of Directors of AirNet (the "Board") and serves as the Chairman of the Board;
WHEREAS, AirNet and Biggerstaff have mutually agreed that it is in the best interests of both parties for Biggerstaff to resign as AirNet's President and Chief Executive Officer, to terminate his employment with AirNet, to resign from all positions as a director, officer and/or manager of each of AirNet's subsidiaries and affiliates effective as of the Separation Date, and to resign his position as a member of the Board and his position as Chairman of the Board effective as of the Separation Date;
WHEREAS, under such circumstances, Biggerstaff would not be entitled to severance payments under the Employment Agreement;
WHEREAS, AirNet wishes to provide certain severance payments to Biggerstaff, as outlined in this Agreement, following his resignation;
WHEREAS, Biggerstaff provided valuable service to AirNet during his employment as President and Chief Executive Officer, and AirNet desires to have access to his continued services on a consulting basis through a transition period to a new Chief Executive Officer;
WHEREAS, the parties wish for this Agreement to supersede the provisions of the Employment Agreement and to render the terms of the Employment Agreement null, void and of no effect;
NOW, THEREFORE, and in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is agreed to by the parties, AirNet and Biggerstaff hereby mutually agree as follows:
1. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Biggerstaff shall resign as President and Chief Executive Officer of AirNet effective as of December 28, 2006. The parties agree that Biggerstaff shall formally separate from service as an employee, director, member or manager with AirNet and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates effective as of December 31, 2006 (the "Separation Date") and shall resign from the Board and as Chairman of the Board effective as of
the Separation Date. On the Separation Date, (a) Biggerstaff's employment with AirNet and all further compensation and remuneration of Biggerstaff as an employee and all eligibility of Biggerstaff under AirNet's benefit plans shall terminate, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by applicable law, and (b) Biggerstaff shall, without any further action required, resign from the Board and from his position as Chairman of the Board. Biggerstaff shall continue to provide services and to devote his skills, time and attention as an employee of AirNet and in furtherance of the business and interests of AirNet between December 28, 2006 and the Separation Date. During such period Biggerstaff shall report to the new Chief Executive Officer appointed by the Board, and shall receive all compensation and benefits to which he is entitled as an employee of AirNet until the Separation Date.
2. SEVERANCE PAYMENTS. Following the termination of his employment on the Separation Date, Biggerstaff will receive the following payments and benefits:
(a) any base salary that is accrued but unpaid, the value of any vacation that is accrued but unused (determined by dividing the base salary by 365 and multiplying such amount by the number of unused vacation days) and any business expenses paid by Biggerstaff that are unreimbursed--all, as of the Separation Date;
(b) a single lump sum payment, payable by January 15, 2007, equal to Four Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($487,500);
(c) a single lump sum payment, payable on or before March 15, 2007, equal to the annual bonus earned by Biggerstaff for calendar year 2006, which bonus shall be calculated by the Compensation Committee of the Board (i) without regard to Biggerstaff's personal objectives for calendar year 2006 and (ii) with respect to the financial performance criteria, on an equitable basis with other senior executives of AirNet;
(d) a single lump sum payment, payable by January 15, 2007, equal to the premiums (determined as of January 1, 2007) required for Biggerstaff and his eligible dependents, if any, to continue their coverage under AirNet's group health plan pursuant to the provisions of Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (COBRA);
(e) payment of up to $15,000 for outplacement services approved by AirNet's new Chief Executive Officer to be paid promptly following AirNet's receipt of invoices duly reflecting such services, with such services to be provided for up to six months following the Separation Date or until Employee accepts new employment, whichever occurs first; and
(e) any rights and benefits (if any) payable to Biggerstaff under the employee benefit plans and programs of AirNet, determined in accordance with the applicable terms and provisions of such plans and programs.
3. CONSULTING SERVICES.
(a) Effective as of the first day after the Separation Date, AirNet shall retain Biggerstaff as an independent contractor consultant, and Biggerstaff hereby accepts such
consulting relationship as services for hire, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
(b) Biggerstaff agrees to provide such consulting services in connection with the transition to a new Chief Executive Officer as are reasonably requested by AirNet, through the new Chief Executive Officer or AirNet's Board of Directors (the "Consulting Services").
(c) Biggerstaff shall devote sufficient consulting time necessary to provide the Consulting Services during the term set forth in Section 3(e) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that Biggerstaff shall be required to dedicate at least 40 days prior to April 30, 2007 and shall be compensated for at least 40 days of Consulting Services during such four-month period, unless Biggerstaff is unwilling or unable to perform such Consulting Services in accordance with the terms hereof. It is understood and agreed that Biggerstaff's commitment of time may vary from week to week and that not all such Consulting Services may be provided at AirNet's offices, nor during regular business hours.
(d) In consideration for the Consulting Services to be provided pursuant to
this Agreement, AirNet shall pay Biggerstaff a consulting fee of $2,000 per day
for Consulting Services, whether performed at AirNet's offices or in another
location designated by AirNet and whether performed for a full day or for a
portion thereof (each, a "Consulting Fee") throughout the term specified in
Section 3(e). Any Consulting Fees shall be payable on a monthly basis by check
or wire transfer to an account designated in writing (or via e-mail) by
Biggerstaff within five (5) business days following the end of each month during
the term specified in Section 3(e). AirNet will pay for or reimburse Biggerstaff
for all reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of AirNet and substantiated with
receipts, including reimbursement for rental car expenses or for mileage at the
IRS standard rate for business related travel (other than to and from AirNet's
offices). Biggerstaff acknowledges that he will be responsible for all other
automobile expenses whether personal or business related. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, AirNet acknowledges that, to the extent Biggerstaff needs to use air
travel in order to fulfill his Consulting Service duties hereunder, coach class
flights shall constitute a reasonable expense. Biggerstaff agrees to keep
reasonably detailed records of any reasonable expenses for which he seeks to be
reimbursed by AirNet and to provide such records to AirNet.
(e) Unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the provisions hereof, the consulting relationship under this Agreement shall commence on the date immediately after the Separation Date and continue in effect until June 30, 2007, unless the parties mutually agree to extend the term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party hereto may terminate such Consulting Services and the consulting relationship upon two (2) weeks' prior written notice to the other party.
4. NON-COMPETITION.
(a) Except with the prior written consent of AirNet, for a period of eighteen (18) months immediately following the Separation Date, Biggerstaff shall not, directly or indirectly for the benefit of himself or others, either as principal, agent, manager, consultant, partner, owner, employee, distributor, dealer, representative, joint venturer, creditor or otherwise, engage in any work involving any of the following: (i) any activity involving the delivery of time sensitive packages or which competes with any service or product of AirNet now in existence or
in existence as of the Separation Date; (ii) the promotion, solicitation, attempt to solicit, license or sell, in any geographic area where AirNet or its successor in interest conducts business of any product or service in competition with the products or services of AirNet; (iii) the solicitation, attempt to solicit, management, maintenance, sale or license of any product or service in competition with the products or services of AirNet to any business which was a customer of AirNet during the one year period immediately preceding the Separation Date; and (iv) the disclosure to any person of the names of any of the customers of AirNet or any other information pertaining to them unless such information can be obtained from public sources.
(b) Biggerstaff acknowledges that the business of AirNet is national in scope and the national scope is the reason for the geographic scope and/or duration of the restrictions on competition and solicitation provided in this Paragraph 4. Satisfaction of the eighteen (18) month period described in this Paragraph 4 shall be suspended during the time of any activity of Biggerstaff prohibited by this Paragraph 4. In the event a court grants injunctive relief to AirNet for a failure of Biggerstaff to comply with the provisions contained in this Paragraph 4, the noncompetition period shall commence anew with the date such relief is granted.
(c) The restrictions provided in this Paragraph 4 may be enforced by an action at law, or in equity, including but not limited to, an action for injunction and/or an action for damages. The provisions of this Paragraph 4 constitute an essential element of this Agreement, without which the Agreement would not have been affected by AirNet. The provisions of this Paragraph 4 shall survive the termination of any other obligations of Biggerstaff under this Agreement for a period necessary to enforce its provisions. If the scope of any restriction contained in this Paragraph 4 is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law and Biggerstaff hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Biggerstaff will hold in a fiduciary capacity, for the benefit of AirNet, all secret or confidential information, knowledge, and data relating to AirNet and its affiliates, that shall have been obtained by Biggerstaff during his employment with AirNet and that is not public knowledge (other than by acts by Biggerstaff or his representatives in violation of this Agreement). After the Separation Date, Biggerstaff will not, without the prior written consent of AirNet, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge, or data to anyone other than AirNet or those designated by it, unless the communication of such information, knowledge or data is required pursuant to a compulsory proceeding in which Biggerstaff's failure to provide such information, knowledge, or data would subject him to criminal or civil sanctions and then only with prior notice to AirNet.
6. RELEASE.
(a) In consideration of the premises, and the payments, property and actions described in the foregoing paragraphs, Biggerstaff hereby releases and forever discharges AirNet, its operating companies or entities, subsidiary companies or entities, its parent companies or entities, its affiliated companies or entities, their shareholders, officers, directors, trustees, employees, associates, agents, benefit plans, successors and assigns from any and all claims, demands or rights of action, whether contractual, common law or statutory, whether known or unknown, which may in
any way relate to Biggerstaff's employment and association with AirNet or the termination of that employment and association, including, but not limited to claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as well as any other such claim which exists as of the date this Agreement is executed, except for those, if any, arising under this Agreement.
(b) Biggerstaff also agrees to keep confidential and not disclose to any person or any entity or encourage or facilitate the disclosure to any person or entity the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the monetary amount of this Agreement; provided, that the foregoing shall not restrict disclosure to Biggerstaff's spouse, counsel, accountants, financial advisors or others with a reasonable need to know such information or as required by compulsory process. Biggerstaff also agrees that he will not voluntarily make any oral or written statements or reveal any information to any person, company, or agency which may be construed to be negative, disparaging or damaging to AirNet's reputation or AirNet's business, or which would interfere in any way with AirNet's business relations with the general public.
(c) Biggerstaff acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing to consult with an attorney and has had the opportunity to take at least 21 days in which to review and consider this Agreement and to consult with legal counsel with respect thereto. Biggerstaff further acknowledges that he has entered into this Agreement voluntarily and of his own free will. Biggerstaff acknowledges his right to revoke this Agreement within seven days following the execution hereof by giving written notice thereof to AirNet. In the event of such revocation, this Agreement shall become null and void and no party hereto shall have any rights or obligations hereunder.
7. NO ADMISSION. This Agreement shall not be construed in any manner as an admission by either party that such party has violated any law, policy or procedure or acted wrongfully with respect to the other party or any other person, or that either party has any rights whatsoever against the other party. Each party acknowledges that the other party specifically disclaims any liability to such party arising from Biggerstaff's employment relationship with AirNet or the termination of that relationship.
8. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) AirNet agrees that if Biggerstaff is made a party, or is threatened to
be made a party, to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director, officer or employee of AirNet or is or was serving at the request of
AirNet as a director, officer, manager, member, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or
other enterprise, Biggerstaff shall be indemnified and held harmless by AirNet
to the fullest extent legally permitted or authorized by AirNet's Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations against all expenses
(including attorney's fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement)
actually and reasonably incurred by Biggerstaff in connection therewith, and
such indemnification shall continue as to Biggerstaff even if he has ceased to
be a director, officer, manager, member, employee or agent of AirNet or such
other entity and shall inure to the benefit of Biggerstaff's heirs, executors
and administrators; provided, however, that nothing herein is intended to
indemnify Biggerstaff for any acts committed which fall outside the scope of his
employment with AirNet or
this membership on AirNet's Board or for acts for which Biggerstaff would not be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the provisions of AirNet's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations.
(b) AirNet agrees to advance to Biggerstaff expenses incurred by him in connection with any such action, suit or proceeding, in accordance with, and subject to receipt of the undertaking set forth in, AirNet's Code of Regulations.
(c) If and to the extent that AirNet maintains a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy with respect to other senior executives and/or directors of AirNet, AirNet agrees to continue and maintain such insurance policy coverage for Biggerstaff for a period of five years from the Separation Date on substantially similar terms as the other senior executives and/or directors covered thereby.
9. NOTICES. Any notice given to either party to this Agreement will be in writing, and will be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned, at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently give notice of:
If to AirNet: AirNet Systems, Inc.
7250 Star Check Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43217
If to Biggerstaff: Joel Biggerstaff
At the last address on file
with AirNet
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10. TAXES. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, all payments required to be made hereunder by AirNet to Biggerstaff will be subject to withholding of such amounts relating to taxes as AirNet may reasonably determine that it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulations. In lieu of withholding such amounts, in whole or in part, however, AirNet may, in its sole discretion, accept other provision for payment of taxes, provided that it is satisfied that all requirements of the law affecting its responsibilities to withhold such taxes have been satisfied.
11. GOVERNING LAW/CAPTIONS/SEVERANCE. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with, and pursuant to, the laws of the State of Ohio. The captions of this Agreement will not be part of the provisions hereof, and will have no force or effect. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this paragraph, the failure of either party to insist in any instance on the strict performance of any provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right hereunder will not constitute a waiver of such provision or right in any other instance.
12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT/AMENDMENT. This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and the parties have made no
agreement, representations, or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement that are not set forth herein. This Agreement may be amended only by mutual written agreement of the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
AIRNET SYSTEMS, INC.
By: /s/ James Ernest Riddle
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ITS: Lead Director
/s/ Joel E. Biggerstaff
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Dated: December 28, 2006
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EXHIBIT 10.2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
FOR
BRUCE D. PARKER
This Agreement is entered into this 28th day of December, 2006, by and between AirNet Systems, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the "Employer") and Bruce D. Parker (hereinafter referred to as the "Executive").
WHEREAS, the Employer desires to employ the Executive as its Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") and anticipates that the Executive will be appointed as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Employer (the "Board");
WHEREAS, the Executive desires to be employed with the Employer in such capacity under the terms of this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, and in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is agreed to by the parties, the Employer and the Executive hereby mutually agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES. The Employer hereby employs the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts employment with the Employer upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. The Executive will serve the Employer as its CEO. In such capacity, the Executive will report directly to the Board and have all powers, duties, and obligations as are normally associated with such position. Every executive officer of the Company shall report to Executive. The Executive will further perform such other duties, which shall not be inconsistent with his position as CEO of Company, and hold such other position related to the business of the Employer and its Affiliates as may from time to time be reasonably requested of him by the Board. For purposes of this Agreement, an "Affiliate" shall mean any corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, association or organization which is, directly or indirectly, controlled by, or under common control with, the Employer. The Executive will devote his skills, time, and attention to said position and in furtherance of the business and interests of the Employer and its Affiliates and will not directly or indirectly render any services of a business, commercial or professional nature to any person or organization without the prior written consent of the Board (which will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that the Executive will not be precluded from (a) continuing as a member of any board of directors on which he is serving as of the Effective Date or joining one additional board of directors; (b) maintaining and operating his consulting company in existence as of the Effective Date; and (c) participation in community, civic, charitable or similar activities which do not unreasonably interfere with his responsibilities hereunder. The Employer agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause Executive to be nominated as a director at each annual meeting of shareholders during the term of this
Agreement. Executive agrees to serve on the Board if elected. A failure to nominate the Executive to the Board of Directors during the term of this Agreement shall give the Executive the right to terminate his employment under this Agreement in accordance with Paragraph 5(g) hereof.
2. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT.
a. Original Term. This Agreement will be effective upon execution by both parties. The term of employment will begin, or be deemed to have begun, on December 28, 2006 (the "Effective Date"). It will continue through the one-year period ending on the day before the first anniversary date of the Effective Date, subject, however, to prior termination or to extension, as herein provided.
b. Extension of Term. The Employer and the Executive agree that the Board will review the Executive's performance with the intent that, if the Executive's performance so warrants, the Employer may extend the term of this Agreement for additional time periods to be determined in the discretion of the Board. By October 1, 2007, or, in the event that this Agreement is extended as provided for in this Paragraph 2(b), within ninety (90) days preceding the end of any extension period, the Board will notify the Executive of the Employer's decision whether or not to grant an extension of this Agreement for an additional time period. In the event that the Board fails to notify the Executive, on or before the date described in the preceding sentence, of the decision regarding the extension of the term of this Agreement, the term of this Agreement will automatically be extended for an additional one-year period.
3. COMPENSATION.
a. Salary. The Executive will receive an initial annual base salary of Three Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($360,000), which shall be reviewed at least annually and may be increased, but not decreased without the Executive's written consent, by the Board during the term of this Agreement. In the event that the Board increases the Executive's initial base salary, the amount of the initial base salary, together with any increase(s) will be his base salary (hereinafter referred to as the "Base Salary"). The Base Salary will be payable in accordance with the Employer's regular payroll payment practices.
b. Sign-on Bonus. Within 5 days following the Effective Date, the Employer will pay the Executive a single lump sum amount equal to One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000) as an incentive to enter into this Agreement. Payment will be made by the Employer in accordance with directions received from the Executive.
c. Annual Bonus. Each calendar year, the Executive will be eligible for bonus compensation of up to one hundred percent (100%) of his Base Salary (the "Annual Bonus"). Such Annual Bonus will be based upon the attainment of reasonable goals determined annually within one month after the start of each calendar year by the Board. These goals may include, but shall not be limited to, (i) performance against budget; (ii) growth of cargo revenue; (iii) CEO succession development; (iv) strategic development; and (v) cash flow. Any Annual Bonus payable under this Paragraph 3(c) will be paid to the Executive in two installments. The first payment (based upon a target of 50% of his Base Salary and the attainment of relevant goals
from January 1st through June 30th of each calendar year) will be made during the month of July of each year; and the second payment (based upon a target of the remaining 50% of his Base Salary and the attainment of relevant goals from July 1st through December 31st of each calendar year) will be made no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year for which such bonus is payable.
d. Equity. Upon the Effective Date, the Executive will be granted a non-statutory stock option to purchase 150,000 common shares of the Employer with an exercise price equivalent to the closing price of the stock as of the Effective Date. Such option will be granted pursuant to the terms of the Employer's incentive equity plan (the "Equity Plan"); provided, that the right to purchase shares pursuant to the option will vest in (i) 75,000 shares as of the date of grant; and (ii) 75,000 shares on the day before the first anniversary of the date of grant. In the event that the Executive remains employed by the Employer after the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the Board will review and may, in its discretion, make additional grants of equity awards to the Executive under the Equity Plan.
4. FRINGE BENEFITS AND EXPENSES.
a. Fringe Benefits. The Employer will provide the Executive with all health and life insurance coverages, disability programs, tax-qualified retirement plans, equity compensation programs, paid holidays, vacation, perquisites, and such other fringe benefits of employment as the Employer may provide from time to time to actively employed senior executives of the Employer. To the greatest extent reasonably practicable, such benefits will be immediately available as of the Effective Date without any waiting periods or delays. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Paragraph 4(a), during the term of this Agreement (including extensions thereof), the Executive will be entitled to a minimum of four (4) weeks of vacation per year. The Employer may discontinue or terminate at any time any employee benefit plan, policy or program, now existing or hereafter adopted, to the extent permitted by the terms of such plan, policy or program and will not be required to compensate the Executive for such discontinuance or termination.
b. Travel and Living Expenses. During the term of this Agreement (including extensions thereof), the Employer will provide the Executive with an apartment, agreeable to the Executive, in the Columbus Metropolitan area. The Employer will pay all expenses related to the maintenance of such apartment and will reimburse the Executive for all reasonable living expenses incurred by him while he is in the Columbus area. In addition, the Employer will reimburse the Executive for all reasonable travel expenses (at coach rates) incurred by him between his home and the Columbus area. Any expenses paid or reimbursed by the Employer pursuant to this Paragraph 4(b) will be grossed up to take into account all federal, state and local income taxes to be paid by the Executive with respect to the payment or reimbursement of such expenses. The Employer will pay such gross up amount to the Executive in a single lump sum payment within 15 days prior to the date on which the Executive is required to file his federal income tax return for the relevant tax year.
c. Business Expenses. The Employer shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of his business activities under this Agreement, in accordance with the
existing policies and procedures of the Employer pertaining to reimbursement of such expenses to senior executives.
5. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.
a. Death of Executive. The Executive's employment hereunder will terminate upon his death and the Executive's beneficiary (as designated by the Executive in writing with the Employer prior to his death) will be entitled to the following payments and benefits:
i. any Base Salary that is accrued but unpaid, the value of any vacation that is accrued but unused (determined by dividing Base Salary by 365 and multiplying such amount by the number of unused vacation days), and any expenses under subparagraphs b and c of Paragraph 4 that are unreimbursed--all, as of the date of termination of employment; and
ii. any rights and benefits (if any) provided under plans and programs of the Employer, determined in accordance with the applicable terms and provisions of such plans and programs.
In the absence of a beneficiary designation by the Executive, or, if the Executive's designated beneficiary does not survive him, payments and benefits described in this subparagraph will be paid to the Executive's estate.
b. Disability. The Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Employer in the event of his Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" means the inability of the Executive to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months. During any period that the Executive fails to perform his duties hereunder as a result of a Disability ("Disability Period"), the Executive will continue to receive his Base Salary at the rate then in effect for such period until his employment is terminated pursuant to this subparagraph; provided, however, that payments of Base Salary so made to the Executive will be reduced by the sum of the amounts, if any, that were payable to the Executive at or before the time of any such salary payment under any disability benefit plan or plans of the Employer and that were not previously applied to reduce any payment of Base Salary. In the event that the Employer elects to terminate the Executive's employment pursuant to this subparagraph, the Executive will be entitled to the following payments and benefits:
i. any Base Salary that is accrued but unpaid, the value of any vacation that is accrued but unused (determined by dividing Base Salary by 365 and multiplying such amount by the number of unused vacation days), and any expenses under subparagraphs b and c of Paragraph 4 that are unreimbursed--all, as of the date of termination of employment; and
ii. any rights and benefits (if any) provided under plans and programs of the Employer, determined in accordance with the applicable terms and provisions of such plans and programs.
c. Termination of Employment for Cause. The Employer may terminate the Executive's employment at any time upon notice from Company for "Cause," if such Cause is determined by the Board. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cause" means that the Executive has:
i. intentionally caused the Employer or any of its Affiliates, other than pursuant to the advice of the Employer's legal counsel, to violate a law which is reasonable grounds for serious civil or criminal penalties against the Employer, an Affiliate or the Board;
ii. committed fraud or acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence, in carrying out his duties under this Agreement which has caused demonstrable and serious injury to the Company;
iii. been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude or a violation of federal or state securities laws.
iv. intentionally committed a material breach of any material covenant, provision, term or condition set forth in this Agreement and, if such breach is capable of being cured, shall have failed to cure such breach within ten (10) days of receipt of written notice of such breach from the Board.
In the event that the Employer terminates the Executive's employment for Cause, the Executive will be entitled to the following payments and benefits:
A. any Base Salary that is accrued but unpaid, the value of any vacation that is accrued but unused (determined by dividing Base Salary by 365 and multiplying such amount by the number of unused vacation days), and any expenses under subparagraphs b and c of Paragraph 4 that are unreimbursed--all, as of the date of termination of employment; and
B. any rights and benefits (if any) provided under plans and programs of the Employer, determined in accordance with the applicable terms and provisions of such plans and programs.
d. Termination Without Cause. The Employer may terminate the Executive's employment for any reason upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Executive. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Employer for any reason other than the reasons set forth in subparagraphs a, b or c of this Paragraph 5, the Executive will be entitled to the following payments and benefits:
i. any Base Salary that is accrued but unpaid, any Annual Bonus earned on a prorated calendar basis to the date of termination but unpaid and reflecting performance over the applicable period (based upon, if possible, measurement of the attainment of goals through the date of termination, or if measurement is not possible, based upon the Executive's target bonus through the date of termination) (hereinafter referred to as the "Accrued Bonus"), the value of any vacation that is accrued but unused (determined by dividing Base Salary by 365 and multiplying such amount by the number of unused vacation days), and any
expenses under subparagraphs b and c of Paragraph 4 that are unreimbursed--all, as of the date of termination of employment;
ii. any rights and benefits (if any) provided under plans and programs of the Employer, determined in accordance with the applicable terms and provisions of such plans and programs;
iii. notwithstanding any provision contained elsewhere in this Agreement, full vesting of all outstanding awards granted to the Executive under the Equity Plan and, for purposes of exercising such awards, treatment of the Executive's termination of employment as a retirement under the Equity Plan; and
iv. a single lump sum payment, payable within thirty (30) days following the date of termination of employment, equal to twelve (12) months of the Base Salary applicable to the Executive on the date of termination of employment.
e. Voluntary Termination by Executive. The Executive may resign and terminate his employment with the Employer for any reason whatsoever upon not less than thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the Employer. In the event that the Executive terminates his employment voluntarily pursuant to this Paragraph 5(e), the Executive will be entitled to the following payments and benefits:
i. any Base Salary that is accrued but unpaid, any Accrued Bonus, the value of any vacation that is accrued but unused (determined by dividing Base Salary by 365 and multiplying such amount by the number of unused vacation days), and any expenses under subparagraphs b and c of Paragraph 4 that are unreimbursed--all, as of the date of termination of employment; and
ii. any rights and benefits (if any) provided under plans and programs of the Employer, determined in accordance with the applicable terms and provisions of such plans and programs.
f. Voluntary Termination Upon Retention of New CEO. The Executive may resign and terminate his employment with the Employer upon the voluntary transition of the CEO's responsibilities to another individual that has been selected and is reasonably acceptable to the Board by providing thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the Employer. In the event that the Executive terminates his employment pursuant to this Paragraph 5(f), the Executive will be entitled to the following payments and benefits:
i. any Base Salary that is accrued but unpaid, any Accrued Bonus, the value of any vacation that is accrued but unused (determined by dividing Base Salary by 365 and multiplying such amount by the number of unused vacation days), and any expenses under subparagraphs b and c of Paragraph 4 that are unreimbursed--all, as of the date of termination of employment;
ii. any rights and benefits (if any) provided under plans and programs of the Employer, determined in accordance with the applicable terms and provisions of such plans and programs;
iii. notwithstanding any provision contained elsewhere in this Agreement, full vesting of all outstanding awards granted to the Executive under the Equity Plan and, for purposes of exercising such awards, treatment of the Executive's termination of employment as a retirement under the Equity Plan; and
iv. a single lump sum payment, payable within thirty (30) days following the date of termination of employment, equal to six (6) months of the Base Salary applicable to the Executive on the date of termination of employment.
g. Termination By Executive for Good Reason. The Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment under this Agreement upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice following the occurrence of any of the following events:
i. Executive is not nominated as a director during the term of this Agreement;
ii. the Board significantly and adversely changes the nature or scope of the Executive's authority, powers, functions, duties or responsibilities;
iii. without the prior consent of the Executive, there is a substantial and continued reduction in the level of support services, staff, secretarial and other assistance, office space available to a level below that which is reasonably necessary for the performance of Executive's duties;
iv. the Company shall have committed a material breach of any material covenant, provision, term or condition set forth in this Agreement and, if such breach is capable of being cured, shall have failed to cure such breach within ten (10) days of receipt of written notice of such breach from the Executive; or
v. without the prior consent of the Executive, the Company shall fail to keep in place Director and Officer Liability Insurance covering the Executive under substantially similar terms and in substantially similar amounts as in existence prior to the Effective Date.
In the event that the Executive terminates his employment pursuant to this Paragraph 5(g), the Executive will be entitled to the same payments and benefits as if Executive had been terminated without Cause as described in Paragraph 5(d).
h. Failure to Extend Term of Agreement. If the Employer notifies the Executive that the Employer will not extend the term of this Agreement under the provisions of Paragraph 2(b) hereof, the Executive's employment under this Agreement will terminate at the end of such term and the Executive will be entitled to the same payments and benefits as if the Executive had been voluntarily terminated upon retention of a new CEO as described in Paragraph 5(f).
6. CHANGE IN CONTROL.
a. Occurrence of Change in Control. In the event that during the term of this Agreement, a Change in Control [as defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and the regulations thereunder] occurs the Employer or its successor will pay to the Executive the following payments and benefits:
i. any Base Salary that is accrued but unpaid, any Accrued Bonus, the value of any vacation that is accrued but unused, (determined by dividing Base Salary by 365 and multiplying such amount by the number of unused vacation days), and any expenses under subparagraphs b and c of Paragraph 4 that are unreimbursed -- all, as of the date of termination of employment;
ii. any rights and benefits (if any) provided under plans and programs of the Employer, determined in accordance with the applicable terms and provisions of such plans and programs;
iii. notwithstanding any provision contained elsewhere in this Agreement, full vesting of all outstanding awards granted to the Executive under the Equity Plan and, for purposes of exercising such awards, treatment of the Executive's termination of employment as a retirement under the Equity Plan; and
iv. a single lump sum payment, payable within thirty (30) days after the Change in Control, equal to twelve (12) months of the total Base Salary applicable to the Executive as of the date of the Change in Control.
b. Treatment of Taxes. If any payments provided under this Agreement, when combined with payments and benefits under all other plans and programs maintained by the Employer would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any corresponding provisions of state or local tax laws as a result of payment upon a change of control, or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes) imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the payments.
7. NONEXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. Nothing in this Agreement will prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any incentive, fringe benefit, deferred compensation, or other plan or program provided by the Employer and for which the Executive may qualify, nor will anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any other agreements with the Employer. Amounts that are vested benefits or that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan or program of the Employer at or after the date of termination of employment, will be payable in accordance with such plan or program.
8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive will hold in a fiduciary capacity, for the benefit of the Employer, all secret or confidential information, knowledge, and data relating to the Employer and its Affiliates, that shall have been obtained by the Executive during his employment with the Employer and that is not public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or his representatives in violation of this Agreement). During and after termination of the Executive's employment with the Employer, the Executive will not, without the prior written consent of the Board, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge, or data to anyone other than the Employer or those designated by it, unless the communication of such information, knowledge or data is required pursuant to a compulsory proceeding in which the Executive's failure to provide such information, knowledge, or data would subject the Executive to criminal or civil sanctions and then only with prior notice to the Employer.
The restrictions imposed on the release of information described in this Paragraph 8 may be enforced by the Employer and/or any successor thereto by an action for injunction and/or an action for damages. The provisions of this Paragraph 8 constitute an essential element of this Agreement, without which the Employer would not have entered into this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other remedy available to the Employer at law or at equity, the parties hereto agree that the Employer or any successor thereto, will have the right, at any and all times, to seek injunctive relief in order to enforce the terms and conditions of this Paragraph 8.
If the scope of any restriction contained in this Paragraph 8 is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. The Executive agrees to communicate to the Employer, promptly and fully, and to assign to the Employer all intellectual property developed or conceived solely by the Executive, or jointly with others, during the term of his employment, which are within the scope of either the Employer 's business or an Affiliate's business, or which utilized Employer materials or information. For purposes of this Agreement, "intellectual property" means inventions, discoveries, business or technical innovations, creative or professional work product, or works of authorship. The Executive further agrees to execute all necessary papers and otherwise to assist the Employer, at the Employer's sole expense, to obtain patents, copyrights or other legal protection as the Employer deems fit. Any such intellectual property is to be the property of the Employer whether or not patented, copyrighted or published.
10. ASSIGNMENT AND SURVIVORSHIP OF BENEFITS. The rights and obligations of the Employer under this Agreement will inure to the benefit of, and will be binding upon, the successors and assigns of the Employer. If the Employer shall at any time be merged or consolidated into, or with, any other company, or if substantially all of the assets of the Employer are transferred to another company, then the provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the company resulting from such merger or consolidation or to which such assets have been transferred, and this provision will apply in the event of any subsequent merger, consolidation, or transfer.
11. NOTICES. Any notice given to either party to this Agreement will be in writing, and will be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or sent by certified mail,
postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned, at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently give notice of:
If to the Employer: AirNet Systems, Inc.
7250 Star Check Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43217
If to the Executive: Bruce D. Parker
At the last address on file
with the Employer
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12. INDEMNIFICATION. The Executive shall be indemnified by the Employer to the extent provided in the case of officers under the Employer's Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law. The Employer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to continue its Director and Officer Liability Insurance ("DOL Insurance") under substantially similar terms and in substantially similar amounts as in existence prior to the termination of employment. The DOL Insurance shall be maintained for at least seven (7) years from termination of employment and without limiting the foregoing, the Executive shall not be excluded from coverage under such DOL Insurance during such period.
13. TAXES. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, all payments required to be made hereunder by the Employer to the Executive will be subject to withholding of such amounts relating to taxes as the Employer may reasonably determine that it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulations. In lieu of withholding such amounts, in whole or in part, however, the Employer may, in its sole discretion, accept other provision for payment of taxes, provided that it is satisfied that all requirements of the law affecting its responsibilities to withhold such taxes have been satisfied.
14. ARBITRATION; ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS. Any controversy or claim arising out of, or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, except with respect to Paragraphs 8 and 9, will be settled by arbitration in the city of Columbus, Ohio, in accordance with the Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator or arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
All legal and other fees and expenses, including, without limitation, any arbitration expenses, incurred by the Executive in connection with seeking in good faith to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided for in this Agreement, or in otherwise pursuing any right or claim, will be paid by the Employer, to the extent permitted by law, provided that the Executive is successful in whole or in part as to such claims as the result of litigation, arbitration, or settlement.
In the event that the Employer refuses or otherwise fails to make a payment when due and is ultimately decided that the Executive is entitled to such payment, such payment will be increased to reflect an interest equivalent for the period of delay, compounded annually, equal to the prime or base lending rate used by Bank of America, N.A., and in effect as of the date the payment was first due.
15. GOVERNING LAW/CAPTIONS/SEVERANCE. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with, and pursuant to, the laws of the State of Ohio. The captions of this Agreement will not be part of the provisions hereof, and will have no force or effect. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this paragraph, the failure of either party to insist in any instance on the strict performance of any provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right hereunder will not constitute a waiver of such provision or right in any other instance.
16. SECTION 409A. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that any payment to be made to the Executive under this Agreement is required to be delayed pursuant to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, this Agreement shall be amended to comply with the applicable requirements of Code Section 409A; provided, that any such amendment shall require the prior written consent of Executive.
17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT/AMENDMENT. This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and the parties have made no agreement, representations, or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement that are not set forth herein. This Agreement may be amended only by mutual written agreement of the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
AIRNET SYSTEMS, INC.
By: /s/ James Ernest Riddle
--------------------------
ITS: Lead Director
/s/ Bruce D. Parker
--------------------------
Date: December 28, 2006
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EXHIBIT 99.1
AIRNET SYSTEMS, INC. APPOINTS BRUCE D. PARKER AS CEO,
AS JOEL E. BIGGERSTAFF ANNOUNCES HIS RESIGNATION
CONTACT:
AirNet Systems, Inc. InvestQuest, Inc.
Gary Qualmann Bob Lentz
(614) 409-4832 (614) 876-1900
COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 29, 2006 -- AirNet Systems, Inc. (AMEX: ANS) announced today that Joel E. Biggerstaff, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of AirNet Systems, Inc. has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the company. At the company's request Biggerstaff will remain with the company in an advisory role through the end of December and will be retained as a consultant in 2007 to ensure a smooth transition and provide valued counsel. Biggerstaff will also resign from the company's Board and as Chairman as of December 31, 2006.
Biggerstaff said, "It has been an honor and privilege to work with the team members of AirNet. Their dedication to our customers and loyalty to the company has meant a lot to me."
J. Ernest Riddle, AirNet's Lead Director, noted, "Joe commenced his career at AirNet in 1999 and was promoted in 2001 to CEO and subsequently to Chairman upon the retirement of Jerry Mercer, the founder of AirNet. Joe has led the company during difficult times in the transition of the needs of our bank customers. He accelerated the development of the company into the express freight business and in promoting the value of AirNet in new markets. We thank him for his contributions and wish him well in his next endeavor."
Bruce D. Parker, 59, a director of AirNet since 2002, will assume the role of CEO effective immediately and will become Chairman of the Board effective upon Mr. Biggerstaff's resignation. Parker has had a broad array of experience in consulting, technology, aviation, logistics and general management. He is currently the managing director of the IT Management Group LLC. He previously retired as Executive Vice President of Sapient Corporation, a leading systems and technology development firm. In his career he has worked for several leading firms in the travel and transportation industry, including serving as Senior Vice President and CIO of United Airlines, Senior Vice President of Ryder Systems and Vice President of American Airlines and Sabre.
Parker thanked Mr. Biggerstaff for his leadership and for the development of a solid and professional team of employees at AirNet. "I look forward to working with Joe to ensure a smooth transition and I am excited about leading the AirNet team, serving AirNet's customers and continuing to develop AirNet into a leading Express carrier that provides solutions for our customers with very high reliability, time definite, highly controlled and nonconforming express cargo needs. We have a great team that is customer focused, extremely dedicated and operationally performs better that any other carrier."
AIRNET SYSTEMS, INC.
AirNet Systems, Inc. focuses the company's resources on providing value-added, time-critical aviation services to a diverse set of customers in the most service-intensive, cost-effective manner possible. AirNet operates an integrated national transportation network that provides expedited transportation services to banks and time-critical small package shippers nationwide. The company's aircraft are located strategically throughout the United States. To find out more, visit AirNet's website at www.airnet.com.