EXHIBIT 10.8
PROMISSORY NOTE
$5,000,000.00 March 10, 1999
Optical Cable Corporation, a Virginia Corporation
5290 Concourse Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24019
(Individually and collectively, "Borrower")
First Union National Bank of Virginia
201 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
(Hereinafter referred to as the "Bank")
IMPORTANT NOTICE
THIS NOTE CONTAINS A CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT PROVISION WHICH CONSTITUTES A WAIVER
OF IMPORTANT RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE AS A BORROWER AND ALLOWS BANK TO OBTAIN A
JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.
RENEWAL/MODIFICATION. This Promissory Note renews, extends and/or modifies that
certain Promissory Note dated April 25, 1997, evidencing an original principal
indebtedness of Five Million Dollars and No Cents ($5,000,000.00). The
Promissory Note is not a novation.
Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful money of the United
States of America, at its office indicated above or wherever else Bank may
specify, the sum of Five Million and No/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00) or such sum
as may be advanced and outstanding from time to time with interest on the unpaid
principal balance at the rate and on the terms provided in this Promissory Note
(including all renewals, extensions or modifications hereof, this "Note").
SECURITY. Borrower has granted Bank a security interest in the collateral
described in the Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, personal
property collateral described in that certain Security Agreement dated March 13,
1996.
INTEREST RATE. Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of each
Advance (defined herein) under this Note from the date such Advance is made
available to the Borrower at the LIBOR Market Index rate plus 1.50% as that rate
may change from day to day in accordance with changes in the LIBOR Market Index
rate ("Interest Rate"). "LIBOR Market Index Rate", for any day, is the rate for
1 month U.S. dollar deposits as reported on Telerate page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m.,
London time, on such day, or if such day is not a London business day, then the
immediately preceding London business day (or if not so reported, then as
determined by Bank from another recognized source or Interbank quotation).
DEFAULT RATE. In addition to all other rights contained in this Note, if a
Default (defined herein) occurs and as long as a Default continues, all
outstanding Obligations shall bear interest at the Interest Rate plus 3%
("Default Rate"). The Default Rate shall also apply from acceleration until the
Obligations or any judgment thereon is paid in full.
INTEREST AND FEE(S) COMPUTATION (ACTUAL/360). Interest and fees, if any, shall
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days in the
applicable period ("Actual/360
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Computation"). The Actual/360 Computation determines the annual effective
interest yield by taking the stated (nominal) interest rate for a year's period
and then dividing said rate by 360 to determine the daily periodic rate to be
applied for each day in the applicable period. Application of the Actual/360
Computation produces an annualized effective interest rate exceeding that of the
nominal rate.
REPAYMENT TERMS. This Note shall be due and payable in consecutive monthly
payments of accrued interest only commencing on April 1, 1999, and on the same
day of each month thereafter until fully paid. In any event, all principal and
accrued interest shall be due and payable on February 28, 2001.
APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS. Monies received by Bank from any source for application
toward payment of the Obligations shall be applied to accrued interest and then
to principal. If a Default occurs, monies may be applied to the Obligations in
any manner or order deemed appropriate by Bank.
If any payment received by Bank under this Note or other Loan Documents is
rescinded, avoided or for any reason returned by Bank because of any adverse
claim or threatened action, the returned payment shall remain payable as an
obligation of all persons liable under this Note or other Loan Documents as
though such payment had not been made.
LOAN DOCUMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The term "Loan Documents" used in this Note and
other Loan Documents refers to all documents executed in connection with the
loan evidenced by this Note and any prior notes which evidence all or any
portion of the loan evidenced by this Note, and may include, without limitation,
a commitment letter that survives closing, a loan agreement, this Note, guaranty
agreements, security agreements, security instruments, financing statements,
mortgage instruments, letters of credit and any renewals or modifications,
whenever any of the foregoing are executed, but does not include swap agreements
(as defined in 11 U.S.C. ss. 101).
The term "Obligations" used in this Note refers to any and all indebtedness and
other obligations under this Note, all other obligations under any other Loan
Document(s), and all obligations under any swap agreements as defined in 11
U.S.C. ss. 101 between Borrower and Bank whenever executed.
LATE CHARGE. If any payments are not timely made, Borrower shall also pay to
Bank a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of each payment past due for eight
(8) or more days.
Acceptance by Bank of any late payment without an accompanying late charge shall
not be deemed a waiver of Bank's right to collect such late charge or to collect
a late charge for any subsequent late payment received.
If this Note is secured by owner-occupied residential real property located
outside the state in which the office of Bank first shown above is located, the
late charge laws of the state where the real property is located shall apply to
this Note and the late charge shall be the highest amount allowable under such
laws. If no amount is stated thereunder, the late charge shall be five percent
(5%) of each payment past due for ten (10) or more days.
ATTORNEYS' FEES AND OTHER COLLECTION COSTS. Borrower shall pay all of Bank's
reasonable expenses incurred to enforce or collect any of the Obligations,
including, without limitation, reasonable arbitration, paralegals', attorneys'
and experts' fees and expenses, whether incurred without the commencement of a
suit, in any trial, arbitration, or administrative proceeding, or in any
appellate or bankruptcy proceeding.
USURY. Regardless of any other provision of this Note or other Loan Documents,
if for any reason the effective interest should exceed the maximum lawful
interest, the effective interest shall be deemed reduced to, and shall be, such
maximum lawful interest, and (i) the amount which would be excessive interest
shall be deemed applied to the reduction of the principal balance of this Note
and not to the payment of interest, and (ii) if the loan evidenced by this Note
has been or is thereby paid in full, the excess shall be returned to the party
paying same, such application to the principal balance of this Note or the
refunding of excess to be a complete settlement and acquittance thereof.
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DEFAULT. If any of the following occurs, a Default ("Default") under this Note
shall exist: NONPAYMENT; NONPERFORMANCE. The failure of timely payment or
performance of the Obligations or Default under this Note or any other Loan
Documents. FALSE WARRANTY. A warranty or representation made or deemed made in
the Loan Documents or furnished Bank in connection with the loan evidenced by
this Note proves materially false, or if of a continuing nature, becomes
materially false. CROSS DEFAULT. At Bank's option, any default in payment or
performance of any obligation under any other loans, contracts or agreements of
Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate of Borrower, any general partner of or the
holder(s) of the majority ownership interests of Borrower with Bank or its
affiliates ("Affiliate" shall have the meaning as defined in 11 U.S.C. ss. 101,
except that the term "debtor' therein shall be substituted by the term
"Borrower" herein; "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which more than
50% of the issued or outstanding voting stock is owned directly or indirectly by
Borrower). CESSATION; BANKRUPTCY. The death of, appointment of guardian for,
dissolution of, termination of existence of, loss of good standing status by,
appointment of a receiver for, assignment for the benefit of creditors of, or
commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding by or against Borrower,
its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, if any, or any general partner of or the
holder(s) of the majority ownership interests of Borrower, or any party to the
Loan Documents. MATERIAL CAPITAL STRUCTURE OR BUSINESS ALTERATION. Without prior
written consent of Bank, (i) a material alteration in the kind or type of
Borrower's business or that of Borrower's Subsidiaries or Affiliates, if any;
(ii) the sale of substantially all of the business or assets of Borrower, any of
Borrower's Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any guarantor, or a material portion
(10% or more) of such business or assets if such a sale is outside the ordinary
course of business of Borrower, or any of Borrower's Subsidiaries or Affiliates
or any guarantor, or more than 50% of the outstanding stock or voting power of
or in a single transaction or a series of transactions; (iii) the acquisition of
substantially all of the business or assets or more than 50% of the outstanding
stock or voting power of any other entity; or (iv) should any Borrower, or any
of borrower's Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or any guarantor enter into any merger
or consolidation.
REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. If a Default occurs under this Note or any Loan
Documents, Bank may at any time thereafter, take the following actions: BANK
LIEN. Foreclose its security interest or lien against Borrower's accounts
without notice. ACCELERATION UPON DEFAULT. Accelerate the maturity of this Note
and all other of the Obligations shall be immediately due and payable.
CUMULATIVE. Exercise any rights and remedies as provided under the Note and
other Loan Documents, or as provided by law or equity.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION. Borrower shall deliver to Bank such information
as Bank may reasonably request from time to time, including without limitation,
financial statements and information pertaining to Borrower's financial
condition. Such information shall be true, complete, and accurate.
YEAR 2000 COMPATIBILITY. Borrower shall take all action necessary to assure that
Borrower's computer based systems are able to operate and effectively process
data including dates on and after January 1, 2000. At the request of Bank,
Borrower shall provide Bank assurance acceptable to Bank of Borrower's Year 2000
compatibility.
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT. Each Borrower hereby duly constitutes and appoints Keith
M. Northern, Gregory A. Baugher (each of whom is an officer of Bank), and Bank
through an officer duly authorized by Bank, (any of the foregoing may act), as
the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact for them, in any and all of their names,
place and stead, and upon the occurrence of a Default in the payment of the
Obligations due under this Note, at maturity, or upon acceleration, to confess
judgment against them or any of them, in favor of Bank, before the Clerk of the
Circuit Court for City of Roanoke, Virginia, in accordance with 1950 Code of
Virginia Section 8.01-431 et seq., and any successor statute, for all amounts
owed with respect to the Obligations under and pursuant to this Not including,
without limitation, all costs of collection and attorneys' fees in an amount
equal to 15% of the Obligations then outstanding (which shall be deemed
reasonable attorneys' fees for the purposes of this paragraph), and court costs,
hereby ratifying and confirming the acts of said attorney-in-fact as if done by
themselves. Upon request of Bank, each Borrower will execute an amendment or
other agreement substituting attorneys-in-fact appointed to act for each
Borrower hereunder.
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WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS. No waivers, amendments or modifications of this Note and
other Loan Documents shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an officer
of Bank. No waiver by Bank of any Default shall operate as a waiver of any other
Default or the same Default on a future occasion. Neither the failure nor any
delay on the part of Bank in exercising any right, power, or remedy under this
Note and other Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a
single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.
Each Borrower or any person liable under this Note waives presentment, protest,
notice of dishonor, demand for payment, notice of intention to accelerate
maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity, notice of sale and all other
demand for payment notices of any kind. Further, each agrees that Bank may
extend, modify or renew this Note or make a novation of the loan evidenced by
this Note for any period and grant any releases, compromises or indulgences with
respect to any collateral securing this Note, or with respect to any other
Borrower or any other person liable under this Note or other Loan Documents, all
without notice to or consent of each Borrower or each person who may be liable
under this Note or other Loan Documents and without affecting the liability of
Borrower or any person who may be liable under this Note or other Loan
Documents.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. ASSIGNMENT. This Note and other Loan Documents shall
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective
heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Bank's interests in and
rights under this Note and other Loan Documents are freely assignable, in whole
or in part, by Bank. In addition, nothing in this Note or any of the Loan
Documents shall prohibit Bank from pledging or assigning this Note or any of the
Loan Documents or any interest therein to any Federal Reserve Bank. Borrower
shall not assign its rights and interest hereunder without the prior written
consent of Bank, and any attempt by Borrower to assign without Bank's prior
written consent is null and void. Any assignment shall not release Borrower from
the Obligations. APPLICATION LAW; CONFLICT BETWEEN DOCUMENTS. This Note and
other Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the
state where Bank first shown above is located without regard to that state's
conflict of laws principles. If the terms of this Note should conflict with the
terms of the Loan Agreement or any commitment letter that survives closing, the
terms of this Note shall control. BORROWER'S ACCOUNTS. Except as prohibited by
law, Borrower grants Bank a security interest in all of Borrower's accounts with
Bank and any of its affiliates. JURISDICTION. Borrower irrevocably agrees to
non-exclusive personal jurisdiction in the state in which the office of Bank
first shown above is located. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Note or of
the other Loan Documents shall be prohibited or invalid under applicable law,
such provision shall be ineffective but only to the extent of such prohibition
or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the
remaining provisions of this Note or other such document. NOTICES. Any notices
to Borrower shall be sufficiently given, if in writing and mailed or delivered
to the Borrower's address shown above or such other address as provided
hereunder, and to Bank, if in writing and mailed or delivered to Bank's office
address shown above or such other address as Bank may specify in writing from
time to time. In the event that Borrower changes Borrower's address at any time
prior to the date the Obligations are paid in full, Borrower agrees to promptly
give written notice of said change of address by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, all charges prepaid. PLURAL; CAPTIONS. All references
in the Loan Documents to Borrower, guarantor, person, document or other nouns of
reference mean both the singular and plural form, as the case may be, and the
term "person" shall mean any individual, person or entity. The captions
contained in the Loan Documents are inserted for convenience only and shall not
affect the meaning or interpretation of the Loan Documents. BINDING CONTRACT.
Borrower by execution of and Bank by acceptance of this Note agree that each
party is bound to all terms and provisions of this Note. ADVANCES. Bank in its
sole discretion may make other Advances under this Note pursuant hereto. POSTING
OF PAYMENTS. All payments received during normal banking hours after 2:00 p.m.
local time at the office of Bank first shown above shall be deemed received at
the opening of the next banking day. JOINT AND SEVERAL OBLIGATIONS. Each
Borrower is jointly and severally obligated under this Note. FEES AND TAXES.
Borrower shall promptly pay all documentary, intangible recordation and/or
similar taxes on this transaction whether assessed at closing or arising from
time to time.
ARBITRATION. Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after
institution of any judicial proceeding any claim or controversy arising out of,
or relating to the Loan Documents between the parties hereto (a "Dispute")shall
be resolved by binding arbitration conducted and governed by the
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Commercial Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the "Arbitration Rules") of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA") and the Federal Arbitration
Act. Disputes may include, without limitation, tort claims, counterclaims,
disputes as to whether a matter is subject to arbitration, claims brought as
class actions, or claims arising from documents executed in the future. A
judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this arbitration provision does not apply to
disputes under or related to swap agreements.
SPECIAL RULES. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the city in which
the office of Bank first stated above is located. A hearing shall begin within
90 days of demand for arbitration and all hearings shall be concluded within 120
days of demand for arbitration. These time limitations may not be extended
unless a party shows cause for extension and then for no more than a total of 60
days. The expedited procedures set forth in Rule 51 et seq. of the Arbitration
Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000.00. Arbitrators
shall be licensed attorneys selected from the Commercial Financial Dispute
Arbitration Panel of the AAA. These parties do not waive applicable Federal or
state substantive law except as provided herein.
PRESERVATION AND LIMITATION OF REMEDIES. Notwithstanding the preceding binding
arbitration provisions, the parties agree to preserve, without diminution,
certain remedies that any party may exercise before or after an arbitration
proceeding is brought. The parties shall have the right to proceed in any court
of proper jurisdiction or by self-help to exercise or prosecute the following
remedies, as applicable: (i) all rights to foreclose against any real or
personal property or other security by exercising a power of sale or under
applicable law by judicial foreclosure including a proceeding to confirm the
sale; (ii) all rights of self-help including peaceful occupation of real
property and collection of rents, set-off, and peaceful possession of personal
property, (iii) obtaining provisional or ancillary remedies including injunctive
relief, sequestration, garnishment, attachment, appointment of receiver and
filing an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding; and (iv) when applicable, a
judgment by confession of judgment. Any claim or controversy with regard to any
party's entitlement to such remedies is a Dispute. Each party agrees that it
shall not have a remedy of punitive and exemplary damages against the other in
any Dispute and hereby waive any right or claim to punitive or exemplary damages
they have now or which may arise in the future in connection with any Dispute,
whether the Dispute is resolved by arbitration or judicially.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY AGREEING TO BINDING
ARBITRATION THEY HAVE IRREVOCABLY WAIVED ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO JURY TRIAL
WITH REGARD TO A DISPUTE.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, on the day and year first written above, has
caused this Note to be executed under seal.
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
CORPORATE By: /s/ Robert Kopstein
SEAL -----------------------------
Robert Kopstein
President
TAXPAYER INDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S):
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION 54-1237042
49548
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PROMISSORY NOTE
$10, 000,000.00 March 10, 1999
Optical Cable Corporation, a Virginia Corporation
5290 Concourse Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24019
(Individually and collectively,"Borrower")
First Union National Bank of Virginia
201 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
(Hereinafter referred to as the "Bank")
IMPORTANT NOTICE
THIS NOTE CONTAINS A CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT PROVISION WHICH CONSTITUTES A WAIVER
OF IMPORTANT RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE AS A BORROWER AND ALLOWS BANK TO OBTAIN A
JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.
RENEWAL/MODIFICATION. This Promissory Note renews, extends and/or modifies that
certain Promissory Note dated April 25, 1997, evidencing an original principal
indebtedness of Ten Million Dollars and No Cents ($10,000,000.00). The
Promissory Note is not a novation.
Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful money of the United
States of America, at its office indicated above or wherever else Bank may
specify, the sum of Ten Million and No/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) or such sum
as may be advanced and outstanding from time to time with interest on the unpaid
principal balance at the rate and on the terms provided in this Promissory Note
(including all renewals, extensions or modifications hereof, this "Note").
SECURITY. Borrower has granted Bank a security interest in the collateral
described in the Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, personal
property collateral described in that certain Security Agreement dated March 13,
1996.
INTEREST RATE. Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of each
Advance (defined herein) under this Note from the date such Advance is made
available to the Borrower at the LIBOR Market Index rate plus 1.50% as that rate
may change from day to day in accordance with changes in the LIBOR Market Index
rate ("Interest Rate"). "LIBOR Market Index Rate", for any day, is the rate for
1 month U.S. dollar deposits as reported on Telerate page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m.,
London time, on such day, or if such day is not a London business day, then the
immediately preceding London business day (or if not so reported, then as
determined by Bank from another recognized source or Interbank quotation).
DEFAULT RATE. In addition to all other rights contained in this Note, if a
Default (defined herein) occurs and as long as a Default continues, all
outstanding Obligations shall bear interest at the Interest Rate plus 3%
("Default Rate"). The Default Rate shall also apply from acceleration until the
Obligations or any judgment thereon is paid in full.
INTEREST AND FEE(S) COMPUTATION (ACTUAL/360). Interest and fees, if any, shall
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days in the
applicable period ("Actual/360 Computation"). The Actual/360 Computation
determines the annual effective interest yield by taking the
Page 1 of 6
stated (nominal) interest rate for a year's period and then dividing said rate
by 360 to determine the daily periodic rate to be applied for each day in the
applicable period. Application of the Actual/360 Computation produces an
annualized effective interest rate exceeding that of the nominal rate.
REPAYMENT TERMS. This Note shall be due and payable in consecutive monthly
payments of accrued interest only commencing on April 1, 1999, and on the same
day of each month thereafter until fully paid. In any event, all principal and
accrued interest shall be due and payable on February 28, 2001.
APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS. Monies received by Bank from any source for application
toward payment of the Obligations shall be applied to accrued interest and then
to principal. If a Default occurs, monies may be applied to the Obligations in
any manner or order deemed appropriate by Bank.
If any payment received by Bank under this Note or other Loan Documents is
rescinded, avoided or for any reason returned by Bank because of any adverse
claim or threatened action, the returned payment shall remain payable as an
obligation of all persons liable under this Note or other Loan Documents as
though such payment had not been made.
LOAN DOCUMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The term "Loan Documents" used in this Note and
other Loan Documents refers to all documents executed in connection with the
loan evidenced by this Note and any prior notes which evidence all or any
portion of the loan evidenced by this Note, and may include, without limitation,
a commitment letter that survives closing, a loan agreement, this Note, guaranty
agreements, security agreements, security instruments, financing statements,
mortgage instruments, letters of credit and any renewals or modifications,
whenever any of the foregoing are executed, but does not include swap agreements
(as defined in 11 U.S.C. ss. 101).
The term "Obligations" used in this Note refers to any and all indebtedness and
other obligations under this Note, all other obligations under any other Loan
Document(s), and all obligations under any swap agreements as defined in 11
U.S.C. ss. 101 between Borrower and Bank whenever executed.
LATE CHARGE. If any payments are not timely made, Borrower shall also pay to
Bank a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of each payment past due for eight
(8) or more days.
Acceptance by Bank of any late payment without an accompanying late charge shall
not be deemed a waiver of Bank's right to collect such late charge or to collect
a late charge for any subsequent late payment received.
If this Note is secured by owner-occupied residential real property located
outside the state in which the office of Bank first shown above is located, the
late charge laws of the state where the real property is located shall apply to
this Note and the late charge shall be the highest amount allowable under such
laws. If no amount is stated thereunder, the late charge shall be five percent
(5%) of each payment past due for ten (10) or more days.
ATTORNEYS' FEES AND OTHER COLLECTION COSTS. Borrower shall pay all of Bank's
reasonable expenses incurred to enforce or collect any of the Obligations,
including, without limitation, reasonable arbitration, paralegals', attorneys'
and experts' fees and expenses, whether incurred without the commencement of a
suit, in any trial, arbitration, or administrative proceeding, or in any
appellate or bankruptcy proceeding.
USURY. Regardless of any other provision of this Note or other Loan Documents,
if for any reason the effective interest should exceed the maximum lawful
interest, the effective interest shall be deemed reduced to, and shall be, such
maximum lawful interest, and (i) the amount which would be excessive interest
shall be deemed applied to the reduction of the principal balance of this Note
and not to the payment of interest, and (ii) if the loan evidenced by this Note
has been or is thereby paid in full, the excess shall be returned to the party
paying same, such application to the principal balance of this Note or the
refunding of excess to be a complete settlement and acquittance thereof.
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DEFAULT. If any of the following occurs, a Default ("Default") under this Note
shall exist: NONPAYMENT; NONPERFORMANCE. The failure of timely payment or
performance of the Obligations or Default under this Note or any other Loan
Documents. FALSE WARRANTY. A warranty or representation made or deemed made in
the Loan Documents or furnished Bank in connection with the loan evidenced by
this Note proves materially false, or if of a continuing nature, becomes
materially false. CROSS DEFAULT. At Bank's option, any default in payment or
performance of any obligation under any other loans, contracts or agreements of
Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate of Borrower, any general partner of or the
holder(s) of the majority ownership interests of Borrower with Bank or its
affiliates ("Affiliate" shall have the meaning as defined in 11 U.S.C. ss. 101,
except that the term "debtor' therein shall be substituted by the term
"Borrower" herein; "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which more than
50% of the issued or outstanding voting stock is owned directly or indirectly by
Borrower). CESSATION; BANKRUPTCY. The death of, appointment of guardian for,
dissolution of, termination of existence of, loss of good standing status by,
appointment of a receiver for, assignment for the benefit of creditors of, or
commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding by or against Borrower,
its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, if any, or any general partner of or the
holder(s) of the majority ownership interests of Borrower, or any party to the
Loan Documents. MATERIAL CAPITAL STRUCTURE OR BUSINESS ALTERATION. Without prior
written consent of Bank, (i) a material alteration in the kind or type of
Borrower's business or that of Borrower's Subsidiaries or Affiliates, if any;
(ii) the sale of substantially all of the business or assets of Borrower, any of
Borrower's Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any guarantor, or a material portion
(10% or more) of such business or assets if such a sale is outside the ordinary
course of business of Borrower, or any of Borrower's Subsidiaries or Affiliates
or any guarantor, or more than 50% of the outstanding stock or voting power of
or in a single transaction or a series of transactions; (iii) the acquisition of
substantially all of the business or assets or more than 50% of the outstanding
stock or voting power of any other entity; or (iv) should any Borrower, or any
of borrower's Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or any guarantor enter into any merger
or consolidation.
REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. If a Default occurs under this Note or any Loan
Documents, Bank may at any time thereafter, take the following actions: BANK
LIEN. Foreclose its security interest or lien against Borrower's accounts
without notice. ACCELERATION UPON DEFAULT. Accelerate the maturity of this Note
and all other of the Obligations shall be immediately due and payable.
CUMULATIVE. Exercise any rights and remedies as provided under the Note and
other Loan Documents, or as provided by law or equity.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION. Borrower shall deliver to Bank such information
as Bank may reasonably request from time to time, including without limitation,
financial statements and information pertaining to Borrower's financial
condition. Such information shall be true, complete, and accurate.
YEAR 2000 COMPATIBILITY. Borrower shall take all action necessary to assure that
Borrower's computer based systems are able to operate and effectively process
data including dates on and after January 1, 2000. At the request of Bank,
Borrower shall provide Bank assurance acceptable to Bank of Borrower's Year 2000
compatibility.
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT. Each Borrower hereby duly constitutes and appoints Keith
M. Northern, Gregory A. Baugher (each of whom is an officer of Bank), and Bank
through an officer duly authorized by Bank, (any of the foregoing may act), as
the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact for them, in any and all of their names,
place and stead, and upon the occurrence of a Default in the payment of the
Obligations due under this Note, at maturity, or upon acceleration, to confess
judgment against them or any of them, in favor of Bank, before the Clerk of the
Circuit Court for City of Roanoke, Virginia, in accordance with 1950 Code of
Virginia Section 8.01-431 et seq., and any successor statute, for all amounts
owed with respect to the Obligations under and pursuant to this Not including,
without limitation, all costs of collection and attorneys' fees in an amount
equal to 15% of the Obligations then outstanding (which shall be deemed
reasonable attorneys' fees for the purposes of this paragraph), and court costs,
hereby ratifying and confirming the acts of said attorney-in-fact as if done by
themselves. Upon request of Bank, each Borrower will execute an amendment or
other agreement substituting attorneys-in-fact appointed to act for each
Borrower hereunder.
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LINE OF CREDIT ADVANCES. Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow, and Bank may
advance and readvance under this Note respectively from time to time (each an
"Advance" and together the "Advances"), so long as the total indebtedness
outstanding at any one time does not exceed the principal amount stated on the
face of this Note. Bank's obligation to make Advances under this Note shall
terminate if Borrower is in Default under this Note. As of the date of each
proposed Advance, Borrower shall be deemed to represent that each representation
made in the Loan Documents is true as of such date.
If Borrower subscribes to Bank's cash management services and such services are
applicable to this line of credit, the terms of such service shall control the
manner in which funds are transferred between the applicable demand deposit
account and the line of credit or debit to the line of credit.
WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS. No waivers, amendments or modifications of this Note and
other Loan Documents shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an officer
of Bank. No waiver by Bank of any Default shall operate as a waiver of any other
Default or the same Default on a future occasion. Neither the failure nor any
delay on the part of Bank in exercising any right, power, or remedy under this
Note and other Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a
single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.
Each Borrower or any person liable under this Note waives presentment, protest,
notice of dishonor, demand for payment, notice of intention to accelerate
maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity, notice of sale and all other
demand for payment notices of any kind. Further, each agrees that Bank may
extend, modify or renew this Note or make a novation of the loan evidenced by
this Note for any period and grant any releases, compromises or indulgences with
respect to any collateral securing this Note, or with respect to any other
Borrower or any other person liable under this Note or other Loan Documents, all
without notice to or consent of each Borrower or each person who may be liable
under this Note or other Loan Documents and without affecting the liability of
Borrower or any person who may be liable under this Note or other Loan
Documents.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. ASSIGNMENT. This Note and other Loan Documents shall
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective
heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Bank's interests in and
rights under this Note and other Loan Documents are freely assignable, in whole
or in part, by Bank. In addition, nothing in this Note or any of the Loan
Documents shall prohibit Bank from pledging or assigning this Note or any of the
Loan Documents or any interest therein to any Federal Reserve Bank. Borrower
shall not assign its rights and interest hereunder without the prior written
consent of Bank, and any attempt by Borrower to assign without Bank's prior
written consent is null and void. Any assignment shall not release Borrower from
the Obligations. APPLICATION LAW; CONFLICT BETWEEN DOCUMENTS. This Note and
other Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the
state where Bank first shown above is located without regard to that state's
conflict of laws principles. If the terms of this Note should conflict with the
terms of the Loan Agreement or any commitment letter that survives closing, the
terms of this Note shall control. BORROWER'S ACCOUNTS. Except as prohibited by
law, Borrower grants Bank a security interest in all of Borrower's accounts with
Bank and any of its affiliates. JURISDICTION. Borrower irrevocably agrees to
non-exclusive personal jurisdiction in the state in which the office of Bank
first shown above is located. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Note or of
the other Loan Documents shall be prohibited or invalid under applicable law,
such provision shall be ineffective but only to the extent of such prohibition
or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the
remaining provisions of this Note or other such document. NOTICES. Any notices
to Borrower shall be sufficiently given, if in writing and mailed or delivered
to the Borrower's address shown above or such other address as provided
hereunder, and to Bank, if in writing and mailed or delivered to Bank's office
address shown above or such other address as Bank may specify in writing from
time to time. In the event that Borrower changes Borrower's address at any time
prior to the date the Obligations are paid in full, Borrower agrees to promptly
give written notice of said change of address by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, all charges prepaid. PLURAL; CAPTIONS. All references
in the Loan Documents to Borrower, guarantor, person, document or other nouns of
reference mean both the singular and plural form, as the case may be, and the
term "person" shall mean any individual, person or entity. The captions
contained in the Loan Documents are inserted for convenience only and shall not
affect the meaning or interpretation of the Loan Documents.
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BINDING CONTRACT. Borrower by execution of and Bank by acceptance of this Note
agree that each party is bound to all terms and provisions of this Note.
ADVANCES. Bank in its sole discretion may make other Advances under this Note
pursuant hereto. POSTING OF PAYMENTS. All payments received during normal
banking hours after 2:00 p.m. local time at the office of Bank first shown above
shall be deemed received at the opening of the next banking day. JOINT AND
SEVERAL OBLIGATIONS. Each Borrower is jointly and severally obligated under this
Note. FEES AND TAXES. Borrower shall promptly pay all documentary, intangible
recordation and/or similar taxes on this transaction whether assessed at closing
or arising from time to time.
ARBITRATION. Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after
institution of any judicial proceeding any claim or controversy arising out of,
or relating to the Loan Documents between the parties hereto (a "Dispute")shall
be resolved by binding arbitration conducted and governed by the Commercial
Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the "Arbitration Rules") of the American
Arbitration Association (the "AAA") and the Federal Arbitration Act. Disputes
may include, without limitation, tort claims, counterclaims, disputes as to
whether a matter is subject to arbitration, claims brought as class actions, or
claims arising from documents executed in the future. A judgment upon the award
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
this arbitration provision does not apply to disputes under or related to swap
agreements.
SPECIAL RULES. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the city in which
the office of Bank first stated above is located. A hearing shall begin within
90 days of demand for arbitration and all hearings shall be concluded within 120
days of demand for arbitration. These time limitations may not be extended
unless a party shows cause for extension and then for no more than a total of 60
days. The expedited procedures set forth in Rule 51 et seq. of the Arbitration
Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000.00. Arbitrators
shall be licensed attorneys selected from the Commercial Financial Dispute
Arbitration Panel of the AAA. These parties do not waive applicable Federal or
state substantive law except as provided herein.
PRESERVATION AND LIMITATION OF REMEDIES. Notwithstanding the preceding binding
arbitration provisions, the parties agree to preserve, without diminution,
certain remedies that any party may exercise before or after an arbitration
proceeding is brought. The parties shall have the right to proceed in any court
of proper jurisdiction or by self-help to exercise or prosecute the following
remedies, as applicable: (i) all rights to foreclose against any real or
personal property or other security by exercising a power of sale or under
applicable law by judicial foreclosure including a proceeding to confirm the
sale; (ii) all rights of self-help including peaceful occupation of real
property and collection of rents, set-off, and peaceful possession of personal
property, (iii) obtaining provisional or ancillary remedies including injunctive
relief, sequestration, garnishment, attachment, appointment of receiver and
filing an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding; and (iv) when applicable, a
judgment by confession of judgment. Any claim or controversy with regard to any
party's entitlement to such remedies is a Dispute. Each party agrees that it
shall not have a remedy of punitive and exemplary damages against the other in
any Dispute and hereby waive any right or claim to punitive or exemplary damages
they have now or which may arise in the future in connection with any Dispute,
whether the Dispute is resolved by arbitration or judicially.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY AGREEING TO BINDING
ARBITRATION THEY HAVE IRREVOCABLY WAIVED ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO JURY TRIAL
WITH REGARD TO A DISPUTE.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, on the day and year first written above, has
caused this Note to be executed under seal.
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
CORPORATE By: /s/ Robert Kopstein
SEAL -----------------------------
Robert Kopstein
President
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S):
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION 54-1237042
49548
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