<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001171843-15-003718.txt : 20150707
<SEC-HEADER>0001171843-15-003718.hdr.sgml : 20150707
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20150707160823
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001171843-15-003718
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20150703
ITEM INFORMATION:		Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20150707
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20150707

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			STERLING CONSTRUCTION CO INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000874238
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	HEAVY CONSTRUCTION OTHER THAN BUILDING CONST - CONTRACTORS [1600]
		IRS NUMBER:				251655321
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-31993
		FILM NUMBER:		15976674

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		2751 CENTERVILLE RD.
		STREET 2:		SUITE 3131
		CITY:			WILMINGTON
		STATE:			DE
		ZIP:			19803
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3024789170

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		20810 FERNBUSH LANE
		CITY:			HOUSTON
		STATE:			TX
		ZIP:			77073

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	OAKHURST CO INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19950831

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	OAKHURST CAPITAL INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19931130
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt">UNITED STATES</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 3pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 20pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Washington, D.C.&#160; 20549</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 20pt; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">FORM 8-K</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 3pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">CURRENT REPORT</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 24pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 20pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">July 3, 2015</font><br>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</div>

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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Delaware</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">1-31993</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">25-1655321</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN-RIGHT: 4.35pt">1800 Hughes Landing Blvd.<font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><br>
</font> The Woodlands, Texas</div>
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<div>&#160;</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">77380</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 4.35pt">(Address of principal executive offices)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Registrant's telephone number, including area code:&#160; <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">(281) 214-0800</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):</div>

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<td style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; WIDTH: auto; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</td>
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<td style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; WIDTH: auto; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</td>
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<td style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; WIDTH: auto; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 142-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17&#160;CFR 240.14d-2(b))</td>
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<td style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; WIDTH: auto; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17&#160;CFR 240.13e-4(c))</td>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Item 5.02&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers</font>.</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Thomas R. Wright, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer of Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (the "<font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Company</font>") left the Company's employment effective July 3, 2015.&#160; The Company elected Kevan M. Blair, 64, the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer to replace Mr. Wright on an interim basis, as of July 3, 2015, and has launched an internal and external search for a new Chief Financial Officer.</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In connection with Mr. Wright's departure, he has entered into a Separation &amp; Release Agreement with the Company.</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following description of the Separation &amp; Release Agreement is qualified in its entirety by the agreement itself, which is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1.</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The separation agreement provides for (a) the award to Mr. Wright of a discretionary bonus consisting of 106,478 shares of the Company's common stock; (b) the vesting of his outstanding 55,536 shares of restricted common stock; and (c) the reimbursement to him (on a grossed-up basis) of his COBRA premiums for a year.</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In consideration of the foregoing, the agreement requires Mr. Wright to be available for consulting with the Company in his area of expertise.&#160; His consulting obligations will not be so time-consuming as to prevent him from seeking or engaging in full-time employment.&#160; The agreement also contains a general release as well as a release under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act by Mr. Wright.</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Mr. Blair is currently the Company's Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance as well as the Vice President &amp; Chief Financial Officer of the Company's Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company subsidiary (RLW), which is located in Draper, Utah.&#160; The Company has increased Mr. Blair's annual salary from $250,000 to $270,000 in recognition of his increased responsibilities.&#160; His participation in the Company's Short-Term and Long-Term Incentive Compensation Programs remains unchanged.&#160; Prior to joining RLW in December of 2004, Mr. Blair was Chief Financial Officer of Daw Incorporated, a private company that performs commercial interior construction.&#160; Mr. Blair holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.</div>

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<td style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; WIDTH: auto; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Financial Statements and Exhibits</font>.</td>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(c)</font><font style="FONT-SIZE: 5.14pt" id="TRGRRTFtoHTMLTab">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Exhibits</font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">10.1*</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Separation &amp; Release Agreement executed on July 3, 2015 between Thomas R. Wright and Sterling Construction Company, Inc.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-TOP: 5pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">*</font><font style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt" id="TRGRRTFtoHTMLTab">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Filed herewith.</font></div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-TOP: 5pt">&#160;</div>

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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</div>

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<div>Date: July 7, 2015<font style="FONT-SIZE: 5.06pt">&#160; </font></div>
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<div><strong>Sterling Construction Company, Inc</strong>.</div>
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<div><u>/s/ Roger M. Barzun</u></div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 49.62%; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 1.1pt">Roger M. Barzun</td>
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<td style="WIDTH: 49.62%; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 1.1pt">Senior Vice President</td>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 20pt; FONT-SIZE: 5.06pt">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</div>

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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Exhibit Index</div>

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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Separation &amp; Release Agreement executed on July 3, 2015 between Thomas R. Wright and Sterling Construction Company, Inc.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-TOP: 5pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">*</font><font style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt" id="TRGRRTFtoHTMLTab">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Filed herewith.</font></div>

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<TYPE>EX-10.1
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<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 10.1
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">SEPARATION &amp; <font style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">RELEASE </font>AGREEMENT</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This Separation &amp; Release Agreement</font> (which is referred to herein as this "<font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Agreement</font>") is being entered into by you, <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Thomas R. Wright</font>, (who will be referred to as "<font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">you</font>") and <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sterling Construction Company, Inc.</font> (which will be referred to as "<font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sterling</font>") as follows:</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Background</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You have stated that you wish to resign from Sterling's employ.&#160; Because of your dedication, hard work and ceaseless efforts on behalf of Sterling; because of your agreement to assist Sterling in the transition of your duties; because of your agreement to provide consulting services to Sterling after you cease to be an employee of Sterling; and because of your willingness to provide the releases contained in this Agreement, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Sterling has agreed to award you certain bonus compensation and to provide you with certain benefits that you would not otherwise be entitled to under your employment agreement with Sterling dated September 25, 2013, as amended on September 26, 2014.&#160; The payments and benefits described in this Agreement are in lieu of any and all payments and benefits that you might otherwise be entitled to under your employment agreement, as amended, or under Company policies.</div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Therefore, for and in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the covenants contained herein, it is hereby agreed between you and Sterling as follows:</div>

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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Separation Bonus Compensation &amp; Benefits</font>.&#160; Effective as of July 3, 2015, Sterling will do the following:</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Release the contractual restrictions on, and waive the forfeiture provisions relating to, the 55,536 shares of restricted common stock that you currently own;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(b)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Award to you a discretionary bonus consisting of 106,478 shares of unrestricted common stock of the Company; and</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(c)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">For the period from August 1, 2015 through the earlier to occur of July 31, 2016 or the date you have the option to be covered by another employer health plan, continue to cover you under the medical and dental plans sponsored by Sterling for its employees with the same coverage you had immediately prior to July 4, 2015, provided that you timely elect COBRA coverage and remit to Sterling on a timely basis an amount equal to the applicable monthly COBRA premium (less the COBRA administrative surcharge) for such continued coverage; and Sterling will reimburse you for any medical and dental premium expenses incurred by you hereunder within thirty days after the date of your payment thereof.&#160; To the extent that any medical or dental expense or in-kind benefits provided for under this <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>Section 1(c)</u></font> are taxable to you in a given year, any such expense shall be reimbursed to you by Sterling within thirty days of such expense being incurred, and any expenses reimbursed or in-kind benefits provided hereunder shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided in any other year.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Consulting Responsibilities</font>.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(a)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You agree, at the Company's request from time to time, to provide consulting services to the Company in your area of financial and operational expertise.&#160; The Company will reimburse to you any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur in providing consulting services.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The consulting services will not be so time-consuming as to prevent you from seeking new employment and carrying on full-time employment.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">3.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Sterling Affiliates</font>.&#160; In this Agreement, the term "Sterling Affiliates" means &#8212;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">All of Sterling's stockholders, directors, officers, employees and former employees;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">All of Sterling's subsidiaries or companies with which Sterling consolidates its financial statements; and</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">All of Sterling's predecessor companies, successors, attorneys, agents and assigns, as well as all other persons, firms, partnerships, or corporations in control of, under common control with, or in any way presently or formerly associated with Sterling.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(a)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives and beneficiaries, hereby release, acquit and forever discharge Sterling and the Sterling Affiliates from any and all claims, charges, complaints, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, contracts, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, or other liabilities of any kind or character arising from, relating to, or in any way connected with, any facts or events occurring on or before the execution of this Agreement, including, but not limited to any such claims, charges, complaints, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, contracts, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, or other liabilities arising out of or in any way related to your employment with Sterling or the termination of your employment, except that this General Release does not apply to claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which are addressed in The ADEA Release in <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>Section 4</u></font>, below.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(b)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You agree that this General Release includes, but is not limited to, a release of the following:</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, promissory estoppel, retaliatory discharge, constructive discharge, and discharge in violation of any law, statute, regulation or ordinance providing whistleblower protection, discharge in violation of public policy (except as provided below), intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, defamation, harassment, sexual harassment, invasion of privacy;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any claims based on tort or contract (except as provided below);</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(iii)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any claims of violation(s) of any federal, state, or local law, including, but not limited to, any violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. &#167; 2000e <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">et seq</font>., the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. &#167; 1981, the Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. &#167; 206, the Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. &#167; 1001 <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">et seq</font>., the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. &#167; 12101 <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">et seq</font>., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. &#167; 2601 <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">et seq</font>., the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. &#167; 1681, <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">et seq</font>., the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, 18 U.S.C. &#167; 1514A <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">et seq</font>., the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, Tex. Lab. Code<font style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font>&#167; 21.001, <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">et. seq</font>., the Texas Workers' Compensation Act, Tex. Lab. Code<font style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font>&#167;&#167; 451.001 - 451.003, the Texas Payday Act, <font style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Tex. Lab. Code </font>&#167; 61.011, <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">et seq</font>.; or any other employment or civil rights act (except that this General Release does not apply to claims arising under the ADEA, which are addressed in the ADEA Release in <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>Section 4</u></font> below); and</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(iv)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any claims for severance pay, accrued benefits or benefits under any compensation or employee benefit plan, program, policy, contract, agreement or other arrangement of Sterling or the Sterling Affiliates, <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">except</font> &#8212;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 54pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any claim that under state or federal law cannot legally be waived or released by you;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 54pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">B.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any claim for unemployment compensation;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 54pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">C.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any claim for workers' compensation benefits;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 54pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">D.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any benefits that you are entitled to receive under any Sterling plan that is a qualified plan under Internal Revenue Code &#167;401(a); and</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 54pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">E.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any benefits that you are entitled to receive under a Sterling group health plan that is subject to COBRA, provided that you properly elect COBRA continuation coverage as provided above in <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>Section 1(c)</u></font>.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(c)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">By signing this Agreement, you are <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>not</u></font> releasing any claim you may have that arises out of a breach of this Agreement by Sterling.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(d)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This General Release does not apply to claims arising under the ADEA, which are addressed in the ADEA Release in <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>Section 4</u></font>, below.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">5.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The ADEA Release.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(a)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives and beneficiaries hereby release, acquit and forever discharge Sterling and the Sterling Affiliates of and from any and all liabilities, claims, actions, demands, and/or causes of action, arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("<font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">ADEA</font>") on or before the date of this Agreement, and hereby acknowledge and agree that:</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(i)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This Agreement, including this ADEA Release, was negotiated at arms-length;</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(ii)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This Agreement, including this ADEA Release, is worded in a manner that you fully understand;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(iii)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You specifically waive any rights or claims under the ADEA;</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(iv)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You knowingly and voluntarily agree to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(v)</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You acknowledge and understand that any claims under the ADEA that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived;</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(vi)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The rights and claims waived in this Agreement are in exchange for consideration over and above anything to which you were already indisputably entitled;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(vii)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You have been and hereby are advised in writing to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(viii)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You understand that you have been given a period of up to twenty-one (21) days to consider the ADEA Release prior to executing it;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(ix)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You understand that you have been given a period of seven (7) days from the date of the execution of the ADEA Release to revoke (cancel) the ADEA Release, and</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 72pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(x)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You understand and acknowledge that the ADEA Release will not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period has expired.</div>
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<div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(xi)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If you elect to revoke your release of age discrimination claims, the revocation must be in writing and delivered to the Sterling officer who has signed this Agreement at the address set forth under his name <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>no later than 5:00 p.m. Central time on the seventh (7</u></font><sup style="vertical-align: text-top; line-height: 1; font-size: smaller;"><u>th</u></sup><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>) day </u></font><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>after</u></font><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u> the date you signed this Agreement</u></font>.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(xii)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If you do <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>not</u></font> revoke the ADEA Release within the seven-day period, it will become legally-binding and enforceable on the eighth (8<sup style="vertical-align: text-top; line-height: 1; font-size: smaller;">th</sup>) day.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">6.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Confidentiality/Return of Property</font>.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(a)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You agree not to divulge to any other person or entity any information that Sterling or the Sterling Affiliates have previously indicated to you should be kept confidential or that Sterling indicates through its policies, procedures, or other instructions should not be disclosed to anyone outside of Sterling except through controlled means.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(b)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You also agree that you will keep the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the amount of the severance payments, in confidence and not reveal them to any other person or entity.&#160; This confidentiality provision is a very important part of this Agreement to Sterling and is legally binding on you.&#160; However, you may show the terms and conditions of this Agreement &#8212;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(i)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">To your legal and financial advisors.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(ii)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If you are required to do so by a subpoena or other legal process.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(c)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You acknowledge, agree and covenant that you have returned, or will, immediately upon the effective date of your termination, return to Sterling all property in your possession, custody or control, including, but not limited to, all computers, hardware, software, and other computer-related items, passkeys, parking or other access cards, along with all originals and all copies of any and all documents (whether hard or soft copies) or other materials belonging to, or containing, confidential information of Sterling or any Sterling Affiliates.</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 18pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">7.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Disparagement</font>.&#160; You agree not to do anything that will disparage or damage Sterling or any of the Sterling Affiliates.</div>
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<div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 18pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">8.</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Other Agreements,</font>&#160;<font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Acknowledgements and Understandings</font>.&#160; By signing this Agreement you also acknowledge and agree to the following:&#8212;</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(a)</div>
</td>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You represent that you have not filed any charges, complaints, or other proceedings against Sterling or any Sterling Affiliates that are presently pending with any federal, state, or local court or administrative or governmental agency.&#160; However, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit you from initiating or participating in any proceeding before a governmental agency, provided that you agree to waive all right to recovery with respect to such proceeding.</div>
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<div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 36pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(b)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You represent to Sterling that you have read this Agreement in full and that you understand its contents, terms, conditions, and its effects on you.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(c)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You state that you are not presently affected by any condition that would prevent you from knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.</div>
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<div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(d)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You state that your agreements and promises made in this Agreement are not made under any pressure, duress, coercion or undue influence by anyone.</div>
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<div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(e)</div>
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<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You voluntarily accept the severance payments described above as sufficient payment for the releases you give in <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>Section 3</u></font> (The General Release) and <font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><u>Section 4</u></font> (The ADEA Release) above.</div>
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<div>
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<tr>
<td style="WIDTH: 36pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(f)</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You further acknowledge and agree that, except as provided in this Agreement, you have been paid all wages that you may be entitled to from Sterling, including base salary, any bonus compensation, any sales commissions, accrued and unused vacation time, and any non-cash compensation, and that you are not be entitled to any other compensation or remuneration of any kind from Sterling with respect to your employment with Sterling or otherwise.</div>
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<div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(g)</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You agree that no promises or representations have been made to you in writing or orally by Sterling or by any person who claims to act for Sterling that are not contained in this Agreement.</div>
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<div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 36pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(h)</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You understand that this Agreement will supersede any and all obligations that Sterling or any Sterling Affiliate might otherwise have to you for any act or omission that took place, or should have taken place, on or before the date this Agreement is signed by you.</div>
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<div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 36pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(i)</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You give up all rights to be recalled, reinstated, employed, or re-employed by Sterling, and you agree not to apply for employment with Sterling or any Sterling Affiliate in the future.</div>
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<div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 36pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(j)</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You give up all claims you may have for past or future wages from Sterling or from any of the Sterling Affiliates.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(k)</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You understand that the benefits provided to you under this Agreement are not an admission of liability or evidence of unlawful conduct by Sterling, and that Sterling expressly denies any such liability.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(l)</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You understand that any amendment of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both you and Sterling.</div>
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<div>
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<td style="WIDTH: 18pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; align: right">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">9.</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Non-Solicitation</font>.&#160; You agree not to voluntarily or involuntarily solicit or induce, either directly or indirectly, any employee of Sterling or of any Sterling Affiliate to work for you or for any business, individual, partnership, firm, corporation or other business entity with which you are associated in any capacity as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, or owner.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">10.</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Consultation With an Attorney.&#160; </font><font style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You have the right to consult an attorney of your choice before signing this Agreement, and you are strongly urged to do so.&#160; Therefore, by signing this Agreement you represent to Sterling either that you have consulted with an attorney, or that you have knowingly and voluntarily decided not to do so. </font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">11.</div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: auto; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Disputes</font>.&#160; If any dispute between you and Sterling arises about this Agreement, you and Sterling agree that the dispute will be resolved solely in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and with the laws of the State of Texas.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">12.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Continuing Obligations</font>.<font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">&#160; </font>Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to affect or relieve you from any continuing non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and non-competition obligations entered into between you and Sterling.</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Severability</font>.&#160; If any provision contained in this Agreement is determined to be void, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, then the other provisions contained in this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as if the provision which was determined to be void, illegal, or unenforceable had not been contained in this Agreement.</div>
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<div>&#160;</div>

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<td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0px solid; WIDTH: 42.49%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" colspan="2">Sterling Construction Company, Inc.</td>
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<td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1.1pt solid; WIDTH: 33.46%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">/s/ Paul J. Varello<font style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt">&#160; </font></td>
<td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0pt solid; WIDTH: 12.47%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top"></td>
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<div><font style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Thomas R. Wright</font><font style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt" id="TRGRRTFtoHTMLTab">&#160;</font></div>
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<td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0px solid; WIDTH: 9.67%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">&#160;&#160;</td>
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<div>Paul J. Varello</div>

<div>1800 Hughes Landing Blvd. &#8212;Suite 250</div>

<div>The Woodlands, Texas</div>

<div>&#160;</div>

<div>&#160;</div>
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<div>Thomas R. Wright</div>
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<td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0pt solid; WIDTH: 9.67%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">Date signed:&#160;<font style="FONT-SIZE: 5.02pt"> </font></td>
<td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1.1pt solid; WIDTH: 33.46%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">July 3, 2015<font style="FONT-SIZE: 5.02pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0pt solid; WIDTH: 9.8%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">Date signed: </td>
<td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1.1pt solid; WIDTH: 38.8%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">July 3, 2015<font style="FONT-SIZE: 5.02pt">&#160; </font></td>
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