Cooperation. During the 18-month period following the Termination Date, Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Companies in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Companies which relate to events or occurrences that occurred while Executive was employed by the Companies and of which Executive has relevant knowledge. Executive's reasonable cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available for telephone conferences with outside counsel and/or personnel of the Companies, being available for interviews, depositions and/or to act as a witness on behalf of the Company, if reasonably requested, and at the Board's reasonable request responding to any inquiries about the particular matter. Executive further agrees to reasonably and truthfully cooperate with the Company in connection with any investigation or review by any federal, state or local regulatory authority relating to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed with the Company and of which Executive has relevant knowledge. The Companies shall promptly pay (or promptly reimburse) Executive # for any and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Executive in connection with such cooperation, and # a reasonable hourly rate (which will be determined the Compensation Committee of the Board) to Executive for all time provided pursuant to this Section 12 in excess of 25 hours.