Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
On June 19, 2009, the Board of Directors of Myers Industries, Inc. (the
"Company"), upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Company
(the "Compensation Committee") approved the execution of an employment agreement
(the "Employment Agreement") for David B. Knowles to join the Company as the
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective as of June 19,
2009, for a term of two years with automatic renewal for successive one year
terms thereafter, unless earlier terminated. Under the terms of the Employment
Agreement, Mr. Knowles will receive a base salary of $400,000 per year, subject
to annual review by the Compensation Committee. For 2009, Mr. Knowles will
receive an annual bonus of not less than $150,000. Thereafter, any annual bonus
shall be determined by the Compensation Committee pursuant to metrics
established by the Compensation Committee, with a target annual bonus
opportunity for each year that is not less than 75% of Mr. Knowles then current
base salary. In connection with the Employment Agreement, Mr. Knowles will also
be granted stock options to acquire 30,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
In addition, Mr. Knowles will receive the following benefits under the
Employment Agreement: (1) participation in all other benefit plans in which the
other executive officers of the Company are eligible to participate; (2) a
$1,500 per month automobile allowance; (3) four weeks of vacation each year;
(4) reimbursement of moving expenses and a one time payment of $50,000 for
closing costs and other expenses relating to the sale of his current home and/or
purchase of a new home in the Akron, Ohio area; (5) a $1,500 per month housing
allowance until Mr. Knowles purchases a permanent residence in the Akron, Ohio
area (not to exceed 12 months); and (6) a supplemental retirement benefit of
$75,000 per year for a period of ten years commencing on the later of his
retirement or attainment of age 65.
In the event that Mr. Knowles' employment is terminated by the Company other
than for cause or is terminated by Mr. Knowles for good reason, then the Company
will provide to Mr. Knowles in addition to any base salary and annual bonus
accrued and unpaid as of the date of termination: (1) continuation of
Mr. Knowles' annual base salary as in effect on the date of his termination for
a period of one year after such termination; (2) an amount equal to his annual
bonus at the highest rate in effect during the prior three year period payable
in lump sum within ninety (90) days after such termination; (3) COBRA health
coverage at the Company's expense for a period of one year; (4) continuation of
the automobile allowance for a period of one year; (5) long term disability
protection for a period of one year; (6) life insurance protection for a period
of one year; and (7) outplacement services for one year.
In the event that Mr. Knowles is terminated due to his death or disability,
then Mr. Knowles or his spouse will be entitled to receive: (1) any base salary
and annual bonus accrued and unpaid; (2) any amounts payable under any Company
employee benefit plan; and (3) COBRA coverage at the Company's expense for the
longer of (A) the applicable period under 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended or (B) thirty-six (36) months. If Mr. Knowles' employment is
terminated by the Company with cause or by Mr. Knowles without good reason, then
no further compensation is payable to Mr. Knowles other than compensation earned
prior to the termination but unpaid at the time of termination.
In the event Mr. Knowles is terminated in connection with, or within thirty
(30) days following, the occurrence of a specified change in control event,
Mr. Knowles will be provided with the following benefits in addition to any base
salary and annual bonus accrued and unpaid as of the date of termination: (1) an
amount equal to the sum of (A) one and one half (1 1/2) times his annual base
salary as in effect on the date of his termination, plus (B) one and a half (1
1/2) times his annual bonus at the highest rate in effect during the prior three
year period, payable within thirty (30) days after such termination; and
(2) full vesting of all outstanding stock options, restricted stock or similar
awards and any option shall become fully exercisable within 90 days of such
termination date. The full text of the Employment Agreement is attached as
Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
The Employment Agreement also provides that during the term of the Employment
Agreement, and for a period of three years thereafter, Mr. Knowles will not act
in violation of the Non-Competition and Non-Disclosure Agreement between the
Company and David B. Knowles, dated June 19, 2009 (the "NDA"). The full text of
the NDA is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
On June 19, 2009 the Board of Directors of the Company, upon the
recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approved the execution of an
amendment to the Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for David B.
Knowles (the "SERP"). This amendment incorporates changes to the SERP that are
provided for in the Employment Agreement. The full text of the SERP is attached
as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
10.1 Employment Agreement between the Company and David B. Knowles, dated
June 19, 2009.
10.2 Non-Competition and Non-Disclosure Agreement between the Company and David
B. Knowles, dated June 19, 2009.
10.3 Amendment to the Myers Industries, Inc. Executive Supplemental Retirement
Plan (David B. Knowles), effective June 19, 2009.
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