Employment Agreement between Nortech Systems Inc. and Curtis J. Steichen (furnished)

Contract Categories: Human Resources - Employment Agreements
EX-10.1 2 ex_158080.htm EXHIBIT 10.1 ex_158080.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”), effective as of September 17, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between Nortech Systems Incorporated, a Minnesota corporation (the “Company”), and Curtis J. Steichen (“Executive”), collectively referred to as the “Parties.”

 

Recitals

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue the employment of Executive as Senior Vice President of Sales, and Executive desires to continue employment upon the new terms and conditions set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS, Executive represents that Executive is not subject to any other agreement (including but not limited to a non-competition agreement, non-solicitation agreement, or confidentiality agreement) that Executive will violate by working with the Company or in the position for which the Company has employed Executive and no conflict of interest or a breach of Executive’s fiduciary duties will result by continuing to work with and perform duties for the Company;

 

WHEREAS, Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment, Executive has and will have access to and be provided with confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets of the Company which are invaluable to the Company and vital to the success of the Company’s business;

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to protect such proprietary and confidential information and trade secrets from disclosure to third parties or unauthorized use to the detriment of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive entered into a Change of Control Executive Severance Agreement dated May 16, 2005;

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to set forth in this Agreement, the terms, conditions, and obligations of the parties with respect to such continued employment; and

 

WHEREAS, Executive represents that Executive has read and understands this Agreement and has had sufficient time to review this Agreement and consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice (at Executive’s own expense).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

Definitions.

 

1.1.      “Accountants” means an accounting firm selected by the Company, which is reasonably acceptable to Executive and whose consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

1.2.      “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

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1.3.     “Cause” means (a) Executive engages in gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the performance of Executive’s duties for the Company or any of its subsidiaries (for this purpose, “intentional misconduct” means an action which is injurious to the Company or the Company’s business and/or which may reasonably lead to injury of the Company’s business without a good faith belief that it is in the best interest of the Company), (b) Executive embezzles or willfully misappropriates for his personal use, assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (c) Executive is convicted of, or enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere with respect to, a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or any other crime that materially adversely affects the Company’s business, or (d) Executive’s engaging in business activities in violation of Executive’s obligations in Section 4 (including but not limited to Executive’s refusal or failure to perform Executive’s duties), violation of Executive’s obligations in Section 10, and/or breach of any restrictive covenant set forth in Section 11 of this Agreement; that in the case of the actions in (a) and (d), is not cured within 30 calendar days after Executive’s receipt of written notice from the Company of the alleged Cause.

 

1.4.     “Change of Control” means (a) (1) any person or group other than the group consisting of Curtis Squire, Inc. and members of the Kunin family (together, the “Kunin Group”) is at any time the beneficial owner of thirty percent (30%) or more of the equity securities of the Company entitled to vote for the election of directors (the “Voting Securities”), and (2) such other person or group then owns a greater percentage of the Voting Securities than the Kunin Group; (b) Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided, that any person becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or (c) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (including a plan of liquidation) or a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation except for a merger whereby the shareholders of the Company prior to the merger own more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity securities entitled to vote for the election of directors of the surviving corporation immediately following the transaction.

 

1.5.     “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

1.6.     “Covered Payments” means the payments or benefits provided or to be provided by the Company or its affiliates to Executive or for Executive’s benefit pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise.

 

1.7.     “Disability” means if by reason of any mental, sensory, or physical impairment, Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties hereunder with reasonable accommodations, unless any such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the Company’s business. The written medical opinion of an independent medical physician mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company will determine if Executive has a Disability.

 

1.8.     “Excise Tax” means the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any similar tax imposed by state or local law or any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes.

 

1.9.     “Good Reason” means (a) any involuntary and material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary; (b) any involuntary and material diminution of Executive’s reporting responsibilities, titles and offices, and removal of Executive from such position which has the effect of materially diminishing Executive’s responsibility and authority; (c) the Board requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location other than facilities within 50 miles of Minneapolis, Minnesota; or (d) any material breach of any contract entered into between the Executive and the Company or an affiliate of the Company, including this Agreement, which in any such event is not remedied by Company within 30 days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive within 90 days after such event occurs; provided, that any refusal of the Company to agree to other business activities of Executive pursuant to Section 4.3 will not constitute Good Reason.

 

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1.10.     “Parachute Payments” means parachute payments within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.

 

2.            Employment. Subject to the terms and provisions set forth in this Agreement, the Company hereby employs Executive as the Senior Vice President of Sales of the Company.

 

3.            Agreement Term. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue, unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Agreement, until September 30, 2020 (the “Initial Period”); provided, however, this Agreement will automatically renew for successive one year renewal terms (each a "Renewal Period" and together with the Initial Period, the “Agreement Period”)) unless either party notifies the other party in writing at least ninety (90) days prior to expiration of the Initial Period or any Renewal Period. During the Agreement Period, Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company with or without Cause, subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, and Executive may resign or otherwise terminate his employment with the Company at any time, with or without notice. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment (for any reason) and remain in full force and effect thereafter.

 

4.            Positions, Responsibilities and Duties.

 

4.1.     Positions. During the period of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall be employed and serve as the Senior Vice President of Sales of the Company. In such position, Executive shall have the duties, responsibilities and authority normally associated with the offices and positions of Senior Vice President of Sales as established by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and/or Board from time to time. Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

4.2.     Duties. During the Agreement Period, subject to the provisions of Section 4.3, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, during normal business hours, to the business and affairs of the Company and Executive shall use his reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently the duties and responsibilities contemplated by this Agreement.

 

4.3.     Permitted Activities. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.2, Executive shall be allowed, to the extent such activities do not substantially interfere with the performance by Executive of his duties and responsibilities hereunder, to serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees. Executive will notify the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, in advance, of the extent and nature of any such activities, and any such activities will be permitted only upon the approval of the Company, which will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

5.            Compensation and Other Benefits.

 

5.1.     Annualized Base Salary. Executive shall receive an annualized base salary payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices of $175,000 (gross) for the Initial Period. The Board may, in its sole discretion, increase the Base Salary at any time and may not decrease the Base Salary without Executive’s written consent. Executive Base Salaries are increased in accordance with the Company’s executive compensation review process and subject to approval by the Company’s Compensation and Talent Committee, subject to adjustment only as provided in this Section 5.1.

 

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5.2.     Incentive Bonus. During the Agreement Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Incentive Bonus Plan in effect for officers and executives of the Company (the “Incentive Bonus Plan”), under which Executive will receive a performance-based bonus the amount of which, if any, will be determined and paid based upon satisfaction of criteria determined for each calendar year for officers and executives by the Compensation and Talent Committee, provided the Executive is employed by the Company at the time payment is due. During the Agreement Period, Executive’s stated payout percentage under the Incentive Bonus Plan will be a target of 60% of Base Salary, prorated for the portion of the fiscal year during which Executive is employed by the Company. Any bonus amounts payable to Executive under the Incentive Bonus Plan shall be paid Executive at the same time as annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s other executive officers after the end of the year in which the bonus was earned.

 

5.3.     Equity Incentive Plans. During the Agreement Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s equity incentive plans maintained by the Company from time to time (the “Company Equity Plans”).

 

5.4.     Benefit Plans. During the Agreement Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all pension, 401(k) and other employee benefit plans, policies and programs for the benefit of senior executive officers. The Company reserves the right to modify, suspend or discontinue any Benefit Plans at any time without notice to or recourse by Executive, so long as such action is taken generally with respect to other similarly situated executives employed by the Company.

 

5.5.     Perquisites. During the Agreement Period, Executive shall receive the perquisites described in Exhibit A (that is attached to this Agreement and incorporated herein).

 

5.6.     Expense Reimbursement. During and in respect of the Agreement Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in performing his duties and responsibilities hereunder, including travel, parking, business meetings and professional dues, incurred and substantiated in accordance with the policies and procedures established from time to time by the Company for senior executives of the Company.

 

6.            Termination.

 

6.1.     Termination Due to Death. Upon Executive’s death, Executive’s estate or his legal representative, as the case may be, shall be entitled to: (a) any Base Salary earned but unpaid as of the date of death; (b) any other payments and/or benefits which Executive or Executive’s legal representative is entitled to receive under any of the Benefit Plans; and (c) the bonus earned under the Incentive Bonus Plan for the fiscal year in which Executive’s death occurred, prorated for the portion of such fiscal year through the date of death and payable at the same time as annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s other executive officers.

 

6.2.     Termination Due to Executive’s Disability. If Executive’s condition meets the definition of Disability above, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment upon written notice. If terminated by the Company as herein provided, the Company shall pay to Executive: (a) any Base Salary earned but unpaid as of the date of Executive’s termination due to Disability; (b) Base Salary in effect at the time of the termination, less amounts received by Executive pursuant to any disability insurance coverage provided by the Company or the Social Security disability insurance program, for a period of nine (9) months or the remaining term under this Agreement, whichever is shorter, (c) any other payments and/or benefits which Executive or Executive’s legal representative is entitled to receive under any of the Benefit Plans; (d) vesting of any unvested incentive grants granted under the Company Equity Plans otherwise scheduled to vest within twelve (12) months following the date of Disability; and (e) the bonus earned under the Incentive Bonus Plan for the fiscal year in which Executive’s Disability occurred, prorated for the portion of such fiscal year through the date of Disability and payable at the same time as annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s other executive officers.

 

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6.3.     Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment without Cause, or Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason. In either such event, Executive shall be entitled to the following compensation:

 

           6.3.1.     Executive shall be entitled to receive Base Salary earned but unpaid as of the date of Executive’s termination, and any other payments and/or benefits which Executive is entitled to receive under any of the Benefit Plans. These payments will be made within fourteen (14) days after termination.

 

           6.3.2.     Upon execution of a general release of claims against the Company in a form acceptable to the Company and after the expiration of any applicable rescission or revocation period, all before the end of the sixty (60) day period following Executive’s termination of employment, he will receive: (i) Base Salary in effect at the time of the termination for a period of nine (9) months (the “Without Cause Continuation Period”), in the manner and at such times as the Base Salary otherwise would have been payable to Executive; (ii) the bonus earned under the Incentive Bonus Plan for the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination occurred, prorated for the portion of such fiscal year through the date of termination and payable at the same time as annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s other executive officers; and (iii) continuation at the Company’s then share of the expense for the lesser of (A) the Without Cause Continuation Period, or (B) until Executive obtains comparable replacement coverage, of medical and dental benefits in effect under COBRA as of the date of termination of employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, certain payments under this paragraph (b) may be delayed pursuant to Section 7.2.

 

6.4.     Termination in Connection with Change of Control. The Change of Control Executive Severance Agreement between the parties dated May 16, 2005 is hereby terminated and is wholly superseded by this Agreement. If Executive is an active and full-time employee at the time of a Change of Control and within twelve (12) months after the Change of Control, (i) Executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company or any successor employer resulting from the Change of Control for any reason other than death, Disability or Cause, or (ii) Executive resigns from the Company or any such successor for Good Reason, then Executive shall be entitled to the following compensation:

 

           6.4.1.     Executive shall be entitled to receive Base Salary earned but unpaid as of the date of Executive’s termination, and any other payments and/or benefits which Executive is entitled to receive under any of the Benefit Plans. These payments will be made within fourteen (14) days after termination.

 

           6.4.2.     Upon execution of a general release of claims against the Company in a form acceptable to the Company and after the expiration of any applicable rescission or revocation period, all before the end of the sixty (60) day period following Executive’s termination of employment, he will receive: (i) Base Salary in effect at the time of the termination for the longer of (a) the remainder of the Agreement Period or (b) a period of nine (9) months following the termination of Executive’s employment (the “COC Continuation Period”), in the manner and at such times as the Base Salary otherwise would have been payable to Executive, (ii) the bonus earned under the Incentive Bonus Plan for the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination occurred under this Section 6.4, prorated for the portion of such fiscal year through the date of such termination and payable at the same time as annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s other executive officers; and (iii) continuation at the Company’s then share of the expense for the lesser of (A) the COC Continuation Period, or (B) until Executive obtains comparable replacement coverage, of medical and dental benefits in effect under COBRA as of the date of termination of employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, certain payments under this paragraph (b) may be delayed pursuant to Section 7.2.

 

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6.5.     Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause. In such event, Executive shall be entitled only to: (a) any Base Salary earned but unpaid through the date of such termination and (b) any other earned and vested payments and/or benefits that Executive is entitled to receive under any of the Benefit Plans.

 

6.6.     Voluntary Resignation Without Good Reason. If Executive voluntarily resigns during the Agreement Term without Good Reason or if either party gives notice to the other party that it does not intend to renew the Agreement for a Renewal Period, then Executive shall be entitled to: (a) Base Salary earned but unpaid as of the date of Executive’s termination; and (b) any other payments and/or benefits which Executive is entitled to receive under any of the Benefit Plans.

 

7.            Severance Payment Limitations or Possible Delay Under Code Section 409A.

 

7.1.     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company and Executive intend that any payments, benefits or other provisions applicable to this Agreement comply with the payout and other limitations and restrictions imposed under Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”), as clarified or modified by guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service—in each case if and to the extent Section 409A is otherwise applicable to this Agreement and such compliance is necessary to avoid the penalties otherwise imposed under Section 409A. In this regard, the Company and Executive agree that the payments, benefits and other provisions applicable to this Agreement, and the terms of any deferral and other rights regarding this Agreement, shall be interpreted and deemed modified if and to the extent necessary to comply with the payout and other limitations and restrictions imposed under Section 409A, as clarified or supplemented by guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service—in each case if and to the extent Section 409A is otherwise applicable to this Agreement and such compliance is necessary to avoid the penalties otherwise imposed under Section 409A.

 

7.2.     In the event any portion of any payments due under Section 6.3(b) (in the event of termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason) or Section 6.4(b) (in the event of certain terminations after a Change of Control) would exceed the sum of the applicable limited separation pay exclusions as determined pursuant to Code Section 409A, then payment of the excess amount shall be delayed until the first regular payroll date of the Company following the six (6) month anniversary of the Executive’s date of termination (or the date of his death, if earlier), and shall include a lump sum equal to the aggregate amounts that Executive would have received had payment of this excess amount commenced as provided above following the date of termination. If Executive continues to perform any services for the Company (as an employee or otherwise) after the date of termination, such six month period shall be measured from the date of Executive’s “separation from service” as defined pursuant to Code Section 409A.

 

7.3.     Executive does not have any right to make any election regarding the time or form of any payment due under Sections 6.3 or 6.4 or any other provision of this Agreement.

 

7.4.     The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes, and other amounts required by applicable law to be withheld by the Company.

 

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8.            Limitation on Parachute Payments.

 

8.1.     Limitation. Notwithstanding anything stated in this Agreement, or any other plan, arrangement or agreement to the contrary (including without limitation the Company’s 2017 Stock Incentive Plan), if any of the Covered Payments constitute Parachute Payments and would, but for this Section 8 be subject to the Excise Tax, then the Covered Payments shall be payable either (i) in full or (ii) reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing (i) or (ii) results in Executive’s receipt on an after-tax basis of the greatest amount of benefits after taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and excise taxes (including the Excise Tax).

 

8.2.     Possible Reduction. If necessary, the Covered Payments shall be reduced in a manner that maximizes Executive’s economic position. In applying this principle, the reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but are payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis but not below zero.

 

8.3.     Accountants. Any determination required under this Section 8 shall be made in writing in good faith by the Accountants, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations to the Company and Executive as required by the Company or Executive. The Company and Executive shall provide the Accountants with such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 8. The Company shall be responsible for all fees and expenses of the Accountants.

 

8.4.     Overpayment or Underpayment. It is possible that after the determinations and selections made pursuant to this Section 8 Executive will receive Covered Payments that are in the aggregate more than the amount provided under this Section 8 (“Overpayment”) or less than the amount provided under this Section 8.4 (“Underpayment”).

 

           8.4.1.     In the event that: (A) the Accountants determine, based upon the assertion of a deficiency by the Internal Revenue Service against either the Company or Executive which the Accountants believe has a high probability of success, that an Overpayment has been made or (B) it is established pursuant to a final determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding that has been finally and conclusively resolved that an Overpayment has been made, then Executive shall pay any such Overpayment to the Company.

 

           8.4.2.     In the event that: (A) the Accountants, based upon controlling precedent or substantial authority, determine that an Underpayment has occurred or (B) a court of competent jurisdiction determines that an Underpayment has occurred, any such Underpayment will be paid promptly by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive.

 

9.            Successors.

 

9.1.     The Executive. This Agreement is personal to Executive and, without the prior express written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by Executive, except that Executive’s rights to receive any compensation or benefits under this Agreement may be transferred or disposed of pursuant to testamentary disposition, intestate succession or pursuant to a domestic relations order. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s heirs, beneficiaries and/or legal representatives.

 

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9.2.     The Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its respective successors and assigns.

 

10.          Confidential Information.

 

10.1.     Non-Disclosure. Executive acknowledges that the Company continually develops Confidential Information (as defined below), that Executive has obtained and will obtain Confidential Information during employment with the Company, that Executive may develop Confidential Information for the Company, and that Executive has learned and may learn of Confidential Information during the course of employment. Executive will comply with the policies and procedures of the Company for protecting Confidential Information obtained from the Company and shall not use or disclose to any person, corporation or other entity (except as required by applicable law or for the proper performance of the regular duties and responsibilities of Executive for the Company) any Confidential Information obtained by Executive during employment with the Company, or other association with the Company. Executive understands that this restriction shall continue to apply to Confidential Information following termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for such termination.

 

The Company hereby advises Executive as follows under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act: An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that — (A) is made — (i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual — (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (B) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b).

 

10.2.      “Confidential Information.” For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means any and all information of the Company or concerning the business or affairs of the Company that is not generally known by others with whom any of them compete or do business, or with whom any of them plan to compete or do business. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, such information relating to: (i) the development, research, testing, marketing, strategies, and financial activities of the Company, (ii) the products and services, present and in contemplation, of the Company, (iii) inventions, processes, operations, administrative procedures, databases, programs, systems, flow charts, software, firmware and equipment used in the business of the Company, (iv) the costs, financial performance and strategic plans of the Company, (v) the people and organizations with whom the Company has or had business relationships and the substance of those relationships. Confidential Information also includes all information that the Company received belonging to others with any understanding, express or implied, that it would not be disclosed. Failure to mark any of the Confidential Information as confidential or proprietary will not affect its status as Confidential Information.

 

10.3.     Documents. All documents, records, tapes and other media of every kind and description relating to the business, present or otherwise, of the Company and any copies, in whole or in part, thereof (“Documents”), whether or not prepared by Executive, shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company. Executive shall safeguard all Documents and shall surrender to the Company at the time Executive’s employment terminates, or at such earlier time or times as the President or Chief Executive Officer, Board or their designees may specify, all Documents, Confidential Information, and Company property in good working condition then in Executive’s possession or control.

 

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10.4.     Former Employer Information. Executive agrees that Executive will not, during Executive’s employment with the Company, improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets or any other property of any former or concurrent employer or other person or entity and that Executive will not bring onto the premises of the Company any proprietary information belonging to any such employer, person or entity.

 

11.          Restrictive Covenants. In return for the Company’s (i) promise to grant Executive access to certain of the Company’s Confidential Information, and (ii) the Company’s actual grant to Executive of access to certain of its Confidential Information, (iii) the opportunity for employment as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Sales, and (iv) the valuable pay and benefits in this Agreement that are intended, in part, to reward Executive for developing and protecting the Company’s Confidential Information, including severance payment provisions not previously made available to Executive, Executive makes the following commitments and Executive acknowledges these benefits constitute adequate and sufficient consideration for the restrictions in this Agreement.

 

11.1.     Non-Solicitation. During the Agreement Period and for a period of two years after any termination of employment hereunder for any reason, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company or to breach that person’s contract (if any) with the Company, (ii) in any way interfere with the relationships between the Company and any such employee of the Company, (iii) employ or otherwise engage as an employee, independent contractor or otherwise any such employee of the Company, or (iv) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other person or entity that has done business with the Company to cease doing business with the Company or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or other business entity and the Company.

 

11.2.     Non-Competition. During the Agreement Period and for a period of two years after any termination of employment hereunder for any reason, Executive will not engage in, manage, operate, or participate in the management or operation of, be employed by or render services or advice, or guarantee any obligation of, any person or entity operating in the United States, China, or Mexico that engages in, or is actively planning to become engaged in, researching, inventing, designing, manufacturing, developing, producing, marketing, promoting, selling, soliciting the sales of, supporting, or providing a product or service that competes with any product or service that the Company researched, invented, designed, manufactured, developed, produced, marketed, promoted, sold, supported, provided, or serviced in the course of its business during the 24-month period prior to the termination of Executive’s employment. Executive agrees that this covenant is reasonable with respect to its duration, geographical area and scope.

 

11.3.     Notification of Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the Company may serve notice upon any party in the electronic manufacturing services or engineering services industries with whom Executive accepts employment, a consulting engagement, engagement as an independent contractor, partnership, joint venture or other association if the Company reasonably believes that Executive’s activities may constitute a violation of Executive’s obligations under Section 11.1 or 11.2 above. Such notice may inform the recipient that Executive is party to this Agreement and may include a copy of this Agreement or relevant portions thereof.

 

11.4.     Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company will have no adequate remedy at law, and would be irreparably harmed, if Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of this Section 11. Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to equitable and/or injunctive relief to prevent any breach or threatened breach of this Section 11, and to specific performance of each of the terms of such Section in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies that the Company may have. Executive further agrees that he shall not, in any equity proceeding relating to the enforcement of the terms of this Section 11, raise the defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. The parties understand that both damages and injunctions will be proper modes of relief and are not to be considered as alternative remedies.

 

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11.5.     Special Severability. The terms and provisions of this Section 11 are intended to be separate and divisible provisions and if, for any reason, any one or more of them is held to be invalid or unenforceable, neither the validity nor the enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement shall thereby be affected. It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that the potential restrictions on Executive’s future employment imposed by this Section 11 be reasonable in both duration and geographic scope and in all other respects. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is judicially determined to be unenforceable, a court of competent jurisdiction may reform any such provision to make it enforceable. If for any reason any court of competent jurisdiction shall find any provisions of this Section 11 unreasonable in duration or geographic scope or otherwise, Executive and the Company agree that the restrictions and prohibitions contained herein shall be effective to the fullest extent allowed under applicable law in such jurisdiction.

 

11.6.     Tolling. The duration of the above restrictions in Section 11.1 and Section 11.2 will be extended for a period equal to the duration of any breach or default of such covenant by Executive.

 

12.          Rights to Work Product. Executive agrees that all work performed by Executive as an employee of the Company or pursuant hereto shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, in whatever stage of development or completion. With respect to any copyrightable works prepared in whole or in part by Executive pursuant to his employment, including compilations of lists or data, Executive agrees that all such works will be prepared as "work-for-hire" within the meaning of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended (the "Act"), of which the Company shall be the "author" within the meaning of the Act. In the event (and to the extent) that such works or any part or element thereof is found as a matter of law not to be a "work-for-hire" within the meaning of the Act, Executive hereby assigns to the Company the sole and exclusive right, title and interest in and to all such works, and all copies of any of them, without further consideration, and agrees to the extent reasonable under the circumstances, to cooperate with the Company to register, and from time to time to enforce all patents, copyrights and other rights and protections relating to such works in any and all countries. To that end, Executive agrees to execute and deliver all documents requested by the Company in connection therewith, and Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company as Executive's agent and attorney-in-fact to act for and on behalf of Executive and in Executive's stead to execute, register and file any such applications, and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the registration, protection and issuance of patents, copyrights or similar protections with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Executive pursuant to this paragraph.

 

13.          Miscellaneous.

 

13.1.     Applicable Law & Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Minnesota, applied without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The venue for any dispute relating to this Agreement shall be in the state and/or federal courts in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Executive hereby (a) waives any objection that Executive might have now or hereafter to the foregoing jurisdiction and venue of any such litigation, action or proceeding, (b) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such court set forth above in any such litigation, action or proceeding, and (c) waives any claim or defense of inconvenient forum.

 

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13.2.     Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.

 

13.3.     Indemnification. The Company agrees that if Executive is made a party or is threatened to be made a party, or is required to appear as a witness to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he is or was an officer of the Company, whether or not the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as an officer, employee or agent while serving as an officer, employee or agent, he shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company (unless Executive’s actions or omissions constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct) to the fullest extent authorized by law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, against all costs and expenses incurred or suffered by Executive in connection therewith, and such indemnification shall continue as to Executive even if Executive has ceased to be an officer or agent, or is no longer employed by the Company and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators. Executive agrees to fully cooperate with the Company should any Proceeding commence and for the duration of such Proceeding. On the Effective Date, the Company will cause Executive to be covered and named as an insured on its Director and Officer Liability Insurance policy, which the Company represents to be in force and in good standing at the time this Agreement is executed.

 

13.4.     Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand-delivery to the other parties or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

To the Company:

 

Nortech Systems Incorporated

7550 Meridian Circle N.

Suite # 150, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

 

If to Executive:

 

Curtis J. Steichen

 

or to such other address as (a) indicated in the Company’s employment records, or (b) any party shall have furnished to the others in writing in accordance herewith. Notices and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

 

13.5.     Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

13.6.     Captions. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.

 

13.7.     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original instrument, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.

 

13.8.     Entire Agreement; Previous Agreements Superseded. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, discussions, negotiations and undertakings, whether written or oral, between the parties with respect thereto. There are no representations, understandings, or agreements by or between the parties which are not contained within the four corners of this Agreement.

 

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13.9.     Survivorship. The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement for any reason to the extent necessary to the intended provision of such rights and the intended performance of such obligations.

 

13.10.     Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. In the event of any claim, controversy, or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or breach hereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs in connection with any court proceeding.

 

13.11.     No Waiver. No term or condition of this Agreement will be deemed to have been waived nor shall there be any estoppel to enforce any provision hereof, except by a written instrument executed by the party charged with waiver or estoppel. The Company’s delay, waiver or failure to enforce any of the terms of this Agreement or any similar agreement in one instance shall not constitute a waiver of its rights hereunder with respect to other violations of this or any other agreement.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date set forth above.

 

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS, INCORPORATED

 

 

By:     /s/ Jay D. Miller          

           Jay D. Miller, CEO

 

 

EXECUTIVE:

 

 

               /s/ Curtis J. Steichen     

Curtis J. Steichen