The North Carolina Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of Banker's Note, Inc. is a comprehensive and tailored employee compensation program designed to attract and retain talented professionals. By offering stock options, the plan provides individuals with an opportunity to share in the growth and success of the company. Banker's Note, Inc. has incorporated various types of North Carolina Nonqualified Stock Option Plans to accommodate different employee needs and circumstances. These plans include: 1. Standard Nonqualified Stock Option Plan: This plan grants employees the right to purchase a specified number of company shares at a predetermined exercise price. These options are typically offered to executives, senior management, and key contributors. The exercise price is set at the fair market value at the time of grant, ensuring a fair and equitable opportunity for employees to benefit from the potential appreciation of the company stock over time. 2. Performance-Based Nonqualified Stock Option Plan: Under this plan, employees have the opportunity to earn stock options based on the achievement of predetermined performance goals. The goals can be individual, team, or company-wide objectives, ensuring alignment between employee performance and overall company success. Performance-based stock options are often used to incentivize employees to strive for superior performance and contribute to the organization's growth. 3. Director Nonqualified Stock Option Plan: This plan caters specifically to directors on the company's board. Directors are granted stock options as a means to align their interests with those of the company and its shareholders. Banker's Note, Inc. recognizes the invaluable guidance and expertise directors provide and seeks to reward them accordingly. 4. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPN): Apart from the various nonqualified stock option plans, Banker's Note, Inc. also offers an employee stock purchase plan designed to encourage employee ownership. Through this plan, employees can contribute a portion of their earnings to purchase company stock at a discounted price. The ESPN ensures that employees at all levels have the opportunity to participate in the company's success and support long-term shareholder value. Banker's Note, Inc. recognizes that offering nonqualified stock options as part of their compensation package not only attracts top talent but also aligns the interests of employees with the company's growth objectives. These plans provide employees with an incentive to contribute to the long-term success of the organization, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders.