COMMERCIAL GUARANTY
PRINCIPAL LOAN DATE MATURITY LOAN NO CALL COLLATERAL ACCOUNT OFFICER INITIALS
004A 905 GRS
References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit
the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Borrower: HLM DESIGN INC. (TIN: 562018819) Lender: FIRST CHARTER NATIONAL BANK
121 WEST TRADE STREET, SUITE 2950 COMMERCIAL
CHARLOTTE, NC 28202 P. O. BOX 228
CONCORD, NC 28026-0228
Guarantor: VERNON B. BRANNON
5301 MIRABELL ROAD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28226
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AMOUNT OF GUARANTY. This is a guaranty of payment of the Note, including without
limitation the principal Note amount of One Million & 00/100 Dollars
($1,000,000.00)
GUARANTY. For good and valuable consideration, VERNON B. BRANNON ("Guarantor")
absolutely and unconditionally guarantees and promises to pay to FIRST CHARTER
NATIONAL BANK ("Lender") or its order, in legal tender of the United States of
America, the Indebtedness (as that term is defined below) of HLM DESIGN INC.
("Borrower") to Lender on the terms and conditions set forth In this Guaranty.
DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Guaranty:
BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means HLM DESIGN INC.
GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means VERNON B. BRANNON.
GUARANTY. The word "Guaranty" means this Guaranty made by Guarantor for
the benefit of Lender dated May 30, 1997.
INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" means the Note, including (a) all
principal, (b) all interest, (c) all late charges, (d) all loan fees and
loan charges, and (e) all collection costs and expenses relating to the
Note or to any collateral for the Note. Collection costs and expenses
include without limitation all of Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and
Lender's legal expenses, whether or not suit is instituted, and reasonable
attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including
efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals,
and any anticipated post-judgment collection services.
LENDER. The word "Lender" means FIRST CHARTER NATIONAL BANK, its
successors and assigns.
NOTE. The word "Note" means the promissory note or credit agreement dated
May 30, 1997, In the original principal amount of $1,000,000.00 from
Borrower to Lender, together with all renewals of, extensions of,
modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of, and substitutions
for the promissory note or agreement. Notice to Guarantor: The Note
evidences a revolving line of credit from Lender to Borrower.
RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages,
deeds of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents,
whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the
Indebtedness.
MAXIMUM LIABILITY. The maximum liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall
not exceed at any one time the amount of the Indebtedness described above, plus
all costs and expenses of (a) enforcement of this Guaranty and (b) collection
and sale of any collateral securing this Guaranty.
The above limitation on liability is not a restriction on the amount of the
Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender either in the aggregate or at any one time.
If Lender presently holds one or more guaranties, or hereafter receives
additional guaranties from Guarantor, the rights of Lender under all guaranties
shall be cumulative. This Guaranty shall not (unless specifically provided below
to the contrary) affect or invalidate any such other guaranties. The liability
of Guarantor will be the aggregate liability of Guarantor under the terms of
this Guaranty and any such other unterminated guaranties.
NATURE OF GUARANTY. Guarantor intends to guarantee at all times the performance
and prompt payment when due, whether at maturity or earlier by reason of
acceleration or otherwise, of all Indebtedness within the limits set forth in
the preceding section of this Guaranty. This Guaranty covers a revolving line of
credit and guarantor understands and agrees that this guarantee shall be open
and continuous until the line of credit is terminated and the Indebtedness is
paid in full, as provided below.
DURATION OF GUARANTY. This Guaranty will take effect when received by Lender
without the necessity of any acceptance by Lender, or any notice to Guarantor or
to Borrower, and will continue in full force until all Indebtedness shall have
been fully and finally paid and satisfied and all other obligations of Guarantor
under this Guaranty shall have been performed in full. Release of any other
guarantor or termination of any other guaranty of the Indebtedness shall not
affect the liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty. A revocation received by
Lender from any one or more Guarantors shall not affect the liability of any
remaining Guarantors under this Guaranty. This Guaranty covers a revolving line
of credit and it is specifically anticipated that fluctuations will occur in the
aggregate amount of Indebtedness owing from Borrower to Lender. Grantor
specifically acknowledges and agrees that fluctuations in the amount of
Indebtedness, even to zero dollars ($0.00), shall not constitute a termination
of this Guaranty. Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty shall terminate only
upon (a) termination in writing by Borrower and Lender of the line of credit,
(b) payment of the Indebtedness in full in legal tender, and (c) payment in full
in legal tender of all other obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty.
GUARANTOR'S AUTHORIZATION TO LENDER. Guarantor authorizes Lender, without notice
or demand and without lessening Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty, from
time to time: (a) to make one or more additional secured or unsecured loans to
Borrower, to lease equipment or other goods to Borrower, or otherwise to extend
additional credit to Borrower; (b) to alter, compromise, renew, extend,
accelerate, or otherwise change one or more times the time for payment or other
terms of the Indebtedness or any part of the Indebtedness including increases
and decreases of the rate of interest on the Indebtedness; extensions may be
repeated and may be for longer than the original loan term; (c) to take and hold
security for the payment of this Guaranty or the Indebtedness, and exchange,
enforce, waive, subordinate, fail or decide not to perfect, and release any such
security, with or without the substitution of new collateral; (d) to release,
substitute, agree not to sue, or deal with any one or more of Borrower's
sureties, endorsers, or other guarantors on any terms or in any manner Lender
may choose; (e) to determine how, when and what application of payments and
credits shall be made on the Indebtedness; (f) to apply such security and direct
the order or manner of sale thereof, including without limitation, any
nonjudicial sale permitted by the terms of the controlling security agreement or
deed of trust, as Lender in its discretion may determine; (g) to sell, transfer,
assign, or grant participation in all or any part of the Indebtedness; and (h)
to assign or transfer this Guaranty in whole or in part.
GUARANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Guarantor represents and warrants to
Lender that (a) no representations or agreements of any kind have been made to
Guarantor which would limit or qualify in any way the terms of this Guaranty;
(b) this Guaranty is executed at Borrower's request and not at the request of
Lender; (c) Guarantor has full power, right and authority to enter into this
Guaranty; (d) the provisions of this Guaranty do not conflict with or result in
a default under any agreement or other instrument binding upon Guarantor and do
not result in a violation of any law, regulation, court decree or order
applicable to Guarantor; (e) Guarantor has not and will not, without the prior
written consent of Lender, sell, lease, assign, encumber, hypothecate, transfer,
or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Guarantor's assets, or any
interest therein, (f) upon Lender's request, Guarantor will provide to Lender
financial and credit information in form acceptable to Lender, and all such
financial information which currently has been, and all future financial
information which will be provided to Lender is and will be true and correct in
all material respects and fairly present the financial condition of Guarantor as
of the dates the financial information is provided; (g) no material adverse
change has occurred in Guarantor's financial condition since the date of the
most recent financial statements provided to Lender and no event has occurred
which may materially adversely affect Guarantor's financial condition; (h) no
litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action
(including those for unpaid taxes) against Guarantor is pending or threatened:
(i) Lender has made no representation to Guarantor as to the creditworthiness of
Borrower; and (j) Guarantor has established adequate means of obtaining from
Borrower on a continuing basis information regarding Borrower's financial
condition. Guarantor agrees to keep adequately informed from such means of any
facts, events, or circumstances which might in any way affect Guarantor's risks
under this Guaranty, and Guarantor further agrees that, absent a request for
information, Lender shall have no obligation to disclose to Guarantor any
information or documents acquired by Lender in the course of its relationship
with Borrower.
05-30-1997 COMMERCIAL GUARANTY Page 2
Loan No (Continued)
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GUARANTOR'S WAIVERS. Except as prohibited by applicable law, Guarantor waives
any right to require Lender (a) to continue lending money or to extend other
credit to Borrower; (b) to make any presentment, protest, demand, or notice of
any kind, including notice of any nonpayment of the Indebtedness or of any
nonpayment related to any collateral, or notice of any action or nonaction on
the part of Borrower, Lender, any surety, endorser, or other guarantor in
connection with the Indebtedness or in connection with the creation of new or
additional loans or obligations; (c) to resort for payment or to proceed
directly or at once against any person, including Borrower or any other
guarantor; (d) to proceed directly against or exhaust any collateral held by
Lender from Borrower, any other guarantor, or any other person; (e) to give
notice of the terms, time, and place of any public or private sale of personal
property security held by Lender from Borrower or to comply with any other
applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code; (f) to pursue any other
remedy within Lender's power; or (9) to commit any act or omission of any kind,
or at any time, with respect to any matter whatsoever.
Guarantor also waives any and all rights or defenses arising by reason of (a)
any "one action" or "anti-deficiency" law or any other law which may prevent
Lender from bringing any action, including a claim for deficiency, against
Guarantor, before or after Lender's commencement or completion of any
foreclosure action, either judicially or by exercise of a power of sale (b) any
election of remedies by Lender which destroys or otherwise adversely affects
Guarantor's subrogation rights or Guarantor's rights to proceed against Borrower
for reimbursement. including without limitation, any loss of rights Guarantor
may suffer by reason of any law limiting, qualifying, or discharging the
Indebtedness (c) any disability or other defense of Borrower, of any other
guarantor, or of any other person, or by reason of the cessation of Borrowers
liability from any cause whatsoever, other than payment in full in legal tender,
of the Indebtedness (d) any right to claim discharge of the Indebtedness on the
basis of unjustified impairment of any collateral for the Indebtedness (e) any
statute of limitations, if at any time any action or suit brougnt by Lender
against Guarantor is commenced there is outstanding Indebtedness of Borrower to
Lender which is not barred by any applicable statute of limitations; or (f) any
defenses given to guarantors at law or in equity other than actual payment and
performance of the Indebtedness. If payment is made by Borrower, whether
voluntarily or otherwise, or by any third party, on the indebtedness and
thereafter Lender is forced to remit the amount of that payment to Borrower's
trustee in bankruptcy or to any similar person under any federal or state
bankruptcy law or law for the relief of debtors, the Indebtedness shall be
considered unpaid for the purpose of enforcement of this Guaranty. In addition
to the waivers set forth above, Guarantor expressly waives, to the extent
permitted by North Carolina law, all of Guarantor's rights under (i) North
Carolina General Statute Section 26-7 to Section 26-9 (1986) to require Lender
to take action, (ii) North Carolina General Statute Section 25-3-606 (1965 and
Supplement 1985) relating to impairment of collateral, and (iii) North Carolina
General Statute Section 25-9-501 (1986) with respect to the "commercial
reasonableness" of any sale of collateral.
Guarantor further waives and agrees not to assert or claim at any time any
deductions to the amount guaranteed under this Guaranty for any claim of setoff,
counterclaim, counter demand, recoupment or similar right, whether such claim,
demand or right may be asserted by the Borrower, the Guarantor, or both.
GUARANTOR'S UNDERSTANDING WITH RESPECT TO WAIVERS. Guarantor warrants and agrees
that each of the waivers set forth above is made with
Guarantor's full knowledge of its significance and consequences and that, under
the circumstances, the waivers are reasonable and not contrary to public policy
or law. If any such waiver is determined to be contrary to any applicable law or
public policy, such waiver shall be effective only to the extent permitted by
law or public policy.
LENDER'S RIGHT OF SETOFF. In addition to all liens upon and rights of setoff
against the moneys, securities or other property of Guarantor given to Lender by
law, Lender shall have, with respect to Guarantor's obligations to Lender under
this Guaranty and to the extent permitted by law, a contractual possessory
security interest in and a right of setoff against, and Guarantor hereby
assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to Lender all of Guarantor's
right, title and interest in and to, all deposits, moneys, securities and other
property of Guarantor now or hereafter in the possession of or on deposit with
Lender, whether held in a general or special account or deposit or whether held
for safekeeping or otherwise, excluding however all IRA, Keogh, and trust
accounts. Every such security interest and right of setoff may be exercised
without demand upon or notice to Guarantor. No security interest or right of
setoff shall be deemed to have been waived by any act or conduct on the part of
Lender or by any neglect to exercise such right of setoff or to enforce such
security interest or by any delay in so doing. Every right of setoff and
security interest shall continue in full force and effect until such right of
setoff or security interest is specifically waived or released by an instrument
in writing executed by Lender.
SUBORDINATION OF BORROWER'S DEBTS TO GUARANTOR. Guarantor agrees that the
Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender, whether now existing or hereafter created,
shall be prior to any claim that Guarantor may now have or hereafter acquire
against Borrower, whether or not Borrower becomes insolvent. Guarantor hereby
expressly subordinates any claim Guarantor may have against Borrower, upon any
account whatsoever, to any claim that Lender may now or hereafter have against
Borrower. In the event of insolvency and consequent liquidation of the assets of
Borrower, through bankruptcy, by an assignment for the benefit of creditors, by
voluntary liquidation, or otherwise, the assets of Borrower applicable to the
payment of the claims of both Lender and Guarantor shall be paid to Lender and
shall be first applied by Lender to the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender.
Guarantor does hereby assign to Lender all claims which it may have or acquire
against Borrower or against any assignee or trustee in bankruptcy of Borrower;
provided however, that such assignment shall be effective only for the purpose
of assuring to Lender full payment in legal tender of the Indebtedness. If
Lender so requests, any notes or credit agreements now or hereafter evidencing
any debts or obligations of Borrower to Guarantor shall be marked with a legend
that the same are subject to this Guaranty and shall be delivered to Lender.
Guarantor agrees, and Lender hereby is authorized, in the name of Guarantor,
from time to time to execute and tile financing statements and continuation
statements and to execute such other documents and to take such other actions as
Lender deems necessary or appropriate to perfect, preserve and enforce its
rights under this Guaranty.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Guaranty:
AMENDMENTS. This Guaranty, together with any Related Documents,
constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to
the matters set forth in this Guaranty. No alteration of or amendment to
this Guaranty shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the
party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or
amendment.
APPLICABLE LAW. This Guaranty has been delivered to Lender and accepted by
Lender in the State of North Carolina. If there is a lawsuit, Guarantor
agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts
of CABARRUS County, State of North Carolina. This Guaranty shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
North Carolina.
ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Guarantor agrees to pay upon demand all of
Lender's costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and
Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of
this Guaranty. Lender may pay someone else to help enforce this Guaranty,
and Guarantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs
and expenses include Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal
expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (and
including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction),
appeals, and any anticipated postjudgment collection services. Guarantor
also shalt pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed
by the court.
NOTICES. All notices required to be given by either party to the other
under this Guaranty shall be in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and
shall be effective when actually delivered or when deposited with a
nationally recognized overnight courier, or when deposited in the United
States mail, first class postage prepaid, addressed to the party to whom
the notice is to be given at the address shown above or to such other
addresses as either party may designate to the other in writing. If there
is more than one Guarantor, notice to any Guarantor will constitute notice
to all Guarantors. For notice purposes, Guarantor agrees to keep Lender
informed at all times of Guarantor's current address.
INTERPRETATION. In all cases where there is more than one Borrower or
Guarantor, then all words used in this Guaranty in the singular shall be
deemed to have been used in the plural where the context and construction
so require; and where there is more than one Borrower named in this
Guaranty or when this Guaranty is executed by more than one Guarantor, the
words "Borrower" and "Guarantor" respectively shall mean all and any one
or more of them. The words "Guarantor," "Borrower," and "Lender" include
the heirs, successors, assigns, and transferees of each of them. Caption
headings in this Guaranty are for convenience purposes only and are not to
be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Guaranty. If a court
of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Guaranty to be
invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance. such finding
shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other
persons or circumstances, and all provisions of this Guaranty in all other
respects shall remain valid and enforceable. If any one or more of
Borrower or Guarantor are corporations or partnerships, it is not
necessary tor Lender to inquire into the powers of Borrower or Guarantor
or of the officers, directors, partners, or agents acting or purporting to
act on their behalf, and any Indebtedness made or created in reliance upon
the professed exercise of such powers shall be guaranteed under this
Guaranty.
WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
Guaranty unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No
delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall
operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender
of a provision of this Guaranty shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver
of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that
provision or any other provision of this Guaranty. No prior waiver by
Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Guarantor, shall
constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Guarantors
obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender
is required under this Guaranty, the granting of such consent by Lender in
any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent
instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may
be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.
EACH UNDERSIGNED GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
GUARANTY AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS. IN ADDITION, EACH GUARANTOR UNDERSTANDS THAT
THIS GUARANTY IS EFFECTIVE UPON GUARANTOR'S EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS
GUARANTY TO LENDER AND THAT THE GUARANTY WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED IN THE
MANNER SET FORTH IN THE SECTION TITLED "DURATION OF GUARANTY." NO FORMAL
ACCEPTANCE BY LENDER IS NECESSARY TO MAKE THIS GUARANTY EFFECTIVE. THIS GUARANTY
IS DATED MAY 30,1997.
GUARANTOR:
X /s/ Vernon B. Brannon (SEAL)
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Vernon B. Brannon
INDIVIDUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF North Carolina )
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) ss
COUNTY OF Gaston )
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I, Doris F. Pearson , a Notary Public for said County and State,
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certify that VERNON B. BRANNON personally came before me this day and
acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument.
Witness my hand and Notarial Seal this the 30 day of May, 1997.
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/s/ Doris F. Pearson
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Notary Public
My Commission Expires: 7-4-99
(Affix Notarial Seal here)