For tax reasons, the Plan was approved by the Board of Directors in interim stages. First, the Board approved the Plan on March 9, 1999 as it relates to Awards of Restricted Stock and Performance Units only (the “ First Effective Date ”), and the Plan became effective as of the First Effective Date for the limited purpose of (i) making Awards of Restricted Stock on or prior to May 31, 1999 to non-officer employees of the Company and (ii) making cash Performance Unit Awards under ARTICLE 9 of the Plan with respect to a performance period beginning on January 1, 1999.