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Exhibit 12(b)
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BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
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Borrower: Citizens First Financial Corp. (TIN: 37-1351861) Lender: LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
2101 N. Veterans Parkway Main Office
Bloomington, IL 61704 135 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
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THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT dated November 6, 2000, is made and executed
between Citizens First Financial Corp. ("Borrower") and LASALLE BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION ("Lender") on the following terms and conditions. Borrower has
received prior commercial loans from Lender or has applied to Lender for a
commercial loan or loans or other financial accommodations, including those
which may be described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement
("Loan"). Borrower understands and agrees that: (A) In granting, renewing, or
extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon Borrower's representations,
warranties, and agreements as set forth in this Agreement, and (B) all such
Loans shall be and remain subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of November 6, 2000, and shall
continue in full force and effect until such time as all of Borrower's Loans
in favor of Lender have been paid in full, including principal, Interest,
costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, and other fees and charges, or until such
time as the parties may agree in writing to terminate this Agreement.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial
Advance and each subsequent Advance under this Agreement shall be subject to
the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in
this Agreement and in the Related Documents.
Loan Documents. Borrower shall provide to Lender the following
documents for the Loan: (1) the Note; (2) Security Agreements granting
to Lender security interests in the Collateral; (3) financing
statements perfecting Lender's Security Interests; (4) evidence of
insurance as required below; (5) together with all such Related
Documents as Lender may require for the Loan; all in form and
substance satisfactory to Lender and Lender's counsel.
Borrower's Authorization. Borrower shall have provided in form and
substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly
authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and
the Related Documents. In addition, Borrower shall have provided such
other resolutions, authorizations, documents and instruments as Lender
or its counsel, may require.
Payment of Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid to Lender all
fees, charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as
specified in this Agreement or any Related Document.
Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties set
forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document
or certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and
correct.
No Event of Default. There shall not exist at the time of any Advance
a condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this
Agreement or under any Related Document.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as
of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of loan
proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan,
and at all times any Indebtedness exists:
Organization. Borrower is a corporation for profit which is, and at
all times shall be, duly organized, validly existing, and in good
standing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware.
Borrower is duly authorized to transact business in all other states
in which Borrower is doing business, having obtained all necessary
filings, governmental licenses and approvals for each state in which
Borrower is doing business. Specifically, Borrower is, and at all
times shall be, duly qualified as a foreign corporation in all states
in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse
effect on its business or financial condition. Borrower has the full
power and authority to own its properties and to transact the business
in which it is present engaged or presently proposes to engage.
Borrower maintains an office at 2101 N. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington,
IL 61704. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing, the
principal office is the office at which Borrower keeps its books and
records including its records concerning the Collateral. Borrower will
notify Lender of any change in the location of Borrower's principal
office. Borrower shall do all things necessary to preserve and to keep
in full force and effect its existence, rights and privileges, and
shall comply with all regulations, rules, ordinances, statutes, orders
and decrees of any governmental or quasi-governmental authority or
court applicable to Borrower and Borrower's business activities.
Assumed Business Names. Borrower has filed or recorded all documents
or filings required by law relating to all assumed business names used
by Borrower. Excluding the name of Borrower, the following is a
complete list of all assumed business names under which Borrower does
business: None.
Authorization. Borrower's execution, delivery, and performance of this
Agreement and all the Related Documents have been duly authorized by
all necessary action by Borrower and do not conflict with, result in a
violation of, or constitute a default under (1) any provision of
Borrower's articles of Incorporation or organization, or bylaws, or
any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or (2) any
law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to
Borrower or to Borrower's properties.
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Financial Information. Each of Borrower's financial statements
supplied to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial
condition as of the date of the statement, and there has been no
material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition subsequent
to the date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender.
Borrower has no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in
such financial statements.
Legal Effect. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or
agreement Borrower is required to give under this Agreement when
delivered will constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of
Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their
respective terms.
Properties. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously
disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender
and as accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes
not presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all
of Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and
has not executed any security documents or financing statements
relating to such properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled
in Borrower's legal name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a
financing statement under, any other name for at least the last five
(5) years.
Hazardous Substances. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by
Lender in writing, Borrower represents and warrants that: (1) During
the period of Borrower's ownership of Borrower's Collateral, there has
been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal,
release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person
on, under, about or from any of the Collateral. (2) Borrower has no
knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been (a) any breach
or violation of any Environmental Laws; (b) any use, generation,
manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened
release of any Hazardous Substance on, under about or from the
Collateral by any prior owners or occupants of any of the collateral;
or (c) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by
any person relating to such matters. (3) Neither Borrower nor any
tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized user of any of the
Collateral shall use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of
or release any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from any of the
Collateral; and any such activity shall be conducted in compliance
with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and
ordinances, including without limitation all Environmental Laws.
Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the Collateral
to make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to
determine compliance of the Collateral with this section of the
Agreement. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at
Borrower's expense and for Lender's purposes only and shall not be
construed to create any responsibility or liability on the part of
Lender to Borrower or to any other person. The representations and
warranties contained herein are based on Borrower's due diligence in
investigating the Collateral for hazardous waste and Hazardous
Substances. Borrower hereby (1) releases and waives any future claims
against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower
becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (2)
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all
claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which
Lender may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a
breach of this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any
use, generation, manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened
release of a hazardous waste or substance on the Collateral. The
provisions of this section of the Agreement, including the obligation
to indemnify, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the
termination, expiration or satisfaction of this Agreement and shall
not be affected by Lender's acquisition of any interest in any of the
Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise.
Litigation and Claims. No litigation, clam, investigation,
administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for
unpaid taxes) against Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other
event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Borrower's
financial condition or properties, other than litigation, claims, or
other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and acknowledged by
Lender in writing.
Taxes. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all of Borrower's tax
returns and reports that are or were required to be filed, have been
filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have
been paid in full, except those present being or to be contested by
Borrower in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for
which adequate reserves have been provided.
Lien Priority. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in
writing, Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security
Agreements, or permitted the filing or attachment of any Security
Interests on or affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly
securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or
that may in any way be superior to Lender's Security Interests and
rights in and to such Collateral.
Binding Effect. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements (if
any), and all Related Documents are binding upon the signers thereof,
as well as upon their successors, representatives and assigns, and are
legally enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long
as this Agreement remains in effect, Borrower will:
Notices of Claims and Litigation. Promptly inform Lender in writing of
(1) all material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition,
and (2) all existing and all threatened litigation, claims,
investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions
affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially affect the
financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any
Guarantor.
Financial Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with
GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and
audit Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times.
Financial Statements. Furnish Lender with the following:
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Annual Statements. As soon as available, but in no event later than
ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, Borrower's balance
sheet and income statement for the year ended, compiled by a certified
public accountant satisfactory to Lender.
Interim Statements. As soon as available, but in no event later than
thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal quarter, Borrower's
balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the period ended,
prepared by Borrower.
All financial reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be
prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and
certified by Borrower as being true and correct.
Additional Information. Furnish such additional information and statements,
as Lender may request from time to time.
Insurance. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability
insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to
Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages and with
insurance companies acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender,
will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of
insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that
coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least thirty (30)
days prior written notice to Lender. Each insurance policy also shall
include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not
be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any
other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which
Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will
provide Lender with such lender's loss payable or other endorsements as
Lender may require.
Insurance Reports. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on
each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may
reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (1) the
name of the Insurer; (2) the risks insured; (3) the amount of the policy;
(4) the properties insured; (5) the then current property values on the
basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining
those values; and (6) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon
request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will
have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as
applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral.
The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.
Other Agreements. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other
agreements, whether now or hereafter existing between Borrower and any
other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in
connection with any other such agreements.
Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business
operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in
writing.
Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all of its
indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments,
taxes, governmental charge, levies and liens, of every kind and nature,
imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the
date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if
unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties,
income, or profits.
Performance. Perform and comply, in a timely manner, with all terms,
conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement, in the Related
Documents, and in all other instruments and agreements between Borrower and
Lender. Borrower shall notify Lender immediately in writing of any default
in connection with any agreement.
Operations. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially
the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and
management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in
executive and management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a
reasonable and prudent manner.
Environmental Studies. Promptly conduct and complete, at Borrower's
expense, all such investigations, studies, samplings and testings as may be
requested by Lender or any governmental authority relative to any
substance, or any waste or by-product of any substance defined as toxic or
a hazardous substance under applicable federal, state or local law, rule,
regulation, order or directive, at or affecting any property or any
facility owned, leased or used by Borrower.
Compliance with Governmental Requirements. Comply with all laws,
ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, of all
governmental authorities applicable to the conduct of Borrower's
properties, businesses and operations, and to the use or occupancy of the
Collateral, including without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities
Act. Borrower may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance, or
regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including
appropriate appeals, so long as Borrower has notified Lender in writing
prior to doing so and so long as, in Lender's sole opinion, Lender's
Interests in the Collateral are not jeopardized. Lender may require
Borrower to post adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably
satisfactory to Lender, to protect Lender's interest.
Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to
inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other
properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records
and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and
records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records
(including without limitation computer generated records and computer
software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of
a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to
permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to
provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's
expense.
Compliance Certificates. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender
within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year and at the time
of each disbursement of Loan proceeds, with a certificate executed by
Borrower's chief financial officer, or other officer or person acceptable
to Lender, certifying that the representations and warranties set forth
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in this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of the certificate
and further certifying that, as of the date of the certificate, no Event of
Default exists under this Agreement.
Environmental Compliance and Reports. Borrower shall comply in all respects
with any and all Environmental Laws; not cause or permit to exist, as a
result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's
part or on the part of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied
by Borrower, any environmental activity where damage may result to the
environment, unless such environmental activity is pursuant to and in
compliance with the conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate
federal, state or local governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender
promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a
copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other
communication from any governmental agency or instrumentality concerning
any intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in
connection with any environmental activity whether or not there is damage
to the environment and/or other natural resources.
Additional Assurances. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory
notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, assignments,
financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender
or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans
and to perfect all Security Interests.
RECOVERY OF ADDITIONAL COSTS. If the imposition of or any change in any law,
rule, regulation or guideline, or the interpretation or application of any
thereof by any court or administrative or governmental authority (including any
request or policy not having the force of law) shall impose, modify or make
applicable any taxes (except federal, state or local income or franchise taxes
imposed on Lender), reserve requirements, capital adequacy requirements or other
obligations which would (A) increase the cost to Lender for extending or
maintaining the credit facilities to which this Agreement relates, (B) reduce
the amounts payable to Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents, or
(C) reduce the rate of return on Lender's capital as a consequence of Lender's
obligations with respect to the credit facilities to which this Agreement
relates, then Borrower agrees to pay Lender such additional amounts as will
compensate Lender therefor, within five (5) days after Lender's written demand
for such payment, which demand shall be accompanied by an explanation of such
imposition or charge and a calculation in reasonable detail of the additional
amounts payable by Borrower, which explanation and calculations shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error.
LENDER'S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would
materially affect Lender's interest in the Collateral or if Borrower fails to
comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related Documents, including
but not limited to Borrower's failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts
Borrower is required to discharge or pay under this Agreement or any Related
Documents, Lender on Borrower's behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take
any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to
discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and
other claims, at any time levied or placed on any Collateral and paying all
costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving any Collateral. All such
expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear
interest at the rate charged under the Note from the date incurred or paid by
Lender to the date of repayment by Borrower. All such expenses will become a
part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender's option, will (A) be payable on demand;
(B) be added to the balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be payable
with any installment payments to become due during either (1) the term of any
applicable insurance policy; or (2) the remaining term of the Note; or (C) be
treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Note's
maturity.
NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of
Lender:
Indebtedness and Liens. (1) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal
course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this
Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money,
including capital leases, (2) sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge,
lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of Borrower's assets
(except as allowed as Permitted Liens), or (3) sell with recourse any of
Borrower's accounts, except to Lender. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Borrower may dispose of its Treasury Stock in any manner it chooses.
Continuity of Operations. (1) Engage in any business activities
substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged,
(2) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate
with any other entity, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell
Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, or (3) pay any dividends
on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock), provided,
however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as no Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment
of dividends, if Borrower is a "Subchapter S corporation" (as defined in
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may pay cash
dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in amounts
necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make estimated
income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal and state
law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a Subchapter S
Corporation because of their ownership of shares of Borrower's stock, or
purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or alter or amend
Borrower's capital structure.
Loans, Acquisitions and Guaranties. (1) Loan, invest in or advance money or
assets, (2) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other
enterprise or entity, or (3) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor
other than in the ordinary course of business.
CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to
Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender
shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(A) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or
any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any
Guarantor has with Lender; (B) Borrower or any Guarantor dies, becomes
incompetent or becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar
proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt; (C) there occurs a material adverse
change in Borrower's financial condition, in the financial condition of any
Guarantor, or in the value of any Collateral securing any Loan; or (D) any
Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such
Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any other loan with Lender; or (E) Lender in
good faith deems itself insecure, even though no Event of Default shall have
occurred.
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RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a
right of setoff in all Borrower's accounts with Lender (whether checking,
savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts Borrower holds
jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future.
However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts
for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the
Indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at Lender's option, to
administratively freeze all such accounts to allow Lender to protect Lender's
charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.
DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this
Agreement:
Payment Default. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under the
Loan.
Other Defaults. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term,
obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of
the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation,
covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and
Borrower.
Default in Favor of Third Parties. Borrower or any Grantor defaults under
any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales
agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person
that may materially affect any of Borrower's or any Grantor's property or
Borrower's or any Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their
respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related
Documents.
False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or
furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this
Agreement, the Note, or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any
material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes
false or misleading at any time thereafter.
Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a
going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver
for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of
creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any
proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.
Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents
ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral
document to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any
time and for any reason.
Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or
forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help,
repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any
governmental agency against any collateral securing the Loan. This includes
a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts,
with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a
good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the
claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if
Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture
proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the
creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, if in
its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.
Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect
to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or
becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability
under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.
Change in Ownership. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%)
or more of the common stock of Borrower.
Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial
condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the
Loan is impaired.
Insecurity. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.
EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any event of default shall occur, except where
otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments
and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any
other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make
further Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all
Indebtedness immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any
kind to Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type
described in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be
automatic and not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and
remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or
otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights
and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or
concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit
of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to
perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's
right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.
READING OF THE DOCUMENTS. In the event of any inconsistency in the related
documents, the more restrictive provision(s) will control. The related documents
are to be read as a whole, i.e. there may be provisions in some documents that
are not in others.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:
Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents,
constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the
matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this
Agreement 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.
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Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of
Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's attorneys' fees and
Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of
this Agreement. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this
Agreement, and Borrower shall pay the costs and expenses of such
enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's attorneys' fees and legal
expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including 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. Borrower also shall pay all court costs
and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.
Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions
of this Agreement.
Consent to Loan Participation. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's
sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation
interests in the Loan to one or more purchasers, whether related or
unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever,
to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or
knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating
to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy Borrower may
have with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all
notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any
repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the
purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the
absolute owners of such interests in the Loan and will have all the rights
granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale
of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of
offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or
against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally
agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's
obligation under the Loan irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any
holder of any interest in the Loan. Borrower further agrees that the
purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests
irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have
against Lender.
Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by, construed and enforced
in accordance with federal law and the laws of the State of Illinois. This
Agreement has been accepted by Lender in the State of Illinois.
Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's
request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Cook County, State
of Illinois.
No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights
under this Agreement 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 Agreement 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 Agreement. No prior waiver by
Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between
Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights
or of any of Borrower's or any Grantor's obligations as to any future
transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this
Agreement, 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.
Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be
given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when
actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when
deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed,
when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or
registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the
beginning of this Agreement. Any party may change its address for notices
under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties,
specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address.
For notice purposes, Borrower agrees to keep Lender informed at all times
of Borrower's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by
law, if there is more than one Borrower, any notice given by Lender to any
Borrower is deemed to be notice given to all Borrowers.
Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of
this Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any
circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the
offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal,
valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it
shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required
by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of
any other provision of this Agreement.
Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements contained by or on
behalf of Borrower shall bind Borrower's successors and assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns. Borrower
shall not, however, have the right to assign Borrower's rights under this
Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of
Lender.
Survival of Representations and Warranties. Borrower understands and agrees
that in extending Loan Advances, Lender is relying on all representations,
warranties, and covenants made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any
certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower to Lender under this
Agreement or the Related Documents. Borrower further agrees that regardless
of any investigation made by Lender, all such representations, warranties
and covenants will survive the extension of Loan Advances and delivery to
Lender of the Related Documents, shall be continuing in nature, shall be
deemed made and redated by Borrower at the time each Loan Advance is made,
and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as Borrower's
Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall be
terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur.
Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this
Agreement.
<PAGE>
Waive Jury. All parties to this Agreement hereby waive the right to any
jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by any party
against any other party.
DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following
meanings when used in this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the
contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of
the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include
the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may
require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. Accounting
words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings
assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as
in effect on the date of this Agreement:
Advance. The word "Advance" means a disbursement of Loan Funds made, or to
be made, to Borrower or on Borrower's behalf on a line of credit or
multiple advance basis under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement, as this
Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time,
together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Business Loan
Agreement from time to time.
Borrower. The word "Borrower" means Citizens First Financial Corp., and all
other persons and entities signing the Note in whatever capacity.
Collateral. The word "Collateral" means all property and assets granted as
collateral security for a Loan, whether real or personal property, whether
granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and
whether granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, collateral
mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, crop pledge,
chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's
lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien
or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security
device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created
by law, contract, or otherwise.
Environmental Laws. The words "Environmental Laws" mean any and all state,
federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the
protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et. seq. ("CERCLA"), the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499
("SARA"), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section
1801, et. seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C.
Section 6901, et. seq., or other applicable state or federal laws, rules,
or regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean any of the events of
default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of this
Agreement.
GAAP. The word "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles.
Grantor. The word "Grantor" means each and all of the persons or entities
granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for the Loan, including
without limitation all Borrowers granting such a Security Interest.
Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means any guarantor, surety, or
accommodation party of any or all of the Loan.
Guaranty. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from Guarantor to Lender,
including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note.
Hazardous Substances. The words "Hazardous Substances" mean materials that,
because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or
infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard
to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored,
disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The
words "Hazardous Substances" are used in their very broadest sense and
include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances,
materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws.
The term "Hazardous Substances" also includes, without limitation,
petroleum and petroleum by-products or any fraction thereof and asbestos.
Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by
the Note or Related Documents, including all principal and interest
together with all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for which
Grantor is responsible under this Agreement or under any of the Related
Documents, and all other obligations, debts and liabilities, plus interest
thereon, of Borrower to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all
claims by Lender against Borrower or any one or more of them, whether now
existing or hereafter arising, whether related or unrelated to the purpose
of the Note, whether voluntary or otherwise, whether due or not due, direct
or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated and whether
Borrower may be liable individually or jointly with others, whether
obligated as guarantor, surety, accommodation party or otherwise, and
whether recovery upon such amounts may be or hereafter may become barred by
any statute of limitations, and whether the obligation to repay such
amounts may be or hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable.
Lender. The word "Lender" means LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, its
successors and assigns.
Loan. The word "Loan" means any and all loans and financial accommodations
from Lender to Borrower whether now or hereafter existing, and however
evidenced, including without limitation those loans and financial
accommodations described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule
attached to this Agreement from time to time.
<PAGE>
Note. The word "Note" means the Note executed by Borrower in the principal
amount of $6,000,000.00 dated November 6, 2000, together with all renewals
of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of,
and substitutions for the note or credit agreement.
Permitted Liens. The words "Permitted Liens" mean (1) liens and security
interests securing indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (2) liens for
taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being
contested in good faith; (3) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen,
or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business
and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (4) purchase money
liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired
or held by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure
indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be
incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement titled "Indebtedness and
Liens"; (5) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this
Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing;
and (6) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate
constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to
the net value of Borrower's assets.
Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes,
credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties,
security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral
mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Loan.
Security Agreement. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without
limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or
otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security
Interest.
Security Interest. The words "Security Interest" mean, without limitation,
any and all types of collateral security, present and future, whether in
the form of a lien, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, security
deed, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel
mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale,
trust receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment
intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest
whatsoever whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.
BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN
AGREEMENT AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT IS
DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2000.
BORROWER:
CITIZENS FIRST FINANCIAL CORP.
By: /s/ Dallas G. Smiley
-------------------------------
Authorized Signer
LENDER:
LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By: /s/ Richard T. Zell
-------------------------------
Authorized Signer
