HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-5829
~,
AMERICAN INSURANCE
ADMINISTRATORS, INC.,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION
BRUCE CANNON,
Defendant
: NO.
2004--- 51 J-q ~
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set
forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint
and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in
writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are
warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered
against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for
any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other
rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
Cumberland County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Square - 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
NOTICIA
Le han demand ado a usted en la corte. Si usted qui ere defenderse de estas demandas
expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir de la fecha de
la demanda y la notificacion. Usted debe presentar una apariencia escrita 0 en persona 0 por
abogado y archivar en la corte en forma escrita sus defensas 0 sus objeciones alas demandas en
contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se defiende, la corte tomara medidas y puede
entrar una orden contra usted sin previo aviso notificacion y por cualquier queja 0 alivio que es
pedido en la peticion de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero 0 sus propiedades 0 otros derechos
importantes para usted.
LLEVE EST A DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO IMMEDIAT AMENTE. SI NO TIENE
ABOGADO 0 SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SOFICIENTE DE P AGAR TAL SERVICIO,
V A Y A EN PERSONA 0 LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUY A DIRECCION SE
ENCUENTRA ESCRIT A ABAJO PARA A VERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
Cumberland County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Square - 4th Floor
Carlisle, P A 17013
(717) 240-6200
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
By o.t~!<... (!J trt-r'-~ /t
Alan R. Boynton, Jr.
Attorney J.D. No. 39850
100 Pine Street
Harrisburg, P A 17108-1166
(717) 232-8000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Dated: November 18, 2004
, '
AMERICAN INSURANCE
ADMINISTRATORS, INC.,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - UQUITY
BRUCE CANNON,
Defendant
: NO.
2004 _ :)-i.J. q ~
COMPLAINT
I. PARTIES
1. Plaintiff American Insurance Administrators, Inc. ("AlA"), is a Pennsylvania
corporation having its principal place of business at 4550 Lena Road, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Defendant Bruce Cannon is an adult individual currently residing in Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania.
3. Until recently, Defendant was employed by Plaintiff and worked out of Plaintiffs
principal place of business in Cumberland County.
4. Defendant is currently employed by Waypoint Insurance Group ("Waypoint"),
which is a subsidiary or affiliated with Waypoint Bank.
5. Defendant currently works out ofWaypoint's Cumberland County office, which is
located within several hundred yards of Plaintiffs principal place of business.
6. Defendant has at all times relevant to this action actively engaged in business
within Cumberland County and the conduct giving rise to this action occurred in Cumberland
County.
II. FACTUAL AVERMENTS
7. Defendant was hired by AlA on September 21, 1999 as Director of Marketing and
later promoted to Senior Account Executive and Senior Consultant.
8. Upon being offered employment, Defendant was informed that he would be
required to execute an employment agreement, which would include a non-competition provision.
9. Defendant agreed to execute such an agreement.
10. On September 21, 1999, Defendant executed an Employment Agreement
("Agreement"), a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
11. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Defendant agreed, inter alia, as follows:
5. Proprietary Nature of Business.
(a) The Employee acknowledges that the Company has a
valuable property interest in all aspects of its business relationships with
its clients, insurers, and all other persons who perform services for said
clients and said insurers. Further, the Employee acknowledges that in the
course of his employment with the Company, he will become aware of
and familiar with secret or confidential information of the Company
relating to its customers, its internal business operations and the sources
with which insurance is placed (including secret and confidential
information of the Company's affiliates and subsidiaries), including but
not limited to, lists of agents, brokers, policyholders, expiration and
renewal dates, inspection and credit reports, other insurance data on
various risks written by the Company, (or its affiliates and subsidiaries),
the procedures, forms, techniques used in servicing accounts and other
documents and information which is required to be maintained in
confidence for the continued success of the Company and its business, all
of which secret or confidential information is acknowledged by the
Employee to be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, its
affiliates and subsidiaries. In view of the foregoing, the Employee
expressly agrees and acknowledges that the covenants contained in this
Paragraph 5 and in Paragraph 6 hereof are reasonable and necessary.
*
*
*
(e) The Employee agrees that he will not, without the written
consent of the Company, during the term of this agreement or thereafter,
2
disclose or make any use of such confidential information except as may
be required in the course of his employment hereunder.
(f) On termination of employment, the Employee shall
surrender to the Company all records and all copies made of those records
that pertain to any aspect of the business ofthe Company, with its clients
and their respective insurers, including but not limited to active clients
coverage, expiration of coverage, premiums and compilations of same.
(g) The Employee agrees that he will not entice or induce,
directly or indirectly, any other employee ofthe Company to leave the
employ of the Company either during his Period of Employment or during
the period of his covenant not to compete set forth in Section 6 hereof.
6. Agreement Not to Compete.
(a) Upon termination of his employment for any reason, the
Employee agrees that for a period ofthree (3) years following such
termination, he will not, directly or indirectly, solicit, sell or accept
insurance business from any person, partnership, or corporation or other
entity who is then a client ofthe Company or who was a client of the
Company during the Period of Employment (including any renewal term).
If, during the said three (3) year period, any commission or any insurance
business becomes payable to the Employee or to any person, firm, or
corporation by whom the Employee is then employed or affiliated as a
result of the Employee's violation of the first sentence of this paragraph,
the Employee agrees to pay promptly to the Company an amount equal to
150% of such commission.
(b) If, following termination of the Employee's employment
hereunder, the Employee accepts other employment or enters into a
business relationship with any person, partnership, corporation or other
entity doing business ofthe kind then being performed by the Company,
the Employee shall notify his new employer, person, partnership,
corporation, or other entity he is now doing business with; of the
conditions outlined in paragraphs 5 and 6 of this agreement.
(c) It is expressly agreed upon that money damages will not be
an adequate remedy for any breach ofthe covenants of the Employer set
forth in Paragraphs 5 and 6 hereof; and in the event of any such breach, or
threatened breach, the Company shall be entitled to secure an injunction
requiring the Employee to abide by the commitments under such
provisions of this agreement.
3
12. During his employment with Plaintiff, Defendant was given substantial
management and client relationship responsibilities.
13. During his employment with Plaintiff, Defendant was considered a top
management employee of Plaintiff and was part of the three-person management team.
14. Defendant had extensive access to substantially all of Plaintiffs trade secrets and
confidential business information.
15. In carrying out his job responsibilities, Defendant obtained extensive knowledge
and understanding of Plaintiffs proprietary analytical models, strategies, plans, proprietary
procedures and processes, and know-how. This information is not generally available to
Plaintiffs competitors.
16. As a reflection of his role in the company, Defendant's salary increased by 50%
between his date of hire and his resignation from the company five years later.
17. On or about September 25, Defendant tendered his resignation, effective in thirty
days.
18. Defendant's resignation came as a surprise as he was in good standing with the
company and was considered a valuable member of the management team.
19. In tendering his resignation, Defendant informed Plaintiffs management and
other employees that he would be taking a vice-president's position with Sovereign Bank in
Lancaster and that he would be working there for accounts in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
20. Defendant informed Plaintiffthat he desired to work in Lancaster because of its
proximity to his home.
21. Plaintiffs management accepted the representations of Defendant and requested
that he remain through the thirty day notice period to better enable transition of his work.
4
DEFENDANT'S SOLICITATION OF PLAINTIFF'S EMPLOYEES
22. During the thirty day notice period, Defendant, unbeknownst to Plaintiff, solicited
several employees ofPlaintiffto terminate their employment with Plaintiff and to seek
employment with Waypoint.
23. In soliciting the employees to terminate their employment, Defendant stated to
them that he was leaving because Plaintiff was in poor financial condition.
24. Defendant further informed several of Plaintiffs employees that his exodus would
have a "domino effect," and would trigger mass departures. He urged the targeted employees to
move quickly to depart.
25. Defendant further stated to the employees that: "I am aware of information that I
cannot share with you that will cause the company to fold," that Plaintiff was having substantial
financial problems, was failing and would be sold to another entity in the near future, and that
Plaintiff was withholding information about the condition of the company from its employees.
26. Defendant's statements were false and knowingly false.
Solicitation of Kathleen Witt
27. Defendant further told Kathleen Witt, a key employee of Plaintiff, that she was
not treated well, that she deserved better and that she should seek employment with Defendant's
new employer.
28. Defendant urged Ms. Witt to submit her resume to a particular employee at
Waypoint, who would hire her.
29. On October 20,2004, Defendant specifically stated to Ms. Witt that he had "just
gotten off the phone with [the Waypoint employee], and she is waiting for your resume."
5
30. As a result of the representations from Defendant about the dire financial
condition of Plaintiff and its bleak outlook, Ms. Witt submitted a resume to Waypoint on
October 29,2004. On the same day, she received a telephone call inviting her to an interview.
31. Ms. Witt interviewed with Waypoint at its Cumberland County office on
November 1,2004.
32. During the course of her interview, Ms. Witt saw and spoke with Defendant. This
was a surprise as Ms. Witt had been led by Defendant to believe that Defendant would be
working in Lancaster, not Cumberland County.
33. Immediately following the interview on November 1,2004, Ms. Witt was offered
a position with Waypoint. She was called that evening by Defendant to be congratulated and
was advised by both Defendant and by the person interviewing her not to disclose to Plaintiff the
identity of her new employer.
34. Ms. Witt initially accepted the position with Waypoint and on November 2,2004,
tendered her resignation from Plaintiff.
35. Ms. Witt subsequently reconsidered and, on November 5,2004, withdrew her
resignation.
36. That weekend, Defendant attempted on over a dozen instances (eight times at
home and five on her cellular phone) to contact Ms. Witt to ensure her change of employment.
37. On November 7, 2004, Ms. Witt confirmed to Defendant that she would not be
taking employment with Waypoint.
Solicitation of Chervl Kemper
38. Cheryl Kemper was Defendant's Client Service Manager.
39. Ms. Kemper was hired by Plaintiff in 2001.
6
40. Prior to tendering his resignation to Plaintiff, Defendant informed Ms. Kemper
that he would be working as a vice-president for Sovereign Bank in Lancaster.
41. On September 25, 2004, Defendant met with Ms. Kemper and informed her that
he was leaving because Plaintiff had "reached its pinnacle" and would be declining in the future.
42. Defendant further informed Ms. Kemper that his departure would trigger a
domino effect and that many other employees would follow.
43. Defendant further informed Ms. Kemper that he had knowledge of serious
financial problems at AlA, but that he was not at liberty to disclose the information to her. This
statement was false as Plaintiff was not suffering any financial problems and is quite profitable.
44. Defendant advised Ms. Kemper to look for employment elsewhere.
45. Subsequently, but before his departure from Plaintiff, Defendant informed Ms.
Kemper that Ms. Witt had sought employment with Waypoint and urged her to do so as well.
46. Defendant further informed Ms. Kemper that Ms. Witt had been hired by
Waypoint and that two other employees of Plaintiff had applied for positions at Waypoint.
47. Although Ms. Kemper did not desire employment elsewhere, the statements made
by Defendant, who was a top executive at Plaintiff, caused her to seriously consider the necessity
of seeking other employment.
48. Ms. Kemper submitted a resume to Waypoint and was interviewed twice by
Waypoint.
49. Following the second interview, Defendant contacted Ms. Kemper and told her to
expect an offer.
50. Shortly thereafter, Defendant contacted Ms. Kemper and informed her that
Waypoint had a hiring freeze and that they could not hire her then.
7
51. Defendant stated to Ms. Kemper that, in spite of Waypoint's inability to hire her,
"If! were you, I would look for ajob elsewhere."
Solicitation of Tracv Clayton
52. Tracy Clayton is an account executive for Plaintiff.
53. Ms. Clayton is responsible for a substantial volume of Plaintiffs accounts.
54. Prior to tendering his resignation to Plaintiff, Defendant informed Ms. Clayton
that AlA was in decline and that the business would eventually be sold. During his employment
with Plaintiff, Defendant also expressed to Ms. Clayton that AlA made numerous poor business
judgments and poor management decisions. Specifically, he expressed AlA should not be hiring
new employees and that it should change its method of management of client relationships.
55. After resigning his employment with Plaintiff, Defendant actively solicited
Ms. Clayton for employment with Waypoint. Defendant arranged for Ms. Clayton to interview
with Waypoint and specifically told her that she would be offered ajob at Waypoint and that he
had shared with Waypoint information regarding the salary and other compensation that she
received from AlA and her career expectations.
56. Ms. Clayton chose not to take further efforts to pursue employment with
Waypoint and she informed Defendant that she would not attend the interview.
57. After Ms. Clayton expressed to Defendant that she was not interested in
employment with Waypoint, Defendant persistently continued to attempt to contact Ms. Clayton
to discuss the matter.
Defendant's Other Conduct
58. On his last day of employment with Plaintiff, Defendant deleted all of the files
and information on his computer.
8
59. Defendant has informed employees of Plain tifft hat he was aware ofthe non-
competition restrictions in the Agreement, but that he would direct other Waypoint employees to
contact and solicit Plaintiffs accounts.
60. Upon information and belief, Defendant has provided Waypoint with a list of
Plaintiffs clients and/or prospective clients and has otherwise assisted Waypoint personnel in
developing proposals to solicit such accounts.
COUNT I
BREACH OF NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES PROVISION OF AGREEMENT
61. The averments set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 60 of the Complaint are
incorporated herein as if set forth in full.
62. Defendant is currently employed by Waypoint, a competitor of Plaintiff.
63. Defendant has directly and materially breached the terms of Section 5(g) ofthe
Agreement by enticing and inducing employees of Plaintiff to terminate their employment with
Plaintiff.
64. Defendant's breaches of the Agreement have been knowing, voluntary and willful.
65. Upon information and belief, unless enjoined, Defendant will continue to willfully
violate the terms of Section 5(g) of the Agreement.
66. Defendant's conduct was and is in furtherance of a scheme to destroy Plaintiff's
business.
67. As a result of Defendant's actions, Plaintiff reasonably anticipates the loss of
substantial, yet largely incalculable, revenues.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against
Defendant on Count I of the Complaint and that (1) an injunction be issued barring Defendant
9
from contacting any employee of Plaintiff for any purpose without prior approval ofthe Court;
(2) compensatory damages be awarded to Plaintiff for all calculable harms arising out of
Defendant's breach ofthe Agreement; and (3) costs be awarded to Plaintiff.
COUNT II
BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
68. Plaintiff incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 67 of its Complaint as if set forth in
full.
69. Defendant has violated the common law fiduciary duty and duty ofloyalty arising
under his employment relationship with Plaintiff in that, while employed by Plaintiff, Defendant
secretly encouraged and induced employees ofPlaintiffto leave the employ of Plaintiff and to
join a direct competitor.
70. Defendant has violated the common law fiduciary duty and duty ofloyalty arising
under his employment relationship with Plaintiff in that, while employed by Plaintiff, Defendant
secretly made statements to fellow employees, and possibly others, disparaging the financial
condition and future of Plaintiff.
71. Defendant has violated the common law fiduciary duty and duty ofloyalty arising
under his employment relationship with Plaintiff in that, while employed by Plaintiff, Defendant
secretly deleted all company files on the AlA computer used by him.
72. The conduct of Defendant was specifically intended to harm Plaintiff.
73. As a consequence ofthe foregoing, Plaintiffhas suffered and will continue to
suffer significant harm and irreparable loss.
10
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against
Defendant on Count II of the Complaint, and that Defendant be ordered to pay compensatory
and punitive damages to Plaintiff, as well as costs and interest.
COUNT III
BUSINESS DISPARAGEMENT
74. Plaintiff incorporates Paragraphs I through 73 of its Complaint as if set forth in
full.
75. Defendant has orally published false statements with the purpose of harming
Plaintiff.
76. Defendant knew that the statements made by him were false or acted in reckless
disregard for their truth or falsity.
77. The statements of Defendant were not privileged.
78. The statements of Defendant were understood by their recipients as casting doubt
upon the financial condition and integrity of Plaintiff.
79. The statements of Defendant were understood by their recipients as casting doubt
upon the honesty and credibility of Plaintiff.
80. The statements of Defendants are per se slanderous.
81. Plaintiffhas suffered, and will continue to suffer, direct and substantial financial
harm arising out of Defendant's false statements.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against
Defendant on Count III of the Complaint, and that Defendant be ordered to pay compensatory
and punitive damages to Plaintiff, as well as costs and interest.
11
COUNT IV
BREACH OF CONTRACT: DISCLOSURE
OF CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION
82. Plaintiff incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 81 of its Complaint as if set forth in
full.
83. Defendant has disclosed to Waypoint confidential business information of
Plaintiff including, but not limited to, information regarding salaries and compensation of
Plaintiffs employees.
84. Upon information and belief, Defendant has further disclosed to Waypoint
confidential business information of Plaintiff relating to Plaintiffs clients and prospective clients,
and Plaintiffs proprietary processes.
85. Defendant's conduct is in direct violation of Paragraph 5 of the Agreement.
86. Plaintiff has suffered, and will continue to suffer, direct and substantial financial
harm arising out of Defendant's breach.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against
Defendant on Count IV of the Complaint, and that Defendant (1) be enjoined from further
disclosure of confidential business information of Plaintiff, (2) be ordered to return all
confidential information to Plaintiff, and (3) be ordered to pay compensatory damages to
Plaintiff, as well as costs and interest.
COUNT V
COMMON LAW CLAIM FOR MISAPPROPRIATION
OF CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION
87. Plaintiff incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 86 of its Complaint as if set forth in
full.
12
88. Defendant has disclosed to Waypoint confidential business information of
Plaintiff including, but not limited to, information regarding salaries and compensation of
Plaintiffs employees.
89. Upon information and belief, Defendant has further disclosed to Waypoint
confidential business information of Plaintiff relating to Plaintiffs clients and prospective clients,
and Plaintiffs proprietary processes.
90. Defendant's conduct is in direct violation of his common law duty to Plaintiff to
maintain the confidentiality of the confidential business information of his employer.
91. Plaintiff has suffered, and will continue to suffer, direct and substantial financial
harm arising out of Defendant's conduct.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against
Defendant on Count IV of the Complaint, and that Defendant (1) be enjoined from further
disclosure of confidential business information of Plaintiff, (2) ordered to return all
confidential information to Plaintiff, and (3) be ordered to pay compensatory and punitive
damages to Plaintiff, as well as costs and interest.
McNEES, WALLACE & NURICK
-- -------
Ian R. Boynton, Jr.
L D. No. 39850
Andrew L. Levy
LD. No. 76123
100 Pine Street
P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, P A 17108
(717) 232-8000
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Dated: November 18, 2004
13
11/11/2004
16:20
NO. 509 [;1003
~MPT~~NT_AGBF.RMF.NT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the
-Z1Z:- day of .sEn.N'\~
, ,1999, by and between
AMERICAN INSURANCE ADMINISTRATORS, INC., a Pennsylvania
corporation, hereinafter called the "Company", and Bruce
G. Cannon, an individual, hereinafter called the "Employee."
WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the conduct of a general
insurance agency and brokerage business in all lines of
insurance.
WHEREAS, in view of the employment experiences and abilities of
the Employee, the Company is desirous of employing the Employee
and the Employee is desirous of obtaining such employment;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants
contained herein and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
parties agree to the following
1. F.TT\Ployment ;:md Term
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the
Company agrees to and does hereby employ the Employee and the
Employee agrees to and does hereby accept employment with the
Company for a period of one (1) year commencing on the 'date
hereof (hereinafter called the lIPeriod of Employmentll), unless
such employment is terminated pursuant to the Agreement prior to
expiration of such Period of Employment.
-1-
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NO. 509 [;1004
(b) The Period of Employment shall be automatically
renewed on a year-to-year basis following expiration of the
initial Period of Employment, unless either party shall, on or
before thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the Period
of Employment or any applicable anniversary thereof, notify the
other party, in writing, of termination.
2. Dllties
(a) The Employee'S duties shall consist of performing and
ca~ying out such duties as are described on the Employee Job
Description attached hereto and marked as Exhibit A, as well as
such other appropriate quties as may be assigned to him from time
to time by the Company. l'he Employee shall perform the foregoing
duties at the Company's New Cumberland, Pennsylvania office.
(b) During the Period of Employment, the Employee agrees to
give the Company the full benefit of his business time, energy,
and ability, to comply with the orders and conform to the
instructions given to him from time to time by the Company in
accordance with Paragraph 2(a) hereof, and to endeavor, in all
cases and to the best of his ability to promote the Company's
best interests.
3. Remuneration
(a) In consideration for the solicitation, production,
development, maintenance, surveying and servicing of accounts
assigned to him by the Gompany as well as such other duties aa
may be assigned to him pursuant to this Agreement, the Employee
-2-
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NO. 509 ~005
shall be compensated based on the Company's validation schedule
which is attached hereto and marked Exhibit B. Compensation
policies can be adjusted by the Company at its discretion.
(b) The Employee shall also be eligible to participate in
any Health, Accident or other insurance plans, Vacation, Sick
Leave and Fringe Benefit Programs, (including bonus, pension and
profit-sharing programs, if any) presently existing or which may
hereafter by established by the Company during the Period of
Employment, provided that he is otherwise qualified to
participate in such plans and programs. The Company shall be
entitled to modify its employee benefit program from time to time
at its sole discretion.
(c) Remuneration is payable bi-weekly on Thursday. When
Thursday falls on an observed holiday, payment will be made on
the preceding regular working day. Advances or loans on any
type of remuneration will not be permitted.
(d) The Employee will receive a $250.00 monthly automobile
allowance, and a maximum of $125.00 per month for approved
entertainment and other business expenses incurred in promoting,
fostering, furthering, and perpetuating business of the Company.
The Employee shall not commit the CompanYt financially or
otherwise, unless prior approval is granted.
-3-
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NO. 509 ~006
4. Termination
(a) The Employee's employment hereunder shall automatically
terminate following expiration of the Period of Employment or any
applicable renewal anniversary thereof, provided that written
notice of termination is given by either party to the other on or
before thirty (30) days prior to said termination date. Further,
the Company shall be entitled to terminate the Employee's
employment hereunder at any time (i) because of the Employee's
fraud, misappropriation, embezzlement, or the like, or (ii) if
the Employee willfully breaches or habitually neglects the duties
which he is required to perform pursuant to this Agreement
(iii) if the Employee shall violate any provision of this
Agreement, or (iv) if the Company shall permanently cease to do
business in its present or successor form or structure or
commence its voluntary dissolution or complete liquidation or be
placed in voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or (v) if the
Employee for any reason becomes unable to perform his duties
hereunder, or (vi) upon the disability or death or the Employee,
or (vii) upon loss of the Employee'S insurance license. The
Employee may terminate his employment hereunder at any time
following thirty (30) days' written notice to the Company. In
addition, the Company shall have the right to terminate the
Employee'S employment hereunder at any time following thirty (30)
days written notice to the Employee.
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NO. 509 ~007
Termination of the employee's employment hereunder by either
party shall not be construed to nullify or terminate any
covenant or obligation of the Employee which is intended to
survive the Period of Employment pursuant to the terms of this
agreement.
(b) In the event of termination of the Period of Employment
or any renewal term thereof, the Employee shall be entitled to
receive full remuneration up to and including the da~e of
termination. The Company shall have no further obligation to the
Employee for remuneration for any period thereafcer.
5. prqprietary Nature, of Business
(a) The Employee acknowledges that the Company has a
valuable property interest in all aspects of its business
relationships with its clients, insurers, and all other persons
who perform services for said clients and said insurers.
Further, the Employee acknowledges that in the course of his
employment with the Company, he will become aware of and familiar
with secret or confidential information of the Company relating
to its customers, its internal business operations and the
sources with which insurance is placed (including secret and
confidential information of the Company's affiliates and
subsidiaries}, including but not limited to, lists of agents,
brokers, policyholders, expiration and renewal dates, inspection
and credit reports, other insurance data on various risks written
by the Company, (or its affiliates and subsidiaries), the
procedures, forms, techniques used in servicing accounts and other
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NO. 509 ~008
documents and information which is required to be maintained
in confidence for the continued success of the Company and its
business, all of which secret or confidential information is
acknowledged by the Employee to be the sole and exclusive
property of the company, its affiliates and subsidiaries. In
view of the foregoing, the Employee expressly agrees and
acknowledges that the covenants oontained in this Paragraph 5 and
in Paragraph 6 hereof are reasonable and n~eessary.
(b) All insurance business transacted through the effort of
the employee shall be the sole property of the Company, and the
Employee shall have no right to share in any commission resulting
from the conduc~ of such business, except as otherwise provided
for herein.
(c) Premiums on all insuran~e business transacted through
the efforts of the Employee shall be invoiced to the assured or
purchaser by the Company or any insurance company it represents.
All checks or bank drafts received by the Employee from any
assured or purchaser shall be made payable to the Company or any
insurance company it represents; and all premiums shall be
collected by the Employee in the name of and on behalf of the
Company.
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NO. 509 ~009
(d) It is the Employee's responsibility to ensure that he
complies with the Companies' policy on accounts receivable.
(e) The Employee agrees that he will not, without the
written consent of the Company, during the term of this agreement
or thereafter, disclose or make any use of such confidential
information except as may be required in the couree of his
employment hereunder.
(f) On termination of employment, the Employee shall
surrender to the Company all records and all copies made of those
records that pertain to any aspect of the business of the Company,
with its clients and their respective insurers, including but not
limited to active clients coverage, expirations of coverage,
premiums and compilations or same.
(g) The Employee agrees that he will not entice or induce,
directly or indirectly, any other employee of the Company to leave
the employ of the Company either during his Period of Employment
or during the period of his covenant not to compete set forth in
Section 6 hereof.
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NO. 509 [;)010
6. Agr~ement Not t,o Comp~te
(a) Upon termination of his employment for any reason, the
Employee agrees that for a period of three (3) years following
such termination, he wi11 not, directly or indirectly, solicit,
sell or accept insurance business from any person, partnership,
or corporation or other entity who is then a client of the
Company or who was a client of the Company during the Period of
Employment (including any renewal term). If, during the said three
(3) year period, any commission or any insurance business becomes
payable to the Employee or to any person, firm, or corporation by
whom the Employee is then employed or affiliated as a result of
the Employee's violation of the first sentence of this paragraph,
the Employee agrees to pay promptly to the Company an amount equal
to 150% of such commission.
(b) If, following termination of the Employee1s employment
hereunder, the Employee accepts other employment or enters into a
business relationship with any person, partnership, corporation or
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other entity doing business of the kind then being performed by
the Company, the Employee shall notify his new employer} person}
partnership, corporation, or other entity he is now doing business
with; of the conditions outlined in paragraphs 5 and 6 of this
agreement.
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NO. 509 ~011
(c) It is expressly agreed upon that money damages will not
be an adequate remedy for any breach of the covenants of the
Employer set forth in Paragraphs 5 and 6 hereof; and in the
event of any such breach, or threatened breach, the Company shall
be entitled to secure an injunction requiring the Employee to
abide by his commitments under such provisions of this agreement.
7. Miscel 1 aneollF=l.
(a) The Employee may not assign this Agreement or any of his
rights or obligations hereunder to any person, firm or entity.
The Company shall be entitled to assign or transfer its rights
pursuant to this Agreement in connection with any merger/ sale or
other disposition of all or any part of its insurance businessi
provided, however, that the Company's obligations hereunder are
expressly assumed, in writing, by a solvent assignee or
successor.
(b) Any notice required or permitted to be given pursuant to
the Agreement, or in connection therewith, shall in lieu of
personal services, be deemed to be duly given when transmitted by
first class United States Certified Mail, to the Company and the
Employee at the fOllowing addresses, or at such other place as
either of the parties may for themselves designate in writing from
time to time for the purpose of receiving notices pursuant hereof:
(i) Baron S. Keefer, Chief Operating'Officer
American Insurance Aamininstrators, Inc.
368 Lewisberry Road
New Cumberland, PA
(ii) Bruce G. Cannon
833 Stonebridge Drive
. Lancaster, PA 17601
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NO. 509 ~012
(c) Neither party will be deemed to have waived any right,
power, or privilege under this agreement or any provision thereof
unless such waiver shall have been duly e~ecuted in writing and
acknowledged by the party to be charged with such waiver. The
failure of either party hereto at any time to enforce any of the
provisions of this Agreement will not be construed to be a waiver
of such proYisions, nor in any way affect the validity of this
Agreement of any part thereof, or the right to any part to there-
after enforce each and every such provision. No waiver or any
breach of this Agreement will be held to be a waiver of any other
or subsequent breach.
(d) This Agreement sets forth the entire Agreement and
understanding between the parties as to the subject matter of this
Agreement and merges and shall supersede all prior Agreements,
commitments, representations, writings and discussions between the
parties with respect thereto. This Agreement shall not be subject
to changes, alteration or modification, other that by an
instrument in writing duly executed by the parties hereto.
(e) This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original,
but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and
the same instrument.
(f) This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and
enforceable in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
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11/11/2004
16:20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed
this Agreement the day and year first above ~ritten.
NO. 509 ~013
AMERICAN INSURANCE ADMINISTRATORS, INC.
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By:
Witness
Witness:
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NO. 509
[;1014
ExJ1ibit ~
Bruce G. Cannon
Employee Job Description
U~~~Pqe~
Position title:~..r...i_...-t ~~t'utro~':" E"'mployee Benefits
Reports To: Baron Keefer, Chief Operations Officer
Ken Krall, Director, Benefits Division
Basic Functions:
· Prospecting. soliciting, quoting and selling new employee benefits accounts.
· Renew and provide continuing service to these accounts.
A.
Specific Duties (New Business):
· Develop and maintain a prospect list, records and files.
· Contact pl'Ospects.
. Obtain necessary and accurate infonnauon for com.plete proposals.
· Prepare proposals and submit to selected carriers.
· Negotiate premiums with carriers.
. Prepare proposals.
. Install account.
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· R.
Specific Duties (Renewal Business):
· Maintain. and update account information file.
· Review and analyze existing accounts to determine unprotected or inadequately insured
exposures.
. Review ~ewa1 proposal and market the account as necessary to other carriers.
. Contact accounts at renewal time and recommend changes in coverage that appear necesse
or desirable.
. Provide all necessary client services in support of the account's benefit program.
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11/11/2004 lS~20
Exhibit B
Bruce G. Cannon
Compensation and C ..
. omnusslon Schedule
Year 1, Base Salary $50,000
Draw ~ount $35,000
N~ BusIness Commission 50% .
Miirimum. required New Business Revenue is $70,000 a1\1\m~llzed
Re--evaluatioll with targets of:
~
Base SalarY $40,000
DraW Amount $27 :>000
New Business eonunission 45%
Renewal Coronllssion 350/0
}JiDim111n requited New BusineSS ~ is $70,000 annualized
Base Salary $35,000."
Draw Atn()1.n:tt S20,OOC! .
New -ausiJli:SS Co1Jl1IISSlon 35%
Ren~ ~si0ll35%
~ r.:qoired ~w BusineSS Revenue is $70,000 annualizJld
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()\\11l. is paid jan!icipalion of adeqUlrte future conunissions
}iote: 1'be drl\\'I \l1Il' <l1li 1f, at t\l'Qd'of any eII1ployDlent year, the full draW is
\D ~ the {u\1 amo .' sjon& ~ commissions will be held \D cover the
not co'leret1 'oY ~ t~,lIllW business revenue level is not acJrieVed.
aefi.cit- :If tbt ent and c~n l~l will be (\eternIined by AlA
_ ~ ~ . __-"',..... tivity petformedlplanned and service value
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VERI FICA TION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 94904, relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities, I hereby certify that I am Managing Principal of American Insurance
Administrators, Inc.
As such, I have read the foregoing document and the facts set forth are true and correct
to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
.~JQ.O~v ~
Dan G. Dorsheimer
Dated: November 17, 2004
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AMERICAN INSURANCE
ADMINISTRATORS, INC.,
PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
v.
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
BRUCE CANNON,
Defendant
NO. 2004-5829
STIPULATED REQUEST FOR ENTRY OF ORDER
AND NOW COME both the Plaintiff, American Insurance Administrators, Inc., and the
Defendant, Bruce Cannon, and request that this Honorable Court enter the attached Order in the
above-referenced matter.
Respectfully submitted,
McNEES W ALLAC~NURICK LLC
By ~f!L,r~
Andrew L. Levy
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, P A 17108-1166
Michael A. Firr' , sq.
Penn National I su ce Plaza
2 North Second t et, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1710 I
By
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Attorneys for Defendant
Dated: March~, 2005
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SHER~FF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2004-05829 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
AMERICAN INSURANCE ADM INC
VS
CANNON BRUCE
RONALD HOOVER
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
was served upon
CANNON BRUCE
the
DEFENDANT
, at 1351:00 HOURS, on the 2nd day of December, 2004
at WAYPOINT BENEFITS CONSULTING
1215 MANOR DRIVE 2ND FLOOR
MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055
by handing to
LAWRENCE M COONEY, PRESIDENT
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
18.00
8.14
.00
10.00
.00
36.14
So Answers:
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R. Thomas Kline
12/06/2004
MCNEES WALLACE NURICK
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this ~ day of
J065' A.D.
By:
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Deputy Sheriff
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AMERICAN INSURANCE
ADMINISTRATORS, INC.,
PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
MAR 1 7 2005"'" '"
IN THE COURT OF COMMO PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
v.
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
BRUCE CANNON,
Defendant
NO. 2004-5829
ORDER
AND NOW this ~ day of f\'la-<.A..
, 2005, it is hereby ORD
consent of both parties, that the following relief is ordered in this case:
D upon
1. Defendant will comply with Sections 5 and 6 of the Employment Ag ement,
dated September 21, 1999, between Plaintiff and Defendant ("Agreement") attached ereto as
Exhibit A and incorporated herein.
2. This action will be dismissed with prejudice with each party bearing s own fees
and costs. The Court will retain jurisdiction to enforce this Order.
BY THE COURT:
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