EX-4.7 13 c44364_ex4-7.txt EX-4.7 PROMISSORY NOTE ================================================================================ Borrower: Vaughan Foods, Inc. Lender: CNL Commercial Finance, Inc., 216 NE 12th Street a Delaware Corporation Moore, OK 73160 26137 La Paz Road, Suite 102 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 ================================================================================ Principal Amount: Initial Rate: Date of Note: $3,500,000.00 5.110% July 2, 2003 PROMISE TO PAY. VAUGHAN FOODS, INC. ("BORROWER") PROMISES TO PAY TO CNL COMMERCIAL FINANCE, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION ("LENDER"), OR ORDER, IN LAWFUL MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THREE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND & 00/100 DOLLARS ($3,500,000.00), TOGETHER WITH INTEREST ON THE UNPAID PRINCIPAL BALANCE FROM JULY 2, 2003, UNTIL PAID IN FULL. PAYMENT. SUBJECT TO ANY PAYMENT CHANGES RESULTING FROM CHANGES IN THE INDEX, BORROWER WILL PAY THIS LOAN IN 300 PAYMENTS OF $20,840.14 EACH PAYMENT. BORROWER'S FIRST PAYMENT IS DUE SEPTEMBER 1, 2003, AND ALL SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS ARE DUE ON THE SAME DAY OF EACH MONTH AFTER THAT. BORROWER'S FINAL PAYMENT WILL BE DUE ON AUGUST 1, 2028, AND WILL BE FOR ALL PRINCIPAL AND ALL ACCRUED INTEREST NOT YET PAID. PAYMENTS INCLUDE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST. UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED OR REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PAYMENTS WILL BE APPLIED FIRST TO ANY ACCRUED UNPAID INTEREST; THEN TO PRINCIPAL; THEN TO ANY UNPAID COLLECTION COSTS; AND THEN TO ANY LATE CHARGES. THE ANNUAL INTEREST RATE FOR THIS NOTE IS COMPUTED ON A 365/360 BASIS; THAT IS, BY APPLYING THE RATIO OF THE ANNUAL INTEREST RATE OVER A YEAR OF 360 DAYS, MULTIPLIED BY THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE, MULTIPLIED BY THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF DAYS THAT PRINCIPAL BALANCE IS OUTSTANDING. BORROWER WILL PAY LENDER AT LENDER'S ADDRESS SHOWN ABOVE OR AT SUCH OTHER PLACE AS LENDER MAY DESIGNATE IN WRITING. VARIABLE INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an independent index which is the 3 Month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rates) as published in the Wall Street Journal (the "Index"). The Index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Lender on its loans. If the Index becomes unavailable during the term of this loan, Lender may designate a substitute index after notice to Borrower. Lender will tell Borrower the current Index rate upon Borrower's request. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each first day of each Calendar Quarter. Borrower understands that Lender may make loans based on other rates as well. THE INDEX CURRENTLY IS 1.110%. THE INTEREST RATE TO BE APPLIED TO THE UNPAID PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE WILL BE AT A RATE OF 4.000 PERCENTAGE POINTS OVER THE INDEX, RESULTING IN AN INITIAL RATE OF 5.110%. NOTICE: under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. Whenever increases occur in the interest rate, Lender, at its option, may do one or more of the following: (A) increase Borrower's payments to ensure Borrower's loan will pay off by its original final maturity date, (B) increase Borrower's payments to cover accruing interest, (C) increase the number of Borrower's payments, and (D) continue Borrower's payments at the same amount and increase Borrower's final payment. PREPAYMENT FEE. Borrower agrees that all loan fees and other prepaid finance charges are earned fully as of the date of the loan and will not be subject to refund upon early payment (whether voluntary or as a result of default), except as otherwise required by law. UPON PREPAYMENT OF THIS NOTE, LENDER IS ENTITLED TO THE FOLLOWING PREPAYMENT FEE: BORROWER MAY REPAY WITHOUT ANY PREPAYMENT PREMIUM UP TO TWENTY PERCENT (20%) OF THE THEN OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THIS NOTE DURING EACH OF THE FIRST FIVE (5) YEARS (EACH A "NOTE YEAR") FOLLOWING DELIVERY OF THIS NOTE (ON A NONCUMULATIVE BASIS) (EACH A "PERMITTED PREPAYMENT"), EXCEPT THAT NO "PERMITTED PREPAYMENT" MAY BE MADE AT THE TIME OF A FULL REPAYMENT OF THE NOTE WHICH EXCEEDS 20% OF THE THEN OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL NOTE BALANCE. BORROWER SHALL PAY TO LENDER, IN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THE NOTE, A PREPAYMENT PREMIUM EQUAL TO THREE PERCENT (3%) OF THE THEN OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL NOTE BALANCE IF PAID IN FULL OR THREE PERCENT (3%) OF ANY PRINCIPAL REPAID IN ANY NOTE YEAR IN EXCESS OF THE PERMITTED PREPAYMENT FOR SUCH NOTE YEAR. FIVE (5) OR MORE YEARS AFTER DELIVERY OF THIS NOTE, BORROWER MAY REPAY THE NOTE IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT ANY PREPAYMENT PREMIUM WHATSOEVER. EXCEPT FOR THE FOREGOING, BORROWER MAY PAY ALL OR A PORTION OF THE AMOUNT OWED EARLIER THAN IT IS DUE. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments under the Payment schedule. Rather, early payments will reduce the principal balance due and may result in Borrower's making fewer payments. Borrower agrees not to send Lender payments marked "paid in full", "without recourse", or similar language. If Borrower sends such a payment, Lender may accept it without losing any of Lender's rights under this Note, and Borrower will remain obligated to pay any further amount owed to Lender. All written communications concerning disputed amounts, including any check or other payment instrument that indicates that the payment constitutes "payment in full" of the amount owed or that is tendered with other conditions or limitations or as full satisfaction of a disputed amount must be mailed or delivered to: CNL Commercial Finance, Inc., a Delaware Corporation; 26137 La Paz Road, Suite 102; Mission Viejo, CA 92691. LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 10 days or more late, Borrower will be charged 5.000% of the regularly scheduled payment. INTEREST AFTER DEFAULT. Upon default, the variable interest rate on this Note shall immediately increase to 9.000 percentage points over the Index, if permitted under applicable law. DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note: PAYMENT DEFAULT. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under this Note. OTHER DEFAULTS. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Note or in any of the related documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower. FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this Note or the related documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter. INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of credits, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower. CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any government agency against any collateral securing the loan. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute. EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any guaranty of the indebtedness evidenced by this Note. In the event of a death, Lender, at its option, may, but shall not be required to, permit the Guarantor's estate to assume unconditionally the obligations arising under the guaranty in a manner satisfactory to Lender, and, in doing so, cure any Event of Default. CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock of Borrower. ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of this Note is impaired. CURE PROVISIONS. If any default, other than a default in payment is curable and if Borrower has not been given a notice of a breach of the same provision of this Note within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no event of default will have occurred) if Borrower, after receiving written notice from Lender demanding cure of such default: (1) cures the default within ten (10) days; or (2) if the cure requires more than ten (10) days, immediately initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical. LENDER'S RIGHTS. Upon default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal balance on this Note and all accrued unpaid interest immediately due, and then Borrower will pay that amount. ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help collect this Note if Borrower does not pay. Borrower will pay Lender that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees, expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), and appeals. Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law. GOVERNING LAW. THIS NOTE WILL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. CHOICE OF VENUE. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma. DISHONORED ITEM FEE. Borrower will pay a fee to Lender of $25.00 if Borrower makes a payment on Borrower's loan and the check or PROMISSORY NOTE (Continued) Page 2 ================================================================================ preauthorized charge with which Borrower pays is later dishonored. COLLATERAL. Borrower acknowledges this Note is secured by the following collateral described in the security instrument listed herein; a Mortgage dated July 2, 2003, to Lender on real property located in Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma. UNPAID INTEREST AND ENFORCEMENT COSTS. Interest and Lender collection expenses (including attorneys' fees) not paid when due shall be added to principal and thereafter bear like interest. FUNDING DATE INTEREST RATE ADJUSTMENT. In the event that Lender has not funded the loan evidenced by this Note on or before the date which is seven (7) calendar days after the date of this Note as set forth on the first page hereon, Borrower acknowledges and agrees that Lender may elect (in its sole and absolute discretion) to cancel and redraw the Note to increase the interest rate accruing under the Note in accordance with the increase(s), if any, in interest rate(s) then being offered by Lender on loans similar to the loan evidenced by this Note. FINANCIAL REPORTING. Borrower agrees to furnish Lender with Federal Tax Returns, as soon as available, but in no event later than one-hundred-twenty (120) days after the applicable filing date for the tax reporting period ended, prepared by a tax professional satisfactory to Lender. All financial reports required to be provided under this Note shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct. SUCCESSOR INTERESTS. The terms of this Note shall be binding upon Borrower, and upon Borrower's heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or remedies under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who signs, guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive any applicable statute of limitations, presentment, demand for payment, and notice of dishonor. Upon any change in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in writing, no party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor, accommodation maker or endorser, shall be released from liability. All such parties agree that Lender may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of time) this loan or release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair, fail to realize upon the perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral; and take any other action deemed necessary by Lender without the consent of or notice to anyone. All such parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan without the consent of or notice to anyone other than the party with whom the modification is made. The obligations under this Note are joint and several. PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE, INCLUDING THE VARIABLE INTEREST RATE PROVISIONS. BORROWER AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE. BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THIS PROMISSORY NOTE. BORROWER: VAUGHAN FOODS, INC. By: /s/ Mark E. Vaughan By: /s/ Andre G. Vaughan -------------------------------- -------------------------------- Mark E. Vaughan, Andre G. Vaughan, President of Vaughan Foods, Inc. Secretary of Vaughan Foods, Inc. CORPORATE RESOLUTION TO BORROW / GRANT COLLATERAL ================================================================================ Corporation: Vaughan Foods, Inc. Lender: CNL Commercial Finance, Inc., 216 NE 12th Street a Delaware Corporation Moore, OK 73160 26137 La Paz Road, Suite 102 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 ================================================================================ WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT: THE CORPORATION'S EXISTENCE. The complete and correct name of the Corporation is Vaughan Foods, Inc. ("Corporation"). The Corporation is a corporation for profit which is, and at all times shall be, duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Oklahoma. The Corporation is duly authorized to transaction business in all other states in which the Corporation is doing business, having obtained all necessary filings, governmental licenses and approvals for each state in which the Corporation is doing business. Specifically, the Corporation is, and at all times shall be, duly qualified as a foreign corporation in all states in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition. The Corporation has the full power and authority to own its properties and to transact the business in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes to engage. The Corporation maintains an office at 216 NE 12th Street, Moore, OK 73160. Unless the Corporation has designated otherwise in writing, the principal office is the office at which the Corporation keeps its books and records. The Corporation will notify Lender prior to any change in the location of the Corporation's state of organization or any change in the Corporation's name. The Corporation shall do all things necessary to preserve and to keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and privileges, and shall comply with all regulations, rules, ordinances, statutes, orders and decrees of any governmental or quasi-governmental authority or court applicable to the Corporation and the Corporation's business activities. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED. At a meeting of the Directors of the Corporation, or if the Corporation is a close corporation having no Board of Directors then at a meeting of the Corporation's shareholders, duly called and held on July 2, 2003, at which a quorum was present and voting, or by other duly authorized action in lieu of a meeting, the resolutions set forth in this Resolution were adopted. OFFICERS. The following named persons are officers of Vaughan Foods, Inc.: NAMES TITLES AUTHORIZED ACTUAL SIGNATURES ----- ------ ---------- ----------------- Mark E. Vaughan President Y /s/ Mark E. Vaughan Andrea G. Vaughan Secretary Y /s/ Andrea G. Vaughan ACTIONS AUTHORIZED. Any one (1) of the authorized persons listed above may enter into any agreements of any nature with Lender, and those agreements will bind the Corporation. Specifically, but without limitation, any one (1) of such authorized persons are authorized, empowered, and directed to do the following for and on behalf of the Corporation: BORROW MONEY. To borrow, as a cosigner or otherwise, from time to time from Lender, on such terms as may be agreed upon between the Corporation and Lender, such sum or sums of money as in their judgment should be borrowed, without limitation. EXECUTE NOTES: To execute and deliver to Lender the promissory note or notes, or other evidence of the Corporation's credit accommodations, on Lender's forms, at such rates of interest and on such terms as may be agreed upon, evidencing the sums of money so borrowed or any of the Corporation's indebtedness to Lender, and also to execute and deliver to Lender one or more renewals, extensions, modifications, refinancings, consolidations, or substitutions for one or more of the notes, any portion of the notes, or any other evidence of credit accommodations. GRANT SECURITY. To mortgage, pledge, transfer, endorse, hypothecate, or otherwise encumber and deliver to Lender any property now or hereafter belonging to the Corporation or in which the Corporation now or hereafter may have an interest, including without limitation all of the Corporation's real property and all of the Corporation's personal property (tangible or intangible), as security for the payment of any loans or credit accommodations so obtained, any promissory notes so executed (including any amendments to or modifications, renewals, and extensions of such promissory notes), or any other or further indebtedness of the Corporation to Lender at any time owing, however the same may be evidenced. Such property may be mortgaged, pledged, transferred, endorsed, hypothecated or encumbered at the time such loans are obtained or such indebtedness is incurred, or at any other time or times, and may be either in addition to or in lieu of any property theretofore mortgaged, pledged, transferred, endorsed, hypothecated or encumbered. EXECUTE SECURITY DOCUMENTS. To execute and deliver to Lender the forms of mortgage, deed of trust, pledge agreement, hypothecation agreement, and other security agreements and financing statements which Lender may require and which shall evidence the terms and conditions under and pursuant to which such liens and encumbrances, or any of them, are given; and also to execute and deliver to Lender any other written instruments, any chattel paper, or any other collateral, of any kind or nature, which Lender may deem necessary or proper in connection with or pertaining to the giving of the liens and encumbrances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any one of the above authorized persons may execute, deliver, or record financing statements. NEGOTIATE ITEMS. To draw, endorse, and discount with Lender all drafts, trade acceptances, promissory notes, or other evidences of indebtedness payable to or belonging to the Corporation or in which the Corporation may have an interest, and either to receive cash for the same or to cause such proceeds to be credited to the Corporation's account with Lender, or to cause such other disposition of the proceeds derived therefrom as they may deem advisable. FURTHER ACTS. In the case of lines of credit, to designate additional or alternate individuals as being authorized to request advances under such lines, and in all cases, to do and perform such other acts and things, to pay any and all fees and costs, and to execute and deliver such other documents and agreements as the officers may in their discretion deem reasonably necessary or proper in order to carry into effect the provisions of this Resolution. ASSUMED BUSINESS NAMES. The Corporation has filed or recorded all documents or filings required by law relating to all assumed business names used by the Corporation. Excluding the name of the Corporation, the following is a complete list of all assumed business names under which the Corporation does business: NONE. NOTICES TO LENDER. The Corporation will promptly notify Lender in writing at Lender's address shown above (or such other addresses as Lender may designate from time to time) prior to any (A) change in the Corporation's name; (B) change in the Corporation's assumed business name(s); (C) change in the management of the Corporation; (D) change in the authorized signer(s); (E) change in the Corporation's principal office address; (F) change in the Corporation's state of organization; (G) conversion of the Corporation to a new or different type of business entity; or (H) change in any other aspect of the Corporation that directly or indirectly relates to any agreements between the Corporation and Lender. No change in the Corporation's name or state of organization will take effect until after Lender has received notice. CERTIFICATION CONCERNING OFFICERS AND RESOLUTIONS. The officers named above are duly elected, appointed, or employed by or for the Corporation, as the case may be, and occupy the positions set opposite their respective names. This Resolution now stands of record on the books of the Corporation, is in full force and effect, and has not been modified or revoked in any manner whatsoever. SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. At a special meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation, duly called and held (or by consent of the shareholders in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma), not less than the required percentage of shareholders adopted or consented to all the resolutions set forth in this Resolution. NO CORPORATE SEAL. The Corporation has no corporate seal, and therefore, no seal is affixed to this Resolution. CONTINUING VALIDITY. Any and all acts authorized pursuant to this Resolution and performed prior to the passage of this Resolution are hereby ratified and approved. This Resolution shall be continuing, shall remain in full force and effect and Lender may rely on it until written notice of its revocation shall have been delivered to and received by Lender at Lender's address shown above (or such addresses as Lender may designate from time to time). Any such notice shall not affect any of the Corporation's agreements or commitments in effect at the time notice is given. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, WE HAVE HEREUNTO SET OUR HAND AND ATTEST THAT THE SIGNATURES SET OPPOSITE THE NAMES LISTED ABOVE ARE THEIR GENUINE SIGNATURES. WE EACH HAVE READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION, AND WE EACH PERSONALLY AND ON BEHALF OF THE CORPORATION CERTIFY THAT ALL STATEMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS MADE IN THIS RESOLUTION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT. THIS CORPORATE RESOLUTION TO BORROW / GRANT COLLATERAL IS DATED JULY 2, 2003. CORPORATE RESOLUTION TO BORROW / GRANT COLLATERAL (Continued) Page 2 ================================================================================ CERTIFIED TO AND ATTESTED BY: By: /s/ Mark E. Vaughan ---------------------------------------------------- Mark E. Vaughan, President of Vaughan Foods, Inc. By: /s/ Andrea G. Vaughan ---------------------------------------------------- Andrea G. Vaughan, Secretary of Vaughan Foods, Inc. NOTE: If the officers signing this Resolution are designated by the foregoing document as one of the officers authorized to act on the Corporation's behalf, it is advisable to have this Resolution signed by at least one non-authorized officer of the Corporation. COMMERCIAL GUARANTY ================================================================================ Borrower: Vaughan Foods, Inc. Lender: CNL Commercial Finance, Inc., 216 NE 12th Street a Delaware Corporation Moore, OK 73160 26137 La Paz Road, Suite 102 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Guarantor: Mark E. Vaughan 917 NW 39th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73118 ================================================================================ AMOUNT OF GUARANTY. The amount of this Guaranty is Unlimited. CONTINUING UNLIMITED GUARANTY. FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, MARK E. VAUGHAN ("GUARANTOR") ABSOLUTELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEES AND PROMISES TO PAY TO CNL COMMERCIAL FINANCE, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION ("LENDER") OR ITS ORDER, IN LEGAL TENDER OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE INDEBTEDNESS (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED BELOW) OF VAUGHAN FOODS, INC. ("BORROWER") TO LENDER ON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE GUARANTY. UNDER THIS GUARANTY, THE LIABILITY OF GUARANTOR IS UNLIMITED AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF GUARANTOR ARE CONTINUING. INDEBTEDNESS GUARANTEED. The Indebtedness guaranteed by the Guaranty includes any and all of Borrower's Indebtedness to Lender and is used in the most comprehensive sense and means and includes any and all of Borrower's liabilities, obligations and debts to Lender, now existing or hereinafter incurred or created, including, without limitation, all loans, advances, interest, costs, debts, overdraft indebtedness, credit card indebtedness, lease obligations, other obligations, and liabilities of Borrower, or any of them, and any present or future judgments against Borrower, or any of them; and whether any such Indebtedness is voluntarily incurred, due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined; whether Borrower may be liable individually or jointly with others, or primarily or secondarily, or as guarantor or surety; whether recovery on the Indebtedness may be or may become barred or unenforceable against Borrower for any reason whatsoever; and whether the Indebtedness arises from transactions which may be voidable on account of infancy, insanity, ultra vires, or otherwise. DURATION OF GUARANTY. This Guaranty will take effect when received by Lender without the necessity of any acceptance by Lender, or any notice to Guarantor or to Borrower, and will continue in full force until all Indebtedness incurred or contracted before receipt by Lender of any notice of revocation shall have been fully and finally paid and satisfied and all of Guarantor's other obligations under this Guaranty shall have been performed in full. If Guarantor elects to revoke this Guaranty, Guarantor may only do so in writing. Guarantor's written notice of revocation must be mailed to Lender, by certified mail, at Lender's address listed above or such other place as Lender may designate in writing. Written revocation of this Guaranty will apply only to advances or new Indebtedness created after actual receipt by Lender of Guarantor's written revocation. For this purpose and without limitation, the term "new Indebtedness" does not include Indebtedness which at the time of notice of revocation is contingent, unliquidated, undetermined or not due and which later becomes absolute, liquidated, determined or due. This Guaranty will continue to bind Guarantor for all Indebtedness incurred by Borrower or committed by Lender prior to receipt of Gaurantor's written notice of revocation, including any extensions, renewals, substitutions or modifications of the Indebtedness. All renewals, extensions, substitutions, and modifications of the Indebtedness granted after Guarantor's revocation, are contemplated under this Guaranty and, specifically will not be considered to be new Indebtedness. This Guaranty shall bind Guarantor's estate as to Indebtedness created both before and after Guarantor's death or incapacity, regardless of Lender's actual notice of Guarantor's death. Subject to the foregoing, Guarantor's executor or administrator or other legal representative may terminate this Guaranty in the same manner in which Guarantor might have terminated it and with the same effect. Release of any other guarantor or termination of any other guaranty of the Indebtedness shall not affect the liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty. A revocation Lender receives from any one or more Guarantors shall not affect the liability of any remaining Guarantors under this Guaranty. Guarantor's obligations under this Guaranty shall be in addition to any of Guarantor's obligations, or any of them, under any other guaranties of Borrower's Indebtedness or any other person heretofore or hereafter given to Lender unless such other guaranties are modified or revoked in writing; and this Guarantor shall not, unless provided in this Guaranty, affect, invalidate, or supersede any such other guaranty. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT FLUCTUATIONS MAY OCCUR IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF INDEBTEDNESS COVERED BY THIS GUARANTY, AND GUARANTOR SPECIFICALLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT REDUCTIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF INDEBTEDNESS, EVEN TO ZERO DOLLARS ($0.00), PRIOR TO GUARANTOR'S WRITTEN REVOCATION OF THIS GUARANTY SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A TERMINATION OF THIS GUARANTY. THIS GUARANTY IS BINDING UPON GUARANTOR AND GUARANTOR'S HEIRS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS SO LONG AS ANY OF THE GUARANTEED INDEBTEDNESS REMAINS UNPAID AND EVEN THOUGH THE INDEBTEDNESS GUARANTEED MAY FROM TIME TO TIME BE ZERO DOLLARS ($0.00). OBLIGATIONS OF MARRIED PERSONS. Any married person who signs this Guaranty hereby expressly agrees that recourse under this Guaranty may be had against both his or her separate property and community property. GUARANTOR'S AUTHORIZATION TO LENDER. Guarantor authorizes Lender, either before or after any revocation hereof, WITHOUT NOTICE OR DEMAND AND WITHOUT LESSENING GUARANTOR'S LIABILITY UNDER THIS GUARANTY, FROM TIME TO TIME: (A) prior to revocation as set forth above, to make one or more additional secured or unsecured loans to Borrower, to lease equipment or other goods to Borrower, or otherwise to extend additional credit to Borrower; (B) to alter, compromise, renew, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change one or more times the time for payment or other terms of the Indebtedness or any part of the Indebtedness, including increases and decreases of the rate of interest on the Indebtedness; extensions may be repeated and may be for longer than the original loan term; (C) to take and hold security for the payment of this Guaranty or the Indebtedness, and exchange, enforce, waive, subordinate, fail or decide not to perfect, and release any such security, with or without the substitution of new collateral; (D) to release, substitute, agree not to sue, or deal with any one or more of Borrower's sureties, endorsers, or other guarantors on any terms or in any manner Lender may choose; (E) to determine how, when and what application of payments and credits shall be made on the Indebtedness; (F) to apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof, including without limitation, any nonjudicial sale permitted by the terms of the controlling security agreement or deed of trust, as Lender in its discretion may determine; (G) to sell, transfer, assign or grant participations in all or any part of the Indebtedness; and (H) to assign or transfer this Guaranty in whole or in part. GUARANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Guarantor represents and warrants to Lender that (A) no representations or agreements of any kind have been made to Guarantor which would limit or qualify in any way the terms of this Guaranty; (B) this Guaranty is executed at Borrower's request and not at the request of Lender; (C) Guarantor has full power, right and authority to enter into this Guaranty; (D) the provisions of this Guaranty do not conflict with or result in a default under any agreement or other instrument binding upon Guarantor and do not result in a violation of any law, regulation, court decree or order applicable to Guarantor; (E) Guarantor has not and will not, without the prior written consent of Lender, sell, lease, assign, encumber, hypothecate, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Guarantor's assets, or any interest therein; (F) upon Lender's request, Guarantor will provide to Lender financial and credit information in form acceptable to Lender, and all such financial information which currently has been, and all future financial information which will be provided to Lender is and will be true and correct in all material respects and fairly present Guarantor's financial condition as of the dates the financial information is provided; (G) no material adverse change has occurred in Guarantor's financial condition since the date of the most recent financial statements provided to Lender and no event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Guarantor's financial condition; (H) no litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Guarantor is pending or threatened; (I) Lender has made no representation to Guarantor as to the creditworthiness of Borrower; and (J) Guarantor has established adequate means of obtaining from Borrower on a continuing basis information regarding Borrower's financial condition. Guarantor agrees to keep adequately informed from such means of any facts, events, or circumstances which might in any way affect Guarantor's risks under this Guaranty, and Guarantor further agrees that absent a request for information, Lender shall have no obligation to disclose to Guarantor any information or documents acquired by Lender in the course of its relationship with Borrower. GUARANTOR'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Guarantor agrees to furnish Lender with the following: TAX RETURNS. As soon as available, but in no event later than one-hundred-twenty (120) days after the applicable filing date for the tax reporting period ended, Federal and other governmental tax returns, prepared by a tax professional satisfactory to Lender. All financial reports required to be provided under this Guaranty shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Guarantor as being true and correct. GUARANTOR'S WAIVERS. Except as prohibited by applicable law, Guarantor waives any right to require Lender to (A) make any presentment, protest, demand, or notice of any kind, including notice of change of any terms of repayment of the Indebtedness, default by Borrower or any other guarantor or surety, any action or nonaction taken by Borrower, Lender, or any other guarantor or surety of Borrower, or the creation of new or additional Indebtedness; (B) proceed against any person, including Borrower, before proceeding against Guarantor; (C) proceed against any collateral for the Indebtedness, including Borrower's collateral, before proceeding against Guarantor; (D) apply any payments or proceeds received against the Indebtedness in any order; (E) give notice of the terms, time, and place of any sale of the collateral pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code or any other law governing such sale; (F) disclose any information about the Indebtedness, the Borrower, the collateral, or any other guarantor or surety, or about any action or nonaction of Lender; or (G) pursue any remedy or course of action in Lender's power whatsoever. Guarantor also waives any and all rights or defenses arising by reason of (H) any disability or other defense of Borrower, any other guarantor or surety or any other person; (I) the cessation from any cause whatsoever, other than payment in full, of the Indebtedness; (J) the application of proceeds of the Indebtedness by Borrower for purposes other than the purposes understood and intended by Guarantor and Lender; (K) any act of omission or commission by Lender which directly or indirectly results in or contributes to the discharge of Borrower or any other guarantor COMMERCIAL GUARANTY (Continued) Page 2 ================================================================================ or surety, or the Indebtedness, or the loss or release of any collateral by operation of law or otherwise; (L) any statute of limitations in any action under this Guaranty or on the Indebtedness; or (M) any modification or change in terms of the Indebtedness, whatsoever, including without limitation, the renewal, extension, acceleration, or other change in the time payment of the Indebtedness is due and any change in the interest rate, and including any such modification or change in terms after revocation of this Guaranty on Indebtedness incurred prior to such revocation. Guarantor waives all rights and any defenses arising out of an election of remedies by Lender even though that the election of remedies, such as a non-judicial foreclosure with respect to security for a guaranteed obligation, has destroyed Guarantor's rights of subrogation and reimbursement against Borrower by operation of Section 580d of the California Code of Civil Procedure or otherwise. Guarantor waives all rights and defenses that Guarantor may have because Borrower's obligation is secured by real property. This means among other things: (1) Lender may collect from Guarantor without first foreclosing on any real or personal property collateral pledged by Borrower. (2) If Lender forecloses on any real property collateral pledged by Borrower; (a) the amount of Borrower's obligation may be reduced only by the price for which the collateral is sold at the foreclosure sale, even if the collateral is worth more than the sale price. (b) Lender may collect from Guarantor even if Lender, by forclosing on the real property collateral, has destroyed any right Guarantor may have to collect from Borrower. This is an unconditional and irrevocable waiver of any rights and defenses Guarantor may have because Borrower's obligation is secured by real property. These rights and defenses include, but are not limited to, any rights and defenses based upon Section 580a, 580b, 580d, or 726 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Guarantor understands and agrees that the foregoing waivers are unconditional and irrevocable waivers of substantive rights and defenses to which Guarantor might otherwise be entitled under state and federal law. Guarantor acknowledges that Guarantor has provided these waivers of rights and defenses with the intention that they be fully relied upon by Lender. Guarantor further understands and agrees that this Guaranty is a seperate and independent contract between Guarantor and Lender, given for full and ample consideration, and is enforceable on its own terms. Until all Indebtedness is paid in full, Guarantor waives any right to enforce any remedy Guarantor may have against the Borrower or any other guarantor, surety, or other person, and further, Guarantor waives any right to participate in any collateral for the Indebtedness now or hereafter held by Lender. In addition to the waivers set forth herein, if now or hereafter Borrower is or shall become insolvent and the Indebtedness shall not at all times until paid be fully secured by collateral pledged by Borrower, Guarantor hereby forever waives and gives up in favor of Lender and Borrower, and Lender's and Borrower's respective successors, any claim or right to payment Guarantor may now have or hereafter have or acquire against Borrower, by subrogation or otherwise, so that at no time shall Guarantor be or become a "creditor" of Borrower within the meaning of 11 U.S.C. section 547(b), or any successor provision of the Federal bankruptcy laws. GUARANTOR'S UNDERSTANDING WITH RESPECT TO WAIVERS. Guarantor warrants and agrees that each of the waivers set forth above is made with Guarantor's full knowledge of its significance and consequences and that, under circumstances, the waivers are reasonable and not contrary to public policy or law. If any such waiver is determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waiver shall be effective only to the extent permitted by law or public policy. SUBORDINATION OF BORROWER'S DEBT TO GUARANTOR. Guarantor agrees that the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender, whether now existing or hereafter created, shall be superior to any claim that Guarantor may now have or hereafter acquire against Borrower, whether or not Borrower becomes insolvent. Guarantor hereby expressly subordinates any claim Guarantor may have against Borrower, upon any account whatsoever, to any claim that Lender may now or hereafter have against Borrower. In the event of insolvency and consequent liquidation of the assets of Borrower, through bankruptcy, by an assignment for the benefit of creditors, by voluntary liquidation, or otherwise, the assets of Borrower applicable to the payment of the claims of both Lender and Guarantor shall be paid to Lender and shall be first applied by Lender to the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender. Guarantor does hereby assign to Lender all claims which it may have or acquire against Borrower or against any assignee or trustee in bankruptcy of Borrower; provided however, that such assignment shall be effective only for the purpose of assuring to Lender full payment in legal tender of the Indebtedness. If Lender so requests, any notes or credit agreements now or hereafter evidencing any debts or obligations of Borrower to Guarantor shall be marked with a legend that the same are subject to this Guaranty and shall be delivered to Lender. Guarantor agrees, and Lender is hereby authorized, in the name of Guarantor, from time to time to execute and file financing statements and continuation statements and to execute such other documents and to take such other actions as Lender deems necessary or appropriate to perfect, preserve and enforce its rights under this Guaranty. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Guaranty: AMENDMENTS. This Guaranty, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Guaranty. No alteration of or amendment to this Guaranty shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment. ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Guarantor agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of the Guaranty. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this Guaranty, and Guarantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Guarantor also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court. CAPTION HEADINGS. Caption headings in this Guaranty are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Guaranty. GOVERNING LAW. THIS GUARANTY WILL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. THIS GUARANTY HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. CHOICE OF VENUE. If there is a lawsuit, Guarantor agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma. INTEGRATON. Guarantor further agrees that Guarantor has read and fully understands the terms of this Guaranty; Guarantor has had the opportunity to be advised by Guarantor's attorney with respect to this Guaranty; the Guaranty fully reflects Guarnator's intentions and parol evidence is not required to interpret the terms of this Guaranty. Guarantor hereby indemnifies and holds Lender harmless from all losses, claims, damages, and costs (including Lender's attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by Lender as a result of any breach by Guarantor of the warranties, representations and agreements of this paragraph. INTERPRETATION. In all cases where there is more than one Borrower or Guarantor, then all words used in the Guaranty in the singular shall be deemed to have been used in the plural where the context and construction so require; and where there is more than one Borrower named in this Guaranty or when this Guaranty is executed by more than one Guarantor, the words "Borrower" and "Guarantor" respectively shall mean all and any one or more of them. The words "Guarantor," "Borrower," and "Lender" include the heirs, successors, assigns, and transferees of each of them. If a court finds that any provision of the Guaranty is not valid or should not be enforced, that fact by itself will not mean that the rest of this Guaranty will not be valid or enforced. Therefore, a court will enforce the rest of the provisions of this Guaranty even if a provision of this Guaranty may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. If any one or more of Borrower or Guarantor are corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or similar entities, it is not necessary for Lender to inquire into the powers of Borrower or Guarantor or of the officers, directors, partners, managers, or other agents acting or purporting to act on their behalf, and any Loan Indebtedness made or created in reliance upon the professed exercise of such powers shall be guaranteed under this Guaranty. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given under this Guaranty shall be given in writing, and, except for revocation notices by Guarantor, shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Guaranty. All revocation notices by Guarantor shall be in writing and shall be effective upon delivery to Lender as provided in the section of this Guaranty entitled "DURATION OF GUARANTY." Any party may change its address for notices under this Guaranty by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address. For notice purposes, Guarantor agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Guarantor's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by law, if there is more than one Guarantor, any notice given by Lender to any Guarantor is deemed to be notice given to all Guarnators. NO WAIVER BY LENDER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Guaranty unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Guaranty shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Guaranty. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Guarantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Guarantor's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Guaranty, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender. COMMERCIAL GUARANTY (Continued) Page 3 ================================================================================ SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. Subject to any limitations stated in this Guaranty on transfer of Guarantor's interest, this Guaranty shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns. PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE GUARANTY. This is a guaranty of full and timely payment and/or performances of each and all obligations or Indebtedness now or hereafter owing by Borrower to Lender. ADDITIONAL WAIVER. In addition to any and all waivers set forth hereinabove, Guarantor hereby waives and relinquishes all of the Guarantor's rights provided by 12 Oklahoma State Section 686, 15 Oklahoma State Sections 334, 338, 341 and 344, and all other statutory and common law rights, remedies, defenses and set-off credits for the fair market value of the property which may be accorded to Grantor under Oklahoma law. DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Guaranty. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Guaranty shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code: BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means Vaughan Foods, Inc. and includes all co-signers and co-makers signing the Note. GAAP. The word "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles. GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means each and every person or entity signing this Guaranty, including without limitation Mark E. Vaughan. GUARANTY. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from Guarantor to Lender, including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note. INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" means Borrower's indebtedness to Lender as more particularly described in this Guaranty. LENDER. The word "Lender" means CNL Commercial Finance, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, its successors and assigns. NOTE. The word "Note" means and includes without limitation all of Borrower's promissory notes and/or credit agreements evidencing Borrower's loan obligations in favor of Lender, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of and substitutions for promissory notes or credit agreements. RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness. EACH UNDERSIGNED GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GUARANTY AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS. IN ADDITION, EACH GUARANTOR UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS GUARANTY IS EFFECTIVE UPON GUARANTOR'S EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS GUARANTY TO LENDER AND THAT THE GUARANTY WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED IN THE MANNER SET FORTH IN THE SECTION TITLED "DURATION OF GUARANTY". NO FORMAL ACCEPTANCE BY LENDER IS NECESSARY TO MAKE THIS GUARANTY EFFECTIVE. THIS GUARANTY IS DATED JULY 2, 2003. GUARANTOR: MARK E. VAUGHAN -------------------------------------- Mark E. Vaughan, Individually